Electrical line workers will soon be protected by a new licensing scheme, thanks to legislation introduced into the Victorian Parliament.
Delivering on an election commitment, the Energy Safety Legislation Amendment Bill 2019 will establish the new licensing scheme, which mandates minimum qualifications for the first time in the state’s history.
Electrical line workers operate in some of the most dangerous workplaces in the state and it’s crucial there is a scheme in place that requires workers to keep up to date with the latest safety requirements, as well as technological and industry changes.
The Bill is part of the Government’s reforms to strengthen energy safety watchdog, Energy Safety Victoria (ESV).
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The reforms include the establishment of the three-person ESV Commission, recommended last year by the extensive Grimes Review.
The change will see the governance structure of ESV move from a single-member agency to the new Commission, delivering a leadership team with a greater breadth of skills and experience.
The Commission will be supported by a Technical Advisory Committee to ensure the Commission has the best expertise available to guide its decision making.
ESV has been given more resources and a mandate to put community safety at the forefront and hold duty holders to account, which is vital as the industry transforms.
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