Unlicensed electrical apprentice fined $45,000 for illegal, dangerous work

An unlicensed electrical apprentice has been fined $45,000 in the Richlands Magistrates Court for non-compliant and unsafe electrical work in South East Queensland between November and December 2020.

The defendant, Brendon Graham, pleaded guilty to six charges including failing to comply with electrical safety duties, installing unsafe electrical wiring and not holding the appropriate electrical licences.

An investigation by the Electrical Safety Office (ESO) was prompted by a complaint about Mr Graham's AirTasker profile 'Brendon G', which stated he was a licensed electrical contractor who could install ceiling fans, lights and external air con power switches as well as replace power points.

At the time, Mr Graham was a fourth-year apprentice and did not hold an electrical work licence nor an electrical contractor licence. He performed electrical work for 27 customers including installing ceiling fans, power points, lights and cooktops.

The investigation identified unsafe electrical work and wiring rules contraventions at five locations, four of which exposed homeowners to serious electrical risk.

Electrical Safety Office Executive Director, Donna Heelan said they make no apologies for pursuing rogue operators who fail to comply with electrical safety and licensing legislation to ensure that Queenslanders are safe.

Mr Graham pleaded guilty to:

• four charges of failing to comply with an electrical safety duty
• one charge of performing electrical work whilst not holding an electrical worker’s licence
• one charge of performing electrical contracting while not holding an electrical contractor’s licence.

In sentencing, Magistrate Shearer stated the legislative scheme was designed to prevent unlicensed people from doing such work and that the penalties imposed have to be a real deterrent. The defendant was fined $45,000 with no conviction recorded.

Ends.

Media contact: 0478 33 22 00 or oirmedia@oir.qld.gov.au