Inspection of electrical installation work in Victoria changed as a result of the privatisation of the State Electricity Commission and the implementation of the Electricity Safety Act 1998 and the Electricity Safety (Installations) Regulations 1999.

Two categories of electrical installation work were proclaimed, prescribed electrical installation work and non-prescribed electrical installation work. Prescribed electrical installation work must be inspected by an independent Licensed Electrical Inspector (LEI). To facilitate the inspection of prescribed electrical installation work, ESV licenses suitably qualified and experienced individuals as LEIs.

This is a comprehensive broad-based review assessing the entire electrical inspection regime to:

• Determine how the current inspection regime operates in practice.
• Explore the potential for conflict between the objective of community safety and the relationship between LEIs and RECs.
• Identify any indication of negligence or fraudulent activity on the part of LEIs or RECs.
• Review the extent and adequacy of ESV’s oversight of the regime.
• Identify any gaps in the regulatory framework, including entry pathways, training, qualifications, licensing and ongoing monitoring of skills, experience and qualifications.
• Market drivers for participants.

Recommendations on each finding are required and need to encompass immediate change as well as consider systematic interventions for sustainable robust regulation.