PROJECTS
QLD Electrical Safety Regulation Review 2013 STATUS - Complete
In March 2013 the Department of Justice and Attorney-General – Queensland commenced a review of the QLD Electrical Safety Regulation and issued a Regulatory Impact Statement. The aim of this review was to reduce regulatory red-tape through the proposed removal of the requirement to test and inspect appliances from Queensland Regulations.
NESTA (and prior to the formation of NESTA – key members of the industry) formed a working group to oppose these changes. Following months of negotiation, fund-raising, and professional lobbying, in late 2014 the Qld Department of Justice and Attorney General confirmed that no changes would be made to the requirements to periodically test and inspect appliances under the QLD Electrical Regulations.
On 1st January 2014, the newly published Queensland Electrical Regulation 2013 came into force with the periodic test and inspection of appliances remaining as a key component of the regulation.
1
2
COAG Review 2014 - 2015
STATUS - Complete
In May 2014 at its 37th meeting the Council of Australian Governments (COAG) asked jurisdictions to investigate ways in which the model work health and safety (WHS) laws could be improved with a particular focus on reducing red tape. A full review of the laws is currently scheduled for 2016.
As part of this review, Safe Work Australia released an Issues Paper and Consultation Regulation Impact Statement (RIS) to consult with the community on improving the model WHS laws.
State jurisdictions were asked to seek public feedback with a closing date for submission of 31st July 2014.
NESTA was informed of the Consultation and Regulatory Impact and worked to form a common submission and provide industry communications.
Committee members and state co-ordinators met with key industry stakeholders and a political communications consultant. NESTA completed submissions and co-ordinated an industry wide response from individual service providers to local state legislators.
With the help of advocate associations such as NECA, feedback suggests a positive outcome following the review and no known changes expected to the Safe Work Australia Model Rules or codes of practice relating to Testing and Tagging.
AIMS & GOALS
To deliver a central point of communication for the industry
Provide a ‘peak body’ to represent our interests
To provide communication channels with regulators and other industry associations
Raise the standard of technical expertise within the industry
Provide a central point for coordinating efforts and communication during reviews of WHS regulation
To deliver a strategy to enabling self-regulation of the industry
Improve the public’s perceived trust and value of the industry