Question details
Energy policy
(1712) My adjournment matter this evening is for the attention of the Minister for Energy and Resources. I had the pleasure of meeting with Master Electricians Australia recently, and they outlined some challenges and concerns facing their sector. It would be no surprise that one of the issues they highlighted was labour competition with government infrastructure projects and also private sector, large-scale renewable energy projects. Of particular concern was the loss of third- and fourth-year apprentices to these projects, creating a disincentive for small and medium businesses to take on new apprentices – a particular problem with a significant skills shortage looming. They also noted that requirements for face-to-face continuing professional development may have a greater impact on small businesses, as some courses can be completed online. The changes flagged to apprentice supervision were also noted for their potential impact. Changing the rules to require one-to-one supervision does not allow for the specific requirements of different workplaces or consider the difference between a first-year apprentice and an apprentice just weeks away from full qualification. The MEA called for more flexibility.
They also expressed some concern about a new proposed licensing scheme related to consumer energy resource installations, mostly solar panels. There is already a federal scheme, and this could create unnecessary duplication. With the federal government looking at improving productivity and challenges in Victoria with energy infrastructure rollouts and skills shortages, their submission represents a thoughtful contribution. My request to the minister is to give due consideration to this submission, particularly the request for updated guidance around the new powers and penalties with the recently passed Energy and Land Legislation Amendment (Energy Safety) Act 2025.
I thank the member for the South-Eastern Metropolitan Region for raising this matter.
The Government acknowledges that there is likely to be greater competition to attract later stage apprentices as they have more skills and require less supervision, and this includes by companies working to deliver Government funded infrastructure and renewable energy projects.
Apprenticeships data from Apprenticeships Victoria shows that many apprentices change employers over the course of their apprenticeship, but that most still complete their apprenticeship with small to medium employers. In the case of electrical apprentices, internal research conducted by Apprenticeship Victoria indicates that over 90% of electrical apprentices in Victoria complete their apprenticeship with a small to medium employer. This has been consistent over recent years.
The Energy Sector needs ongoing support to attract and retain tradespeople to grow the renewable energy industry. The Victorian Government has recently announced $5 million in free training initiatives for plumbers, electricians and construction workers. This will include training for plumbers to install and maintain heat pumps, training for the construction industry in building 7 star all electric homes and specific mentoring for electricians and solar installations.
Following consultation, Energy Safe Victoria has finalised new requirements for the effective supervision of apprentice electricians to ensure apprentice safety which take effect in September 2025. It is Energy Safe Victoria’s view that businesses that employ only one first year apprentice (or one apprentice at any level) will not be impacted by the changed supervision ratio. Employers with multiple apprentices spread across different year levels are less affected, as Energy Safe Victoria has defined ratios for supervising multiple combinations of apprentices. Currently, 50% of employers only employ one apprentice – regardless of year level. Energy Safe Victoria’s data shows that currently 1661 employers employ first year apprentices, of which 1273 (77%) employ only one first year apprentice.
The Government and Energy Safe Victoria are committed to worker and apprentice safety and this is backed by practical, proportionate, clear and accessible guidance.
I note your point regarding Victoria’s proposed consumer energy resources (CER) consumer protections scheme. Because energy is an essential service, and CER like solar photovoltaic systems and home batteries are an increasingly vital part of that, consumer protections for CER customers are needed. From 6 December 2024 to 24 January 2025, DEECA sought feedback on a proposed approach to developing a CER consumer protections scheme, outlined in a directions paper. I thank the MEA for its submission to this consultation, and will ensure that it is considered.
You have also raised the Energy and Land Legislation Amendment (Energy Safety) Act 2025, and the MEA’s request for updated guidance regarding the new powers and penalties within the Act. The Act delivers important reforms to strengthen Victoria’s energy safety framework. It empowers Energy Safe Victoria with the tools to be a stronger, more flexible regulator and prevent harm to life and property, streamlines regulation and enforcement and strengthens enforcement tools to address non-compliance, especially in high-risk areas like solar and battery installations.
Energy Safe Victoria is focused on supporting industry to meet safety obligations, favouring education to support industry through training, continued professional development and targeted engagement. Energy Safe Victoria works closely with industry groups like the MEA and responds to 500 to 600 monthly queries through the Electrical Tech Line.
To support industry through these changes, Energy Safe Victoria will run a statewide Roadshow for Licensed Electrical Workers from July 2025. This will focus on key areas like apprentice supervision, COES and solar and battery work.
Hon Lily D’Ambrosio MP
Minister for Climate Action
Minister for Energy and Resources
Minister for the State Electricity Commission