$20,000 fine for unauthorised electrical work

Building and Energy released the following statement:

A Perth man has been fined a total of $20,000 and ordered to pay costs after he carried on a business as an electrical contractor and provided electrical work without holding the required electrical licences.

He was sentenced in his absence at Joondalup Magistrates Court on 5 December 2025 for three matters under WA’s electrical licensing regulations.

The court heard that in November 2023, a Mullaloo homeowner contacted the man for a quote to install a double power point in their garage. He later completed this job and carried out further electrical installing work at the property, including a ceiling fan, exhaust fan, power points and downlights.

The man previously held an electrical worker’s licence, which expired in 2018, and an electrical contractor’s licence, which expired in 2014. He did not hold any electrical licence at the time the work was performed.

Under the State’s electrical licensing laws, only a licensed electrical contractor can be contracted for electrical work, and electrical work must only be carried out by a person authorised by a licence or a permit. The Department of Local Government, Industry Regulation and Safety (LGIRS) – Building and Energy is the State’s electrical safety regulator.

Building and Energy Executive Director Daniel Kearney welcomed the penalty handed down by the court.

“Electrical work by an unlicensed person is illegal and dangerous,” Mr Kearney said.

“The work is not certified or subject to inspection. There are also insurance implications.

“I urge all consumers to check their electrical service provider is appropriately licensed prior to using them.”

An electrical licence search is available at the Building and Energy website or the ServiceWA app.