Victorian Energy Safety Industry Engagement Committee

At meeting 2026-01 held on 1 September 2026 members discussed how the energy system is changing quickly and how that is creating new safety challenges. The discussion covered rapid electrification, new generation and storage technologies, growth in data centres, increased climate change risk, bushfire and vegetation risks, damage to buried assets, lithium-ion batteries, EV charging, online marketplaces product safety and the need to maintain community confidence as new technologies become more common.

Workforce capacity and safety in a changing landscape was the nominated topic for discussion at this meeting. Members noted that shortages of skilled workers, supervisors, inspectors, engineers, trainers and specialist gas practitioners are not just delivery issues, these shortages can also affect safety. The Committee discussed pressures such as fatigue from long working hours, competition for skilled labour, fewer qualified trades available to supervise and mentor apprentices and the need for training and licensing arrangements that keep pace with changing technology.

Members also discussed where clearer guidance, better information sharing and stronger coordination would help. This included clearer information about what work can be done under license categories, better reporting of unsafe products and installations, timely feedback from audits, practical education on critical safety controls and visible action against unlicensed or unsafe work. These issues will help shape future discussion between Energy Safe and members.

Regulatory considerations: Energy Safe should consider how its engagement, education, licensing, auditing and enforcement settings can respond to workforce pressures without weakening competency or supervision safeguards.

Next meeting topic: The Committee identified emerging technologies and associated safety risks as the priority topic for the next meeting, with particular attention to products and standards affecting consumers.