- Published:
- Tuesday 7 April 2026 at 2:34 pm
Energy Safe Victoria is warning that companies risk prosecution if they fail to provide critical information during safety investigations, after 2 businesses were fined for ignoring formal notices.
The separate prosecutions relate to offences under the Gas Safety Act 1997, where companies failed to comply with statutory notices requiring them to provide information and documents necessary to support the regulator’s safety enquiries.
In one case, a home appliance manufacturer failed to comply with a request for information following a Noble Park house fire involving a gas cooktop in October 2023.
As part of an investigation into the incident, Energy Safe issued a notice to Shriro Australia (Shriro) on 13 November 2023 seeking records relating to the cooktop. Shriro did not respond to repeated contact attempts made via email, phone and mail over several months, and only provided the full information after charges were laid in July 2025.
On Friday 27 March 2026, Shriro pleaded guilty to one charge and was fined $20,000 without conviction at Melbourne Magistrates’ Court.
In another matter, Kumnicks Plumbing failed to comply with a statutory notice during an investigation into a damaged gas service line in Templestowe Lower on 31 January 2025.
Energy Safe requested information about the worker involved after it was alleged a subcontractor damaged the gas line and attempted to repair it using an unapproved fitting. The company failed to provide the information, preventing Energy Safe from identifying those involved, assessing their work and determining if further action was required.
On Friday 13 March 2026, Kumnicks Plumbing pleaded guilty to one charge at Melbourne Magistrates’ Court and was fined $1,500 without conviction. The company provided the relevant information the day prior to the court hearing.
In the separate sentencing hearings, Magistrates Lawrence and Furstenberg each recognised the serious public safety implications of the 2 companies lack of cooperation.
Energy Safe CEO Leanne Hughson said providing information to the regulator is a legal requirement and critical to protecting community safety.
“Providing information to Energy Safe isn’t optional. It’s a legal obligation that allows us to identify risks and act quickly to protect the community,” Ms Hughson said.
“When companies delay or refuse to cooperate, it slows down our investigations and can leave potential safety risks unaddressed.
“We will take enforcement action where required to ensure businesses meet their obligations and support timely safety investigations.”
Energy Safe. Always.
Media contact: April Dudgeon | 0498 188 117 | media@energysafe.vic.gov.au
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