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1. NSW UE ITAB APPOINTS NEW EXECUTIVE OFFICER
The NSW UE ITAB has appointed a new Executive Officer to take over the position. Ms Melissa Wortman, manager of the Forrest and AgriFood ITABs and former Research Officer with the NSW UE ITAB has extensive experience in the work and role of ITABs in NSW.
The NSW UE ITAB Board of Directors welcomed Melissa at a special meeting of the Board on the 22 August 2024, welcoming her home to the NSW UE ITAB. At the same time the Board thanked outgoing Executive Officer, Tony Palladino for his contribution.
Tony is returning to his home state of Western Australia for family reasons, at the same time fortunately securing a position of managing a similar ITAB body in the food, textile and fibre Industry Training Council (ITC) in WA.
Melissa is familiar with the Utilities and Electrotechnology industry sectors given her past experience and has maintained contact with many of the stakeholders in the industry. She successfully managed a recent national project involving Manufacturing, Agrifood and Electrotechnology (MAE) industry, promoting through interactive showcase days the industries and key career pathways and opportunities for Women in non-traditional roles. This was the only DEEWR project funded in NSW under this program in 2021/2022. It resulted in production of careers high quality collateral materials and for career aspirants greater understanding of the many career opportunities for women in the MAE industries. Also, helped contribute to an increased awareness and take up of apprenticeships and traineeships by women in these areas.
She also, initiated and organised the first water industry Local Water Utilities (LWU) showcase day in NSW: resulting in 4 new SBATs (publicly acknowledged by the NSW Water Minister Rose Jackson as an industry first and a major milestone for the industry).
Melissa brings a wealth of experience and competence in working with industry stakeholders and managing the activities of an Industry Training Advisory Body (ITAB) in concert with Training Services NSW and industry. She will be a valuable addition as Executive Officer at NSW UE ITAB.
Melissa’s contact details are email – melissa@uensw.com.au and phone: 02 9736 2111.
2. ELECTRICAL APPRENTICE SUPERVISION PRACTICE STANDARD BECOMES MANDATORY – 1 SEP 2024
The Building Commission confirmed on the 12 August 2024, that the Supervision Practice Standard for licensed electricians supervising apprentices will become mandatory and enforced as a condition of an electrician’s licence from 1 September 2024.
- The Supervision Practice Standard (SPS) provides information for the electrical industry on appropriate levels and ratios for the supervision of electrical apprentices.
- Only a licensed electrician can supervise electrical apprentices.
- The SPS details varying levels of supervision that are appropriate depending on the experience of an apprentice, Direct, General and Broad.
- The SPS was published in December 2023 as a guideline to help businesses, licence holders and apprentices to understand their rights and obligations under the SPS and make appropriate arrangements to meet the requirements.
- The new SPS will become mandatory and will be enforced as a condition of an electrician’s licence from 1 September 2024.
- Failure to comply with the requirements set out in the SPS can result in enforcement action by Building Commission NSW.
The Commission issued a Statement of Regulatory Intent confirming the mandating of the Standard take effect on 1 September 2024, on 12 August 2024.
The statement of regulatory intent sets out the approach of Building Commission NSW to the enforcement of the Supervision Practice Standard and can be downloaded here: STATEMENT OF REGULATORY INTENT.
The supervision practice standard (SPS) was developed by Building Commission NSW in consultation with stakeholders to clarify the legislative requirements for the supervision of electrical apprentices, particularly under the Home Building Act 1989.
Any person, company or organisation acting as an employer of electrical apprentices must follow the SPS. Licenced electricians must follow the SPS as a condition of their licence in their role as a qualified supervisor of apprentices when performing electrical work.
Apprentices also need to follow the SPS and must ensure that they do not work beyond the scope of the tasks and supervision requirements set out in the SPS.
From 1 September 2024 compliance with the SPS will be mandated as a legal requirement. Potential options to address non-compliance with the supervision requirements and Standard include education, penalty infringement notices and disciplinary action such as fines, suspension or cancellation of a licence.
As industry has been given substantial notice of the enforceability of the guidelines, Building Commission NSW reserves the right to use the range of enforcement options available under the Home Building Act by assessing regulatory risks from non-compliance on a case-by-case basis.
To assist stakeholders, develop a better understanding of the Standard, the Building Commission has developed a Communications toolkit, that can be downloaded and used to help organisations share information about the new Supervision Practice Standard and get ready for when the practice standard becomes mandatory in September 2024 –
Further information about the Standard is available via the following link:
SUPERVISION PRACTICE STANDARD FOR LICENSED ELECTRICIANS SUPERVISING APPRENTICES
3. VET REVIEW FINAL REPORT OUTLINES VISION TO TRANSFORM SKILLS SECTOR
The NSW Department of Education reported on 21 August 2024, that the Minns Labor Government has released the final report from the independent VET (Vocational Education and Training) Review Panel, marking a key milestone in its commitment to restoring the VET system in NSW.
The education NSW website states, “The announcement, made at the National Skills Week event, hosted by Business Sydney and SkillsOne, emphasised the importance of skills development and vocational training in shaping the future workforce of the state.
The final report follows an extensive review and consultation process, including regional tours, roundtable sessions, a Skills Symposium, and discussions with more than 1,100 contributors.
The VET Review, a key election commitment, aims to provide a roadmap for rebuilding TAFE NSW, supporting learners, and strengthening the voice of local industry.
The final report contains 21 recommendations designed to transform and better integrate the VET system while supporting its stakeholders.
The independent review panel made 21 recommendations to the NSW Government in its final report, in addition to the 7 recommendations made in the interim report. The recommendations within the final report focus on the challenges and opportunities across the broader VET sector covering 3 key themes:
- transforming the system through the NSW Government’s stewardship of the VET system, driving sector-wide reforms across funding, skills governance, and a new approach to regional skills planning and delivery
- integrating the system through a student-centred approach that aligns the tertiary system, with a particular focus on equity cohorts as well as key student pathways including VET for secondary students and apprenticeships and traineeships
- underpinning the system through an increased focus on supporting the VET teaching workforce, infrastructure and assets.
Key areas of focus include a new needs-based funding model, improved coordination of critical services, and enhanced support for equity cohorts, including Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander learners and those in regional areas.
In addition, the final report advocates for stronger ties and collaboration between government and industry, including formal commitments on skills development within priority sectors as well as building links between high school and post school training.
The NSW Government will consider all recommendations from both the interim and final reports and provide a formal response in due course.
In the meantime, work has already begun on progressing recommendations of the VET Review’s interim report, including commencing consultations on a new TAFE NSW Charter, and a revised TAFE NSW operating model.
The Minister for Skills, TAFE and Tertiary Education, Steve Whan said “The VET Review Panel, led by Chair, Dr. Michele Bruniges AM, Verity Firth AM, and Jason Ardler PSM, worked tirelessly to provide the NSW Government with a report that comprehensively assesses and reimagines the VET system in NSW. … We will take our time to consider how to implement these reforms properly to rebuild a skills system that is delivering in our areas of critical need.”
The final report and information of earlier phases, can be accessed HERE.
4. DEPUTY COMMISSIONERS APPOINTED TO JOBS AND SKILLS AUSTRALIA
The 21 August 2024 edition of the National Apprentice Employment Network (NAEN) Newsletter reports that the federal government has appointed two Deputy Commissioners to Jobs and Skills Australia – Megan Lilly, currently the Executive Director of the Centre for Education & Training at Australian Industry Group, and Trevor Gauld, National Assistant Secretary of the Electrical Trades Union.
The article states, “Megan is well known to the group training sector and highly regarded.
Megan is a co-deputy chair of the Jobs and Skills Australia Ministerial Advisory Board, a board member of Worldskills Australia, a member of the Qualifications Reform Design Group, and a member of the Noonan AQF Review panel.
Megan is also a former board member of NAEN.
In addition to his role as National Assistant Secretary of the ETU, Trevor Gauld has worked as an electrical tradesperson across different sectors within the electrical industry including power distribution, transmission, electrical maintenance, and industrial construction.
He has held numerous board directorships and committee positions, providing strategic advice on skills, training, worker entitlements, immigration and Australia’s trade agenda as well as detailed analysis of climate and clean energy policy.
NAEN CEO Dianne Dayhew offered her congratulations to both Megan and Trevor on their appointments.”
Read the Minister for Skills and Training, The Hon Andrew Giles MP’s Media Release issued 14 August 2024 on the appointment of the two Deputy Commissioners: HERE
5. JSA LAUNCES NEW LABOUR MARKET DATA TOOL
Jobs and Skills Australia (JSA) advised in a special 21 August 2024 circular, that it has launched a new labour market data tool, titled Jobs and Skills Atlas.
The circular stated, “Jobs and Skills Atlas, a new labour market data tool, has now officially launched after a year in beta during which stakeholders and the public were invited to provide feedback.
In the first public tool of its kind, users can find labour market data on individual regions across Australia and compare it directly to other regions or state and national data.
Offering a user-friendly interface that combines a variety of key JSA labour market datasets in one place, Atlas provides a comprehensive overview of labour market data at national, state, and regional levels. Use Atlas to:
- investigate industry data at the divisional level (ANZSIC1) and sub-divisional level (ANZSIC2). Discover:
- employment projections for the future
- the top industries region.
- investigate occupations data, including:
- employment and vacancy data over time
- average weekly earnings over time, part-time, age and female share.
- identify challenges such as industry competition for the same employment pool
- assess future demand and shortage ratings for occupations
- review business activity
- compare two regional economic areas.
New data and features will be regularly added.”
EXPLORE THE JOBS AND SKILLS ATLAS HERE
6. FIRST EDITION OF SKILLS NSW NEWSLETTER LAUNCHED
The Building, Construction, Resources and Infrastructure Industry Training Advisory Body (BCRITAB) August Newsletter reports that Skills NSW launched its inaugural quarterly newsletter, during National Skills Week (19-25 August 2024).
The article states, “The inaugural edition of the Skills NSW newsletter from the Department of Education has been released.
The quarterly newsletter contains a range of skills-related news, updates, and includes success stories and case studies from the VET sector.”
Subscribe to the newsletter HERE
Also, follow the Skills NSW Facebook page
7. SMART & SKILLED UPDATE – AUGUST 2024
Training Services NSW has published the latest Smart and Skilled Update, for the month of AUGUST 2024.
Smart and Skilled is an NSW Government program that helps people get qualifications in in-demand skills and industries.
It’s a key part of the NSW vocational education and training system.
This latest Smart and Skilled Update covers the following:
- 2024 -25 Smart and Skilled Targeted Priorities Prevocational and Part Qualifications Program is now open
The department is opening the 2024-25 Targeted Priorities Prevocational and Part Qualifications (TPPPQ) Program today (22 July 2024). Smart and Skilled providers can begin negotiating training with the relevant Training Services NSW regional office(s) and submitting Training Needs Identifications applications (TNIs) seeking funding for part qualifications delivery.
The budget for this program is limited and the funding of a TNI application is not guaranteed.
Funding decisions are at the discretion of the department.
Submitted TNIs will be assessed on compliance with the TPPPQ Policy, past performance and training outcomes. This may influence future capacity to access funding under this program.
Providers are reminded outcomes of training will be requested by Training Services NSW.
- Program Requirements
Funding will be directed to priority groups and industries as per the 2024-2025 Smart and Skilled Targeted Priorities Prevocational and Part Qualifications Program Funding Priorities. There are minor changes to the funding priorities from 2023-24 which means there may be previously funded training that no longer aligns.
Find out how to access funding for vocational education and training that gives people workplace skills in high demand industries. Learn about Smart and Skilled and other government programs in NSW. For more information visit: FUNDING AND SUPPORT – SMART AND SKILLED
Or, for technical support in relation to this update, contact Training Market Customer Support at Training.Market@det.nsw.edu.au
For the Smart and Skilled – NSW Skills List visit: NSW SKILLS LIST – SMART AND SKILLED
8. POWERING SKILLS ORGANISATION – INSIGHTS UPDATE
Powering Skills Organisation (PSO) will be holding its next Insights Update on Thursday, 29th August 2024, 10.00am to 11.00am PM (AEST).
If you have not registered yet, this is a reminder to register for the virtual upcoming event as soon as possible. During the Insights Update, PSO will provide a comprehensive overview of Powering Skills Organisation’s recent activities. This includes new initiatives, ongoing plans, and the outcomes we’ve achieved. The meeting is a great opportunity to stay informed about PSO’s endeavours and participate in discussions about our future.
Agenda:
- Training Product Process
- VET Workforce Blueprint
- Projects Update
- Training Package Maintenance Update
- PSO Events
A key discussion point will be the recently released 2024 Workforce Plan Report.
If you would like to provide comment on the plan, key workforce challenges, or overall feel of the report, PSO would appreciate it. These views will be incorporated into their activities and development of future workforce plans.
The session will be both informative and collaborative, and PSO will highly value your participation. Please follow the link below to register your attendance at this event.
To provide your feedback on the Workforce Plan by the 27 August 2024, visit the link: WORKFORCE PLANNING REPORT JULY 2024 CONSULTATION SURVEY
PSO appreciates your ongoing support and collaboration and looks forward to seeing you at the meeting to learn more about developments within the Powering Skills Organisation.
Thursday, 29th August 2024, 10.00am to 11.00am PM (AEST).
9. EXPRESSION OF INTEREST FOR NSW WOMEN’S WEEK GRANTS 2025 OPENED 19 AUG 2024
The NSW Government’s, Women NSW announced in its special 14 August 2024 news alert, that applications are now opened for organisations to apply for grant funding to hold events and activities that increase the participation and empowerment of women and girls in NSW Women’s Week, 2-8 March 2025.
Women’s Week Grants provide Aboriginal and / or Torres Strait Islander Community Controlled Organisations, local councils and not-for-profits with an opportunity to deliver events which empower women, uplift focus communities and challenge gendered norms, roles and expectations.
Funded events will run during NSW Women’s Week 2025, Sunday 2 to Saturday 8 March, coinciding with International Women’s Day on Saturday 8 March.
Applications for funding to run an event in Women’s Week are required to be designed with and for one of the focus communities in the NSW Women’s Strategy 2023-2026. …
This year Women NSW will seek initial Expressions of Interest (EOI) from organisations, making the process simpler and less time consuming to complete.
A shortlist of eligible organisations assessed to proceed to the second stage will be invited to complete the more detailed full grant application form through SmartyGrants.
Organisations can apply for funding from $10,000 to $50,000.
Who can apply?
- Aboriginal and / or Torres Strait Islander Community Controlled Organisations (ACCO).
- NSW Local councils and shires (who must be listed on the Office of Local Government), including regional organisations of councils and consortia of councils.
- Incorporated, not-for-profit organisations, including community organisations.
Application timelines
Expressions of Interest will open Monday 19 August 10am (AEST) and close 3:00pm (AEST) Monday 2 September 2024.
Applicants will be notified of the outcome in late September 2024.
For more information and to view the grant guidelines, please visit the website:
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9.1. DO YOU KNOW THE NEXT NSW WOMAN OF THE YEAR?
The NSW Women of the Year Awards recognise and celebrate women and girls who inspire us with their actions, whether they are ground-breaking thinkers, everyday heroes, social reformers or innovative role models.
Nominations are now open for the following categories:
- Premier’s NSW Woman of Excellence Award
- NSW Aboriginal Woman of the Year Award
- NSW Community Hero Award
- NSW Regional Woman of the Year Award
- NSW Young Woman of the Year Award (ages 16-30 year old)
- Ones to Watch (ages 7-15 years old)
The recipients of the awards will be announced at the NSW Women of the Year Awards ceremony on Thursday 6 March 2025 as part of NSW Women’s Week 2025 which will run from Sunday 2 March to Saturday 8 March.
Nominations close 11:59pm, Sunday 15 September 2024
NOMINATE AN EXCEPTIONAL WOMAN OR GIRL NOW!
10. AUGUST IS TRADIE HEALTH MONTH
SafeWork NSW announced in its 20 August 2024 SafeWork Wrap newsletter that August is Tradie Health Month.
The article states, “This year, we’re focusing on improving safety practices in construction.
If you’re an employer, you must provide:
- a safe and healthy workplace
- safe equipment, structures and systems of work
- adequate workplace amenities and facilities
- information, instruction, training and supervision
- the opportunity for workers to talk about WHS and raise issues.
Let your workers know about the Speak Up Save Lives app.
Remember, your commitment to health and safety plays a crucial role on every construction site.
Young and at-risk workers
If you’re a manager or site supervisor, watch our informative webinar covering:
- the diversity of the NSW workforce
- culturally safe workplaces
- worker obligations and rights
- young workers.
Refer to our Young workers eToolkit for tips and training resources on work safety rights and responsibilities.
Find resources to stay safe in building and construction
11. VERTO ENERGY APPRENTICE MENTORING PROGRAM
VERTO has been selected by the Australian Government to project manage the New Energy Apprenticeships Mentoring program. The Program is scaled across Australia.
The Mentoring Program is intended to maximise retention of New Energy Apprentices by building strong linkages between new entrants to the Clean Energy sector and skilled workers and businesses already operating in the sector.
VERTO is inviting expressions of interest from prospective Mentors, who once selected will be matched with an Australian Apprentice undertaking a New Energy Apprenticeship in a Clean Energy Industry. The criteria used to facilitate this match will be based on the New Energy Apprentice’s selection and prioritisation of mentoring topics such as:
- education,
- skills development,
- career pathways,
- technology, and
- wellbeing.
The project anticipates that VERTO’s New Energy Community Engagement Consultants (CEC’s) will liaise with both the Mentor and the New Energy Apprentice to coordinate three one-on-one mentoring engagements across a three- month period. These sessions may be facilitated digitally via Microsoft Teams or face-to-face where practical. VERTO’s New Energy CEC’s will provide discussion points to support Mentoring sessions with all the parties that are facilitated.
BECOME A MENTOR
Expressions of interest are sought from prospective Mentors, who:
- Have worked in the Clean Energy Industry with supervisory experience
- Have trade/apprenticeship specific knowledge to ensure that barriers to success can be addressed
- Understand career-based challenges specific to the sector
- Are willing to share experience, knowledge and connections
- Can offer career-based advice, support and education in relation to the industry.
For more information or to get involved, phone 1300 483 786 or visit https://www.verto.org.au/new-energy-apprenticeships
12. VIEW OF TRADES OUTDATED
Editor Sandra Rossi, reports in the 19 August 2024 edition of Climate Control News (CCN) on the merits of a worthwhile journey in becoming a tradesperson.
The article states, “Being a tradie is not a Plan B it is a worthwhile career with lifelong opportunities.
The benefits of being a tradie are being highlighted as part of National Skills Week, held from 19-26 August, 2024.
RMIT University deputy vice-chancellor for vocational education, Mish Eastman, said it’s time to stop treating trades and vocational education like a fallback for the students who ‘can’t’ or don’t want to go to university.
“When our high school students hear their parents and other adults talk about the TAFE experience, it’s of a TAFE that existed 20-30 years ago,” Eastman said.
“This is a long way from the contemporary VE experience, which has undergone an enormous and very positive change.
“Trades are an important and necessary part of the VE system. However, they’re not the only part. Many people don’t realise the VE system provides meaningful and lifelong career opportunities in many areas of economic significance such as advanced manufacturing, engineering, IT and cybersecurity.”
Eastman said VE offers accelerated learning models, where students can earn as they study and get into the workforce sooner. “For students who can’t afford to study, who simply cannot take time away from paid work, VE is an educational lifeline. They go on to rewarding, enjoyable and purpose-filled careers in a broad range of areas – many with an earning capacity on par with those with a university degree,” she said.
13. ARE SPARKIES INVOLVED IN THE RENEWABLE TRANSITION?
The 9 August 2024 edition of Electrical Connection contains an article by reporter Phil Kreveld on whether sparkies are involved in the renewable transition.
The article states, “Electricians are heavily involved in Australia’s renewable transition. More and more rooftop solar is being connected every day and sparkies are respected professionals when it comes to installing commercial and residential solar systems, batteries and other renewable technology.
But should you pay attention to the arguments about nuclear versus solar, wind, etc.? No, leave it to others, for the moment.
From time to time, you may be asked your views on the broader energy transition. This article (and more in the future) aims to clear up some of the confusion you may be hearing in the media about the future of Australian energy.
We’ll start with what caused Callide C power station to throw a fit in 2021 and wreck its turbine. It was power inflow. The reverse power tried to make the generator run as a motor – and drive the turbine – in the wrong direction. So, for generators, power must flow out. No marks are given for what concerns the distribution poles and wires folk – it’s reverse power. But it’s not because they care about power stations.
The distribution networks hate reverse power. It’s harmful to their kiosk and pole-mounted transformers. And whatever happens, it has to be stopped before it gets to substation transformers. Hence the installation of community batteries. They absorb reverse power before it gets to medium voltage lines. Electrical contractors know there are restrictions on how big a solar system they can install – and how some inverters switch on and off during the day, also because of voltage rise caused by reverse power.
14. SAFE WORK AUSTRALIA PUBLISHES WHS PROFILE OF ELECTRICIANS
San Williams, reporter at Electrical Connection in the 23 July 2024 edition reports that Safe Work Australia has published a WHS profile of electricians to help illustrate the nature of risks they most frequently encounter while performing their duties.
The article states, “Using Safe Work Australia’s Beta Occupational Hazards Dataset and National Dataset for Compensation-based Statistics, alongside ABS Census data, this profile highlights how electricians have a significantly higher level of exposure to job hazards and body positioning hazards compared to all other occupations.
Key insights from the profile include:
- Over the last 10 years, ‘body stressing’ has consistently been the most common type of work-related injury or illness for electricians (an average of 35.1% of all serious claims during the period).
- The frequency of serious claims for electricians that experienced ‘electrocution, shock from electric current’ is approximately six times greater than the average across all occupations.
- Installing electrical equipment may involve working on rooftops, ladders or elevated structures, making ‘falls from a height’ another risk that disproportionately affects electricians.
- Tragically, these hazards have led to fatal injuries. Over the past 10 years, 44 Electricians died from traumatic injuries at work. Of these, 23 (or 52%) were a result of electrocution, and a further nine resulted from falls from a height.
- These insights can help persons conducting a business or undertaking (PCBUs) and workers better understand and manage the risks of electrical work.
VIEW THE NEW SAFEWORK AUSTRALIA ELECTRICIAN’S PROFILE HERE
15. ELECTRICAL LICENSING DISCIPLINARY ACTION – JULY
Queensland’s Electrical Safety Office also reported in its July 2024 eSafe Electrical new service of the disciplinary actions taken by the Electrical Licensing Committee against eight licence holders.
The following are passages of several of the incidents:
- Incident A: An electrical worker was involved in the installation of a generator for temporary supply to a business when the worker failed to complete mandatory testing to ensure the electrical installation complied with the wiring rules, resulting in significant property damage.
… The electrical installation was energised with a serious defect which resulted in damage to electrical equipment within the electrical installation.
- Incident B: An electrical contractor was involved in the installation of a generator for temporary supply to a business. The contractor failed to ensure the electrical installation, to the extent it was affected by the electrical work, was electrically safe and compliant with the Wirings Rules under section 71 of the Electrical Safety Regulation 2013.
… The generator mains were connected and energised with a reverse polarity connection. The main neutral conductor and an active phase conductor had been transposed at the generator terminals. This resulted in damage to the electrical equipment associated with the A/C systems.
- Case C: An electrical worker was involved in the installation of a new service line from an existing entity supply pole to a new property pole.
The worker failed to competently identify risks and include reasonably foreseeable hazards (specifically, identifying the voltage prior to completing work). The worker also failed to adequately supervise an electrical apprentice on-site.
As a result of these failures, an apprentice came in close contact with HV supply and there was the potential for a more serious incident. …
- Case D: An electrical worker was engaged in the rewiring of an electrical installation. The work included the installation of new lighting circuits, power circuits, upgrading the submains and upgrade/installation of a new distribution switchboard. …
As a result of this failure, the installation was energised with multiple breaches of the Wiring Rules resulting in people at this address not being electrically safe.
The worker’s licence was amended to place a condition on the licence that the worker can only work under general supervision until such time that the worker has undertaken a competency assessment to be conducted by a registered training organisation (RTO) against the capstone assessment requirement of: UEEEL0039: – Design install and verify compliance and functionality of general electrical installations. (Electrotechnology Training Package).
The worker was disqualified from being a QTP for the holder of an electrical contractor licence for a period of ten years.
16. ELECTRICAL CONTRACTOR FINED $40K
Electrical Comms Data, in its 21 August 2024 newsletter reports that an electrical contractor in Perth has been found guilty of various offences relating to installations that left parts of a Koondoola property unprotected from potentially lethal voltages.
The article states, “At Perth Magistrates Court on 19 July 2024, Reztech Electrical Services Pty Ltd was convicted for submitting inaccurate compliance paperwork and failing to provide documents to WA’s electrical safety regulator, Building and Energy. The company, which was not represented in court, was fined $40,000 and ordered to pay $700 in costs.
The court heard that the owners of the subdivided property engaged Reztech to carry out electrical work including installing the site main switchboard, switchboard enclosures for each lot and related protective components.
Afterwards, Reztech submitted a notice of completion to the network operator, Western Power, declaring the electrical work was complete, compliant with applicable legislation, and safe based on compulsory checks and tests.
However, an inspection by Western Power revealed two crucial safety elements had not been installed — the multiple earthed neutral in the site main switchboard and an earth bond to a metal switchboard enclosure. Without these components, users could be at risk of electric shock because protective devices may not operate if an electrical fault occurs.
Delivering a notice of completion to a network operator for electrical work that does not comply with the Wiring Rules is an offence under WA’s Electricity (Licensing) Regulations 1991. …”
17. NSW RESOURCES JULY 2024 – ELECTRICAL INCIDENTS
The NSW Government Resources Regulator, reports in its 28 July 2024 weekly incident summary of two dangerous underground coal mine electrical incidents.
The first, Dangerous incident, IncNot0047312 related to a 6.6 kV cable experiencing a phase-phase fault. The incident report states, “While shunting to allow other vehicles to pass, the operator of a load haul dump unit (LHD) raised the quick detach system (QDS) kibble to a sufficient height to clear other equipment in the cut-through that he was shunting in. This cut-through had a high roof.
Once the other vehicles were cleared, the operator drove out of the cut-through and turned outbye on the travel road. …
As a result, the inbye edge of the kibble (the furthest from the LHD) hit several items that were hung from the roof of the travel road – including 2, 6.6 kV cables, one 1 kV cable and several roof bolts.
One of the 6.6 kV cables experienced a phase-phase fault, causing the 6.6 kV protection to trip on short circuit. …
Recommendations to industry: Mine operators must ensure that the operation has a robust electrical fault protection study completed by a competent electrical engineer. …”
The second, Dangerous incident, IncNot0047306 related to a contractor receiving an electric shock, whilst conducting an inspection of an 11 kV MC set outlet and circuit breaker. The report states, “The mine was conducting annual high voltage maintenance on one of the 66-11 kV switchyards with 2 contract companies assisting. The switch yard contained dual 10 MVA 66/11 kV transformers and the switch room contained an 11 kV Merlin Gerin MC set. One of the jobs required was to inspect, test and maintain the 11 kV MC set.
As part of the inspection of outlet number 2 cell and circuit breaker, one of the contractors was inspecting and cleaning the line side and load side spouts in the cell. When he touched the load side spout, he received an electric shock.
The contract electrician was treated at the incident scene and the electric shock procedure was followed. …
Recommendations to industry: Mine operators must develop and implement a robust isolation procedure that considers isolation and dissipation of capacitive build-up. Electricians must always ensure that they are trained and competent to undertake the electrical task and are able to dissipate and test all electrical components when working on an electrical system.”
18. TRAFFIC LIGHTS ‘TALK TO’ DRIVERLESS VEHICLES IN SYDNEY
Electrical Comms Data, in its 21 August 2024 newsletter reports on a Sydney trial led by the University of Sydney and Transport for NSW, where self-driving robotic vehicles have communicated with traffic lights.
The article states, “As part of the Intelligent Transport Systems Summit in mid-August, the trial showcased vehicle-to-infrastructure technology designed to improve road safety by feeding data about pedestrians, cyclists, other motorists and traffic light signal changes to driverless vehicles.
Two self-driving vehicles drove in live traffic on the streets of Chippendale using wireless connectivity to interact with traffic lights equipped with Transport for NSW’s Sydney Coordinated Adaptive Traffic System (SCATS).
As the automated vehicles approached the traffic lights, the software under development — Cit-e — sent messages about the intersection’s layout, right of way, timing of signal changes and warnings of imminent hazards including vulnerable road users.
A receiver in the vehicle uses the information in conjunction with the vehicle’s position, direction and velocity to gauge whether it is likely to commit a red-light violation or endanger other road users.
The technology can also be used for manually operated vehicles.”
19. DUNKELFLAUTE WRIT LARGE – MAY 2024?
EnergyInsider, an Energy Networks Australia (ENA) and Australian Energy Council (AEC) joint publication Peter Brook, in the 15 August 2024 edition writes of an extended wind drought in the latter half of May 2024 that primarily affected the major wind generating regions of the National Electricity Market. That is, NSW, Victoria and South Australia.
The article explores and states, “What impact did it have on the performance of variable renewable energy (VRE) generators during this period, and does it point to a need for greater geographical dispersion of wind assets?
In the following analysis we have used the capacity factors of wind and solar generators during the period to illustrate the impacts. The capacity factor of a generator over a one-hour period is the generation in MWh divided by the registered capacity of the plant[1]. For example, a 100 MW wind farm that generates 20 MW for an hour has a 20 per cent capacity factor for that hour. More information on capacity factors can be found in a 2017 Energy Insider.
Over the eight days from 20-27 May 2024 the capacity factor for the NE MVRE averaged 14 per cent. This is well below the 2023/24 annual capacity factor implicit in the Australian Energy Market Operator’s 2024 Integrated System Plan (ISP) of 25 per cent. VRE capacity factors are seasonal (especially solar) and Figure 1 illustrates this using VRE output (in MWh) over the year[2].
By technology, the average wind capacity factor was 12 per cent and solar was 18 per cent. For 2023/24, the 2024 ISP implied average capacity factor for wind is 28 per cent and 21 per cent for solar[3]. Hence, wind’s capacity factor was extremely low and it was low to average for solar when considering seasonality.
Wind
Across the regions there were divergent wind capacity factors with Queensland being substantially higher than all the others at 34 per cent. It also had the least variability with a coefficient of variation of 46 per cent. The significance of Queensland’s contribution is clear if its excluded, as it reduces the overall NEM capacity factor to just over nine per cent (see table 1).
The key problem with this drought was that it primarily manifested itself in the three high wind capacity regions such that NSW and Victoria were each eight per cent and SA 11 per cent. As shown in Figure 3, SA, NSW and Victoria account for 86 per cent of wind capacity whereas the regions that did not experience the extreme drought conditions account for nine per cent (Queensland) and five per cent (Tasmania). Hence, their higher capacity factors were unable to effectively counter the reduced output from the other regions. Nevertheless, Queensland was still able to contribute 26 per cent of NEM wind generation output which was the same as Victoria’s contribution.
For more, contact Peter Brook, Australian Energy Council
[1] Five-minute averages of as-generated SCADA metering are used to calculate MWh as generated.
[2] Simshauser. P. and Gilmore. J. “Solving for ‘𝒚𝒚’: demand shocks from Australia’s gas turbine fleet.” March 2024, p.7.
[3] Chart data for Figures 2 and 9, https://aemo.com.au/-/media/files/major-publications/isp/2024/2024-integrated-system-plan-isp.pdf?la=en. Generation for FY24 is applied the average of installed capacity for FY23 and FY24.