If an NT electrical contractor’s nominated person stops holding an unrestricted electrical work licence or ceases to be an owner (director), partner or employee, the contractor has 30 days to notify NT WorkSafe, according to its electrical contractor licence guidance (figures checked 1 October 2026). The contractor cannot change the nominee without the Electrical Safety Regulator’s approval; suspension is not automatic, but continuing electrical work can be an offence if the loss is not notified or no nominee is endorsed on the licence.
What counts as losing the nominated person?
An electrical contractor licence must endorse at least one owner, partner or employee as the nominated person. A contractor may have more than one nominated person, but each person may be a nominated person for only one electrical contractor licence at a time.
The guidance identifies these notification triggers:
| Trigger | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| The nominee stops holding an unrestricted electrical work licence | The person no longer meets a core requirement for the nominated role |
| The nominee ceases to be an owner (director), partner or employee of the contractor | The person has ended the relationship through which they were endorsed |
| The nominee leaves the contractor’s employment | NT WorkSafe gives this as an example of losing the nominated person |
The role carries ongoing operational responsibility. All electrical work completed by the contractor must be performed or supervised by a nominated person, who must ensure it is carried out under current electrical safety legislation and relevant Australian Standards.
What should the contractor do within 30 days?
The notification and replacement process should be handled as one continuous compliance process.
| Stage | Action | Important boundary |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Detect the change | Confirm whether the nominee has lost the unrestricted electrical work licence or ended the qualifying owner, director, partner or employee relationship | Do not assume the position remains compliant because the contractor has not yet received a suspension notice |
| 2. Notify the Regulator | Notify NT WorkSafe within 30 days after the nominee ceases to hold the unrestricted licence or ceases the qualifying role | The 30-day requirement concerns notification, not waiting until a replacement has been found |
| 3. Use the variation form | Use the Application to vary an electrical contractor’s licence to report the change in nominated-person details | NT WorkSafe identifies this form for nominated-person changes |
| 4. Propose a suitable replacement | Provide a person who meets the nominee requirements and is connected to the contractor as an owner, partner or employee | Meeting the requirements does not itself appoint or endorse the person |
| 5. Obtain approval | Wait for the Electrical Safety Regulator’s approval before treating the replacement as the approved nominee | A contractor must not change its nominated person without approval |
The official material gives a 30-day period for notification but does not state a standard timeframe for the Regulator to decide the variation.
Who can be the replacement nominee?
A proposed nominee must satisfy the same role requirements that apply to an existing endorsed person.
| Requirement | Approved position |
|---|---|
| Connection to the contractor | Must be an owner, partner or employee |
| Electrical work licence | Must hold a current unrestricted electrical work licence |
| Licence history | Must have held the unrestricted electrical work licence for a minimum of two years |
| Contractor course | Must have successfully completed the contractor-course units approved by the Electrical Safety Regulator |
| Other nominations | May be nominated for only one electrical contractor licence at a time |
| Work oversight | The contractor’s electrical work must be performed or supervised by a nominated person |
The approved contractor-course units include:
- UEEEL0040 — Develop Compliance Policies and Plans to conduct an Electrical Contracting Business
- UEEEL0002 — Apply Currency of Safe Working Practices and Compliance Verification of Electrical Installations
The replacement also carries responsibility for ensuring electrical work is performed in accordance with current electrical safety legislation and relevant Australian Standards.
Is the licence suspended automatically?
NT WorkSafe expressly states that suspension of an electrical contractor licence is not automatic. The same guidance also states that the licence will be suspended until a new nominated person is approved by the Regulator.
That distinction does not create permission to work while the position is unresolved. The contractor still must:
- Notify the Regulator after losing its nominated person.
- Use the approved variation process to report the change.
- Obtain the Regulator’s approval before changing the nominee.
- Avoid continuing to provide or perform electrical work where the stated offence conditions apply.
NT WorkSafe describes an offence where the contractor continues electrical work after losing its nominated person and failing to notify the Regulator, or performs electrical work without a nominated person endorsed on the licence. Lodging a notification or naming a proposed replacement is therefore not the same as receiving approval.
What should be checked before relying on this process?
This is general information, not legal or financial advice. Check the current NT WorkSafe regulator page for the latest requirements and variation process.
If the issue also affects public liability insurance, the cited licensing guidance does not explain how a licence suspension interacts with cover. Check the policy’s Product Disclosure Statement and ask the insurer or broker rather than assuming that a notification, suspension or approval requirement leaves the cover unchanged.
Sources
- Electrical contractor licence — NT WorkSafe, updated 13 May 2025
FAQ
Is the electrical contractor licence suspended as soon as the nominee leaves?
No. NT WorkSafe says suspension is not automatic, although its guidance also states that the licence remains suspended until a new nominee is approved. The contractor must not treat that distinction as approval to work without an endorsed nominee.
Does the 30-day period mean 30 business days?
The official guidance states 30 days and does not distinguish between business days and other days. If the timing is disputed or operationally critical, ask NT WorkSafe to confirm how the period applies.
Can the contractor appoint a replacement before approval?
No. An electrical contractor must not change its nominated person without the Electrical Safety Regulator’s approval. Use the Application to vary an electrical contractor’s licence and wait for approval before treating the replacement as endorsed.
Must all electrical work stop immediately when the nominee leaves?
The guidance does not describe departure as creating a blanket automatic work stoppage. It does say that continuing to provide and perform electrical work can be an offence if the contractor has lost its nominee and failed to notify, or if electrical work is performed without an endorsed nominee. Those requirements should not be treated as a grace period for unresolved coverage.
Which form is used to report the change?
NT WorkSafe identifies the Application to vary an electrical contractor’s licence as the form for reporting a change in nominated-person details.
Partner links. Using them costs you nothing extra and may earn us a commission.