After ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred, Queenslanders should use only a licensed electrical contractor for electrical repairs or rebuilding work, and DIY electrical work is illegal. The Electrical Safety Office’s WorkSafe Queensland guidance, published 31 March 2025, says licensed contractors must have at least $5 million of public liability insurance, with a $50,000 consumer protection component (figures checked 1 October 2026). That cover does not replace a licence: if an electrical fire causes major property damage and illegal electrical work caused it, an insurer might refuse the claim.
What must be licensed for repair and rebuilding work?
A person performing electrical work in Queensland must have an electrical work licence authorising that work. A business providing electrical work services for others must also have an electrical contractor licence, although the work itself may be performed by one of the contractor’s licensed electrical workers.
Licensed electrical workers must follow electrical safety laws, codes of practice and technical standards. Unlicensed and DIY electrical work does not provide those protections and is illegal.
Does $5 million of public liability cover replace a licence?
No. Licensing authorises the work; insurance is a separate requirement. Having public liability cover does not make unlicensed or DIY electrical work lawful.
| Requirement | What the cited guidance says |
|---|---|
| Electrical work licence | A person performing electrical work in Queensland must have a licence authorising that work. |
| Electrical contractor licence | A business providing electrical work services for others in Queensland must have one. |
| Public liability insurance | Licensed electrical contractors must have at least $5 million. |
| Consumer protection | The insurance requirement includes a $50,000 consumer protection component. |
The $5 million figure is a minimum contractor requirement, not a guarantee of a $5 million payout. The cited guidance does not explain the detailed scope or claim conditions of the consumer protection component, so the relevant policy PDS should be checked.
Why does the Electrical Safety Office warn against DIY electrical work?
Unlicensed and DIY work creates a risk of contact with electricity, which can have deadly consequences for the person doing the work and anyone else who contacts the electrical installation or equipment.
The danger might not be obvious immediately and usually appears during a fault or over time. This is why cyclone repairs and rebuilding work should be handled by a licensed electrical contractor whose work is subject to Queensland’s safety laws, codes and technical standards.
Can an insurer refuse a claim after illegal electrical work?
The guidance gives a specific warning: if an electrical fire causes major property damage and it was due to illegal electrical work, insurers might refuse the claim.
The word “might” matters. The guidance does not say every claim involving unlicensed work will be refused, but it makes clear that public liability cover does not remove the consequences of unlawful work. Check the policy PDS for its scope, conditions and claim requirements.
What should I check before electrical repairs start?
- Confirm the business is a licensed electrical contractor.
- Confirm the person carrying out the electrical work has an electrical work licence authorising it.
- Check that the contractor has at least $5 million of public liability insurance, with the required $50,000 consumer protection component.
- Do not attempt DIY electrical work, even where the damage appears minor.
What if I find unlicensed or damaged electrical work?
A complaint about unlicensed or damaged electrical work can be submitted to the Electrical Safety Office.
This is general information, not legal or financial advice. Check the current regulator page and the relevant policy PDS before relying on a licence status or insurance cover.
Sources
FAQ
Do the licensing rules only apply after Cyclone Alfred?
No. The Electrical Safety Office says a person performing electrical work in Queensland must have an electrical work licence authorising the work. Its cyclone advice tells affected Queenslanders to use licensed electrical contractors during the recovery phase.
Can I repair cyclone damage myself if I have insurance?
No. The Electrical Safety Office says never to attempt DIY electrical work, and unlicensed or DIY electrical work is illegal. Insurance does not provide the required licence or replace one.
Does $5 million of public liability insurance guarantee a claim?
No. It is a minimum insurance requirement for licensed electrical contractors, not a promise of payment. The guidance warns that an insurer might refuse a claim when illegal electrical work causes major property damage in an electrical fire.
Who can I complain to about unlicensed or damaged electrical work?
You can submit a complaint to the Electrical Safety Office.
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