Select your State or Territory below to read local industry and news updates.
TradieStart Apprentice Incentive
Queensland electrical & construction industry contractors should be aware of new funding available from August for engagement of apprentices. This is a big advocacy win for the industry, and MEA has been working hard to get this funding in place – and now it’s here. Additionally, the Small Business Apprenticeship Program, launched last year, has been extended to accommodate funding for another 2000 construction apprentices, (including electrical) for wage subsidies during block training. For members who would like assistance in making their applications, we encourage you to give us a call.
Regional Apprentices Backed to Reboot Trade Training
Hundreds of apprentices across regional Queensland will be supported to get back into their training and complete their courses following the expansion of the successful Reboot Your Trade Training pilot program. Apprentices who have lost or left their jobs will have their TAFE training funded to keep them engaged and will be supported to secure a new apprenticeship. The initial pilot program saw 110 carpentry, electrical and plumbing apprentices get back on the tools in the Greater Brisbane area and is now being expanded to reach more than 700 future tradies across Queensland. Learn more at Tafe QLD.
Solar Sharer Power Scheme Extended to Ergon Customers
The Solar Sharer program is now available for participation with Ergon Energy. The Solar Sharer program enables consumers to receive three hours of free electricity every day (Tariff 12F).
Electrical Safety Fortnight Events
Electrical Safety Fortnight (1–15 September 2026) brings together electrical workers, contractors, apprentices, industry leaders and communities to learn, connect and strengthen electrical safety across Queensland. There’s a range of forums, webinars and safety talks tailored to different sectors across the electrical industry, as well as community engagement activities. View all the ESF events here.
Workers Compensation Reforms to Help Small Businesses
Businesses, charities and community sector providers across NSW will be spared thousands of dollars in workers compensation costs as major reforms to the workers compensation scheme were introduced on 1 July 2026. The reforms include an 18-month freeze to base workers compensation insurance premiums, saving the average small business $12,000 in premium increases over four years. Read more about the reforms here.
New Codes of Practice Released
On 10 July 2026, two new codes of practice were formally adopted and are now in force in NSW:
Please review these codes if relevant to your business and ensure your control measures remain effective.
New WHS duty for PCBUs from 1 July 2026
As of 1 July 2026, work health and safety (WHS) laws in NSW introduced a new duty for a PCBU under section 26A of the Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (NSW). Codes of practice now set minimum performance standards that must be met or exceeded.
Codes of practice offer practical guidance on managing risks. They deal with particular issues and may not cover all relevant hazards or risks. While PCBUs can choose alternative ways to manage risks, they must be able to demonstrate that those measures achieve the same or a higher level of health and safety than the relevant code.
Codes of practice cover a wide range of topics. With the new duty now in effect, businesses are encouraged to review their safety systems and take action where improvements are needed. Review your codes of practice.
Energy Savings Scheme Rule Changes
The Energy Savings Scheme (ESS) is NSW’s largest energy-efficiency program, established in 2009 under the NSW Electricity Supply Act 1995. The Energy Savings Scheme will run until 2050, in line with NSW’s net zero goals. The changes were published and came into effect on 1 July 2026, and industry was consulted for feedback between Dec 25 and Feb 2026. Changes affect:
- multi-split system and large air conditioner eligibility
- commercial heat pump water heaters
- the lifetime of liquid chilling packages
- air conditioner activity co-payments.
Safety Alert: Safety Processes Must be Followed, Not Just Documented
WorkSafe ACT reminds duty holders that having safety systems, procedures and controls in place is not enough. If they are not understood, applied and enforced, workers remain at risk. Read the full Safety Alert here.
Preventing Unauthorised Access to Construction Sites
Keeping construction sites secure is a legal requirement under work health and safety laws. Site security helps prevent unauthorised access and protects members of the public, including children, from potential exposure to workplace hazards.
People who enter a construction site without permission may be unaware of the hazards present and are therefore at greater risk of injury. Even where hazards are controlled or signposted, those unfamiliar with the site may not recognise or understand the risks.
WorkSafe ACT inspectors continue to identify residential construction sites that are not adequately fenced or secured, creating a risk of unauthorised access. In 2024–25, security of the workplace was the most common subject of improvement notice issued for breaches of the WHS Regulation, accounting for 11 per cent of all improvement notices.
Persons conducting a business or undertaking (PCBUs) have a duty to ensure construction sites are secured against unauthorised access. This will generally require fencing or other suitable barriers to prevent entry. Where fencing is not reasonably practicable, alternative measures must be implemented to effectively isolate hazards and protect the public. Read more.
VIC Government Makes Workplace Surveillance Protection Laws Election Commitment Promise
Every Victorian worker deserves to know if they are being watched, tracked and assessed by technology. Often, this occurs without ever being told. To combat this, the Government is introducing tough new workplace surveillance protection laws. The new laws will:
- Ensure Biometric data can only be collected when there’s no less intrusive option
- Prevent the use of biometric data to read your emotions, unless there’s a legitimate reason to do so — like fatigue monitoring for truck drivers
- Prevent using AI to track things like bathroom breaks, a limp, or pregnancy, without a specific, legitimate purpose
- Increase protections to prevent use of workplace surveillance and AI to discriminate by race, gender, sexuality, religion or other personal characteristics
If monitoring is in place, workers will have to be told, and consulted ahead of time before introducing or changing surveillance equipment or use.
Read more about the laws and the changes.
Free Business Skills Mentoring Program Being Expanded
More eligible small business owners can access free one-on-one advice, following an expansion of the Business Skills Mentoring Program. Through the Program, small and family owned businesses can access three confidential one-hour mentoring sessions to build their skills. The program has been in place since July 2025. Expressions of interest for the Business Skills Mentoring program close on Monday 31 August 2026. Click here to learn more about the Program.
No updates this issue.
Small Business Week Events
Build a stronger, more resilient business this August, during Small Business Week (17-21 August). Registrations are now open for South Australian business owners to take part in a week of free events, expert advice and practical ideas.
This year’s program focuses on business resilience and capability, with support for business owners who are planning ahead, responding to change or looking for new ways to grow. The week will kick off with the Small Business Expo at the Adelaide Convention Centre. Other highlights include the Women in Business Breakfast and the Meet the Buyer event.
Sessions will cover practical topics including AI in business, digital marketing, raising capital, employing staff, export readiness and commercial leases. Business owners can also access on-demand resources focused on key areas of resilience, including cyber response, natural disaster recovery, energy efficiency and business diversification. Find out more and register.
Increased Support for Apprentices Needing to Travel Long Distances
South Australian apprentices and trainees who travel long distances to undertake their studies will save more on travel and accommodation after 1 July 2026, removing barriers to completing their apprenticeship and significantly easing pressure on employers covering associated costs. Key changes include:
- Travel payments in South Australia will increase by 75 per cent, from 30 cents to 52 cents per kilometre.
- Accommodation payments will increase by 50 per cent to $90 per night intrastate, and 36 per cent to $150 per night interstate
- The number of eligible trips over a year will rise from eight to ten to support more flexible training.
Changes to Electrical Fees for FY27
Some of the fees and charges that apply under the Electricity (Licensing) Regulations 1991, schedule 1 have been increased as of 1 July 2026.
The increase is part of the annual adjustment of fees and charges.
For more information and to view the updated fees see:
Building and Energy fees
To view fees associated with inspector’s orders see:
Electricity network safety WA
New Building Approval Fees for Smoke Alarms
Part 4 of the Commerce Regulations Amendment (Fees and Charges) Regulations 2026, published on 10 June 2026, makes the following changes to prescribed fees under the Building Regulations 2012 effective from today.
– 10% increase to the minimum application fees prescribed in Schedule 2 of the Building Regulations 2012.
– Increase to the maximum application fee for local government approval of battery‑powered smoke alarms under Part 8, Division 3 – smoke alarms (regulation 61).
View the fee tables showing current and new minimum fees.
Claims Open for $100 Fuel Support Payment
Western Australians can now claim $100 towards the cost of fuel to help with work commutes, school drop offs, driving lessons, and life in between, with claims opening for the Fuel Support Payment.
From 1 July, about 2.3 million eligible WA driver’s licence holders including learner, provisional, and extraordinary licences can submit a claim for the one-off payment which is part of the Government’s $1 billion cost-of-living support package.
Western Australians can also choose to donate their payment to support people doing it tough, with 15 participating charities across three categories: food and emergency relief, children’s charities, and community support. Donations will be shared equally among the charities within the selected category.
The fastest and most convenient way to claim is through the ServiceWA app. Alternatively, a manual claim option is available, and will take up to eight weeks to process. Find out more.
Update: Proposed Workplace Exposure Limits for 9 Chemicals
This Decision Regulation Impact Statement (Decision RIS) analyses the benefits and costs of moving to lower workplace exposure levels for 9 chemicals.
The 9 chemicals are benzene, chlorine, copper, formaldehyde, hydrogen cyanide, hydrogen sulphide, nitrogen dioxide, respirable crystalline silica and titanium dioxide.
The Decision RIS was prepared at the request of Work Health and Safety (WHS) ministers. The Office of Impact Analysis assessed the Decision RIS as compliant with the Regulatory Impact Analysis Guide for Ministers’ Meetings and National Standard Setting Bodies (June 2023).
The majority of WHS ministers have responded to the Decision RIS. A majority in support of new workplace exposure levels for the 9 chemicals has not been reached and a majority of ministers have requested further work. There will be no changes to the exposure limits for the 9 chemicals from 1 December 2026.
The workplace exposure levels for the 9 chemicals in the Decision RIS will remain the same as their current workplace exposure standards (WES) levels when Australia transitions to the workplace exposure limits for airborne contaminants (WEL) list on 1 December 2026. Learn more.
NT Changes Smoke Alarms for BESS Installations
Several important amendments to the Northern Territory Electrical Safety Regulations 2024 came into effect on 1 July 2026, introducing new requirements for energy storage systems (ESS), electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure, solar installations and electrical contractors. Read more.
New Safer Business Grants Open to Territory Businesses
Territory businesses can now apply for the Safer Business Grant to co-invest in practical safety improvements, with fixed commercial premises able to access up to $10,000 and mobile businesses up to $2,500 on a 50:50 co-contribution basis.
The Safer Business Grant evolves the popular Biz Secure program, building on its success to offer a broader range of support so more businesses can take part.
The application process is now simpler too, with the mandatory safety audit replaced by a free online Business Safety and Security Checklist – helping owners identify risks and understand how to better protect their staff, customers and facilities. Businesses can still choose a safety audit if they prefer.
Learn more about the Safer Business Grant or submit an application.
Have Your Say – NT Red Tape Issues
The Northern Territory Government wants to hear about rules, requirements and government processes that may not be working as well as they should.
You can use the portal to submit feedback about:
- regulations, requirements or processes that are overly complex, duplicated or result in unnecessary time or costs
- rules, forms or approval processes that are difficult to understand, outdated or hard to navigate
- delays, inconsistencies or other regulatory issues making it difficult for you to get things done
- any government requirement or process you believe could be simplified or improved
Anyone identifying an issue or opportunity to improve government regulation, requirements or processes can provide feedback. Learn more here.
