Gasfitter prosecuted
Licensed tradespeople can be prosecuted for breaching the Utilities Act.
A licensed gasfitter pleaded guilty to interfering with a gas distribution utility service in the ACT Magistrates Court on 5 April 2011.
The case alleged that the licensed gasfitter interfered with a utility network without the utility’s approval. The gasfitter was charged with an offence under section 124 of the Utilities Act 2000.
The ACT Construction Occupations Registrar, David Middlemiss, said interfering with a utility network was a criminal offence.
“This type of conduct is a serious breach of compliance and any alleged offences that are discovered will be investigated by construction and utilities inspectors,” he said.
“Licensed tradespeople are especially obliged to follow these laws, which exist to ensure community safety, the integrity of the utility and public confidence in the licensed trades.”
There are currently over 10,000 licensed tradespeople in the ACT – builders, building surveyors, plumbers, drainers and gasfitters, electricians, asbestos assessors and removalists and energy assessors.
If you hold a construction occupation licence in the ACT and are unsure of the legal requirements entailed by that licence, please read the conditions on this website or obtain copies of relevant legislation that applies to your trade.
If you are in the community and believe you have seen breaches of compliance with utilities please see the Controlled Activity/ Construction Occupations Complaint form.
