Charges laid over altercation with Electrical Safety Inspector

NT WorkSafe has charged an individual in Alice Springs over an incident last month, when the individual was involved in an altercation with an Electrical Safety Inspector, who was on the job.

Mr Christopher Wallace, the owner-operator of Suntec Pty Ltd, faces three charges under Section 190 of the Work Health and Safety (National Uniform Legislation) Act 2011 for assaulting, threatening or intimidating an inspector or a person assisting an inspector.

On Thursday 28 September 2023, an Electrical Safety Inspector and a worker from Power and Water Corporation (PWC) attended a residential property in Braitling, after PWC received a complaint from Mr Wallace regarding a non-compliant Solar PV System at the property.

NT WorkSafe will allege that during a discussion about his safety concerns, Mr Wallace became agitated and the altercation occurred, which included destroying property belonging to the Inspector.

Despite being asked to stay back by both the Electrical Safety Inspector and PWC worker, Mr Wallace continued to act in an intimidating manner towards both of them, as well as another WorkSafe Inspector when they arrived to provide support.

If found guilty of all charges, Mr Wallace faces a maximum combined penalty of $150,000 or two years imprisonment or both.

The matter is listed for mention in the Alice Springs Local Court on 7 December 2023.