Master Electricians Australia (MEA) has commended the decision by the Queensland Supreme Court to strike out recent regulations passed by the State Government regarding solar farm installations.

In a breakthrough ruling, the Court ruled against the controversial new laws following legal action from Maryrorough Solar Pty Ltd.

MEA CEO Malcolm Richards welcomed the decision and has called on the Minister to restart the process via proper consultation with industry.

“MEA greatly welcomes this ruling by the Queensland Supreme Court and we now call on Minister Grace to go back to the drawing board so that we can come up with regulation that actually works,” Mr Richards said.

“This ruling clearly demonstrates the need for the Minister to conduct fresh and proper consultation with the industry and we urge her to begin this process immediately.

“It is utterly ridiculous that only a qualified electrician should be allowed to lift a solar panel and not a trade assistant. An easy solution is to simply classify a solar panel as a piece of electrical equipment.

“The only way to come up with effective regulation that enhances safety while not driving the cost of business through the roof, is to engage with the electrical industry. Now that the Supreme Court has scrapped this hopeless regulation we look forward to working with the Minister and the Government on getting the new laws right.”