Charges laid over altercation with Electrical Safety Inspector

NT WorkSafe has charged Christopher Wallace, the owner-operator of Suntec Pty Ltd, over an incident in October 2023, when he was involved in an altercation with an Electrical Safety Inspector. Wallace is facing 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 Wallace about a non-compliant Solar PV System at the property. During a discussion about his safety concerns, Wallace allegedly became agitated and the altercation occurred, which included destroying property belonging to the Inspector.

Despite being asked to stay back by the Inspector and the PWC worker, 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, Wallace faces a maximum combined penalty of $150,000 or two years imprisonment, or both. The matter will be addressed at the Alice Springs Local Court on 7 December 2023.

Image credit: iStock.com/Zolnierek