Territory businesses and tradies will benefit from another practical red-tape reduction, with the Finocchiaro CLP Government removing unnecessary Certificate of Compliance requirements for certain low-risk electrical work from 1 January 2026.
 
As part of the Government’s response to the Saying Yes to Business report by the Approvals Fast Track Taskforce, routine like for like electrical replacements that do not alter wiring, electrical load or circuit protection will no longer require a Certificate of Compliance, allowing electricians to spend less time on paperwork and more time on the job, without compromising safety. 
 
Attorney-General Marie-Clare Boothby, said the reform strikes the right balance between safety and practicality.
 
“We promised commonsense Government and that’s exactly what we’re delivering,” Ms Boothby said.

“We’ve listened to small businesses and tradies who’ve told us that the current system just isn’t working. Even the most routine, low-risk electrical work imposes an unnecessary burden, without improving safety outcomes.”
 
“This change is about maintaining the highest safety standards and compliance, while lowering the impact of red tape on small and family businesses.”
 
The reform delivers on Recommendation 6D of the Approvals Fast Track Taskforce, which called for a review of the Electrical Safety Act to identify low-risk electrical work that could safely be exempt from Certificate of Compliance requirements. Under the change, like-for-like replacements that do not alter wiring, load or circuit protection will no longer require a CoC, allowing NT WorkSafe to focus its compliance resources on higher-risk electrical work.
 
The reform is one of 48 priority actions being fast-tracked within the first 12 months of the Approvals Fast Track Taskforce response, aimed at halving approval times and improving certainty across key sectors including construction, hospitality, and tourism.
 
Chair of the Approvals Fast Track Taskforce and former Property Council of Australia NT President, Mark Garraway, welcomed the reform.
 
“This is exactly the kind of practical change industry was calling for,” Mr Garraway said. “It improves certainty, reduces unnecessary regulation and allows government to focus on what really matters — safety and productivity.”
 
Ms Boothby said the reform reflects the CLP Government’s broader commitment to rebuilding the economy while maintaining strong safeguards.
 
“We promised a year of action, delivering certainty and security for industry, including the Territory’s building and construction sector,” she said. “That means backing businesses, cutting red tape, and never compromising on safety. This reform delivers on all three, as we work to rebuild the economy.

Source: Northern Territory Government Newsroom