On 19 June 2025, Delegates and Health and Safety Representatives met with Western Power management for a full-day forum to address safety concerns across the network.
The forum was held following a period where a number of safety incidents and broader workforce concerns had emerged across the network. These ranged from procedural inconsistencies to cultural and operational issues that had begun to affect confidence in workplace safety. Western Power approached us to confront areas where complacency may have set in, raise awareness about the risks of normalising unsafe practices, and work in partnership to refocus efforts on robust, reliable safety systems and, rather than assign blame, it created a much-needed space for honest conversations.
It was a day shaped by constructive and, at times, confronting feedback with workers speaking candidly about the daily challenges they face and how some safety policies feel disconnected from the realities on the ground. There was a shared sense that, in some areas, procedures have become more symbolic than practical. We will give credit where it’s due as Western Power management was in attendance and took the opportunity to contribute openly and willingly; no issue was dismissed, no voices were sidelined and it ended up being a useful platform to challenge this disconnect and demand that systems be built with real working conditions in mind.
Management gave a clear commitment to review these matters and improve the systems that impact frontline safety.
The forum also heard from Hon. Amber-Jade Sanderson, Minister for Energy and Decarbonisation. She addressed the broader context of change in the energy industry and acknowledged the pressure that transition places on workers. Her responses to members’ questions indicated an understanding of the challenges faced and a commitment to keeping safety at the centre of that transition, however, more movement is needed on the issue of licensing for lineworkers and we will be meeting with her to take actionable measures.
Newly elected MP and ETU WA member Tom French also attended, discussing his future campaign to elevate the voice of electrical workers in Parliament. He spoke about the need for stronger protections, particularly for apprentices entering the trade at a time of significant industrial change.
Several presentations helped sharpen the focus of the day. Members received updates on the national state of play for HSRs, delivered by National Power Industry officer Ben Schmidt and examined areas where procedural breaches and lack of support structures continue to impact workers. Income Protection was discussed in practical terms, with advice on how members can better navigate claims and access entitlements. There was also a forward-looking discussion about WA’s wind and transmission infrastructure plans, and the safety standards that must accompany that growth.
What became clear throughout the day is that even the best-intentioned systems can become outdated or ineffective without regular scrutiny. When that happens, workers bear the consequences. Every person in the room shared a common goal: to stop preventable harm before it occurs.
This forum was a reset, not a reckoning and we welcome Western Power’s willingness to engage meaningfully. The same conversation will be extended to Horizon Power and industry contractors to push a continued safety standard.