More than 100 electricians employed by Queensland Health have been paid to not work for months, all because of red tape. 

An undercover investigation by 9News has revealed even though staff want to go back on the tools, the government is paying contractors to come in and do the jobs instead.

In Queensland, any company that employs electricians to do work for a third party needs an Electrical Contractor Licence.

In this instance, the electricians are employed by Queensland Health and they’re doing work for Queensland Health hospitals.

But because hospitals are controlled by hospital boards, the government has legal advice that an Electrical Contractor Licence is required and Queensland Health doesn’t have one.

Senior 9News reporter Tim Arvier said while Queensland Health won’t say how much it’s paid the contractors, it’s estimated wages paid to the electricians not working is around $1,516,000.

Press PLAY below to hear Tim Arvier’s report in full 

The department says its electricians will resume working when it’s acquired an Electrical Contractor Licence, but doesn’t know when that will be.

Image: 9News