Following our investigation, a New South Wales man has been convicted of multiple offences relating to fraudulent claims under the Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme (SRES).

After pleading guilty, Craig Burmeister was convicted of:

  • 2 offences of giving information derived from false documents with the intention of obtaining a gain contrary to section 145.5 (1) of the Criminal Code Act 1995
  • 9 offences of procuring others to give information derived from false documents with the intention of obtaining a gain, contrary to sections 11.3 and 145.5(1) of the Criminal Code.

Mr Burmeister, who was not accredited to design or install solar photovoltaic (PV) systems at the time, procured other accredited installers and his employees to sign off on and claim small-scale technology certificates (STCs) for installations he himself completed.

Under the SRES, STCs can only be claimed when the installation is carried out or supervised by an accredited installer. Procuring others to commit fraud does not shield individuals from prosecution, as those who assist or encourage an offence are treated as having committed the offence themselves.

On 12 June 2025, Mr Burmeister appeared before the Wagga Wagga Local Court and received:

  • a criminal conviction for each offence
  • a Community Corrections Order requiring him to complete 200 hours of community service under the supervision of NSW Community Corrections for a period of 2 years
  • a fine of $5,500.

The Magistrate remarked that Mr Burmeister’s offending undermined the integrity and effectiveness of the scheme, and in doing so causes a greater regulatory burden on other scheme participants.

This is Mr Burmeister’s second conviction for this type of offending. On 10 December 2019, he was convicted of a single charge, contrary to section 145.5 of the Criminal Code, for providing false information in respect to 8 solar PV system installations. Mr Burmeister was on a good behaviour bond at the time of his most recent offences.

Mr Burmeister is no longer accredited to design or install solar PV systems and is no longer a licensed electrician.

Receiving such a conviction can severely damage professional reputations and future career prospects. It may lead to loss of licences, exclusion from industry associations, restrictions on international travel and eroded client trust.

We have zero tolerance for fraud and non-compliance. We will take enforcement action as warranted in line with our compliance, education and enforcement policy.

This matter was prosecuted by the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (Cth) following a referral from us.

Find out more about our Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme compliance activities.