The passage of legislation that re-establishes the Australian Building and Construction Commission (ABCC) is a victory for Australia’s electrical contractors, according to the CEO of the National Electrical and Communications Association (NECA), Suresh Manickam.

“NECA has been a strong, long-term advocate for building and construction sector reform and we have strenuously argued that this legislation, along with the amendments to the Registered Organisations Act, will deliver benefits for Australia’s electrical contractors,” said Mr Manickam.

“Unfortunately, there are countless examples of a complete disregard for the rule of law, and a culture of bullying, violence and intimidation on building sites across the country. It’s now time for the rule of law to return and for these types of unacceptable behaviours to end.”

“Since the abolition of the ABCC in 2012, we have seen industrial disputes rise by 40%, Australian family owned electrical businesses losing millions of dollars in lost revenue through industrial stoppages. Additionally, we have seen the costs associated with the delivery of critical public infrastructure pushed up,” Mr Manickam said.

“We also welcome the additional amendments which bolster Security of Payment provisions which will be beneficial for SME sub-contractors, in our case Australia’s electrical contractors.”

“NECA anticipates that the return of the ABCC will provide greater certainty, security and stability for Australia’s electrical contractors as well as and uplift in productivity through the reduction of unlawful workplace activities.

“We are proud to have played a part in actively advocating for the return of the ABCC. Now that the regulatory watchdog is returning, Australia’s electrical contractors are expecting to see a crackdown on unlawful activity as well as a safe, transparent and productive workplace,” Mr Manickam concluded.

-ENDS-

Media enquiries and interviews

Barry Jackson – National Marketing and Communications

E barry.jackson@neca.asn.au

D 02 9962 6904

M 0457 767 328

Andrew Jefferies – National Policy and Submissions

E andrew.jefferies@neca.asn.au

D 02 9962 6903

M 0458 726 355

Notes for editors

1. NECA is the peak industry body representing the interests of electrical and communications contractors Australia-wide.
2. NECA is run by electrical contractors, for electrical contractors.
3. We have 5,000 contracting companies as members – and they in turn employ over 50,000 people Australia-wide.
4. NECA employs almost 350 people across its seven chapters (Queensland, New South Wales, ACT, Victoria, Tasmania, South Australia and Western Australia).
5. The chapters provide NECA members with a range of services including: Industrial Relations, Health & Safety, Legal, Technical, Training, business-support services, product discounts and advocacy representation in Canberra with Government, Industry bodies and Training bodies.
6. NECA wholly-owns its RTOs and GTOs in NSW, VIC & WA, the EcoSmart Electricians initiative and ACRS – one of the national cabling registrars, and has a joint venture with a superannuation company in NSW (NESS Super).
7. NECA also employ around 2,000 apprentice electricians and provides training to a further 2,000.
8. For further information go to www.neca.asn.au.