News & Views

14th June 2016

Online communities must still comply

With the rise in the use of online community marketplaces to hire local services and handyman, the National Electrical and Communications Association (NECA) encourages consumers to ensure that all household electrical work is undertaken by a fully licensed electrician.

“Whilst these online community marketplaces such as Airtasker and Hipages are becoming increasingly significant drivers of trade across the national economy, electrical work must always be conducted in a safe and secure environment by suitably qualified and licensed electricians and contractors,” said NECA CEO, Suresh Manickam.

“NECA is concerned that online marketplaces may be encouraging DIY electrical work, or those without the necessary qualifications to perform electrical tasks. These activities may not only endanger personal safety, but increases the risk of property damage and damages the reputation of our industry, all for the saving of a few dollars.”

“Clearly, there is no encouragement by the operators of these sites to insist on the quality of electrical work to comply with relevant electrical safety standards.”

“Encouraging electrical safety has always been in NECA’s DNA. We remind consumers that only a qualified, licensed electrical tradesperson should be engaged or selected to safely perform electrical work around your home or business,” Mr Manickam said.

“NECA can assist you to find a qualified electrician or contractor. Please visit our website or contact your NECA State Chapter for further information and advice.”

-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

 

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 Legal firm, Group Training and the NECA Colleges (in WA) and EcoSmart Electricians – and has joint ventures with a superannuation company (NSW) and one of the national cabling registrars (ACRS).
  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.

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