The National Electrical and Communications Association (NECA) is the peak association for the electrotechnology industry and leads commentary on a wide variety of issues affecting the industry.

For interviews please contact NECA's Media and Communication Manager, Dominic Feenan on 02 9439 8523 or at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

Media Releases

December 2011

28 December 2011 - Electricians call for safety to be a New Year's resolution

Today, Australia’s peak electrical industry body, the National Electrical and Communications Association (NECA), called for electrical safety to be a priority in the New Year, particularly in older homes. READ MORE

23 December 2011 - Electrical industry expresses concerns about botched solar installations

Today, peak Australian electrical industry body, the National Electrical and Communications Association (NECA), expressed concern at a report released by EnergySafety entitled Electrical safety of grid-connected solar installations in Western Australia. READ MORE

21 December 2011 - Electrical industry welcomes Fair Work Act review

Today, peak Australian electrical industry body, the National Electrical and Communications Association (NECA), welcomed the announcement by the Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations, Bill Shorten, to review the Fair Work legislation. READ MORE

1 December 2011 - Electrical industry calls for investigation into electricity prices

Today, peak Australian electrical industry body, the National Electrical and Communications Association (NECA), called on the Victorian Government to investigate electricity prices rises to provide greater transparency for consumers. READ MORE

November 2011

25 November 2011 - Top Australian electrical firms named at industry excellence awards

Last night, ten companies from across Australia were recognised as being the best of the best in the electrical and communications industry at the annual Excellence Awards hosted by peak industry body the National Electrical and Communications Association (NECA). READ MORE

24 November 2011 - Best Australian electrical apprentices named for 2011

Three electrical apprentices that demonstrated consistent levels of excellence throughout their training were recognised as the best in Australia at the annual Apprentice of the Year Awards held on Wednesday night (23 November 2011) at Sumac at Docklands in Melbourne. READ MORE

2 November 2011 - With union activity on the rise, building regulator must remain says electrical industry

Today, peak Australian electrical industry body, the National Electrical and Communications Association (NECA), renewed its calls to the Australian Government not to remove the powers of the building industry regulator. READ MORE

October 2011

21 October 2011 - Electricians warn about dodgy Christmas lights

Today, peak Australian electrical industry body, the National Electrical and Communications Association (NECA), warned consumers should only buy compliant electrical products and provided consumers with seven safety tips when buying or installing Christmas lights to help remain safe during the festive season. READ MORE

18 October 2011 - Electricians say solar framework needs an overhaul following more dangerous stats

Today, peak electrical industry body, the National Electrical and Communications Association (NECA), continued calls for governments at all levels to work together to stamp out dodgy solar installers and protect consumers following official government figures that show many installations are dangerous. 

At yesterday’s (17 October 2011) Senate Estimates hearing, the Office of the Renewable Energy Regulator confirmed that after they conducted safety inspections, four per cent were deemed unsafe and 20% found to be dangerous. READ MORE

13 October 2011 - Media Statement - Fair Work Australia Decision

The National Electrical and Communications Association (NECA) welcomes today’s important decision of the Full Bench of Fair Work Australia in the ADJ Contracting appeal matter which clarified whether certain provisions of the ADJ Contracting Enterprise Agreement constitute unlawful terms under the Fair Work Act 2009. READ MORE

12 October 2011 - Electrical industry says building regulator must stay to stop lawlessness

Today, peak Australian electrical industry body, the National Electrical and Communications Association (NECA), called on the Australian Government to review its decision to abolish the Australian Building and Construction Commission (ABCC) or face the potential of lawlessness returning to job sites. READ MORE

September 2011

23 September 2011 - Electricians call for stronger safety regulations as housing stock ages

Today, peak Australian electrical industry body, the National Electrical and Communications Association (NECA), continued its call on state electrical regulators across Australia to introduce stronger safety measures to help keep Australians safe, especially in older homes. READ MORE

14 September 2011 - Electrical industry calls on government to stop killing solar jobs

Today, peak Australian electrical industry body, the National Electrical and Communications Association (NECA), called on both State and Australian governments to commit to stable policies to assist the flagging solar industry. READ MORE

7 September 2011 - Electrical industry announces solar inspection service

Australia’s peak electrical industry body, the National Electrical and Communications Association (NECA), today announced that it had established a solar generation inspection service for NSW residents.

The announcements comes on the back of NSW Fair Trading pursuing legal action against a number of unlicensed contractors for installing solar panels and some licensed contractors for failing to meet current regulations. READ MORE

1 September 2011 - Electrical industry disappointed at Victorian Government solar decision

Australia’s peak electrical industry body, the National Electrical and Communications Association (NECA), today expressed its disappointment at the Victorian Government’s decision not to continue with the 60 cents per kilowatt hour Premium Feed-in Tariff (PFIT) for small scale solar systems. READ MORE

August 2011

15 August 2011 - Electrical industry calls on landlords to install safety switches

Today, peak Australian electrical industry body, the National Electrical and Communications Association (NECA), called on landlords in Western Australia to ensure they had residual current devices installed to help prevent electrical incidents in the home. READ MORE

12 August 2011 - Electrical contractors go to great heights to achieve excellence

The South Australian Aquatic and Leisure Centre provided electrical and communications contractor, Security Electrical Solutions with some significant challenges including installing cables and security cameras using a 28 meters boom lift to access some of the areas above the new pool facilities. This project was one of eight projects completed by the states best electrical and communications contractors, whose achievements were recognised at the National Electrical and Communications Associations (NECA) Awards of Excellence, held at the Adelaide Convention Centre on Friday the 12 August 2011. READ MORE

12 August 2011 - Bright young apprentices win excellence awards

Three young electricians received the highest accolade from their industry at the South Australian National Electrical and Communications Association (NECA) Apprentice Awards, held at the prestigious Adelaide Convention Centre on Friday the 12 August 2011. READ MORE

6 August 2011 - Tasmania’s best electricians and projects named at Excellence Awards

Today, the best Tasmanian electrical and communications contractors were recognised at the annual electrical industry Excellence Awards hosted by peak Australian industry body the National Electrical and Communications Association (NECA). READ MORE

6 August 2011 - Top Tasmanian electrical apprentices named for 2011

Two electrical apprentices that demonstrated consistent levels of excellence throughout their training were recognised by Australia’s peak electrical industry association, the National Electrical and Communications Association (NECA), at the annual Apprentice of the Year Awards held on Saturday (6 August 2011) at Tattersalls Park in Elwick. READ MORE

July 2011

25 July 2011 - Electricians warn against DIY solar installations

Installing solar panels yourself is extremely dangerous and illegal warned Australia’s peak electrical industry body, the National Electrical and Communications Association (NECA).

NECA provided the warning to Australians following reports of an increase in solar panel thefts. READ MORE

22 July 2011 - Victoria’s best electricians and projects named at Excellence Awards

The best Victorian electrical and communications contractors were recognised at the annual electrical industry Excellence Awards hosted by peak Australian industry body the National Electrical and Communications Association (NECA). Seven companies across nine categories received the top state award in front over 600 industry representatives including contractors, educators and government representatives at the pinnacle showcase of the electrical and communications industry at Crown Casino. READ MORE

22 July 2011 - Gippsland bushfire recovery electrical work wins top state award

Traralgon based electrical contracting business Grouts Electrical won a top electrical award in Victoria for their work in repairing the Mt Tassie Transmission Station following the Black Saturday bushfires. The Mt Tassie Transmission Station is responsible for the majority of television and radio transmissions for the Gippsland area. READ MORE

13 July 2011 - Top Victorian electrical apprentices named for 2011

Three electrical apprentices that demonstrated consistent levels of excellence throughout their training were recognised by Australia’s peak electrical industry association, the National Electrical and Communications Association (NECA), at the annual Apprentice of the Year Awards held on Wednesday night (13 July 2011) at Crown Melbourne. READ MORE 

June 2011

29 June 2011 - Electrical industry calls for further safety inspections of solar panels

Today, peak Australian electrical industry body, the National Electrical and Communications Association (NECA), supported the release of data by the New South Wales Government that highlighted serious defects of solar panel installations following a Fair Trading audit conducted in western Sydney.

NSW Fair Trading conducted safety inspections in western Sydney in June and found that 18.5% of installations had major defects. One hundred and twenty two (122) of the 658 inspected had major problems and a further 418, or 63.5 per cent, were found to have minor defects. READ MORE

 

7 June 2011 - NSW electricians welcome solar tariff decision

Today, peak Australian electrical industry body, the National Electrical and Communications Association (NECA), welcomed the NSW government’s decision to keep the feed-in tariff rate for electricity generating solar panels at 60¢ a kilowatt hour compared to the planned 40¢. READ MORE

7 June 2011 - Electrical industry welcome start of Sydney solar panel safety audit

Today, peak Australian electrical industry body, the National Electrical and Communications Association (NECA), welcomed the start of the NSW government’s safety audit of solar panel installations in the western suburbs of Sydney. READ MORE

2 June 2011 - Electricians warn about winter dangers

Today, peak Australian electrical industry body, the National Electrical and Communications Association (NECA), reminded residents across Australia to think about electrical safety and make it a priority during the winter months.

NECA chief executive officer, Mr James Tinslay, said the top electrical body is reminding residents across Australia to focus on safety during a period that traditionally sees more electrical appliances used in the home. READ MORE

 

May 2011

25 May 2011 - Electrical industry welcomes expanded solar panel inspections

Today, peak Australian electrical industry body, the National Electrical and Communications Association (NECA), welcomed an announcement by the New South Wales Government to inspect a further 500 solar panels in Sydney to ensure the installations are safe for consumers and comply with regulations. READ MORE

22 May 2011 - Electricians welcome solar panel safety inspections

Today, peak Australian electrical industry body, the National Electrical and Communications Association (NECA), welcomed a decision by the NSW Government to conduct further safety inspections of solar panels installed under the solar bonus scheme.

NSW Fair Trading announced it would conduct further safety inspections after an audit found some installations in northern NSW were seriously flawed and dangerous. READ MORE

13 May 2011 - Electricians condemn an increase in red tape after Budget announcement

Today, peak Australian electrical industry body, the National Electrical and Communications Association (NECA), condemned initiatives outlined in the 2011 Budget that will cause contractors to be tied up in even more red tape.

It was announced that there will be a new requirement for businesses in the building and construction industry to report to the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) annually on payments made to other contractors in the industry, along with the other contractor's ABN. READ MORE

9 May 2011 - Electricians welcome government funded incentives for apprentices in 2011 Budget

Today, peak Australian electrical industry body, the National Electrical and Communications Association (NECA), welcomed the commitment by the Australian Government of $281 million for additional tax free payments to encourage apprentices in critical trades to complete their qualifications. READ MORE

 

April 2011

5 April 2011 - NECA launches plain English guide to Modern Award

Electrical contractors and other companies employing staff under the Electrical, Electronics and Communications Contracting Award will have access to a plain English guide to the Modern Award and a free online webinar thanks to peak national industry body, the National Electrical and Communications Association (NECA).

NECA received funding for the Shared Industry Assistance Program (SIAP) managed by the Fair Work Ombudsman and launched the online webinars on 5 April 2011 on the NECA website. READ MORE

4 April 2011 - More maths and physics at school says electrical industry

Today, peak Australian electrical industry body, the National Electrical and Communications Association (NECA), supported calls to place a renewed focus on maths and physics at secondary school. NECA was responding to an industry skills council that said the average result in some apprentice tests involving maths and physics was 57% compared to 70% in previous years. READ MORE

 

March 2011

18 March 2011 - Electricians back coroner recommendations for increased electrical safety measures

Today, peak Australian electrical industry body, the National Electrical and Communications Association (NECA), supported a Victorian coroner that found a safety switch and an electrical inspection would have helped prevent the death of a 92-year-old man in 2010. READ MORE

1 March 2011 - Electrical industry support safety switch installations after WA coroner findings

Today, peak Australian electrical industry body, the National Electrical and Communications Association (NECA), supported the Western Australian coroner that found a safety switch would have helped to prevent the electrocution of a two-year-old boy in September 2009. READ MORE

 

February 2011

21 February 2011 - Electrical industry welcomes Government rejection of apprenticeship training tax

Today, peak Australian electrical industry body, the National Electrical and Communications Association (NECA), welcomed a decision by the Australian Government to reject a training tax that would have unfairly penalised employers of electrical apprentices.

NECA chief executive officer, Mr James Tinslay, said the planned overhaul of the apprenticeship system in Australia should never impact negatively on the ability of a business to engage apprentices. READ MORE

10 February 2011 - Electrical industry frustrated that insulation figures kept in the dark

Today, peak Australian electrical industry body, the National Electrical and Communications Association (NECA), said it is frustrated that the Australia Government denied another opportunity to inform people affected by the failed Home Insulation Program (HIP) about the true size of the problem.

The Australian Parliament today rejected a motion that would have paved the way for the safety inspection results to be made public. READ MORE

 

January 2011

27 January 2011 - Electrical industry rejects interstate rivalry during flood recovery

Today, peak Australian electrical industry body, the National Electrical and Communications Association (NECA), said reports that an interstate rivalry has erupted over the skill level of electricians in Queensland compared to the rest of Australia during flood recovery operations was not true.

NECA chief executive officer, Mr James Tinslay, said the peak industry body was responding to an article in The Australian on Thursday 27 January 2011 that implied the skills of electrical contractors in New South Wales were lower than the skills of contractors in Queensland. READ MORE

14 January 2011 - 500 interstate electricians put up hands to help flood recovery

Today, peak Australian electrical industry body, the National Electrical and Communications Association (NECA), said the response from interstate electrical contractors wanting to help in the inspection process to speed up electricity reconnection in Queensland following the floods has been truly amazing.

NECA chief executive officer, Mr James Tinslay, said that over 250 electrical contracting businesses that employ in excess of 500 electricians from across Australia have registered with the peak electrical industry body and that the additional manpower will help get more homes and businesses connected. READ MORE

13 January 2011 - Electrical industry prepares for massive flood clean-up

Today, peak Australian electrical industry body, the National Electrical and Communications Association (NECA), said the clean-up and recovery work required following the Queensland floods could take as long as six months to complete. READ MORE

6 January 2011 - Electrical industry says be careful after the floods

Today, peak Australian electrical industry body, the National Electrical and Communications Association (NECA), reinforced the Queensland Government’s electrical safety advice for residents in flood affected areas of the state. READ MORE

2010 Media Releases

Visit our 2010 media release section to view previous releases.