Advocacy & Policy
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For member services

What we do

Our team is here to represent and fight for you, your business and your industry. At Federal, State or Local Government level NECA will get the decision makers to understand what is important to contractors in the Electrotech and communications sector. 


  • We are fighting for Security of Payment reforms so you get paid for the work you do.
  • We are fighting at the Federal and State Government level to make contracts fairer and easier to level the power imbalance when negotiating contracts. 
  • We represent you in the technical forums to make the industry up to date regarding standards, Licencing, WHS and Training. 
  • We are the team you turn to when you need to talk to the Government, the Regulators and Government departments.  

Key activities

Government Engagement

Government Engagement

Engaging with officials and policymakers; Monitoring legislative and regulatory developments and Advocating NECA's positions on policy issues.

Image: NECA CEO Oliver Judd, NECA Head of Government Kent Johns & Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles MP.

Policy Influence

Policy Influence

Developing advocacy strategies and submissions & Formulating policy recommendations.

Image: NECA together with Dai Le MP, Federal Member for Fowler hosted a roundtable at Australian Parliament House to discuss unfair contract terms within the construction industry.

Stakeholder Engagement

Stakeholder Engagement

Engaging with customers, partners, and industry groups & conducting outreach programs and gathering feedback.

Image: NECA Head of Government & Regulatory Affairs, Kent Johns with Member for Terrigal, Adam Crouch.

Issues Management

Issues Management

Identifying and mitigating risks to NECA's reputation & Managing crises and communications.

NECA CEO Oliver Judd alongside Kent Johns and Fiona Scott, met with The Hon. Luke Howarth MP, Minister for Financial Services and Shadow Assistant Treasurer, to champion small business contractors.

Training Support

Training Support

Supports NECA Training by monitoring and analysing education policy, developing strategies to enhance NECA's RTO and GTO capabilities and training initiatives.

Member for Bega Dr Michael Holland MP, Eurobodalla Shire Mayor Mathew Hatcher and Eurobodalla Shire Assistant Mayor Alison Worthington joined with us this week for the official opening of NECA’s South Coast Centre of Excellence at Tuross Heads. 


How NECA's Advocacy team helps members

The NECA advocacy team empowers its members by actively engaging with government bodies to:

Regulatory Support

Provide guidance on compliance and advocate for regulatory reforms beneficial to NECA members.

Policy & Advocacy

Influence policies and legislation crucial to the electrical and communications industry.

Industry Promotion

Enhance visibility and highlight the value of NECA member services.

Training & Development

Support workforce skills enhancement and bolster NECA's training initiatives.

Networking & Collaboration

Foster industry connections and facilitate knowledge sharing among members.

Crisis Management

Offer strategic support during industry challenges to safeguard member interests.

Through these efforts, NECA ensures its members thrive in a dynamic regulatory landscape, promoting growth and excellence in electrical and communications contracting.

- Kent R Johns | Head of Government & Regulatory Affairs

Recent Initiatives

The NECA Government relations team played a crucial advocacy role towards the following recently announced in significant federal government initiatives:

  • $50M Investment Fund: Expanding clean energy training facilities.
  • $30M for Clean Energy Workforce: Enhancing training and assessment.
  • Advocacy for Clean Energy Careers: Promoting opportunities in the sector.
  • Support for SMEs and Apprentices: Up to $1,500 annual reimbursements.
  • 15,000 Fee-Free TAFE and VET Places: Collaboration with states and territories.
  • Pre-Apprenticeships Program: 5,000 places starting January 2025.
  • Building Women’s Careers: $55.6M to boost gender diversity.
  • Financial Support for Apprentices: Additional $2,000 for training.
  • Employer Incentives: $1,000 for hiring apprentices.