Allegations that the CFMEU has targeted the Commonwealth Games site on the Gold Coast with a campaign of industrial action and stop work provides further evidence of the need for the reinstatement of the Australian Building and Construction Commission (ABCC), the CEO of the National Electrical and Communications Association, Mr Suresh Manickam has said today.

The allegations, including workdays that involved as little as two hours of on-the-job work due to several union led “communication” meetings are in addition to the recent investigation and findings by the Royal Commission into Trade Union Governance and Corruption into the union’s Queensland branch.

“Here is yet another example of why the ABCC must gain the support of the Senate,” said Mr Manickam.

“NECA strongly supports the return of the ABCC as a measure to stamp out illegal workplace activity by trade unions. We strongly believe that that the re-establishment of this industry watchdog will deliver a safe and transparent workplace where the rule of law is upheld and sector productivity is enhanced.”

“The last election was based upon the re-establishment of the ABCC. Now that the Federal Government has been re-elected it has a mandate for the re-establishment of the ABCC. The passage of these critical laws are just as critical for Australia’s mums and dads as they are for electrical contractors, in both Queensland and across the nation,” Mr Manickam said.

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Media enquiries and interviews
Barry Jackson – National Marketing and Communications
E barry.jackson@neca.asn.au
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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.