On the eve of a Federal Election, the CEO of the National Electrical & Communications Association, Suresh Manickam, reminds all political parties of the importance of the electrical contracting sector.

“The electrical contracting sector underpins the Australian economy in more ways than one,” said Mr Manickam.

“Our sector overwhelmingly comprises Australian owned and managed SMEs, which in turn provide positive economic benefits for the national economy through the employment of 145,000 working Australians,” Mr Manickam said.

Critical to our sector are those key policy areas that NECA has spent the last 12 months actively canvassing with all political parties. NECA has developed a number of key policy areas that would see a positive impact in relation to jobs growth, productivity, product assurance, tax harmonisation and efficiency, energy efficiency and vocational education and training.

We will also continue to support the passage of legislation that deals with Registered Organisations and the ABCC.

NECA adopts a non-partisan approach and urges all political parties to adopt our carefully considered and sound policy positions. To this end, NECA remains committed to pursuing greater outcomes for the electrical contracting sector and will continue to engage will all sides of politics during the course of the federal election campaign and beyond.

-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.