The National Electrical and Communications Association (NECA) today praised the State and Federal Treasurers for agreeing at National Cabinet to harmonise their laws so qualifications are recognised nationwide with the aim of having the barriers removed by 1 January, 2021.

This will allow tradespeople and vocational workers to cross inter-state borders more easily and offer increased business opportunities. 

Different licence requirements in different states has been a major burden for contractors and NECA has long called for harmonisation including in its Pre-Budget Submission.

Suresh Manickam, CEO of NECA, said:

“This is a very encouraging first step toward helping trade businesses stay competitive in these challenging times. It is crucial that government policy continues to support business as our Industry Impact Survey indicated that 80% of businesses say that work pipelines are due to run dry within the next six months.  

“We have long called for harmonisation of licencing and our Pre-Budget Submission called for a single national occupational licensing scheme for electrical subcontractors, which would ensure the ability and freedom for them to work freely across Australia and would remove significant red tape.

“We welcome the National Cabinet’s decision and urge State Governments to expedite the legislative changes required to make this a reality for hardworking tradies across the country.”

NECA’s Pre-Budget Submission can be seen here.

NECA’s Industry Impact Survey can be seen here.

ENDS