As the voice of the major electrical and communication contractors in the Australian building and construction industry, NECA endorses the government's decision to proceed with the Royal Commission into Trade Union Governance and Corruption.  And we look forward to seeing the terms of reference.  The Cole Royal Commission in 2001 resulted in numerous findings and/or recommendations.  Regrettably, however, very few of these have been acted upon.  Consequently NECA is hopeful that this Royal Commission will result in a positive and lasting legacy for our industry.

“Just as businesses are not permitted to act outside of the law – so trade unions must also respect the law and abide by it,” says Suresh Manickam, the new national CEO at NECA.  “Transparency and lawfulness should be a given in the building and construction industry, and we would support the reinstatement of the ABCC,” he adds.

NECA will play its part in this process and should there be findings of corruption and/or unlawful behaviour will support all measures to bring such behaviour to an end.
 

-ENDS-

Notes for editors

1. NECA is the peak industry body representing the interests of electrical and communications contractors Australia-wide.
2. Suresh Manickam took over as CEO at the beginning of February 2014, and James Tinslay – the former CEO, leaves NECA after 25 years at the end of the month.
3. We have 5,000 contracting companies as members – and they in turn employ over 50,000 people across Australia.
4. NECA employs almost 350 people across its seven chapters (Queensland, New South Wales, The ACT, Victoria, Tasmania, South Australia and Western Australian).
5. The chapters provide NECA members with a range of services including: Industrial Relations, Health & Safety, Legal, 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 .

Media enquiries and interviews

Barry Jackson – national marketing and communications

E barry.jackson@neca.asn.au

D 02 9962 6904

M 0457 767 328