This morning’s announcement that further debate would be held in the Senate on legislation to re-establish the Australian Building and Construction Commission (ABCC) is welcomed by the National Electrical and Communications Association (NECA).

“NECA believes that the ABCC’s return is a crucial step forward for electrical contractors,” says Chief Executive Officer, Suresh Manickam.

“Not only have we been a long-term advocate for the ABCC’s return, we have also been calling upon the Senate to pass this critical piece of legislation for our sector.”

“The ABCC will be a positive catalyst for change in the building and construction sector ensuring greater levels of transparency, encouraging lawful activity through harsher penalties and the reduction of corrupt activities that ultimately leads to a more efficient delivery of key infrastructure projects, greater economic productivity and the creation of more employment opportunities,” Mr Manickam said.

“The unacceptable behaviour and activities, as uncovered by the Royal Commission into Trade Union Governance and Corruption cannot be allowed to continue. NECA once again urges the Senate to pass the Building and Construction Industry (Improving Productivity) Bill 2013.”

“Ongoing obstruction in the Senate and a failure to pass this legislation is now likely to be resolved through the constitutional mechanism of a double dissolution election to be held on Saturday July 2^nd,” said Mr Manickam.

-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.

For further information go to www.neca.asn.au.