Given the backdrop of media surrounding the Australian Building and Construction Commission (ABCC), NECA encourages Senator’s to listen to community and business sentiment and ensure swift passage of the legislation re-establishing the ABCC.

In December last year, the final report of the Royal Commission into Trade Union Governance and Corruption was released by Commissioner Dyson Heydon AC QC, making 79 key recommendations for legislative reform and referring 45 individuals for possible criminal charges or civil action. The third recommendation of the Commission calls for the establishment of an independent, stand-alone regulator to monitor unlawful activity, as well as the Government’s commitment to the re-establishment of the Australian Building and Construction Commission to oversee workplace relations across the sector.

“Today’s news that the Federal Government is serious about the return of the ABCC is good news for electrical contractors,” Mr Manickam said.

“NECA has strongly argued for the re-establishment of the ABCC as a positive catalyst for change in the building and construction sector. We believe that the ABCC will ensure greater levels of transparency, encourage lawful activity through harsher penalties and reduce corrupt activities, allowing the more efficient delivery of key infrastructure projects, greater economic productivity and the creation of more employment opportunities.”

“In August 2015, NECA joined with a range of industry bodies across the building and construction sector in calling upon the Senate to pass the Building and Construction Industry (Improving Productivity) Bill 2013 and we look forward to the introduction new legislation, following the Royal Commission’s findings.

“The unacceptable behaviour and activities, as uncovered by the Royal Commission in its six volume report, cannot be allowed to continue.  It’s now up to the Senate to stand up and be counted given its importance to the electrical and communications contracting sector.”

-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.