The slashing of red tape and administrative burdens is good news for electrical contractors says the CEO of the National Electrical and Communications Association, Suresh Manickam.

“Small Business is the lifeblood of the Australian economy and the electrical communications and contracting industry plays a large role in its growth.”

“More than 90% of businesses within our sector employ less than 25 staff, compared with the national average of just over 70%,” Mr Manickam said.

Mr Manickam was commenting after the release of the Federal Government’s Annual Red Tape Reduction Report, which highlighted decisions to reduce $2.5 Billion worth of regulatory impacts on business of over the last year.

“We are pleased that the Federal Government is listening to the concerns of our sector via our representations, policy submissions and our overarching policy manifesto.”

“Whilst progress has been made, there’s plenty more work to do to assist the small and medium enterprises of our sector,” said Mr Manickam.

“Items such as payroll tax harmonisation, threshold harmonisation, security of payments, the alignment of reporting timeframes and the introduction of sunset provisions are opportunities for the Government to further reduce red tape for electrical contractors.”

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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.