News & Views

19th April 2017

NECA welcomes 457 announcement

NECA welcomes the Government's announcement of the abolition of the 457 Visa program for temporary skilled workers.

The 457 Visa program is set to be replaced by a new temporary visa specifically designed to ensure tighter requirements surrounding English language skills and labour market testing.

The Chief Executive Officer of the National Electrical and Communications Association, Mr Suresh Manickam welcomed the focus on the Australian workforce however, he noted that Australia must continue to invest in training and skilling programs.

“NECA agrees that more stringent labour market testing is a positive outcome for our industry. Whilst these changes are positive, the government must also ensure that any new system must contain measures to deliver enough flexibility for industry solutions,” said Mr Manickam.

“NECA agrees that Australian workers must have priority for Australian jobs and it is for this reason that governments must act now to boost our capacity in Australia’s vocational education and training 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.

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

NECA National Corporate Sponsors:

Member Login

Enter your NECA Login ID.
Enter the password that accompanies your username.
[X] Close this Window