News & Views

14th September 2017

Aluminium cladding shows need for progress on non-compliant electrical products: NECA

The National Electrical and Communications Association (NECA) has reacted positively to the recommendations outlined in the Australian Senate’s interim report on aluminium composite cladding, released as part of its inquiry into non-conforming building products.

“As the report notes, the use of non-compliant aluminium cladding is widespread and this poses significant dangers to the public, as shown by building fire disasters overseas such as the Grenfell Tower tragedy,” said NECA Chief Executive Officer, Mr Suresh Manickam.

“Despite this, there have been extensive delays in developing and implementing policies to address the use of non-compliant products in the building industry in Australia,” said Mr Manickam.

“NECA has consistently advocated for increased government enforcement to reduce the importation and use of non-compliant building products, which in the electrical contracting sector have the potential to cause electrical fires and shocks leading to fatalities, as well as the loss of public confidence in the industry.”

“We are therefore supportive of the interim report’s recommendation that the Federal Safety Commissioner should be adequately resourced to carry out audits of compliance with the National Construction Code performance requirements in relation to building materials.”

“NECA also urges that the Commonwealth and state and territory governments expedite progress on mandatory third party certification of building products and an improved product testing regime through fora such as the Building Minister’s Forum.”

“We also support the interim report’s recommendation that the Commonwealth government expedites its consideration of Director Identification Numbers to address the issue of illegal phoenix activity, which negatively impacts many sub-contractors.”

“Additionally, NECA seeks Commonwealth government support for the management and administration of the EESS (Electrical Equipment Safety System) database, which is designed to combat the use of non-compliant electrical products.”

“Although EESS is designed to be a nationally operated scheme, it is currently only recognised in the Queensland, Tasmania and Western Australia.”

-ENDS-

Media enquiries and interviews

Adam Spivakovsky

E  Adam.Spivakovsky@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 100,000 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.

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