A record $2.6 billion infrastructure spend in the 2018/19 Tasmanian budget will create work opportunities for electrical contractors.

“The Tasmanian budget is essentially good news for electrical contractors with plenty of jobs created through building works thanks to significant investments in roads and bridges, hospital upgrades, schools and TAFEs and affordable housing,” said Suresh Manickam, CEO National Electrical and Communications Association (NECA).

“The $7 million assigned to upgrading the old TASTAFE Clarence campus facilities to create a Trades and Water Centre of Excellence will ensure that Tasmanian electrotechnology apprentices and trainees learn and develop their skills in a high quality environment.  This is one of the recommendations NECA advocated in our Tasmania 2018/19 pre-budget submission”

NECA advocated that the Tasmanian Government set out a long-term plan to reduce and remove payroll tax. The payroll tax concessions for small businesses will benefit electrical contractors as will the three year payroll tax exemptions to encourage companies to relocate to Tasmania. However, NECA would still like to see a longer-term plan which will ease the burden of payroll tax for SMEs.

Extension until 2021 of the apprentice and trainees rebate that was introduced in 2017 will make it easier for electrical contractors to employ apprentices giving them valuable work experience.

“While this is a positive budget for our sector, NECA would have liked to see more focus on encouraging female apprentices into trades and providing incentives for property owners to install solar and other renewable energy systems,” said Manickam.

“Having said that, all in all this is a good budget which will support our members by increasing economic activity and providing more employment opportunities,” he said.

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