Welcome to NECA

The National Electrical and Communications Association (NECA) is the national voice of the electrical and communications industry. Its pivotal role is opening up more dialogue between policy-makers, influencers, suppliers and customers throughout Australia – advocating, educating and connecting all those involved with more opportunities.

As Australia’s peak electrical and communications industry body, NECA is committed to raising the profile, business environment and competitive edge of all electrical and communications professionals throughout Australia

Wherever your business connects with people, NECA is there to advocate, educate and generate more business.

NECA welcomes budget promise of action on energy efficiency

NECA welcomes the Federal Government’s commitment to growing the nation’s renewable energy capabilities. This commitment is demonstrated by the $652.5 million Renewable Energy Future Fund announced in this year’s budget. It is anticipated that this fund will continue to support the growth of the industry of which electrical contractors are a major contributor.

The fund has two aims, the second of which is “to enhance the take-up of industrial, commercial and residential energy efficiency, helping Australian businesses and households reduce their energy consumption.”

NECA CEO James Tinslay “We are encouraged by the government’s commitment to energy efficiency and how this will benefit both electrical contractors and the consumer.”

Read NECA's full media release here

Foil Insulation Safety Program

Information for electricians about the Australian Government’s Foil Insulation Safety Program for homes insulated with foil products under the Home Insulation Program between 3 February 2009 and 9 February 2010, when foil products were suspended from the program.

The Government has engaged PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) as program brokers to roll out the Foil Insulation Safety Program.

The contract with PwC brings to an immediate end the interim arrangements whereby eligible households could obtain a Program Reference Number and arrange a safety inspection by a licenced electrical contractor of their choice. No further Program Reference Numbers will be issued.  However, inspections already booked by a householder and carried out before 14 May 2010 will be paid by the Government under the interim arrangements.

Under the new arrangements all foil insulation inspection and rectification work will now be organised through PwC, who have have engaged UGL Services to manage the electrical safety work. 

A competitive procurement process is being conducted to engage additional licensed electrical contractors needed to carry out the work under this Program. NECA members who wish to be a part of this process can contact the UGL Contractor Registration team on  1800 067 950.

The majority of additional electricians will be needed in Queensland and Northern NSW, where most of the foil insulation was installed under the Home Insulation Program.

Further details about this recruitment process and other details such as payment timeframes are available on the Government website.

http://www.environment.gov.au/eehp/safety-plan/foil-insulation.html#elec

Information for consumers

Under this  Program, every householder that had foil insulation installed under the Home Insulation Program is entitled to receive a free electrical safety inspection.  The government will also pay for the cost of rectification works resulting from the foil insulation installed under the Home Insulation Program.  Complete details regarding the process to recieve your free inspection are available on the Government website.

http://www.environment.gov.au/eehp/safety-plan/foil-insulation.html#house

Henry Tax Review - what does it mean to business?

For business, the Austalian Government's response to the Henry Tax Review has been a mixed bag.  NECA, as a member of the Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI), provides a snapshot of what the review means.  Download it here.

A Lethal Miscalculation - Four Corners insulation special

NECA joined other industry experts on the Four Corners special aired on Monday 26 April 2010.  NECA CEO, James Tinslay, highlighted NECA's repeated warnings and offers of assistance made to the Government which were never acknowledged. Follow this link to watch the full show.