Electrical industry concerned about lawlessness returning to job sites
17 February 2012
Electrical industry concerned about lawlessness returning to job sites
Today, peak Australian electrical industry body, the National Electrical and Communications Association (NECA), said it was concerned that a range of old illegal practices could return to building and construction job sites after the Australian Government’s bill to abolish the building industry regulator was passed in the House of Representatives.
NECA’s Chief executive officer, Mr James Tinslay, said the Australian Building and Construction Commission (ABCC) has been effective in making the building industry more accountable and compliant. Its removal is a worrying sign for electrical contractors and all businesses involved in the building and construction industry.
“NECA represents around 5000 electrical contracting businesses and we are concerned that some of the illegal practices the ABCC stamped out will return to job sites across Australia now the power of the building regulator has been watered down,” Mr Tinslay said.
“In last 12 months, the ABCC has fined a number of employers and unions in the building and construction industry for a range of illegal practices. This is a clear sign that these practices are still occurring and therefore a strong independent building and construction regulator needs to remain in place.
“The move by the Government to weaken powers and transfer the regulator to Fair Work Australia is a step in the wrong direction. Many in the industry will see this new body as a toothless tiger and now push the boundaries even further to see what they can now get away with.”
-ENDS-
NECA is the peak industry body representing the interests of electrical and communications contractors Australia-wide.
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