NECA Victoria represents individual firms and companies whose principal business is the selling and installation, servicing and repair of electrical and communications products. The principal objectives of NECA are the promotion, safeguarding and advancement of members' interests. NECA is a national organisation and this opens up the opportunity for wider member benefits and increased efficiency.

Click on the "About NECA Victoria" menu to the left for a wealth of information and advice on a wide range of topics relevant to members as well as further information on the benefits of your NECA membership.

On 9 July 2009 the Australian Government released a revised version of the Implementation Guidelines for the National Code of Practice for the Construction Industry.

New Industrial Relations laws commence on 1 July 2009 which include Unfair Dismissal.

Key aspects of the new Unfair Dismissal laws are the abolishment of the 100 employee exemption and the introduction of a 'Small Business Fair Dismissal Code'.

Employees of employers who have less than 15 employees can only lodge a claim for unfair dismissal if they have been with the employer for more than 12 months. Employees of employers who have 15 or more employees can only lodge a claim for unfair dismissal if they have been with the employer for more than 6 months.

A small business employer will be required to provide evidence of compliance with the 'Small Business Fair Dismissal Code' in the event that a former employee makes a claim for unfair dismissal. Evidence may include a completed checklist, copies of written warning(s), a statement of termination or signed witness statements. To learn more and to view a copy of the 'Small Business Fair Dismissal Code' and a copy of the Australian Government's fact sheet on the new unfair dismissal system which includes a simple checklist to help small business employers to comply with the Code, click here

The Government has introduced legislation into Parliament that will abolish the Australian Building and Construction Commission (ABCC) from 1 February 2010, and replace it with the Office of the Fair Work Building Industry Inspectorate.

The Bill makes a number of significant changes to the existing industry framework, including placing limitations on existing coercive information powers and repealing tougher provisions on unlawful industrial action for building industry participants. The Bill appears to be consistent with a number of recommendations from the Wilcox J report into the ABCC.

The Bill makes no changes to the existing Code of Practice for the Building and Construction Industry and the related Implementation Guidelines for the Code. However, NECA understands that the Government will amend the Implementation Guidelines, with effect possibly as early as 1 July 2009.

Click here to read more.

The majority of the Federal Government's Fair Work Legislation commences operation on the 1st July 2009. From this date the new unfair dismissal, right of entry, agreement making, general protections and transfer of businiess provisions of the Act come into operation as does the new tribunal Fair Work Australia.

The other critical date under the legislation is the 1st January 2010 which is when the National Employment Standards and the new Modern Awards begin to operate.

If you missed the Fair Work Seminars then click here for a copy of the presentation together with fact sheets on the new legislation. A copy of the National Employment Standards and the new Modern Electrical Award - both of these do not commence to operate until the 1st January 2010 are also available.

For an overview of connection and other processes and to find the contact details for all of the electricity distributors and major electricity retailers click here.

Survey Results of Electrical Contractors on the Performance of Victorian Electricity Distributors & Retailers under Full Retail Contestability click here