NECA CEO Appointed to National Energy Industry Worker Redeployment Advisory Group

The National Electrical and Communications Associations (NECA) is proud to announce that CEO Oliver Judd has been appointed by Senator the Hon Tim Ayres, Assistant Minister for a Future Made in Australia, as a member of the newly established Energy Industry Worker Redeployment Advisory Group (EIWRAG). This group has been formed under the Net Zero Economy Authority Act 2024 and will play a pivotal role in advising the Fair Work Commission on how best to support workers and communities affected by the closure of coal and gas-fired power stations as Australia transitions to a net zero economy.

The EIWRAG brings together senior representatives from industry, business, and unions to ensure that the Energy Industry Jobs Plan is both fair and effective. The group will provide advice to the Fair Work Commission on when a jobs plan should be established, which employers are included, and the specific actions those employers must take to support redeployment and retraining. Oliver’s appointment reflects the Federal Government’s recognition of NECA’s expertise in workforce development and our industry’s crucial role in the future energy economy.

This appointment gives the nation’s electrical contractors a direct voice in shaping policy outcomes that will determine how thousands of skilled energy sector workers are redeployed into new opportunities across renewables, electrification, and advanced manufacturing. Oliver will stand alongside leaders from the Business Council of Australia, the Australian Industry Group, and key union representatives to ensure Australia’s energy transition delivers not only environmental outcomes but also economic security and opportunity for workers who have powered the nation for generations.