NECA welcomes proposed building and construction industry standards

The National Electrical and Communications Association (NECA) welcomes today’s announcement by the Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations, Amanda Rishworth, regarding the consultation process for new building and construction industry standards. This represents a timely and important step toward strengthening integrity, consistency and confidence across the sector.

As a member of the National Construction Industry Forum, NECA has worked collaboratively with industry participants, government departments and Ministers to progress practical reforms that reflect the operational realities of subcontractors and the broader construction sector. This collaborative approach has been central to advancing a balanced reform agenda that supports both industry capability and regulatory integrity.

NECA welcomes the Government’s clear recognition that the building and construction industry requires a standalone approach, and is a critical setting to ensure fair access, maintain competition, and avoid unintended distortions in procurement.

NECA is supportive of the key areas identified for consultation, including ensuring subcontractors are paid on time, the removal of union veto power over subcontractor selection, the introduction of a fit and proper person test to address serious misconduct, and the establishment of a more coordinated enforcement framework across existing regulators. Measures to address unlawful conduct, improve whistleblower protections and strengthen dispute resolution processes are necessary and proportionate steps to lift standards across the industry.

“From NECA’s perspective, these reforms represent a measured and practical pathway to improving behaviour while maintaining the capacity of subcontractors to deliver projects efficiently and safely, noting that payment terms, timing, and security have long been critical issues that must be addressed to support a sustainable and resilient industry,” said Stewart Joyce, National CEO of NECA.

The electrical and communications sector plays a central role in Australia’s economic and energy transition. Licensed electrical contractors are essential to the delivery of housing, renewable energy systems, electric vehicle infrastructure and major digital projects, including data centres. It is therefore critical that any new standards support productivity, workforce mobility and investment certainty, while preserving the high safety and technical standards that underpin the industry.

NECA looks forward to continuing to engage constructively throughout the consultation process to ensure the final framework delivers durable, evidence-based reform. Our focus will remain on supporting a fair, competitive and high performing industry that continues to meet the infrastructure and energy needs of the nation.