BRANCH UPDATE Carl Copeland NECA WA Branch Secretary
WA BRANCH
NECA WA Acts on Licensing So, for three months following the ALTHOUGH MARKET CONDITIONS REMAIN DIFFICULT, IT IS PLEASING Processing Delays successful completion of their studies,
TO HEAR FROM MEMBERS IN THE RESIDENTIAL SECTOR THAT THE an apprentice’s training licence NECA WA recently met with the new continues to have effect. They can VARIOUS GOVERNMENT STIMULUS PACKAGES AIMED AT INCREASING Minister for Commerce, the Hon. Ambercontinue to work as an electrical Jade MLA. As the THESanderson CONSTRUCTION OFMinister NEW HOMESworker IS HAVING A POSITIVE EFFECT. under that training licence, responsible for Building and Energy (B&E), provided their application for an we had a frank discussion regarding the Electrical Worker Licence is approved blow-out in licensing processing times. within that three However, NECA has met withmonths. the Minister for Industrial Members in this sector expect a considerable they cannot work unsupervised and Relations, Bill Johnston, and personally increase in work in the near future. Applications for Electricians’ Training they cannotour sign off on ato job. expressed concerns him. We were Licences are taking between four to Theweeks strongtoprices for gold iron ore in particularly adamant that the legislation six process. This and is simply particular have ensured that members Security of Payment Legislation must contain defences that protect unacceptable. Businesses cannot working in the contractors whose safety practices be expected toresource carry thesector cost ofare also Minister indicated at enjoying strong demand forwho electrical work. meet theSanderson legislativealso requirements. employing an apprentice, is our recent meeting that passing the unable to perform any electrical NECA Technical is taking as many, if not new Security oftoPayment legislation It is ridiculous have a situation where work to than government bureaucracy more,due calls it was before COVID, was a government priority. The a business owner has implemented delaying the licence application which indicates there are still lots of safety practices that for ensure compliance legislation was ready Parliament process to 30 working days. membersupperforming work. with all 2021, of their WHS obligations and yet in early however it was delayed can still be subjected to prosecution. The Minister was genuinely shocked due to the state election. Given the There is obviously still a long way to go in when with this information government controls both houses termspresented of a full recovery but it does seem NECA has lobbied the McGowan and that sheiswould of Parliament, the legislation is thatassured Westernus Australia bettertake placed government, as well as the Liberal action to rectify this unnecessary delay. expected to pass without change. than other states at present. Opposition and cross-bench members of Parliament, partpresenting of a coalition of more There is also a similar problem with NECA WA hasas been Industrial Manslaughter than twenty other industry the lengthy processing times for comprehensive information associations on the Legislation who also oppose this legislation. Electrical Worker Licence applications. legislation at the 2021 Industry Nights These are also taking up to six thus far and will continue to do so. We Sometimes there are critical pieces of I encourage every Western Australian weeks to process, which is absurd will also provide further details as they legislation that industry has to fight business owner and director to read the in an environment where there is a become available to members via our tooth and nail to prevent; the Western joint submission to government that chronic shortage of electricians in various communication channels. Australian Government’s proposed NECA WA has made along with the other the Western Australian workforce. industrial manslaughter legislation is industry associations. The submission, Electrical Contractor and such WA a law. which is on NECA WA’s website, is more NECA will continue to pressure the Electrical Worker Licences than 20 pages long but it is critical government to remedy this situation, It is vital that all contractors familiarise that you understand potential however members are advised NECA WA also recentlythe met with Mr Ian themselves with this legislation because implications MP, for you, your business, that under S26(2) of the Electricity Goodenough the Federal Memberyour it will criminalise workplace accidents. co-workers and your family. focused (Licensing) Regulations 1991: for Moore. The conversation The Government’s proposed industrial on the Federal Government’s manslaughter law training exposeslicence business Members can be assured thatsupport NECA WA “... an electrician’s for industry deregulation. Duringthis this owners to up to 10 years in jail and a will continue to fiercely oppose held by a person who successfully conversation, NECA WA strongly $2.5millionthe fineapprenticeship if an accident or occurs on legislation in its current form. argued completes course that such reforms should not include the your worksite – even youlicence haven’t been of training relevant to if that abolition of either Electrical Contractor reckless or negligent. continues to have effect until — Security of Payments Legislation or Electrical Worker Licences. a) the person is granted an It is vital that members understand the The State Government has also recently licence; NECA WA has always, and will always, riskselectrician’s they could face underorthe worst parts released its long-awaited draft Security argue forcefully that as we work in a (e.g. Section 30B) of the Western Australian b) the period of 3 months expires from of Payments legislation. This is vital high-risk industry, licences are essential Government’s proposed Workplace Health the time that the apprenticeship or legislation for NECA members and for to ensure that the our industry & Safety Bill.ofSection unique to WA. course training30B wasiscompleted, subcontractors in work general. undertakes is done safely to protect It is not found in any other state or territory. whichever occurs first.” our workers, customers and the public.
June 2021 SEPTEMBER 2020
