BRANCH UPDATE Carl Copeland NECA WA Branch Secretary
WA BRANCH
Energy Inspectors whoITnow Excellence ALTHOUGHand MARKET CONDITIONS REMAIN DIFFICULT, IS attend PLEASING the events. This direct access to Apprentice Awards
TO HEAR FROM MEMBERS IN THE RESIDENTIAL SECTOR THAT THE inspectors is something that members More than 400 people attended the NECA have requested for a number of years VARIOUS GOVERNMENT STIMULUS PACKAGES AIMED AT INCREASING WA Excellence and Apprentice Awards and it is proving to be very beneficial at TheCONSTRUCTION Westin Perth on Friday, JuneHOMES THE OF 25 NEW HAVING A POSITIVE EFFECT. forIS both members and the inspectors. 2021. The evening is one of our highlight Between now and the end of the year, events for the year, showcasing our we will be holding NECA Industry Nights industry’s most exceptional projects and NECA has met with theand Minister for Industrial Members in this sector expect a considerable in Narrogin, Bunbury Geraldton – best performing apprentices. Thank you Relations, Bill Johnston, and personally increase in work in the near future. I look forward to speaking with many to everyone for the time and effort they expressed concerns to him. We were more of youour at those events. To register, put preparing their nominations, Theinto strong prices for gold and iron ore in particularly adamant that the legislation visit https://memberarea.necawa. and for attending the event. was particular have ensured thatItmembers must contain defences that protect asn.au/Home/EventCalendar. wonderful industry working in to thecelebrate resourceour sector are also contractors whose safety practices in person, afterdemand being unable to holdwork. enjoying strong for electrical meet the legislative Skills Shortage inrequirements. the the event in 2020 due to COVID-19. Electrical Industry NECA Technical is taking as many, if not It is ridiculous to have a situation where Special guests Yaz Mubarakai more, calls thanincluded it was before COVID, a business ownerahas implemented Without a doubt, serious lack of MLA, for there Jandakot, Saj lots Khan, whichMember indicates are still of safety practices that ensure compliance labour is a critical issue that members Building and Energy’s Executive members performing work. with all of their WHS obligations and yet are experiencing in the regions. It’s Director, and Tiffany Allen, CEO of can still be subjected to prosecution. not uncommon to hear comments like, There is obviouslyTraining still a long way to go in the Construction Fund. “If I could, I would hire five new guys terms of a full recovery but it does seem NECA has lobbied the even McGowan Athat huge thank you to theisevent sponsor tomorrow,” or “I don’t answer Western Australia better placed government, as well as the Liberal calls from new clients. I just don’t have Clipsal and Schneider Electric for than other states at present. Opposition and cross-bench members of enough staff to do any more work.” their ongoing support of this event Parliament, as part of a coalition of more and our industry. Go to page 16 to Industrial Manslaughter This is a common issue in the Perth than twenty other industry associations find out more about WA’s winning Legislation metro areaoppose as well. I recently attended who also this legislation. apprentices and projects. Good luck to the Government Skills Shortage Summit, those of youthere who will be representing Sometimes are critical pieces of I encourage every Western Australian where NECA and several other industry our state atthat the National legislation industry Awards. has to fight business owner and director to read the associations strongly urged the tooth and nail to prevent; the Western joint submission to government that government to urgently assess means Regional Nights Australian Industry Government’s proposed NECA WA more has made along the other by which labour can with be safely industrial manslaughter legislation is industryinto associations. The current submission, brought our state. The skills The General Manager of Member such a law. which is on NECA WA’s website, iseffect more shortage is having a detrimental Services, Aidan O’Grady, and I have than 20 pages long but it is critical on members and their businesses, been visiting regional locations It is vital thatmany all contractors familiarise thatityou understand the potential and needs to be urgently addressed. over the pastwith fewthis months to hostbecause NECA themselves legislation implications for you,ways your that business, We need to develop satisfyyour Industry Nights and meet with members. it will criminalise workplace accidents. co-workers and your need family. industry’s desperate for more We have appreciated the opportunity The Government’s proposed industrial labour while responding to community to learn more about what is business impacting manslaughter law exposes Members can be assured that NECA WA concern about the spread of COVID-19. members how caninhelp areas owners toand up to 10we years jail in and a will continue to fiercely oppose this such as Portfine Hedland, Karratha,occurs Broome, $2.5million if an accident on legislation in its current form. NECA WA Board of Directors Kununurra, Kalgoorlie your worksite – even ifand youBusselton. haven’t been reckless or negligent. ISecurity would likeof to Payments congratulateLegislation Chris I have to say that I thoroughly enjoy Sweeting from Westwide Electrical these events. Regional members from It is vital that members understand the The Statewho Government has elected also recently Services was recently across ourcould stateface are under very engaged risks they the worstduring parts released its long-awaited drafttakes Security as President of NECA WA. Chris the to Australian hear (e.g.presentations Section 30B) ofand the eager Western of Payments legislation. This is vital over from Peter Beveridge of Williams about what is proposed happeningWorkplace in the industry. Government’s Health legislationMy forsincere NECA members and for Electrical. thanks to Peter & Safety Bill. Section 30B is unique to WA. subcontractors in general. for his commitment and dedication NECA’s Industry Nights are also a great It is not found in any other state or territory. to the role over the past two years. opportunity to hear directly from the Western Power and Building and September SEPTEMBER2021 2020
