QLD BRANCH UPDATE

QLD BRANCH

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BRANCH UPDATE

Christopher Gradwell

NECA QLD Member Manager

it is a new year, and we are optimistic that this will be the year we move out from the shadow of COViD-19.

Finishing 2021 on a positive note

Towards the end of last year, NECA held an end-of-year industry celebration at Hemmingway’s Brewery in Cairns. NECA Queensland’s president, David James, discussed the future of NECA Queensland and its ongoing support and commitment to all Queensland members. After another year of COViD-19 uncertainty, it was a great opportunity to network and relax with members.

Change and the road ahead

NECA Queensland finds itself in an exciting position in 2022. We have been through a state of change over the last year and a half, listening to our members and their needs, and delivering on this every day. With an increase in services and support personnel, NECA members are receiving more value for their membership and this has been reflected in our continued growth.

NECA Training will commence in Queensland this year. This is another fantastic service we’ve added, which will provide upskilling and post-trade training. in an industry that is rapidly changing and evolving, it is important to stay ahead of emerging technologies and future energies. NECA’s partnership with leading wholesalers and electrical suppliers is growing to new heights, with more involvement and information sharing and support for NECA members and industry. These partnerships are essential for keeping the industry working together as a whole, growing and succeeding together. With more events, information sessions, resources and web series, NECA and our valued partners will be delivering increasing value to more members in an all-encompassing approach.

The key to recovery

2022 has already presented its fair share of challenges for NECA members. With the borders opening at the end of 2021, a surge of COViD-19 cases never before seen spread across Queensland affecting all areas of the state. With large portions of the workforce required to isolate for seven days, we’ve seen supply chain issues as well as staff shortages. Many businesses were already experiencing high demand for additional staff, so this development has dramatically impacted on contractors. it has created a backlog of works, project delays and a raft of issues to manage.

Since the emergence of COViD-19 NECA has been at the forefront in keeping members updated. This year NECA legal ran a member webinar, which provided clear and concise information on leave requirements, the rights of employees, what defines a close contact and contractual issues. The session had an unprecedented attendance and was well-received by the membership.

i personally want to remind all members of NECA’s employee assistance program (EAp) that provides complimentary counselling and support for all members and their staff. The current whirlwind business climate and ever-changing situation can lead to additional stress. Stress can be the trigger for past trauma or a catalyst for a downward spiral in mental health – not to be confused with mental illness. This impacts all avenues of business, from performance through to safety. if left untreated, mental health can have detrimental consequences.

NECA is here to support you and your business with information and resources, like our NECA legal webinar, and support during tougher times with the NECA EAp. We hear you, and have the tools to assist. please reach out if there is anything you need.

New standard for Installation and Safety Requirement for Photovoltaic (PV) Arrays to commence from 19 May 2022

On 19 November 2021, Standards Australia published a revised standard AS/NZS 5033:2021 installation and safety requirements for photovoltaic (pV) arrays*, replacing the existing standard AS/NZS 5033:2014.

implementation of the revised standard was given a six-month transition period, meaning AS/NZS 5033:2014 will remain current until 18 May 2022. After this time, it will be superseded by AS/NZS 5033:2021.

in Queensland, during this transition period, either standard (AS/NZS 5033:2014 or AS/NZS 5033:2021) can be applied to solar pV installations. However, whichever standard is applied, the whole standard will need to be followed. For example, if you choose to use the 2021 version, the whole standard is to be followed. You are not able to use some requirements from the 2021 version and some requirements from the 2014 version.

From 19 May 2022, solar pV installations will need to comply with AS/NZS 5033:2021. The standard revision aims to provide clear and relevant guidance to support safe systems and practices for industry professionals and consumers. The standard has been restructured to promote better readability and provide methods to improve installation safety.

Some of the changes include:

½ options related to rooftop isolators; ½ direct current (DC) cable routing and installation requirements; ½ earthing requirements; ½ an increase in the maximum pV array voltage for residential systems; ½ changes to DC optimiser and microinverter requirements; and ½ updated testing and verification requirements.

*AS/NZS 5033 is referenced in AS/ NZS 3000, commonly known as the Wiring rules, which is called upon in the Electrical Safety Act 2002 and the Electrical Safety Regulations 2013.

Government initiatives ahead of the Queensland budget

A key initiative that NECA will be monitoring closely this year is how the Queensland Government responds to the independent review of the Electrical Safety Act 2002 and its regulations. The review report was submitted in midDecember 2021, with the government now needing to respond and consult with industry on the changes they intend to make to the existing laws.

in the lead-up to this year’s Queensland budget, NECA has also presented the Treasurer with a pre-budget submission asking the government to consider committing to:

½ shovel-ready projects; ½ matching grants for households to undertake electrical safety and energy efficiency upgrades; ½ phasing out stamp duty; ½ extending COViD-19 assistance through a moratorium on liquidated damage provisions; and ½ extending apprentice wage subsidies to include mature age apprentices.

Nominations for the 2022 NECA Excellence and Apprentice Awards have opened!

We are very pleased to be running our Excellence and Apprentice Awards again, which will provide valuable industry recognition for members. This year a new section featuring small business awards has been introduced for businesses with fewer than 10 employees. There are three awards in this new section: Emerging Small Business, Small Contracting Business of the Year and Small Business project of the Year.

Nominations for all 2022 NECA Excellence Awards close on 18 May, and the awards night will be held Friday, 5 August at the Sofitel Brisbane.

For inspiration, flick through to the following page, and read about NECA members Calvin Baker, Jeremy Canard and Kat Dekker from Give industries, who received a commendation for last year’s Emerging Small Business Award.

NECA’s weekly e-newsletter

Operating a business in the ongoing pandemic can be difficult, with official regulations and requirements constantly changing. NECA’s weekly e-newsletter provides valuable industry information and the latest updates in technical, industrial relations, legal, human resources, workplace health and safety and COViD-19 issues. They are a great way to keep yourself and your business abreast of any changes. if you are not receiving our weekly e-newsletter, scan the Qr code and fill out your details.

Are you looking for labour?

if you need additional workers, you can now advertise your requests in NECA’s weekly e-newsletter as part of our labour Exchange section. For details on how to submit a request, check our next e-newsletter.

2022 industry nights

Due to the unfortunate circumstances around the COViD-19 pandemic, the industry Nights planned for March were postponed to later in the year in May and June. We have lined up a comprehensive roadshow agenda including the opportunity to get up close to industry experts and regulators. Stay tuned for new dates in the weekly e-newsletter.

Business support

The NECA team is here to provide you and your business with the support, expert advice and resources you need so your business can thrive. if you have any questions regarding NECA membership or require industry advice in general, please get in touch. i look forward to hearing from you.

GIVE INDUSTRIES MAKING A SOCIAL IMPACT

100% prOFiTS DONATED. USiNG SUSTAiNABlE prACTiCES. COMMiTTED TO AN iNClUSiVE WOrKFOrCE.

This is the mission of Give industries, a team of experienced electrical contractors, who are paving the way for industry to move into a more sustainable future. We spoke to company directors, Calvin Baker, Kat Dekker and Jeremy Canard about their experiences of running a business with such a remarkable model.

What has been a major business highlight?

The Giving What We Can (GWWC) pledge has been taken by over 8,000 people globally, who have decided to donate at least 10% of their income to highly effective charities. When GWWC opened their pledge to companies, Give industries was lucky enough to be one of the first three companies globally to take the pledge in November 2020. Another highlight was securing a position on the electrical maintenance panel for the Brisbane City Council. This has given us the confidence to pursue larger clients and contracts, highlighting our industry leadership in quality and processes, plus always offering clients the chance to amplify their impact by working with a social enterprise.

Why did you nominate your business in NECA’s Excellence Awards Emerging Small Business Category?

Give industries is still a relatively young business, only in our 4th year of operation with our tenth employee hired in February 2022. We are the only electrical contractor and solar installer in Australia that is a Social Traders Certified Social Enterprise and registered as a charity. Behind every decision we make, is our driving goal: to give every single spare dollar away to some of the most highly effective charities in the world.

in many ways, our day-today work is much like any other electrical contractor. Our teams work on fitouts and maintenance in retail, hospitality, office, and residential buildings. We tender and quote competitively, and offer our customers high quality and reasonably priced services. in other ways, ours is a very different company. Our toolbox talks involve chats about the places our donations are going, and our staff are some of our biggest advocates. We’re committed to at least 50% of our apprentices being female. We work a four-day week and we built a rock-climbing wall when we got our first warehouse. Every day we are open to new ways of running a business, listening to our staff, and implementing their ideas. We were so happy to receive the commendation in the Emerging New Small Business category in 2021!

Can you share one of your greatest challenges?

This year we are moving into residential and commercial rooftop solar. We know this will be challenging, as the market is so competitive and cut-throat. We are excited about entering this territory, and offering clients an alternative model, providing holistic energy efficiency advice, smart and safe solar installation, and advanced energy monitoring solutions. We’re also excited to offer residential clients the chance to amplify their impact, knowing all our profits are donated to our amazing charity partners.

What has been your most impactful project?

in late 2021, Give industries worked with local non-profit organisation Communify Queensland to install rooftop solar on one of their community spaces, the Newmarket Hall. As one of our earliest solar projects, it allowed us to test the waters with this service offering, develop strong safety procedures, and make use of a newly purchased solar panel lift for added safety. it was impactful as we were working for a non-profit client, knowing the savings generated by the solar install will go directly back into supporting the local community. Following installation, a 70% reduction on their future energy bills is anticipated for 2022, representing at least $6,500/year.

What advice would you give to other businesses who are starting up?

Think about doing things differently! Just because most businesses follow a similar model, doesn’t mean yours has to. Think about the way your business can impact the world around it! At the end of your working career, what do you want to be able to say you’ve achieved? Do you want it to be just personal gains, or do you want to be able to say you made the world around you a better place? Business-for-good is such an exciting way to do business! Your passion and energy will be so much higher in the face of challenges and struggles if you are working for a goal bigger than yourself.

How has NECA been part of the growth of your business?

NECA has so many offerings that Give industries values. in particular, the NECA staff were a huge asset when we developed our SWMS and safety processes. in 2021, we reviewed our safety management systems to apply for Cm3 prequalification. NECA’s easy, clear safety documents made this so much easier and smoother than if we had to create everything. The NECA team were available for phone call and email support throughout this process, and guided us through every step. We’re now proudly prequalified for Cm3, and have strong and robust SWMS and safety management systems for all circumstances!

For advice and support in legal, Hr & ir, technical, WHS, ppE & workwear, training and apprenticeships, or if you would like us to tell your business success story, get in touch with your NECA QlD Member Manager, Christopher Gradwell.