9 minute read
Government relations and policy
GOVERNMENT RELATIONS
AND POLICY
WItH A NeW FeDerAL LAbOr GOVerNmeNt, prIme mINISter AND CAbINet, NeCA HAS beeN WOrKING HArD tO eNSUre tHe VIeWS AND prIOrItIeS OF OUr memberS Are At tHe FOreFrONt OF tHe NAtIONAL CONVerSAtION. WItH A NeW GOVerNmeNt COmeS NeW prIOrItIeS AND perSpeCtIVeS, WHICH preSeNt NeW OppOrtUNItIeS tO HAVe A StrONG VOICe IN GOVerNmeNt AND eNSUre tHe StAbILItY OF tHe eLeCtrOteCHNOLOGY INDUStrY.
Powering Australia plan Security of payments
the government’s commitment to creating jobs, cutting power bills and reducing emissions by boosting renewable energy initiatives, are at the centre of its powering Australia plan. the government’s plan aims to reduce Australia’s emissions by 43% by 2030. the objective of the plan is to bring cheaper renewable energy to Australian homes and businesses. the electrotechnology industry will be at the forefront of implementing the government’s ambitious targets and infrastructure delivery. It will require a r huge expansion of our workforce, and necessitate upskilling and training. Initiatives in the plan include:
0½ an upgrade of the electricity grid to fix energy transmission; priority nationally. the number of collapses of large head contractors has increased, the changes we are recommending, such as reasonable rise and fall pricing clauses along with sensible extension ½ making electric vehicles cheaper; ½ providing direct financial support for measures that improve energy 17efficiency within existing industries; and ½ developing new industries in regional Australia through a new powering the regions Fund. ht, the government has indicated it will roll out 85 solar banks around Australia to e.ensure increased take-up of rooftop solar, and install 400 community batteries across the country. It is envisaged this program will create 604,000 jobs, and ithrelease $76 billion of investment. NeCA also welcomed the passage of Labor’s emissions reduction targets legislation through the House of representatives. this
Alegislation represents the commencement of the powering Australia plan. platform suggesting strong support for our positions and significant change. proposals later this year. However, as a statutory body, the abolition of the AbCC Strong economic recovery and the growth of local economies hinge on essential sectors like building and construction. recent collapses of large builders across the country have placed the industry at risk of financial stress, insolvencies, job losses, and reputational damage. Such pressures often go beyond material impacts, and affect the wellbeing of business owners, their employees, and their families. It is only fair that when subcontractors do a job, they receive payment. I discussed this in the last edition of NeCA News, but with the election of a new federal government, it has become a major NeCA and according to some forecasts, further collapses will be a significant and ongoing cause of great concern in our industry. NeCA is working closely with ministers and bureaucrats across Australia. We have also initiated forums with other finishing trades and specialist subcontractor groups to ensure the contracting sector across all affected trades can speak with one voice when it comes to lobbying for and securing an effective Security of payments framework. NeCA has been working with John murray Am, author of the review of Security of payment Laws – building trust and Harmony report commissioned by the Federal Government. NeCA’s proposals are being actively considered at the highest levels, with the new government’s policy NeCA is advocating strongly to the Federal Government to improve the Security of payments environment for all subcontractors, by ensuring consistent national laws that provide for statutory trusts in favour of subcontractors. Further, NeCA is highlighting members’ strong concerns about unfair contracts and imbalances of power on large projects. With rising material costs, labour shortages and disruptions, and supply chain delays, the risks associated with construction projects are increasing. robust legislation is required to protect subcontractors from having to accept works under unfair and inequitable terms imposed on them by head contractors using unfair contracts. of time provisions, aim to address these concerns. NeCA will continue to advocate on behalf of its members for meaningful and effective change.
the Federal Government has moved to strip the construction industry watchdog of its substantive powers ahead of plans to abolish the AbCC altogether. Workplace relations minister tony burke flagged the AbCC would be defunded after the Labor party took a policy of abolishing the AbCC to the recent federal election. minister burke has confirmed the government will follow through on these
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Kent Johns
NECA Head of Government Relations and Policy
POLICY AND ADVOCACY
must be legislated. Labor does not have a majority in the Senate, and will thus require support from at least one crossbench senator to achieve this. the minister has indicated the Fair Work Ombudsman will enforce the rules of the Fair Work Act over the building and construction industry, and that improving the safety culture of the industry will be overseen by the Federal Safety Commissioner. NeCA will monitor the changes as they progress and keep members informed.
Training opportunities
the Federal Government has indicated it will invest in 10,000 New energy Apprenticeships and a New energy Skills program. NeCA is continuing its focus on greater training opportunities to address skills shortages impacting our members’ businesses and the electrotechnology sector. We look forward to the challenge of being part of this program to upskill the sector’s workforce to meet these targets. Federal legislation has been introduced to establish an interim statutory body, Jobs and Skills Australia. Jobs and Skills
Australia will provide independent advice to the government on Australia’s current and emerging skills and workforce needs. It is designed to guide the skills and training sector so it can provide workers who have the right skills with choices and opportunities for secure employment. NeCA will be providing input into the review of the legislation with regard to its impact in the electrotechnology sector. providing pathways for greater female participation in our industry remains a NeCA priority as a key method of addressing skills shortages. Lifting the number of women in the sector will involve significant policy, regulatory and cultural change, which NeCA continues to promote to government and the wider industry. NeCA will also be continuing its advocacy for greater government focus at all levels on more apprenticeships, more opportunities for adult apprenticeships, and ongoing training.
Government advocacy
Across Australia, NeCA’s members are required to navigate different (and sometimes divergent) legislative and regulatory frameworks nationally and in each state. many NeCA members already engage with our technical and legal professionals. Similarly, we are now representing individual members when they navigate political or regulatory issues that impact them. NeCA’s government relations and advocacy professionals are adept at navigating government systems, and handling issues ranging from compliance requirements at small business level up to industry-wide (or even national) scope. We encourage you to contact member services with any issues of concern so we can be of service.
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VALE NEVILLE PALMER
It WAS WItH mUCH SADNeSS tHAt We mArKeD tHe pASSING OF FOrmer NeCA NAtIONAL preSIDeNt NeVILLe pALmer IN mID-JUNe.
A Director of Victorian electrical contracting business Gordyn & palmer, Neville had a long and distinguished association with NeCA throughout much of his career.
Neville served as a past NeCA National president, NeCA Victoria president, Director of the NeCA Foundation and Director of the Australian Cabler registration Service (ACrS). A true champion of the industry and advocate for our members, Neville is remembered for his tireless dedication to growing and strengthening the electrical trade.
Neville passed on Saturday 11 June aged 77; he is survived by his wife Joan, children and grandchildren. He will be missed by all at NeCA, and those who had the opportunity to work with, befriend and learn from him.
