Given the backdrop of media surrounding the Australian Building and Construction Commission (ABCC), NECA encourages Senator’s to listen to community and business sentiment and ensure swift passage of the legislation re-establishing the ABCC.

In December last year, the final report of the Royal Commission into Trade Union Governance and Corruption was released by Commissioner Dyson Heydon AC QC, making 79 key recommendations for legislative reform and referring 45 individuals for possible criminal charges or civil action. The third recommendation of the Commission calls for the establishment of an independent, stand-alone regulator to monitor unlawful activity, as well as the Government’s commitment to the re-establishment of the Australian Building and Construction Commission to oversee workplace relations across the sector.

“Today’s news that the Federal Government is serious about the return of the ABCC is good news for electrical contractors,” says NECA chief executive Suresh Manickam.

“NECA has strongly argued for the re-establishment of the ABCC as a positive catalyst for change in the building and construction sector. We believe that the ABCC will ensure greater levels of transparency, encourage lawful activity through harsher penalties and reduce corrupt activities, allowing the more efficient delivery of key infrastructure projects, greater economic productivity and the creation of more employment opportunities.”

“In August 2015, NECA joined with a range of industry bodies across the building and construction sector in calling upon the Senate to pass the Building and Construction Industry (Improving Productivity) Bill 2013 and we look forward to the introduction of the new legislation, following the Royal Commission’s findings.

“The unacceptable behaviour and activities, as uncovered by the Royal Commission in its six volume report, cannot be allowed to continue.  It’s now up to the Senate to stand up and be counted given its importance to the electrical and communications contracting sector.”