The National Electrical and Communications Association (NECA) has welcomed the bill introduced by the Albanese Government that will make unfair contract terms illegal.

For too long, our laws haven’t been strong enough to stop the use of unfair terms, which all too often tip the balance in favour of bigger business.

NECA will be scrutinising the Bill in more depth but has long called for strengthened protection and fairer contracts for our members and subcontractors, and we are optimistic the news from Minister Collins and Minister Leigh will be well received throughout the industry.

“Whilst these reforms will go a long way to levelling up the playing field for contractors working on construction projects, we call on the Federal Labor Government to take the next step and implement the Security of Payment recommendations as tabled in the Murray Report,” NECA chief executive Oliver Judd says.

“Contractors are responsible for around 85% of the work undertaken on construction projects, and current Security of Payment laws fall short of protecting contractors should a construction company become insolvent.

“We have seen this play out on multiple occasions over the past 12 months. John Murray’s recommendations, including the introduction of statutory trusts, will provide the level of protection required to safeguard small businesses, their employees and the families who depend on them getting paid.”