The National Electrical and Communications Association (NECA) has urged all politicians to review its key policy positions to support a sustainable and improved electrotechnology industry, ahead of the 2022 Victorian state election on 26 November 2022.

NECA’s policy position outlines a range of recommendations in areas of small business support, data and communication, health and safety, energy and renewables, skills, training and inclusion.

The recommendations are aimed at assisting the party that secures government as it faces mounting infrastructure challenges, despite the Victorian economy being predicted to grow by 3.25% into 2023. NECA, on behalf of its members and the wider electrical industry, are urging the incoming government, which saw an enormous investment in infrastructure and job creation in the 2022 – 2023 budget announcement, to work towards building solid foundations first.

NECA’s recommendations would see electricians better supported to surmount escalating industry challenges, including widely publicised skills shortages, urgently needed security of payment reforms and consumer uncertainty.

“Electrotechnology is a key industry within the Victorian economy, providing services to all major sectors of the economy. To ensure our industry continues to be able to deliver, we call on all parties to adopt these recommendations,” NECA Victoria executive director Pawel Podolski says.

“The electrical services sector, in particular, will be increasingly important to the State’s strategic objectives, whether this is in its renewable energy transition or its ambitious infrastructure pipeline. It is now more important than ever for industry and government to work closely together to ensure systems work fairly and efficiently so that we can continue to deliver successful outcomes.

He adds that NECA believes its evidence-based, industry-driven recommendations will strengthen commitments and help Victoria’s electrotechnology sector remain viable: “We urge all parties to consider these recommendations closely and we look forward to assisting the government in delivering a brighter future for Victoria.”