The Federal Government has announced that Australia had entered into the China-Australia Free Trade Agreement (FTA). China is Australia’s largest trading partner, with the trading balance in our favour – whereby we export $107.5 Billion each year and import $52.1 Billion.

“We believe the signing of this FTA will lead to a reduction in the price of imported products in the Australian market and an advantage to Australian exporters to China. It would appear that it may also lead to the arrival of Chinese electricians exempt from meeting Australian licensing standards which we do not support,” said the chief executive officer of the National Electrical and Communications Association (NECA), Mr Suresh Manickam.

“Whilst NECA welcomes this trade agreement in principle, it is critical that the following points are highlighted:

1. NECA was not consulted as to how this FTA may affect and operate within the electrical contracting sector in Australia;
2. NECA does not support the Federal Government’s pledge to remove the requirement for mandatory skills assessments for Electrician (General) and Electrician (Special Class);
3. In recent times we have seen the devastating effects within the market place of non-compliant products as highlighted by the Infinity Cables issue and therefore do not support any loosening of these regulations;
4. There must be no dilution of our licensing standards or a relaxation of mutual recognition of overseas qualifications without appropriate local gap training.

The electrical contracting sector in Australia has a well-earned reputation for quality workmanship and safety standards. We also support a commitment to on-going training and stringent licensing, coupled with high Australian and New Zealand product standards. Vigilance on compliance and safety must be maintained for the benefit of the sector and consumers,” Mr Manickam said.

“We call on the Federal and State Governments to reassess the details of this agreement to ensure that there is no dilution to compliance, safety or product standards. To this end we also need to be reassured that these items remain standing items at the Electrical Regulatory Authorities Council (ERAC) for the foreseeable future. In addition, we request that the Federal Government provide regular progress reports regarding  this FTA and the implications for our sector,” Mr Manickam concluded.