The National Electrical and Communications Association (NECA), the peak industry body for Australia’s electrical contracting and communications industry, has joined a range of leading building and construction industry peak bodies to call for the reinstatement of the Australian Building and Construction Commission (ABCC).

Legislation to reinstate the ABCC will be brought before the Senate next week.

“NECA calls upon all Senators, irrespective of party affiliation, to pass this critical piece of legislation. The reinstatement of the ABCC is crucial for business certainty, lawful behaviour and a safe workplace,” said NECA’s chief executive officer Suresh Manickam.

“The recent Royal Commission has unearthed a flood of unsavoury activities that otherwise might not have been as prevalent over recent years had the ABCC remained. These activities continue to erode business confidence and certainty. Ultimately our industry and the wider community pay a high price as a result of these unsavoury activities.

“We have long expressed our concerns in relation to the undue influence and behaviour of some trade unions. Transparency, lawfulness and a safe workplace should be an absolute in the building and construction industry.

“Senators voting for the reinstatement of the ABCC will be supporting transparency, lawful activity and ultimately the delivery of key projects such as residential housing, much needed infrastructure and hospitals. I hope the Senate will make the right decision by reinstating the ABCC. Australians and Australia’s electrical contractors are counting on it,” concluded Mr Manickam.