The National Electrical and Communications Association (NECA) has congratulated Australia’s 31^st Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese and the Australian Labor Party on their victory in the 2022 federal election.

“Labor’s win in 2022 symbolises significant opportunities for the electrotechnology sector, particularly in times of national economic recovery and climate change,” NECA Group chief executive officer Oliver Judd says.

“Amongst some global supply and economic challenges, there are tremendous opportunities within electrotechnology to grow Australian businesses and create tens of thousands of highly-skilled, well-paid jobs.

“As the peak voice for electrotechnology, NECA is looking forward to working with the Albanese Government. Implementing Labor’s policies will be a great chance for businesses, workers and government to come together and deliver positive change.”

NECA would greatly welcome the opportunity to participate in the announced Employment Summit, and work together with unions and employer groups to improve outcomes for both employers and employees.

The association advocates on behalf of its members on a wide range of initiatives affecting the sector, including stronger security of payment reforms, greater female participation, renewable energy opportunities, local job creation through procurement and protecting small businesses by making unfair contract terms illegal.

“NECA applauds Labor’s commitment to the Powering Australia Plan, Buy Australia Plan and other policies aimed at supporting economic growth and prosperity of the nation, including new and emerging sectors,” Oliver adds.

“We look forward to working closely with the incoming government and all MPs and Senators to advance the Australian electrotechnology industry and make a positive impact on behalf of NECA’s 6,000 member organisations and their employees”.

NECA calls on the incoming government to commit to the following areas of priority:

• support small businesses grow and create decent local jobs
• unlock nation-building infrastructure and renewable projects opportunities, while supporting the economic recovery and growth of our regions
• enhance training and address labour shortages, with enhanced support for greater female participation in trades and subsidies for mature age apprentices
• introduce national taxation and regulatory reforms, making these systems more efficient and conducive to businesses and workers.

“NECA is also very mindful of the need to ensure supply chains and subcontractors are supported and protected on major projects. We look forward to speaking to the new government about getting that balance right,” Oliver says.

“Improving the construction and electrotechnology industry means improving Australia and there is a range of legislative changes which should be made to encourage growth, better protect businesses and workers, take advantage of a cleaner future and address the ever-challenging labour shortages Australia faces.”