As the voice of the major electrical and communication contractors in the Australian building and construction industry, NECA has said that it endorses the government’s decision to proceed with the Royal Commission into Trade Union Governance and Corruption.

NECA also looks forward to seeing the terms of reference. The Cole Royal Commission in 2001 resulted in numerous findings and/or recommendations. Regrettably, however, NECA feels that very few of these have been acted upon.

Consequently, the association is hopeful that this Royal Commission will result in a positive and lasting legacy for the industry.

“Just as businesses are not permitted to act outside of the law – so trade unions must also respect the law and abide by it,” says NECA’s new chief executive, Suresh Manickam.

“Transparency and lawfulness should be a given in the building and construction industry, and we would support the reinstatement of the ABCC,” he adds.

NECA will play its part in this process and should there be findings of corruption and/or unlawful behaviour will support all measures to bring such behaviour to an end.