The National Electrical and Communications Association (NECA) is looking beyond the 2022 federal election and surrounding political noise by promoting its construction legislative priorities platform for the 47th Federal Parliament to key political candidates and parties.

Sent to all candidates in good faith, NECA has encouraged recipients to take up the recommendations to create a harmonious policy direction that will deliver meaningful legislative changes once Parliament is sworn in.

NECA’s priorities platform mirrors its federal budget submission and advises candidates on a wide range of proposed legislative changes designed to improve the electrotechnology industry by encouraging growth while maintaining Australia’s high levels of quality and compliance.

Key areas of recommended legislative change include:

• creating local jobs for small businesses and protecting the ones we have now
• unlocking nation-building infrastructure and renewable energy projects
• making taxation and regulation more efficient and conducive to businesses
• addressing labour shortages through contemporary skills development and training
• supporting and growing mature age apprentices and female participation.

The building and construction sector is the second-biggest driver of Australia’s economy, generating over $360bn in revenue or approximately 9% of gross domestic product (GDP). The electrical and communications sector employs 170,000 workers and turns over more than $23bn annually.

“The 46th Parliament has overseen one of the most tumultuous periods in recent history, with extreme economic and social hardship throughout the pandemic. Not only that, but we’ve seen several high-profile construction companies collapse just as businesses started to recover over the past few months,” NECA chief executive Oliver Judd says.

“NECA is looking beyond the election and reaching across the political divide because no matter who takes power in the upcoming election, there are critical and sector-wide changes that must be implemented today.”

He adds that a new parliament means a new opportunity: “Positive legislative change should be apolitical. At the end of the day, improving the construction industry means improving Australia, our economic recovery and the growth of our regional economies.

“NECA’s policy platform encourages growth, better protects businesses and workers, takes advantage of a cleaner future and addresses the ever-challenging labour shortages Australia faces.”