The National Electrical and Communication Associations (NECA) is pleased that the Royal Commission has officially begun hearing evidence in Brisbane.

“NECA believes this will lead to a definitive conclusion to ensure future governments learn from this tragic mistake,” says NECA chief executive Suresh Manickam.

“We offered to help with the design of this program late in 2008, and wrote to the Minister leading the program – Peter Garrett, in March 2009 expressing our concerns. However, it would appear that our advice was not heeded,” he adds.

NECA has been summoned to produce documentation for the Commission, where the association will attend in person and cooperate fully.

“We hope this Royal Commission will give the families affected some comfort and closure. Importantly we hope that processes will change so we can avoid the repeat of such a tragedy in the future,” Suresh adds.