Local contractors dumped

Master Electricians Australia has called on insurance companies to “buy local” when they are sourcing contractors for flood repair work in Bundaberg and other parts of regional Queensland.

Master Electricians Australia Chief Executive Officer Malcolm Richards said the organisation had received a number of reports of outside contractors being flown into Bundaberg for flood reconstruction work, at the expense of local businesses.

He urged insurance companies to get behind the local tradies first, before handing work over to electricians from outside the region.

“Rebuilding a community takes more than just putting everything back together. It’s about supporting the local economy, just as much as it is about physically cleaning up the mess,” Richards said.

“While there’s nothing illegal about bringing in contractors from out of town, there are local businesses crying out for the job.

“Many of those businesses are flood victims themselves, and they need as much support as possible to ensure they remain viable and continue to employ locals.

“We understand that it’s an extremely busy time for insurers, but bringing in outside contractors is not the answer and it won’t help the community to get back on their feet.”

Richards also warned homeowners to be wary of unlicensed electrical workers hoping to cash in on the misfortune of flood victims.

“Unfortunately, stories of travelling conmen, exploiting unsuspecting residents, are all too common after natural disasters,” Richards said.

“These shonky traders generally perform substandard work or leave without completing the job and it is often impossible to contact them if something goes wrong with their work.

“It is essential you always use a licensed electrical contractor, and if you have any doubts, ask to view their licence.”