NECA provides evidence at Senate Inquiry

The National Electrical and Communications Association (NECA) appeared before the Parliamentary Inquiry into the proposed Free Trade Agreement with China in Melbourne last week.

NECA CEO Suresh Manickam provided evidence before the Joint Standing Committee on Treaties Inquiry.

“The evidence we have provided to the inquiry is clear and unambiguous — NECA supports the implementation of the China–Australia Free Trade Agreement so long as licensing and safety standards are not diluted and that Visa applicants continue to be required to provide proof of their skills and knowledge base, prior to gaining a visa and applying for a licence,” said Manickam.

“It’s important that the voices of electrical contractors are heard in this debate given points raised in the traditional media as well as social media.”

Manickam said NECA has been reassured there is to be no change to the state and territory licensing requirements for any applicants under any new arrangements.

“Further, we have been assured that there will be no dilution of any safety or licensing standards,” Manickam added.

He said stringent safety standards are a critical component to maintaining the reputation of electrical contractors and NECA supports the initiative as long as licensing and safety standards are not diminished.

“Further, we have also been reassured that Labour Market Testing legislation, introduced in November 2013, ensures that Australian employers must first test the local labour market to fill job vacancies.”