Slashing red tape is good for electrical contractors: NECA

The slashing of red tape and administrative burdens is good news for electrical contractors, said the CEO of the National Electrical & Communications Association (NECA), Suresh Manickam, following the government’s announcement it has made big savings from regulatory reforms.

“Small business is the lifeblood of the Australian economy and the electrical communications and contracting industry plays a large role in its growth,” said Manickam.

“More than 90% of businesses within our sector employ less than 25 staff, compared with the national average of just over 70%.”

The CEO made the comments after the release of the federal government’s Annual Red Tape Reduction Report, which highlighted that decisions made in the last year to reduce regulatory impacts on business could see a saving of $2.5 billion. 

“We are pleased that the federal government is listening to the concerns of our sector via our representations, policy submissions and our overarching policy manifesto,” said Manickam.

“Whilst progress has been made, there’s plenty more work to do to assist the small and medium enterprises of our sector.

“Items such as payroll tax harmonisation, threshold harmonisation, security of payments, the alignment of reporting time frames and the introduction of sunset provisions are opportunities for the government to further reduce red tape for electrical contractors.”

Assistant Cabinet Secretary and Assistant Minister for Finance, the Hon. Dr Peter Hendy, said this brings the government’s total efforts to reduce regulatory burden to more than $4.8 billion in just two years.

“That’s time and money that businesses, community organisations, individuals and families get back from no longer having to comply with unnecessary and ineffective rules and regulations,” said Dr Hendy.

“Getting rid of unnecessary rules and regulations, and improving the way in which our regulators carry out their duties, are key elements to the government’s overall strategy to build a stronger, more agile and diverse economy.”

Originally published here.