National Competition Policy Review – What it Means for Sparkies
The Federal Government is looking at ways to make life easier for electrical contractors, with a focus on licensing, standards, and workforce mobility.
In its interim review of the National Competition Policy, the Productivity Commission has asked for feedback on:
- National Occupational Licensing (NOL) for electrical contractors
- Access to Australian Standards
- How Australian Standards are developed
MEA supports the Government’s pre-election promise to reform National Occupational Licensing (NOL) for electricians. A NOL eligibility licensing framework would cut red tape, allow sparkies to work where demand is highest, ease local skill shortages, and lift productivity across the industry.
We’re also pushing for free access to legislated Australian Standards. If contractors are legally required to comply, they shouldn’t have to pay to see the rules. Safety and compliance should never come with a price tag.
Finally, MEA is calling on the Commission to keep the current process for developing standards in the electrical industry. Automatic adoption of international standards would be risky in a high-hazard industry like ours. Every standard must go through rigorous technical review and industry consultation to make sure it meets Australian conditions and safety expectations.
To read our submission in more detail click here.
