NECA News December 2022

OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE NATIONAL ELECTRICAL AND COMMUNICATIONS ASSOCIATION

December 2022

SURF DC ceiling fan

SURFS UP The all new EGLO Surf ceiling fan is built to be waves above the rest - combining electrician-friendly assembly & install, with seamless design & endless features.

This Australian designed fan range is built with the sparky in mind - featuring open access screws for quick blade assembly, screwless terminals for fast wiring, and plenty of space above the receiver for easy wiring entry - hallelujah we hear you say!

Powerful airflow of up to 14,194m3/hr, non-rust all ABS blades & housing, and low profile LED light models ensure SURF fans all suit a standard 2.4m ceiling.

Available in 48”, 52” & 60” sizes, with or without LED light, and in a black, white, oak or burmese teak finishes, the Surf fan is the perfect all-rounder.

Contact us or visit eglo.com.au to find out more about the SURF fan range, or ask for them at your preferred electrical wholesale outlet.

Increased Space Above the Receiver Easy Blade Assembly - Open Screw Access

Screwless Terminal Air Movement up to 14,194 m3/hr (60”) UV Resistant ABS Construction Tropically Rated 6 Speed (Includes Night Mode) Smart Compatible 6 Year Warranty (3 Years in-Home)

NEW ARRIVAL Contractor

friendly,

high

performance & designer looks the new SURF DC ceiling fan range from EGLO has everything to make your life a breeze.

The EGLO Surf fan range features increased space above the receiver to allow plenty of room for wiring entry - no more squishing to fit everything in the canopy!

Fasts assembly - open access blade screws allow for quick & simple blade connection, paired with screwless terminal block for quick wiring allows for install in a flash.

SMART

Turn the Surf ceiling fan into a smart fan, with the addition of an EGLO my control smart USB module. This allows you to pair the fan with the EGLO my control app, and easily control it from your smart device.

CO

M PAT I B L

E

LED light models feature a super low profile 20W tri-colour LED light (3000K/4000K/5000K) that can be dimmed via the included remote (or my control app with the USB module installed).

Global leaders in lighting & air movement

eglo.com.au

IN THIS ISSUE December 2022

97

WRAPPING UP 2022

06

NEWS IN BRIEF NECA welcomes new National Executive Officeholders

08

NECA welcomes strengthening of competition and consumer laws

08

NECA joins the Electric Vehicle Council

08

POLICY AND ADVOCACY Government relations and policy

10

NECA AWARDS Introduction

EXCELLENCE AWARDS Innovation

22

Work Health and Safety – Excellence in Action

24

Domestic Residence

26

Lighting Design and Construct

28

Green Energy

30

ICT & AV

32

Industrial Small

34

Industrial Large

36

Commercial Small

38

Commercial Medium

40

Commercial Large

42

APPRENTICE AWARDS 14

Apprentice of the Year

44

Trade Teacher of the Year

45

SMALL BUSINESS AWARDS

92

Emerging Small Business

16

Small Contracting Business of the Year

18

Small Business Project of the Year

20

NSW BRANCH Branch update

48

Connect For Success business workshop

50

Record demand for apprentices

52

NECA News is the official publication of the National Electrical and Communications Association

NECA NATIONAL OFFICE

NECA WA BRANCH

NECA TAS BRANCH

122 Hume Highway, Chullora NSW 2190  1300 361 099  memberservices@neca.asn.au  www.neca.asn.au

18/199 Balcatta Road, Balcatta WA 6021  (08) 6241 6100  necawa@necawa.asn.au

 1300 361 099 

memberservices@neca.asn.au

NECA SA/NT BRANCH NECA VIC BRANCH Level 12, 222 Kings Way, South Melbourne VIC 3205  1300 300 031  necavic@neca.asn.au

213 Greenhill Road, Eastwood SA 5063 PO Box 47, Fullarton SA 5063  (08) 8272 2966  neca@necasa.asn.au

14

WA BRANCH

QLD BRANCH Branch update

54

SA/NT BRANCH Branch update

56

NECA office lighting upgrade thanks to Energetic Lighting and NSG Boffa

58

Important changes to the SA Government dynamic export regulations

60

TAS BRANCH Branch update

64

Ring-fencing, asset ownership and education – how to operate fairly in contestable markets

66

VIC BRANCH Branch update

68

The “old bastards” had a blast at their annual lunch

70

Notice to all installers connecting grid interactive solar and battery inverters

70

Updated training package for apprentices

71

OPINION

Branch update

72

New defect categories for inspector’s orders

74

EGT is recognised for the commitment to safety at the WHS Foundation’s 2022 WHS Awards

75

Make sure you get paid for your work

76

Western Power trialling greater rural load allocations

80

Reforming and reviewing the regulations

81

Changing epochs – how technology and innovation are not just changing out lives, but the future as well

LEGAL I need more time

Staying safe in the domestic roof space

92

TECHNICAL National technical update

94

ACT BRANCH Branch update

82

HEALTH AND WELLBEING

Controlling silica dust on construction sites – a guide by WorkSafe ACT

84

Reinforcing behaviour to optimise performance

96

Look out for you, look out for your mates

97

ACRS NEWS

86

WORKPLACE RELATIONS Major changes to the industrial relations landscape

88

NECA ACT BRANCH

AUSTRALIAN CABLER REGISTRATION SERVICE

Suite 1.5 Ian Barclay Building, 460-492 Beaudesert Road, Salisbury QLD 4107  1300 361 099  memberservices@neca.asn.au

49 Tennant Street, Fyshwick ACT 2609 PO Box 298, Fyshwick ACT 2609  1300 361 099  memberservices@neca.asn.au

 1300 667 771

122 Hume Highway, Chullora NSW 2190  1300 361 099  memberservices@neca.asn.au

91

WORKPLACE HEALTH AND SAFETY

NECA QLD BRANCH

NECA NSW BRANCH

90

 

enquiries@acrs.com.au www.acrs.com.au

NECA News is published four times per year for NECA members, industry providers, wholesalers and manufacturers.

Your input is important. To contribute article suggestions or to advertise, contact necanews@neca.asn.au DISCLAIMER Opinions expressed by contributors in articles, in reproduced articles and advertisements are the individual opinions of such contributors or the authors of such reproduced articles or advertisements and not necessarily those of NECA, which does not hold itself responsible for correctness of any statement contained herein.

WRAPPING UP 2022 As we come to the end of 2022, it is the perfect time to reflect on the many successes industry has enjoyed this year.

In this edition, we celebrate our 2022 NECA Award winners and take a look at the features that made their projects and apprentices stand out for our judging panels.

In hosting our awards each year, we recognise not just excellence, but innovation, capability, effort and perseverance. The challenges our members face in their projects, and the way they overcome them, often pushes their businesses forwards, taking them into new spaces and expanding

their capacity. For our apprentices, their enthusiasm, dedication to their trade and training, and willingness to step up, positions them for an exciting future. Whether they are a finalist or an award winner, these common themes run through many award entries.

landscape, safety and building legislation, and security of payment reforms. As always, we have also provided an overview of the latest news from each of the states, keeping you up to date with the key information you need to run and grow your business.

Approaching the Excellence Awards from a different angle, our opinion piece looks at technology and innovation, and encourages us to consider how a project’s future impact could fit into the picture.

We would like to thank you for your continued support for NECA and look forward to working with you again in 2023. If you have something to share about your corner of the country, let us know. We’d love to hear from you.

This edition’s articles consider the changes occurring in industry, not just from a technological perspective, but also in our industrial relations

Best wishes for the festive season.

The NECA News team

GET IN TOUCH TELL US WHAT YOU THINK Share your feedback via email necanews@neca.asn.au

GOT A STORY IDEA? Share your ideas for content via email necanews@neca.asn.au

ARE YOU A NECA MEMBER? We’re looking to showcase NECA member stories in each issue. Reach out to your NECA Branch or email necanews@neca.asn.au

SIGN UP TO NECA NEWS ONLINE If you’d like to join more than 30,000 of your industry peers and receive a digital version of NECA News, sign up at www.neca.asn.au/necanews

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December 2022

Zumtobel Group online training program Join the new ZG Pacific training program to keep up to date with the latest in lighting technology and applications.

These first six modules will help you and your team gain lighting knowledge required to be able to expertly recommend the latest in lighting solutions.

The ZG Pacific training modules follow the Continuing Professional Development (CPD) guidelines for Architects and Engineers. After successful completion, you will be able to claim CPD points for your training requirements.

MODULES INCLUDE: INTRODUCTION TO ZUMTOBEL GROUP An overview of the ZG’s brands, products and case studies.

LIGHTING BASICS – PART 1 Lighting parameters: What is light and how to measure it LIGHTING BASICS – PART 2 Visual and non-visual aspects of light: The impact on the human's life LIGHTING BASICS – PART 3 Light sources and optics: How electric light works

REGISTER YOUR INTEREST TODAY TO GET STARTED:

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LIGHTING BASICS – PART 4 Light fixtures: Features of lighting tool LIGHTING BASICS – PART 5 Integrative lighting design: Photopic and melanopic evaluation of light

SIX NEW APPLICATION MODULES COMING SOON! For the best vision, clarity and detail.

Call ZG Lighting Australia today. +61 1300 139 965 | info.au@zumtobelgroup.com

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NEWS IN BRIEF NECA WELCOMES NEW NATIONAL EXECUTIVE OFFICEHOLDERS NECA welcomes Dave McInnes (President), Greg Hodby (Vice President) and Jim Heerey (Treasurer) as our National Executive officeholders for 2022/23.

Dave McInnes is a NECA QLD life member and a previous NECA National officeholder, having served as National President in 2014 and 2015. Dave is the Managing Director of Blue Star and has also previously held the positions of President and Vice President within our QLD Executive Committee.

Pictured: (from left to right) David McInnes, Greg Hodby and Jim Heerey

Greg Hodby has been re-elected as NECA’s National Vice-President, a role which he has continuously held since 2016. Greg is the CEO of Nilsen Australia and has served on NECA’s SA/NT Executive Committee as either President or Vice-President since 2010.

Jim Heerey has recently retired from Hobart-based Heerey Electrical, which he operated with his brother Richard since 1985. Jim has been an active member of NECA’s Tasmanian Executive Committee since 2005, and has continually held the position of Treasurer on our National Executive since 2012.

NECA WELCOMES STRENGTHENING OF COMPETITION AND CONSUMER LAWS NECA welcomes the recent introduction of new and higher penalties for breaches of competition and consumer laws.

STATE OF EVS

Under the amendments, new penalties have been introduced for businesses that include unfair contract terms in their standard form contracts with consumers and small businesses.

The changes will now protect small businesses employing less than 100 people or with an annual turnover of below $10 million. The new laws will apply regardless of the contract value and provide a clearer definition of ‘standard form contracts’.

NECA JOINS THE ELECTRIC VEHICLE (EV) COUNCIL

t the EV Council

NECA has recently become a member of the EV Council, joining over 85 other associated industry members. You may have seen NECA’s name being leant to a recent EV Council-led media campaign, together with more than 100 others, backing the Australian Government’s National Electric Strategy.

Penalties for breaching the Competition and Consumer Act have also increased to the greater of $50 million or three times the value derived from the relevant breach. Where the value derived from the breach is unable to be determined, the penalty will be calculated at 30% of the company’s turnover during the period it engaged in the unlawful conduct.

The campaign calls on the government to include the following measures: ½

½

½

½

½

½

Fuel efficiency standards consistent with the United States of America, New Zealand and European Union.

A collaborative EV industry development plan to boost investment in EV manufacturing, products and services.

A coordinated rollout of a charging network for cars, trucks and buses, with a focus on the regions, suburbs, and high-density buildings.

Supporting more electric buses, trucks and other commercial vehicles for Australian businesses.

Economic modelling that factors in the many benefits of EVs including less pollution, improved public health, better fuel security and manufacturing opportunities.

Behyad Jafari Chief Executive Officer

Jake Whitehead Head of Policy

A goal to have one million EVs on Australian roads by 2027.

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December 2022

R H I

GOVERNMENT RELATIONS AND POLICY NECA NEWS UPDATE

WITH A RECENT STATE ELECTION IN VICTORIA AND ANOTHER IN NEW SOUTH WALES NEXT MARCH, MAKING ALL POLITICAL PARTIES AND CANDIDATES AWARE OF THE ELECTROTECHNOLOGY INDUSTRY’S PRIORITIES HAS BEEN A KEY FOCUS OF NECA’S GOVERNMENT RELATIONS AND POLICY UNIT. NECA’S PRE-ELECTION PLATFORM DOCUMENTS HAVE BEEN DELIVERED TO ALL MAJOR PARTIES AND STAKEHOLDERS, AND SEVERAL MEETINGS HAVE ALREADY BEEN HELD TO EXPLAIN AND SELL NECA’S POLICY GOALS AND TO EMPHASISE THE IMPORTANCE OF OUR INDUSTRY TO KEY DECISION MAKERS ACROSS AUSTRALIA. With the Federal Government delivering its first budget, our industry should be pleased with several initiatives announced by the Treasurer, including: ½

½

½

½

½

½

½

$12.9 million to establish Jobs and Skills Australia (JSA); 480,000 fee-free TAFE and vocational education places over four years; New Energy Apprenticeships funding for 10,000 new recruits; New Energy Skills Program for clean energy jobs; $20 billion fund to be established for energy transmission; $800 million to fund a national electric vehicle charging network; and Solar battery storage for up to 100,000 homes.

The budget did deliver some sobering news, with inflation being revised from a previously forecast 2.75% to 3.5% for 2023/24. According to the budget for the current 2022/23 financial year, inflation will be almost double what was expected in March, rising from 3% to 5.75%. Wage growth is not expected to exceed inflation 10

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until 2024/25, meaning real wages will not rise across the economy for at least another 18 months, while unemployment is expected to increase from 3.75% to 4.5%.

Furthermore, the Reserve Bank expects inflation to peak at 8% in the December quarter, propelled by rising energy costs, while wage increases are only forecast to reach a top rate of 4% by June 2024.

Security of Payments reform NECA has taken a leadership role in arguing for legislative change on Security of Payments. The number of collapses of large head contractors has increased and, according to some forecasts, further collapses will cause significant ongoing problems for businesses in our industry, including the interruption of cash flow and the risk of insolvency, as businesses are not paid for work that they have already completed.

Our industry needs strong, uniform, national legislation to protect NECA members’ businesses and livelihoods.

It is only fair that when subcontractors finish a job, they receive payment.

This message was conveyed strongly to the Deputy Prime Minister, Hon Richard Marles MP, when NECA’s Chief Executive Officer, Oliver Judd, met with him. Mr Marles gave NECA an extremely positive hearing, and a commitment to review the matter after the budget had been delivered. This positive initial response, coming from such a senior member of the new Federal Government, is extremely encouraging given the importance of this issue to NECA members and to other subcontracting businesses across the industry generally.

NECA also wishes to thank newlyelected ACT Senator David Pocock for actively supporting NECA’s push for reform. Senator Pocock questioned the Leader of the Government in the Senate, Senator Wong, about delivering on Labor’s commitments to Security of Payments reform.

This, combined with the government’s promise to strengthen unfair contract term protections to improve consumer and small business confidence when entering standard form contracts, means NECA’s efforts on behalf of its members are certainly being heard and acted upon.

December 2022

POLICY AND ADVOCACY

Australian Standards Standards Australia has been advising industry of possible changes to future licence agreements, pricing, and accessibility of the Australian Standards utilised by our members.

NECA believes standards are critical and developed to ensure the safety and quality of products and services in Australia. It is why NECA invests so much time and effort into them on your behalf and our participation and contribution has been integral to the development of the standards we have today and those currently under development. Our staff and members have volunteered time and intellectual property to the development of standards to ensure the electrical sector operates at the highest levels of safety to protect industry and the community.

Standards Australia holds monopoly rights over standards developed by industry, many of which are legislated nationally.

Industry associations (including NECA) are working collaboratively to address this issue as well as NECA engaging with Standards Australia directly to ensure ongoing access to standards will continue for our members.

Pay) Bill 2022 (Bill) to Parliament. The Bill is one of the most significant industrial relations reforms since the inception of the Fair Work Act (FWA).

After significant negotiations and amendment and a Senate Inquiry by the Education and Employment Legislation Committee (Senate Inquiry), the Government obtained support from ACT Senator David Pocock (Ind) and the Australian Greens to have the Bill passed.

The ABCC has now been abolished, and all of the ABCC’s regulatory responsibilities and existing matters before it given to the Fair Work Ombudsman.

Other relevant changes for our members include: ½

employee protections;

½

bargaining;

½

regulatory changes.

NECA is working with the regulators, Ministers and Parliamentarians to ensure the impacts to our members are minimal and are addressed as soon as they arise.

Further information on these changes can be found on pages 88 and 89.

Training opportunities Abolition of the Australian Building and Construction Commission (ABCC) to be abolished On 27 October 2022, the Federal Government introduced the Fair Work Amendment (Secure Jobs, Better

The Federal Government has indicated it will invest in 10,000 New Energy Apprenticeships and a New Energy Skills Program. NECA is continuing its focus on greater training opportunities to address skills shortages impacting our members’ businesses and on the electrotechnology

sector more broadly. We look forward to the challenge of being part of this program to upskill the sector’s workforce.

Federal legislation has been introduced to establish an interim statutory body, Jobs and Skills Australia. Jobs and Skills Australia will provide independent advice to the government on Australia’s current and emerging skills and workforce needs. NECA will be providing input into the review of the legislation with regard to its impact in the electrotechnology sector. More information on Jobs and Skills Australia is provided below.

Providing pathways for greater female participation in the electrotechnology industry remains a NECA priority. Lifting the number of women in the sector will involve significant policy, regulatory and cultural change, which NECA continues to promote to government and the wider industry. NECA will also be continuing its advocacy for greater government focus at all levels on more apprenticeships, more opportunities for adult apprenticeships, and ongoing training.

Jobs and Skills for Australia The Jobs and Skills Australia Bill 2022 (the Bill) has been passed in both Houses of Parliament, and at the time of writing is awaiting proclamation. Prior to its passage, NECA was asked to make a submission to the Senate Education and Employment Legislation Committee’s Inquiry into the Bill. NECA supported the Bill on behalf of its members and provided insights into how it expected it to deliver for our sector in practice.

The Bill will establish a new statutory agency, Jobs and Skills Australia, to provide independent advice on the current and emerging skills and training needs of workers and employers. It is designed to guide the skills and training sector so it can provide workers who have the right skills with choices and opportunities for secure employment.

As the energy sector transforms, along with technologies required to achieve the ambitious targets within the government’s Powering Australia plan, NECA is well-placed to

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InstalTest XD

Multi-Function Installation Tester

GOVERNMENT RELATIONS AND POLICY

support this initiative. NECA advised the government that our members and training partners can provide the expertise, skilled workforce and training requirements needed to make this a success.

In providing industry guidance to the Committee, attention was drawn to NECA’s preferred position of creating a national, independent Skills Standards Authority.

will create a national workforce development strategy that identifies the skills needs of industry based on independent, evidence-based analysis of the economy. NECA has also recommended that Jobs and Skills Australia be maintained as an independent body to provide advice on strategy and investment requirements to strengthen the VET system, including funding, to make it easier for students, training providers and employers to understand and access training and to ensure that workforce skills needs are met.

<Record Keeping & Reporting <Touch Screen <AS/NZS3000 NECA sees many opportunities in having a dedicated labour market analysis for the vocational training sector to ascertain and guide the economy’s future skill needs and subsequent policies to deliver those skills. The electrotechnology sector is integral in Australia’s economic growth and we envisage this will be clearly visible in this response.

NECA supports the government’s intended direction on these matters, and will be active in helping to facilitate a more holistic approach to workforce planning and collaboration between governments and industry.

Whilst much of NECA’s advocacy work sometimes goes unnoticed publicly, NECA was proud to be acknowledged by South Australian Greens Senator Barbara Pocock, when she acknowledged NECA in a statement to the Senate for the great work it is doing in training, and particularly on the matter of female participation.

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Kent Johns NECA Head of Government Relations and Policy

NECA believes that if appropriately constituted, Jobs and Skills Australia

NECA2021_Optima_Aus.qxd 24/08/2021 12:18 PM Page 1

IT-XD_NECA2021_Optima_Aus.qxd 24/08/2021 12:18 PM Page 1

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NECA has recognised the industry’s best at the 2022 NECA Awards.

The sold-out event took place on Thursday 24 November, and saw MC Peter Rowsthorn host 320 attendees at SkyCity Adelaide, celebrating the very best electrical and communications projects from across Australia.

The evening’s formalities were opened by Andrew Cross, President of NECA SA/NT. A number of individuals were acknowledged on the night for their service and support of NECA by Andrew.

Andy Thorpe was recognised for his long-running service on the NECA SA/NT Board and NECA SA/NT Executive Director, Larry Moore, was presented with an award for his 25 years of service to NECA SA/NT. Attendees also heard from Kent Johns, NECA’s Director of Government and Regulatory Affairs, and former SA Premier the Honourable Steven Marshall, Member for Dunstan.

“Congratulations to our winners, who have not only showcased outstanding examples of the best our industry has to offer, but have also shown what is possible for the future of our industry,” said NECA CEO, Oliver Judd.

“Winners of the 2022 awards were selected from an extremely strong field of national finalists, who had already achieved NECA’s highest accolades at a state level,” said NECA National President, Dave McInnes. “The finalists across all categories should be extremely proud. The standard of work that has been exhibited by NECA members is nothing short of world class.”

NECA would like to congratulate all finalists on their achievements, our award winners who have displayed best-in class, and our sponsors Clipsal & Schneider Electric, NHP, CABAC/Legend, ACRS and NECAGuard for their generous support.

Thank you to our event sponsors:

2022 NECA SMALL BUSINESS AWARDS

EMERGING SMALL BUSINESS Power Solutions Tasmania TAS As a new small business, Power Solutions Tasmania (PST) recognises that its employees are its most important asset. If employees are happy, rewarded and motivated, it flows into the relationships they develop at work, and with customers – which ultimately help grow the business.

Solar My Home WA Solar My Home WA specialises in the installation and maintenance of solar systems, electric vehicle charging, battery storage and back-up generators.

The team of nine, including four apprentices, service all of Perth and as far north as Broome and south to Albany. Its business values are community, communication, culture and growth and they work to maintain a positive work culture by celebrating team members’ personal and work achievements.

Northern Energy Group QLD Building on the owner’s experience in the defence sector, the young and energetic team at Northern Energy Group in Townsville are continuing to grow their portfolio of projects in defence, while undertaking new opportunities in commercial, maintenance and industrial work.

GDW Engineering NSW GDW Engineering strives to be open, engaging, and approachable meeting and exceeding expectations, both with its customers and with its own people.

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December 2022

NECA AWARDS

WINNER

Diverse Fire Systems VIC Operating in the Tier 2 Commercial Construction sector in Melbourne, Diverse Fire Systems was formed in 2019 and now has six technical staff. The company works in the Dry Fire Sector - offering design and construct capabilities, as well as service and maintenance to an increasing number of clients. Diverse Fire Systems actively nurtures a positive culture amongst its employees, with trust and respect as core principles. Diverse Fire Systems aspires to be a destination employer for the next generation of electricians, respecting and supporting its staff – from apprentices to management. By mentoring and assisting staff to integrate into the industry in a structured and safe environment, the company is laying the foundations for continued growth.

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2022 NECA SMALL BUSINESS AWARDS

SMALL CONTRACTING BUSINESS Power Solutions Tasmania TAS In less than five years, PST has grown from nothing to a thriving small electrical contracting business, with strong projected growth. Employing nine people, including four apprentices, the success of PST is a direct result of the culture embedded in the company by its founder.

Nixon Electrics WA After working at Nixon Electrics since 2009, David Faulkner purchased the business in 2016, starting out with himself, one tradesperson and one apprentice. The company now has 10 staff and specialises in installation, maintenance and breakdown services for the residential, commercial and light industrial sectors. A detailed business plan, clear targets and strong back-end systems enable each job to be closely monitored to help drive growth.

Davis Hart Electrical Solutions ACT Formed in 2020 with two staff, Davis Hart has quickly grown to employ six technical staff. Specialising in commercial, industrial and government fit-outs for a wide range of clients and builders, the company has also developed its minor works department into a successful part of the business. A Business Manager was employed twelve months ago, who has helped formalise processes within the growing business.

Design & Build Electrical VIC Design & Build Electrical offers high calibre refurbishments, renovations, and new builds in the small commercial construction sector. The team of eight, including three apprentices, has undertaken a range of projects including hospitality, aquatic and leisure centres, health, aged care, hotels, schools and offices, and completing electrical, communications, security, multiple access television, hearing augmentation, customised lighting, and civil works.

QRS Electrical NSW Often working on time-critical projects, QRS has successfully redefined their internal systems and processes to ensure the highest levels of staff onboarding and training, while maintaining their focus on delivering high quality commercial solutions for clients.

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December 2022

NECA AWARDS

WINNER

Give Industries QLD Altruism, effectiveness, generosity, innovation, and sustainability, are the key drivers at Give Industries.

Weekly toolbox meetings create a forum to celebrate new wins, discuss the company’s impact and the donations to various charities, provide safety updates, and act as an opportunity to draw on the teams’ collective knowledge base.

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2022 NECA SMALL BUSINESS AWARDS

SMALL BUSINESS PROJECT OF THE YEAR ElectroTech Tasmania TAS Salamanca Fresh Bellerive During this challenging project, ElectroTech was faced with keeping an existing grocery store trading seven days a week, and providing site power for the new building in construction. This meant temporary generators, temporary data connections and repairs to aging systems to maintain their operation before replacement.

R & H Electrical QLD Brisbane Metro Visitor Centre The electrical, data and automation works completed by R&H Electrical for the new Brisbane Metro Public Display Centre, have transformed an old food court with neglected electrical infrastructure, into a modern, high-tech showroom, that will keep residents up to date with the rapidly growing Brisbane Metro.

Diverse Fire Systems VIC The AC Marriott The AC Marriott is a 40-level tower, with 20 floors of hotel and the remainder apartments. Diverse Fire Systems were contracted to install a Honeywell Fire Indicator Panel and emergency warning and intercommunication system (EWIS) panel with approximately 1,000 smoke detectors, 1,000 speakers, 200 interface touch points, and other related items. Delivered at the height of the pandemic, this was the largest project completed by the company at that date.

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December 2022

NECA AWARDS

WINNER

Curry Power NSW Queensland, New South Wales Interconnector This challenging project has increased Curry Power’s presence in the specialist transmission powerline sector, and helped the company secure transmission projects in 2022 and 2023, along with new contracts with network owners.

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2022 NECA EXCELLENCE AWARDS

INNOVATION

CDI Energy WA CDI Energy Rapid Solar Module CDI Energy’s mission is to implement reliable, sustainable, cost-effective energy solutions for remote communities and the resources industry. Its innovative Rapid Solar Module (RSM) is helping make solar a substantially more viable energy source by reducing maintenance and operating costs.

This modular, ground-mounted photovoltaic (PV) structure is quick to install, produces up to two times more energy than conventional solutions, and delivers substantial savings - helping CDI Energy’s clients reduce their carbon footprint and achieve improved environmental outcomes.

ATS – Australian Technical Services VIC Rapid Test – RCD Testing System Australian Technical Services (ATS) identified a need for residual current device (RCD) testing that eliminated the time-consuming methods of plugging a tester into a general power outlet (GPO) to trip the RCD, or high-risk testing live at the switchboard. Rapid Test is installed in the switchboard and connected wirelessly to a tablet or mobile. RCDs can be tested without touching a wire - eliminating exposure to arc flash or electric shock, while electronically recording the results.

QRS Electrical NSW Assembly Video QRS sent across all quality assurance (QA) documentation, specialist tools and the materials required to complete the installation. With the uninterruptible power supply (UPS) still set up in their Sydney warehouse, the team in Perth were able to face-time at any point and ask questions about the installation.

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NECA AWARDS

WINNER

Give Industries QLD Give Industries’ Impact-Driven Business Model Give Industries is leading the way with an innovative impact-driven business model that changes the way businesses do business - where a successful project is not only a quality electrical installation and a happy client, but might also mean malaria protection for a village, education for a young girl, or employment for a community health worker.

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2022 NECA EXCELLENCE AWARDS

WORK HEALTH AND SAFETY – EXCELLENCE IN ACTION Contact Group TAS Royal Hobart Hospital COVID Safety Plan Having developed a stringent COVID-19 Safety Plan for its operations during the pandemic, the most significant challenge faced by Contact Group was ensuring the safety of its staff, patients and other workers at the Royal Hobart Hospital, whilst carrying out critical maintenance work.

Fredon QLD Testing & Fault-Finding Verification of Competency The introduction of a portable testing and fault-finding board and Fredon’s Verification of Competency program, has resulted in staff reporting a greater understanding and confidence when approaching these tasks. It has also reduced the occurrence of incidents and near misses associated with testing and fault-finding activities.

Control & Electric ACT Control & Electric Work Health & Safety The decision by Control & Electric to centralise documentation and recording of essential safety items into a digital format, allow 24/7 access to documentation by employees. Combined with a culture of care and approachability, the company is committed to ensuring the safety of its team.

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NECA AWARDS

WINNER

Peri Peri Electrical WA Setting the safety standards for Solar installations Rooftop solar work can be high risk and Peri Peri Electrical is constantly assessing workplace risks and identifying the best way to maintain a zero lost time injury (LTI) and medical treatment injury (MTI) rate. As part of this endeavour, they have invested heavily in edge protection solutions, which are now used on every solar installation, while engineered safety mesh is being used on commercial properties to prevent falls through skylight roof sheets. Investing in an edge protection system with its own trailer was a significant cost for the business, but it has sent a clear message to the team and their customers that Peri Peri Electrical genuinely cares about safety.

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2022 NECA EXCELLENCE AWARDS

DOMESTIC RESIDENCE Tri Coast Electrical QLD 19 Lorilet St Peregian Beach This luxury home was Tri Coast Electrical’s first large design and construct residential project. Running over six months, it became a full-time project as the team worked to deliver the client’s vision, completing all electrical, data, multiple access television (MATV), audio visual and access control for the multi-storey house.

Premier Electrical Group VIC Merricks In completing the electrical scope for this luxury project on Victoria’s Mornington Peninsula, Premier Electrical worked closely with multiple lighting designers and automation consultants to deliver the client’s vision. Consisting of two buildings across 9 acres, smart home automation is incorporated throughout the main house and the wellness retreat - controlling the heating and cooling, multiple appliances, audio visual, interior and exterior lighting, and security systems.

Energy Culture NSW Tarlo Passive Home Having delivered solar and battery projects for this builder for five years, Energy Culture partnered with them on their first pre-fabricated passive home. Once the windows and doors were in place, the building was sealed and pressure tested. No air can get in or out without being forced, so the house (and CO2 levels) are monitored via a KNX automation system.

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NECA AWARDS

WINNER

Electric Solutions SA Balhannah Electric Solutions was required to draw upon a cross section of electrical, security, industrial automation and communication skills during the design and construct of this large new home in the Adelaide Hills. Situated in a bushfire prone zone, a unique feature was the installation of auto transfer from mains to generator using invertor and battery backup, with auto circuit breakers on both of the two mains supplies.

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2022 NECA EXCELLENCE AWARDS

LIGHTING DESIGN AND CONSTRUCT Insight Electrical Technology WA Façade Lighting – 2 Adelaide Terrace Insight Electrical Technology’s (IET’s) brief was to create a new façade lighting system that would reinvigorate an iconic government building, without interfering with its primary function. The final result exceeded the client’s expectations and created a dazzling canvas to promote the City of Perth. The project involved the selection and installation of light emitting diode (LED) projectors to illuminate the southern façade of the 10-storey curved building.

Elonara QLD Queen Street Village The Queen Street Village has significant levels of feature lighting – with Elonara working with their suppliers to create new products. The client was provided with extensive training in the lighting control systems, enabling them to use the technology to achieve the visual outcomes they wanted.

National Electrical Solutions ACT Mulberry – Dickson This lighting installation by National Electrical Solutions has helped push the boundaries of quality and innovative apartment living, creating a sustainable and environmentally-friendly place to live. Internal and external spaces are filled with different types of lighting, including feature pendants, extra low voltage (ELV) ground lighting, and striking overhead arches in walkways.

Zelo Group VIC HER Melbourne The four-level mega-venue “HER” has transformed a 1903 heritage-listed building into a mecca for food, art and music. Each level is connected by a vertical laneway featuring a lighting design by L’Observatiore International. High in Zelo’s priorities was delivering a lighting control system with pre-programmed scenes for various times of the day, with Dynalite and Crestron systems controlling the vast array of lights.

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NECA AWARDS

WINNER

PM Electric NSW Shell House Integral to the Shell House project was PM Electric’s role in achieving the interior designer’s aesthetic brief. The lighting showcases an abundance of custom feature lights, which coupled with the almost ‘invisible’ 2000k warm light emitting diode (LED) lighting, helps create an inviting ambience.

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2022 NECA EXCELLENCE AWARDS

GREEN ENERGY

Enginuity Power Solutions TAS Doone Kennedy Hobart Aquatic Centre System Optimisation After an analysis of the existing infrastructure and energy consumption at the Aquatic Centre, Enginuity Power Solutions delivered a range of upgrades to the heating, ventilation and air-conditioning (HVAC) systems, along with power quality improvements that have resulted in significant reductions in energy consumption.

Fredon QLD 80 Ann Street Fredon was required to demonstrate a WELLS compliant building, and introduced a new uniformity test that demonstrated a 20% energy saving on the lighting through step dimming programming. A range of energy saving innovations on the project has helped set a new benchmark for energy efficient office spaces.

Shepherd Electricals ACT Australian Parliament House – Lighting Control Upgrades With old relays that had failed or were not functioning correctly, large areas of lighting were being left on 24/7 at Parliament House. This project by Shepherd Electrical has laid the foundations for an extensive integrated lighting control system and increased the building’s energy efficiency.

seven20electrical VIC Mrs Baker’s Still House (Distillery) On a remote farm site with only single-phase power and a noisy, costly-to-run generator, seven20electrical designed and built a three-phase, 30 kW ground-mount solar system and 40 kw/hour, expandable, flow battery system that could still work with the singlephase grid-connect supply. All works where completed in-house by seven20electrical from the design, through to excavation, and final installation and commissioning.

TOBCO NSW ZEB Infrastructure Leichardt Bus Depot The installation of electric vehicle (EV) chargers and associated infrastructure by TOBCO has allowed Transport for New South Wales to remove 41 diesel buses from operation, and is part of a plan for buses to be fully electric - with more chargers to be added in the future.

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NECA AWARDS

WINNER

CDI Energy WA Ginbata Micro Grid This large-scale, solar energy storage system at Ginbata Airport, which services the Roy Hill Mine in the Pilbara, has reduced the airport’s reliance on diesel by 80% and cut carbon emissions by 150 tonnes, annually. The project is the first time that CDI Energy has delivered a large-scale energy storage system that incorporates their innovative Rapid Solar Module and double redundant power supply solution, and highlights their ability to manufacture innovative solar installations and energy storage products.

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2022 NECA EXCELLENCE AWARDS

ICT & AV

Contact Group TAS Department of Justice Shared Tribunals Building on its extensive experience in court room fit-outs, Contact Group installed the complex audio visual and control systems for the new centralised Tasmanian Civil and Administrative Tribunal - spanning 19 formal hearing rooms, smaller hearing rooms, mediation rooms, offices, and break-out spaces.

Programmed Electrical Technologies WA WAPHA Programmed Electrical Technologies was engaged for the redesign, install and commissioning of an audio visual and communications solution spanning multiple large and small meeting rooms in the WA Primary Health Alliance offices in Subiaco. By using Crestron Flex and internet protocol (IP) transmitting, the system is not only space-efficient, but any future upgrades will be able to use the same infrastructure – effectively future-proofing the installation for the client.

Green Switch Electrical QLD Majestic Cinema Located in a large unit development, Green Switch Electrical worked closely with specialist theatre and lighting suppliers to complete the data, audio visual and electrical installation for this new six screen cinema complex. Completing the project has led to further opportunities for the company in this specialist area.

Intravision ACT Project Majura Intravision won the contract for a Department of Defence fit-out over five floors at the Majura Business Park at Canberra Airport. Working in a building completed as a cold shell in 2014 and left unattended since then, the fit-out had to be completed in just nine months. The detailed, security-focussed design included 3,500 work points, 2,000 km of fibre and 75 km of copper cabling.

MIMP Connecting Solutions SA GigCity Whyalla & Mount Gambier Wireless Gigabit Business Internet The SA Government originally launched Gig City in 2017 as an alternative to the national broadband network (NBN) for high-speed internet access – initially connecting 12 Adelaide metro areas using fibre services. This project saw MIMP Connecting Solutions build microwave wireless networks with carrier grade nodes to deliver the first affordable, one gigabyte per second service, to regional businesses in South Australia’s two largest regional cities, Whyalla and Mount Gambier.

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NECA AWARDS

WINNER

Stowe Australia VIC Centre for National Resilience, Melbourne This new quarantine facility was built in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Stowe Australia completed the communications installation over a challenging five-month timeframe – requiring multiple shifts every day, seven days a week. 600 communications pits, 50 km of communications conduit, 401 km of fibre and copper cabling, and 99 communications racks, made it one of the largest communications projects the team has completed.

To deliver this major project in such a short timeframe – and with multiple shifts working seven days a week – Stowe set up a unique management structure. A project director oversaw two project managers, who in turn had two contract administrators assisting with the large workload.

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2022 NECA EXCELLENCE AWARDS

INDUSTRIAL SMALL RBD Electrical TAS Hydro Tasmania Gordon 1-2 HV Switchyard Upgrade Works RBD Electrical has been supplying electrical expertise for over 20 years to Hydro Tasmania. To deliver this complex, extra high voltage project, RBD Electrical knew it would have to overcome the continual rain and cold, minimise outage times and deal with the difficult access to the live switchyard.

Mason Electrical Engineering Contractors WA Minderoo Exmouth Research Laboratory (MERL) Water Delivery Treatment and Control for Experimental Research Laboratories Project The Minderoo Foundation Exmouth Research Lab (MERL) has been designed to provide state-of-the-art facilities where scientists can conduct marine research that focuses on changes in environmental water conditions.

Mason Electrical Engineering Contractors were engaged to supply and install programmable logic controller (PLC) cubicles from the beach site to transfer water to the MERL, where it could be treated, studied and returned to the sea.

Martin Donnelly ACT ACT Data Centre The process of replacing critical infrastructure such as switchboards and sub-mains cables without impacting the data centre’s operations, involved Martin Donnelly preparing detailed Methods of Procedures, which were submitted to the end client for sign-off prior to the works commencing.

Scarlett Contracting VIC Coca Cola Amatil Moorabbin Distribution Board & Main Switchboard Change Over The Coca Cola Amatil factory in Moorabbin produces 10 million cans of Coke per day. Scarlett Contracting completed the design, construction, and installation of a new main switchboard (MSB), replacing the original MSB dating back to the 1960s. During a carefully planned shutdown, all mains and sub mains were re-installed, tested, and commissioned during shifts of day and night crews working continuously for four and a half days.

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NECA AWARDS

WINNER

RIC Electrics NSW Menindee Water Treatment Plant With the new treatment plant located 800 km away, programmable logic controllers (PLC) and supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) commissioning was performed remotely by RIC Electrics’ team at their workshop in Wagga Wagga, reducing the number of staff required at the construction site.

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2022 NECA EXCELLENCE AWARDS

INDUSTRIAL LARGE Frontline Electrical TAS Bluestone Mine – Design and Construct – High Voltage Substation & Mine Distribution Upgrade The Bluestone Mine Project included a new high voltage and reticulation system to replace the outdated 44 kV switchyard, 11 kV and 3 kV feeders and equipment, and other low voltage mine reticulation. The project was delivered without interruption to essential ventilation and de-watering equipment, or the mine’s production schedule.

Southern Cross Electrical Engineering WA Gudai-Darri Southern Cross Electrical Engineering (SCEE) completed the mine plant electrical and instrumentation works at Rio Tinto’s new greenfield iron ore mine in the Pilbara - Gudai-Darri. During the course of the project, SCEE worked over 650,000 hours - installing 30 km of cable ladder, 21 transformers, 39 km of high voltage cabling, including 484 high voltage terminations, 470 km of low voltage/control/instrumentation and earth cabling - with 35,500 terminations and over 1,800 field devices and instruments. Gudai-Darri delivers a major new production hub for Rio Tinto’s iron ore business in the Pilbara.

Shepherd Electrical ACT Australian Parliament House – Auxiliary Power Supply Upgrade The replacement and upgrade of the existing high voltage generator auxiliary power supply to Australian Parliament House, will provide adequate redundancy for current and future emergency load demands in an N+1 configuration. Shepherd Electrical had to carefully remove and replace the generators via an extremely tight opening in the stone façade, and through their work, have transformed what was a functional but simple 1988 installation, into an advanced integrated system.

Nilsen VIC CSL Facility F and Logistics Hub CSL Behring’s Broadmeadows facility produces bio-therapeutics derived from blood plasma. Nilsen completed five packages of work for these complex new builds that span 44,000 square metres, delivering light and power, high voltage, communications, fire, emergency warning and intercommunication system (EWIS), and security. Nilsen was faced with a unique challenge as CSL wanted the buildings handed over in stages - in vertically defined modules - covering all four storeys with fully functional electrical infrastructure.

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NECA AWARDS

WINNER

Barnwell Cambridge NSW Equinix SY9-I Barnwell Cambridge designed and installed a 490 kW photovoltaic system for this ground-breaking data centre project – supplying sustainable green energy for EV charging stations and mechanical switchboards.

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2022 NECA EXCELLENCE AWARDS

COMMERCIAL SMALL Degree C TAS Launceston General Hospital Generator Upgrade While the general scope was to provide an additional 850 kVA diesel generator to be synced and controlled with the existing generator, isolating power to critical areas of the hospital meant Degree C had to develop a highly strategic methodology prior to the works commencing.

Insight Electrical Technology WA Perth Central – Hames Sharley Project When client Hames Sharley Architects identified an abandoned space as a possible new studio, they engaged IET for the complex electrical design, construct and fitout – which includes a soft wiring system that will allow the client to adapt the studio as their needs change. A new mall entry was created to access the previously unreachable upper floors, which now include a rooftop garden and function space.

Green Switch Electrical QLD Majestic Cinema Weekly design meetings were held between Green Switch Electrical, the client, builder and contractors to ensure any issues were flagged and dealt with - helping achieve the high level of finish demanded by the client. The new cinemas are a state of the art, energy-efficient addition to the Majestic Cinemas group.

Stowe Australia ACT MinterEllison Fitout Stowe Australia’s electrical and communications package, installed on this 2000 square metre bespoke fit-out of levels 10 and 11 of the newly constructed Constitution Place building, has created an energyefficient, high-end office space, for leading law firm Minter Ellison.

Stowe Australia VIC MEL060 Data Centre, ROMP2 Stowe Australia successfully delivered the second stage of the MEL060 data centre project which involved a new, two-megawatt data hall, along with all associated medium and low voltage infrastructure, and two catcher systems consisting of a standby transformer and generator. Stowe also co-ordinated the design and installation of client supplied switchgear, as well as the installation of a second dedicated medium voltage (MV)feeder to the site.

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NECA AWARDS

Clean Power Electrical Group SA Harbour Town Upgrade Stage 2 The lighting upgrade to the northern precinct of the Harbour Town Premium Outlets centre near Adelaide Airport, was the largest project undertaken to date by Clean Power Electrical Group. The C-Bus controlled lighting includes extensive strip lighting, feature down lights, up lights and new amenities lighting. Cable pathways and hiding eternal drivers was a constant challenge in the existing building, particularly in the open mall areas.

WINNER

PM Electric NSW Shell House The project’s vision was to create an unparalleled hospitality experience in the heart of Sydney’s central business district (CBD), that celebrates the history of the building, whilst incorporating state-of-the-art technology that provides energy efficient solutions and natural climate control.

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2022 NECA EXCELLENCE AWARDS

COMMERCIAL MEDIUM Contact Group TAS Southern Remand Centre This project presented significant challenges with its rocky terrain complicating the early pit and pipe work - while the prison environment meant staff had to navigate strict security protocols, including not being able to have vehicles on site for the last three weeks of the project.

Martin Donnelly ACT Evelyn Scott School With the school being built in a new suburb, Martin Donnelly’s brief included preparing the infrastructure for a new substation to be built on site. Being able to achieve this earlier than planned, allowed the school to open the first building in time for the coming school year.

Stowe Australia VIC MEL060 Data Centre, ROMP1 The cold shell component of the MEL060 data centre project was completed prior to the current builder and Stowe commencing work on the project, so all in grounds and a cold shell warehouse had already been constructed. This warehouse was then converted into a data centre with four external substations, five external transformers and generators, three internal switch rooms, mechanical plant area, and large office space with outbuildings.

SKS Technologies SA Adelaide Railway Station Rejuvenation Project As part of an architectural lighting package, 350 metres of Linear light emitting diode (LED) and 173 Linear spotlights, were installed on the external facade of the heritage-listed Adelaide Railway Station by SKS Technologies. Internally, the nibs, niches and ceilings of the main concourse and upper ramp were rejuvenated with the installation of Linear LED and Linear spotlights, while switchboards, uninterruptible power supply (UPS) and lighting control systems were also completed.

PRO Electrical Services NSW Chau Chak Wing Museum – The University of Sydney Purpose built to showcase some of Australia’s most significant artistic, scientific and archaeological artefacts, this unique structure cantilevers 14 metres to the south, adding numerous complexities to the build for PRO Electrical Services.

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NECA AWARDS

WINNER Elonara

Queen Street Village QLD A key challenge on this large urban redevelopment project was the ‘non-sequential’ building program, with areas at different stages of completion. To manage this, Elonara constructed multiple temporary power solutions, enabling preliminary testing, before full commissioning was carried out when the permanent infrastructure was in place.

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2022 NECA EXCELLENCE AWARDS

COMMERCIAL LARGE BSH Electrical TAS The Marriott Hotel Project Originally conceived as an office space development, this blending of heritage and art deco buildings with a newly constructed structure, was changed into creating a modern, 152-room luxury hotel for the Marriott Group – creating numerous challenges for BSH Electrical over the four-year life of the project.

Everett Smith & Co WA Karrinyup Shopping Centre The expansion of the Karrinyup Shopping Centre was the largest commercial construction project in WA at the time, with a mammoth three-year upgrade commencing in 2018, doubling its size to 109,000 square metres. The works had to be carried out while the centre continued to operate, so elaborate staging plans were created

by Everett-Smith & Co in conjunction with the main contractor and client.

Perigon QLD Midtown Centre and Rio Tinto Fit out Consuming 13,500 hours over a twelve-month period, Perigon faced numerous challenges during the electrical services installation for this complex joining of two adjacent buildings to form a single 26-level building. The result is a highly energy efficient building that sets new standards for office space in Brisbane’s central business district.

Star Electrical ACT Goulburn Hospital Re-Development While completing this new high-quality medical facility in Goulburn, Star Electrical sourced materials locally where possible and utilised Goulburn and Canberra based employees for the project. This ensured the benefits of this project were felt by the local community even before the facility was completed.

Fredon Electrical VIC Melbourne Olympic Park The redevelopment ran for over two years, all while the facility remained operational for the Australian Open and other major events. This project included the CENTREPIECE multifunction building, the new Show Court Arena, surrounding infrastructure upgrades, and three additional outdoor match courts. Fredon’s scope included major electrical infrastructure upgrades, light and power, communications, and feature sports lighting to world-class standards.

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NECA AWARDS

Nilsen SA Modbury Hospital Upgrade The electrical and communications upgrade to the Modbury Hospital by Nilsen SA included the refurbishment of several wings of the existing hospital, along with a new main entrance and new outpatient and palliative care units. Main site upgrades including high voltage infrastructure, new main boards, fibre and copper communications, security, nurse call, and lighting controls were completed by Nilsen during the 17-month project.

WINNER

Star Electrical Crown NSW Star Group made a major contribution to this landmark development which features 10 bars and restaurants, multiple gaming areas, a day spa and gym, tennis court and pools, large ballroom, 323 hotel rooms, 26 villas and 76 luxury apartments.

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2022 NECA APPRENTICE AWARDS

APPRENTICE OF THE YEAR WINNER 4TH YEAR COMMERCIAL/DOMESTIC Julia Bedin ACT

NECA Training and Apprenticeships Hosted by Martin Donnelly

RUNNERS-UP Nicholas Marks

VIC

NECA Education & Careers Hosted by Stowe Australia

Max Joseph

SA

NECA Education & Careers Hosted by Niramar

WINNER 4TH YEAR INDUSTRIAL

Emerson Johnston WA Electrical Group Training Hosted by SMEC Power and Technology

RUNNER-UP Mathew Burns NT Electric NT

WINNER 4TH YEAR ELV/COMMUNICATIONS Lauren Steicke SA

PEER Hosted by Pro AV Solutions

RUNNER-UP Ryan Williams QLD NECA Electrical Apprenticeships Hosted by Programmed Electrical Technologies

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December 2022

2022 NECA APPRENTICE AWARDS

NECA AWARDS

TRADE TEACHER OF THE YEAR WINNER TRADE TEACHER OF THE YEAR Ross Bell NSW

NECA Training and Apprenticeships

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ARE YOUR BOARDS ADEQUATELY PROTECTED?

ADVERTORIAL

SINCE 2018, RESIDUAL CURRENT DEVICE (RCD) PROTECTION HAS BEEN REQUIRED ON ALL NEW AND UPGRADED POWER AND LIGHTING CIRCUITS UP TO 32 AMPS IN NON-RESIDENTIAL APPLICATIONS, AND ON ALL FINAL DOMESTIC SUB-CIRCUITS. This typically presents a challenge for electricians when replacing a three-pole circuit breaker with an RCD or residual current breaker with over-current (RCBO), as the add-on modules found on many RCBOs can incur additional space requirements of between one and three poles, depending on the application. This can be troublesome on boards that are already short on real estate, and until recently, this raised a problem that was often accompanied by a hefty price tag to resolve.

Recent developments to RCBOs, such as NHP’s range of MOD6 and DIN-T RCBOs have changed this, allowing electricians to replace a three-pole width circuit breaker with a three-pole width RCBO. This provides piece of mind that the existing board will be able to accommodate the requirements of the upgrade.

On 30 April 2023, AS/NZS 3000:2018 Clause 2.6.2.2.2 Wiring Rules Amendment 2 comes into effect, and Type AC RCBO devices will no longer be accepted for mandated applications. From 30 April onwards, the minimum requirement for any new circuit, or existing circuit being added to, will be a Type A RCD device. This may be a good time to consider upgrading older switchboards that are unable to accommodate Type A RCBO devices.

61439 Switchboard Assembly Standard? ½

½

½

½

½

½

are the miniature circuit breaker (MCB)/ RCBO products you’re using listed on the Electrical Regulatory Authorities Council (ERAC) database so that compliance can be easily checked? does the manufacturer offer local sales and product/ engineering support? can the RCBO be used with a standard busbar comb or busbar chassis? can the add on RCD be linked with a regular breaker? will the RCBO fit the existing board, and can it be easily retrofitted? can a combo unit be added to the RCBO to add additional capabilities such as an arc fault detection device (AFDD)?

With standards constantly evolving, and regulations becoming even more stringent overseas, manufacturers are continually developing new and improved products.

The team at NHP are currently developing a new D-Curve 3P RCBO, with plans to launch the product in the new year.

When choosing which type of RCBO device to install, it is important to consider the following: ½

has the switchgear been tested with the board it is being installed on, and is it compliant with the

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Jamie Goddard Product Manager – Distribution Systems & Protection, NHP

December 2022

Switchboard solutions for AS/NZS 61439 Don’t be left behind. NHP’s Cubic Modular switchboard systems and Concept distribution panelboards will ensure you’re compliant with the new standards.

Find out more at nhp.com.au/61439

nhp.com.au

1300 647 647

sales@nhp.com.au

BRANCH UPDATE Brett Carew Nothern NSW Member Manager Mynas Leontios Sydney Metro Member Manager

Welcome to our December issue of NECA News As we start to wrap up the year, celebrate the successes of the past 12 months and enjoy our Christmas festivities, it is a timely reminder that this time of year can come with some specific issues that need managing.

These include public holidays, Christmas/New Year closedowns and Christmas functions.

If you are unsure and need advice on how to manage these issues, we urge you to connect with our human resources and industrial relations experts. As a NECA member, your business receives unlimited basic phone and email advice and support through our in-house team. They can help with pay rates, award rates, termination, travel allowances and leave entitlements specific to your business.

Scan the QR code to connect.

To all our members, the NECA team sincerely thanks you for your ongoing support. I trust that NECA has been able to help you and your business throughout the year.

Scan here to visit the NECA NSW homepage

NSW BRANCH

I also want to acknowledge and thank our business partners for their ongoing support, and look forward to working with them again in the New Year.

A very special thank you to the NECA teams: member services, technical, legal, marketing and health, safety, environment and quality (HSEQ), whose untiring efforts ensure that the NECA NSW branches run smoothly and effectively.

Lastly, on behalf of the entire NECA NSW Branch, we wish you and your families a very Merry Christmas and a happy and safe New Year.

Funding for NSW businesses to install new submeters now available In October, the NSW Government launched a grant to help NSW businesses purchase and install new submeters to measure energy performance. Submeters differ to regular utility meters in that they provide data about equipment performance, which can help businesses save energy.

Funding can be used for: installing and commissioning permanent submeters that are required for measuring energy performance, hardware and integration with software needed to monitor energy use.

To be eligible, you must: ½ ½

½

have an Australian business number (ABN); be a business with a submetering project at a NSW site address; and spend a minimum of $200,000 a year on energy bills at that site.

If the application is for a commercial building: ½ ½

only the base building is eligible; and the occupancy certificate must have been issued prior to 1 January 2022.

Visit www.energy.nsw.gov.au for more information.

Working in inclement weather With summer now here, it’s important to remember that as employers, we have a duty of care to ensure we are not putting our workers’ health and safety at risk, due to outdoor work in extreme heat.

Some workplace employment agreements or enterprise bargaining agreements (EBA) specifically address matters like inclement weather. Unless your agreement addresses these matters, the current WHS legislation does not set acceptable ultra violet (UV) exposure levels or temperatures at which a worker may stop work, or be sent home.

As the employer, you must continue to actively manage any risks, and you should do this in consultation with your employees.

If it is not possible to eliminate this risk then the exposure to UV or high temperatures must be minimised so far as is reasonably practicable.

Consider practical solutions to reduce risks, such as: ½

½

½

½

½

½

identify hazards associated with working on a hot day; plan ahead and ensure all practicable measures for preventing heat illness and overexposure to UV can be implemented; alter work schedules to early morning and late afternoon; re-allocate work so workers can work indoors if possible (safety meetings, workshop clean ups etc); enable workers to rotate work to reduce the exposure to UV and temperature; provide workers with access to shelter, instigate additional rest

December 2022

NSW BRANCH

breaks and encourage people to stay hydrated by providing cool water; ½

ensure all workers are aware of heat stress symptoms so they can monitor themselves and keep an eye on their workmates;

½

provide suitable protection, including sun protective clothing (long-sleeved shirts and long trousers), sun protective broad-brimmed hats, sun protection factor (SPF) 30 or higher broadspectrum water-resistant sunscreen and close-fitting sunglasses;

½

ensure that your controls are available to workers, encourage their use and monitor how they are being implemented.

If there is no work available and without any direction from a workplace agreement, your employees continue to be paid for ordinary hours and will not suffer a loss of pay due to weather conditions.

Members seeking advice are encouraged to connect with NECA’s HSEQ experts who can provide unlimited phone and email advice on all safety issues. Our HSEQ Team specialises in the electrical industry to assist our member with their questions and challenges. We provide a range of extra services including document development, workplace audits and inspections, root cause investigations and toolbox training. Scan the QR code to connect with a NECA specialist.

Entering into a new construction contract It is crucial to ensure that your rights are being protected by contractual clauses before you sign a contract. NECA’s legal experts have recently received an increase in calls requesting contract templates.

To assist members, NECA’s legal experts have developed a suite of industry-specific contract templates, including the following: ½

Commercial Contract under $20,000;

½

Do and Charge Contract;

½

Home Building Contract under $20,000;

½

Quotation Contract under $20,000;

½

Standard Conditions of Order Subcontract Agreement under $20,000;

½

Standard Maintenance Agreement (Service Agreement).

These contract templates and more can be found on the NECA Members’ Knowledge Base (MKB).

NECA members requiring assistance in reviewing their contracts are encouraged to connect with NECA’s in-house legal experts.

As a NECA member you receive unlimited basic phone and email enquiries with our legal team.

Scan the QR code to learn more.

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Advocacy update The second half of the year has seen an avalanche of activity in the NSW Government and consultation space. The Home Building Reforms are a full re-write of the Home Building Act, and they are the most significant set of legislative reforms we’ve seen in recent history. NECA was heavily involved in the pre-consultation and has now provided a detailed submission that outlines what we see as the key issues for our members and the electrical industry more broadly.

To highlight the significance of these changes, NECA hosted key government officials via a webinar on this subject, as well as sending many notices to members detailing the consultation process and how to provide feedback. Based on our understanding and the input of members, NECA’s submission focused on the key areas below.

Supervision of Trade Assistants and Apprentices NECA has always been a strong advocate of safe worksites. We promote apprentice employment, and are one of the biggest employers of apprentices ourselves. With this experience comes a knowledge and understanding of good and best practice supervision.

The new “Supervision Practice Standard” aims to lock the supervision requirements for electrical apprentices and trade assistants into law. While we agree that all untrained staff should be adequately supervised at all times, we are concerned that putting these employer obligations into an inflexible law could create other unintended consequences for industry. The consequences include potential impacts on productivity, and the ability for NSW electricians to keep pace with the federal plan for electrification of the nation.

in similar requirements to apprentices, with no more than three TAs to a tradesperson allowed. We see this requirement could potentially create a trade shortage, as well as limiting businesses’ ability to efficiently and safely carry out their work. A case study, jointly conducted by NECA and one of our members on a large government infrastructure project, showed that the number of tradespeople needed under these new requirements would increase by 200%.

Due to the specific nature of a TA’s work and their invaluable contribution to the trade, NECA and other industry experts have long stated that TAs must not be part of this supervision standard. We will continue to work closely to highlight these issues.

Additional reforms Other proposals in the Home Building Reforms include: ½

½

½

The new apprentice supervision requirements are not too different to what is already industry practice; however, there are some anomalies that we are keen to work with the NSW Government on. This will ensure employers are still incentivised to employ apprentices. The anomalies include: ½

½

½

½

the working definitions of direct, general and broad supervision need to be reviewed for consistency with other similar definitions; applying risk assessments and competency assessments on skills as apprentices progress; obligations on supervisors to record every step in the apprentice’s journey.

This must be simple and not onerous; requiring supervising trades to complete “regulator training” before being able to provide supervision. We would like to know what this training is, whether it is tied into continuing professional development (CPD), and how much the training costs.

Trade assistant (TA) supervision has never been specifically documented outside an employer’s work health and safety obligations.

The new Supervision Practice Standard locks

½

simplified licencing and the removal of contractors’ licenses, reducing fees and making licensing in NSW less complicated; the introduction of CPD. To support this, NECA would like to know what the requirements are, how many points would be required, what the frequency is, etc. We will also advocate that any CPD is both relevant and not onerous; Professional Standards Scheme (PSS). To move to a flexible pathway framework, the NSW Government proposes to use the extensive knowledge and expertise of occupational bodies and professional associations who hold a professional standards scheme under the Professional Standards Act 1994. These bodies will be relied on to undertake assessments of applicants for a licence under the new Building Bill. If approved by the Secretary of the Department of Customer Service, the approved body would assess an applicant and consider whether they have the appropriate qualifications, skills, knowledge and experience to hold a licence (skills recognition). If assessed as meeting these requirements, the applicant would be referred to NSW Fair Trading to undertake the final registration process; pre-notification of proposed electrical work. The NSW Government is considering adopting a similar process to the plumbing industry, where they are advised of certain works before they commence.

NECA would like to understand which works would require pre-notification, and how it would operate. We cannot have tradespeople spending more time completing meaningless paperwork that has no net benefit to them or the industry.

Thanks to our strong member base, NECA is well placed to provide expert advice on all these reforms, and we can positively impact the industry to improve the regulatory landscape we all operate under.

Members should also be aware that the review of the Gas and Electricity (Consumer Safety) Act and Regulation will be conducted in the first half of 2023.

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CONNECT FOR SUCCESS BUSINESS WORKSHOP

NOVEMBER IN NSW IS KNOWN AS SMALL BUSINESS MONTH. TO SUPPORT ALL ELECTRICAL BUSINESSES BIG AND SMALL, NECA, IN PARTNERSHIP WITH THE NSW GOVERNMENT, HELD A FREE “CONNECT FOR SUCCESS” BUSINESS WORKSHOP ON WEDNESDAY, 16 NOVEMBER AT NECA’S CENTRE OF EXCELLENCE IN CHULLORA.

LIVE PRODUCT DEMOS WITH NECA NATIONAL BUSINESS PARTNERS

This collaborative and interactive workshop provided members with a suite of tools and resources to help grow their business in 2023. Below are some highlights from the Business Workshop.

NECA MEMBER REWARD AND RECOGNITION

Legend CABAC Thought Leader’s Webinar Winner Alan Hale, Alan Hale Electrical

EXHIBITION OF NEW AND EMERGING INDUSTRY TECHNOLOGIES FROM NECA BUSINESS Our industry leaders in research and development

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December 2022

NSW BRANCH

NECA MEMBER BUSINESS SUCCESS JOURNEY

Andrew Hardingham, Sydney Electrical and Data Following his passion, Andrew Hardingham originally started his career in electronics within film and television.

Still, fate had other ideas when the film industry took a dive and Hollywood stopped filming movies in Australia. This turn saw Andrew move from electronics into lighting and electrical. Andrew talked to NECA Sydney Metro Member Manager, Mynas Leontios, and workshop attendees about how NECA had assisted him along his business success journey.

What challenges did you encounter in your career transition?

Moving from a specialised niche area and leaping into commercial and electrical, I didn’t have a network of colleagues that I could turn to for advice, support or even simply to share experiences.

This search eventually led me to NECA. The success story for my business was finding not only NECA and the services that support our businesses, but also a network of electrical contractors who are now good friends. Through this network, we can share experiences, find out about new and innovative industry products, and discuss our current challenges. It’s not easy starting a small business on your own because you feel isolated. Since I joined NECA in 2015, I have been able to develop that network of colleagues.

How have NECA’s core services assisted you over the years?

I am constantly amazed by the services they offer, and after seven years, I am still learning of their evergrowing list of services to support member businesses’ growth.

For instance, as a small business, there are a few things that you don’t have, such as an in-house lawyer, but now I feel like we do have a lawyer in-house because we have NECA’S legal, human resources and industrial relations experts, which have saved our behinds numerous times.

One example is when we did work for a particular builder who owed us $90,000.

The builder refused to pay or answer our calls, so we engaged NECA’s Legal Team, who ultimately got our money back. Twelve months later, the builder went bust, and everyone who was owed

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money lost everything. For a small business such as mine, $90,000 is quite a bit of money to lose, and we were so grateful that we were able to get help from NECA’s legal experts.

On another occasion, they guided us on industrial relations issues. It is quite difficult at times to understand the correct processes in these issues, as I don’t have any legal training. Through NECA’s team, we are guaranteed quality service and the correct advice. The team takes their time to talk us through our situation and almost always goes beyond what they should be supplying.

As I mentioned, it is as though we have our own in-house lawyer.

I understand that you are also a big fan of NECA technical?

Although I am very technical and happy to share my experiences and advice with members in our branch meeting, I regularly use NECA’s technical services.

Even after being in the industry for 15 years and constantly updating my skills via training courses, the industry is continually evolving, bringing changes to legislation and standards, particularly changes with Ausgrid and NSW Fair Trading.

I am constantly in touch with NECA Technical as the technical support is fantastic and like no other industry support. The biggest advantage is that there are two parts to NECA’s technical service: ½

as a NECA member, you receive unlimited phone and email enquiries (i.e. within business hours) from their technical experts;

½

you have 24/7 access to the NECA Members’ Knowledge Base (TKB). If you are a member and not using the online platform, then you are not getting the benefits of the hundreds of standards housed in the knowledge base. I leave my browser window open and constantly refer to AS 3000 and any relevant changes. All of this is free as part of your NECA membership.

These are some of the best things about being a member: free access to TKB and free unlimited advice and support from NECA’s technical experts who started their careers as electricians.

A big shout out to NECA’s Technical Specialist, Grant Morehouse, an ex-inspector from Essential Energy. If you have a query, contact the NECA team, and they will send your enquiry to Grant.

Lastly, as the President of the Inner West Branch, I encourage you to attend our monthly meetings. It is a great place to network, hone your skills, and learn more about your trade. We generally meet on the first Thursday of each month at 6.30pm at Massey Park Golf Club, Concord.

I encourage you to attend.

Scan the QR code to register your details, and we will be in touch with the following meeting dates.

CHRISTMAS SHUTDOWN The offices of NECA NSW, NECA Training & Apprenticeships, NECA Legal and NECA Trade Services will be closed from Friday 23 December 2022 and reopen on Monday 9 January 2023.

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RECORD DEMAND FOR APPRENTICES

NSW BRANCH

NECA ELECTRICAL APPRENTICESHIPS IS RECRUITING FIRST YEAR APPRENTICES TO BEGIN THIS SUMMER. DEMAND FOR NECA’S APPRENTICES IS STRONGER THAN EVER IN NSW, QLD AND THE ACT, AND WE NEED YOUR HELP IN REFERRING POTENTIAL APPRENTICES TO US. Many of our best apprentices have been referred by friends or family working with NECA members.

Whether they are kids from your local footy club, family friends or relatives, please let them know about the excellent opportunities a NECA apprenticeship offers.

Our apprentices enjoy the highest quality training and work placements in our industry.

Electricians are forecast to be Australia’s number one skillsshortage occupation over the next decade, so there’s never been a better time to begin a career in our industry with a NECA apprenticeship.

An electrical apprenticeship is a great career option for both men and women. We regularly have members asking us for more female apprentices, so we strongly encourage women to apply and enter our fantastic trade.

Capstone completions NECA’s Centres of Excellence started operating in the ACT and Sydney in 2019, and this year we celebrate our first cohort who are finalising their assessments and completing their trade training.

At NECA we pride ourselves on our ability to source high-quality apprentices for industry and to train and support them to be our members’ future workforce. This has resulted in our apprentice completion rates being at 90% against the industry average of 55%.

We wish our 2022 graduating apprentices all the best for their future and look forward to seeing their skills and experience continue to grow in your businesses.

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Expression of interest Scan the QR code or call your local NECA centre for more information and to register your expression of interest.

Sydney (02) 9744 2754 Brisbane (07) 3276 7950 Canberra (02) 6280 5580

December 2022

HAVE ALL THE BENEFITS OF AN

ELECTRICAL APPRENTICE WITHOUT TAKING ON THE RISK

NECA NECA Electrical Electrical Apprenticeships Apprenticeships employ employ quality quality apprentices apprentices and and place place them them with with host host companies companies for for any any amount amount of of time time from from 33 months months to to 44 years. years.

Becoming Becoming a a host host company company means means that that you you pay pay aa fixed fixed charge charge out out rate, rate, whilst whilst we we take take on on all all the the added added costs, costs, responsibilities responsibilities and and risk. risk.

Build are employed employed by by their their Build your your future: future: 97% 97% of of our our graduating graduating apprentices apprentices are host host on on completion. completion.

NECA ELECTRICAL APPRENTICESHIPS PROVIDE

COSTS INCLUDED IN THE THE CHARGE CHARGE OUT OUT RATE RATE





    

 

Advertising Advertising Recruitment Recruitment Interviews Interviews and and selection selection Medicals blindness test test Medicals including including colour colour blindness Payroll Payroll On-going mentoring by by On-going monitoring monitoring and and mentoring licensed field staff staff licensed electrical electrical field All All administration administration and and paperwork paperwork TAFE TAFE (monitoring (monitoring results) results)

      

Annual Leave Leave days days Annual Sick days days Sick Public holidays Public holidays TAFE days days (36/yr) (36/yr) TAFE TAFE fees TAFE fees Superannuation Superannuation Uniforms and and PPE PPE Uniforms Workers Workers Compensation Compensation

WE ARE NOT-FOR-PROFIT | PASSING THE BENEFITS ON TO YOU

Connect with your local NECA centre ACT Brett Mick Apps McIntyre T (02) 6280 5580 NSW Brad Hoffman Hoff man T (02) (02) 9744 97442754 2754 QLD Mark Wood T (07) (07)3276 32767950 7950

necatraining.com.au

ELECTRICAL APPRENTICESHIPS national electrical and communications association

BRANCH UPDATE Christopher Gradwell NECA QLD Member Manager

Welcome to our December issue of NECA News With the end of the year fast approaching, it is a good time to reflect upon the rather busy year it has been.

Earlier this year, NECA QLD held a series of Industry Nights in collaboration with NECA business partners, the Electrical Safety Office (ESO) and Energy QLD. The feedback from everyone who attended was positive and indicated that these events are a great way to stay informed and network with industry experts.

QLD BRANCH

We also held our Annual Awards ceremonies, which saw all winners entered into the NECA National Awards. Congratulations to the QLD National Award winners.

We recently launched NECA’s Business Essentials programme in QLD, which we have been presenting at local wholesalers. The programme covers the five core essentials needed to run an electrical contracting business including: break-even points, quoting and estimating, workplace health and safety, human resources, industrial relations and legal. These essentials support you with the skill set needed to manage and grow your business. If you would like to know more about our programme, scan the QR code to connect.

The transition period for compliance with AS/NZS 61439 has passed and is fully enforced (apart from a transitionary period for the sale and installation of

switchboards). NECA’s technical experts and I have been assisting members as much as possible, providing advice and onsite support in applying this standard. If you require assistance, please connect with us. As a NECA member, you receive unlimited phone and email enquiries on all technical issues, including the Wiring Rules, Service and Installation Rules and Metering Rules to ensure you always stay compliant.

Overdue payments can create a serious strain on a company’s business, and cash flow and debts can remain unrecovered even longer. No one enjoys chasing money, but your team has done the work, and it is only fair that you request your invoices to be settled when they are due. If you need assistance with recovering your debts, we encourage you contact our in-house legal service.

NECA Queensland would like to thank our business partners for their ongoing commitment and support not only to NECA but to the industry as a whole: MMEM – Haymans, Cetnaj and Go Electrical, Clipsal Schneider, NHP, Legend CABAC, Lawrence & Hanson, BRADY, IPD and Brighter Super. We are currently planning our calendar for 2023, which will include some exciting new events!

Also, a very special thank you to the NECA teams: Member Services,

Scan here to visit the NECA QLD homepage

CHRISTMAS SHUTDOWN The offices of NECA QLD, NECA Apprenticeships, NECA Legal and NECA Trade Services will be closed from Friday 23 December 2022 and reopen on Monday 9 January 2023.

December 2022

QLD BRANCH

Technical, Legal, Marketing and Health, Safety, Environment and Quality (HSEQ) whose untiring efforts ensure that NECA Queensland Branch runs smoothly and effectively.

3. Maintain heating, ventilation and air-conditioning systems and make sure these are set to the environmental conditions.

And finally... we wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a prosperous new year. All of us at NECA look forward to working with you in 2023.

4. Manage water vapour and condensation, especially in high water vapour areas such as bathrooms and showers.

Mould in the workplace – how to combat health risks The Bureau of Meteorology is tipping another wetter than usual spring, summer and possibly autumn. With this to come, and humidity levels rising throughout Queensland, workplaces and houses are reminded to guard against harmful mould build-up.

People with normal immune systems are unlikely to be affected by mould; however, mould exposure may cause health problems for: ½

½ ½

½

those with a mould allergy, asthma or lung disease; the elderly; those with chronic diseases like diabetes; or people with low immunity.

Symptoms include respiratory infections, irritation to the nose, eyes and throat, skin rashes and hypersensitivity pneumonitis.

Mould is sometimes detected by a musty, unpleasant odour, particularly when it has contaminated wall cavities, ceiling spaces or is under carpets or floor coverings. Any building materials, such as plasterboard or carpets that become wet due to leaks or flooding will eventually deteriorate if they are not dried out quickly.

undertake repairs promptly.

5. Clean up wet areas and water damage promptly (within 24-48 hours).

6. Keep windows and doors open and use fans to dry out indoor areas to minimise mould growth.

Cleaning mould from surfaces Using a dry brush to remove mould is not recommended as this could see the mould spread to other areas.

Thoroughly clean contaminated hard surfaces and materials using water and detergent (soapy water) or a vinegar solution and dry thoroughly.

Services has a range of PPE equipment specifically designed for these situations.

Visit safetyspecialists.com.au or contact 1300 361 099 and ask about NECA members’ special pricing.

Why do you need an airconditioning safe work method statement ahead of summer?

NECA takes the health and safety of its members and their workers in potentially dangerous environments very seriously.

As we come into summer, this applies to those working with air-conditioning.

Protecting your workers with an airconditioning safe work method statement (SWMS) is an essential health and safety requirement. NECA’s Air-conditioning SWMS is specifically designed for NECA members to maintain regulatory compliance, and can be customised to both your business and the work site.

Protect yourself from mould spores by wearing a P2 respirator, gloves and safety glasses. Clean all tools and equipment after use.

Visit NECA Trade Services to purchase your industry-specific air-conditioning SWMS at www.safetyspecialists.com.au

On completion, do a final clean to remove any dust that may have settled.

Remember to wash your hands with soap and running water before eating, drinking and smoking, after any contact with mould and after removing PPE.

Electrical Safety Office News

Choosing the right mould remediation personal protective equipment Necessary personal protective equipment (PPE) for mould removal includes items such as respirators, coveralls, gloves, eyewear and hand sanitiser. NECA Trade

Electrical Safety Office (ESO) solar installer audits The ESO is currently undertaking a proactive audit campaign in relation to legislative requirements for persons performing electrical work in connection with the installation of small-scale photovoltaic solar systems (SSPSV).

The ESO is contacting everyone recorded as an ‘accredited installer’ with the

If porous materials cannot be completely dried out within 48 hours, the materials may need to be replaced to prevent mould and bacteria from growing.

Steps to control mould: 1. Keep mould-susceptible building materials dry during construction and ensure adequate drainage around buildings.

2. Regularly inspect and maintain buildings and fixtures and

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55

BRANCH UPDATE

Clean Energy Council, which requires the holder to have an electrical work licence to install SSPSV in Queensland.

The ESO is cross-referencing these details with their electrical licensing database to ensure all “accredited installers” hold an electrical work licence. The ESO then contacts these “accredited installers” to ensure that they also hold an electrical contractor licence, or that they are employed for their SSPSV work by a licensed electrical contractor in Queensland.

If the “accredited installers” do not hold a current electrical contractor’s licence, or are not employed by a licensed electrical contractor, they may be contravening section 56 of the Electrical Safety Act by conducting a business or undertaking that includes the performance of electrical work without holding an electrical contractor licence that is in force.

If this is the case, the ESO intends to investigate and take appropriate enforcement action, which may include issuing infringement notices, improvement notices and/or recommending a prosecution if justified.

ESO audit of electrical advertising in online platforms The ESO is currently conducting audits of listings published with online platforms such as Airtasker, Hipages, True Local, ServiceSeeking, Oneflare and similar platforms, where people or businesses advertise services that include or require the performance of electrical work.

As part of the audit, the ESO is sending out letters to any business that advertises on internet platforms where the advertisement does not display the correct electrical contractor licence number and/or the name under which the licence is held.

The letter reminds contractors of their obligation to comply with section 65 of the Electrical Safety Regulation 2013 (ES Regulation), as shown here.

The holder of an electrical contractor licence who publishes an advertisement about the holder’s business must ensure the advertisement— (a) states— (i) the name under which the holder is licensed; or (ii) if the holder carries on business under a registered business name—the holder’s registered business name; and (b) states that the holder is licensed under the Act and the identifying number of the holder’s electrical contractor licence.

Maximum penalty—40 penalty units.

The ESO has asked contractors to amend their advertisements to include the correct information by 1 December 2022, after which advertisements will be re-checked for compliance.

If after 1 December 2022, the advertisement has not been amended or removed, an Improvement Notice may be issued directing contractors to comply with the legislation.

ESO further extends the transitionary period for the sale and installation of switchboards The ESO is extending the transition period for the sale and installation of switchboards with a connected load exceeding 125 amps or subject to a fault level of 10 KA or greater. This allows either AS/NZS 3439 or AS/NZS 61439 to be used until the date of application of any amendment to AS/NZS 3000 that clarifies the installation requirements.

In December 2021, the ESO extended the transition time for installing and selling switchboards using compliance to either AS/NZS 3439 or AS/NZS 61439 to 25 November 2022. This transition period allowed discussions to continue between stakeholders and Standards Australia to confirm the appropriate safety standards for these switchboards, and for AS/NZS 3000 to be amended and published to clarify the requirements for installation.

The AS/NZS 3000 amendment has yet to be published.

As the AS/NZS 3439 and AS/NZS 61439 standards are still referenced in the Wiring Rules, the ESO is extending the use of AS/NZS 3439 as an alternate equipment standard to AS/NZS 61439.

This will allow discussions to continue between stakeholders and Standards Australia until AS/NZS 3000 is amended.

Repairs, alterations or additions to existing switchboards (by adding components or parts) are not considered a sale of a new switchboard. Adding a complete self-contained pre-built switchboard module, however, is considered the sale of equipment.

MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR MEMBERSHIP Members have access to email and phone support through our Member Services team, ensuring that you and your business receive the right specialist advice when you need it. The NECA team can assist your business with: ½

½

½

½ ½ ½ ½ ½

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SafetyStar - a free document-based management health, safety, environment and quality (HSEQ) system, designed to assist electrical contractors to meet minimum compliance; unlimited phone and email support with technical, workplace health and safety (WHS), human resources (HR) and industrial relations (IR) issues; unlimited access to NECA’s Technical Knowledge Base (TKB) with the latest industry standards, WHS documents and HR and IR templates; discounts, offers and deals on business essentials including fuel; Get in touch today unlimited basic phone and email enquiries with our legal team; with Christopher Gradwell workwear, corporate clothing and PPE targeted for the industry; – your NECA Queensland training and skills development; Member Manager. free industry events and regular updates.

December 2022

QLD BRANCH

ARE YOU RECEIVING NECA’S WEEKLY ENEWS? NECA’s weekly eNews educates electrical contractors on the latest industry information and the updates in technical, industrial relations, legal, human resoursces, workplace health and safety. If you are not receiving eNews and want to stay informed on industry issues, scan the QR code to submit your details.

Electrical Licensing disciplinary outcomes for contractors At its most recent meeting, the Electrical Licensing Committee took disciplinary action against three contractor licence holders, all receiving fairly similar outcomes. In the three incidents: ½

½

½

an electrical contractor failed to inspect and test a metering installation to ensure it was electrically safe, nor did the contractor even know the name of the electrician that performed the work. They also didn’t visit the site after the installation was complete; an electrical contractor failed to ensure adequate inspection and testing procedures, resulting in electric shocks to several people when a screw used to install a cable ladder cover penetrated the cable insulation; an electrical contractor failed to implement safe systems of work and ensure that employees received an adequate induction to the businesses’ procedures and processes, resulting in a failure to install the Multiple Earthed Neutral (MEN) connection after alterations to the main switchboard were carried out after a photovoltaic system installation.

This resulted in a person receiving an electric shock and the potential for a more serious incident.

testing and inspecting after completing a job. Testing and inspection is a fundamental principle of good electrical work practices, and both the ESO and the Electrical Licensing Committee are intent on ensuring all electricians perform the correct test and inspection practices. NECA’s HSEQ team can assist members with these matters.

Queensland Government releases new Asbestos Management Plan The Queensland Government has released a new Statewide Strategic Plan for the Safe Management of Asbestos in Queensland 2022 to 2025. This new plan seeks to further improve the awareness and management of asbestos related risks and it has four priority areas: 1. improve asbestos awareness in order to influence behavioural change, by ensuring there is up-to-date, accurate, clear and consistent information available to workplaces and the community;

2. identify and put in place an effective management strategy to deal with legacy, in situ asbestos containing materials (ACM), imported asbestos and naturally occurring asbestos; 3. put in place strategies for the safe removal, transport and disposal of asbestos waste; 4. ensure robust regulatory controls are in place to manage asbestos in an effective and coordinated way.

The strategies to be implemented to create safer work environments include: ½

½

½

½

½

improving the quality of asbestos related training; reviewing, testing and promoting the tools used to support the safe removal, transport and disposal of asbestos; improving the accessibility and availability of waste disposal facilities; ensuring commercial buildings have up-to-date asbestos registers; putting management plans in place for asbestos-contaminated land.

Outcomes: In all three cases before the Electrical Licensing Committee, the contractors’ licences were suspended for six months. To lift the suspensions, each contractor must complete an approved electrical safety system audit with an independent auditor.

They must also have all their qualified technical persons (QTPs) complete a set of competency units.

In each instance, the contractor was also issued a monetary fine.

A common thread in these matters relates to inadequate practices in

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57

HOW MUCH SUPER DO YOU NEED TO

ADVERTORIAL

RETIRE COMFORTABLY? THE AMOUNT YOU WILL NEED TO SAVE FOR YOUR RETIREMENT DEPENDS ON THE TYPE OF LIFESTYLE YOU WANT. THERE IS A LOT TO THINK ABOUT, BUT THERE IS PLENTY OF HELP AND GUIDANCE AVAILABLE. A good place to start is the Association of Superannuation Funds of Australia’s (ASFA) Retirement Standard. This is an analysis of the annual budget needed by Australians to fund either a comfortable or modest standard of living.

needed for single people and couples aged around 65 years, and around 85 years.

retire, the fees you pay, and how your superannuation will be invested.

The table below shows ASFA’s analysis of budgets needed to retire modestly and comfortably (as at June 2022).

ASFA’s definition of these retirement lifestyles are:

ASFA’s figures assume that the retirees own their own home outright and are relatively healthy. Other assumptions made in its research are explained on the ASFA website, www.bit.ly/asfasuper

You can also calculate your possible retirement income depending on other personal circumstances, including the amount and frequency of regular pension payments as well as any government age pension you may be entitled to receive.

½

½

Modest – considered better than the Age Pension, but still only able to afford fairly basic activities.

Comfortable – enables a broad range of leisure and recreational activities and a good standard of living through the purchase of items such as: household goods, private health insurance, a reasonable car, good clothes, a range of electronic equipment, and domestic and occasionally international holiday travel.

ASFA updates its Retirement Standard every quarter, showing the annual budget

Checking you are on track To see whether you are on track to achieve your preferred level of retirement, you can use Brighter Super’s retirement income calculator. This can help you estimate your superannuation balance and income for the age at which you choose to retire, adjusted for inflation¹.

Using this calculator can help you to plan how much to contribute, when to

Annual income required for modest retirement

Annual income required for comfortable retirement

Single person, aged around 65

$30,063

$47,383

Single person, aged around 85

$27,754

$43,996

Couple, aged around 65

$43,250

$66,725

Couple, aged around 85

$39,788

$61,108

Household type

If you need to grow your superannuation If these calculations show that you are short of where you want to be, you can act today to grow your superannuation for the future.

There are various ways to grow your superannuation. These include beforetax (concessional) contributions such as salary sacrifice, after-tax (nonconcessional) contributions from your take-home pay, spouse contributions, and downsizer contributions.

You should consider your contributions limit (cap) for both before-tax and after-tax contributions. There are tax concessions for putting money into superannuation, but if you exceed your limit, you could pay extra tax.

Find out more about contribution caps on the Australian Taxation Office’s website.

The Brighter Super retirement income calculator is current as at July 2021 but is subject to change.

This content has been prepared and issued by LGIAsuper Trustee (ABN 94 085 088 484 AFS Licence No. 230511) as trustee for LGIAsuper (ABN 23 053 121 564), trading as Brighter Super. In this document, Brighter Super may refer to the Trustee or LGIAsuper as the context requires. Brighter Super products are issued by the Trustee on behalf of LGIAsuper. This may contain general advice, which has been prepared without taking into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. As such, you should consider the appropriateness of the advice to your objectives, financial situation and needs before acting on the advice. You should also obtain and consider the Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) for your account before making any decision to acquire or contribute additional amounts to your Brighter Super account - available to download at http://www.brightersuper.com.au/pds or call to request a copy.

Brighter Super has engaged Industry Fund Services Limited (IFS) ABN 54 007 016 195 AFSL No 232514 to facilitate the provision of financial advice to members of Brighter Super. Brighter Super Financial Advisers are Authorised Representatives of IFS. Additionally, Brighter Super has also engaged Link Advice Pty Limited ABN 36 105 811 336, AFSL 258145 to provide Brighter Super members with access to limited personal advice over the phone in respect to Brighter Super products.

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December 2022

on behalf of 260,000 members*.

Bigger, better, brighter.

The super fund that’s right by your side.

Meet Brighter Super (formerly known as Energy Super).

Energy Super, LGIAsuper and Suncorp Super have come together to build positive retirement outcomes for our members.

We’re a 100% memberowned super fund, trusted

by Queenslanders since 1965, and committed to achieving the best and brightest retirement outcomes for all members.

Thanks to the combined strengths of three funds we proudly manage around $31 billion in retirement savings on behalf of 260,000 members*.

Our increased size and scale mean we’re even more equipped to provide an outstanding personalised service while keeping our fees as low as possible.

The energy sector remains as important to us as ever having been such an integral part of Energy Super’s history.

We look forward to continuing our commitment to supporting the energy sector as we grow.

We’re the super fund that’s right by your side through life’s changing moments.

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brightersuper.com.au brightersuper.com.au *Combined figure as at 31 December 2021. LGIAsuper Trustee (ABN 94 085 088 484 AFS Licence No. 230511) as trustee for LGIAsuper (ABN 23 053 121 564), trading as Brighter Super. Brighter Super may refer to the *Combined figure as at 2021. LGIAsuper TrusteeSuper (ABN products 94 085 088 AFS No. 230511) Trustee or LGIAsuper as31theDecember as the context requires. Brighter are484 issued byLicence the Trustee on as trustee for LGIAsuper (ABN 23 053 121 564), trading as Brighter Super. Brighter Super may refer to the Trustee LGIAsuper as the as the context requires. Brighter Super products are issued by the Trustee on behalf oforLGIAsuper. behalf of LGIAsuper.

BRANCH UPDATE Larry Moore NECA SA/NT Executive Director

HERE WE ARE AT THE END OF ANOTHER YEAR AND WHAT A YEAR IT HAS BEEN. WE HAVE COME SO FAR WITH THE PANDEMIC THAT LOCKDOWNS THANKFULLY SEEM LIKE A DISTANT MEMORY NOW. HOWEVER, OUR MEMBERS ARE NOW FACING SEVERE LABOUR SHORTAGES, SUPPLY DELAYS, SIGNIFICANT PRICE INCREASES, AND AN EVER-INCREASING WORKLOAD. After another challenging year we want to emphasize to members and their employees just how important it is to take care of themselves and ensure everyone has a well-deserved break to relax over the Christmas/New Year period and recharge their batteries for next year.

It has also been another busy year for NECA SA/NT, assisting members handle the COVID-19 pandemic, the many issues that have since come out of the pandemic (such as those mentioned above) and of course, returning back to our events and regular activities as best we can.

SA/NT BRANCH

Events We were able to run most of our events this year, albeit with a few slight changes to accommodate the COVID-19 outbreak earlier in the year. The highlights include: ½

Scan here to visit the NECA SA/NT homepage

½

½

the delivery of an informative and successful Roadshow Seminar Series across nine locations around South Australia with updates from NECA, SA Power Networks and the Office of the Technical Regulator. More than 600 electricians attended across the nine shows to hear about the latest rules and regulations for the trade, and check out the latest products and services from our dedicated sponsors; a successful and well-attended social event for our apprentices in November where we also recognised the 28 graduating apprentices; a fantastic Industry Luncheon in June with NHP and 20 of our commercial and industrial members

to discuss the latest offerings from NHP and hear from a special guest speaker, Daniel Menzel. Daniel is an ex-AFL player who now runs MTMF (Mental Toughness, Mental Fortitude) who gave an excellent presentation about resilience, leadership and mental health; ½

an Inaugural Specialist Contractors Business Luncheon in May at the National Wine Centre. This wellreceived event informed over 150 attendees on Security of Payment, unfair contracts, and other legal issues affecting subcontractors in the building and construction industry in South Australia.

Our Industry Gala Dinner was a fantastic success with 440 attendees at the Adelaide Convention Centre on Friday 9 September. The evening recognised the top electrical and communications apprentices and projects in South Australia and the Northern Territory.

We wish to thank our sponsors Schneider Electric, NHP, CABAC, Bianco Construction & Industrial Supplies, Cbus Super, NECA Careers & Apprenticeships (NCA), simPRO, PEER, Energy Space, MEGT, CNW Electrical Wholesale, Portable Long Service Leave, Lai Group and Lynch Meyer for supporting this event. We simply would not be able to run this event without them.

Five of our state Excellence Awards winners went on to the National Excellence Awards, and we are pleased to announce that all three of our

December 2022

SA/NT BRANCH

employed, and have grown to six staff members. We are so pleased to see the organisation thriving and have received outstanding feedback from industry on the quality of our apprentices.

We are looking for more apprentices and host employers in 2023 and would love to be able to provide this service to more of our members. Members of course receive a discounted charge-out rates for apprentices.

In closing

Apprentice Awards winners also made it through the two rounds of judging to get to the National Apprentice Awards as well. We are extremely proud of all of them and wish them all the best. For further information, see the Excellence and Apprentice Awards feature in this magazine or visit our website www.neca.asn.au/ sa to watch all their finalist videos.

Membership We believe we have also continued to excel this year, in providing relevant information and services to members in a number of important areas, including human resource management, industrial relations, legal and contractual matters, workplace health and safety, business management and marketing, training and education, technical and licensing issues.

Particularly with the ongoing challenges as a result of the pandemic, we have seen a significant increase in membership engagement as members seek support and advice from their industry body.

Industry Representation and Advocacy At the industry level we have continued to work with other industry stakeholders such as government regulators (both national and state), supply authorities, manufacturers and wholesalers where we have continued to maintain a strong and dynamic presence to represent the interests of contractors.

We have had an incredibly successful year in advocating for our members, particularly in regards to Security of Payment and ensuring subcontractors are WWW.NECA.ASN.AU

paid for their work. We have been working with our national Government Relations team to have our members’ needs heard across the country. We also established a National Subcontractors Forum with other associations, unions and industry bodies in the building and construction sector.

The Forum has advocated to government how incredibly crucial this subject is, as subcontractors are being put more and more at risk when builders and head contractors collapse. This Forum also addressed the important issue of unfair contracts, and as a result of the workings of the group the Federal Government has announced their intention to legislate against unfair contracts.

This year we have again represented the interests of members in many diverse areas which have included representation on the Portable Long Service Leave Board, Electrotechnology Industry Reference Committee (IRC), SA Power Networks Connections Working Group (CWG) and Major Electrical Connection Subcommittee, E-OZ Energy Skills Board, TAFE SA Industry Reference Group, Electrotechnology Training Advisory Group (ETAG) and of course the management committees of RACCA, NECA, NCA and Specialist Contractors SA.

NECA Careers & Apprenticeships Our group training organisation, NCA, is now in its fifth year of operation which means it is our first full year of apprentices completing their apprenticeships with us. In November, we celebrated the 28 apprentices graduating this year, which was fantastic, with all of them securing roles in industry. As I am writing this, we have 112 apprentices

To all our members, we sincerely thank you for your support and I trust NECA SA/NT has been able to help you and your business throughout the year.

I would also like to acknowledge and thank our sponsors of the events held during the year, and look forward to working with them again in the New Year. In particular, I would like to thank our annual partners: NHP, Cbus Super, Legend/CABAC, Clipsal by Schneider, MEGT and simPRO for their ongoing support.

A very special thank you to the NECA SA/NT and NCA teams: Leah, Maica, Kathlyn, Ben S, Kevin, Jasmin, Craig, Ben M, Russell, Natasha, Ally, Gemma, Emily and Rebekah whose untiring efforts ensure that NECA SA/NT, NCA, RACCA SA and Specialist Contractors SA run smoothly and effectively.

I would also like to thank the NECA SA/ NT Committee of Management: Andrew Cross, Greg Hodby, Simon Butler, Jarrod Poulton, Chris Mattner, Brad Maurits and Andrew Russell, as well as outgoing committee members Andrew Thorpe and Allan Aitchison, and of course the other members who represent NECA SA/NT and RACCA SA on various committees, boards and other bodies.

We are extremely fortunate to have such a dedicated and hard-working group of people who work so well together to represent members’ interests.

Finally, best wishes to you and your families for a safe and happy festive season. We look forward to working with you in the New Year.

The NECA SA/NT office will close at midday on Thursday 22nd December 2022 and re-open on Monday 9 January 2023.

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NECA OFFICE LIGHTING UPGRADE THANKS TO ENERGETIC LIGHTING AND NSG BOFFA ENERGETIC LIGHTING IS A MANUFACTURER/ DISTRIBUTOR OF LIGHTING PRODUCTS THAT SPANS ACROSS MULTIPLE MARKETS WITHIN THE COMMERCIAL, INDUSTRIAL, AND RESIDENTIAL SECTORS. FOR OVER 45 YEARS, ENERGETIC LIGHTING HAS BEEN AT THE LEADING EDGE OF LIGHTING TECHNOLOGY AND MANUFACTURING PRACTICES, BRINGING HIGH-QUALITY PRODUCTS TO THE GLOBAL MARKET. RECENTLY NECA SA/NT HAD THE PLEASURE OF WORKING WITH ENERGETIC LIGHTING AND NSG BOFFA TO UPGRADE OUR ENTIRE OFFICE SPACE FROM OLD FLUORESCENT LIGHTING TO NEW LIGHT EMITTING DIODE (LED) LIGHTS. Working with Energetic Lighting SA/ NT Sales Manager Stuart Mark and NSG Boffa Commercial Manager Cos Boffa, Energetic Lighting provided NECA SA/NT with 82 new lights for our office, which were then installed by NSG Boffa technician Jake Ramage and NECA Careers & Apprenticeships (NCA) apprentice Jack Henderson in September. Energetic Lighting made the entire process extremely simple for us, and ensured we had everything we needed to get the job done.

The lights installed include 60 Destiny Plus panels, six new low unified glare rating (UGR) Trivalite Pro lights in the reception area and 16 Tempest V Weatherproof

IP65 Battens in Pictured: (from left to right) Energetic Lighting SA/NT Sales Manager Stuart Mark, NSG Boffa electrician Jake Ramage, and the carpark and NECA Careers & Apprenticeships apprentice Jack Henderson. stairwell. The difference it has made to the office lighting levels and innovative lighting products, is phenomenal, and we are sure we will continually introducing new products see savings in our next electricity bill. to market utilising extensive research Energetic Lighting Australia is the and development, experience and Sydney-based subsidiary of the Yankon the latest manufacturing technology.

Lighting Group which is recognised as Ultimately, Energetic Lighting products are the culmination of years of research, one of the world’s largest and fastest meticulous optimisation and thorough growing multinational manufacturers product testing, resulting in the most of LED lamps and luminaires. energy efficient and reliable offering.

Energetic Lighting strives to be They have a commitment to providing the leading provider of sustainable their customers with the most effective means of attaining satisfaction with their products, sales staff and after-sales service.

Energetic Lighting will always be in a constant state of progress, continuously updating products and services.

NECA SA/NT would like to sincerely thank Energetic Lighting, NSG Boffa and NCA for their fantastic work on this project.

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December 2022

IMPORTANT CHANGES TO THE SA GOVERNMENT

SA/NT BRANCH

DYNAMIC EXPORT REGULATIONS IN RESPONSE TO SA POWER NETWORKS AND INDUSTRY FEEDBACK ON READINESS, THE MINISTER FOR ENERGY AND MINING HAS OFFICIALLY DELAYED THE START DATE OF THE DYNAMIC EXPORT REQUIREMENTS FROM 1 DECEMBER 2022 TO 1 JULY 2023.

In addition, the Office of the Technical Regulator (OTR) has updated the export limiting methods and remoted updating methods Technical Regulator Guidelines to incorporate feedback provided by the industry.

To comply with the new regulations: ½

What will change from 1 July 2023? ½

As part of Smarter Homes Program, The Government of South Australia is introducing Dynamic Export Requirements, requiring most new and upgrade exporting solar generation systems to be capable of remotely updating their export limits.

These new requirements apply to: ½

½

Small Embedded Generation (SEG) systems with a total capacity no greater than 30kVA; and Medium Embedded Generation (MEG) systems with a total capacity between 31kVA in capacity up to 200kVA of export, i.e. those not requiring SCADA connections.

½

you will need to sell and install a complying dynamic exportcapable inverter listed in the Clean Energy Council’s accredited inverter list and appearing in SA Power Networks SmartApply; the system will need to be set up and configured such that all solar inverters respond to the site-wide flexible export limit; for customers who sign up to the Flexible Exports connection offer, the site will need to be registered with SA Power Networks and pass the onsite Dynamic Export Capability Test as part of commissioning. This test will: ½

½

ensure the site is correctly receiving and responding to the site-wide export limit; provide installers feedback on whether the site is registered and functioning correctly before they leave site.

Note these regulations require installations to be capable of dynamic exports. Customers may optionally choose to sign up to SA Power Networks Flexible Exports connection option if they are eligible.

Installations exempt from the new regulations: ½

½

zero export: any system permanently configured for zero export is exempt from the new requirements. This means that you can continue to sell and install any inverter on the CEC accredited list if the customer does not want to export; battery systems: exemptions apply for battery storage systems until 1 March 2024.

After this date, all new battery installations must use dynamic export capable batteries and pass the onsite Dynamic Export Capability Test as part of commissioning.

For further information, email otr.smarterhomes@sa.gov.au or call (08) 8226 2108.

Dynamic export compliance required from 1 July 2023

Dynamic export compliance required from 1 March 2024

Solar PV or Hybrid Inverter

Battery Inverter

Solar PV or Hybrid Inverter

Battery Inverter

New solar PV with no battery



—



—

New solar PV and DC coupled battery with hybrid inverter



—



—

New solar PV and DC coupled battery with separate battery and solar inverters









New solar PV and AC coupled battery









New solar PV and existing AC or DC coupled battery









New AC coupled battery

—



—



Existing solar PV and new AC or DC coupled battery









Additional panels added to exting solar PV



—



—

Existing solar PV and new solar PV and AC or DC coupled battery









Installation

WWW.NECA.ASN.AU

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BRANCH UPDATE Ben Shaw NECA TAS Member Manager

Welcome to the December issue of NECA News.

The last few months have been exceptionally busy here in Tasmania.

Member loyalty is at an all-time high, as witnessed at our November series of Industry Nights and new membership sign-ups increasing. NECA is committed to ensuring the interests of all electrical contractors are protected and promoted, and we are pleased that our activities have a clear value to industry.

Scan here to visit the NECA TAS homepage

TAS BRANCH

As we close off another year, I would like to thank our business partners for their ongoing commitment and support of NECA over the past 12 months, and their dedication to the industry as a whole: MMEM Group – AWM, D&W, Power & Automation, EWM; Clipsal Schneider; Legend CABAC; NHP; NECA Education & Careers and TasNetworks.

Also, a very special thank you to the NECA teams: Member Services, Technical, Legal, Marketing and Health, Safety, Environment and Quality (HSEQ) whose untiring efforts ensure that the NECA Tasmania Branch runs smoothly and effectively.

Lastly, I would like to take this opportunity to wish all members, NECA business partners, their employees and their families a very merry Christmas, and a safe, happy and prosperous New Year as we enter 2023.

electrical sector. The meeting follows an emergency roundtable held to discuss future construction trade training pathways in the state.

“I’d like to thank Minister Ellis for his interest, time and the urgency he has placed around this matter. I’d also like to thank the eight other representatives who added their valuable insights to the recent forum,” Ben Shaw said.

“There is a critical shortfall in current electrotechnology training opportunities in Tasmania, and Minister Ellis has shown that he is open to hearing from all parties involved on how best to address this issue. Our discussion covered not only electrotechnology apprenticeships, but pre-apprenticeship and post-trade training as well. NECA has long been a strong advocate for the industry. Positive discussions such as these are an encouraging sign of what we will be able to achieve by working together with the Tasmanian Government both now and in the future.”

NECA policy and advocacy To ensure industry preparedness, NECA will continue to work with members, keeping you up-to-date on any relevant legislative and policy changes and their potential impacts. If you have an industry issue, we encourage you to get in touch with NECA’s Policy and Advocacy team.

NECA advocating for more training opportunities within Tasmania’s electrical sector NECA Tasmania’s Government Relations and Member Engagement Manager Ben Shaw was pleased to meet with Tasmanian Minister for Skills, Training and Workforce Growth Felix Ellis, to discuss furthering training opportunities within Tasmania’s

December 2022

TAS BRANCH

Entering in a new construction contract It is crucial to ensure that your rights are being protected by contractual clauses before you sign a contract.

NECA’s legal experts have recently received an increase in calls requesting contract templates.

To assist members, NECA’s legal experts have developed a suite of industry-specific contract templates, including the following: ½

½ ½

½

½

½

Commercial Contract under $20,000; Do and Charge Contract; Home Building Contract under $20,000; Quotation Contract under $20,000; Standard Conditions of Order Subcontract Agreement under $20,000; Standard Maintenance Agreement (Service Agreement).

These contract templates and more can be found on the NECA Members’ Knowledge Base (MKB).

NECA members requiring assistance in reviewing their contracts are encouraged to connect with NECA’s in-house legal experts. As a NECA member you receive unlimited basic phone and email enquiries with our legal team. Scan the QR code to connect with our in-house industryspecific legal experts.

Once again, success at NECA’s 2022 Industry Night series NECA kicked off its Tasmanian Industry Night Series with events at Launceston, Penguin and Hobart. With over 500 electrical contractors attending, what an incredible week it was!

Industry speakers discussed updates to the latest rules and regulations including: ½

½

changes to the Service and Installation Rules with TasNetworks; electricity standards and safety, switchboard certification, arc flash dangers and Multiple Earthed Neutral (MEN) connections with Consumer, Building and Occupational Services (CBOS);

WWW.NECA.ASN.AU

½

½

ring-fencing and asset ownership with Entatas; and changes to industry rules and regulations with NECA Technical Experts.

Due to the valuable content delivered, CBOS has qualified NECA’s 2022 Industry Nights for 3 CPD points.

NECA State Manager – Government Relations and Member Engagement for Tasmania, Ben Shaw said: “I am extremely pleased to deliver our last industry series for 2022. It was extremely successful with close to 500 electrical contractors in attendance around the state. Many thanks to Malcolm Giles from CBOS, Darren Riley from TasNetworks, Dakota Wolf from Entatas and Grant Morehouse – NECA’s Technical Expert.

It was wonderful to have the continued support of NECA business partners: MMEM AWN DNW Power & Automation EWM, NHP, Clipsal Schneider, Legend CABAC, ACRS and NECA Education & Careers.”

National Policy & Technical Director at NECA, Paul Brownlee:

contractors at the Hobart industry night.

The agenda was full of great relevant information and the presenters, all experts in their respective areas, kept the audience engaged. It is great to see the energy sector working together to improve safety, compliance and raising the bar for all electricians in the industry.”

NECA Member, Dion Frame from Contact Group said: “The recent Industry Night put on by NECA at MyState Bank Arena was a very well run and thought-out event. I found the guest speakers poignant and informative.

The evening was a great networking opportunity and a chance to catch up with others and discuss similar issues, as well as view the latest and greatest products from sponsors and suppliers.

I would still attend this type of event even if CPD points were not offered. Well done Ben and the team at NECA for filling the void left when previous the industry evenings were halted. The attendance on the night shows such evenings are warranted and appreciated.”

“I would like to congratulate Ben and the NECA Tasmania team on hosting over 200

CHRISTMAS SHUTDOWN The offices of NECA Tasmania, NECA Legal and NECA Trade Services will be closed from Friday 23 December 2022 and reopen on Monday 9 January 2023.

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RING-FENCING, ASSET OWNERSHIP AND EDUCATION HOW TO OPERATE FAIRLY IN CONTESTABLE MARKETS Understanding what ring-fencing rules are and how they impact on work performed on private electrical assets, is key to knowing who can work on these assets. Ring-fencing rules prohibit a Distribution Network Service Provider (DNSP) from performing work past a Point of Supply (PoS), so knowing exactly what a private electrical asset is (vs what is actually owned by the DNSP), is key to understanding what the electrical contractor can do.

Every five years the Australian Energy Regulator (AER) and DNSPs across Australia embark on a regulatory process that can influence ring-fencing rules and allow the DNSP to provide services it normally would not be allowed to provide, with consequences for the electrical industry. Deciding what happens in this space is everyone’s responsibility, so being a part of this process is important for good industry and consumer outcomes. Be part of the conversations by educating yourself around these rules.

Here is an overview of ring-fencing and the regulations behind it.

What is ring-fencing?

Ring-fencing is a set of rules for regulated businesses that: ½

½

provides fairness in the contestable workspace;

process to determine electricity prices for electricity distributors and transmission services. Part of the process is the ‘Framework & Approach’ (F&A) which determines, among other things, which services the AER will regulate. Public consultation is required during this process, which provides an opportunity: ½

½

for DNSPs and the AER to engage with the electrical industry; and to learn about changes that may impact customers, electrical contractors, or other businesses.

Normally the F&A passes through without any objections.

For Regulatory Determination 2024 – 29, the regulatory period is different as there are proposed changes that have significant implications in the short and long term for some industry stakeholders.

In this determination period, the Tasmanian DNSP proposes to provide the following additional services: ½

½

½

rectify private works under fault (currently they are only allowed to make safe);

Rectification of private works under fault Under the proposal, the DNSP is seeking to rectify ‘minor’ private asset defects under fault conditions, based on the following: ½

½

½

½

rectification work is discovered in the course of the provision of distribution services; the work performed is the minimum required to restore safe supply; the work can be performed in less than thirty minutes and will not require a second visit; and the DNSPs Standard Control Service (SCS) will employ a fault-handling and triage process to ensure crews are not dispatched on work that should be delivered by electrical contractors.

The proposed controls for rectification of private asset defects under fault are displayed in the table below.

Provider of Last Resort The DNSP proposes to act only in a ‘last resort’ capacity for private asset construction/augmentation.

be a Provider of Last Resort (private asset construction); and

The proposed controls include:

do work related to distributorled stand-alone power supplies (SAPS) deployment, operation and maintenance and customer conversion activities.

½

½

the customer must have previously contacted two thirdparty service providers; the customer must provide evidence this has occurred;

promotes the development of competitive markets; prevents discrimination and disadvantage to competitors;

Task

Location

Comments

Replace mains box

Point of attachment

Only if mains are in good condition

Replace service bracket

Point of attachment

Only if mains are in good condition

Minor fascia repairs

Point of attachment

Only if mains are in good condition

Replace strain clamps

Point of attachment, private pole, TasNetworks pole

Only if private OG conductor is in good condition

Regulatory Determination 2024 –29

Reattach private OH conductor

Point of attachment

Only if private OG conductor is in good condition

Every five years the AER and DNSPs across Australia embark on a regulatory

Minor private pole repairs e.g. insulator ties

Private pole

Only if private assets are in good condition

½

½

½

prevents revenue earned from regulated services being crosssubsidised with contestable services or ‘other services’; and outlines what services can/ cannot be provided.

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December 2022

TAS BRANCH

½

½

½

charging some customers and not others; and charge-out rates not reflecting the true cost of work.

The absence of distribution industry experts representing the private sector.

Performing overhead electrical works The private sector can provide services in:

½

½

½

the DNSP will advertise proposed jobs on the DNSP website (electrical contractors must register for access); all bidders will have access to the same information/time frames to submit; and the DNSP will only agree to undertake the work if no compliant quotation is received.

Asset ownership history

½

Issues that have contributed to uncertainty include: ½

½

½

In 1914, the State Government set up the Hydro Electric Department (changed to the HEC in 1929) to complete the construction of its first power station called the ‘Waddamana Hydro-electric Power Station’.

During this time the government-owned entity began building overhead electricity networks. It owned these overhead poles and wires, and maintained very tight control on who worked on these assets.

½ ½

½

In 1954 ‘HEC Bylaws’ were introduced.

The bylaws stated the HEC would only be responsible for the first incoming service to the PoS. The DNSP Service and Installation rules/guide have stated this point since. ½

Asset ownership and responsibility education Since the introduction of the 1954 bylaws, there has been an absence of genuine industry education regarding: ½

½

legislative changes and what these changes mean to different stakeholders; and asset ownership and responsibility.

This has meant: ½

½

the lines of responsibility are not clear.

½

DNSPs continuing to perform work past the PoS (ring-fencing).

Legacy practices, ‘continuing to do what has always been done’.

Over decades the private sector has been advised that only the DNSP or their accredited service provider (ASP) can perform this work. This has deterred the private sector from performing work on private overhead assets. Industry accepted this as the norm, which has created a market void.

Non-compliant work.

The incorrect location of DNSP ‘service protection devices’.

Pole top configurations with no clear separation of distribution and private assets on a private pole.

The subdivision of land parcels with no control mechanisms in place to ensure legacy issues are not created.

Inconsistent practices including: ½ inconsistent advice and work practices state-wide;

½

private overhead servicing works;

½

pole installation; and

½

pole inspections.

‘An electrical practitioner (electrician) can perform any electrical work provided they have been assessed as competent in the work that they perform.’

What is involved? ½

have safe systems of work

½

training, assessment and competency;

½

the right equipment to do the job; and

½

maintenance of skills.

I again encourage contractors to understand these rules so they can be part of the conversation, and understand its implications for industry.

Network operator’s power lines

Network operator’s service cables

Property boundary

Main switchboard Private power pole

Private overhead power line

installation owners are not clear on what electrical assets they own; the electrical community is not clear on what they can and cannot work on; and

WWW.NECA.ASN.AU

Dakota Wolf ENTATAS dakota@entatas.com

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BRANCH UPDATE Pawel Podolski NECA VIC Executive Director Dean Spicer NECA VIC President

Welcome to all our NECA News readers!

As always, a particularly warm welcome to all the new members of the Victorian community, of whom we have had quite a few join us since the publication of the last magazine.

Floods Many of you have been supporting the October storms and flood damage, which caused devastating loss and hardship to a number of communities across Victoria.

We extend our deepest sympathy to those affected by these events.

Scan here to visit the NECA VIC homepage

VIC BRANCH

As unfortunate as it may be, these types of incidents are the perfect reminder to get some simple things in place from a business perspective to mitigate the risk of such events. NECA has put together a list of tips that you can follow to minimise the potential damage and keep your business administration as stress-free as possible.

HSEQ Plus re-accreditation We are delighted to announce that NECA’s HSEQ Plus Safety Management System in Victoria has received its compliance certificate for ISO 9001, ISO 14001 and ISO 45001 (for Safety, Quality and Environmental Management), following the system’s annual audit.

Each year NECA’s HSEQ Plus Safety Management System undertakes a rigorous, fully-independent review against these three key industry standards, whilst also applying continuous improvements to ensure the system meets and exceeds the needs of our ever-evolving industry.

The demands are rigorous, but we continue to strive to provide all our HSEQ Plus users with the full confidence and peace of mind that the NECA HSEQ Plus

system, when implemented correctly, keeps your workers safe, helps meet your regulatory occupational health and safety obligations, and supports your tenders and client requirements.

Energy Saving Rebate for business For those who have missed it, the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning (DELWP) has launched the Victorian Energy Upgrades (VEU) program, providing eligible businesses with access to discounted energyefficient products and services.

Businesses can install lighting, water efficiency systems, or undertake heating and cooling upgrades. The initiative can help cut power costs that could mean $500–$74,000 in savings, so make sure you learn more at: victorianenergyupgrades.vic.gov.au

Sustainable future for inspectors working in the renewable energy space NECA Victoria, together with the Institute of Electrical Inspectors (IEI), have been successful in advocating for, and driving, changes within the electrical inspection industry ensuring a sustainable future for inspectors working in the renewable energy space.

NECA Victoria and IEI spent considerable time and resources to prepare the submissions, and we are pleased to say it has been a positive result for the industry.

We continue to now work with DEWLP on a few outstanding issues that NECA believes are still unresolved – mainly around the inclusion of fuel powered generation in the definition and scope of the renewable energy class. NECA is strongly advocating for the removal of fuel powered generation from this new class of license.

December 2022

VIC BRANCH

NECAGuard Essentials

Victorian Service and Installation Rules Amendment 3 update

As the economic landscape gets more complex and unpredictable, more members are reaching out with requests for a lighter and cheaper, yet still industry-tailored insurance package.

We are pleased to introduce NECAGuard Essentials, a product line designed for small electrical businesses and sole contractors. It provides comprehensive cover for your tools and accidents, with three levels to choose from depending on the cover you require, an easy no-fuss set-up and clear policy selection. Get in touch with the NECAGuard team to get a quote via necaguard@neca.asn.au

The Victorian Service & Installation rules (SIR) Management committee has produced a new amendment to the previous (A2) version. These newly revised rules should be implemented as soon as possible and are mandated from 1 January 2023.

On behalf of the entire NECA Victoria Team, we would like to thank all our members and partners for their ongoing support during 2022. I’d also like to thank and acknowledge our member representatives sitting on the council for their leadership, engagement and hard work over the year.

The changes include service protection requirements, private aerial lines, meter locations, supply connection facilities, switchboard locations, unmetered supplies, earthing requirements of remote meter enclosures, group metering, and high voltage (HV) metering and earthing. They also have been updated to align with the requirements of the Electricity Safety (General) Regulations and the Australian Standards as amended.

NECA Victoria’s Technical Manager, Michael Weekes has recorded a webinar on the changes which is available to view on demand on the website. To view the latest version, please visit the NECA Member’s Knowledge Base (MKB).

From all of us at NECA Victoria, we would like to wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a happy, safe and prosperous New Year in 2023!

ESV OVERSEES DELIVERY OF VICTORIA’S FIRST SPECIALISED RENEWABLE ENERGY INSPECTORS Energy Safe Victoria (ESV) is leading the introduction of a new renewable energy class of licensed electrical inspector (LEI), as demand for new, more sustainable technologies increases.

Over the next 18 months, ESV will work closely with industry as the new specialised licence criteria is developed and rolled out.

The Victorian Government has announced the new inspector class, which will be added to the Electricity Safety (Registration and Licensing) Regulations 2020.

The new inspectors will be responsible for inspecting all renewable systems, including solar, wind, geothermal, hydro and wave technologies, ensuring electrical installations are carried out and operate safely.

In October, we started preparing the transition of the new licence, which will take 18 months to fully implement, giving industry a chance to adjust and licences to be granted.

To be granted a renewable energy inspector licence, a LEI must hold WWW.NECA.ASN.AU

an existing G Class LEI licence and demonstrate the necessary knowledge and expertise to identify unsafe and noncompliant renewable system installations.

Existing G Class LEIs will continue to carry out inspections of renewable energy installations until 5 April 2024 when the transition will be complete.

In recent years, Victoria has experienced a significant increase in the number of renewable electricity installations with around 56% of Victorians expected to take up new energy technologies by 2030.

need to be re-inspected by the new class of inspectors.

Class H (hazardous), V (high voltage) and M (medical, patient areas) will not be impacted by these changes.

The Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning produced a Regulatory Impact Statement earlier in the year, outlining requirements for this new LEI class with submissions received between 13 July and 9 August this year, with feedback being overwhelmingly positive.

While the quality of renewable electricity installations is generally high in Victoria, audits have uncovered some unsafe installations.

ESV has increased its focus on the regulation of renewable energies, highlighting it is as a key compliance and enforcement priority for the 2022/23 financial year.

Having said this, existing renewable energy installations will not

For more information go to www.bit.ly/renewableinspector

Marnie Williams ESV Commissioner and Chairperson www.esv.vic.gov.au

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69

THE “OLD BASTARDS” HAD A BLAST AT THEIR

VIC BRANCH

ANNUAL LUNCH Over 80 OBEIL (Old Bastards Electrical Industry Legends) members gathered for their annual luncheon at the Leonda by the Yarra in Hawthorn in late October.

The luncheon began with the welcoming of new members and the presentation of medallions to the 80 and 90-year-old legends who are well and part of the club.

The day was a huge success, with plenty of good food, great company, and wonderful memories to be had by all. One member even suggested having two luncheons per year.

This year, they chose not to have any formal speakers, as the attendees just wanted to shoot the breeze and catch up on all that they’ve missed during the last two years of lockdowns. There was plenty of reminiscing and laughter as members exchanged stories from their time in the industry. Many of them had worked together over the years and were delighted to catch up and share their experiences.

The OBEIL was established in 1996 by five individuals with a common link to the

electrotechnology industry over many years. The foundation members were Peter Glynn, Ron McBean, Don Rissman, Don Safstrom and Brian Seymour. The purpose of OBEIL is to offer a forum for the retirees and legends of the industry to meet at least once a year in a loosely structured social environment and maintain contact with old industry mates.

If you are interested in joining these legends, reach out to NECA via email at necavic@neca.asn.au for more information.

NOTICE TO ALL INSTALLERS CONNECTING GRID INTERACTIVE SOLAR AND BATTERY INVERTERS As at 1 October 2022, CitiPower PowerCor introduced a new requirement for the solar installation process.

All solar connections need to be supported with a commissioning sheet that provides evidence the inverter has been installed in compliance with the Australian Standards introduced in December 2021.

Solar and battery grid-interactive inverters in Victoria must be installed with AS/NZS 4777.2:2020 Australia A settings.

70

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same time as they check the Certificate of Electrical Safety;

The new steps are: ½

½

½

once a new system is installed, use the inverter manufacturer’s App or portal to commission the system; submit the commissioning sheet confirming ‘Australia A’ settings are correctly in place along with the Alteration Request, which notifies CitiPower PowerCor that the installation has been completed; CitiPower PowerCor will validate the commissioning sheet at the

½

once both the Certificate of Electrical Safety and commissioning sheets are validated, CitiPower PowerCor will update the meter configuration with the customer’s retailer.

That’s when the customer is set up to receive feed-in tariffs.

If you have any questions in regards to this, reach out to the technical team via email at technical@neca.asn.au December 2022

UPDATED TRAINING PACKAGE FOR APPRENTICES The electrotechnology training package for electricians was recently updated from UEE30811 to UEE30820, which has led to confusion amongst employees. The final changeover date for training providers to issue qualifications to apprentices in UEE30811 is 31 January 2023.

This change affects existing 4th year students studying in UEE30811. They must either complete their training in the old qualification by this date, or transfer into the new UEE30820 qualification, which means they would have to spend additional time training at school and potentially extend their apprenticeship period.

Training providers will only issue an apprentice their qualification

in UEE30811, if the apprentice has completed all their units, has all their Profiling up-to-date, and completed a minimum 42 months of their 48-month training contract/apprenticeship. Any less than 42 months may pose a problem because the Victorian Registration and Qualifications Authority (VRQA) will not issue the documentation that an apprentice must supply in support of their A-Grade Licence application to Energy Safe Victoria (ESV).

Training providers are recommending that 4th year apprentices complete their training earlier to avoid having to transition into the new qualification. This may mean bringing some of the training

VIC BRANCH

forward to ensure they can meet the deadline. Any apprenticeship that cannot be completed early will have to transition into the new qualification and complete an additional 27 days of training.

If all requirements of the 42-month contract period cannot be met, and the qualification cannot be issued before 31 January 2023, the apprentice will be required to transition into further training.

In this instance, the employer should contact their Apprenticeship Support Officer to discuss whether they will need to arrange for a contract variation to extend their apprentice’s contract period.

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BRANCH UPDATE Carl Copeland NECA WA Branch Secretary

ALTHOUGH MARKET CONDITIONS REMAIN DIFFICULT, IT IS PLEASING TO HEAR FROM MEMBERS IN THE RESIDENTIAL SECTOR THAT THE businesses in the trial areas will now There has been considerable industry VARIOUS GOVERNMENT STIMULUS PACKAGES AIMED AT INCREASING be able to install a main switch circuit feedback about the requirement to THE CONSTRUCTION NEW HOMESbreaker IS HAVING POSITIVE of equalA rating (63 amp) EFFECT. to install a circuit breaker as aOF main switch Update on Western Power’s main switch requirement

for all new connections and any altered connection arrangements. In response, Western Power has announced that Members in this sector expect a considerable it will be conducting a trial in parts of increase in work in the near future. the South-West and Wheatbelt where the premises willore be in Thesupply strongavailable prices fortogold and iron equal to that of metropolitan particular have ensured thatareas. members

working in the resource sector are also Trial areas were chosen based on network enjoying strong demand for electrical work. combinations and configurations, the mixture of customer profiles and theif not NECA Technical is taking as many, area’s abilitythan to proactively monitor and more, calls it was before COVID, evaluate outcomes via smart metering. which indicates there are still lots of members performing work.

The trial will assist to confirm that a standard supply allocation across There is obviously still a long waythe to go in state can be managed in a safe way.seem terms of a full recovery but it does that Western Australia is better placed The trial has commenced and will operate than other states at present. until 31 March 2023. Eligible homes and

Scan here to visit the NECA WA homepage

WA WA BRANCH BRANCH

Industrial Manslaughter Shire of Suburbs Legislation

those required in metropolitan areas for all single-phase connections to the grid, or when adding a new circuit NECA has met with the Minister for Industrial to an existing connected premise.

Relations, Bill Johnston, and personally expressed ournot concerns The trial does alter theto32him. ampWe were particularly adamant that the legislation three-phase supply allocation, as this must contain that protect will remain thedefences same for all areas where contractors whose safety the three-phase network is practices available. meet the legislative requirements.

Western Power have indicated that It is ridiculous to have situation they are confident that athe networkwhere a business owner hasthe implemented will be able to service increased safety in practices compliance supply the trial that areasensure and hope that with all ofatheir WHS obligations and yet following successful trial, they will can still be subjected prosecution. then be able to roll out to equal supply allocations across the entire network.

NECA has lobbied the McGowan government,working as wellinasthe thetrial Liberal Contractors Opposition and cross-bench members of regions are encouraged to provide Parliament, as part of a coalition of more than twenty other industry associations who also oppose this legislation.

Boyup Brook there Boyup Brook, Benjinup, Chowerup, Dinninup, Kulikup, Mayanup, McAlinden, Sometimes are critical pieces of I encourage every Western Australian Scotts Brook, Tonebridge, Wilga legislation that industry has to fight business owner and director to read the BridgetownCatterick, Glenlynn, Greenbushes, Hester, Hester Brook, Kangaroo Gully, tooth and nail toBridgetown, prevent; the Western joint submission to government that GreenbushesGovernment’s Kingston, Maranup, North Greenbushes, Sunnyside, Winnejup, Wandillup, Yornup Australian proposed NECA WA has made along with the other industrial manslaughter legislation is Collie Collie, Allanson, Buckingham, Collieindustry Burn, Collie Cardiff, Harris The River,submission, Lyalls Mill, associations.

Muja, Mungalup, Palmer, Preston Settlement, Shotts, Yourdamung Lake, such a law. which is on NECAWorsley, WA’s website, is more than 20 pages long but it isCharlie critical Argyle, Balingup, Beelerup, Brazier, Brookhampton, Creek, ItDonnybrookis vital that allDonnybrook, contractors familiarise that Mullalyup, you understand theNewlands, potential Balingup Glen Mervyn, Grimwade, Kirup, Lowden, Mumballup, themselves with this legislation because Noggerup, Paynedale, Queenwood,implications Southampton,for Thomson Brook, Upper Capel, you, your business, your it will criminalise workplace accidents.

Wilga West, Yabberup co-workers and your family.

The Government’s proposed industrial Nannup Nannup, Biddelia, Carlotta, Cundinup, Darradup, Donnelly River (Wheatley), East manslaughter law exposes business Members can be assured that NECA WA Nannup, Jalbarragup, Lake Jasper, Peerabeelup, Scott River East owners to up to 10 years in jail and a will continue to fiercely oppose this West Arthur fine Darkan, Arthur River, Bokal, Bowelling, Cordering, $2.5million if an accident occurs onBoolading, legislation in its currentDuranillin, form. your worksite – Moodiarrup, even if youTrigwell haven’t been reckless or negligent.

Security of Payments Legislation Williams

Williams, Boraning, Congelin, Culbin, Narrakine, Quindanning

It is vital that members understand the risks they could face under the worst parts ZoneSection type Single-phase (e.g.

30B) of the Western Australian Metro and 63 amps Health Government’s proposed Workplace volts) &regional Safetycentres Bill. Section 30B is (240 unique to WA. ItRural is not found in any other state or territory.

– trial area, 63 amps

The State Government has also recently released its long-awaited draft Security Three-phase Split-phase of Payments legislation. This is vital 32 amps for NECA members Not applicable legislation and for (415 volts) subcontractors in general.

refer to the trial map

(240 volts)

32 amps (415 volts)

32 amp, per phase (480 volts)

Rural – outside trial area

32 amps (240 volts)

32 amps (415 volts)

20 amp, per phase (480 volts) SEPTEMBER 2020 December 2022

WA BRANCH

Western Power with direct feedback on any supply issues that they may experience during the trial period.

For installations outside the trial regions, the existing Western Power rules will continue to apply. In short, if an installation is not in the trial area, a circuit breaker as a main switch is required for all new connections and any altered connection arrangements.

More information is available on our Member Area at www.bit.ly/techupdateswa and on Western Power’s website.

Western Power have provided an update on the trial on page 80.

Continuous professional development We recently conducted a survey asking members for their views on the possible introduction of Continuous Professional Development (CPD). It was certainly a topic that members engaged with. We had over two hundred survey responses with additional written feedback provided by more than 90 respondents.

A very special thanks to Gavin Hodge from Western Power and Jamie HughesOwen from Building and Energy, who have both attended a large number of these events, giving insightful presentations and readily answering numerous questions from attendees covering an enormous number of issues.

The NECA Industry Nights will recommence in February 2023.

NECA Safe Digital I am delighted with member take-up of our NECA Safe Digital App, which was launched earlier this year. More than two hundred users have completed more than 3,000 digital risk assessments (RACs and SWMS), electrical installation test sheets, incident reports, vehicle inspections and pre-starts. NECA Safe Digital is a very easy and affordable way to complete, save and file your safety compliance requirements electronically.

Check it out at bit.ly/NECASafeDigital

NECA WA Women’s Industry Forum

The majority of the feedback was in favour of implementing a CPD program, with a number of suggested changes to the options that were offered in the survey.

It would be remiss not to mention that there was a section of members who were very opposed to the implementation of any CPD program.

We have summarised member feedback (anonymously) and submitted it to Building and Energy for their consideration.

NECA’s policy is that it supports Building and Energy’s plans to introduce CPD, provided that it is technically relevant and that electrical workers are responsible for the expense, not their employers.

It is NECA’s view that a CPD program should focus on areas such as checking and testing, updates to AS/NZ 3000:2018 and supervision of apprentices.

I am pleased to announce that registrations are now open for NECA WA’s inaugural Women’s Industry Forum. The event will be hosted in March 2023 on International Women’s Day. Our guest speaker is one of Perth’s foremost businesswoman Sharon Warburton. Sharon’s presentation will be followed by a panel discussion amongst women from across our industry. Tickets are selling fast so please register your team now to avoid missing out on this exciting new event.

Visit www.bit.ly/NECAWIF23 to register.

NECA Industry Nights

Electrical Group Training (EGT) update

Our recent Industry Night in Narrogin was the last of 20 presentations that we have held around the state this year, from Kununurra to Esperance and everywhere inbetween. Thank you to everyone who attended the evenings throughout the year. We very much value the opportunity to meet with members face to face as much as possible.

EGT has continued to employ approximately 14 apprentices every three weeks, however, like the rest of the industry EGT are also being affected by the skills shortage that is gripping our state. Since 1 July EGT have started 45 new apprentices and graduated 25 new tradespeople for industry. Demand remains strong and EGT is continuing to focus on maintaining quality

WWW.NECA.ASN.AU

while increasing apprentice numbers, which have remained between 500 and 510 since June 2022. If you know someone who would make a good apprentice, please encourage them to contact EGT. To help drive more candidates to the EGT website, EGT is continuing to partner with Perth Motorplex, the D1WA Drift Club, the WA Sporting Car Club as well as the Swan Athletic Women’s amateur Australian Football League (AFL) teams and the WA Football Commission for the 2023 season.

EGT’s annual surveys to host employers, apprentices and staff were distributed in November via email. EGT would love to hear from as many members as possible so that they can continue to improve their services for industry.

College of Electrical Training (CET) update The sustained industry demand for apprentices sees CET still operating at capacity. Not since 2015 has CET seen such a long period of buoyancy in the apprentice space. While it is encouraging to see after so many years of declining apprentice enrolments, it continues to present some challenges.

CET is continuing to recruit instructors, so if you’re keen to give trade teaching a go, please let their Training Managers know or visit www.bit.ly/cetcareers With the extension of the UEE30811 Training Package recently announced, some of CET’s legacy apprentices can now complete their training without added pressure. CET’s current and new enrolments though are now firmly entrenched in the UEE30820 qualifications, with the improved focus on new technology and safety.

CET looks forward to starting 2023 with renewed excitement as we all push COVID-19 to the backlots of history and move into the ‘New Energy’ apprentice space. With a focus on renewables, including established sources such as photovoltaic and batteries, new tech such as hydrogen and the evergrowing electric vehicle market, CET welcomes the challenge of embedding these technologies into the training space. Bring on the New Year.

Equip-Safe update Equip-Safe has settled into their new location in Welshpool and is busy providing training to industry. Don’t forget that NECA members receive a 5% discount off any course at Equip-Safe.

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NEW DEFECT CATEGORIES

WA BRANCH

FOR INSPECTOR’S ORDERS

WESTERN POWER HAS RELEASED NEW DEFECT CATEGORIES ON INSPECTOR’S ORDERS FROM 21 JULY 2022 ONWARDS. THE NEW DEFECT CATEGORIES ARE PART OF THE NEW INSPECTION SYSTEM PLAN (ISP) WHICH HAS BEEN NEGOTIATED BETWEEN WESTERN POWER AND BUILDING AND ENERGY, AND ARE THE LAST PART OF FULLY IMPLEMENTING THE NEW ISP. Under the old ISP there were 18 categories of serious defects ranging from Defect Cat 1A to 4D. When a serious defect was identified, this would be recorded on an Inspector’s Order. Then the inspection sample rate for the electrical worker was identified via the Notice of Completion (NoC), and the completing electrical worker would have their sample rate moved back to a 1:1 work sample rate.

The other two categories for defects fell under 5A and 5B. These defects were of a minor nature and when found would not affect an electrical worker’s sample rate.

Under the new ISP, there are only three defect categories on Inspector’s Orders:

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dangerous;

½

at risk; and

½

not to standard.

Dangerous

At Risk

Not to Standard

When found, this would move an electrical worker’s sample rate back to 1:1 and may require further investigation.

When found, this would move an electrical worker’s sample rate back to 1:2 and may require further investigation.

When found, this defect is of a minor nature with no effect on an electrical worker’s sample rate.

If you have any questions, please contact NECA Technical on technical@necawa.asn.au or phone 1300 6322 8324.

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½

Del Scott Technical Services Advisor www.neca.asn.au/wa

December 2022

EGT IS RECOGNISED FOR THEIR

WA BRANCH

COMMITMENT TO SAFETY

AT THE WHS FOUNDATION’S 2022 WHS AWARDS SAFETY IS A CORE VALUE OF THE ELECTRICAL AND COMMUNICATIONS ASSOCIATION OF WA (ECA WA). EMPLOYING MORE THAN 500 APPRENTICES THROUGH THEIR GROUP TRAINING ORGANISATION, ELECTRICAL GROUP TRAINING (EGT), AND TRAINING THE MAJORITY OF WA’S ELECTRICAL APPRENTICES AT THEIR REGISTERED TRAINING ORGANISATION, THE COLLEGE OF ELECTRICAL TRAINING (CET), GIVES ECA WA A FUNDAMENTAL ROLE IN INDUSTRY TRAINING. The hazard identification/risk assessment element of the program commenced in May this year, delivering interactive content to small groups about why accidents happen and how injuries occur, understanding risk, providing risk assessment checklist refresher training and reviewing relevant case studies.

Pictured: Brendan Craker (second from left) and Patricia Wilson (second from right) accepting the award on behalf of EGT

ECA WA ensure that thousands of young people learn skills, processes and behaviour that help them not only stay safe during their apprenticeship, but produce tradespeople who put the safety of their colleagues, clients and community at the forefront of everything they do.

CET and EGT were recently recognised for their ongoing commitment to continually improving their work health and safety (WHS) systems and processes by the WHS Foundation, who selected them as finalists for several award categories in the 2022 WHS Awards. Held at Crown Perth on Friday 21 October 2022, EGT was announced as the winner of the WHS Management Award – Large category. This award acknowledges EGT’s commitment to providing a safe and healthy workplace and environment, maintaining a positive safety and health culture, and developing systems that produce a capable and competent workforce.

WWW.NECA.ASN.AU

EGT was also a finalist in the WHS Promotion & Program Award category for their Incident Reduction Program.

After analysing workplace incidents over the past 24 months, EGT identified the need to improve apprentice hazard identification and risk assessment skills, and provide additional training to first year apprentices on the correct use of hand and power tools.

The tools training part of the program provides new apprentices with guidance on how to use grinders, reciprocating saws, cordless drills, slotted drive shaft (SDS) drills and hacksaws. Since starting this program there has a been a decrease in workplace incidents related to improper tool use. This training will now be conducted for EGT apprentices on a permanent basis.

Congratulations to ECA WA, EGT and CET for being recognised for their ongoing dedication to improving workplace health and safety, not only for electrical apprentices and employers, but for the entire industry.

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75

MAKE SURE YOU

GET PAID FOR YOUR WORK WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THE RECENTLY INTRODUCED BUILDING AND CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY (SECURITY OF PAYMENT) ACT WA (SOPA).

The SOPA introduces better payment protections for all participants in WA’s construction industry. The new Act came into effect on 1 August 2022 and applies to construction contracts entered into from this date forwards. The former Construction Contracts Act 2004 (CCA) will continue to apply to contracts already in place prior to 1 August 2022.

The SOPA is a very different system compared to the previous CCA. ECA Legal has completed a thorough review of SOPA and summarised the key points that members should be aware of.

SOPA covers construction contracts for construction work (as defined) and related goods and services.

Some mining, accounting, financial and legal services are excluded from the operation of the SOPA. The SOPA does not contain implied terms but contains a rapid adjudication process for disputed payment claims as well as prohibitions on ‘pay when paid’ provisions and contracting out of the SOPA. Provisions relating to retention money on trust and swapping retention monies for bank guarantees shall take effect from February 2023 and February 2024 respectively. ½

some construction contracts must now be in writing and must contain mandatory information;

½

½

SOPA prohibits threats or intimidation in relation to entitlements under the SOPA, which is now an offence;

½ ½

some adjudication determinations can be reviewed under the SOPA but there are limitations and there is a limited right to suspend work.

½

½

½

Stage II deals with retention trust schemes (Phase 1) and new regulatory powers.

Key changes that commenced on 1 August 2022 SOPA contains a statutory payment claim process, summarised as follows: Step 1* ½

respond to a payment claim (by filing a Payment Schedule).

Step 2

Stage I deals with the right to payment, prohibition of certain terms, right to suspend work and the entitlement to statutory liens.

Stage III deals with retention of trust schemes (Phase 2) and fairer contracting practices.

making a payment claim;

adjudication application by the claimant; adjudication response by the respondent; adjudication determination by the adjudicator.

Step 3 ½

limited right of review;

½

enforcement.

So, what can be claimed in a payment claim?

Amounts for work and variations performed, delay costs (if entitled under the contract), interest and release of security or retention.

entitlement to a progress payment;

When must a payment claim be paid?

Type of payment/claim

Timeframe

Payment to a head contractor

Within 20 business days after the claim

Payment to a subcontractor

Within 25 business days after the claim

A claim for home-building work

Within 10 business days after the claim

*Notes on Step 1: The construction contract may determine when, what and how claims are made and how amounts are calculated. The statutory payment claim under the SOPA sits alongside the contractual rights to make a claim. If you want to use the SOPA, you must make a statutory payment claim under the SOPA. A statutory right to a progress payment under the SOPA can be made once a month irrespective of what the contract says. Progress payments can be claimed more frequently if the contract allows for it. There’s a six-month limitation within which to make a statutory payment claim, but claims can be ‘recycled’.

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What cannot be claimed in a payment claim?

Claims for misleading and deceptive conduct, loss or damage caused by a breach of contract, or claims in equity, or non-monetary claims such as extension of time. A claim can only be made under the SOPA if the claimant is registered and if registration is required under the Building Services Registration Act 2011.

A statutory payment claim must:

the same requirements for a statutory payment claim apply, and a notice must be given that it is a claim under the SOPA.

½

Responding to a payment claim If you receive a payment claim, pay the payment claim in full or, if you disagree with the payment claim, issue a Payment Schedule. The Payment Schedule must: ½

½

½ ½

½

be in writing (no prescribed form has been developed yet); indicate the amount claimed;

½

½

give a description of the items services or quantities provided; and be endorsed as a claim under the SOPA (there is no need to sign the claim).

If you wish to rely on invoices as statutory payment claims, the invoices must comply with these requirements.

The SOPA does not apply to home-building work where the contract is directly with the homeowner and the amount is for less than $500,000. There are certain exceptions, however. In this event,

comply with these requirements, the full amount of the payment claim is payable, and the claimant is entitled to:

½

½

be in writing; identify the payment claim; identify the amount to be paid (called the Scheduled Amount); give reasons why you’re not paying the full claimed amount; and be filed within 15 business days of receiving the payment claim.

If the Payment Schedule does not

a summary judgement in Court or apply for an adjudication determination to recover the monies owing;

½

suspend work (subject to notice); or

½

a lien over unfixed material.

MAKE SURE YOU GET PAID FOR YOUR WORK

The adjudication process If a Payment Schedule is issued but not paid, or the Scheduled Amount is less than the payment claim, the adjudication application must be made within 20 business days of the due date of the payment claim or Scheduled Payment.

If the respondent does not respond to a payment claim with a Payment Schedule, then the process is slightly different. In this event, once the due date for the progress payment has passed, within 20 business days, the claimant must first give written notice to the respondent. This written notice must set out the claimant’s intention to apply for adjudication of the payment claim.

Following this written notice, the claimant must give the respondent a second opportunity to provide a Payment Schedule, lasting five business days after receiving the

Which is the relevant jurisdiction for each Court judgement?

Amount

Court jurisdiction

Determinations up to $75,000

Magistrates Court

Determinations between $75,000 and $750,000

District Court

Determinations exceeding $750,000

Supreme Court

claimant’s notice. If the respondent is granted this second opportunity to provide a Payment Schedule and fails to do so within five business days, the adjudication application must be made within 20 business days of this time.

Enforcement After adjudication, the next step is to get a certified copy of the determination, then apply to the

relevant Court for the determination to be entered as a Court judgement and then enforce it as a Court judgement.

A claimant can suspend work to encourage payment provided the notice is issued under the SOPA and the claimant waits a minimum of two business days before work is suspended. The claimant must recommence work within three business days of receipt of payment.

Appeals and reviews There is no right of appeal against a determination but there is a limited right of review. The review must be requested within five business days of the determination and a copy provided to the other party within one business day.

The claimant may request a review if: ½

½

the determination had a lack of jurisdiction, and the claim exceeds $50,000; or if the amount claimed and the amount determined differs by $200,000.

A respondent may request a review if: ½

there is a $200,000 difference between Scheduled Amount and the determination amount, but the respondent must pay the determination amount into trust before the review can proceed.

A response to the review must be filed within 10 business days from the review application. A review is not a re-hearing but a ‘peer review’, and the determination on review can be confirmed, quashed or a replacement determination issued.

Key takeaways Some construction contracts (exceeding $20,000) must be in writing and must include mandatory information. Some

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WA BRANCH

to entitlements under the SOPA, and a penalty of up to $50,000 may be imposed.

SOPA operates from 1 August 2022 and statutory payment claims must be made within due dates. It’s a rapid decision-making process regulating Payment Schedule requirements and there are legal implications if a Payment Schedule has not been filed.

More information “time-bar” notices are regulated by the SOPA and could be declared unfair if compliance is not reasonably possible or unreasonably onerous.

½

½

the presumptions are that the parties understood the terms of the contract and are competent; and whether it leads to a final and binding outcome.

The party alleging unfairness bears the onus of proof. It can be challenged in Court or in an adjudication application. Time-bars have no effect if determined to be unfair.

Factors will be determined on a case-by-case basis and related contracts must not be considered.

In determining fairness, various factors are considered such as:

It is an offence under the SOPA to threaten or intimidate a person in relation

½ ½

½

Building and Energy have provided a range of user guides, templates and forms at www.bit.ly/bewaresources Building and Energy have provided an online training session that can be viewed at any time at www.bit.ly/bewatraining ECA Legal are here to help with any questions you have.

Email ecalegal@ecawa.org.au or phone (08) 6241 6129.

when notices were required; when the parties became aware of the issues; the bargaining positions of the parties;

Johnny Brits Legal Practice Director, ECA Legal ecalegal@ecawa.org.au

Disclaimer: This summary is a guide only and is not legal advice. For further information, call ECA Legal on (08) 6241 6129 or email ecalegal@ecawa.org.au

WESTERN POWER TRIALLING

WA BRANCH

GREATER RURAL LOAD ALLOCATIONS STRIVING TO ENSURE THE BEST CONNECTIVITY FOR ITS 2.3 MILLION CUSTOMERS, WESTERN POWER IS CONDUCTING A TRIAL IN SELECTED SHIRES IN WA’S SOUTH-WEST AND WHEATBELT TO CONFIRM WHETHER A STANDARDISED APPROACH FOR SINGLE CONNECTIONS ACROSS THE SOUTH-WEST INTERCONNECTED SYSTEM CAN BE MANAGED IN A SAFE AND RELIABLE WAY. The 24-week trial means homes and businesses within these shires are now able to install a 63 amp (240 volt) main switch circuit breaker, an increase from the current standard 32 amps (240 volt) for all new connections and electrical installation alterations until 31 March 2023.

Announced on 19 October 2022, the trial follows Western Power’s assessment of the rural standard supply allocation in line with community needs and network capacity. The review considered community and industry feedback on the updated WA Services and Installations Requirements, which was introduced in August 2021.

The trial involves about 13,000 homes and businesses in the Shires of Boyup Brook, Bridgetown-Greenbushes, Collie, Donnybrook-Balingup, Nannup, West Arthur, and Williams, whose available capacity now aligns with the metropolitan supply - 63 amps for single-phase connections.

The seven shires represent a diverse range of rural customers with different energy needs, including recent solar and battery uptake.

Existing standard capacity supply allocations for electrical installations located outside the trial area continues, for the moment unchanged. The trial does not alter the 32 amp threephase supply allocation, as this will remain the same for all areas where three-phase network is available.

as stipulated in the updated Western Australian Service and Installation Requirements in, but not limited to, clauses 7.6, 11.6.4.3, and 15.4.4.

Main switch circuit breakers are critical in providing overload protection for a dwelling if their capacity is exceeded to prevent significant outages and damage to equipment and appliances, ensuring safe and equitable power supply access for the whole community.

Electrical contractors continue to have an obligation when connecting new homes or businesses or installing a new generation source, storage, or load device, to assess and confirm the demand requirements for each property in line with Australian Standards and network connection service requirements. If the requested demand exceeds what is offered for a standard network connection or is likely to exceed the existing service connection capacity, then an application for an upgrade will be required.

Installation of a main switch circuit breaker remains for all new connections and alterations to existing installations,

To find more information or to view the full set of rural trial FAQs, visit: www.bit.ly/westernpowertrial

Summary of supply allocation by zone type

80

|

Zone type within the SWIS

Single-phase

Three-phase

Split-phase

Metro and major regional centres

63 amps (240 volts)

32 amps (415 volts)

Not applicable

Rural

32 amps (240 volts)

32 amps (415 volts)

20 amp, per phase (480 volts)

Rural – trial area

63 amps (240 volts)

32 amps (415 volts)

32 amp, per phase (480 volts)

December 2022

REFORMING AND REVIEWING THE REGULATIONS

WA BRANCH

WORK IS UNDERWAY IN WESTERN AUSTRALIA TO PROGRESS SEVERAL REFORMS AND EVALUATE OTHER POSSIBLE CHANGES TO THE STATE’S ELECTRICITY (LICENSING) REGULATIONS 1991.

The State Government’s energy safety regulator, Building and Energy, has welcomed industry feedback during the process, including a strong response to a survey on two proposed reforms.

“The project is considering parts of the Regulations that may benefit from streamlining, modernising or improved flexibility,” Western Australia’s Director of Energy Safety, Saj Abdoolakhan, said.

“The Minister for Commerce has given preliminary approval to progress some reforms and work is underway to prepare the necessary amendments.”

that some former apprentices are effectively having to take unpaid leave during this transition as they cannot work as electricians but cannot be paid as apprentices; ½

½

The approved reforms being progressed are: ½ ½

½

½

extending the duration of electrical contractor licences from one year to three years;

ongoing cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and/or low voltage rescue (LVR) requirements with a view to considering broader continuing professional development requirements, such as those rolled out in Victoria, in the longer-term; “fit and proper person” screening requirements for licence renewal.

This will align electrical trades with the requirements for other trades registered in Western Australia; updating the Code of Practice for Persons Working on or Near

Energised Electrical Installations to provide additional clarification.

Around 1,000 industry participants provided feedback to Building and Energy’s survey about the proposals for fit and proper person requirements and CPR and LVR training.

“The survey results and other ongoing feedback reflect the diverse and often passionate views in the sector, showing the value of this project,” Mr Abdoolakhan said.

“Building and Energy will continue to keep Western Australian industry members up to date on the reforms as they progress as well as the outcome of the proposals.”

allowing a party to continue to work where their licence has expired but they have lodged a renewal application and are awaiting the outcome. Under current arrangements, the party cannot work while waiting for their renewed licence; improving certainty and flexibility about the manner of serving of preliminary notices, notices of completion and electrical safety certificates. This will see the use of eNotice expressly mandated while permitting alternative means of service with the Director of Energy Safety’s approval.

Other possible changes are being considered and consulted on, and may or may not go ahead. These include: ½

a limited exemption to enable recently signed-off electrical apprentices to work as licensed electricians while they await the outcome of their licence application. Information indicates

WWW.NECA.ASN.AU

Saj Abdoolakhan WA’s Director of Energy Safety www.commerce.wa.gov.au/building-and-energy

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81

BRANCH UPDATE Nataisha Martin NECA ACT & Southern NSW Member Manager

Welcome to our December issue of NECA News.

It has undoubtedly been a busy year for NECA ACT, assisting members with their business health checks, holding Industry Nights, and lobbying and advocating on behalf of members to the State Government.

To all our members, the NECA team sincerely thanks you for your ongoing support. I trust that NECA has been able to help you and your business throughout the year.

I also want to acknowledge and thank our business partners for their ongoing support, and look forward to working with them again in the New Year.

Scan here to visit the NECA ACT homepage

ACT BRANCH

A very special thank you to the NECA teams: member services, technical, legal, marketing and health, safety, environment and quality (HSEQ), whose untiring efforts ensure that the NECA ACT and Southern NSW branches run smoothly and effectively.

Finally, best wishes to you and your families for a safe and happy Christmas. We look forward to working with you in the New Year.

Senator Barbara Pocock addresses the Senate on female participation in trades NECA is proud to have our work in increasing female participation in the trade held up as a case study by Senator Barbara Pocock in the Parliament of Australia Senate last month.

With only 2% of Australia’s electricians being women, Senator Pocock pointed to NECA’s record results in the ACT as a standard that the entire VET sector should be aiming to achieve.

Senator Pocock told the Senate that “JSA (Jobs and Skills Australia) must advise how women can get a fair share of the

jobs of the future,” and that NECA’s “targeted actions, quality pre-employment programs and good support for apprentices,” are changing women’s lives!

We see this as just the beginning for NECA and our industry.

Our results in setting women up with skills that enable them to pursue a wellpaid and rewarding career is something we are extremely proud of, and we are pleased with our results thus far.

There is however more to be done.

Unfortunately, barriers to female participation in trades still exist, and participation is still low, but our results are leading the industry and we look forward to building on these and creating an industry that provides a safe culture and equal opportunity for anyone wanting to make it their career.

Insurance policy renewal terms Over recent months, NECA members have reported that a number of insurance providers have not offered renewal terms for those involved in the following activities: ½ ½

powerline construction maintenance; Accredited Service Provider (ASP) Level 1;

½

smoke detector installation;

½

thermographic scanning; and

½

installation, maintenance or design of building management of automation systems.

When renewing your insurance, make certain that these activities are specifically listed on your policy. If they aren’t listed, it may be that your insurer doesn’t know you do them! Many insurers don’t consider these to be standard activities for an electrician so they may not be covered by your policy.

December 2022

ACT BRANCH

NECAGuard can typically cover these activities and tailor industry-specific packages with personalised and accessible claim services to suit your business needs. If you are doing any of this work, get in touch with NECAGuard for a free quote to ensure continuity of cover. Scan the QR code to connect with NECAGuard.

SIMPLIFY YOUR SAFETY WITH NECA Our HSEQ team specialise in the electrical industry to assist our members with their questions and challenges. We provide various extra services, including document development, workplace audits and inspections, root cause investigations and toolbox training.

NECA has developed five package options to make your workplace safe, ensuring we can assist, no matter how big or small your company is. These include:

NECA Industry Nights – November 2022 Series

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

What an incredible way to end the year with our last series of 2022 Industry Nights. Once again, the Industry Nights have been a great success across Bathurst, Wagga, Canberra and Wollongong.

Over the past four weeks, we brought together a team of industry experts that discussed the latest in industry legislation that can potentially impact your business.

This included updates from: ½

½

½

½

NSW Fair Trading on licence and supervision requirements; the NSW Government on the electric vehicles fast charging master plan; Essential Energy regarding compliance issues; and icare on workers’ compensation.

At our ACT Industry Night, we heard from: ½

Access Canberra on the latest industry updates in electrical inspections;

FREE 90-minute NECA Member Site Safety Audit; NECA’S SafetyGEN; NECA’s EmploySafe; NECA SWMS; and HSEQ Audit.

For more information on making safety your priority, scan the QR code to speak to a NECA Member Representative. www.neca.asn.au/necagroup/content/simplifying-safety-neca

½

½

WorkSafe ACT about the new requirements for controlling silica dust; EVOenergy regarding Canberra’s energy network;

½

Essential Energy;

½

NSW Fair Trading; and

½

NECA Technical.

A huge thank you to all our speakers who tirelessly gave up their time to speak at each of our Industry Nights: Isaac Wall – NSW Government; Andrew Hollier – icare; Ben Peadon and Ivan Gould – Essential Energy; Bruce Blacker – NSW Fair Trading; Jackii Shepherd – WorkSafe ACT; Bronwen Butterfield – Evoenergy; and Mauro Charles – Access Canberra.

The feedback from electrical contractors who attended has been very positive, particularly from our Wagga attendees,

CHRISTMAS SHUTDOWN The offices of NECA ACT, NECA NSW, NECA Training & Apprenticeships, NECA Legal and NECA Trade Services will be closed from Friday 23 December 2022 and reopen on Monday 9 January 2023.

WWW.NECA.ASN.AU

who commented that they left feeling more supported and guided by the NECA team than ever and look forward to seeing us again next year.

I would also like to take this opportunity to thank all our business partners for their ongoing support throughout 2022 and their continuing commitment for 2023: MMEM; TLE; NHP; Clipsal Schneider; Legend CABAC; Lawrence & Hanson; Legrand; Brady; NECA Training & Apprenticeships and NESS Super.

Last but not least, a big thank you to Grant Morehouse, NECA’s Technical Specialist, who tirelessly travels from state to state for all NECA Industry Nights to impart his knowledge to others on the latest in industry legislation and compliance.

Next year we are preparing for another exciting round of Industry Nights – we will keep you posted.

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83

CONTROLLING SILICA DUST

ON CONSTRUCTION SITES – A GUIDE BY WORKSAFE ACT SILICA IS A COMMON NATURALLY OCCURRING MINERAL, ALSO KNOWN AS SILICON DIOXIDE. SILICA CAN BE FOUND OR MANUFACTURED IN DIFFERENT FORMS, BROADLY DIVIDED INTO CRYSTALLINE AND NON-CRYSTALLINE (AMORPHOUS).

The most common form of silica is quartz.

Silica is found in some stones, rocks, sand, gravel and clay. Silica can also be found in engineered stone products, standstone, granite, ceramic tiles Autoclavedaerated concrete. panels, concrete bricks and pavers, slate, fibre-cement sheeting, concrete, bricks and marble.

When natural stone or rock and other silica containing products are cut, crushed, drilled or sanded, dust is released. The very fine portion of the dust that is generated is known as respirable crystalline silica or silica dust.

Silica dust is 100 times smaller than a grain of sand, so, workers can breathe it in without knowing. The tiny dust particles can remain in the air for long periods after the larger, visible dust particles settle.

Workers can breathe airborne silica dust into their lungs, and this can cause damage and disease such as Chronic bronchitis, Emphysema, Acute silicosis, Chronic silicosis, lung cancer, kidney disease, scleroderma and Autoimmune diseases.

The workers that are most at risk of exposure to silica dust are those who use power tools or mechanical equipment on silica-containing stone or rocks and products that contain silica.

SafeWork ACT has issued a guide to help control the risk of Silica dust at your worksite.

Training for silica awareness should be nationally accredited and provided by a registered training organisation (RTO).

New training requirements

New control measures

The WHS Amendment Regulation (no 1) 2022 came into effect on 14 July 2022, and introduced mandatory training for workers who may come into contact with respirable crystalline silica as part of their work.

On 1 November 2022, the WHS Amendment Regulation (no 3) 2022 came into effect.

This amendment introduced a prohibition on uncontrolled dry cutting, grinding, polishing, trimming, drilling, sanding and processing of all materials that contain silica when using mechanical tools.

A wide range of occupations, including air-conditioning, building trades, engineers, locksmiths and welders are required to complete 10830NAT – Course in Crystalline Silica Exposure Prevention.

Training must be completed by 1 July 2023.

As an employer, you must provide your workers with suitable training and ensure that they understand: ½

the risks of working around silica dust;

½

the control measures in place;

½

½

½

how to use their personal protective equipment (PPE) including respiratory protection; and

In enforces the use of a combination of control measures such as wet dust suppression, isolation from other workers, on tool dust extraction, local exhaust ventilation, and respiratory protective equipment.

The control measures include: ½

½

Engineered stone requires a continuous flow of water and respiratory protective equipment (RPE).

Silica containing materials requires the following process: ½

what is required of them for health monitoring.

½

This may involve providing training in other languages.

½

½

NECA TRAINING PROVIDES

on-tool dust extraction system plus one other control measure; wet dust suppression method, or on-tool dust extraction system, or a fully enclosed cabin with high efficiency air filtration system; one control measure and PPE.

Failing to comply will result in penalties.

Individuals may be fined $6,000 and for body corporate, a fine of $30,000 applies.

Courses are available NOW!

Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS)

Class size:

$330 per person (prior to the ACT Training Fund Authority (TFA) subsidy, which applies to all eligible businesses).

16

Class Times: 7am–11am or 12pm–4pm Scan the QR to register or request more information.

|

wet dust suppression method plus one other control measure;

10830NAT Course in Crystalline Silica Exposure Prevention comprising the nationally endorsed and recognised unit of competency NAT10830001 - Prevent crystalline silica exposure.

Cost:

84

½

continuous flow of water;

Modifying silica-containing materials may result in a contaminated atmosphere.

Therefore, all modifications of these materials is considered ‘high-risk construction work’ and requires a SWMS. Amendment 3 clarifies this by adding an additional definition to r291(1):

December 2022

ACT BRANCH

(s) involves the cutting of crystalline silica material using a power tool or another mechanical process.

What duty holders can do: ½

A SWMS is a document that sets out the: ½

½

½

high-risk construction work activities to be carried out at a workplace; hazards arising from these activities; and

½

½

measures to be put in place to control the risks. ½

The purpose of the SWMS is to: ½

½

½

½ ½

identify the workplace hazards related to silica dust;

½

identify the risks to health and safety from the silica dust that is generated; and

½

describe how the risk of exposure to silica dust will be managed, including: what controls will be used; and how the controls will be used.

More information about SWMS can be found in the Code of Practice: Construction Work.

NECA has designed a Silica SWMS specific for work that involve chasing, drilling, and grinding concrete and tile products and surfaces that are involved in electrotechnology installation, maintenance services and decommissioning. A copy of NECA’s SWMS can be purchased from www.safetyspecialists.com.au NECA Members who are subscribed to NECA SafetyGEN, SafetyELITE or EmploySafe can simply download the SWMS from the document library.

Be ready The amendments provide for decision making based on ‘reasonably practicable’: ½

½

½

½

½

the likelihood of the hazard or the risk concerned occurring; the degree of harm that might result from the hazard or the risk;

Review your processes and identify where elimination of silica dust or the use of tools that generate silica dust is practicable.

Talk to an expert about what wet dust suppression methods are available for your products and equipment.

Consider whether you need to confirm your combination of control measures using air monitoring.

Consider whether you need to provide health monitoring.

Talk to an expert about RPE and fit testing.

Develop your SWMS.

Inspections, compliance and enforcement

NECA Trade Services stocks a range of PPE that is compliant with recommended standards and regulations. Quality PPE provides: head protection;

WorkSafe ACT Inspectors began compliance and enforcement activities on 1 November 2022.

½

body protection;

½

respiratory protection;

½

hand protection;

When on site, Inspectors will be:

½

eye protection; and

½

hearing protection.

½

½

½

½ ½

½

½

checking that workers are enrolled or have completed the required training; asking for SWMS and checking they are being followed; checking the maintenance schedules for engineering controls; asking about air monitoring records; ensuring health monitoring is provided to workers whose health is at significant risk; checking suitability of PPE including RPE and fit testing records; and asking about chemical registers and safety data sheets.

PPE worn on site PPE, including RPE (Respiratory Protective Equipment), must not be relied upon as a primary means of controlling exposure to silica dust.

the availability and suitability of ways to eliminate or minimise the risk; and after assessing the extent of the risk and the available ways of eliminating or minimising the risk, the cost associated with available ways of eliminating or minimising the risk, including whether the cost is grossly disproportionate to the risk.

Workers who undertake tasks that generate silica dust should wear RPE that protects for dusts (or particulates) and has an appropriate assigned protection factor (APF) for any residual risks posed by silica dust that is generated by their work. Workers in the surrounding

WWW.NECA.ASN.AU

NECA members can download a free industry-specific copy of the PPE Register from TKB, which allows businesses to document when ‘special items’ are issued to their workers. The PPE Register (special issue items) lists the PPE provided to the workers and needs to be signed off by the worker to state that they have received both the PPE and the correct training to use the equipment provided.

½

It must only be considered after implementing a combination of higherlevel control measures like an ontool dust vacuum extraction or water suppression. As the person conducting a business or undertaking (PCBU), it is your responsibility to provide suitable PPE for your workers and the tasks they carry out.

what the person concerned knows, or ought reasonably to know, about the hazard or risk, and ways of eliminating or minimising the risk;

areas, and workers who may work in the area after silica dust is generated, should also be provided with suitable RPE, this includes RPE that is protective and comfortable for the wearer.

Visit www.safetyspecialists.com.au to purchase and ask about special NECA member pricing.

What’s next The ACT Government has committed to further expanding the regulations for managing the risks of silica dust over the 2022/23 financial year.

This will include further requirements for air monitoring and health monitoring.

A Code of Practice will also be finalised and implemented.

WorkSafe ACT will be: ½

½

½

½

½

working closely with duty holders, industry and union representatives to roll out the regulatory changes; developing and delivering a communications and education campaign; conducting proactive and responsive inspections; implementing the strategy for preventing occupational lung diseases 2021-2023; and updating the Guidance note for managing silica dust on construction sites.

More information can be found at www.worksafe.act.gov.au or connect with NECA’s HSEQ experts for advice.

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85

DIRECTOR’S REPORT Peter Lamont Director ACRS and Senior Policy Advisor peter.lamont@neca.asn.au

The team at the Australian Cabler Registration Service (ACRS) has recently been actively promoting why you need to be a registered cabler to perform cabling work. ACRS attended the recent Custom Electronics Design and Installation Association (CEDIA) Conference at Tweed Heads in northern NSW and talked to a lot of interested participants through our trade table display. ACRS has also been active in presenting information for various NECA Industry Nights across New South Wales, Queensland and Tasmania.

It is important that we continue to make sure that anyone working on data and telecommunications cabling has undertaken the appropriate training and maintained their cabling registration.

This way, members of the public and business communities can be assured that the work is done correctly, and that it is fit for purpose and safe.

Scan here to visit the ACRS website

ACRS NEWS

In October the Federal Government released its first budget. This included reinforcing a number of election initiatives relating to communications as well as commitments previously commenced by the former government.

In particular, the budget provides for a $2.4 billion equity injection over four years to expand fibre and enable access to speeds of up to one gigabit per second to nearly 10 million homes and businesses by late 2025. This investment will expand full-fibre access to a further 1.5 million premises including over 660,000 premises in regional Australia.

In support for rural, regional, remote and First Nations communities, the government also committed to increasing connectivity, bridging the digital divide, improving mobile coverage and supporting communities during natural disasters. This includes: ½

$400 million to expand regional mobile coverage and improve the resilience of communications systems;

½

½

½

½

some $200 million to improve connectivity in regional, rural and First Nations communities; $30 million over three years to accelerate connectivity for farmers and their machinery, and grow Australia’s agribusiness; $20 million for an independent national audit of mobile coverage to establish an evidence baseline to guide and better target future priorities; and $6 million over three years to support better consumer awareness, connectivity literacy and trouble-shooting.

This budget reassurance is an important step in ensuring that our data and telecommunications industry remains a priority industry. By assisting businesses and households to continue to develop and expand, our industry will play an important role in Australia’s future economic development. It looks like there will be a lot of work for our data and telecommunications workers in the near future.

As we head into summer, we are again seeing the effects of flooding this year and the potential for bushfires and cyclones.

Now is an important time to make sure you have done all your planning for getting your services back online in the event that you are caught up in a natural disaster.

The future of cabling with Category 6A Category 5 and Category 6 cabling has been around for some time now, but new builds, particularly commercial ones, are seeing the limitations in bandwidth and speed of these categories. As new applications require better cable performance, with drivers such as the Internet of Things (IoT), Wi-Fi 6 and WiFi 7, power over ethernet (PoE), smart lighting, building automation, and more, there has been a resultant increase in the uptake of Category 6A cabling.

December 2022

IS YOUR BUSINESS

BUSINESS ACRSBUSINESS NEWS

COMPLIANT FOR CABLING? Why is Category 6A cabling so good?

In short, it provides 10 times the performance speed at 10 Gbps, and double the bandwidth at 500 MHz, than Category 6 cabling does.

Category 6A is best used in building infrastructure asinto data centres, Thinking about aboutsuch move into data and Thinking aa move data and communications as way to tofacilities diversify your your communications aa way diversify health facilities, as education contracting business?

Here are a few critical contracting business?

Here are a few critical and intelligent buildings. questions to to ask ask before before you you get get started. started. questions

Am II registered registered to to do do the the work? work?

Am EME In Australia, Australia, all all cabling cabling work, work, including including In Mobile phone networks andsecurity wirelessalarm telephone, data, fire and and telephone, data, fire security alarm devices like remote controls, smart system cabling, cabling, that connects with the the system that connects with TVs, Wi-Fi routers andnetwork laptops use telecommunications network must be be telecommunications must performedradio by aa waves registered cabler, or under under low-level to send andor performed by registered cabler, the direct direct supervisionElectromagnetic of aa registered registered cabler. cabler. the supervision of receive information. energy, asto EME, is a aa registered What is is known required to become registered What required become product cabler? of these radio signals. cabler?

The Australian Radiation cabler Protection To become become registered cabler you must must To aa registered you complete the appropriate training course complete the appropriate course and Nuclear Safety Agency training (ARPANSA) for the the work toexposure be undertaken undertaken through for work be sets limits forto to EME. through These aa Registered Training Training Organisations Organisations (RTO).

(RTO).

Registered limits are based on extensive scientific analysis and are designed to protect An Open Open Registration Registration is required required for An is for commercial and domestic premises people, so they are set well below commercial and domestic premises work. For For work in domestic domestic premises you work. in premises levels thatwork are known to cause harm. you only require require aa Restricted Restricted Registration.

Registration. only EME is all around us and is part You must must also also have have aa minimum minimum of of 80 You of our natural environment.

It is 80 hours cabling cabling experience experience for for Restricted Restricted hours

emitted by sources like the sun, the earth, the earth’s atmosphere and even the human body.

Telecommunications infrastructure also produces EME, and all mobile phone base stations in Australia must meet Australian Registration and 360 360Standards. hours for for Open Open Registration and hours Registration. Holding Holding an an electrical electrical Registration.

The rollout of 5G licence licence, Security licence or or enAbleTM enAbleTM licence, Security NBN Card Card will will suffice. suffice.

NBN 5G is the latest generation of mobile technology.

As well asthe making our who Once I’ve I’ve completed completed the training, who do do Once training, smartphones better, 5G allows us register with? with?

II register to connect almost everyone and There are are aa number number of of Cabling Cabling There everything together, including machines, Registrars authorised authorised by by the the Australian Australian Registrars objects, and devices—everything Communications and and Media Media Authority Authority (ACMA) (ACMA) Communications from smart cities and smart homes, in Australia, Australia, including ACRS, that can can in including ACRS, that to driverless carseligibility and virtual verify cabler’s eligibility forreality. registration. verify aa cabler’s for registration.

The new 5Gstaff network uses Do all all my staff needcurrently to be be registered? registered?

Do my need to similar radio waves to the 4G network, No.in Tothe ensure compliance with the at a No. To ensure compliance with the but future will use radio waves ACMA guidelines, guidelines, cablers cablers must must be be either ACMA higher frequency. This will not mean either they registered or, or, directly directly supervised supervised at at all all registered cause higher levels of exposure to EME. times by by aa cabler cabler who who is is registered registered for for times the type type of work workradio beingwaves done.are the of being done.

Higher frequency already used in security screening units at airports, police radar guns, remote sensors and in medical devices. These Peter Lamont Peter have been tested andLamont found to have Director, ACRS ACRS Director, no negative impact on human health.

5G is more efficient than previous technologies. The emission levels of 5G equipment are well under the ARPANSA limits.

EME Checker

Australians can now check the EME What are are the the consequences consequences of of doing doing What levels being emitted from a selection cabling work without being registered? cabling work without being registered? of mobile base stations in Victoria and TheSouth ACMA has has aa range range of options available to to The ACMA options available New Wales, with of the Australian enforce compliance. compliance. These These include: include: formal formal enforce Communications and Media Authority’s warnings; non-compliance non-compliance notices notices to to the the warnings; (ACMA) new online EMEcarrier, Checker.

The may telecommunications carrier, which may telecommunications which new toolin data from measurements result inuses disconnection from the the network; network; result disconnection from telecommunications infringement notices completed by the ACMA at these base telecommunications infringement notices (on-the-spot fine ofand $2,040); and ifif the the (on-the-spot $2,040); stations during fine 2021of 2022. and matter is is serious serious enough, enough, taking taking court court matter action, which may result in in aa conviction conviction action, which may result With the new EME Checker, people and/or fine ofaup up to $20,400. $20,400. and/or aa fine of to can choose from dropdown list of locations to view the averageis The biggest biggest consequence isand that, should should The consequence that, maximum recorded at sites anythingEME go wrong wrong or or your your work is is found found anything go work to be be faulty, your business business insurance is to faulty, is that ACMA has your measured.

You insurance can unlikely to cover cover you. This This could lead to to unlikely to you. could also compare data across sites andlead litigation and and substantial substantial financial financial loss loss litigation check against ARPANSA limits. for your your business. business. for Additional willis added tothe Not being beinglocations registered isbe not worth the risk. risk.

Not registered not worth the EME Checker as ACMA continues to measure telecommunications sites across Australia.

www.acrs.com.au www.acrs.com.au

Cabling Registration Registration run Cabling run Registration by the theCabling industry, for industry by for the therun industry by the industry, for the industry

TheAustralian AustralianCabler Cabler Registration Registration Service The Service (ACRS) (ACRS)provides providesaafast, fast,reliable reliableand and low-cost registration service forRegistration the electrical and communications industry.

The Australian Cabler Service (ACRS) provides a fast, reliable and low-cost registration service for the electrical and communications industry. low-cost registration service for Peace of mind mindcosts costsless lessthan than60c 60caaaweek! week!

Register with ACRS and reap thethe ofelectrical and communications industry.

Peace of mind costs less than 60c week!

Register with ACRS and the Peace of of mind Register with ACRS and reap reapreap the benefits benefits Peace costs less than 60c a week! Register with ACRS and the of benefits of being with the only Australian electrical specialist registry while Peace of mind costs less than 60c a week!

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MAJOR CHANGES TO THE INDUSTRIAL RELATIONS LANDSCAPE 1. The Fair Work Legislation Amendment (Secure Jobs, Better Pay) Bill 2022

bargaining authorisation. This will allow bargaining representatives (such as the unions) to compel employers sharing a ‘clearly identifiable common interest’ (this may potentially include competitors and even external companies within supply chains) to engage in multienterprise bargaining, regardless of their interest in doing so. Small electrical contractors (fewer than 20 employees) and companies that already have an individual single enterprise agreement will be exempt. Additionally, civil construction will be carved out from all streams of multi-enterprise bargaining. Where companies have less than 50 employees, the onus of proving the ‘common interest’ test shifts to the bargaining representative (i.e. the unions).

The Fair Work Legislation Amendment (Secure Jobs, Better Pay) Bill 2022 (the Bill), introduces the most extensive industrial relations reform since the Fair Work Act 2009 (the Act), was first introduced around 13 years ago.

NECA has clearly expressed its concerns about the Bill through its communications with other industry bodies, media statements, and via communications to government and with Senator David Pocock. Oliver Judd, NECA CEO, has called on the government to allow more time to consider the Bill’s implications and ensure any proposed legislation works for, rather than against employees, businesses and consumers.

The changes The key changes include, but are not limited to, the following: ½

Enterprise bargaining: One of the most contentious changes proposed in the Bill includes the extension of the single interest

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½

Institutional changes: The Bill abolishes the Australian Building and Construction Commission (ABCC) and the Registered Organisations Commission (ROC). Their functions will be transferred to the Fair Work Ombudsman (FWO) and Fair Work Commission (FWC), respectively.

The Code for the Tendering and Performance of Building Work 2016 (the Code), which was stripped back

earlier this year, will be repealed, along with other parts of the Building and Construction Industry (Improving Productivity) Act 2016. A National Construction Industry Forum will be established to provide advice to the Government about work in the building and construction industry. ½

½

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Job security and gender equality: The objects of the Act will be expanded to include job security and gender equality. Fixed term contracts will not be allowed to exceed a period of two years (with some exceptions such as apprenticeships), with employers given a period of 12 months to adjust to this particular change. Pay secrecy clauses are to be banned and a civil penalty for contravention will be included.

Flexible working arrangements (FWA): The Bill will expand the scope for employees to make FWA requests, require businesses to give reasons for refusing FWA requests, limit the reasons for refusal and provide the FWC with arbitration powers to deal with any disputes.

Sexual harassment and discrimination: The Bill will introduce a broad prohibition against sexual harassment in connection with work. This includes

December 2022

WORKPLACE RLATIONS

applying the wider definition of ‘worker’ under the Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (Cth) and expanding the FWC’s stop sexual harassment order jurisdiction, which will enable even prospective workers to seek such orders. The Bill will also extend the protections against discrimination by including the attributes of breast feeding, gender identity and intersex status.

Impact on the electrotechnology industry NECA has communicated with Senator David Pocock, who was a deciding vote for Labor, and expressed the impacts the Bill would have on NECA members. The government was urged to consider implementing harmonised Security of Payment laws to halt insolvencies, job losses and economic hardships, which is a major issue for electrical contractors post COVID-19.

Senator David Pocock has since shown support for the Bill, subject to an agreement with the government that incorporates a series of amendments reflecting the concerns raised by NECA and other stakeholders. This includes an agreement to task the new National Construction Industry Forum with providing advice to the government on measures that will ensure contractors are paid accurately and in a timely manner.

Although these amendments are welcomed, and do partially address some of the issues raised by NECA, the Bill may still have a negative impact on NECA members. The impacts include: ½

½

½

½

the increased cost to electrical contractors during a time of financial constraints; competitors being forced to bargain together; with the abolishment of the ABCC, unions in the construction industry may push for the inclusion of the Code’s ‘prohibited content’ into enterprise agreements; and an ill-suited, one-size-fits-all multienterprise bargaining system could see a return to industry-wide ‘pattern’ deals. This could increase the risk of industry-wide industrial action, which can adversely impact productivity in the construction industry and the economy more broadly.

One thing to note is civil construction’s ‘carve-out’ from all streams of multi-

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enterprise bargaining is unlikely to include electrical contractors.

The exemption of businesses with less than 20 employees, and the shift in the onus of proof for the ‘common interest’ test for companies with less than 50 employees, does provide some relief for a majority of NECA members.

It is expected that the amended Bill will be voted on in the Senate later this week, and will include further amendments centered around the agreement made between the government and Senator David Pocock.

2. The Anti-Discrimination and Human Rights Legislation Amendment (Respect at Work) Bill 2022 The government has committed to implementing the 55 recommendations from the Australian Human Rights Commission’s Respect@Work: Sexual Harassment National Inquiry Report 2020, to legislate and strengthen laws that prevent sexual harassment. In lieu of seven of these recommendations, the Respect at Work Bill 2022 was introduced on 27 September 2022.

On 28 November 2022, it passed both houses of the Federal Parliament.

It includes several changes, but one of the main amendments is the insertion of

a new provision in the Sex Discrimination Act 1984 (Cth) to introduce a positive duty on employers to take ‘reasonable and proportionate measures’ to eliminate workplace sexual harassment, victimisation and sex discrimination.

Examples of ‘reasonable and proportionate measures’ may include employers implementing policies and procedures, monitoring and collecting data, as well as delivering training and education on a regular basis.

Essentially, there is a shift in focus to adopt preventative measures, with the responsibility shifting to those who can prevent it. This positive duty will operate concurrently with the existing duties in work health and safety laws, which require employers and principals who engage contractors to provide a safe working environment for workers.

Support for contractors The Fair Work Legislation Amendment (Secure Jobs, Better Pay) Bill and Respect at Work Bill, both introduce significant changes for employers. NECA is here to help you navigate this complex, changing landscape, and ensure your businesses are in the best possible position to comply with your obligations and avoid breaching any new laws. Contact your local branch for more information.

Saras Varatharajullu Constructive Legal Solutions www.constructivelegalsolutions.com.au

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CHANGING EPOCHS

OPINION

HOW TECHNOLOGY AND INNOVATION ARE NOT JUST CHANGING OUR LIVES — BUT THE FUTURE AS WELL

Earth’s history is measured not in days, years, or even millennia – but in epochs, multiple millennia where the forces of the natural world are recognised to have impacted the Earth. Our current epoch, the Holocene, has lasted for over 11,000 years. But now, scientists are pushing for the recognition of a new epoch, the Anthropocene. They believe the recognition of a new era would acknowledge humankind’s growing influence on the planet as we evolve, and particularly, as our technological prowess advances.

I believe the electrical industry is at the forefront of this change.

Over the past year, I have sat on several judging panels for the NECA Excellence Awards. In each of the categories, it was clear that our industry continues to embrace technological change, and in so many cases, lead the way in the utilisation of this change.

But it was during this process that I couldn’t help but realise that technological advances in our industry can be taken for granted. Take, for example, circuit protection. The advancement of protective devices, from fuses to circuit breakers, residual current devices, and now arc fault detection devices has directly created safer installations. We have also seen a measurable reduction in loss of life and property. Whilst this is ground-breaking, not many reflect on how important these changes are. Unfortunately, it is often only through the advent of a negative event that we recognise the importance of technological advances within our industry.

Right now, we face serious weather events due to the impact of climate change. It has been the ongoing climate debate, combined with the real-world visibility that drove a pivotal change in 90

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the uptake of photovoltaic generation.

Combined with battery storage technology now realising commercial viability in the domestic sector, a new, but arguably ancient technology, is offering a path to a more sustainable future.

Looking forward, hydrogen, produced from green energy, offers a sustainable and clean energy option for industry across numerous sectors. Research centres, advisory groups and special committees are meeting with industry stakeholders to plan the future workforce demands around a gas as old as the universe itself. Yet technology is only one element of the equation. Social uplift is just as important, for what is a world with abundant energy, but only for the few?

Now, corporate citizenry (or corporate social responsibility) is not a new concept.

The saying, ‘the rising tide lifts all ships’, captures the thought that if we can harness new technology, extend its benefit and use it for all, then we all benefit.

But what can this look like? We already know, thanks to a German scientist by the name of Fritz Haber. Haber was the designer of the Haber-Bosch process – the process which allows humans to synthesise ammonia. But to produce it on a scale large enough to work, he turned to industry for help to mass-produce this product.

Today, it is an essential building element of the world’s agriculture industry – providing the nitrates to fertilise the soil that feeds over half of the world.

This is a prime example of corporate

citizenry in action – and something which I have no doubt we will see replicated within innovation in our industry.

What does any of this have to do with the NECA Awards?

Undoubtedly, in the future, award winners will have harnessed the intersectional elements of sun, solar, wind, and hydro, bringing solutions to problems we can no longer ignore. We will likely see largescale projects funded by industry produce the blueprint for smaller, more scalable, domestic models. And with it, tackle the problems facing the next epoch.

I believe it is no longer acceptable for a modern, altruistic society to profit at the expense of the planet, as the sustainable efforts of one group can’t offset the detrimental efforts of another. And, in the future, it is likely that awards given for innovation will focus less on lighting and engineering, and more on the impact these projects will have on our future.

After all, we have the power to define the features of the Anthropocene Epoch. I believe that innovation from the electrical industry will lead the way.

So, as you consider the awards won over the past year, and decide if your current or next project could be an award winner, factor in that while beautiful lighting and innovative engineering are important, saving the world may be the deciding factor.

Steve Hall General Manager, College of Electrical Training

December 2022

I NEED MORE TIME

LEGAL

NOWADAYS CLIENTS WANT CERTAINTY, AND THEY USUALLY WANT YOU TO PROMISE WHEN YOU WILL START AND WHEN YOU WILL FINISH YOUR WORK. Most contracts therefore have start and finish dates.

It is important that you have a written contract that contains clauses that deal with extending those dates. Ideally you want a contract that gives you the right to a reasonable extension when you are delayed by things outside your control.

Things like bad weather, materials being difficult to get, COVID lockdowns, things your client does or does not do, and so on are the kinds of scenarios where you want to be able to claim an extension.

Claiming an extension is one thing, but you also need clauses in your contract that deal with how and when extensions are granted.

If there is a superintendent appointed under the contract, that person will usually be the decision maker when it comes to granting extensions of time. If there is no superintendent, it might be

your client who makes those decisions.

In both cases you want to be sure that the decision maker has to act reasonably and in good faith (rather than acting in the interests only of the client).

Running late can cost you money.

You might end up being liable for liquidated damages, which is a fixed rate (per day or per week) that you are charged if you don’t finish on time.

Many commercial subcontracts contain “steel trap” clauses that stop you from claiming an extension if you don’t make the claim very quickly after you become aware of the delay. Often the time frame is only a matter of days and if you don’t comply, you don’t get an extension. These sorts of clauses are very risky and should not be agreed to without careful thought.

If you can’t remove steel traps, you need to make sure you have someone in your team who is ready to make a claim (that complies with the contract) very quickly.

Without that, you may find yourself in a situation where you are delayed through no fault of your own and you simply cannot get an extension of time.

Even if your contract doesn’t have liquidated damages, you could still be liable for damages, namely the loss your client suffers because you don’t finish on time. Those damages can be hefty on commercial jobs.

Make sure you have a written contract and that you get it reviewed before you sign it. Remember, “a stitch in time saves nine”.

Contact your local NECA branch for advice on contracts and other legal matters.

Michael Hutton Partner, Lynch Meyer Lawyers

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STAYING SAFE IN THE DOMESTIC ROOF SPACE FOR THOSE WHO WORK IN THE DOMESTIC ELECTRICAL INDUSTRY, THE ROOF SPACE IS ONE OF THE MOST FREQUENT WORK ENVIRONMENTS, AND THE MOST DANGEROUS. IT IS CRITICAL TO ENSURE THAT YOU DO NOT BECOME COMPLACENT ABOUT SAFETY WHEN WORKING IN THIS LOCATION. Whether you’re installing lights, running cable, fitting off junctions, adding a circuit or fault-finding, there are unique challenges that must be reviewed, identified and addressed to ensure that you and your workers can carry out the work safely. Although requirements and legislation vary from state to state in Australia, there are a range of universal factors that apply no matter where you work. In this article we will review some common safety guidelines that should be considered every time you conduct work in a residential roof space.

Always assess the risks As for all work tasks, assess the potential risks of the area you will be working in prior to starting work. Provide any relevant Safe Work Method Statements (SWMS) and control any hazards you identify. Ensure you maintain your hazard awareness throughout the task as adjustments may be required once you enter the roof space and identify additional risks.

What to look for at ground level Before you enter the roof space, visually inspect the ceiling at ground level. Warning signs to look out for include a ceiling that is sagging or dropping, and visual cracking.

Identify how you will enter the roof space – is the roof accessible via a manhole and where is it located? If there is no manhole, you will need to access the ceiling space via the roof itself and incorporate working from heights parameters into your assessment.

Check if the house has an alarm system and make sure this is turned off before going into the roof space. Also look out for any back-up power that may remain energised after the grid is isolated, such as a generator or battery.

Does the house have solar panels? If so, remember that solar cables in the roof will remain live, even if power has been switched off at the switchboard.

Is the mains connection to the home underground or overhead? If the connection is aerial, the consumer mains will also be in the roof space and may be energised.

Clothing and personal protective equipment (PPE) When working in a roof space you need to adjust your clothing and PPE accordingly to maximise your protection from the range of hazards you could be exposed to.

At a minimum, you should be wearing work boots, long pants and a longsleeved shirt. We recommend tucking your shirt into your pants and your pants into your boots. This will help to prevent fibres or unwanted material getting close to your skin, and potentially causing irritation or damage.

Masks with a minimum rating of N95 are essential. The possibility of airborne insulation fibres getting into your lungs can have immediate consequences or result in serious life-long complications in the future. In some cases, a respiratorstyle mask may be more appropriate as the interchangeable filters will allow you to change your protection depending on the job you’re doing. Ensure your mask is fitted properly and that there is a firm seal, so you are breathing through the mask and not through cracks on the side. If your mask has filters, check that they are clean and not blocked up.

To protect your eyes, choose eye protection that wraps around the eyes and stops particles from getting in from as many angles as possible.

Wear gloves that protect your hands from cuts and abrasions and prevent your skin from coming into contact with hazardous materials.

Choose the right equipment A head-mounted torch will provide light while keeping your hands free to steady yourself as you move around the area.

You may need to bring additional lighting

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December 2022

WORKPLACE HEALTH AND SAFETY

sources into the roof space, depending on the work and the environment.

Consider the risks involved with using ladders before using one to enter the roof space. Is it the appropriate ladder for the job? If you are working with someone else, ask them to foot the bottom of the ladder when you ascend and descend. When climbing the ladder, always use a three-point contact and ensure you are holding the rungs and not the handrails. This will help to reduce or prevent injury in the event of a slip.

To prevent the number of trips up and down the ladder and fall risks from the manhole, try to bring everything you need into the roof space prior to starting the work. Consider wearing a tool belt to accommodate extra tools so that you don’t need to use the ladder more than necessary.

Communication – does anyone know where you are?

It is essential that someone else knows when you will be entering the roof space and when you expect to finish the work. This will help you to get assistance as soon as possible if an unforeseen incident occurs. If no one knows you’re in a roof space and you are injured or rendered unconscious, it may be difficult or impossible to call for help.

Where possible, work in pairs. If you are a sole contractor, keep the household resident updated. If you are alone on site, make sure someone knows your location and work plans and check in with them during the day.

Switch off the power Isolation requirements are different across the country and in some states, such as Western Australia, it is illegal for any worker to enter the roof space without turning the power off at the switchboard first. Even if it isn’t a legal requirement in your state, we strongly recommend that you avoid working live in the roof space. The Report of the Royal Commission into the Home Insulation Program (HIP) emphasises the danger of electrocution, where three out of four workers who were installing insulation under the HIP lost their lives as a result of electrocution. These incidents could have been prevented if the power had been switched off before the workers entered the roof space.

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Don’t forget that by turning off the power at the switchboard, you may not turn off all the sources of power in the roof. As previously mentioned, solar and mains cables will remain live even when you have turned off the power at the switchboard, and these risks will also need to be controlled.

No matter what the requirements in your state are, the safest practice is to switch off the power at the switchboard before entering the roof space.

Move around carefully When you’re up in the ceiling, look down at where you are putting your feet, as well as in front of you. There are many potential hazards to be aware of, from exposed wiring to faulty beams.

Make sure you are only walking on the joists. This might be easier for some than others, so take your time and walk slowly and carefully. There’s no prize for rushing to finish your work so take it easy. And whatever you do, avoid stepping on the ceiling itself!

Additionally, take care to avoid stepping on any pipes or conduits. These can cause you to roll your ankle, slip or trip, which could send you at the very least sprawling on the joists, or at worst through the ceiling.

What to watch out for Make sure thermal insulation is kept away from light fittings and keep your eyes open for anything that looks broken or damaged. If you happen to see a rafter, joist or purlin that doesn’t look right, then make sure you say something. There may be a break in a joist or a rafter, termite damage or chemical delignification. If you see something that doesn’t look right, it is a far safer option to exit the roof space and inform the homeowner or builder of your potential findings.

Airborne contaminants in roof spaces are often invisible and can pose serious health risks. Not only do electrical workers need to consider silica dust, CO2, and asbestos, they also need to be aware of disturbing hazardous materials like droppings from rodents or other dangerous fauna, such as snakes.

Ensure you know the location of electrical cables and fittings in the roof space so that you can avoid them. Particularly in older homes, be on the look out for old forms of electrical wiring that may need to be replaced, such as Vulcanised Indian Rubber (VIR) and Tough Rubber Sheath (TRS). There is also a higher likelihood of encountering exposed live junctions.

Protecting yourself in summer As we head into summer, the risk of heat-related illness increases. The heat is super-charged in the roof space, making it a high-risk location for workers.

Where possible, adjust your work times to the coolest part of the day. Ensure you have enough water and stay hydrated. Take regular breaks and make sure someone knows when you are working in the roof and when you expect to complete the work.

Ensure you know the signs of the different stages of heat-related illness and respond appropriately if you are experiencing the symptoms of heat exhaustion or heat stroke.

Further resources For advice on improving safety processes in your business, including the development of SWMS, please contact your local NECA branch.

For more information on the regulations and guidelines for working in domestic roof spaces in your state, consult your local energy regulator and visit Safe Work Australia at www.safeworkaustralia.gov.au

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NATIONAL TECHNICAL UPDATE DECEMBER 2022

AS WE SPRINT INTO THE CHRISTMAS PERIOD THERE IS A LOT HAPPENING ACROSS THE NATIONAL LANDSCAPE. THERE ARE MULTIPLE CONSULTATION PAPERS OPEN AND THE TERM “ELECTRIFYING THE NATION” IS BECOMING THE CATCH PHRASE FOR A NEW ALL-ELECTRIC SOCIETY, WHICH WILL REQUIRE MORE TRAINED ELECTRICIANS, LINE WORKERS, CABLE JOINTERS AND OTHER SKILLS TO SUPPORT SUCH AN AMBITIOUS PROGRAM OF WORK. NECA IS AT THE COAL FACE OF ALL THESE DISCUSSIONS, MEETING WEEKLY WITH STATE AND FEDERAL POLITICIANS, ADVOCATING FOR TRAINING AND CHANGES TO OUR INDUSTRY TO MAKE MEMBERS’ JOBS EASIER.

Recently released standards There were 69 new and updated Australian Standards released between April and August 2022.

Below is a list of some of the standards members may find applicable.

Electrical related standards released AS 1141.30.2:2022

Methods for sampling and testing aggregates, Method 30.2: Preparation of aggregate reference specimens for visual comparison

AS 2401.1-1994

Battery chargers for lead-acid batteries Domestic type, Part 1: Battery chargers for vented cells

AS 2401.1-1994 REC:2022

Battery chargers for lead-acid batteries Domestic type, Part 1: Battery chargers for vented cells

AS 4086.1-1993

Secondary batteries for use with stand-alone power systems, Part 1: General requirements

AS 4086.1-1993 REC:2022

Secondary batteries for use with stand-alone power systems, Part 1: General requirements

AS 5352:2022

Swimming pool heat pump systems

AS 5732:2022

Electric vehicle operations - Maintenance and repair

AS/NZS 3019:2022

Electrical installations - Periodic assessment

AS/NZS 60335.1:2022 Amd 1:2022

Household and similar electrical appliances Safety, Part 1: General requirements (IEC 60335-1 Ed 6, MOD)

AS/NZS 62560:2017 Amd 2:2022

Self-ballasted LED-lamps for general lighting services by voltage > 50 V Safety specifications (IEC 62560:2011+AMD1:2015 CSV, MOD)

Other standards of interest

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SA TR ISO/IEC 24027:2022

Information technology - Artificial intelligence (AI) Bias in AI systems and AI aided decision making

AS/NZS 5601.1:2022

Gas installations, Part 1: General installations

AS ISO/IEC 30165:2022

Internet of Things (IoT) - Real-time IoT framework

AS ISO/IEC 38507:2022

Information technology - Governance of IT Governance implications of the use of artificial intelligence by organizations

AS 62282.2.100:2022

Fuel cell technologies, Part 2.100: Fuel cell modules Safety (IEC 62282-2-100:2020 (ED.1.0) MOD)

December 2022

TECHNICAL

National Construction Code released In September the final piece of the National Construction Code (NCC) puzzle was released. Section J, Energy Efficiency, has the greatest impact on members and consideration must be given to the new requirements.

The key points to consider are: Residential energy efficiency ½

½

the thermal performance of homes must meet a 7-star rating. This will deliver a significant improvement in thermal comfort for occupants; a new whole-of-home annual energy budget now needs to be met by new homes. This includes the consumption of lighting, heating, cooling, pool pumps etc.

Renewable energy systems are not mandatory, but can be used to improve a home’s energy budget.

Commercial energy efficiency ½

½

½

requirements to have provisions to facilitate the future connection of on-site renewables and electric vehicle charging (B1P1 and J1P4 of volume one); new deem to satisfy (DTS) provisions to facilitate the installation of electric vehicle charging equipment in carparks associated with Class 2, 3, 5, 6, 7b, 8 or 9 buildings; new DTS provisions to facilitate the future installation of solar photovoltaics and battery storage (B1D3(a) and J9D5 of Volume One). This excludes houses.

What this means for members is more switchboards, and these switchboards will need to be larger to accommodate the new requirements.

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Standards Representative Forum The second forum was again well attended, where discussions covered the Wiring Rules, and some common questions received. The committee advised that there will be significant revisions of most renewable energy standards, including the AS/NZS 4777 series and AS/NZS 5139.

Electrical safety Tragically, in early November there was a fatality of a NECA member in regional Western Australia. The circumstances surrounding the accident are being investigated by WorkSafe and the local regulator, and the circumstances around the incident are not yet clear.

NECA would like to pass on our sincere condolences to the family.

Contestable metering review In November, the Australian Energy Market Commission (AEMC) released its final consultation paper on the review of the rollout of contestable metering in Australia.

The aim of this review was to identify ways to speed up the rollout and reduce some of the roadblocks we currently have.

One particular issue our members constantly face is the shared fuse arrangement and the need to engage with multiple parties to either upgrade or change metering on unit blocks and other shared fuse scenarios.

metering coordinator engaged to do the work for one meter to change all meters whilst there, removing multiple supply interruptions and making it a smoother process for the electrician.

The majority of the remaining recommendations are more aligned to retailer and metering coordinator obligations.

The consultation closes on 2 February 2023 and we encourage anyone who is impacted by these changes, or who wishes to have their say, to go to the AEMC website and provide their feedback.

Australian Energy Regulator’s transmission network service provider Ring-fencing Guideline released for comment In the September edition of NECA News, we updated members on the release of the discussion paper on Transmission Ring-fencing. In early November, the Australian Energy Regulator (AER) released its draft Ringfencing Guideline for consultation.

There is a tight turnaround with submissions closing on 16 December.

NECA has reviewed the guideline and explanatory information, and continues to advocate for a level playing field between transmission network service provider (TNSP) owned firms and our members, with a focus on the supply of materials, labour and plant and equipment.

The AEMC propose to introduce a “one in, all in” provision that allows the

Paul Brownlee NECA National Policy and Technical Director

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REINFORCING BEHAVIOUR TO

HEALTH AND WELLBEING

OPTIMISE PERFORMANCE RECENTLY OUR DOG FRANKIE SUCCESSFULLY TRAINED US TO PROVIDE HIM WITH PATS ON REQUEST. A TOUCH OF HIS LEFT PAW MEANS “PLEASE PAT ON LEFT SHOULDER” AND SIMILARLY, RIGHT PAW MEANS “RIGHT SHOULDER”.

If we stop patting before he’s done, he simply repeats the action until he’s had enough. I think we were quite easy for him to train, because we’ve always wanted to pat him more than he’s wanted to be patted. It’s so rare he wants a pat that we have been extremely happy and excited to respond promptly to his requests. We’ve reinforced his “paw touch” behaviour with pats.

The term reinforcer comes from the field of behaviour science where a reinforcer may be “positive” — something that happens after a behaviour that strengthens it or increases the chance it will happen again, or “negative” — something that is subtracted from the environment that increases the likelihood a behaviour will happen again.

The Frankie story is an example of positive reinforcement, and because we enjoy patting our dog, patting behaviours have become highly mutually reinforcing in our home. It’s also a fun way of communicating, because Frankie has a clear way of letting us humans know he’s ready for a pat and it brings us joy to accommodate him.

When a person moves inside to get out of the rain, it’s an example of negative reinforcement. Going indoors is an effective way to escape a downpour, so we say the behaviour was negatively reinforced because rain was removed.

There are loads of examples of positive and negative reinforcement that constantly occur in the workplace.

People get positively reinforced by being paid, praised, and achieving goals.

Alternatively, people work at home to avoid interruptions, respond to emails quickly to reduce stress, and maintain current standard operating procedures to avoid an unfavourable audit — all examples of negative reinforcement.

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Using reinforcement effectively at work takes a little thought and tailoring to the individual. There are generally many behaviours business owners need from their people that could be strengthened using reinforcement. For example, I once worked with someone who wasn’t clear about the many desirable behaviours required of their role. Consequently, his work output was inefficient, and he lacked enthusiasm for the job. We clarified the desirable behaviours needed and optimal timing.

Then I provided reinforcement with verbal praise for successful work to the new criteria. The outcome was he started completing work with ease and ahead of time; and the interruptions to his day were reduced by 62%, because people no longer needed to chase him on the phone about work not done or not done properly. The highlight for me though, was to see new inspiration, motivation, and an overall happier employee.

Using positive reinforcement to strengthen wanted behaviours is a positive way to help people achieve good outcomes and be happy at work.

Maintaining positive reinforcement over time builds trust and forms a wonderful basis for ongoing healthy communication.

My partner Michelle used to be an executive at Qantas, where she managed a diverse team. When team members achieved milestones of tenure with the organisation, Michelle would host a morning tea or lunch for the team to celebrate and acknowledge the

wonderful contribution that person had made. She did this because she believed it was a positive and nice thing to do, that her team would appreciate it and most of them did. However, one day she received an awkward phone call from a direct report interstate. He told her that one of his team members had said she was going to go “sick” to avoid the special celebration that was planned to acknowledge her 15 years of service because it gave her anxiety.

This was completely unintentional and fortunately, there was enough time to cancel the event, so they didn’t have to stay away. It’s a useful example because we can’t always assume that what is rewarding or positive for one person, will be received in the same way by everyone.

People and animals use their behaviour to control their environment, and this socially anxious staff member was simply using her behaviour to maintain wellbeing by avoiding the celebration morning tea that was intended to reward her.

Learning about people’s preferences and needs and reinforcing behaviours accordingly, helps them feel comfortable and psychologically safe at work, which is a great context for bringing out the best in them.

Ray Hodge Business and Leadership Development Expert www.rayhodge.com.au *Co-written with Michelle Sexton

December 2022

LOOK OUT FOR YOU

HEALTH AND WELLBEING

LOOK OUT FOR YOUR MATES THE CHRISTMAS PERIOD CAN BE A JOYFUL TIME OF YEAR FOR SOME, BUT IT ALSO CAN BE AN OVERWHELMING, STRESSFUL, AND SOMETIMES LONELY TIME OF YEAR FOR OTHERS. MATES in Energy recognises the potential impact this time of year can have on the mental health and wellbeing of workers in the energy industry. Maintaining our mental health and wellbeing is crucial as we move towards the end of the year. It is very important that we not only look after ourselves, but that we also look out for others, including our colleagues. That’s what MATES is all about.

Below are some tips to help during the busy end-of-year period.

Practice self-care This is the time of the year when we really need to practice self-care. This means eating well and getting plenty of sleep. It means getting enough exercise because we know exercise helps to improve our mood and energy levels.

Although it’s good to kick back and relax with friends, don’t forget to take some time for yourself. Allowing time to recharge will be a major stress relief for your mental health at Christmas, and help you better enjoy your planned events.

Set boundaries The pressure of living up to the expectations of what your friends and family want to do during this period can be exhausting. Think about what you want to get out of this holiday season and plan your time accordingly. Set manageable boundaries surrounding what events you attend, how long you stay and what activities you participate in. Remember it’s okay to say no. Your wellbeing and mental health are more important than attending events out of obligation, guilt or tradition.

WWW.NECA.ASN.AU

Drink in moderation

Help others

It may be tempting to drink too much during the festive period, but alcohol can contribute to stress, anxiety and depression. Alcohol may be a problem if you’re drinking to cope.

If you notice someone acting a little differently, they may be struggling and need some help. Reach out to them. If someone you know isn’t travelling well and you are not sure what to do, then phone the MATES in Energy 24/7 Helpline on 1300 642 111.

We’re here to help you help your Mates.

Confide in someone If you are feeling stressed or concerned or just not yourself, it’s helpful to talk about how you’re feeling. If there is no one you feel you can talk to, then phone the MATES in Energy 24/7 Helpline on 1300 642 111. We’re here to help you.

About MATES in Energy

Try to keep your routine

Workforce capacity building is provided through clear pathways of education, training and support, building communities of MATES who can look out for MATES. The program is adapted to mirror safety structures on site and engages the entire workforce in providing a mentally safer and healthier workplace.

Routine is usually one of the first things to slip out the window during the holiday season. Regular healthy habits like sleep, diet and exercise often become less important. This loss of routine can affect the mechanisms that support positive mental health.

It might be hard to continue your exact routine but where possible, try to keep your schedule consistent.

MATES in Energy is an evidence-based suicide awareness and prevention program for the energy industry. The program leverages industry participation and support to embed suicide prevention and mental health awareness into the industry culture.

To find out more about MATES in Energy, please go to our website at www.mates.org.au/energy

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CHARGING AHEAD

ADVERTORIAL

DATA GATHERED FROM THE ‘INTERNATIONAL ENERGY AGENCY (IEA) GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS FROM ENERGY’ REPORT NOTES THAT IN 2021, 25% OF GLOBAL GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS WERE ATTRIBUTED TO TRANSPORTATION. WITH STATISTICS SUCH AS THESE IT’S LITTLE WONDER THAT MANY OF OUR STATE AND TERRITORY GOVERNMENTS HAVE SET AMBITIOUS AGENDAS AROUND THE ADOPTION OF ELECTRIC VEHICLES (EVS).

Some of these government schemes come with incentives and/or tax concessions to encourage the roll out of EVs; however, the often-overlooked part of the EV revolution is charging infrastructure, or perhaps more holistically, the energy management solution.

The ‘Bloomberg New Energy Finance (BNEF) Electric Vehicle Outlook 2021’ report forecasts that by 2030, more than 97% of EV chargers will be installed in buildings and homes. This comes with an estimated increase of up to 45% in electricity consumption. Building owners will need to prepare for the additional infrastructure required to accommodate the increase across their assets.

Whilst EV chargers and driver apps may be on the radar for more savvy consumers, these items make up less than half of the infrastructure that may be required to support EV charging. Components to support power infrastructure, user/ billing/energy management, distributed energy resources (DER) and energy storage may also be necessary to accommodate a site’s requirements.

Systems such as Schneider Electric’s EVlink™ (available in 2023) offer a complete end-to-end solution for standalone and smart charging applications in both domestic and commercial settings.

The EcoStruxure™ EV Charging Expert system provides a flexible and optimised load management solution for up to 1,000 charging stations, effectively 98

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managing the impacts that EV charging has on a building’s energy consumption.

The National Construction Code (NCC) 2022 introduces the following provisions for EV charging (Table J9D4: Electric vehicle distribution board requirement for each storey of a carpark), illustrating how demand for such systems is likely to increase in the very near future.

Whilst governments race to introduce EVs to the country’s roads, in an ever-increasing effort to meet their carbon reduction targets, we must be prepared for the need for EV charging infrastructure and consumer education to keep pace with this demand.

Carpark spaces per storey for electric vehicles

Electrical distribution boards for electric vehicle charging per storey

0–9

0

10–24

1

25–48

2

49–72

3

73–96

4

97–120

5

121–144

6

Diana Ruiz Diaz New Energy Landscape Offer Manager, Schneider Electric

December 2022

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