NECA welcomes state budgets

The National Electrical and Communications Association (NECA) has reacted enthusiastically to the NSW 2022–23 State Budget, highlighting the NSW Government’s $112.7 billion in infrastructure spending, as well as its focus on women and support for apprentices and trainees.

“Across the state, businesses and workers will reap the benefits of this spending,” NECA CEO Oliver Judd said. “It is an excellent time to be an electrical contractor, business owner or employee. The $112.7 billion infrastructure spend includes significant transportation investment, hospital upgrades and new housing in regional areas. Further proof that an electrical contracting career is a lucrative one and is an integral part of building the state.”

Stating that NECA had long been an advocate for women joining trades through initiatives such as its Women-in-Power program, Judd said funding like the $20.2 million put towards tripling the number of women in construction by 2030 was a positive step in what continues to be a long but essential journey. He praised spending announcements in childcare, which he said would allow families to better share the responsibility of looking after children and help parents return to the workforce.

NECA fully supported the announcement of $1.2 billion to establish a Transmission Acceleration Facility to carry energy from renewable energy zones to businesses and homes, helping to fast-track the Electricity Infrastructure Roadmap. “As we see costs of living and running businesses skyrocket, packages like the $128 million Energy Bill Buster Program help eligible households reduce power bills through solar panel installations or high-efficiency appliances,” Judd said.

Judd said the NSW Government’s two-year, $82.7 million support for a further 70,000 apprentices, trainees and high-priority training placements would have a significant impact on labour shortages. “We also welcome the $250 prepaid Regional Apprentice and Uni Travel Card, set to help regional apprentices get to and from work.”

NECA was also positive about the Queensland Budget announcement, praising the Queensland Government’s investment in infrastructure, training and renewables. “The 2022–23 Budget further reinforces Queensland Government’s commitment to the state’s energy transformation and its investment in emerging industries including renewable energy,” Judd said.

“$2bn in large-scale storage, renewable energy projects, $1.41bn to improve electricity supply and $239.7 million to upgrade or replace aging high-voltage assets are much needed boosts to the energy sector.”

Queensland’s 2022–23 budget also provides $19.6 billion for education and training, including investments in facilities, and funding to support Queensland’s growing workforce to acquire new skills.

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