JUNE 2024
Inside this issue
- Security ASIAL Conference ICC Sydney 21 – 23 August 2024
- New Legislation introduced into QLD Parliament
- WEBINAR ”Beyond the basic AV network”
- NESS Super update on contributions
- ACMA Mandated questions and Scam Alert
- COMTECH WA fee free training
- Govt. expands energy apprenticeships program
- Keeping your ACRS registration current
Registration for the Security Exhibition & Conference is now open. Entry to the exhibition is FREE with the opportunity to see hundreds of brands showcasing their latest security products and innovations.
You can expect to see in demand products such as AI, Biometrics, CCTV, Access Control & Monitoring, Cyber Security, Barriers, Bollards & Perimeter Protection, and Intruder Alarms & Fire Safety.
Register now to take advantage of the early bird rate to the Security ASIAL Conference
Join us in securing the future, this 21 – 23 August 2024 at
the ICC Sydney.
New legislation introduced into Queensland Parliament
On 22 May 2024 the Hon Grace Grace MP, Minister for State Development and Infrastructure, Minister for Industrial Relations and Minister for Racing introduced the Electrical Safety and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2024 into the Queensland Parliament.
The Bill proposes to amend the Electrical Safety Act 2002 to:
- amend the definition of ‘electrical equipment’ to capture prescribed extra low voltage equipment where the item is placing or may place persons or property at an electrical risk
- clarify the definition of ‘electrical installation’ captures energy generation and storage systems
- clarify the ability of the Electrical Licensing Committee to include a condition or restriction in a licence as a form of disciplinary action
- clarify the ability of the Electrical Licensing Committee to change or remove a condition or restriction in a licence
- amend inspector powers to require the production of documents and answers to questions over longer timeframes in line with the WHS Act
- reflect the Work Health and Safety Prosecutor’s role under the Electrical Safety Act
- amend the definition of ‘in-scope electrical equipment’ to prescribe by regulation the voltage range of the equipment and items that are not ‘in-scope electrical equipment’
- clarify the definition of ‘corresponding law’ for application in the ‘in-scope electrical equipment’ framework by creating a head of power to prescribe corresponding laws
- clarify that the replacement of similar appliances in particular circumstances is not electrical installation work.
The Bill also proposes to amend the Work Health and Safety Act 2011 to:
- allow health and safety representatives and entry permit holders to take photos, videos, measurements and conduct tests at the workplace to assist in fulfilling their roles under the WHS Act
- include negligence as a fault element of the Category 1 offence in the WHS Act
- expand the scope of the industrial manslaughter offence in the WHS Act, beyond the death of workers, to capture the deaths of bystanders (‘other persons’) to whom a health and safety duty is owed
- remove ambiguity around the culpability of multiple parties in a contractual chain in relation to the industrial manslaughter offence
- introduce alternative verdicts for the industrial manslaughter offence of either a Category 1 offence or a Category 2 offence
As the Bill has been introduced into Parliament, it has now been referred to the Clean Economy Jobs, Resources and Transport Committee of Parliament for the Committee’s detailed consideration.
As part of this consideration, the committee has called for submissions addressing any aspect of the Bill from all interested parties. The closing date for submissions is 12pm, 14 June 2024.
NECA made various submissions to the government during the review processes in regard to the Electrical Safety Act and the Work Health and Safety Act. NECA is in the process of examining this new Bill to see whether our suggestions have been included and what the implications for members might be.
NECA will look at preparing a submission to the Parliamentary Committee and to also keep members informed. Should you wish to prepare you own submission, copies of the Bill, the explanatory notes, statement of compatibility and the other relevant information can be accessed from the committee’s inquiry page here.
If you missed our third webinar, feel free to watch it at your leisure.
“WEBINAR: Beyond the basic AV Network“
Business opportunities for cabling companies on the Australian Registered Cabler Website
ACRS is a member of the Australian Registered Cabler Website consortium.
The site is for our registered cablers and is open to industry stakeholders and the public, as an advisory service.
ACRS Open Registered Cablers with Structured and Co-Axial (and Fibre where required) – can register their business on the RCWS website to gain leads to NBN, internet, telephone and smart wiring work.
Making the most of your super through contributions
The end of the financial year is fast approaching and now is the time to take action to boost your super. Understanding the different types of super contributions you may be able to make, can be the difference between living a comfortable or a modest retirement.
Please visit NESS Super website or click on the link below to get more information about making the most of your super through contributions, including eligibility rules.
NESS Super is here to help
We recommend you also speak with a NESS Super Financial Planner for professional guidance on your super. Visit nesssuper.com.au/advice.
If you have any questions about your super, NECA encourages you to connect with NESS Super, a super fund designed with electro-technology workers in mind.
Things you should know
The information contained in this communication is current at the time of its publication. However, some information may change over time. The content is for general information only and does not constitute personal advice. We recommend that you consult with a suitably qualified person before making any financial decisions. Before deciding whether to acquire or hold a product, consider if it is appropriate for you. For more information on NESS Super visit nesssuper.com.au/pds to view the Financial Services Guide (FSG), the relevant Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) and the Target Market Determination (TMD).
NESS Super Pty Ltd ABN 28 003 156 812 AFSL 238945, is the trustee of NESS Super (the Fund) ABN 72 229 227 691.
Mandated Questions
The ACMA has recently clarified and reconfirmed that the requirement for the competency testing of people seeking cabler registration is an 80% pass rate which also applies to any re-test. This applies to:
– Restricted or Lift Registration: 30 questions
– Open Registration: 50 questions
The updated ACMA pathways document that now includes this clarification can be located at:
Further enquiries can also be directed to the ACMA’s Naomi Turton via email at: Naomi.Turton@acma.gov.au or on 03 9963 6825
Watch out for loyalty points scams
There is a rise in shopping points and rewards-based SMS scams. These impersonate companies like Coles, Woolworths, Optus and Telstra. They try to create a need for you to click on a link to redeem your points or rewards. If you are unsure if a message is genuine, stop and check. Never click on links or provide details if the sender is suspicious.
Government Funding and Subsidised Training
Subsidies are available in some states for courses and qualifications.
Subsidised training may be available for you to complete a qualification or gain skill sets at a reduced cost.
You can speak to Comtech on 1300 371 130 to find out about any subsidies that may be available.
Open registration skill set in Western Australia
(Week 1: OHS, Hand and Power tools, Electrical Principles. Week 2: Open Registration)
Two payment types:
1. Fee-free training must meet eligibility criteria
2. Subsidised training
More information at Comtech Website or call our centre on 1300 371 130
Govt expands energy apprenticeships program
The Australian Government has announced changes to its New Energy Apprenticeship Program, which aims to encourage more people into sectors that will play an increasingly important role in the nation’s energy transition.
The changes, which come into effect on 1 June 2024, will broaden the program so that more apprentices and trainees are supported to gain skills in sectors such as housing construction, automotive and advanced manufacturing.
Under the changes, an apprentice’s work will no longer be required to be solely dedicated to clean energy, but the apprenticeship must still have a renewable energy skilling purpose. The program is also expanding the types of apprenticeships that are eligible — these now include designing and constructing hydroelectricity, solar and battery installations, and electric vehicle maintenance.
“We are constantly monitoring our programs and listening to industry to understand what they need to make access to programs designed to address skills needs easier and eligibility more commonsense,” said Minister for Skills and Training Brendan O’Connor.
“This is a great opportunity for Australians to gain a trade whilst accessing government incentives, as well as doing something tangible for the environment by working in industries that will reduce carbon emissions.”
The program will now cover 40 different occupations, providing apprentices with up to $10,000 for the duration of their apprenticeship.
More than 2210 apprentices have signed up since the program’s launch last year.
Article sourced: ECD 22 May 2024
Keeping you ACRS registration current
ACRS actively promotes professionalism and ‘best-practice’ on behalf of the Australian cabling industry and amongst its cablers through compliance, education and industry
support. We urge all cablers to keep their registration current.
It’s not only a mandatory requirement set by the ACMA, but it’s a mark of professionalism too.
ACRS often receives calls from builders and consumers asking us to verify that the cabling contractors doing work for them are registered.
If your registration has expired, do not panic. Email or phone the friendly team at ACRS on 1300 667771 to advice you the best option to reinstate your registration.