SEPTEMBER 2025
Inside this issue
- BRCA Termination of Deed
- Schneider Industry night (Chullora Sydney)
- CEDIA Tech & Business summit
- Electronic CCEW
- ACMA News
- Cabling Q & A
- Comms Alliance – change of name
- Regulator updates rooftop solar installation guide
- Useful links
BICSI Registered Cablers Australia
BRCA is unable to accept new applications or renew existing registrations from 21 March 2025. Applicants may wish to approach a different registrar, details of which are available on the ACMA website.
If you know anyone who is registered with BRCA, please have them contact ACRS, should they wish to register with a new registrar before their BRCA registration expires. Cabling providers who are currently registered by BRCA continue to be validly registered until the expiry date of their current registration, after which they will be required to register with another registrar if they wish to continue performing cabling work.
If you are currently registered with ACRS, we would like to thank you for your ongoing support. If your contact details have changed or your registration has expired, please contact the friendly team at ACRS and they will assist you.
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.
What to expect:
• Expert insights from NECA Membership Manager, and NECA’s Technical specialists.
Schneider Electric discussing the new climate-related disclosures reporting
• Horizon and ASRS compliance. (Carbon emissions reporting requirements.)
– Creating an opportunity mindset
– Cost savings
– Creating operational efficiencies
– Strategies to reduce carbon emissions
– How to better accommodate sustainability and the emissions requirements of tenders
– Staff upskilling opportunities
• The latest updates straight from Safework NSW and the NSW Building Commission
It’s a great opportunity to stay ahead of the curve, connect with others in the industry, and see what’s new and next in the electrical world.
CEDIA Tech + Business Summit Sunshine Coast
Experience the forefront of smart home technology at the CEDIA Tech + Business Summit Australia. This event offers an opportunity to acquire essential skills and insights through industry-leading educational sessions. Attendees will have the chance to engage directly with manufacturers and key decision-makers, fostering valuable connections within the sector.
Date:Tue, Oct 28, 2025 – Thu, Oct 30, 2025
Time:8am – 5pm
Location:Maroochy RSL Events Centre, Sunshine Coast, QLD
When is the new online CCEW commencing?
- the paper CCEW will cease to be accepted on 30 September;
- the only form accepted will be the online editable PDF, found here;
- the online portal is set to commence in mid October;
Electronic CCEW:
- withdrawal of paper based CCEW from 30 September 2025;
- only PDF version accepted between 30 September and commencement of electronic CCEW;
- electronic CCEW will be only acceptable upon going live;
- prior to submitting a CCEW, will need to sign up to portal and make a profile;
- only individual will be able to submit a CCEW as sign in via security will be allowed;
- meter installers will need to pay a fee.
ACMA makes telcos more accountable
The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) has introduced new rules to make telcos more accountable in protecting people who have been victims of domestic, family or sexual violence. Not only do these new laws offer assistance to individuals, ACMA has extended the rules that commenced from 1 July 2025, to provide the same level of assistance to small businesses and Not-for Profit (NFP) agencies.
The new rules are contained in the Telecommunications (Domestic, Family and Sexual Violence Consumer Protections) Industry Standard 2025 which require telcos to support people affected by domestic, family and sexual violence with safer, more secure and reliable telco services.
This new standard places obligations on telcos to:
- Telcos must reverse disconnections, suspensions and service restrictions if customers make an urgent request because of a domestic and family violence-related safety risk
- Telcos must not require affected customers to interact with an alleged perpetrator, including for transfer of accounts and debt resolution
- Telcos must publish website information about what domestic or family violence support they offer and how to access it. If the telco does not offer specific support they must provide contact details and information about accessing such an organisation.
New rules are coming for SMS messages
Unfortunately, it almost an everyday occurrence where most people receive some form of SCAM message. Who hasn’t received an SMS to say “your parcel cannot be delivered” or “you have a new message from ATO or Centrelink” or “your payment has been suspended”. They often ask you to clink on the link and they take you to a bogus site.
The government through ACMA is installing as many strategies as possible to limit these SCAM messages. From 15 th December 2025, new rules will be put in place to enable only registered SMS messages. The system is being designed at the moment with details expected to be finalized around the end of September and then details released around mid November 2025.
What is proposed is that any organisation that has not adapted to the new Sender ID rules will not be able to get their SMS and MMS messages with sender IDs through to customers after 15 December 2025.
ACMA Chair Nerida O’Loughlin said that the Register would be effective in stopping scam traffic while allowing legitimate SMS traffic to be delivered.
“These arrangements will directly affect how telcos and message service providers operate. They will also require every business or agency seeking to use a sender ID to register it and prove they have a valid reason for its use.
“This is a call to action for all organisations who use sender IDs including banks, retailers, utilities and not-for-profits. You need to start preparing now to be able to continue to use this method to contact your customers from mid-December this year,” Ms O’Loughlin said.
Watch this space. We will continue to monitor the development of this and keep you informed.
CABLING – Frequently asked questions
How do I update my details?
Login to your account on the ACRS website (using the details sent to you upon registration). Alternatively, email or phone ACRS to change your address, email or mobile.
How can I upgrade my registration or add competencies to my registration?
Download the ACRS change of details form from the website. Fill it in and return to ACRS with copies of your competency certificates. The cost for an upgrade when not renewing is $25.
I have lost my cabling registration card, how can I get a replacement?
Download the ACRS replacement card form from the website. The cost for a card replacement is $20.
You can also phone ACRS and order a new card over the phone.
What training do I need to become registered?
To become a registered cabler you will need to undertake the requisite ACMA OPEN training course and any relevant competencies relevant to your work.
Please contact a registered training provider for advice on the most expedient way for you to qualify for a cabling registration.
I have trade qualifications from overseas but would like to gain my Australian cabling registration?
If you are a resident or non-resident who has overseas technical, vocational or trade qualifications, you may be able to obtain cabling registration in Australia after your qualifications are assessed.
There are agencies within Australia that can assess overseas qualifications in the technical, vocational and trade areas:
I am an electrician, what do I have to do to register?
An electrician can do cabling work in Australia, but they must be registered with a Telecommunications Cabling Provider registrar for the specific type of cabling they intend to perform. Cabling work is regulated by the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) to ensure safety and network integrity, and it falls under the Telecommunications Act. Electricians can work under supervision if they are not registered, provided the supervisor is a fully registered cabler for that type of work and takes responsibility for the job.
I work on security, fire or computing cabling-do I need to register?
Yes. There is no longer an exemption for these cabling areas, so you need to register under CPRs. A Restricted registration is sufficient for cabling work behind a compliant device (for example, fire alarm or security control panel) and simple connections to the network via a mode 3 socket, but an Open registration is required for cabling work between a compliant device and a main distribution frame (MDF) or similar.
If I don’t have a cabling registration can I do cabling work under supervision?
Yes, but you must be directly supervised at all times by a cabler who is registered for the type of work you are doing. The registered cabler who is supervising you must:
- ensure that you are directly supervised
- take full responsibility for the standard of the work completed
- ensure all work complies with the relevant competency requirements and the Wiring Rules*
- complete a Telecommunications cabling advice form-TCA1 form.
* The Wiring Rules are the minimal requirements for the installation or maintenance of cabling product (including cable) that is connected, or is intended to be connected to a telecommunications network. Copies of the Wiring Rules (AS/CA S009:2020) can be downloaded from the Communications Alliance website.
Do I have to maintain records of my cabling work?
All registered cablers must provide a compliance declaration form (a job sign-off form) to the customer. This form is also known as a Telecommunications cabling advice form-TCA1 form.
At the end of each cabling job to indicate that the cabling work complies with the Wiring Rules, you must complete and sign the TCA1 form and give a copy to the customer and employer (if appropriate). A copy of the completed TCA1 form must also be kept by you for at least 12 months and made available to ACMA inspectors and auditors on request. You may make arrangements with your employer to keep TCA1 forms on your behalf but the forms are your responsibility.
The form may be either reproduced as is or the information on the form incorporated into your existing invoice or other business forms to avoid additional paperwork.
Use of the TCA1 form or its equivalent is not required for the following activities:
- running, transposing, removing jumpers on distribution frames
- marking, replacing and upgrading cabling records
- all testing and transmission measurement activities
- replacement of sockets or other minor cabling equipment for maintenance purposes.
How do I know if a cable is an approved type?
Cable and cabling product is approved if it has an A-tick symbol on it (or on its packaging).
Who is the Australian Telecommunication Alliance (ATA) formerly Communications Alliance
Communications Alliance has just re-branded and changed its name to Australian Telecommunications Alliance (ATA) – see https://www.austelco.org.au/
The Australian Telecommunications Alliance (ATA) is the peak body of the Australian telecommunications industry.
They are the trusted voice at the intersection of industry, government, regulators, and consumers. Through collaboration and leadership, we shape initiatives that grow the Australian telecommunications industry, enhance connectivity for all Australians, and foster the highest standards of business behaviour.
They represent the full spectrum of the telecommunications sector: major mobile and fixed-line network operators, small and medium carriage service providers, digital infrastructure operators, device and equipment vendors, and ICT service providers.
Our Purpose
To lead a growing and sustainable telecommunications industry that benefits all Australians by protecting consumers, promoting competition, and rewarding investment.
The ATA is recognised under Part 6 of the Telecommunications Act 1997 as the body responsible for the development of industry codes.
The ATA is also recognised under Part 21 of the Telecommunications Act 1997 as an approved Standards Development Organisation (SDO) accredited by Standards Australia to make technical standards.
These codes and technical standards are registered with, and enforced by, the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA).
They are responsible for close to 130 industry codes, technical standards, guidelines and technical specifications.
Update to AS/CA S008:2020 in July by Aust Telecommunication Alliance.
As you’re aware, AS/CA S008 is the industry standard that the ACMA has adopted to specify requirements for customer cabling products. The update to S008 was to address the inconsistencies between S008 and S009 (the Wiring Rules). The inconsistency was that S008 required cabling to meet flammability requirements whilst S009 allowed the use of both flammable and non-flammable cabling so long as adequate fire-stopping practices are followed. The update to S008 now recognises that cabling can be flammable and non-flammable.
Regulator updates rooftop solar installation guide
Safe Work Australia has updated the Guide to managing the risks of rooftop solar installation work with guidance for managing the work health and safety (WHS) risks of battery installation.
With battery energy storage systems (batteries) becoming increasingly popular to support rooftop solar systems, we have updated our guide to provide employers and other duty holders with clear, practical guidance to help manage the WHS risks around battery installation effectively.
Rooftop solar installation work, including the installation of batteries, can have serious WHS risks arising from activities such as working at heights and working with electricity, so it is critical that these risks are identified and controlled.
Whether part of a new rooftop solar system or being added to an existing one, battery installations must be carried out by qualified electricians, following local regulations and manufacturer’s instructions. Batteries should comply with Australian standards and be compatible with the associated rooftop solar system.
The updated guide supports anyone involved in retailing, surveying, designing, installing, testing, commissioning, retrofitting, repairing, maintaining, decommissioning or removing rooftop solar systems on residential or commercial structures. This includes new or retrofitted solar panels, inverters, batteries and related equipment.
Read the updated Guide to managing the risks of rooftop solar installation work to find out more about managing the WHS risks of battery installation.
(Sourced from Safe work website).