October Advocacy News

Battery Booster Program

Master Electricians Australia (MEA) has submitted a comprehensive proposal for the Battery Booster Program, focusing on the use of Consumer Energy Resources to mitigate evening peak electricity demand. The submission outlines MEA’s vision for the future of solar and battery installation in Queensland, addressing safety standards, installer qualifications, and the importance of supporting local industry. MEA advocates for the inclusion of LG batteries in the program despite past recalls, emphasising their improved safety record and significant market share. We propose a minimum battery size of 10kWh to ensure effectiveness and recommend that batteries meet Australian presence and warranty criteria to ensure longevity and support. MEA also suggests detailed tracking of battery system serial numbers to manage recalls efficiently and opposes means testing for program eligibility to encourage widespread adoption.

NSW Draft Small Business Charter & Action Plan

MEA has responded positively to the NSW Small Business Draft Charter, appreciating the principles set out by the NSW Government to support small businesses. MEA agrees that the principles recognise the economic significance of small businesses and aim to enhance government partnership. However, MEA suggests adding a principle focused on skills and training development to address the current skills shortage crisis, particularly in the STEM trade sector. We also call for action on security of payments and emphasise the need for government engagement in incorporating small business feedback into policy-making. MEA highlights the importance of the Service NSW Business Bureau for easing administrative burdens and supports actions that reduce financial strain, such as energy rebates and toll relief.

Treasury Laws Amendment (Measures for Consultation) Bill 2023

MEA supports the Treasury Laws Amendment Bill 2023 regarding the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission (ACNC) secrecy provisions, advocating for transparency in ongoing investigations. However, MEA recommends introducing checks to balance the Commissioner’s discretion in assessing ‘public harm’ and insists on notifying associations and charities prior to public disclosures. The submission praises the draft’s clarity and suggests adding examples of ‘recognised assessment activities’ breaches for better understanding.

Questionnaire Responses – Community Climate Conversation

MEA provided responses to a questionnaire on Community Climate Conversations, emphasising the critical role of Consumer Energy Resources (CER) in achieving net-zero emissions. MEA prioritises energy emissions and sustainable construction as key areas for action. We advocate for the integration of CER, including rooftop solar, wind units, battery storage, and electric vehicle batteries, to reduce reliance on fossil fuels and empower consumers with energy control. MEA suggests government incentives for landlords and rebates for low-income households to facilitate CER adoption. We also highlight the need for licensed electrical contractors in the rollout of CER infrastructure and call for updated government policies to maximise CER benefits.

NSW Climate Change (Net Zero Future) Bill 2023

MEA endorses the NSW Climate Change (Net Zero Future) Bill 2023, highlighting the importance of Consumer Energy Resources (CER) in achieving emission reduction targets. MEA advocates for the integration of CER, such as rooftop solar, wind units, battery storage, and electric vehicle batteries, to enhance energy resilience and economic growth. We recommend leveraging licensed electrical contractors for CER installations and urge for vocational education training in secondary schools to address skills shortages and promote diversity in trades. MEA’s submission underscores the need for government incentives for CER adoption and the importance of a skilled workforce for a sustainable energy future.

NSW VET Review

MEA advocates for the integration of Vocational Educational Training (VET) into secondary school curricula, giving it equal importance to the Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR). This approach will address skills shortages and improve gender diversity in STEM trades. The submission discusses the benefits of VET in Secondary Schools (VETSS), such as better matching student skills with trades, fostering societal and systemic change, and enhancing the quality of VET through partnerships with TAFE. MEA suggests that success for VET students goes beyond qualifications, including career satisfaction and long-term professional development. 

Revoking the Electricity System Code

MEA supports the revocation of the Electricity System Code as a step towards national harmonisation of regulations. MEA believes that aligning with the National Electricity Rules will reduce duplication and confusion, making regulations simpler and more effective. We agree with the full revocation of the Code, as it is covered by the National Rules, and support the proposed revocation date in December 2023, provided it does not negatively impact the industry.

Low Energy Buildings

The MEA submission on Low Energy Buildings for the National Construction Code 2025 & 2028 advocates for swift regulatory action to achieve net zero emissions by 2050 through the integration of Distributed Energy Resources (DER). It suggests mandatory DER readiness for new builds and gradual integration for existing buildings, emphasising the role of electrical contractors as key players in installation and maintenance. The submission highlights the benefits of DER, including clean energy generation, EV support, grid stability, and altered consumer behavior through time-of-use tariffs. It also addresses the need for smart meters, the potential of bi-directional EV charging, and the importance of including various consumer groups in the transition towards electrification.

QLD Budget 2023-24

MEA advocates for leveraging Consumer Energy Resources (CER) to combat cost-of-living pressures in our submission to the Queensland Budget 2023-24. MEA supports the ‘Big Build’ investment but suggests that CER, including solar PV, wind units, and battery storage, could offer a more cost-effective approach to decarbonisation. We recommend $5,000 home battery rebates for consumers with over 5KW solar PV capacity, emphasising the long-term benefits over short-term energy bill rebates. The submission also highlights the need for investment in workforce development to support the electrification of Queensland and the integration of CER into the energy market.

Construction of Electricity Distribution Systems by Third Party Developers

MEA highlights the need for qualified licensed electrical contractors in the construction of electricity and gas distribution systems by third-party developers. We stress that whilst we do not have a stance on licensing or exemptions for developers, the supervision and testing of electrical work must be performed by licensed contractors with Cert III qualifications. MEA highlights the high entry barriers in the electrical industry, such as apprenticeships, post-trade qualifications, and licensing, which are crucial for maintaining safety standards. We urge for formal recognition in regulations or conditions that mandate the use of licensed electrical contractors for construction, testing, and supervision to prevent electrical accidents and ensure industry safety.

Greater Adelaide Regional Plan

The MEA submission for the Greater Adelaide Regional Plan emphasises the importance of Distributed Energy Resources (DER) in achieving South Australia’s goals for a greener and more resilient environment. MEA advocates for policies mandating new builds to include DER technologies like rooftop solar, smart meters, and electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure. We suggest that DER can mitigate climate change, reduce energy costs, and stabilise electricity prices. The submission also highlights the need for skilled workforce development, recommending inter-state qualification recognition and vocational education in secondary schools to address skills shortages. MEA stresses the role of licensed electrical contractors in the transition to a renewable energy future.

SA Infrastructure 20-Year Plan

The MEA submission for South Australia’s 20-Year State Infrastructure Strategy highlights the integration of Consumer Energy Resources (CER) to meet emission targets and manage energy demand. MEA advocates for significant CER investment in the first five years, focusing on maintenance in the following years. CER includes self-generating energy assets like solar panels and batteries, reducing reliance on fossil fuels and enabling consumer control over electricity, which can lower energy prices. The submission discusses the need to upgrade networks for CER integration, supporting population growth and electric vehicle charging. It also highlights the importance of Time of Use Tariffs to influence consumer behavior towards greener energy usage. MEA stresses the role of licensed electrical contractors in CER installation and maintenance and the need for streamlined vocational education to ensure a skilled workforce for future CER implementation.