September Advocacy News
Recent Submissions
This September, we’re proud to present our latest advocacy submissions from the past month. These documents reflect our ongoing commitment to industry advancement and policy engagement. Dive into our recent insights, recommendations, and perspectives on industry topics.
Master Electricians Australia (MEA) recommends the swift implementation of regulations for Consumer Energy Resources (CER) in buildings to stabilise the grid and reduce energy bills in Victoria. MEA supports long-term electrification but raises concerns about a quick transition away from gas, particularly for the industrial sector. Stressing the importance of government regulations reflecting available technology, highlighting challenges with decommissioning gas networks, and identifying the potential benefits of bi-directional EV tariffs. MEA urges the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action (DEECA) to prioritize CER policies to decrease reliance on natural gas in Victoria.
NSW Home Building Act – NECA and MEA joint submission
The joint submission by NECA and MEA responds to the NSW Home Building Act of September 2023. It highlights the Building Legislation Amendment Bill 2023 and its impact on the electro-tech industry in NSW. NECA and MEA stress the importance of maintaining high standards in electrical work and the need for proper supervision while acknowledging the challenges posed by potential legislative changes.
MEA has concerns over the “Closing Loopholes Bill 2023” for its broad definitions and unintended consequences. MEA argues that the bill, intended to close existing loopholes, ironically creates new ones. The organisation highlights concerns with the bill’s treatment of the gig economy, worrying that it may unintentionally include licensed occupational workers such as electricians. MEA supports fair treatment for gig economy workers but urges a more careful assessment of the bill’s definitions. They also mention issues regarding casual employees, wage theft, and the rights of delegates. Overall, MEA insists that while protecting gig economy workers is crucial, the bill’s current interference with industries like the electrical sector is inappropriate and requires refinement.
MEA urges the Senate Economics Committee to recognise the importance of Distributed Energy Resources (DER) for residential electrification. Advocating for the use of small-scale renewables and financial platforms to leverage existing electrical infrastructure, instead of relying on large-scale, publicly funded projects. MEA envisions every home and business as a power station, aiming to stabilise electricity prices and improve energy security. Prioritising DER/CER in government policy can swiftly reduce energy costs and flatten the energy demand curve.
MEA has endorsed option two in their comprehensive response to the “Associations Incorporation Reform Regulations 2023,” which strikes a balance between legal recognition of associations and the implementation of governance and financial accountability standards. MEA highlighted the benefits of remote meetings through platforms like Zoom and Microsoft Teams, emphasising cost savings. The association also supports the amended revenue thresholds for reporting standards, stating they do not pose a significant risk to members and funding bodies. MEA sees the proposed increase in the voluntary cancellation ceiling to $50,000 as a positive move, reducing the burden on associations without significant risk to stakeholders. Overall, MEA believes the proposed changes do not pose a material risk and will benefit associations by reducing regulatory burdens while theoretically reducing consumer protection.
MEA emphasises the vision of transforming every home and business into a power station, utilising existing infrastructure and altering the energy demand curve. The document discusses the importance of managing flexible CER separately, the benefits it can bring, and the challenges and considerations involved. MEA advocates for secondary settlement points, flexible trading, and the measurement of energy flows from street lighting and public furniture.
MEA highlights the importance of integrating VET into secondary school curriculums to promote diversity in STEM trades. Giving VET outcomes equal weight to ATAR rankings can lead to a more diverse and skilled workforce. Early exposure to VET and STEM plays a crucial role in societal and structural change. MEA emphasises the significance of leadership, governance, lifelong learning, and workplace policies in promoting diversity. The association supports initiatives to enhance opportunities for women and other diverse groups in STEM, advocating for a focus on VET in schools to achieve these outcomes.
MEA responds to the ACT Government’s Position Paper on the Integrated Energy Plan, addressing the challenges of decommissioning gas networks, the economics of home Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS), and the potential of bi-directional EV tariffs. MEA emphasises the need to prioritise vocational education in schools and warns that the skills shortage may worsen as the ACT electrification initiative continues. MEA advocates for the implementation of adequate Distributed Energy Resources (DER) infrastructure to handle increased electricity grid demands.
Advocacy on the Move
Meeting with Electric Vehicle Council
Representatives from Master Electricians Australia met with Ross De Rango from the Electric Vehicle Council. The focus was on aligning advocacy efforts related to Distributed Energy Resources policy, particularly viewing the integration of EVs into the grid as an opportunity rather than a challenge.
Renew Melbourne Event at RMIT: Transitioning from Gas to Electric
An evening event organised by Renew Melbourne at RMIT saw a presentation on the logistics of phasing out residential gas in Victoria in 2024. The discussion centred on transitioning from gas cooking to electric induction cooktops, covering installation costs and necessary modifications.
Electrical Safety Summit Breakfast
The Electrical Safety Summit breakfast, attended by Commissioner Keith McKenzie and Minister Grace, emphasised electrical safety and the crucial role of safety switches on all final sub-circuits. A notable moment was an address by a mature age female electrical apprentice, shedding light on the challenges faced by women in male-dominated trades.
Meeting with Energy Safe Victoria
Master Electricians Australia engaged in a productive meeting with Energy Safe Victoria. The dialogue revolved around industry issues impacting members and the ongoing progress of Continuous Professional Development (CPD) in Victoria.
Judging the Australian Training Awards
Master Electricians Australia played an active role in the Australian Training Awards, with their representative judging the “School Pathways to VET” category. MEA is a staunch supporter of enhancing school VET pathways and elevating the status of VET in schools to match academic/ATAR pathways, reflecting their commitment to the industry and the next generation.
Smart Energy Council Conference
The Smart Energy Council conference, held at the RNA Convention Centre, featured a diverse lineup of speakers across two halls. Attendees navigated a packed schedule to gain insights into the evolving world of renewable energy, both technologically and regulatorily. The event also showcased the latest tech from various suppliers.
Youth Forum at Queensland Parliament
Representatives from Master Electricians Australia were invited to a youth forum at Queensland Parliament to discuss policy development. The event, filled with future leaders, centred on Queensland’s future and the essence of policy development. The forum showcased impressive topics and speakers, emphasising intentional problem-solving.