Master Builder Victoria January - March 2020

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MASTER BUILDERS VICTORIA JANUARY-MARCH 2020 VOLUME 75 ISSUE 01

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Philip Robinson’s 41 years as a Master Builder. Page 16 Avoiding modern slavery law violations. Page 27 Redundancy and unfair dismissal. Page 35 Managing condensation to avoid problems. Page 36

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• M ulti Unit Site Development • F actory Floors and Carparks • B ored Pier Holes and Screw Piles • B ondek and Suspended Slabs

Harbour Concreting Services 6 Keppler Circuit Seaford VIC 3198

PO Box 686 Patterson Lakes VIC 3197

CDB-L 50966 | CDB-U 51487

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Phone: (03) 9770 8224 | Mobile: 0418 138 820 Fax: (03) 9770 8225 | Email: admin@harbourconcrete.com.au Website: www.harbourconcrete.com.au

EDITOR’S NOTE

Master Builder becomes a quarterly I Peter Sackett Editor

Volume 75 Issue 01

’m willing to bet it’s been ages since you reached for any printed magazine, let alone this one, for the latest information about what’s happening in your industry. Publishing on paper has long since been surpassed by social and other electronic media, which do a better job of conveying volatile information fast enough for you to act on it.

But this journal allows us to do something that social media does less well—offer long-form briefings on the trends and issues that linger and affect the course of building and construction; share profiles of the businesses and people who shape the face of the industry; and, perhaps most importantly, offer a permanent, tangible record of our industry as it is the day it appears in the mail. No Ipad required. It’s an

old-fashioned, analogue way of connecting with your professional community.

In order for us to do that better and devote proper attention to what appears in these pages, beginning with this issue you’ll be receiving four quarterly editions of Master Builder. It strikes us as a more natural, logical way to organize the year, and allows us to plan and fine-tune the content. Our major annual awards features, like the Apprentice of the Year, Excellence in Construction and Excellence in Housing Awards, remain fully intact, as does our schedule of special publications associated with those events.

Your opportunity and invitation to respond to and suggest content continues as well. Thanks for reading.

Master Builders Victoria |

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Mr Albert Aebe rhard Builder, Hotondo Homes Group AC

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We are for this on time

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ead Whiteh ts Mr Glen elopmen JM Dev B r, o ct Dire g in ag an

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right mes nnis W zley Ho Mr De er, Bea g a n a M t c je ro g and P

My b usine ss ha rapidl s expa y sin nded ce we the W start aters ed us t ing op St hob a reaml nd n ine ow I volun have tarily tilers recom Water mend stop s ing t ystem he – and to oth me – er bu ilders Every . one t hat u ses it loves it.

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eddin Directo gs r, Wate rtight A (Wate ustralia rproofe rs)

reamline in all Using Waterstop St made life easy s ha as are our shower and our tilers. for waterproofing to install and They are so simple professional. y ver k loo s alway my clients I recommend to all Streamline p sto ter to use the Wa areas. wer sho eir th in m syste Mr Kerry Blake terproofing

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WATE12550_MBA

drew S hailer Andrew Shailer Ti ling

MASTER BUILDERS ASSOCIATION OF VICTORIA Master Builder is the official journal of Master Builders Association of Victoria, which was established in 1875 and is one of the state’s oldest employer organisations. The organisation is part of the Australia-wide Master Builder movement.

The keynote is service, and Master Builder is produced in line with this objective of keeping all members informed of all matters affecting them.

Membership of Master Builders is open to all qualified business operatives in the building construction industry; the basis of membership is integrity and competence, based on training and experience.

BOARD OF MANAGEMENT: Richard Hansen (President) Melanie Fasham (Immediate Past President) Michael Clemenger (Deputy President) Steve Peluso (Treasurer) Paul McMahon, Mark Little, Geoff Purcell, Ian Hawkey, Sam Cimino

COUNCIL OF MANAGEMENT: Richard Hansen (President) Michael Clemenger (Deputy President) Melanie Fasham (Immediate Past President) Steve Peluso (Treasurer) Paul McMahon, Natalie King, Mark Little, Stuart Allen, Geoff Purcell, Shayne Young, Ian Hawkey, Ashley TonkinHill, David Rowe, Sam Cimino, Neil Grenfell

CONTACT: 332 Albert Street, East Melbourne VIC 3002 Tel: (03) 9411 4555 Fax: (03) 9411 4591 Email: mbassist@mbav.com.au Web: www.mbav.com.au

ON THE COVER AND ABOVE: Details of the exterior of Melbourne’s Spotswood Pumping Station.

Contents FOREWORDS 03 EDITOR’S NOTE 08 PRESIDENT’S FOREWORD 10 GUEST FOREWORD 12 FROM THE CEO REGULAR 31 CALENDAR OF EVENTS 57 NEWS 63 DIRECTORY FEATURES 14 EXCELLENCE AWARDS

THE 2020 BUILDING EXCELLENCE AWARDS ARE NOW OPEN 16 PROFILE: PHILLIP ROBINSON A REMARKABLE RECORD OF SERVICE TO MASTER BUILDERS VICTORIA

DEPARTMENTS 23 FINANCE 24 27

Produced by Newscorp for Master Builders Victoria EDITOR: Peter Sackett EDITORIAL CO-ORDINATOR: Josie Adams DESIGNER: Alyssa Welke

Volume 75 Issue 01

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BEGINNING THE YEAR WITH 2020 VISION INSURANCE WORKER INJURIES: NOT JUST A WORKERS COMPENSATION ISSUE LEGAL MODERN SLAVERY LAWS: WHY WOULD A BUILDER NEED TO WORRY? CAREERS GREATER REGISTRATION OPTIONS ON OFFER

33 TRAINING 35 36 40 46

CARPENTERS FIRST OFF THE RANK FOR MANDATORY TRADES REGISTRATION INDUSTRIAL RELATIONS CONSULTATION AND REDUNDANCY: STEERING CLEAR OF UNFAIR DISMISSAL GREEN LIVING CONDENSATION: EVER-PRESENT AND ALWAYS CHALLENGING TECHNICAL CONDENSATION MANAGEMENT: A SUMMARY OF REQUIREMENTS COMMITTEE ROUND-UP ISSUES BOTH NEW AND FAMILIAR IN 2020

MEMBERSHIP 32 MEMBERSHIP PROFILE 50

STEEL BLUE: SUPPORTING OUR COMMUNITY MEMBERSHIP PROFILE AWARD-WINNING COLORBOND STEEL

ADVERTISING FEATURES 19 INCOLINK 21 ACRS 39 RYLOCK 43 RESPONSIBLE WOOD 45 AKD SOFTWOODS 48 ASC BUILDING 53 PTA LANDSCAPES 55 MITCHAM TILE CENTRE

Master Builders Victoria |

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Master Builders key contacts and office locations Master Builders office locations For all general enquiries, phone Master Builders on (03) 9411 4555.

Or you can contact our key services using the details on this page.

Sydney

Adelaide

Bendigo Ballarat Geelong

Albury-Wodonga Shepparton

Gippsland Melbourne

Warrnambool

OFFICE LOCATIONS Melbourne 332 Albert Street East Melbourne Victoria 3002 GPO Box 544 Melbourne Victoria 3001 Phone: (03) 9411 4555 Email: mbassist@mbav.com.au

Albury-Wodonga 35 Hovell Street Wodonga Victoria 3690 PO Box 700 Wodonga Victoria 3690 Phone: (02) 6058 2000 Email: wodongabs@mbav.com.au

Ballarat

KEY CONTACTS Master Builders Victoria CEO Rebecca Casson Phone: (03) 9411 4501 Chief Operating Officer Viviana Hood Phone: (03) 9411 4516 Chief of Staff Matthew Loughlin Phone: (03) 9411 4511

Master Builders Executive Managers Member Experience: Commercial Tony Biffaro Phone: (03) 9411 4557 Corporate Services Marc Lyons Phone: (03) 9411 4528 Master Builders Training Institute Corrie Williams Phone: (03) 9411 4544 People and Culture Steven Hogan Phone: (03) 9411 4540 Finance Ron Joordens Phone: (03) 9411 4556

Master Builders Victoria Senior Managers Industrial Relations Sheena Hoey Phone: (03) 9411 4555 OHS James Curtin Phone: (03) 9411 4581

6 | Master Builders Victoria

State Manager Victoria & Tasmania/MBA Insurance Services Joe Keiper Phone: (03) 9411 4504 Master Builders Training Institute Chris Kulesza Phone: (03) 9411 8000 Legal/Company Secretary Tristan Moseley Phone: (03) 9411 4555 Marketing, Sponsorship and Engagement Danielle Penna Phone: (03) 9411 4551

Board of Management President: Richard Hansen Deputy President: Michael Clemenger Immediate Past President: Melanie Fasham Treasurer: Steven Peluso Housing Sector Chair: Paul McMahon General Contractors Chair: Geoff Purcell Country Sector Chair: Mark Little Materials, Manufacturers and Suppliers Sector Chair: Sam Cimino Specialist Contractor Chair: Ian Hawkey

Council of Management President: Richard Hansen Deputy President: Michael Clemenger Immediate Past President: Melanie Fasham Treasurer: Steven Peluso Housing sector: Paul McMahon, Natalie King General Contractors sector: Geoff Purcell, Shayne Young Specialist contractor sector: Ian Hawkey, Ashley Tonkin-Hill Materials, Manufacturers and Suppliers Sector: Neil Grenfell, Sam Cimino Country Sector: Mark Little, Stuart Allen, David Rowe

14 Albert Street Sebastopol Victoria 3690 Phone: (03) 5320 9999 Email: mbapermits@mbav.com.au

Bendigo 1/28 Charleston Road East Bendigo Victoria 3550 Phone: (03) 5410 2100 Email: mbabsbendigo@mbav.com.au

Geelong 3 Melbourne Road Drumcondra Victoria 3215 Phone: (03) 5278 4255 Email: permits@mbav.com.au

Gippsland Unit 3, 6-16 Rocla Road Traralgon Victoria 3844 PO Box 1432 Traralgon Victoria 3844 Phone: (03) 51742754 Email: rware@mbav.com.au

Shepparton 228-232 High Street Shepparton Victoria 3630 Phone: (03) 5822 4980 Email: mbabsshepparton@mbav.com.au

Warrnambool 110 Kepler Street Warrnambool Victoria 3280 Phone: (03) 5562 9067 Email: iwelch@mbav.com.au

Volume 75 Issue 01

Quality, Style & Performance

Designer: Green Sheep Collective Builder: Bond Building Group Photography: Emma Cross

A PROUD HISTORY OF ENERGY EFFICIENCY For more than 35 years energy efficiency has been our driving passion.

Rylock design and specify products with a range of diverse solutions.

AUSTRALIAN MADE AND OWNED.

MASTER BUILDERS VICTORIA

rylock.com.au

PRESIDENT’S FOREWORD

Coming up to speed Richard Hansen President

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elcome back to what promises to be another busy and productive year on many fronts for our industry and for Master Builders Victoria.

Firstly, I wish to acknowledge all those people who have been affected the bushfires over the summer; those who have lost loved ones, or lost property, with all the emotional turmoil and stress which has resulted. Master Builders has been quick to react,

8 | Master Builders Victoria

liaising with the Victorian Government to stay up to date with the areas of greatest need, getting regular updates from our regional offices, and with some of our own members volunteering to fight fires, offer equipment and lend a hand.

On the first day of the year, a new building permit levy took effect, forming part of the Victorian Government’s response to the cladding rectification effort taking place across the state. It affects buildings of Classes 2-8 where the cost of building and construction is $800,000 or more but does not apply to works in regional Victoria. This levy will support the government’s involvement in the rectification of non-compliant cladding in Victoria. As always, Master Builders Victoria will continue to engage with government to address issues associated with non-compliant cladding systems, as well as the cost pressures resulting from the levy.

Our association has been a consistent advocate for an all-of-industry solution to this crisis, and so we’re pleased that the Government has included Immediate Past President Melanie Fasham on its expert panel to review the state’s building system. Including a builder

such as Melanie, with vast experience and a finger on the pulse of her industry, is a step in the right direction. Master Builders has also had the opportunity to talk with the Government about the process of cladding rectification, and how we can be helpful. I think this serves as an excellent reminder that being involved with Master Builders Victoria means your perspective and experience will become part of the voice that represents our industry.

Whilst it seems the award season is just behind us, it is now time to get working on your Master Builders Excellence in Construction and Excellence in Building Awards submissions for 2020. We look forward to seeing many submissions of very high quality, exhibiting the best of building in Victoria. Details are included in this edition. There is no better way to attract clients than to show them what you do, and our various awards programs make that a truly effective tool for marketing your talent and for demonstrating why Victorian Master Builders are among Australia’s best.

Good luck to you and your business for a successful and prosperous 2020.

Volume 75 Issue 01

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GUEST FOREWORD

A collaborative approach to cladding rectification owned apartment buildings at high risk from combustible cladding. Recognising the public danger posed by this situation, the Victorian Government created Cladding Safety Victoria to assist the owners of these buildings to reduce this risk.

Dan O’Brien CEO, Cladding Safety Victoria

Cladding Safety Victoria is now six months old. Our initial focus with this world-leading initiative was to collaborate with other parts of government and industry to establish a process for rectification of the buildings within our scope and build the critical partnerships that will get the job done.

hroughout our state’s history, Victorians have shown their willingness to work together for the good of the community. The solution to the threat posed by combustible cladding on residential apartment buildings also requires a joint effort, from owners corporations, the building industry, regulators and the Victorian Government through Cladding Safety Victoria.

We have worked with Master Builders Victoria, other industry groups, builders and a range of building industry professionals on this complex problem. The advice we have received continues to shape and improve the rectification program. And of course, it is the building industry that will actually do the work of removing the cladding and replacing it with a safe, compliant alternative. In some cases, the original builders are fixing the problem at their own expense.

The Victorian Building Authority’s state-wide cladding audit has, so far, identified more than 450 privately

Owners corporations continue to be responsible for their buildings and for complying with regulatory

T

10 | Master Builders Victoria

directions. Cladding Safety Victoria has been set up to help where no other remedy is available. Where other remedies are available, owners should pursue them.

As you are aware, the state government has also been working on mechanisms for cost recovery after public funds are provided, with a law enacted late last year that gives it the ability to assume the legal rights of the owners corporation to pursue those responsible for causing the problem. The underlying principle is that public funds should be used as efficiently as possible to reduce overall risk.

Our experience to date has taught us that every building is unique and requires a bespoke approach by experts. In some cases, this will include the full removal of combustible cladding; in others, partial removal will achieve the same result in terms of risk reduction at a lower cost.

Whatever the solution, it will be implemented by industry professionals, including many members of Master Builders Victoria. As we scale up our program through 2020, I thank MBV and its members for your collaboration and look forward to working with you into the future.

Volume 75 Issue 01

FROM THE CEO

A noble resume Rebecca Casson CEO

You — our members — are an outstanding group of people. In December, when things began to get really frightening for folks in the regional areas of Victoria and elsewhere in the country, Master Builders members were among the first to lend a hand, a shovel or a generator.

I sincerely hope that by time you read this it strikes you as an article very much out of date. Because as I write it, in late January, it seems like every corner of Victoria is suffering from bushfire or the looming threat of it. Like all our members, we want the suffering to be over and the healing to be quick.

But I don’t want the fires to be the subject here; I want it to be our members. And this time it isn’t about what we do for our members, it’s what you do for your communities.

We learn almost daily from the teams at our offices in Gippsland and Albury, for example, that numerous Master Builders members have looked for, and found, all sorts of ways to help the people in their communities who are having to cope with shortages— of power, water, tools and volunteers.

In some cases, they have put themselves at great potential risk, actively fighting the fires. And even now, they continue to offer streams of equipment and expertise, as well as advice and observations based on previous bushfire emergencies they themselves have endured. Of course, moral support is also in constant, abundant supply.

The anecdotes about our members that get shared with me illustrate two wonderful aspects of the building and construction industry: the first is that people like you prefer to do things instead of talk about them. That is, after all, I’m told, why you became builders.

The second is that you provide and protect—literally and figuratively—the foundations of community.

That’s a noble resume. Thank you.

12 | Master Builders Victoria

Building surveyor Marcus Collard (indicated by arrow), from our Geelong office, spent five days volunteering with his local CFA team from Highton.

Michael McLinden, building surveyor and manager in Wodonga, was recently honoured by the CFA with a medal recognising his 40 years of service.

In the meantime, Master Builders Victoria is liaising with the Victorian Government and regulators to ensure we remain informed of ways we can direct our association’s official support most effectively. Likewise, we share your messages with the government to assist them with this effort.

The Master Builders Victoria team remains committed to helping support relief efforts to all those in need in bushfire-ravaged areas of the state. This includes meeting with members in affected communities, including the above-mentioned Albury-Wodonga and Gippsland regions, for the purpose of hearing firsthand from our regional members about the kind of support they need.

Please know that Master Builders Association Insurance Services (MBAIS) is ready to help members in any way it can. If you have any insurance-related questions, including contract works policies, direct home or car insurance policies, MBAIS is happy to answer them and available to support members with claims lodgment for any bushfire-related losses.

In addition to the support that we can offer internally, members can access confidential counselling and support from @Incolink by calling 1300 000 129.

Likewise, you can always call Master Builders Victoria on (03) 9411 4555 with any questions or information about resources that may be helpful.

Volume 75 Issue 01

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FEATURE

Barwon Heads; Designer: Auhaus Architecture, Kate Fitzpatrick; Photographer: Carli Wilson

O

The 2020 Master Builders Building ur annual awards program showcases and rewards members for demonstrating exceptional craftsmanship, commitment to building

excellence and upholding the professional standards of

The Master Builders Excellence in Construction and the Excellence in Housing Awards represent the high-water mark for achievement in our industry, and now is the time to prepare your work for review.

Master Builders members.

The benefits of entering the awards are considerable,

14 | Master Builders Victoria

with all winners gaining extensive exposure and publicity across magazines, Master Builders website and the wider media.

Winning an award is a valuable self-promotion tool and can have a huge influence on how you are viewed

Volume 75 Issue 01

FEATURE

Project: RACV Cape Schanck Resort, Cape Schanck; Designer: Wood Marsh; Photographer: Peter Bennetts Photographer

Excellence Awards are now open within the industry and wider community.

prestigious gala event and night out.

Wednesday, 8 April 2020.

The evening awards presentation also provides you with the opportunity to thank and recognise the hard work of your team and contractors and to show appreciation to your clients by treating them to a

It’s time to share your best work. Entries for the Master Builders Excellence in Construction Awards close on Wednesday, 18 March 2020. Entries for the Master Builders Excellence in Housing Awards close on

Will you be the 2020 Master Builder of the Year?

There’s only one way to find out.

Volume 75 Issue 01

For more information go to mbav.com.au or call us on (03) 9411 4555.

Master Builders Victoria |

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FEATURE

Philip Robinson: a remarkable record of service to Master Builders Victoria Janice Mascini Special contributor

A

s a founding member of the Country Sector Committee, the longest-serving delegate on the Council of Management and judge for the Excellence in Housing Awards, Philip Robinson was recently recognised for his 41 years of service to Master Builders.

Philip is a second-generation builder joining the family business, John E Robinson Master Builders, in Camperdown in 1973. It was established in 1955 by his father, John. At one time, the business was the largest, single, building trades employer in Camperdown, with a staff of 30. Philip became the managing director and nowadays, while winding back a little, he is still involved in project management and consultancy work.

Philip reflects on his time with Master Builders Victoria “My involvement with Master Builders Victoria commenced in 1978 with representing the western section of Victoria, one of seven regional areas, on the newly established Country Sector Committee. I served as chairman on two occasions. I was appointed to the Council of Management on 24 August 1981 representing the country sector and continued in this role until 2019.

“Jack Lipplegoes was a Warrnambool builder and a member of Master Builders Victoria; he was my mentor and encouraged me to get involved with the association. It was one of the best things I ever did, because it enabled me to meet other builders and to share ideas and challenges. As a member of council, we were required to report back at our section meetings. Taking the time to talk to peers made me realise I wasn’t alone and I’ve made many life-long friends.

“There was a lot of travel in those days before computers. It was not unusual for members to travel an hour-and-a-half to a meeting in the country and I would devote a day’s travel to Melbourne for the Country Sector Committee and Council of

16 | Master Builders Victoria

“

There was a lot of travel in those days before computers. It was not unusual for members to travel an hour-and-a-half to a meeting in the country…”

Philip Robinson

Philip Robinson’s portrait for the Council of Management Management meetings, which were held on the same day, ten times per year. These meetings were critical to keep everyone up to date with changes in regulations, wages and conditions and to ensure country members were being well represented by the decisions the association made. We were a united voice in this forum. Today, there are only four Council of Management meetings each year and it is more about endorsing the decisions that are being made rather than making them. The computer-age has made it much easier to share information outside of the meetings.

Working with great people “We were blessed to have three outstanding Master Builders staff members supporting us throughout the 70s, 80s and 90s. Digby Forbes, Lawrence Simms and Max Walker, Sr., all went over and above to ensure country members were well looked after. If they didn’t know an answer to an enquiry, they would go and find it and each of them travelled regularly to visit us.

“I’ve had the privilege of serving under six CEOs and two generations of Presidents – Trevor Fasham and

his daughter, Melanie Fasham and Max Hansen and his nephew, Richard Hansen. I’ve found the building industry to be a close-knit community and there are many families and cross-generational businesses involved.

“Many members of Master Builders Victoria have a strong commitment to voluntary service and to give back for the benefit of the industry as a whole. I’ve always valued the goodwill of members who passed on knowledge, training and shared resources.

“During my time as an active member of Master Builders, two highlights come to mind. First, I was honoured to be the master of ceremonies at the farewell function for Digby Forbes at the Melbourne Arts Centre to celebrate the career of a much-admired colleague and friend. Second, I’ve thoroughly enjoyed being a judge for the Excellence in Housing Awards three times, to acknowledge builders who excelled at their craft.

“I feel I’ve gained as much as I’ve given throughout my 41 years of service at Master Builders which has gone by in the blink of an eye. It truly has been a pleasure.”

Volume 75 Issue 01

All roads point to superior safety Add Toyota HiAce to your business today

The HiAce has been awarded a 2019 5-Star ANCAP Safety Rating, and it’s easy to see why. The Pre-Collision Safety System with Pedestrian and daytime Cyclist Detection has alerts to help you avoid a frontal collision. What’s more, a Lane Departure Alert helps you stay centred in your lane. There’s even Road Sign Assist, designed to let you know when it’s time to adjust your speed. Plus more Toyota Safety Sense* features to keep you safe on the road.

To find out more, visit your Toyota Fleet Specialist or call 1800 679 247 ®

toyota.com.au/fleet

Master Builders Association membership details required to redeem Gold Fleet Discounts.

*Driver assist feature. Only operates under certain conditions. Check your Owner’s Manual for explanation of limitations. Please drive safely.

TFM000939 MBA VIC 01/20

Health checks that come to you

To learn more call Incolink on 03 9668 3067.

incolink.org.au/incolinkbus

INCOBUS_INDUSTRY_072019

The most comprehensive mobile health program ever developed for the construction industry.

ADVERTISING FEATURE

Working outdoors means being serious about skin cancer A

ustralians are no strangers to the dangers of the sun. For decades we’ve been told to slip on a shirt, slop on sunscreen and slap on a hat.

Regardless, around 2000 of us die every year from skin cancer. And it hasn’t stopped melanoma from becoming our nation’s third most common cancer.

So, what can employers do to safeguard their workers?

Sun exposure is the leading cause of skin cancer and Australia has one of the highest incidences of skin cancer in the world. Statistically, almost 70 per cent of us will be affected by the disease by the time we reach 70, and those who work outdoors are especially at risk.

For workers in the building and construction industry, working outside is par for the course. For employers, there is both a duty of care and a solid business case

Volume 75 Issue 01

for providing a safe workplace that offers wideranging UV protections to its workers. In the case of skin cancer, taking preventative measures saves lives.

Victorian commercial construction redundancy fund Incolink has partnered with mobile dermatology practice Skin Patrol to roll out the Incolink Skin Checks program across Victorian building sites.

Incolink offers free of charge on site Skin Checks to the workers of Incolink employer members.

The program promotes the Sun Smart message while also providing full body skin checks to workers on site.

The program message is that early detection saves lives.

The Skin Checks program is designed to minimise

disruption by keeping skin checks to around 15 minutes per worker. Workers receive their results on the spot, while suspicious lesions are digitally mapped using Skin Patrol’s specialised teledermatology technology and sent off for diagnosis. If further treatment is required, this is part of the service.

Skin Patrol has delivered onsite skin cancer checks to over 250,000 workers over the past 10 years and were a deliberate choice for Incolink in response to strong industry demand for skin cancer checks.

In a 2018 survey conducted by Incolink, respondents ranked skin checks (58%) higher than any other OH&S service except health checks (62%) when we asked which service would be of most benefit workers.

To learn more about Incolink Skin Checks, visit www.incolink.org.au/skinchecks or contact us on (03) 9668 3067.

Master Builders Victoria |

19

ACRS Reinforcing Steel Chain of Certification Steel Maker

D-Bar/Coil D-Bar Manufacture (including Traceability)

Steel Reinforcing Cutting, Bending and Welding (including Traceability)

Casting Mill

Ancillary Products - e.g. couplers (including Traceability)

Rod Coil Manufacture

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Wire Manufacture (including Traceability)

Prestress Wire & Strand Manufacture (including Traceability)

Trader, Distributor, Stockist

Mesh Manufacture (including Traceability)

Trader, Distributor, Stockist, Installer

Steel Reinforcing Cutting, Bending and Welding (including Traceability)

TRACEABILITY

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ACRS Structural Steel Chain of Certification Casting Mill

Steel Maker

Strip Manufacture

Rolled Plate, Floorplate & Slab Manufacture (including Traceability)

Structural Steel Bar and Section (including Traceability)

Hollow Section Manufacture (including Traceability)

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Welded Section Manufacture (including Traceability)

Fabricator, Trader, Distributor, Stockist

Fabricator, Trader, Distributor, Stockist TRACEABILITY

Fabricator, Trader, Distributor, Stockist TRACEABILITY

Fabricator, Trader, Distributor, Stockist TRACEABILITY

TRACEABILITY

Construction steels manufactured to AS/NZS Standards can be rendered non-conforming by poor transformation, e.g. through such processes as cutting, bending and welding.

Certification systems that only assess the mill of manufacture do not provide for validated performance to Standards of the as-delivered product.

ACRS' 2-stage steel certification scheme and the new ACRS traceability scheme have been developed to give you confidence in your steel supply.

For reinforcing steels, ACRS certifies BOTH the steel mill that manufactures the steel AND the steel reinforcement processor and mesh supplier, while for structural steels, ACRS certifies the steel mill that manufactures the steel, AND the welded section manufacturer, who must actively demonstrate traceability of their supply to and from the steel distributor.

Talk to us TODAY about how ACRS Certification gives you confidence in your steel supply.

www.steelcertification.com

Ph: (02) 9965 7216 | E: info@steelcertification.com ABN: 40 096 692 545

ACRS - Independent, Expert Third Party Certification & Verification of Reinforcing, Prestressing and Structural Steels for Compliance with Australian and New Zealand Standards

Product Certification Types, Traps and Tips

accrediting body (e.g. JAS-ANZ) is saying all schemes do the same thing, to the same level, and provide similar outcomes (unlike ISO 9001), even if the different product schemes are accredited to certify the same products, to the same standards: Each product scheme operates to its own rules and parameters.

A

So what’s the catch?

The potential catch therefore is that whilst different product schemes and certificates might look very similar, and whilst you can choose to accept any product scheme you wish, you cannot say that every accredited product certification scheme provides the same level of assurance, or acceptability as any other to the certificate user and the public.

s the focus intensifies on nonconforming building materials, ACRS is increasingly asked what certification does and which certificates can be relied upon. Often this is after reliance has been placed on a project only to find later materials have not met expectation.

Certification types, Certification differences, and your risks The first thing to consider is that there are different types of certification (such as ISO 9001, testing and product) that may be offered with the material. Then, secondly, in product certification there are the different levels of certification to take into account, unlike with ISO 9001 certification, where all ISO 9001 certifiers and certificates are considered equal.

A widely available guidance document, ISO 17067 (note, not a Standard) provides some possible options for product certification bodies of which “Type 5” is often taken as the highest level.

However, Type 5 lists four major variables for certification activity and ISO 17067 states “The extent to which the four surveillance activities are conducted may be varied for a given situation as defined in the scheme.”

That is, different schemes assessing the same product and process may: • do different things • to different technical levels, • using different levels of expertise • with different levels of rigour. and still legitimately issue certificates that, on the face of it, look the same, risking potential use of nonconforming materials.

It is therefore incorrect and potentially dangerous to assume all product certificates are equal.

But aren’t product certifiers accredited?

Many are, but certainly not all. However, accreditation of product certification schemes and certifiers does not mean the

Any specifier, purchaser, or user of steel product certification must be confident that the individual scheme and its certification does what you expect, and you should always check which schemes and certificates are acceptable to the client.

Remember, a lot can happen before the finished steel arrives onto your project. So, I would always suggest that you have certification for both the manufacture of the steel and specific certification for any additional work that may change the properties of the steel (such as welding of structural steel sections, or cutting and bending of reinforcing bar)

•

Prestressing bar, wire, and strand, and; • Structural steels.

2. The subsequent working of ACRS Stage 1 steel into its final form (ACRS “Stage 2”), e.g.

• Processed (fabricated) steel rebar; • Rebar threading and application of the coupler • Welded steel mesh manufacture; • Structural steel welded sections from steel plate.

3. The traceability of the steel between Stage 1 and Stage 2 to ensure integrity of supply, e.g.

• ACRS Stage 1 and ACRS Stage 2 certificate holders must hold ACRS certificates for all their sites and for all their AS/NZS materials to demonstrate they can manage full traceability of conforming materials; • ACRS Stage 2 certificate holders must only use ACRS Stage 1 materials; • ACRS Stage 2 certificate holders must demonstrate that their process does not render Stage 1 steel nonconforming.

ACRS has issued over 200 certificates to more than 80 suppliers, from 23 countries for supply of materials to a range of AS/NZS Standards and specifications and provides the widest range of verified construction steels available to the Australian and New Zealand construction industries.

OK. So what does ACRS do?

ACRS has operated to the UK version of the EU steel certification system since 2001, and is unlike any other system currently in NZ and Australia.

Visit ACRS’ website at www. steelcertification.com for full details of all Stage 1 and Stage 2 certificate holders, materials and certificates to update your preferred supplier lists.

One of the potential drawbacks of reliance on a single-stage scheme (i.e. only the steel mill, or just the end supplier) is that single-stage schemes usually cannot take into account what happens to the steel between leaving the mill and arriving on site. ACRS is designed to do more.

So, how do I call up ACRS? Recommended ACRS specifications can be found at www.steelcertification.com

The ACRS scheme assesses several important aspects of supply of steel to NZ construction projects to provide: 1.

•

Steel manufactured to a specific standard (ACRS “Stage 1”), e.g.

Steel reinforcing bar and wire;

Please contact ACRS if there is any aspect of steel specification, procurement, and supply that your team would like to discuss.

E info@steelcertification.com P 02 9965 7216.

WE GET IT. We understand your needs because we’re the construction industry experts.

Many insurance brokers handle a wide range of industries and occupations.

Entrusting your business to a specialist construction insurance broker ensures you have the best value for money coverage, expertise to handle claims and access to tailored risk management advice.

Our business is built on advice.

Joe Keiper

Southern Region Manager MBA Insurance Services

profits nce broker delivering ra su in ly on e th is IS MBA dustry. ilding & construction in bu e th to ck ba y tl ec dir

FINANCE

Beginning the year with 2020 vision Harry Pontikis, Director Master Builders Financial Services / Chocolate Money (Australian Credit License 387277)

W

ith the new year well and truly here, the challenges of 2019 may feel like a distant memory. Some of you may have had a year you would prefer to forget—lending restrictions and negative property prices made it very challenging.

Before slipping into routine again, I suggest you conduct a review of the performance of your business, highlighting your strengths and areas of improvement to help ensure a fantastic year in 2020.

Some of the areas to assess are: • Whether the business has delivered the profits

Volume 75 Issue 01

you intended • If the business has delivered the income you expected • Whether you had the freedom or time to enjoy your personal life • Whether your staff has evolved to the next level of performance • The main barriers to your performance and your plans to mitigate these.

Take a moment to consider these questions and write down your answers. Do this with your business partner or, alternatively, schedule time with me in to help with the review and action plan for the new year.

Among the items of paramount importance at this early stage of the year are the following: • Identifying your personal and business goals and expectations and putting steps in place to achieve these goals • Learning how to ascertain whether a project is profitable before you tender, the types of jobs you should aim for and how to do valuebased quoting rather than price-led quotes, and understanding the freedom and limitations your cashflow gives you and work within these

limitations • Focussing on the financial wellbeing of your

business, which is just as important as the building quality of your projects.

Now that you have mastered building, we can help you with the other stuff by running a series of group workshops throughout the year designed to assist business owners run their companies more profitably, and to help members buy their first or subsequent properties by better understanding finance. Register your interest by calling Financial Services on 1300 137 539.

We also have a free special offer for members where we help to determine: • Whether your bank is ripping you off and if you

can get a much better rate with another bank as well as your prospective savings.

• Whether your business plan will achieve your

desired results or alternatively, we will provide a free tailored business roadmap to help you achieve your goals.

These offers are is subject to availability and bookings must be made by 23 March 2020 by emailing me directly.

Master Builders Victoria |

23

INSURANCE

Worker injuries: Not just a workers compensation issue suffering from negative mental health effects as a result of their involvement.

Giselle Levens Senior Account Executive Corporate, MBA Insurance Services

D

espite best efforts to enhance health and safety awareness and procedures, workplace injuries are still far too common. An onsite injury results not only in the worker needing to get medical attention and nursed back to health, but creates flowon effects to the continuation of the project.

In severe cases, an accident may lead to other workers

24 | Master Builders Victoria

Most business owners make looking after their workers the priority, so they can get on with the job. Many assume that workers compensation insurance will take care of the financial effects of an injury. The reality is that workers compensation (WorkCover in Victoria) is just one aspect of a good insurance programs’ response to worker injuries. It is important to understand the insurance response to injuries onsite, so that you can get on with looking after your workers and the project to be completed.

To explore the insurance implications of worker injuries, we first need to understand how workers compensation insurance functions.

Workers compensation is compulsory for all employers in Australia and provides protection to workers if they suffer a work-related injury or disease. The policy may provide the employee with weekly benefits for lost income, medical and hospital expenses, rehabilitation services and a lump-sum payment in the event

of a serious injury. One of the benefits of utilising subcontractors is that the responsibility to carry workers compensation insurance for their employees is borne by the subcontractor. However, your legal liability may not be relieved simply by ensuring that you carry workers compensation insurance for your employees and that your subcontractors also maintain cover for their own employees.

Head contractors are responsible for putting risk management procedures in place and overseeing safety for the sites they control. In the event a subcontractor or their employee is injured onsite, the first response will be for the injured worker to lodge a claim on their workers compensation insurance. This assists with the immediate upfront medical costs that may be incurred, loss of income and other expenses relating to their injury. When reviewing the claim, WorkCover may review the cause of the injury to determine if a third party may have been negligent leading to the injury occurring.

If you (as either head contractor or another

Volume 75 Issue 01

INSURANCE subcontractor involved in the injury) are deemed to have contributed to the injury occurring, then WorkCover may pursue a recovery of their costs to pay the injured worker’s claim from you. WorkCover can’t pursue the employer of the injured worker as they are the insured on the policy, however third parties can be pursued for costs. Public liability insurance can provide coverage for defence costs and damages associated with worker injuries from the time that you receive a demand for costs associated with the injury.

Recoveries of workers compensation claims are often followed by common-law claims brought by the injured worker themselves against parties whom they believe contributed to their injury. The costs generally pursued by the injured worker are the costs that aren’t covered by workers compensation. Commonly pursued costs include loss of enjoyment of activities and life due to the injury, compensation for pain, suffering and distress as well as lost future earnings in the event of a permanent impairment. Fortunately, the costs associated with this type of civil claim can be covered by public liability insurance. Injury claims are generally very costly and account for a large proportion of claim payments made by public liability insurers – particularly for construction risks.

While public liability insurance responds to third-party demands relating to injuries, it does not respond

to actions brought against you as an individual or company by WHS authorities. Injuries to workers – including to your own employees – may trigger claims under statutory liability insurance, which is often purchased as part of a management liability insurance policy. This is due generally to Worksafe investigations commencing, which could lead to a prosecution against those who are accused of failing to meet their obligations under the OHS Act 2004 or OHS Regulations 2007.

Statutory liability insurance covers claims related to breaches of statute including the OHS Act, environmental law, industrial relations legislation and other laws to which you must adhere. Even if the injury is not severe, you could still be prosecuted for breaching the OHS Act. If you hold statutory liability coverage, you may be covered for the costs of defending such a prosecution and, in some cases, the resulting fine or penalty can also be covered.

While most builders hold public liability insurance to cover their liabilities to third parties who are injured, statutory liability insurance that covers the costs of defending your business when a regulator prosecutes is less frequently obtained. When an accident occurs on site, the last thing you want to worry about is the financial impacts to your business. From the time an investigation is instigated by WHS authorities, it

can take up to 18 months to prosecute and resulting fines and penalties can take up to two years after an incident to be handed down. The legal costs during this period can add up quickly and many small businesses may struggle to finance their defence. The benefit of holding statutory liability insurance extends beyond having a defence, as major insurers appoint lawyers with expertise in work health and safety matters from a panel of reputable major law firms to ensure a premium defence.

An insurance program that includes coverage for the complexity of the law’s response to workplace injuries complements established WHS governance and risk-management systems that many businesses implement to prevent accidents from occurring. Even the most comprehensive WHS risk management system is not foolproof, so taking steps to protect your business’ future by having the appropriate insurance in place should form a part of your overall riskmanagement program.

Nobody wants injuries to occur on their watch, and when they do, a specialist construction broker and a suitable insurance program can provide some peace of mind during challenging times for your business, allowing you to focus on what’s important – your workers.

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Master Builders Victoria |

25

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LEGAL

Modern slavery laws: why would a builder need to worry?

Tristan Moseley Senior Manager, Legal

T

his is important. 30 June 2020 (for most organisations) is the end of the first mandatory reporting period under the new Modern Slavery Act 2018 (the “Act”). The Act established a national, modern-slavery reporting requirement that commenced on 1 January 2019. There is a similar statebased Act in New South Wales, but it currently has no effect and looks likely to be repealed.

What is “modern slavery”?

It’s estimated there are around 32 million men, women and children, in the Asia-Pacific region (including Australia) alone, trapped in modern slavery practices.

Whilst academics argue about what the term ‘modern slavery’ means, we can avoid this argument because the Australian Act defines it as a catch-all term for the following: • Slavery • Servitude • Forced labour • The worst forms of child labour

Having a transparent supply chain is essential to avoiding modern slavery violations. modern-slavery risks, and ensuring they have responsible, transparent supply chains.

The Act and reporting regime are an attempt to ensure organisations ask the right questions. Involvement in modern slavery practices is not as infrequent as it may sound. For example, consider that imported, factory-produced materials may use child labour or that contractors may use a team of workers who don’t speak English and may not be working for them by choice. If the quote seems too low, there may be a horrible reason for it.

Late last year, I attended a conference in the UK on modern slavery. Eminent speakers from around the world emphasised that, globally, the building and construction industry is particularly susceptible to modern slavery practices because of the complex contracting arrangements and supply chain.

Reporting requirements

Why do builders have to worry?

Just because the mandatory reporting requirements may not directly apply to your organisation (they apply to those with an annual consolidated revenue of at least AUD$100 million) this does not mean they won’t affect you. If the organisations for which you perform work (including the Australian Government) fall within the reporting requirements, you, your suppliers and contractors can expect to be asked the same kinds of reporting questions.

This Act is about making sure that businesses operating in Australia identify and address their

30 June 2020 is the end of the reporting period. If you wait until the deadline to address your business

• Debt bondage • Human trafficking • Forced marriage.

I can say with confidence that Master Builders members would be appalled at having anything to do with any of the above.

Volume 75 Issue 01

activity, it may be too late; entities required to comply with the reporting requirement must prepare annual modern slavery statements.

These statements must set out the actions taken by the reporting entity (i.e. your business) to assess and address modern slavery risks in their global operations and supply chains. The Australian Government will make these statements publicly available through an online central register. This means the community will be able to see your potential risks and how you intend to mitigate them.

What to do Make it a priority to ask your accountant and legal advisor whether you need to report. Then ask what to do if those with whom you are contracting start asking questions about your modern slavery risks.

I would argue that we should all be committed to eradicating modern slavery practices worldwide.

Making efforts to remove modern slavery from your own supply chain is a concrete step toward that goal.

The “Modern Slavery Guidance for Reporting Entities” produced by the Australian Government contains much more detailed information. This document can be found at: https://www.homeaffairs.gov.au/criminal-justice/files/ modern-slavery-reporting-entities.pdf If you wish to have a general discussion regarding modern slavery, please don’t hesitate to call Master Builders’ legal department on (03) 9411 4555.

Master Builders Victoria |

27

CAREERS

Our builder registration support packages allow you to tailor assistance to your individual needs.

Greater registration options on offer I Ingrid Mountford Careers and Registration Manager

n the previous edition of Master Builder, we let you know about our plans to offer you more choice in builder registration support services. We’re delighted to let you know that our new program of builder registration support packages has been launched.

Our exclusive members-only eight-step Builder Registration Program will help you prepare for registration and perform well under exam and interview conditions. We provide a personalised approach, placing the focus on where you’d like to have support, to help ensure you perform your best.

Members seeking Domestic Builder registration are the first to be provided with this opportunity; similar packages for members seeking Commercial Builder registration will be offered later in the year.

Program support packages Our new program is made up of three tiers: Bronze,

28 | Master Builders Victoria

Silver and Gold, to help you select choose the options that work best for you.

The Bronze package is automatically included in your Master Builders membership and features: • Builder registration workshop • Application review and submission to the Victorian Building Authority (VBA), plus assistance with gaining a Domestic Building Insurance Letter of Eligibility • Two study sessions-- one to prepare for the computer test and plan-reading assessment and one to prepare for the VBA interview.

The Silver package (member price $2750) includes the features of the Bronze package plus: • An eight-week intensive study program, including technical and legislation workshops • Study packs and plan-reading exercises • A suite of online practice tests.

Volume 75 Issue 01

CAREERS

• Upgrade to the Gold package for an extra $750 to

include the Silver package plus: • Assistance with preparation of your registration application • A simulated computer-based test and planreading exercise • A simulated VBA interview at our Building Leadership Simulation Centre (BLSC in South Melbourne.

Not a member yet?

For a limited time, we are offering 12 months of membership with no joining fee, plus a free copy of the NCC Volume 2 and the 2018 Building Regulations to support your study.

A membership with Master Builders will connect you with specialised support to help you earn your builder registration, as well as provide you with our full suite

of member services including legal, industrial relations and OHS support.

For further advice about the program for current members, or if you are seeking registration but are not yet a member, get in touch with us on (03) 9411 4555 or www.mbav.com.au. We look forward to hearing from you.

6836454aa

Building and Construction Lawyers

• Contract Advice and Management • Project Implementation • Building Disputes & Defects • Professional Liability & Negligence • Security of Payment Claims • Litigation & Dispute Resolution

www.wflawyers.com.au Level 12/533 Little Lonsdale St Melbourne Volume 75 Issue 01

Andrew Whitelaw - Director awhitelaw@wflawyers.com.au

(03) 9090 6700 Master Builders Victoria |

29

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

EVENTS CALENDAR Upcoming events for members 24 Board of Management Meeting, Master MARCH Builders, East Melbourne 03 Section Meeting - North West, Hotel Mildura, Mildura 04 Section Meeting- Gippsland, Bairnsdale

IWD Event, National Gallery of Victoria, Garden Restaurant, Melbourne 05 Regional Apprentice Awards - Ballarat, Mercure Ballarat, Hotel and Convention Centre, Ballarat 11 Regional Apprentice Awards - North East, GV Hotel, Shepparton

Section Meeting- Ballarat, Daylesford

Strategy Workshop, BLSC, South Melbourne 12 Regional Apprentice Awards - Bendigo, Quality Resort All Seasons, Bendigo 18 Section Meeting - Wimmera, Stawell

Regional Apprentice Awards - Western (Warrnambool), The Carmichael, Warrnambool 19 Regional Apprentice Awards - Geelong, GMHBA Stadium, Geelong

Industry Breakfast, MCG, East Melbourne

Volume 75 Issue 01

Trade Night - South Melbourne, Bell’s Hotel, South Melbourne 26 Legal Seminar, Master Builders, East Melbourne

APRIL 01 Trade Night - Caulfield, Glen Eira City Council, Caulfield 09 Group Meeting - Mornington, Home Innovations Centre, Frankston 15 Section Meeting - Bendigo, Brougham Arms Hotel, Bendigo 22 Trade Afternoon - Traralgon *4.30 pm start, Premiere Function Centre, Traralgon 28 Board of Management Meeting, Master Builders, East Melbourne

MAY

06

07 12 13

21 26

28

Foundation Governors Meeting Master Builders, East Melbourne

Section Meeting - Gippsland, Inverloch Trade Night - Ballarat Mercure Ballarat, Hotel and Convention Centre, Ballarat State Apprentice of the Year Awards Marvel Stadium, Docklands Section Meeting - North West, Hotel Mildura, Mildura Section Meeting - Bendigo, Brougham Arms Hotel, Bendigo Trade Night - Preston, Melbourne Polytechnic Conference Centre, Preston Legal Seminar, Master Builders, East Melbourne Board of Management Meeting, Master Builders, East Melbourne Council of Management Meeting, Master Builders, East Melbourne Section Meeting - Geelong, Grovedale Hotel, Grovedale Industry Breakfast, MCG, East Melbourne

Master Builders Victoria |

31

MEMBERSHIP

Steel Blue: supporting our community

S

teel Blue is a 100 per cent Australian-owned business that has experienced strong growth since operations began in 1995 and have been a member of Master Builders since 2011.

Thanks to a series of clever innovations, such as our Trisole® Comfort Technology and Ortho Rebound® Footbed, we’ve become Australia’s leading manufacturer of work boots, offering premium safety, durability and our unmatched 100 per cent Comfort Guarantee.

Product innovation As a leader in safety, we strive to stay at the forefront of the innovative technology to give you premium comfort, durability and safety. Because good work boots mean being able to get the job done.

Steel Blue’s comprehensive research and development team was the first to develop Tri-Sole® Comfort Technology, a unique three-density soling system offering a high level of comfort, shock absorbency and energy return that reduces foot fatigue and helps protect the foot against stress-related injury to the

32 | Master Builders Victoria

ankles, knees, hips and lower back.

Steel Blue is also the first (and only) Aussie safety boot manufacturer that’s endorsed by the Australia Physiotherapy Association and this is something we share proudly with the Victorian building community through our sponsorship of the Master Builders Apprentice Awards.

Warranties Our innovative approach is backed by our 30-day money back 100 per cent comfort guarantee and a six-month manufacturer’s warranty.

Supporting the community We have a commitment to being socially conscious and seek out partnerships with organisations and initiatives that are important to Master Builders members, and our wide community of boot wearers, including: Beyond Blue: Steel Blue is a Supporting Partner of Beyond Blue by taking steps to reduce the stigma of

mental health issues in Australia and support everyone affected by anxiety, depression and suicide. 10 dollars from every pair of men’s and ladies’ Blue Boots sold is donated to Beyond Blue. To date, over $200,000 has been raised for the Beyond Blue Support Service. The Support Service provides practical support, advice and hope to people in need 24 hours a day, seven days a week and is entirely funded from donations.

Breast Cancer Care WA: Steel Blue has been a Supporting Partner of Breast Cancer Care WA for over 12 years. Steel Blue donates 10 dollars from every pair of pink and purple boots sold directly to Breast Cancer Care WA, an organisation that provides caring, emotional, practical and financial support to those affected by breast cancer, and their loved ones. To date, over $1.4M has been raised.

The packaging for our fundraising range of boots includes important information to further educate and drive awareness of our key partners and their vital work in our community.

To find out more and your nearest Steel Blue stockist, visit www.steelblue.com

Volume 75 Issue 01

TRAINING

Carpenters first off the rank for mandatory trades registration Ingrid Mountford Careers and Registration Manager

M

aster Builders Victoria has long advocated the introduction of domestic trades registration, with the aim of continuing to improve the quality of building and construction in our state, in line with our industry’s pride in continuous improvement and excellence.

Following the passing in Parliament of the Building Amendment (Registration of Building Trades and Other Matters) Act 2018, we have welcomed the opportunity to provide input to the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning (DELWP) regarding the registration and licensing framework.

We are pleased that DELWP has now announced the introduction of trades registration to be implemented

by September 2020.

The first group to be part of this process will be carpenters. It is expected that registration and licensing of other priority trades will be phased in gradually in the coming years.

Registration and licensing – what we have now In Victoria we currently have only builder registration.

Registration is currently needed if a tradesperson or builder carries out work that is worth more than $10,000, including materials and labour, directly for an owner. Domestic Builder Registration – limited to Carpentry (DB-L C) is the current category relevant to carpenters.

People often use the terms ‘registration’ and ‘licensing’ interchangeably, but the correct term for what we have currently is registration.

Volume 75 Issue 01

What is being introduced?

Mandatory trades registration and licensing is the introduction of: • Registration for tradespeople who run a business

and subcontract to builders • Licensing for carpenters who are employees.

This change will bring Victorian builders into a structure similar to that of electricians and plumbers.

What does this mean for you?

If you have carpenter subcontractors and/or employees, we recommend you do the following: • Build awareness of this change among your

workers • Discuss registration and licensing at your next

toolbox meeting • Recommend that your trade subcontractors sign

up as a member to receive registration assistance.

Master Builders Victoria has developed notes to guide you through a toolbox talk with your trades, so let us know if you would like these.

If you are a carpenter: Master Builders Victoria is currently of the understanding that the Domestic Builder– limited to Carpentry (DB-L C) registration will sit above the new trades registration and licensing. This is very likely to be the case but has not been confirmed. It is also likely that all registered trades will need to demonstrate knowledge of working with an owner, contracts and permits.

We recommend that carpenters start the process of gaining their DB-L C now to avoid the likely rush to get registered in the near future. As a Domestic Builder– limited to Carpentry (DB-L C) is currently able to work for both an owner and a builder, this registration also provides a breadth of career options to increase the security of your business.

Master Builders Victoria has created a short course, ‘Trade Registration (Domestic)’ that meets the current prescribed qualification for the DB-L C category. It is a five-day course and focuses on the key areas of knowledge — contracts, permits and estimating. We can also assist you with all steps of the registration process through our Builder Registration Program.

Next steps Master Builders Victoria has urged a set of ‘structural’ trades as the most logical starting point for implementation, of which carpentry is one.

The registration and licensing system that is introduced needs to be simple, effective and practical to ensure a high quality of construction work. Owing to the breadth of scope for the carpentry registration, it could be complex to implement effectively. We are continuing to work with DELWP to address our concerns and ensure that our members’ feedback is provided to them for consideration. We will continue to keep you updated as further detail becomes available.

If you would like to provide feedback please contact registration@mbav.com.au or, for further advice, contact our Building Registration Adviser on (03) 9411 4555.

Master Builders Victoria |

33

RED TO WHITE CARD (UPGRADE) FILLING QUICKLY. ENROL NOW! Are you looking to upgrade your red card to a white card quickly and easily?

RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING (RPL) MAKES THAT POSSIBLE. Master Builders Victoria offers a fun and engaging session to help you to earn your white card without having to commit to a full day of training.

Successful completion of the session earns you a statement of attainment for the CPCCWHS1001 Prepare to work safely in the construction industry unit of competency.

We’ll also notify WorkSafe so that you can get your white card as soon as possible.

Why wait? Upgrade now to a white card in 2020. Learn more and enrol now at mbavtraining.com.au

Enrol now!

• A nationally recognised white card across all states and territories • Sessions run between two to three hours • Sessions can be run in-house (on request) • Sessions run monthly.

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30/01/2020 3:12:24 PM

INDUSTRIAL RELATIONS

Consultation and redundancy: steering clear of unfair dismissal Sheena Hoey Senior Manager, Industrial Relations

in a modern award or enterprise agreement to consult about the redundancy.

In many cases, it is the consultation requirement that is neglected in the redundancy process. This means that where an employer has failed to consult an employee in accordance with their award or enterprise agreement, their redundancy will not be genuine, even if the role is no longer needed. If the redundancy is not genuine, then the dismissal may be unfair.

When and how do I have to consult?

R

edundancies are an unfortunate though sometimes inevitable part of running a business.

No employee wants to lose their job, and no employer enjoys letting someone go. But if there is no work available, then the case is open and shut – there is no work, the position is redundant, so the story ends there, doesn’t it?

Not always.

Employers who haven’t consulted their employees can easily find themselves defending an unfair dismissal claim, even when their former employee’s job no longer exists. For this reason, consultation with employees should form a key part of any redundancy process.

Unfair dismissal and genuine redundancy Unfair dismissal under the Fair Work Act is where a person has been dismissed in circumstances that were harsh, unjust or unreasonable. However, if an employer can show that a termination was a genuine redundancy under the Act, then the dismissal won’t be deemed to be unfair.

The Fair Work Act defines genuine redundancy as the situation where: • The person’s job is no longer required due to changes in the operational requirements of the business; • The person couldn’t reasonably be redeployed into another role in the business or an associated entity • The employer has complied with any obligation

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Consultation obligations depend on the terms of the enterprise agreement or award that covers the employees. In most cases, consultation must occur wherever there is a definite decision to make major changes in the business that are likely to have a significant effect on employees.

Generally, consultation will involve notifying affected employees of possible changes in the business and their likely effect, as well as any measures that you are taking to mitigate the adverse effects. In many cases, this notification to employees of possible changes and their effects must be in writing. If any of the affected employees raises any concerns or questions, you would need to ensure that appropriate and prompt consideration is given.

What happens if I didn’t consult?

If an unfair dismissal claim is brought to the Fair Work Commission (FWC) by an employee who has been made redundant, a failure to consult may result in a finding that a termination was not a genuine redundancy and was therefore unfair.

Case study In recent years, the FWC has emphasised the importance of consultation when making employees redundant. For example, in the matter of Buttar v PFD Food Services Pty Ltd the Commission found that even though there was no doubt that Mr Buttar’s job was no longer required, a failure to consult in accordance with the applicable modern award rendered the dismissal unfair.

In this case, the employer had met with Mr Buttar and discussed an operational restructure that was to be undertaken. The employer advised Mr Buttar that

he may be affected but provided no further details regarding the changes. A number of days letter Mr Buttar was requested to attend a termination meeting where he was advised that he was being made redundant. The Commission found that though Mr Buttar was notified in advance of the restructure, the consultation was not conducted in any meaningful way. The employer failed to fulfil its obligation under the applicable award to discuss the introduction of the changes with Mr Buttar and to properly consult with him. The Commission emphasised that Mr Buttar had reasonable grounds to believe he would not be affected by the restructure, and that he was not provided with any real opportunity to influence the decision maker.

The Commission therefore found that although the restructure was genuine and Mr Buttar’s role was no longer required, he was nevertheless unfairly dismissed. By failing to adequately consult Mr Buttar, the employer lost the ability to claim that the termination was a genuine redundancy and was ordered to pay compensation for lost income.

Conclusion It is extremely important that employers check the relevant industrial instrument for consultation requirements before making an employee redundant.

If consultation provisions apply under the relevant award or enterprise agreement, it is crucial that employers genuinely and meaningfully consult with the affected employees.

Should you require assistance with understanding your consultation obligations, or if you are planning any major changes to your workforce, please contact our industrial relations team for further advice on (03) 9411 4555.

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GREEN LIVING

Condensation: ever-present and always challenging Dr Phillip Alviano Sustainability Advisor

M

oisture, in some form, is always in the air around us and in the buildings in which we work and live. In its airborne form, the water molecule is a colourless gas which we call vapour.

When we measure the amount of vapour as a percentage in the air we call it humidity. Humidity is a product of many interactions. In general, warm air holds more water vapour than cold air leading to high humidity in tropical areas.

Condensation forms when warm air cools and loses

36 | Master Builders Victoria

some of the ability to hold water vapour; the vapour becomes liquid. An example of this is the water droplets that form on the side of a glass on a hot day.

You may also see this as water droplets on windows on cold mornings. This occurs when warm air inside the house contacts the cold single-paned glass.

Our behaviour and activities inside a house are continually adding to the water vapour. Cooking, washing, showering, cleaning, drying clothing and even breathing contribute to the level of water vapour.

This vapour can then pass through small holes in the building envelope around plumbing and electrical penetrations, gaps around windows and light fittings, behind joinery, and around heating and cooling ducts.

In winter the air inside the house is warm and can hold more water vapour. When this air moves through the wall and cools, it becomes liquid.

In this way, liquid can form in the insulation layer or on the sarking, called interstitial condensation, and remain unseen, providing an ideal environment for mould growth. This is not only bad for the health of the occupants, but can also damage the home’s structural elements.

In countries such as Canada and New Zealand, experience with this phenomenon has led to agreement that building practices in Australia needed to change to avoid the worst effects of the problem. A scoping study of condensation in residential buildings was instigated by the Australian Buildings Code Board (ABCB) and completed in 2016 (Dewsbury et al 2016). The result was the development of a pathway for regulatory change designed to avoid the risk of condensation damage to our buildings.

A number of these recommendations were included in the National Construction Code (NCC) 2019. These are discussed by our Technical Advisor, Tony Bugeja, on page 40. The ABCB handbook, Condensation in Buildings, was also updated in 2019 to include the latest NCC requirements which aim to reduce interstitial condensation in walls and roofs.

Condensation is the result of complex interactions among the environment, building construction methods and occupant behaviour. In general, condensation risk can be avoided by ensuring that occupants understand their own contribution to the problem. Exhaust fans in bathrooms and kitchens

Volume 75 Issue 01

GREEN LIVING should always be used and ducted externally. If clothes are dried indoors, then windows should be opened.

Clothes dryers should also be ducted and vented externally.

It is best to consult the condensation handbook and the NCC 2019 for construction methods. In general, improve the airtightness of the walls to prevent water vapour entering the wall space. This means sealing gaps between the plaster board and the floors, around windows, electrical and plumbing penetrations, light fittings and joinery. Best practice involves fitting an airtight membrane between the plasterboard and the frame, a breathable membrane on the external frame surface and then an air gap beneath the faรงade. The breathable membrane works like Gore-Tex, keeping liquid water out of the wall but allowing any water vapour inside the wall to escape.

Mould damage can spread quickly to other areas of the structure leading to costly repairs and threatening the health of occupants.

References and further reading Australian Buildings Code Board, 2019, Handbook: Condensation in Buildings, Commonwealth of Australia and States and Territories of Australia, Canberra Dewsbury, M., Law, T., Potgieter, J., Fitz-Gerald, D., McComish, B., Chandler, T and Soudan, A. 2016, Scoping Study of Condensation in Residential Buildings.

University of Tasmania.

Left unchecked, condensation can lead to mould formation.

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BEAUTIFUL TIMBER CLADDING BY BARWON TIMBER, GEELONG. COMPLETE TIMBER CLADDING SOLUTIONS, AVAILABLE AT BARWON TIMBER. CONTACT US FOR YOUR NEXT JOB.

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ADVERTISING FEATURE

Local knowledge, quality products and reliable service A

t Rylock, local manufacturing is thriving.

For over 35 years Rylock has sourced quality local materials to design products for Australia’s local climatic conditions with a focus on double glazing, solar control glazing and frame conductivity.

It begins with expert design and comes to life in one of their three dedicated facilities in Melbourne, Sydney and Adelaide where all products are custom made. Extruded aluminium profiles go through a fully automated pre-treatment system to ensure lasting application of the hand applied powder coated finish. This is followed by strict quality control which examines both the powder’s adhesion and coating thickness.

At this point, the coated metal is cut and a unique barcode is affixed to sections requiring further profiling for hardware fitment, drainage and assembly.

Weathering materials are then inserted and the product assembled by hand. Rylock’s three stage sealing process includes an end and over sealing, followed by a flexible tanking material which is applied to all sill joints. “Our experienced team are focused on ensuring that every product reflects our

Volume 75 Issue 01

commitment to craftsmanship, innovation and design,” says Tamor Hawkins – General Manager, Sales & Marketing.

Rylock understands the importance of delivering quality products and a professional service. Hawkins adds, “…this includes working with our customers to understand their lead times, trouble shoot project requirements and the delivery of support materials detailing best practice installation.”

The company offers comprehensive aftercare services from site glazing to product servicing.

“We welcome Master Builders members to join us at one of our facilities to enjoy a guided tour so they can experience Rylock’s quality, style and performance”, says Hawkins.

For further information visit their website www.rylock.com.au or call 1800 RYLOCK.

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TECHNICAL

Vapour-permeable membranes such as CSR’s Bradford Enviroseal allows for the controlled escape of vapour from within the building while restricting the ingress of liquid moisture.

Condensation management: a summary of requirements Y

Tony Bugeja Technical Advisor

40 | Master Builders Victoria

ou may wish to refer to Dr Phillip Alviano’s article on condensation (P 36), which provides context for the following technical information.

This article offers a general summary of the specific requirements of part 3.8.7—Condensation Management within the Building Code of Australia 2019, Volume 2.

The introduction of the 2019 version brought about several changes with regard to ventilation and condensation management.

The need to regulate this results from the way we construct buildings, particularly given the measures we are required to take to improve the energy efficiency of a building.

The requirements of the BCA on this matter is best read in its entirety to ensure the design of a building addresses all the required performance provisions.

The following material addresses the minimum required acceptable construction practices of the BCA.

Pliable building membranes Where pliable building membranes are installed in an external wall they are required to: • Comply with AS 4200.1 which sets out the

requirements for materials being used as a pliable membrane

Volume 75 Issue 01

TECHNICAL • Comply with AS 4200.2 which scopes the

installation requirements for pliable membranes in an external wall • Be vapour permeable in climate zones 6,7 and

8. A large portion of Victoria falls within these climate zones. A map of all climate zones can be found at www.abcb.gov.au • Be located on the outside face of the insulated

wall assembly that forms part of the building envelope.

Where the wall is single-skin masonry or singleskin concrete and where a pliable membrane is not installed in an external wall, then the primary water control layer must be separated from water-sensitive materials by a drained cavity.

The terms pliable building membrane, vapour barrier and vapour-permeable membrane are distinct from one another and must not be confused.

Flow rate and discharge of exhaust systems Exhaust fans installed in a kitchen, bathroom, sanitary compartment or laundry room must achieve minimum flow rates: • Bathroom and sanitary compartments – 25 l/s • Kitchens and laundries – 40l/s

The exhaust fans to a bathroom, sanitary compartment or laundry must be ducted directly to the outside via a shaft or duct, otherwise the roof space must be ventilated.

30 per cent of these openings must be located no lower than 900 mm vertically below the ridgeline or highest part of the roof space with the remaining 70 per cent provided by eave vents.

It is important to consider these matters at the design stage to ensure these provisions of the BCA can be achieved. Retrospective rectifications can be costly.

Standard building practices in greenfield areas demonstrate that most homes do not provide for conventional eaves. So, it is important that condensation management is considered early in the design phase.

You may also need to consider consulting the manufacturer of your exhaust system to ensure the installation will not breach any warranty provisions.

Ventilation of roof spaces When an exhaust system discharges directly into a roof space it has the potential to increase humidity levels and cause the introduction of moisture. The introduction of moisture into this space can affect the performance of building materials and be a catalyst for the introduction of mould.

Where exhaust fans are discharged into the roof space, the roof space must be ventilated to the outside air by evenly distributed openings. These openings must have an unobstructed area of 1/300th of the respective ceiling area where the roof pitch is greater than 22 degrees. If the roof pitch is 22 degrees or lower, the unobstructed openings must be 1/150th of the respective ceiling area.

Let’s look at an example.

If we consider the average home having a floor area of 250 square metres and that the size of the reflected ceiling area matches it, then the following calculations would be: • A roof pitch of 25 degrees • Unobstructed openings at a minimum of 1/300 of

the reflected ceiling area 250 sq. m x 1/300 = 0.83 sq. m 30 per cent of 0.83 sq. m = 0.25 sq. m within 900 mm of the ridge or highest part of the roof 70 per cent of 0.83 sq. m = 0.58 sq. m distributed at the eaves When considering these requirements, also consider other factors such as aesthetics, bushfire requirements, vermin control and so on.

SAVE TIME WITH ONE SUPPLIER. TRUSS & FRAME BUILDING MATERIALS ONE CONTACT. ONE STATEMENT. ONE LESS HEADACHE.

Volume 75 Issue 01

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ADVERTISING FEATURE

The Herald Sun newspaper described the new building as a ‘once in a generation’ project with the local community raising $7 million of the $9 million construction cost.

Life-saving re-build for iconic surf club

P

ortsea Surf Life Saving Club describes its location as “one of the most unforgiving environments in Australia.”

Since 1949, Portsea SLSC members have been responsible for saving 4,500 lives and assisted 1,500 young men and women to gain Surf Life Saving Australia’s Bronze Medallion.

Originally constructed in 1960, the Portsea SLSC clubhouse could no longer meet the needs of the club, let alone provide additional community services.

Perched on an exposed cliff-top, the site posed many challenges. The Herald Sun newspaper described the project as a “once in a generation” re-build of the clubhouse.

Built by Ireland Brown Constructions, timber is the building’s true feature. The specifications of the design and extreme weather conditions called for large, commercial grade Blackbutt timber, renowned for its durability and modern look. The colours and textures of natural timber sit comfortably in the coastal location, blending seamlessly into the beach-scape.

Boral Timber was selected as equal to the task, supplying hand-cut Blackbutt battens wrapping around the façade. They are also used in the pergola,

Volume 75 Issue 01

Perched on an exposed cliff-top, the site posed many challenges, and it two years to demolish the old clubhouse.

featuring laminated Blackbutt beams overhead, as well as in the expansive decking. The beams are made from Class 1 durable timber compliable with the bushfire BAL- 29 requirement and also have Chain of Custody certification through Responsible Wood; ensuring timber has been sustainably sourced and managed right through to the end user.

Leon Travis from Boral Timber explains the advantage of certification, “Boral Timber has implemented Responsible Wood Chain of Custody certification to support responsible and sustainable forest management in Australia. This includes ensuring all Boral Timber manufacturing sites are Chain of Custody

certified, meaning all certified products from sites can be traced from processing to distribution.”

The dramatic location wasn’t without challenges for Boral, as access to the cliff was limited and uneasy.

There was only a single and extremely steep ramp leading to the site.

The striking new two-storey building was completed and opened in April 2019.

The new Portsea Surf Lifesaving Clubhouse has become a vital piece of community infrastructure, allowing members and the wider community to safely enjoy Portsea for generations to come.

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Termite resistant when treated

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Timber Framing – The Ultimate Renewable™

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hen something simply works, we take it for Note that for houses north of the Tropic of Capricorn, granted. For builders: it’s timber framing. a stronger protective termite treatment is available.

For homeowners: they really don’t pay attention In relation to fire, there is currently no restriction on what to what holds up their biggest life investment. structural products are used for We are reminding Builders and detached house framing Did you know that: Homeowners alike, that timber (Class 1 Buildings). It is important framing is The Ultimate Renewable! Australian softwood plantations re-grow to note that many fire protection an average house frame in less than design decisions relate to external Meeting your business a minute materials of the home. needs as the builder For every tree that is harvested from To assist in determining the certified plantations at least one is relevant Bushfire Attack Level (BAL) The house frame and roof structure replanted for a specific building site, go to the are a critical stage of the build online design tool WoodSolutions Did you also know that a typical process. With a comprehensive Bushfire Calculator V1.0 Australian home: network of timber fabricators Has absorbed more than 7 tonnes of across Australia, you can be Make yourself stand out as carbon dioxide (CO2) from the air assured of reliability of supply, a builder that is known for competitiveness and experience Stores almost 3 tonnes of carbon sustainable choices that truly understands your needs Sources: https://framing.woodsolutions.com.au/ Homeowners, particularly as a builder. millennials, are interested in the And equally important, trades are choice of materials in their new homes. This is why timber comfortable and framing has a great story to tell. Using timber in buildings familiar with timber. stores the carbon for as long as the building exists; Used for decades by chippies, timber structures for what’s more, timber framing is sourced from sustainably Australian dwellings, whether stick built on-site or managed plantation forests which are constantly being prefabricated, are proven to offer enormous design replanted after harvest. flexibility, especially when there are inevitable changes For you as the builder, and corrections in the build design. choose timber framing to

Common misconceptions about termites and fire with timber framing?

Sold in Australia for over 15 years, Blue Pine timber framing is the termite solution for most of Australia with 25-year manufacturers’ warranty for the majority of timber brands.

Volume 75 Issue 01

renew our future and count the carbon that has been stored in the houses you build.

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CR138308

COMMITTEE ROUND-UP

Issues both new and familiar in 2020 Kevin Hoang Policy Advisor

T

here are plenty of indications that 2020 will hold many of the same issues and challenges as the year just passed. These include the newly proposed mandatory trades registration and licensing regime, cladding rectification measures and the recently passed workplace manslaughter laws as well the related implications for industrial relations and

OHS landscape. In addition to these, EBA negotiations are likely to begin soon upon the expiry of the CFMEU Pattern EBA, and this will have a bearing on the sustainability of the building and construction industry in Victoria.

At the last committee meetings in 2019, the five sector committees focussed their attention sharply on the passage of workplace manslaughter legislation, and the announcement of carpentry trades as the first scope of work considered for subcontractor registration and employee licensing.

Responses to the trades registration decision to choose carpentry as the first scope of work considered for registration and licensing were mixed among committee members. Some viewed it as a sensible option while others noted the difficulty in determining the scope of carpentry. A mandatory licensing regime for employees within the carpentry was a sore spot for several on the committees, due to the costs associated with it, along with the potential for an adverse effect on the supply of labour in an ageing profession.

There was bitter disappointment over the passing

of workplace manslaughter legislation in the state parliament’s Lower House. Considering the likelihood of the passing of the legislation in the Upper House , the committees agreed that it should become a policy area of focus going forward. Master Builders Victoria will therefore lobby strongly for its repeal in future state elections.

While the General Contracting and Specialist Contractor Sector Committees discussed several issues in their joint meeting, it was the upcoming EBA negotiations that dominated the conversation. While, at this writing, the negotiations remain embryonic, there was no doubt among committee members that a desirable outcome for industry is an EBA that is financially sustainable, allowing for the continual viability of pending construction projects.

The release of the Planning and Building Approvals Process Review – Discussion Paper by the Red Tape Commissioner, and Master Builders’ submission to it, was another point of discussion, especially among members of the Housing and Country Sector Committees and the Committee. Delays in planning

// Still the Australian Standard in Termite Protection Kordon provides a physical and chemical barrier to termites and can be used for perimeter or full under-slab protection.

It is quickly and easily installed in all building applications by the Bayer Accredited Kordon Network and is certified by the Australian Building Code.

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against termites

46 | Master Builders Victoria

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© 2020

Volume 75 Issue 01

COMMITTEE ROUND-UP and building approvals represent a significant cost to the industry and adversely affects the efficient supply of housing to meet the growing demand. Committee members were keen to see how the government will implement the recommendations of the report.

Sector committee meetings provide an avenue for Master Builders Victoria to effectively determine the organisation’s policy directions, as they reflect the wider Master Builders membership base and, by extension, the state’s building and construction industry. As such, regular meetings across the five sector committees are very important for enabling Master Builders to track the pulse of industry interests and needs.

“

Responses to the trades registration decision to choose carpentry as the first scope of work considered for registration and licensing were mixed among committee members.

2020 is already replete with issues that affect building and construction, and clients of our industry.

Volume 75 Issue 01

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ADVERTISING FEATURE

Hybrid flooring offers durable option C

hoice Flooring Supplies is a wholesale supplier of quality flooring and decking products to builders, as well as selected retail resellers across Melbourne.

The business offers a wide range of flooring options from major brands as well as smaller specialist importers such as Choice Flooring Solutions and Australian Hardwood Flooring & Decking Co.

• Hardwood • Engineered • Bamboo • Laminate • Luxury vinyl • Hybrid • Engineered Hybrid • Underlay and trims

Suppliers include: • Preference Floors • Karndean • Choice Flooring Solutions • Terra Mater • Floortex • Sunstar • QEP • Australian Hardwood Flooring & Decking

Flooring options available include:

Floor types available include Australian hardwoods, engineered (12-21mm), laminate (8, 12 and 14mm), strand woven bamboo and luxury vinyl (glue down and looselay) as well as the latest in hybrid flooring technology, including engineered hybrid flooring.

Standard and acoustic underlays as well as an extensive range of colour matched trims and scotias are also available.

Hybrid flooring is rapidly becoming the preferred choice in new builds as it incorporates the best properties of laminate and vinyl flooring to provide

an extremely hard-wearing and 100% water-resistant floor.

Unlike conventional timber and timber-look flooring, hybrid can be used in wet areas such as bathrooms and kitchens allowing a consistent finish throughout the home.

Because Choice Flooring Supplies’ customers are predominantly builders and installers, we only offer products to suit heavy duty residential through to heavy duty commercial applications.

For expert advice and quality products, give Choice Flooring Supplies a call on (03) 9725 6000.

BRING NEW LIFE TO YOUR HOME

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48 | Master Builders Victoria

Volume 75 Issue 01

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MEMBER PROFILE

The COLORBOND® steel roof complements the contemporary design of the Emerald 33 Display Home by Granvue Homes which won the $300,000 to $350,000 category in the 2019 Master Builder Excellence in Housing Awards.

Award-winning COLORBOND® steel F

or more than fifty years COLORBOND® steel has been a popular choice for builders. Today it is at the forefront of current and emerging building design. This was reflected clearly in the 2019 Master Builders Excellence in Housing Awards where it featured on many award-winning homes. In this sponsored feature, two leading Victorian builders share their experience with using COLORBOND® steel.

JG King Homes As a multi-award-winning home builder, JG King Homes has built over 20,000 BlueScope steel frame homes across Melbourne and regional Victoria since 1985, when the company was established. Every JG King Home comes with a COLORBOND® steel roof included as standard.

“In our first year of operation in Ballarat, we decided to build exclusively with BlueScope steel,” John King, Managing Director of JG King Homes said. “No other home builder in Melbourne was offering a 50-year structural warranty backed by BlueScope steel. We were leading then, and we lead today; we now have

50 | Master Builders Victoria

offices in Melbourne, Warrnambool, Horsham, Geelong, Mildura, Wodonga, Traralgon and Shepparton.

“COLORBOND® products are a feature of our home designs because they are tested in tough Australian conditions, so we know that our clients are guaranteed the best quality. They also offer greater protection against fire due to the non-combustibility of steel, which is important to us as a large regional builder.

Plus, as COLORBOND® steel is made from 100 per cent recyclable steel, it is a smart choice for our environmental footprint and our future as a company.”

JG King Homes won the 2019 Master Builders Excellence in Housing Awards Best Display Home $250,000 $300,000 category for their Cirque Home.

“COLORBOND® steel enhanced the design of the Cirque in more ways than one,” John said. “The home’s TRUECORE® steel frame and COLORBOND® roof contributed to its bushfire rating of 12.5 and the thermal efficiency in the roofline added to the home’s energy efficient rating. A sharp roofline was achieved which complemented the contemporary façade of the home. The BASALT® colour of the roof was also chosen

for the facia, gutter and downpipes which coordinated perfectly with our bricks and feature tiles, creating a harmonious modern scheme.

“We are proud to offer our clients a quality Australian product that will protect their home, as well as provide our trades with a lightweight material which is easy to work with.”

Granvue Homes Another award-winning builder that has been achieving great results using COLORBOND® products is Granvue Homes.

“We’re a unique builder, both in the way that we approach our work and the look of our homes,” Daniel Sekulic, Sales Manager of Granvue Homes said. “Our designs are stylish and timeless as well as functional and practical. We pride ourselves on our attention to detail, always offering the highest quality inclusions as standard, and we aim to do all this at the best possible price.

“We have used COLORBOND® steel roofing on Granvue Homes across Melbourne’s north and west in new

Volume 75 Issue 01

MEMBER PROFILE

JG King Homes won the 2019 Master Builders Excellence in Housing Awards Best Display Home $250,000 $300,000 category for their Cirque Home which features a COLORBOND® steel roof in BASALT®. residential estates, and the results and experience have been great.

“It was also a feature of our Emerald 33 Display Home which won the $300,000 to $350,000 category in the 2019 Master Builder Excellence in Housing Awards,” Daniel added. “This display home showcases the latest trends in exterior and interior décor which offers practical and sophisticated single-story family living, and the COLORBOND® steel roof was the perfect complement to the contemporary design and façade.

“Choosing to use a reputable Australian product like COLORBOND® steel provides quality and durability that is highly valued by our clients and it gives us a lot of design flexibility to enhance the Granvue Home range.”

For more information, go to the COLORBOND® steel website: https://colorbond.com/ *COLORBOND®, BlueScope, the BlueScope brand mark and ® colour names are registered trademarks of BlueScope Steel Limited. TM colour names are trademarks of BlueScope Steel Limited.

Volume 75 Issue 01

Why COLORBOND® steel?

The team at BlueScope has worked to make COLORBOND® steel stronger, lighter, smarter, cooler, more colourful, more durable and more sustainable than ever earning COLORBOND® steel the position as one of the world’s toughest most advanced building materials.

Sustainable performance All COLORBOND® steel contains recycled content and is 100 per cent recyclable. In some cases, it can be used without reprocessing, again saving on energy and resource use. Its proven durability, long-life performance and light weight also helps conserve resources and energy.

Thermal efficiency Many people know that roof colour can make a difference to cooling bills and five colours in the COLORBOND® steel range qualify as solar reflective roofing under the Green Star Communities tool. In addition, every colour (except Night Sky®) in the standard COLORBOND® steel range features Thermatech® solar reflectance technology which is designed to reflect more of the sun’s heat on hot days, which can mean less dependence on air-conditioning and reduced roof stress.

Fire protection COLORBOND® steel roofing, walling, gutters and downpipes are compliant for use in bushfire zones, including the most extreme, Bushfire Attack Level – Flame Zone specified in AS3959-2009.

Colours – spoiled for choice The COLORBOND® steel Matt range is a welcome addition to the four existing colour groups – Contemporary, Classic, Fencing and Ultra. To achieve this contemporary finish, five neutral COLORBOND® steel colours (Surfmist®, Shale Grey™, Dune®, Basalt®, and Monument®) have been enhanced using BlueScope’s innovative Matt paint technology, creating a softer, more subtle look. This purely aesthetic change has been purposely designed to create a true Matt finish, while retaining the durability you’d expect from COLORBOND® steel, allowing stylish and defining design choices for modern home exteriors.

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ADVERTISING FEATURE

PTA Landscapes claims prestigious landscape award

P

TA Landscapes was awarded Landscape of the Year (Commercial) as well as Best Commercial Landscape Over $1million at the 2019 Landscape Victoria Master Landscaping Awards for its project at Monash University’s The Forum.

Established in 1958, Monash University Clayton Campus is a modernist composition of formally arranged buildings set around an open space known as The Forum, a grand area that has been the site of many student protest, cultural gathering and events.

Having become banal and run down, Monash ran a design competition to find an innovative prospect for the upgrade of its premier greenspace. A collaborative design by Taylor Cullity Lethlean (TCL) and Peter Elliott Architecture & Urban Design was the winner, which was expertly constructed by PTA Landscapes.

The new design for The Forum consisted of three key elements: removing compromised elements from the landscape, re-establishing the fundamental structure of the space, and inserting new structural and landscaped elements.

The process began with the removal of selected trees and decluttering the area by removing hardscaped

intrusions, such as steps, ramps and extraneous pathways, to provide seamless and accessible integration between the open space and surrounding buildings.

A grand sunken lawn forms the centrepiece of the revived Forum, bordered by strong axial pathways providing convenient access across campus. A sequence of bridges connects the paths dissecting the lawn, bounded by distinctive landscaping laden with more than 9000 Australian native plants.

An existing pond was reimagined as a formal, naturally-filtered water feature showcasing native grasses and water plants in elegant, linear formations.

Made up of seven ponds containing a reed bed for biofiltration, in-built planting beds and weir walls, the rejuvenated waterscape features detailed hydraulics with jets, and a balance/control vault located under the adjacent hardwood deck.

Outfitted with greenery and custom furniture, the extensive deck also has a lighting system with more than 25 kilometres of cable and hundreds of individual lights that can be programmed to suit the needs of any of the events or celebrations.

Working to facilitate student access and accommodate important dates in the University calendar, PTA Landscapes constructed the $6.7 million landscape in stages over a 18-month period. PTA Landscapes was faced with a number of challenges, including negotiating the vast network of known and unknown services feeding through the site, which required ad hoc redesigns and adjustments in order to resolve conflicts. In addition, a heritage overlay on the adjacent Chapel needed to be strictly adhered to, and soils containing asbestos required remediation.

Extensive civil works were undertaken to install a 360,000 litre underground rainwater tank to harvest stormwater from the surrounding buildings, which is repurposed for irrigation. Over 3500 sqm of granite paving was laid, and six metre-long custom-made precast sleepers were craned into position on the site to create the bridge that traverses the newly revamped water feature.

Presenting a memorable backdrop for University graduation ceremonies and campus events, the revitalized greenspace has given The Forum back its vitality.

BUILDING LANDSCAPES OF EXCELLENCE

Monash University Clayton, ‘The Forum’ PTA LANDSCAPES PTY LTD 14 RAMAGE STREET BAYSWATER, VICTORIA, 3153

Volume 75 Issue 01

PHONE: 03 9720 0113 EMAIL: INFO@PTALANDSCAPES.COM.AU WEB: WWW.PTALANDSCAPES.COM.AU

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A NEW ERA FOR SHOWERS IN AUSTRALIA

Thermostatic showers popular in the UK and many European countries for nearly 30 years are now available in Australia through Therm-Oz Showers Pty Ltd. The Australian standard for this type of shower valve (AS4032.4) is now in the WaterMark scope and the AS/NZS3500.4:2018 Plumbing code. The Therm-Oz thermostatic shower valve is fully WaterMark approved, Licence WMK26224 and can be legally installed, with a five-year guarantee.

A thermostatic shower mixes water to a set constant temperature, even if other taps, toilets or washing machines are in use. If the cold-water supply to the shower were to fail, the shower will instantly shut off, preventing any chance of scalding.

The shower is turned on with a simple twist of the right handle, using a quarter turn ceramic disc valve. The temperature is controlled by rotating the left handle and limited to 38째C as a safety feature by an override stop button. Depressing this safety button allows the user to rotate to

ADVERTORIAL a higher temperature up to 45째C maximum, or rotate the handle in the opposite direction for a cooler shower.

Cool-Touch technology ensures a low surface temperature of the valve, safe to touch or hold while showering. The surface temperature will not exceed 20째C when operating at 38째C. Therm-Oz is ideal for families with young children, the elderly as well as those who require assistive care while still giving that desired European styling for family bathrooms and ensuites.

This new product is a safer choice for your home and more water efficient, as water is not wasted while manually adjusting temperatures. There are no electrics; it is simply a far more efficient way of mixing hot and cold water.

The Therm-Oz thermostatic shower valve is available with or without the chrome slide rail, handset, hose and soap dish.

There are many choices of shower kits and combinations available such as overhead rain heads with a diverter for a handset.

For new building projects the thermostatic shower valve is supplied with a fixing bracket that allows the positioning of the shower on the wall, giving

the correct spacing for pipes.

These are NB-CT100 without slide rail and handset kit, and NB001 supplied with slide rail and handset kit.

Therm-Oz also offers a Reno Kit that replaces any two-tap manual shower over to thermostatic with no pipework or tiling alterations.

It can be fitted vertically or horizontally and is suitable for all tap spacings between 230mm down to 80mm apart. These are RK-CT100 without slide rail and handset kit, and RK001 supplied with slide rail and handset kit.

Therm-Oz Showers is a WA based company, supplying nationally to the plumbing merchants of Australia. Therm-Oz Showers is a Member of the Master Plumbers Association, Assistive Technology Suppliers Australasia and was a finalist in the HIA Housing awards WA 2018 in the Industry and Product Innovation category.

This is a new era for showers in Australia, whether you are building, reconfiguring or renovating, please visit the ThermOz website.

FURTHER INFORMATION: Phone 0439 196 441 Email info@therm-oz.net.au Website www.therm-oz.net.au Youtube https://youtu.be/ JHYrdbVhO4o

FULLY APPROVED

Thermostatic Shower Mixing Valves

FACE

UR LOW S

TURE A R E P TEM

AS4032.4:2014 Lic WMK26224 SAI Global

A NEW & SAFER CHOICE FOR YOUR HOME Renovations & New Build Projects

Available with or without Handset & Slide Rail

AS/NZS3500.4:2018 Compliant

WWW.THERM-OZ.NET.AU

In accordance with AS/NZS 6400

Licence No. 1834 Therm-Oz Showers Pty Ltd

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The Melbourne-based showroom displays a range of local and imported tiles including ceramic, porcelain and glass products. Offering floor, wall and outdoor tiles ranging from small, coloured mosaic to large tiles in neutral tones.

And after finding the perfect tile, at Mitcham Tiles there’s no need to look for help with installation.

Working in collaboration with TSG Tiling, the in-house installation team have over 20 years of experience in preparation and tile laying and can assist with making any space more versatile and visually appealing. They offer fast and efficient service on big or small jobs from residential kitchen and laundry renovations to large commercial premises including restaurants and bars.

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Volume 75 Issue 01

Master Builders Victoria |

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The tiling team have worked on The Block (seasons 2011, 2013,2014) as well as laying tiles for several commercial clients including Schnitz, Ajisen Ramen, Nando’s, Samsung, McDonalds and Roger David Stores.

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NEWS

Health and safety update – concerns about air quality

M

embers operating throughout most parts of Victoria are likely to experience ‘very poor’ or ‘hazardous’ air quality intermittently.

Master Builders Victoria recommends that, where possible, strenuous work outdoors or work during which poor visibility may affect health and safety work be avoided, work outdoors in general be limited, and that persons in high-risk health categories (14 years old or younger, 60 years or over, pregnant women, those with heart conditions or respiratory conditions-including asthmatics and those at risk of developing these conditions) work only in accordance with health management plans and/or the advice provided by their treating physicians.

For most of the population who are otherwise in good health, it is unlikely that the current climate conditions will adversely affect them. Most work indoors can continue as normal. Doors and windows should be closed, and air-conditioners set to recirculate indoor air rather than draw air from outside, which occurs in the normal reverse-cycle mode.

These conditions, generally, do not pose a health and safety threat provided the above guidelines are heeded.

Personal protective equipment, such a P2 dust masks, can be effective at mitigating the risks, – provided that an air-tight seal is created with the mask and that workers have received training in how to use such PPE appropriately.

Master Builders Victoria views air quality issues like these that affect the ability of employees to continue working are likely to fall within the scope of inclement weather. Appropriate inclement weather procedures should be followed as per the relevant industrial instrument.

Industrial relations information Fire and smoke have the potential to affect construction sites or factories where employees would otherwise be working. In the event the area is affected by a fire such that it is unsafe to continue working, this would likely be considered a stand-down under the Fair Work Act. Employees may be able to access paid leave by agreement with their employer and would otherwise be stood down without pay whilst work is stopped.

Where sites are not directly affected by fire, but smoke has degraded air quality, employers should first determine whether or not work can proceed safely in accordance with the safety precautions mentioned above. If it is determined that it would be unreasonable for work to continue under the circumstances, the inclement weather provisions of the relevant industrial instrument would apply.

Employers seeking assistance with inclement weather and payment arrangements should contact the Master Builders industrial relations department on (03) 9411 4555.

As always, in addition to the support that we can offer internally, members and their families can access confidential counselling and support from @Incolink by calling 1300 000 129.

Master Builders’ concerns about the new Cbus ‘Super Payment Checker’ app You may soon start to see communications coming from Cbus Super announcing the trialing of a new app called ‘Super Payment Checker’.

The Super Payment Checker app has been developed

by Cbus and has been made available to a range of individuals to assist them with checking if a workplace is up to date with the contribution payments required by superannuation laws.

Master Builders supports efforts to innovate in our industry and to ensure correct superannuation payments are made for all employees as appropriate.

However, we have been engaging with Cbus to raise a series of concerns about the Super Payment Checker app, following a presentation made by Cbus on the

Volume 75 Issue 01

app and its use, to the National Board of Master Builders Australia.

While the discussions between Master Builders and Cbus are constructive and ongoing, Master Builders has unresolved concerns including that the Super Payment Checker app is available to union delegates and that it presents an opportunity for misuse of the information it makes available, including potential data privacy concerns. At this stage, and given our concerns, Master Builders is not able to support the app or its roll-out.

We therefore want to ensure our members are aware of our concerns in the event that you come into contact with the Super Payment Checker app.

The existence of this app and its development became

known to Master Builders only recently, and we immediately raised a series of significant concerns.

Cbus has commenced a written communication with contributing employers to provide information about the Super Payment Checker app to provide further transparency and give an opportunity for employer input.

If you wish to provide input or voice any concerns about the app’s pilot directly to Cbus, you can do so by contacting them at cbusenq@cbussuper.com.au.

Alternatively, if you have any concerns about the app or think you’ve seen a problem with it, please contact the Master Builders Victoria industrial relations team on (03) 9411 4555.

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NEWS

New penalties for unlicensed labour hire As of 30 October 2019, substantial penalties apply to labour hire providers who don’t have a licence and to businesses that use an unlicensed provider.

The penalties will be imposed by the Labour Hire Licensing Authority, which was established in April 2019, as part of the Victorian Labour Hire Licensing scheme created by the Labour Hire Licensing Act 2018.

The Authority is responsible for regulating the labour hire industry in Victoria to minimise the potential for worker exploitation.

What is a labour hire provider?

A business will be considered a ‘labour hire provider’ for the purposes of the scheme if that business: Supplies the individuals to perform work in, and as part of, a host’s business or undertaking and the provider is obliged to pay the individual for performance of the work; or In the course of providing recruitment or placement services, recruits individuals for or places the individuals with a host, who has to pay the individuals to perform work in and as part of the host’s business or undertaking, and the provider procures or provides accommodation for the individuals for some or all of the period that they are working with the host; or In the course of conducting contractor management services, individuals are recruited as independent contractors to perform work in and as part of a host’s business or undertaking, and manages the contract performance by the independent contractors.

Under the Labour Hire Licensing Act 2018, all labour

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hire providers must be licensed. Providers who fail to obtain a licence by 30 October, face fines of up to $120,000 for an individual or more than $500,000 for a body corporate.

Fit and Proper Person requirement For every application received, the Labour Hire Authority will conduct a fit and proper person assessment of each person included on the application.

A ‘person’ for the purposes of the application will include relevant individuals and all officers of a body corporate.

A person will be not be deemed a fit and proper person and will not be granted a licence under the scheme if they have: Within the last 10 years: • Been found guilty of an indictable offence against a person, or an offence involving fraud, dishonesty or drug trafficking that was punishable by imprisonment of three months or more (or an equivalent offence committed outside Victoria); and/or Within the last five years: • Been found to have contravened a workplace law, labour hire industry law or minimum accommodation standard, or given an enforceable undertaking in respect of a contravention of one of those laws; • Had a licence under a labour hire industry law cancelled, suspended or revoked other than at the licence holder’s initiative;

• Been insolvent or under external administration; • Where an applicant is a body corporate, an officer

of the body corporate was an officer of another body corporate whose licence was cancelled other than at the licence holder’s initiative; or • The applicant was an officer of a body corporate

and was disqualified from managing corporations under the Corporations Act 2001.

Compliance with obligations In addition to the fit and proper person requirement, an applicant will also need to declare that, to their knowledge, they are compliant with relevant laws including taxation, superannuation, occupational health and safety, workers compensation; labour hire industry; workplace; migration and applicable minimum accommodation standards.

What if my business uses labour hire?

Businesses that use labour hire providers must ensure they are aware of the requirements under the scheme.

As of 30 October, it will be an offence under the Labour Hire Licensing Act 2018 to use any provider that is unlicensed and may result in penalties in excess of $500,000 for a body corporate.

Before engaging a labour hire, businesses should check the online register of Licensed Labour Hire Providers to determine if the provider is appropriately licenced.

The register and further details can be found at https:// labourhireauthority.vic.gov.au/

Master Builders Victoria |

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NEWS

Melanie Fasham joins review panel; cladding rectification levy begins The Victorian government has formed an expert panel to review the state’s building system, naming among its panelists Immediate Past President Melanie Fasham. The panel will be led by Anna Cronin, Chair and Commissioner for Better Regulation and Red Tape Commissioner, and also include British engineer Dame Judith Hackett, who rewrote her own country’s building regulations in the wake of the Grenfell Tower fire.

Among the panel’s first tasks will be the establishment of principles to guide the building system review and identify themes to be investigated and addressed throughout the reform process. The review will also address the recommendations of the Victorian Cladding Taskforce’s July 2019 Report and the Building Confidence report by Professor Peter Shergold AC and Ms Bronwyn Weir.

In accord with the state government’s previously stated plans to implement a new building permit levy to fund rectification works by Cladding Safety Victoria, the VBA has announced an anticipated launch date of 1 January 2020. Click here to see the communication from the Victorian Building Authority.

The levy was approved through the Building Amendment (Cladding Rectification) Act 2019, for Class 2 - 8 buildings where the cost of building is $800,000 or more. These requirements are not applicable to works being carried out in regional Victoria.

On 11 December, The Age published an exclusive story on the formation of the panel, quoting CEO Rebecca Casson, who said the inclusion of industry experts like Melanie Fasham was in line with an all-of-industry solution to cladding rectification.

This levy will support governments involvement in the rectification of non-compliant cladding in Victoria and help improve the level of safety to the broader community. Master Builders Victoria will continue to be engaged with government to address the issues associated with non-compliant cladding systems.

Want to promote your business in this magazine?

Call Brittany now

(07) 4690 9316 brittany.douglas@newsregionalmedia.com.au

Volume 75 Issue 01

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MASTER BUILDERS MEMBERSHIP JOIN TODAY

JOIN MASTER BUILDERS TODAY & NAIL YOUR REGISTRATION IN 2020 Becoming a Master Builders Provisional Member gives you access to our exclusive Builders Registration Program, designed to provide you with the skills, knowledge and tools you will need to become a registered domestic or commercial builder.

We provide a personalised approach, placing the focus on you and what you would like support with, ensuring you can put your best foot forward to secure registration. The Master Builders Builders Registration Program includes access to our registration application workshops, application review and skills assessment, study awareness workshops and interview preparation workshops.

Join today to access the Builders Registration assistance and take advantage of our limited time offer: • No joining fee • Free NCC Volume 2 • Free Building Regulations 2018

(03) 9411 4555 mbav.com.au

DIRECTORY

• Building Law • Mediation • Building Law • Appearances at and other Court venues • VCAT Mediation • Legal Advice for Builders

• Appearances at VCAT • Business Structures and other Court venues • Legal Advice Builders Telephone: (03)for 9009 5800 Facsimile: (03) 9009 5899

• Business Structures

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• Asset Protection

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Telephone: (03) 9009 5800 Web: www.wrelawyers.com.au Facsimile: (03) 9009 5899 Level 4, 530 Lonsdale St, Melbourne VIC 3000 Also at Mitcham by appointment only.

Email: wre@wrelawyers.com.au Web: www.wrelawyers.com.au

Volume 75 Issue 01

Master Builders Victoria |

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DIRECTORY

Melbourne’s waterproofing gurus • All Wet Areas • Showers • Shower Repairs • Decks • Planter Boxes • Balconies • Shower, Balcony and Deck Design • Roof Top Gardens/Terraces • Fish Ponds • Underground Tanking • Remedial Work • Consultancy Work • Underground Carparks

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Volume 75 Issue 01

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Volume 75 Issue 01