Master Builders NSW Member's magazine July-Sept 2022

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c c e s s a l i b r a r y w i t h o v e r 3 0 0 r e s o u r c e s f o r f r e e , a n y w h e r e , a n y t i m e o n a n y d e v i c e .

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Young Builders of the Year Nominees

Florence Luncheon with Jana Pittman

This

in any form or by any means

or otherwise without the permission of Master Builders Association of NSW or News Corp Australia.

Disclaimer: Readers are advised that the Master Builders Association of NSW and the publisher cannot be held responsible for the accuracy of statements made in advertising and editorial; nor the quality of goods and services advertised.

Hosts Liv Phyland and Tim Ross are the faces of Master Builders NSW brand new television show, that has the potential

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MBA’S

MASTER BUILDERS ASSOCIATION OF NEW SOUTH WALES

52 Parramatta Road, Forest Lodge NSW 2037 | Private Bag 9, Broadway NSW 2007

Tel: 02 8586 3555 | Email: enquiries@mbansw.asn.au

Website: www.mbansw.asn.au | ABN 96 550 042 906

HEAD OFFICE

EXECUTIVE BOARD

Simon Pilcher President

Robert Black Deputy President

Martin Patience Immediate Past President

Frank Mamasioulas Vice President

Mick Banks Vice President

Michael O’Donnell Vice President Colin Jewell Vice President

EXECUTIVE

Executive Director Brian Seidler 8586 3503

Executive Assistant Amanda de Vries 8586 3507

Deputy Executive Director Strebre Delovski 8586 3508

MASTER BUILDERS INSURANCE BROKERS

NSW State Manager Dele Omisore 8586 3519 0422 513 705

BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT HUNT GROUP 02 9296 6798

Business Development Team Leader Patrick Rafferty 8586 3565 / 0481 906 275

Senior Business Development Executive Harry Rankin 9296 6609 / 0466 431 218

Business Development Manager (M - W) Tom Bennett 9296 6604

CORPORATE HUNT GROUP 02 9296 6796

Senior Account Manager Edwina Lyall 8586 3570 / 0412 806 700

Account Executive Adam Myers 8586 3594 / 0435 967 945

Business Development M’ger (M, Tu, W) Leanne Farmer 9296 6781 / 0466 777 057

SME TEAM — HUNT GROUP 02 9296 6797

SME Team Leader David Petkovski 8586 3556 0466 626 323

Senior Account Executive Alan Fraser 9296 6717 0410 234 605

Account Executive Barbara Sou TBC

Account Executive Hannah Collins 9296 6605

Senior Account Executive Hilda Marfo 8586 3501

Account Executive Michael Stubbs 8586 3568

Account Executive Michelle Lo Baluyut TBC

Account Executive Nicola Benson 9296 6612

WARRANTY ELIGIBILITY HUNT GROUP 02 9296 6799

Senior Account Executive (M, Tu, Th, F) Jayne Cornwell 9296 6792

Home Warranty Team Leader Jacklyn Selberg 8586 3512 / 0481 919 108

Account Executive Sam Hu 8586 3528

MASTER BUILDERS FINANCIAL SERVICES

Manager, Finance & Car Buying Ogarit Kelley 0414 919 194 1300 760 366

MEMBER SERVICES

Manager Member Services Graham McGuiggan 8586 3554

Membership Coordinator Paul Love 8586 3540 / 0413 306 556

Administration Coordinator Debralee Scarselletta 8586 3545

Marketing and Sales Support Jessica Martin 8586 3520

Member Engagement Representative Clare Mayhew 8595 3515

NSW Division Coordinator Peter Sahyoun 9296 6607 / 0403 187 582

Member Services Admin Assistant Emma Day 02 8586 3572

EDUCATION AND SKILLS DEVELOPMENT

5 Burbank Place, Norwest NSW 2153 8586 3588

General Manager Education & Apprenticeships Jody McGann 8586 3589

APPRENTICESHIP SERVICES

Recruitment Coordinator Simon Page 8586 3534

Government Funding & Contracts Co-ord Maria Branezac 8586 3536

Payroll Officer Danyelle Griffiths 8586 3542

Sales Coordinator Michael Freeman 8586 5602 / 0423 025 380

Safety Coordinator Tarek Farhat 8586 3558

Field Officer Drae Nelson 0401 998 853

Field Officer Jose LeRoy 0402 108 185

Admin & Training Plan Mgt Donna Seidler 8586 3551

INDUSTRIAL RELATIONS

Workplace Relations Manager Cameron Spence 8586 3535

Industrial Relations Officers Iain Jarman 8586 3531 Matthew Gissane 8586 3531 Hamish Harrington 8586 3531

Executive Administrator Elena Worsfold 8586 3523

IR Administration Officer Annette Gee 8586 3531

Administration Assistant William Louie 9296 6603

Industry Sector Co-ordinator Tracey Van Breugel 9296 6666

Government Projects & Programs Manager Omesh Jethwani 8586 3539

SAFETY, HOUSING & TECHNICAL DEPARTMENT

Exec Officer Safety, Housing, Tech, & Risk David Solomon 8586 3552

Safety Officers Peter Murphy 8586 3523 Luke Sammut 8586 3523

Housing/Technical/Safety Officer Bart Beezley 8586 3523

Executive Administrator Elena Worsfold 8586 3523

Technical Administration Officer Libby Malloy

LEGAL

Head Solicitor

Senior Solicitor

Solicitor

Robert Collings 8586 3517

Hannah Shephard 8586 3549

Jena Hallani 8586 3547

Legal and Administration Officer Libby Molloy 8586 3517

EVENTS & BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT

Awards and Events Manager Amanda Kelly 8586 3504

Awards Coordinator

Susan Manning 8586 3506

Awards & Events Administration Maiya Irving-Mackinnon 8586 3546

Events Administrator

Events Administrator

Events Administrator

Janet Hood 9296 6613

Jayne Collins 8586 3524

Sophie Abbott

Information & Communications Technology

Head of Technology

Amanda Kernaghan 8586 3580

Communications Steven Swan 8586 3562

IT Support

FINANCE & ADMINISTRATION

Alexander Ashley-Carrington 8586 3525

Manager Finance & Administration Rose McGill 8586 3511

Accounts Supervisor Bachar Mourad 8586 3530

Credit Control Manager Eric Milne 8586 3509

Credit Officer Daniela Fraumeni 8586 3567

Credit Officer Terri Singer 8586 3571

Inventory & Administration Officer Treena Carter 8586 3527

Accounts Payable Officer Bridget Delmore 8586 3510

Finance officer Aiza Emileva

Reception #2 8586 3526

REGIONAL OFFICES

NEWCASTLE OFFICE

Level 1, 165 Lambton Road, Broadmeadow

4953 9400 or 9296 6777

NSW Regional & Division Manager Luke Reeves 9296 6775

Events Coordinator

Safety Officer

Andrea Cross 0418 770 630

John McGhee 9296 6772

Regional Awards & Events Team Lead Rebeccah Kilmurray 0499 022 677

MBA Insurance Services

Business Development Manager – Warranty Leeanne Farmer 9296 6781

Account Executive — HWI Jayne Cornwell 9296 6792

Reception & Division Administrator Lauren Linnen 4953 9400

Hunter Regional Coordinator Ebony Devlin 9296 6791

SME Account Executive Shannan Cummings 9296 6782

NORTHERN REGIONS

2 Boeing Avenue, Ballina

Regional Coordinator

6681 4266

Bernadette Hayter 0428 412 784

Business Development Manager Alan Fraser 0410 234 605

CENTRAL COAST

Zenith Building, 6/6 Reliance Drive, Tuggerah 4323 4588

Regional Coordinator

SOUTHERN REGIONS

Kerrie Bendeich 0403 128 682

Unit 1, 171 Princes Highway, Ulladulla 4454 1955

Regional Coordinator

Lynn Smith 0418 633 297

Member Services Representative Tracy Cooley 4454 1955

ALBURY

552B Stanley Street, Albury

Regional Coordinator

6058 2000

Laura English 0487 067 678

Member Services Representative Tricia Crome-Papalia 9296 6735

PORT MACQUARIE

Unit 3, 12 Jindalee Road, Port Macquarie 6581 4033

Regional Coordinator

WOLLONGONG

Kerrie Clark 0409 180 301

66 Auburn St, Wollongong 4272 9409

Regional Coordinator

Lee Tanks 0419 140 126

Member Services Representative Ruth Billington 4272 9409

ORANGE

10 Ralston Drive, Orange 02 6362 6895

Regional Coordinator

Katie Kidd 0458 243 976

Member Services Representative Chontae Bouffler MATES IN CONSTRUCTION Hotline 8586 3575

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From the President

The good news is... growth has resumed

As this edition of Master Builder goes to print, Master Builders Australia released its 2022-2026 Building and Construction Industry Forecasts for Australia.

From a national view, since the MBA’s 2021 forecasts, the economic landscape in Australia has seen major changes as we emerge from the pandemic. Interest rates increased for the first time in over a decade, inflation is surging, and unemployment is at its lowest in nearly 50 years. Events of the past few years have also exposed our dependence on overseas manufacturing and international supply chains and a renewed focus on deepening domestic capacity. Master Builders latest 2022-26 Building and Construction Industry Forecasts show bumps along the path to pandemic recovery, with activity declining in the first few years, then picking up in 2025.

Over the forecast horizon, residential activity won’t get back to a reasonable base of 200,000 starts until 2026, with medium/high rise residential hardest hit. After a decline in activity in 2023, nonresidential and engineering building and construction activity will increase steadily from 2024 but will cost taxpayers more because of the abolition of the Australian Building and Construction Commission.

From a NSW perspective our residential sector has suffered the most since inward migration ceased at the start of the pandemic. Medium-high density home building has had to absorb the bulk

of the pain, with less than 25,000 apartment/unit starts in the state during 2020. This compares with a peak of almost 44,000 during the mid-2010s decade. The good news is that the eventual return to full-scale inward migration into Sydney and other major cities will herald better days for higher-density home building.

Current data suggests that the ongoing series of interest rate hikes, weakening house prices, and stagnant rents in the Sydney market will take their toll during 2022, with a 6.3 per cent decline in commencements likely to occur. It is likely that activity will drop back further during 2023 and 2024.

It is towards the end of our forecast horizon that we expect to see the biggest benefits from stronger migration. Non-residential building in NSW got through the pandemic much better than might have been feared.

By 2026, we anticipate that non-residential building activity in NSW will be 12.3 per cent higher than in 2021. The biggest winner will be projects related to social, cultural and recreational buildings. This is on top of the sizeable gains made here during the pandemic. Less favourable are prospects for retail and commercial projects, which are likely to slip back by almost 10 per cent over the years to 2026.

Engineering construction activity in NSW suffered back-to-back declines during 2020 and 2021, however the good news is that growth has resumed, and an increase of 2.5 per cent is likely over the course of 2022. By 2026, the volume of engineering construction activity in NSW will be 17.5 per cent higher than in 2021. Predictably, transport infrastructure projects will exert much influence on this outcome.

The MBA will provide members with detailed forecasts relating to both national and NSW sectors.

Simon Pilcher MBA NSW President

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From the Executive Director

Looking back, and looking forward

The front cover of this Edition of MASTER BUILDER says it all.

In a first for the industry, Australian television, and the Master Builders Association of NSW, a building and renovating programme is coming to Channel 7two in October this year. Aptly named “MASTER BUILD: the Real World of Building and Renovating”, the four-part series will feature some of the award-nominated properties built by Master Builders Association of NSW members with a fifth episode covering the state-wide 2022 Excellence in Housing and Pool Awards Ceremony which will be held in November this year.

Builders rarely get the positive recognition they deserve — we hear about the design side in the general media, but not about the actual builders. At the moment, when the general public hears about the building industry it often involves problems with material supply, cost increases and delays due to the pandemic; we want to showcase the positive side of the industry including some gorgeous properties.

Members may recall the 2021 Excellence in Housing and Pool awards were aired on 7two last year, with some 60,000 people tuning in. After that result, Channel 7 was happy to have us back. The overarching purpose of this program is to highlight amazing builds, and educate the public about the realities of the industry — including realistic portrayals of costs and timings — rather than their knowledge being based on reality television shows.

So much of the builder’s job is communication with their client and managing expectations, but until you’ve had experience with a renovation or build yourself, most people don’t realise this.

Each episode of MASTER BUILD: the Real World of Building and Renovating, will highlight projects — from new builds, alterations and additions, even a granny flat.

The whole production team travelled throughout New South Wales to inspect individual properties and speak to their owners and the builders responsible for the construction.

The team travelled to, and filmed homes in Darlinghurst, Birchgrove, Avalon, Marrickville, Whitebridge, McMahons Point, Northbridge, Earlwood, Newtown, Lennox Head, Cabarita Beach, Broken Head, Orange, Palm

Beach, and Box Hill. In addition to the film crew, the team included individuals with 20+ years of broadcast experience, and MASTER BUILD hosts Tim Ross and Liv Phyland. Tim is a radio host, television presenter and comedian with a passion for architecture and design, while Liv is a television presenter with a background with the ABC and Network 10.

Interestingly we found that generally owners are private people, but they’d had such positive experiences with the builders who looked after their projects, that they were more than happy to bring us into their homes and be ambassadors for their contractors.

We envisage MASTER BUILD will become Australia wide, highlighting the skills and diversity of the building and construction industry, as well as the products used to produce and contribute to our built environment.

On a final note, I would like to announce the Master Builders Association of NSW will celebrate its 150th Anniversary in October 2023.

The MBA/NSW is the oldest building industry employer association in Australia, having been founded on 21 October 1873. On that day, some 25 Sydney builders met in Temperance Hall, Pitt Street Sydney, and passed a number of resolutions which saw the formation of the MBA. Minutes of that October 1873 meeting record;

“That in the opinion of this meeting it is desirable that an Association should be formed of the Master Builders of Sydney having for its object the protection of their interests”.

Passed unanimously.

As we count down to 21 October 2023, we will highlight in upcoming editions of MASTER BUILDER the important contribution the MBA has made to the building and construction industry in NSW.

Brian Seidler MBA NSW Executive Director

I

n a first for the industry and Australian television, a Master Builders Association of NSW programme is coming to 7two in October this year.

Aptly named “MASTER BUILD: the Real World of Building and Renovating”, the fourpart series will feature some of the awardnominated properties built by Master Builders NSW members in the past year or so, with a fifth episode covering the state-wide 2022 Excellence in Housing and Pool awards ceremony aired on Sunday, November 20 at 11am (the live awards night will take place on Friday 11 November at Rosehill Gardens Racecourse).

Master Builders Association of NSW’s awards and events manager, Amanda Kelly, is excited for what this series will mean for the industry.

“Builders rarely get the positive recognition they deserve — we hear about the design side in the general media, but not the actual builders,” Amanda said.

“At the moment, when the general public hears about the building industry it often involves problems with material supply, cost increases and delays due to the pandemic; we want to

showcase the positive side of the industry including some gorgeous properties.”

The 2021 Excellence in Housing and Pool awards were aired on 7two last year in New South Wales, with some 60,000 people tuning in.

“After that result, Channel 7 was happy to have us back,” Amanda said.

The overarching purpose of the show is to highlight amazing builds, and educate the public about the realities of the industry — including realistic portrayals of costs and timings — rather than their knowledge being based solely on reality television shows.

“One of our builders had a client who was so surprised that throughout the whole project, communication was great — they said they were always wondering ‘when is the fight going to happen?’ That’s because all they knew of the building industry was from reality TV shows where there is always a fight, to add entertainment,” Amanda said.

“So much of a builder’s job is communication

with their client and managing expectations, but until you’ve had experience with a renovation or build yourself, most people don’t realise this”.

“You know, the industry experiences ups and downs like any other sector, and we all just need to learn how to work smarter and manage expectations — whether that be through cost increases, supply shortages, pandemics, or anything else thrown at us.”

Each episode of MASTER BUILD: the Real World of Building and Renovating will highlight projects over the course of an hour — from new builds to alterations and additions, and even a granny flat.

Builders rarely get the positive recognition they deserve — we hear about the design side in the general media, but not the actual builders”

— MASTER BUILDERS NSW AWARDS & EVENTS MANAGER, AMANDA KELLY

“Only picking a handful of projects out of the hundreds that are nominated for our Excellence in Housing and Pool awards was extremely difficult. The selection process was undertaken by a team of people to showcase a variety of different builds,” Amanda explained.

“Fortunately our judges are sourced externally and independent from Master Builders, so there was no risk of compromising the results of the awards.”

The whole team travelled throughout New South Wales to inspect individual properties and speak to their owners and the builders responsible for the construction.

“We had a film crew of 12 people, and you could see the excitement and enthusiasm they had for discovering these projects every time we pulled up at a new property,” Amanda said.

“The owners of the homes were absolutely lovely, offering the team cups of tea and making everyone feel welcome.”

“Generally owners are private people, but they’d had such positive experiences with the builders who looked after their projects, that they were more than happy to bring us into their homes and be ambassadors for their builders.”

Master Builders NSW hopes that viewers find inspiration and ideas in these showcases for their own future projects, renovations, or home updates.

“MASTER BUILD is an aspirational show as well

as an educational one.”

The team travelled to and filmed homes in Darlinghurst, Birchgrove, Avalon, Marrickville, Whitebridge, McMahons Point, Northbridge, Earlwood, Newtown, Lennox Head, Cabarita Beach, Broken Head, Orange, Palm Beach, and Box Hill.

In addition to the film crew, the team included

members with 20+ years of broadcast experience and of course, MASTER BUILD hosts Tim Ross and Liv Phyland.

Tim is a radio host, television presenter and comedian with a passion for architecture and design while Liv is a television presenter with a background with the ABC and Network 10.

“Having these two hosts with their respective

backgrounds brings a great balance to the show,” Amanda enthused.

Filming for MASTER BUILD took place in August, “our director/producer has said that she could probably get a building licence herself now, with the amount she’s learned on the show,” Amanda laughed.

But the show’s not over when the last episode airs — far from it.

“The plan is to have 12 or more episodes in subsequent seasons and follow projects from day one,” Amanda said.

“We envisage MASTER BUILD will become Australia wide, highlighting the skills and diversity of the building and construction industry along with the products used to produce and contribute to our built environment.”

MASTER BUILD: the Real World of Building and Renovating will air nationally at 11am each

Sunday from October 23 on 7two, and will also be available on 7+ for viewers who want to catch up on the show outside the official airing slot.

If you’d like to be part of the 2023 awards, or partner with the Master Builders for upcoming episodes, email the team at events@mbansw.asn.au or info@masterbuild.tv

Visit our websites: www.mbansw.asn.au or www.masterbuild.tv

BEAMS

Unlike

BEAMS

Full

HOUSING & POOL AWARDS 2022

Year in, year out we see some amazingly impressive buildings and this year is no exception. It is a credit to the skills and talent of all our entrants.

Judging finished in late August and preparation for the annual gala presentation night is underway.

We are looking forward to seeing everyone on Friday 11 November 2022 at Rosehill Gardens, Rosehill Racecourse to discover who has been judged to be this year’s Best-of-the-Best.

While we wait for the official results, here is a teaser of some of the projects entered this year.

Ascon Group Pty Ltd Bellevarde Constructions

Bacuss Constructions

CplusC Architectural Workshop

Blue Label Construction Pty Ltd

Heanesbuilt Pty Ltd

Build By Design Pty Ltd

Ozzbuild Pty Ltd

Futureflip Pty Ltd

LoveLife Projects Pty Ltd

Souter Built

Scott James Builder

Firstyle Homes

THE FUTURE OF WORKPLACE RELATIONS IN NSW

Omesh Jethwani, Government Projects & Programs Manager and Cameron Spence, Workplace Relations Manager, in conversation with The Hon. Damien Tudehope, Minister for Finance and Minister for Employee Relations.

Since you were sworn in as Minister for Finance and Employment Relations in December 2021, how has your journey been so far?

It has been an interesting journey because we live in a time of heightened industrial activity but I welcome the challenges and opportunities that brings. There are a lot of issues facing both employer and employee groups, and getting the policy settings right is an important component of the job. Those outcomes flow across the full suite of Government service delivery so its important that we get it right.

What are you most proud of so far in your time serving NSW?

It is difficult to identify one thing but I think as a Government, in which I previously held the role of Small Business Minister, the response to Covid-19 stands out.

I think we can be proud of the manner in which we assisted small businesses through Covid-19 to make sure that we got as many businesses through that period when they were under enormous pressure, with no customers, no income and no ability to repay debt. We put in place a whole lot of policy settings for small business to be assisted to get through the pandemic. We were probably the leading State in our economic response to Covid-19. That meant getting the balance right between economic response and health response. In doing so we were able to help a lot of businesses get through that period.

What does work-life balance look like for you?

It varies from Minister to Minister. I would have found it hard to balance political life with looking after an ever-growing family given the level of demands placed on politicians. I have come into politics reasonably late in my life. My children have all left home and got careers of their own. In many respects, I think this is an ideal time to draw on the experience that I have had as a lawyer and as a father. Also, having a large family helps me to understand the pressures that those bring and contribute to politics with that in mind.

I have a profound admiration for people who can balance family and politics as it is challenging. I think the Premier is a beacon in terms of the manner in which he does balance family life. I have to say that the demands of political life make that balance difficult, but I am probably doing it at a stage of my life where it is best able to be done for me.

In a classroom of six-year-olds in a show and tell, how would you describe your role?

I would say that my role is to improve the lives of all the kids in this class and their parents.

Industrial relations disputes seem to be on the rise in the State (Trains, Nurses) — why is this?

It is complex and very different in different segments of the workforce. There has been a long period of industrial harmony accompanied by low inflation and consistent real wage increases for public servants. Now we are living in a different economic climate which presents challenges for employees and

employers. We are also living in a different political environment. The head of Unions NSW, Mark Morey, came out and quite openly said this would be a year of strike and industrial activity. He foreshadowed that the unions were in a pre-election environment. They were going to influence that environment through industrial activity. So, we are facing increased industrial activity against a different economic climate background. In addition, a political climate is playing into that scenario, and I think those who have an input into the industrial climate recognise both factors.

As the State returns to work postCOVID-19, what employment issues do you think will be front and centre in 2022?

The pre-eminent issue which is confronting everyone in their lives at the moment is the increase in cost-of-living pressures, regardless of whether you are an employer or employee.

Employers are very cognisant of all those things which impact how they run their business, whether that is increased payroll, whether it is increased rent or difficulties with supply chains. The cost of running a business is clearly increasing across a whole range of things, such as turning on the lights, paying rent, etc. The cost of doing business is clearly escalating.

From the employee side, the mums and dads who take home a weekly wage — because of inflationary pressure and mortgage pressures — are effectively seeing a reduction in real wages. Getting that tension right, between making sure the employers can keep employing people and that employees have sufficient means to

feed their families and deliver a reasonable lifestyle. This is where the tension exists. We must ensure a reasonable balance between employee demands and employer demands.

As the Minister for Employment Relations, what do you believe is the single most important issue in workplace relations in NSW today?

The biggest issue is the cost of living and getting it right to ensure that we get a fair and reasonable outcome for both employers and their employees. In New South Wales, the public sector is the employee group for which we are most responsible. The Federal Government and the Fair Work Commission have responsibility for the private sector. We have nearly 450,000 public sector employees in New South Wales, and our responsibility for the public sector is first to recognise the pressures on those public sector employees and make sure that we can afford the pay increases and the work conditions which they are seeking.

For example, we have had the health services union come to us with a variety of demands in relation to their employees. Everyone in our community recognises health workers’ contribution during the pandemic. We have put in place what I think is a very reasonable package to recognise the contribution of the health service sector, provides a fair and reasonable wage increases and looks to areas where we can modernise and improve awards.

Getting those policy settings right has been important. The wages policy, when first introduced in 2011, was one of the single most important factors in ensuring that we got wages under control. This was needed to provide the capacity to deliver a desperately needed infrastructure pipeline for the people of the State. Getting our wages policy correct allowed us to deliver outcomes for the whole of the people of the State; whether it is rail infrastructure, road infrastructure, hospitals, or schools, they are the things that people expect us to deliver, but we also have got to make sure that we would look after our public sector employees at the same time.

NSW has a notable city/country divide — do you see different employment relations issues facing people in regional areas as opposed to people in Sydney?

There are obviously differences in lifestyles in regional and metropolitan areas. However, whether you are in the country or the city, the same pressures exist in respect of the cost of living. Turning on the lights every day, as I said before, is a costly enterprise. Paying your electricity, gas, and grocery bills are the same whether you live in the country or the city. If you have a family in the country, you still must pay your child’s care costs and mortgage. There are tree change opportunities for people who

want to relocate to regional areas because they can potentially get better cost of living arrangements. However, from an industrial perspective, when the Government sets employee relations policies, it is the same things that they take into account.

In two recent decisions, the High Court has clearly stated that contract is king when determining the status of a worker as an employee versus a contractor. In making these decisions, the High Court has reversed a long line of decisions that had previously enabled courts to infer a relationship based on post-contractual behaviour. What are your views on this development?

I think something is to be said for the High Court taking the position. I am a lawyer by profession, and I have to say there should be an acceptance of the fact that when two parties who are acting in good faith reach an agreement between each other, the court should not interfere with that contract unless they can demonstrate that there are other factors which show that there is inequity in the bargaining positions of the parties and they are truly not independent contractors.

But where the parties’ bargaining positions are equal and enter into a contract, the black letter lawyer in me says the High Court should honour the terms of the contracts people enter into.

I am well aware of cases involving independent contractors where courts have sought to form a view about whether someone is an independent contractor, employee, or the like and have ignored the contract’s provisions. I think these cases go to circumstances where the court is saying if there is a contract between the parties, if you are a true independent contractor, for example, an owner-driver or any of a whole range of activities that people enter, then you should honour the contract, and I support that decision.

unions to represent employees’ interests. Where potentially I think there is animosity between governments and unions is whether there is a perception by Government that a union oversteps their bargaining rights in relation to properly representing their employees. Now everyone will have a view with regard to that, and sometimes you lose public sympathy, and sometimes you gain it. However, because unions are vital in many respects, they should not abuse their position in terms of the representation of employees for the purposes of obtaining political outcomes, because I think it diminishes the function that unions should rightly play in representing their employees.

Given that the vast majority of Industrial Relations is now a Federal matter under the Fair Work Act 2009, what do you see as the primary role of the NSW IRC going forward?

As I have said before, the primary role is that we have a relationship with and retain jurisdiction over 450,000 public sector employees. The Industrial Relations Commission has an enormous role to play in managing wages disputes and implementing fair and reasonable employment conditions in industrial instruments. It has a considerable role to play in resolving industrial disputes and unfair dismissal claims in respect of public sector and local government sector employees.

There has been a long period of industrial harmony accompanied by low inflation and consistent real wage increases for public servants. Now we are living in a different economic climate which presents challenges for employees and employers. We are also living in a different political environment.

Another important aspect that is often overlooked is the work that the Industrial Relations Commission does with regard to the transport sector in NSW, mainly owner-driver, couriers and taxis. It provides a safety net for these sectors where some of the operators may not have equal bargaining power. Recent consent amendments to some of these Contract Determinations, it would appear the system is supported and working well. Chapter 6 of the Industrial Relations Act was a unique mechanism to the NSW industrial relations landscape that other jurisdictions are now liking and copying.

Unions are obviously a major player in State Industrial Relations. How would you describe your relationship with them?

Whenever you are the Industrial Relations Minister in a conservative government, you are often construed as an enemy of the union. Quite frankly, I think that is unfounded. I respect and believe that there is an essential place for

What key issues do you want the NSW Industrial Relations Commission to address?

I do not dictate to the NSW Industrial Relations Commission. It is an independent industrial tribunal. I think that it has an important role to play in applications in relation to employment agreements for endorsing those employment agreements to make sure that they comply with

the Government wages policy and to make sure that the terms of those agreements are fair and reasonable and are agreed to properly by the parties.

The NSW Industrial Relations Commission has a significant role to play. Some of the issues it has been involved with — certainly during COVID-19 — are critical issues such as COVID-19 vaccination mandates and related issues regarding the timing of returning to work. Some employees have chosen not to be vaccinated and have brought proceedings to the Industrial Relations Commission. These are complex issues which need to be thrashed out. The Government has a handsoff approach in relation to that. We might have a policy, but we are hands-off. The Industrial Relations Commission generally tries to reach an outcome in respect of those employees and their employer, often a department, to ensure that they are treated properly and fairly.

Given the ‘rough and tumble’ history of industrial relations in the construction space, do you see a role for increased law enforcement in industrial relations in NSW?

There are two things I shall say with respect to that.

Firstly, I think there is a demand that we enforce orders that the NSW Industrial Relations Commission makes. I have reasonably given notice that we shall introduce legislation to increase penalties for parties who do not comply with orders made by the NSW Industrial Relations Commission. Currently, we have the lowest penalty regime of any state in Australia in respect of the penalties imposed for noncompliance.

If the penalties for non-compliance are seen as merely a feather duster approach to industrial relations policy, then they’re easy to flout. I think we should be sending a signal that the rule of law needs to be complied with, and the rule of law should apply in relation to industrial activity as it does with respect to every other aspect of our life. We cannot have an industrial relations system in which parties feel free to flout as they wish.

The second thing we must be cognisant of is that we have had a long period of industrial peace, but people often forget or do not have the corporate memory of when we did not have

industrial peace. Certainly, the building sector has had a number of Royal Commissions in relation to activity in the building sector. We should not lose sight of the fact that there was, in many respects, a serious degree of lawlessness attributed to those unions involved in the building sector. I have that memory, whether it was the Giles Royal Commission, Cole Royal Commission, or the Hayden Royal Commission, where it exposed a significant amount of what can only be described as lawless behaviour by building unions which need to be addressed.

I have serious concerns about the dismantling of the Australian Building and Construction Commission (ABCC), and I think that we have projects in New South Wales which are essential for the economy and productivity of the State. We cannot allow a circumstance to arise where we have industrial lawlessness, which creates a blowout in the cost of those projects. If the ABCC is to be dismantled, we need to be able to look at other ways to make sure that we have an industrial relations framework that appropriately serves employees and the broader community.

and

It’s all just a little bit of history repeating

t’s all just a little bit of history repeating… this catchy song by Shirley Bassey is the most apt introduction to this article. In the building and construction industry, history is repeating right before our eyes.

I

On 25 July 2022 the newly elected Albanese Labor Government wound the 2016 Building Code back to its “bare legal minimum’’ and by doing so took its first steps towards its promised abolition of the Australian Building and Construction Commission (ABCC). The history of the ABCC stretches back to 2001 and the Cole Royal Commission, and prior to that there is a history stretching back till at least the early 1980s all of which shows that the building and construction is unique and as such needs a specialist regulator.

The ABCC exists to enforce laws under the Fair Work Act 2009 (Fair Work Act) and the Building and Construction Industry (Improving Productivity) Act 2016 (BCIIP Act). The BCIIP

Act makes provision for a Building Code. This is the Code that contractors were bound by when they applied for Commonwealth work. It is this Code which has been stripped back to its “bare legal minimum.”

On 25 July 2022, the Albanese Government registered a legislative instrument called the Code for the Tendering and Performance of Building Work Amendment Instrument 2022 (the Amended Code). This was the document by which the 2016 Building Code was stripped back to the “bare legal minimum”.

Both the Fair Work Act and the BCIIP Act are still in full effect and people are still bound by these laws. But the key point here is that the Code has been effectively hollowed out, and this hollowing out means that the regulator loses their ability to impact the industry. So whilst there is technically still a regulator, the practical result of this legal manoeuvre is that the regulator cannot now drive effective change in the industry.

In short, the code bound the industry to a higher standard of behaviour. Now the Code has been gutted, there is nothing to stop poor behaviour re-emerging. The situation is not much different from a riot in a big city. The laws are still in full effect, but when there is no police around to enforce them, people will smash and grab, knowing they can get away with it.

University of Adelaide law professor Andrew Stewart recently noted that the extent of law breaking in the building and construction sector “…is arguably greater than any other sector” the professor however went on to state that “[t]o the extent that conduct is directed against large employers that have the resources to go to court then arguably there’s no reason for [a regulator] to be directing scarce resources there.”

It is naive to suggest that companies can now take legal action on their own behalf to enforce the Fair Work Act and the BCIIP Act.

Law enforcement is a job for an independent

regulator. The CFMEU has been fined over $16 million by the ABCC since 2016. It is pure fantasy to think that any one business, no matter how well resourced, can take on the CFMEU without risking consequences. The simple fact is that the building and construction industry is unique, and it needs a tough regulator. Without one, lawless behavior will return.

The ALP used to agree with this basic premise. In 2007 the then Federal shadow Industrial Relations Minister Julia Gillard warned building unions that there would always be ‘a tough cop on the beat’ under a Labor Government. In a National Press Club speech in May 2007, Gillard reassured business:

“I am from the political party that deregistered the BLF. That happened in Victoria under the Cain Labor government. Any suggestion that Labor’s track history isn’t one of insisting on tough compliance is a suggestion that simply doesn’t pass the test of analysis…”

In April 2022 the High Court of Australia in the landmark Pattinson case stated that “the CFMEU’s continuing defiance … indicates that it regards penalties previously imposed as ‘an acceptable cost of doing business”.

Since the ABCC was reinstated in December 2016, it has had an astonishing success rate as a regulator. Its actions have resulted in over $17 million in penalties. $16 million of which have been against the CFMEU alone. This is an extraordinary statistic.

Master Builders still hopes that more sensible thinking prevails and that there is a regulator in some fashion or other for the construction industry. So that we don’t have to repeat the sad tale of lawlessness once again in the industry, followed by a royal commission, followed by a call for a regulator.

However, if the ABCC is to be abolished, this is a good opportunity to have a brief look at the history of the regulator and indeed, why we have a specialist regulator in this industry at all.

History repeating

The idea of specialist regulator for building and construction is not new. Lawless behavior, particularly from construction unions had been on the Australian radar since at least the late 1940s. The ABCC as it exists today was established by the Building and Construction Industry (Improving Productivity) Act 2016 (the BCIIP Act) on 2 December 2016 however, the history of the agency stretches back to the 2001 Cole Royal Commission into the building and construction industry.

In fact, a similar regulator, called the Building Industry Task Force (BITF) was established in NSW following the recommendations of the Gyles Royal Commission into the NSW Building

industry in the early 1990s.

In 1974 the forerunner to the CFMEU, the Builders Laborer’s Federation (BLF) was deregistered as a federal organisation before being re-registered some two years later based on undertakings about future industrial behavior.

Following the 1982 Winneke Royal Commission Report (which saw the federal secretary and Victorian state secretary of the BLF, Norm Gallagher come to face corruption charges) a further effort was made to deregister the BLF.

The newly elected Hawke Federal Government and the ALP Cain-led Victorian governments withdrew from the deregistration proceedings in 1983, again based on undertakings (given to the Federal Court) about future conduct.

The undertakings however were not honored and on 14 April 1986 the BLF was deregistered federally and the state branches of the BLF in NSW and VIC were deregistered at the same time.

When introducing the deregistration legislation into the House of Representatives in August 1985, PM Hawke stated: “The BLF’s complete disdain for the law, their frequent resort to practices of thuggery and physical coercion have no place in our society. The BLF has forfeited any claim it might otherwise have had either on the community at large or on the trade union movement”.

1992 — The Gyles Royal Commission

In 1992 there was a Royal Commission into Productivity in the Building Industry in New South Wales conducted by Roger Vincent Gyles, a former Judge of the Federal Court and the NSW Supreme Court.

Gyles publicly observed that; “Observance of the law and law enforcement in general play very little part in the industry. The law of the jungle prevails. The culture is pragmatic and unprincipled. The ethos is to catch and to kill your own…

Once it becomes acceptable to break, bend, evade or ignore the law and ethical responsibilities, there is no shortage of ways and means to do so.”

Gyles noted that industrial relations was overwhelmingly the most important issue and the union’s conduct and philosophy the fundamental cause of the industry’s problems. He recommended the government deregister the Builders Workers Industrial Union (BWIU)

(now the CFMEU) in both the state and federal jurisdictions, and his Commission’s BITF pursue cases and recommended changes to the law. Gyles made 63 recommendations to the NSW Government, of which all but two were adopted.

One of the recommendations was to “commence deregistration proceedings against the CFMEU”.

These proceedings however did not commence. In return for not proceeding with deregistration, the CFMEU entered in a ‘Deed of Agreement’ with the NSW Government.

The Deed (dated 16 March 1994) set out a clear Code of Conduct of behavior for the union and its officials. The Deed was signed by both State and National officers of the CFMEU, the secretary of the Labor Council of NSW, and the NSW Minister for Industrial Relations.

Following Gyles recommendations came the NSW Code of Practice for the Construction Industry (1996), then the Commonwealth, State and Territory governments through the Australian Procurement and Construction Council (APCC) introduced a National Code of Practice for the Construction Industry in 1997.

It is interesting to note with a change to a Labor NSW Government led by Bob Carr in 1995, the Building Industry Task Force was disbanded almost immediately.

2001 — The Cole Royal Commission

By August 2001 unlawful behavior was again rife in the industry and the Cole Royal Commission was established to enquire into unlawful practices in the industry.

In March 2003, Commissioner Cole tabled his final report and found that that the building and construction industry was characterised by a widespread disregard for the law, and that existing regulatory bodies had insufficient powers and resources to enforce the law. The reasons for this lawless behavior are numerous but the contracting nature of the industry, the large cash flows, and the opportunity for construction unions to gain wealth far beyond mere union dues by exercising leverage through industrial unrest and the abuse of right of entry powers, all seem to play a part.

Cole stated that;

“These findings demonstrate an industry which departs from the standards of

...the key point is that the ability of the regulator to enforce good behaviour has been crippled.

commercial and industrial conduct exhibited in the rest of the Australian economy. They mark the industry as singular. They indicate an urgent need for structural and cultural reform. At the heart of the findings is lawlessness…”

The final report had 212 recommendations, the great majority about changes to federal workplace relations legislation governing the building and construction industry. Cole also proposed an Australian Building and Construction Commission (ABCC) to monitor illegal behavior by unions.

In short, the Cole Royal Commission recommended the establishment of an independent commission to monitor conduct in the building and construction industry.

In October 2002, an interim body, the Building Industry Taskforce, was established. It became a permanent national taskforce in March 2004. On 1 October 2005, Under PM John Howard the Office of the Australian Building and Construction Commissioner was established.

On 1 June 2012, Under Prime Minister Gillard, the Fair Work Building and Construction replaced the Office of the Australian Building and Construction Commissioner as the building industry regulator.

On 30 January 2013, Then Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations Bill Shorten announced a new Building Code 2013 would take effect on 1 February 2013. The Building Code 2013 outlined a range of requirements designed to promote lawful behavior within the industry, regrettably however, from MBA’s perspective, the 2013 Code lacked sufficient sanctions to force change within the industry.

2015 — The Heydon Royal Commission

The Heydon Royal Commission was broader in

scope than simply the building and construction industry and was concerned with Trade Union governance and corruption. Lasting approximately 21 months, the Commission hosted 155 days of public hearings, 46 days of private hearings, received evidence from over 500 individual witnesses and was completed on time and under budget.

The Royal Commission revealed allegations involving multiple examples of bribery, extortion and blackmail in the nation’s construction industry. The report listed 79 recommendations to improve the governance of registered organizations, to improve the management of construction worksites across the country, and to make unions more transparent and accountable to their members.

Foremost among these recommendations was the reinstatement of the ABCC.

On 2 July 2016 the entire nation watched the outcome of the double dissolution election, an election called by the Turnbull Government, largely based on its promise to re-instate the ABCC with greater power.

On 2 December 2016, the Australian Building and Construction Commission (ABCC) commenced operations, established by the Building and Construction Industry (Improving Productivity) Act 2016.

Since December 2016 nationally, the CFMMEU and its representatives have had some $16 million in penalties imposed for repeated breaches of the law. In addition to the astonishing fines, the legal activity of the ABCC has meant that the Federal Court of Australia has made many judgments which may help to uphold lawful behavior in the construction industry into the future. However, in the absence of a powerful regulator such as the ABCC, this law will not be properly enforced.

As a direct result of the ABCC, the High Court of Australia has confirmed that any person can,

and should, be fined the maximum for flagrant law breaking in an industrial context but again, without a powerful public regulator the law will not easily be enforced.

In April 2022 Independent consultant Ernst & Young handed down a report (commissioned by the MBA Australia) which analysed the impacts to Australia’s economy from the abolition of the ABCC. The headline being that abolishing the ABCC could cost the Australian economy around $47 billion.

The Building and Construction Industry is in many ways the canary in the coalmine of the Australian economy. The industry is critical to economic confidence and investment in areas as diverse as employment, home ownership and venture capital. A few facts tell an important story:

• The Building and Construction Industry employs nearly 1.2 million Australians.

• The Building and Construction Industry is the single largest provider of direct employment in Australia.

• The Building and Construction Industry provides more opportunities to small business than any other sector of the economy.

• The Building and Construction Industry employs more Apprentices and Trainees than any other sector.

Summary

When people talk about History, we often hear the old saying; ‘’Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.”

The history in our industry is clear. Unlawful behavior is an ever-present risk within the building and construction industry – without a powerful and independent regulator, lawless behavior is likely to return.

Master Builders NSW Top 50 Industry Luncheon

NSW Government announces Building Commissioner will stay on

On Friday, 26 August 2022, Master Builders Association of NSW presented the Top 50 Builders Luncheon at Royal Randwick with special guests, the Hon. Victor Dominello MP, Minister for Customer Service and Digital Government, Small Business and Fair Trading and David Chandler OAM, NSW Building Commissioner.

Addressing nearly 200 people at a sold-out event, Minister Dominello outlined the digital transformation across NSW Government services and what it meant for the Building and Construction industry.

The Minister has driven a number of significant reforms impacting the Building and Construction industry, including overhauling the state’s strata title laws, the rollout of the e-Planning portal, the establishment of the Strata Portal and e-Construction platforms and the e-Regulation initiative.

The Australian newspaper recently recognised the Minister as one of the nation’s Top 100 Innovators.

In addition, Minister Dominello announced that the NSW Building Commissioner has withdrawn his resignation and Mr Chandler will remain in

his role until August 2023.

“Mr Chandler is a highly respected industry leader, and his commitment to the year ahead ensures we will maintain momentum in lifting customer confidence across residential building and construction in NSW,” Minister Dominello said.

“He has made significant contributions to building industry reform in this State, and I am happy the work can continue under his leadership.”

“In the year ahead, the focus will be on continued advocacy for industry change to deliver key projects, including Project Remediate and a new initiative known as Project Intervene, where we are working with the strata community to help rectify serious defects in existing buildings.”

Minister Dominello said Mr Chandler would work closely with Property Services Commissioner John Minns to progress industry reform across the strata sector.

“This will be an important collaboration as the journey of establishing buildings transitions into what happens after they are built. Close engagement with strata communities, building

managers and other service providers will inform the key areas we need to address,” Mr Dominello said.

Mr Chandler will move forward with industry and consumers to advance ongoing and additional building reforms. This will include progressing Construct NSW, which focuses on six areas of industry reform: regulation, ratings, education, contracts, digital tools and data and research.

In Mr Chandler’s first public remarks addressing industry leaders, his U-turn in the role, he said his decision followed almost four weeks of “Victor’s arm-twisting”.

Mr Chandler explained why he felt the need to extract himself from overseeing the state’s beleaguered construction industry.

“Frankly, the situation is that I’m not an elected member of parliament,” Mr Chandler said at the Master Builders NSW event.

“And when a bureaucrat feels as though the work that you’re trying to do is probably tougher than it needs to be, then a bureaucrat has got to make the decision as to whether that place suits them or not. That’s the only decision that’s happened here.”

The Hon. Victor Dominello MP.

Brad Walters, Head of product and ratings services, Equafax.

David Chandler OAM, NSW Building Commissioner, with Master Builders NSW Executive Director Brian Seidler.

The Commissioner joked that he was headed for the physio after Minister Dominello twisted his arm into staying until August 2023.

In his presentation, Mr Chandler discussed the significance of building industry reforms over the last three years and the long-term impact this will have on rebuilding public confidence and our pride in our industry.

In addition, Mr Chandler said he was pleased to continue the work the industry had achieved.

“Much has been achieved in the past two years, but there is still more to be done to establish NSW’s residential building and construction market as the most trusted and customercentric in the country. I am looking forward to continuing the work we have started,” Mr Chandler said.

The NSW Building Commissioner will continue focusing on key projects, including the removal of dangerous flammable cladding from highrise buildings and working with the strata community to rectify serious building defects.

The Luncheon also heard from industry partner EQUAFAX, who outlined the services offered by the companies operating as a rating agency. EQUAFAX specialises in developing ratings models and contributes to public sector reviews and Government enquiries on insolvency in the construction industry.

EQUAFAX has been instrumental in the development of the independent construction industry rating tool (iCIRT).

Alexandra Shaw, Strategic Enterprise Director, presented a number of iCIRT industry awards:

• The Builder Transparency Award, received by Fabrizio Perilli on behalf of TOGA

• Builder Professionalism Award, received by Mark Monk on behalf of Helm, and

• Builder Governance, received by Ray Millar from North Construction & Building Pty Ltd.

Congratulations to all award recipients!

The Top 50 Builders Luncheon would not have been possible without the generous support of our major partner, Equifax Australia.

The 2022 Building Degree Graduate of the Year Award winners were also announced at the event.

These awards are open to all New South Wales graduates. The Awards were introduced by the Sydney Division of the Master Builders to encourage the next generation of building professionals, and proudly sponsored by CBUS.

Representing the 2022 Building Degree Graduate Awards Sponsor, CBUS SUPER, Jessica Weston, Senior Employer Engagement Manager, presented the awards to the winners.

1st place: Brittany Wells from FDC Construction & Fitout

Brittany has been employed with FDC since 2018 and is currently employed as a Contract Administrator.

In April, Brittany completed her Bachelor of Construction Management at Western Sydney University with Honours and was awarded the University Medal.

Brittany now has responsibility for the Hilltop Precinct Separable Portion of the Oakhill College Innovation Hub project, including cost control, forecasting and procurement.

2nd Place: David Sidra from Construction Consultants

David began training with Construction Consultants in 2017 and graduated with a Bachelor of Construction Management from Western Sydney University.

During his time with Construction Consultants, David successfully mitigated the risk of project delays, has exceeded budgets, and managed successfully interpreting and administering the head contract and subcontract agreements.

3rd Place: Nathan Wood from Erilyan Pty Ltd

Nathan commenced his training with Erilyan in 2014 and completed his Bachelor of Construction Management with Honours this year from the University of Newcastle.

Builder Professionalism Award presented by Brad Walters and Alexandra Shaw, received by Mark Monk on behalf of Helm.

He achieved this whilst also managing up to 50 subcontractors on regional sites. His role as Site Manager included the demolition and construction of The Cardiac Catheterisation Laboratory and Intensive Care development, The IVF Laboratory and Consulting Suite upgrade and refurbishment at Dudley Private Hospital in Orange NSW.

The MBA acknowledges the winners and nominees for the 2022 Awards.

MBA also thanks this year’s judges, Bill Stavrinos from Richard Crookes Constructions and Stephen Flannery from Fugen Constructions, for their time and expertise in interviewing all our nominees. We are grateful for their efforts to ensure the awards are possible.

We also thank CBUS for their continued support of these Awards.

MASTER BUILDERS FINANCIAL SERVICES

The Team at Master Builders Financial Services has extensive experience in the Banking and Finance Sector.

We specialise in Asset and Equipment finance for the building and construction industry.

Supported by our Home loan and Business lending specialists, we have the expertise to create structured finance packages to suit business and personal needs of our MBA members.

Ogarit Kelley – Manager, Financial Services, has been with the MBA since 2011. Ogarit has been supporting members, their families, and colleagues with all facets of lending, finance and industry updates and requirements in an ever so changing market.

Mick Brazel – Mortgage & Business Lending Specialist brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the financial services team. Mick specialises in SME lending with the ability to tailor suitable lending advice.

Financial Services available:

CAR SEARCH

Our MBA Car Buying Service can help members save on vehicle purchases. This unbiased service ensures the correct MBA discounting is applied and maximise the value of your trade-in.

Enjoy significant fleet savings on new and demo vehicle purchases through a reputable and reliable network.

VEHICLE AND EQUIPMENT FINANCE

A hassle free, personalised service with a range of tax effective finance options. We work with various lenders to secure the best rates in the market and structure your finance in a way that best suits your business and personal needs. Our financial packages can help you purchase:

• Cars, utes and 4WDs,

• Trucks and trailers,

• Printing and cutting machinery,

• Excavators, IT equipment and forklifts

If you are a small to medium sized business, the Instant Asset Write-Off could be a great way to acquire capital assets and obtain an immediate tax deduction. You can write off 100% of assets that cost up to $150,000, for businesses with less than $500 million turnover. This has been extended until June 30, 2023.To take advantage of this offer some of the items that you could look at purchasing include cars, vans, utes, bobcats, plant, and machinery.

MORTGAGES

We can assist members with Residential Home loans and Investment Mortgages across a vast platform of lenders. We work closely with you to ensure the appropriate product is in place to support your individual requirements.

Business Lending — Commercial Property, Term Loans, Secured/Unsecured short-term funding. If you are looking to buy your own commercial premises, secure a line of credit or consider alternative short term cash flow solutions. We have several options available that may be suitable.

Self-Managed Super Fund (SMSF) loans for residential investment and commercial property may also be a consideration, as you work towards your long-term retirement goals.

If you would like further information please contact Ogarit and the team for a hassle-free finance solution on 1300 760 366 or 0414 919 194 or okelley@mbansw.asn.au

CPF Lic No: 430671 is hereby licensed as an Australian Credit License pursuant to the National Consumer Protection Act 2009 subject to the conditions and restrictions which are prescribed, and to the conditions contained in this licence and attached schedules.

Member Services

Meet our team —

Back Row from left: Paul Love, Clare Mayhew, Debralee Scarselletta, Jessica Martin

Front Row: Emma Day, Graham McGuiggan, Verity Michell, and Peter Sahyoun

The Member Services Team is the go-to department for all member enquiries — we assist members to connect with the right service department, member benefits or assistance with member discounts.

Our team also arrange certificates of service, publishe member information brochures, assist members with change of details on their membership and login assistance for our website.

The team also assist enquiries for:

• Find a Master Builder advertising

• Refer a Mate

• Division Information Night invitations

• Member voting – Division and Council of Management

• Service Awards – Division Gold Medal, Honorary etc.

• Member discounts and rewards program

• CPD seminars and advice

• Building Business Start up Kit – Guidance for members changing their business structure

• Sponsorship opportunities for suppliers

• Marketing materials for members – eg: MBA logos, Vehicle stickers, etc.

Paul Love – Membership Coordinator

Paul has more than 20 years’ industry experience. His key role is to recruit new members, assist member enquiries and support division members throughout the metropolitan area.

Clare Mayhew – Member Engagement Representative

Clare has been in our department for four years and spends most of her time assisting member enquiries and contacting members to check in on and provide updates of our service offering.

Debralee Scarselletta – Administration Coordinator

Debralee has been heading up our admin team for just over four years, is an accomplished administrator that supports our team throughout the state and is always willing to take on new challenges with enthusiasm.

Jessica Martin – Membership Officer

Jess has been with us now for three years and has progressed her career and experience in a noticeably short time. Her new role is to recruit members, assist member enquiries and support division members throughout the metropolitan area.

Emma Day – Administration Assistant

Emma is a recent addition to our team, her role is assisting enquiries and maintaining our member CRM database. Within a short period of time Emma has demonstrated her skill set in administration and customer service.

Graham McGuiggan – Manager Member Services Department

Graham has over 14 years’ service and prior to joining the Master Builders Association, has held Senior Management roles with Repco, Tradelink and BOC Gases. Overall, Graham has more than 30 years’ experience within the building and construction industry.

Verity Michell – Marketing and Sales Support

Verity has recently joined our team and her experience in marketing is already being demonstrated. Verity’s customer service focus is also a welcomed addition to our team.

Peter Sahyoun – Division Coordinator

Peter joined our team in early May and his prime responsibility is to work closely with our division committees throughout the state. This role requires someone with a high focus on operational processes, technology, customer service and sales acumen.

AHRCA MEMBERSHIP PROMOTES CONFIDENCE

AHRCA NSW membership includes complementary Master Builders Association membership. AHRCA is affiliated with MBA NSW and adheres to the MBA NSW Code of Fair Business Practice and Code of Ethics.

AHRCA provides significant benefits to our members. We are synonymous with industry best practice in asbestos and HAZMAT removal. Through our commitment to compliance and our affiliations, AHRCA presents a respected and ethical image to promote confidence in our members as industry leaders. Membership benefits include:

• Alignment with the respected AHRCA brand and our affiliates including the Master Builders Association;

• Representation in government and industry on issues that impact our industry, workers and the community;

• Safety updates and the provision of essential information on Work Health & Safety and regulatory changes;

• A members forum to discuss issues on asbestos and HAZMAT removal or treatment;

• Assistance and support should difficulties arise including access to Industrial Relations advice and advocacy when required;

• Access to legal advice on contracts; and,

• Significant savings on annual business expenses including insurances and vehicles.* *Visit our website for details.

INDUSTRY LEADERS

For over 30 years, members of the Asbestos and HAZMAT Removal Contractors Association (AHRCA) have protected Australians and the environment from asbestos and hazardous material risks.

AHRCA represents New South Wales industry leaders from the asbestos abatement industry including asbestos removal contractors, consultants, equipment suppliers, education and training institutions and other industry related organisations.

To ensure the highest quality standards, we promote compliance and ethical best practice in international and Australian Standards, Occupational Health and Safety, and Environmental Management Codes of Practice for asbestos and other materials hazardous to human health.

COLLABORATION & CONSULTATION

AHRCA collaborates and consults with leading industry and government representatives providing best practice expertise.

With the shared goal of preventing diseases caused from exposure to asbestos fibres and other hazardous materials commonly found in the Australian domestic and commercial construction and demolition industries; AHRCA is closely affiliated with building industry bodies, trades and construction education facilities, government regulators, advocates and health and research organisations to consistently promote improved health and safety for workers and the wider community.

hazardous materials including silica, lead, synthetic mineral fibres (SMF), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB’s) and treated timbers.

COMMITMENT TO HEALTH & SAFETY

With over 4,000 Australian lives lost to asbestos-related diseases annually, AHRCA is committed to promoting best practice in safe sampling, containment, management, removal and disposal of asbestos and best practice in the management and removal of other HAZMAT materials.

ASBESTOS

AHRCA actively promotes the dangers, risks and safe management of asbestos and HAZMAT products. We raise industry standards and professionalism presenting a responsible and ethical image of our members among clients, industry, government, media and the general public.

COMMITMENT TO QUALITY & COMPLIANCE

As the peak industry body for asbestos and HAZMAT removal in Australia, we are committed to ethical best practice and compliance in Safety and Environmental Systems and Work, Health and Safety regulations in the identification, treatment, removal and disposal of asbestos and other

Asbestos is a naturally-occurring fibrous silicate mineral. Once considered a versatile material because of it’s ability to withstand heat, erosion and decay, and with fire and water resistant properties; asbestos was used in the manufacture of around 3000 products worldwide, most commonly in the construction, car manufacturing and textile industries. Although asbestos was banned in Australia in 2003, legacy asbestos-containing materials remain in older residential and commercial structures. If disturbed, asbestos fibres could be released into the air and inhaled, which poses a health risk to workers and the community.

HAZMAT

AHRCA members also specialise in the removal of many hazardous materials capable of posing health risks if they are not adequately maintained or if they are disturbed during renovation or demolition. These materials include lead paints; Polychlorinated Biphenyl

For a list of AHRCA members or for information on how to become a valued member of the AHRCA visit our website ahrcansw.asn.au or email us at email@ahrcansw.asn.au

ahrcansw.asn.au

Keeping Industry informed whilst promoting Safety & Compliance since 1991

Shining a light on ‘off-the-books’ payments

“Trying to ‘help out’ your contractors by not disclosing their payments is a great way of bringing attention on yourself.”

The TPAR was introduced in 2012 to level the playing field and ensure businesses in the building and construction industry reported their income and paid their fair share of tax.

The ATO uses information reported on the TPAR to make sure that businesses are complying with their tax obligations, for example, reporting the correct amount of income, lodging business activity statements (BAS) and income tax returns, paying the right amount of tax, being registered for GST if required, and using a valid Australian business number (ABN).

“We know most small businesses do the right thing, however there are some contractors out there who deliberately don’t report or under-report their income, making it unfair for honest businesses,” Mr Holt said.

“Businesses and tax professionals can view the data the ATO receives about their business, like taxable payments reported under the TPRS, as a reported transaction in ATO Online platforms.

Dodgy contractors trying to keep income ‘off-the-books’ and businesses helping them do so are being put on notice as the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) continues to shine a light on shadow economy behaviour.

Paying cash in hand to avoid paying tax is a significant part of the shadow economy. However, the taxable payment reporting system (TPRS) allows the ATO to investigate this conduct.

Around $350 billion in payments made to 950,000 contractors were reported to the ATO in the last financial year. The ATO expects more than 270,000 businesses to complete a taxable payment annual report (TPAR) for the current 2021-22 year.

TPRS obligations apply to businesses in the building and construction industry, as well as businesses that provide cleaning, courier, road freight, information technology and security, investigation, or surveillance services and have paid subcontractors in relation to these services. The ATO is reminding these businesses that they will have had to lodge a TPAR with the ATO by 28 August setting out payments to their contractors.

ATO Assistant Commissioner Peter Holt said the TPAR is just one tool in the ATO’s toolbelt, helping crack down on $11 billion a year in missing taxes and keeping things fair for those businesses and contractors doing the right thing.

“The ATO has sophisticated data and analytics to identify businesses that fail to lodge a TPAR,” Mr Holt said.

“Not reporting payments to contractors may be seen as a red flag and will prompt closer scrutiny from the ATO on your own affairs as well as those of your contractors.

“Our new reported transactions services can help businesses and their tax professionals to view their data to make it easier to meet tax obligations.”

Mr Holt also reminds sole traders any payments reported to the ATO through TPRS will be pre-filled in their tax return at tax time.

“If you’re a sole trader, any payments you received as a contractor that were reported in a TPAR will be available as a pre-fill information report into your tax return.

“Whether you lodge your tax return yourself or through an agent, just remember to double check the pre-fill information is complete and correct before lodging, especially as not all your income may have been reported to us previously.”

The ATO is reminding businesses and tax professionals who are lodging on behalf of their clients to contact the ATO if they need additional time to lodge their TPAR.

More information and resources to help businesses and their advisers work out if they need to lodge, how to lodge, and what to report is available at ato.gov.au/TPAR

NEW INSURANCE REQUIREMENTS

Design and Building Practitioners Act and Regulation

On and from 1 July 2023 a registered building practitioner under the Design and Building Practitioners Act 2020 (the Act) will need to be adequately insured to perform building work.

Registered building practitioners will need to ensure that they are adequately insured for any work referred to in a compliance declaration given on and from 1 July 2023. This will include any work done before that date relating to that declaration.

Section 24(1) of the Act states:

(1) A registered building practitioner must not —

a) Provide a building compliance declaration to do related building work, or

b) Hold out that the practitioner is adequately insured with respect to the provision of the declaration or doing the work, unless the practitioner is adequately insured with respect to the declaration and work.

Clause 75 of the Design and Building Practitioners Regulation 2021 states:

(1) For the purposes of section 24(2)(a) of the Act, a registered building practitioner must be indemnified under an insurance policy, whether a professional indemnity policy or otherwise, that complies with this clause.

(2) An insurance policy must, in the reasonable opinion of the registered building practitioner concerned, provide for an adequate level of indemnity for the liability that could be incurred by the practitioner during the practitioner’s work.

(3) In determining whether a policy provides for an adequate level of indemnity, the practitioner must consider the following matters:

a) the nature and risks associated with the work typically carried out by the practitioner, b) the volume of the work typically carried

out by the practitioner, c) the length of time that the practitioner has been registered, d) a reasonable estimate of claims that could be brought against the practitioner based on paragraphs (a)–(c), e) the financial capacity of the practitioner, f) any limits, exceptions, exclusions, terms, or conditions of the policy

We recommend that you consult with your insurance broker. Otherwise, you can contact Master Builders Insurance Brokers for further questions.

YOUNG BUILDER OF THE YEAR NOMINEES

The Master Builders Association NSW has been celebrating young builders through its Excellence in Housing & Pool Awards for over 10 years.

The Young Builder of the Year Award acknowledges builders under the age of 35 who uphold quality and complex projects across all of the Housing Awards’ categories.

The number of Young Builders nominated for the awards grows year on year, and in 2022, more than 20 young builders were nominated.

The calibre of nominations remains at the highest level; Michael Nagy from Pinnacle Custom Homes has been nominated for a project in the category Contract Houses. The project, located in Orange, sits on the side of a hill with two pavilions joined by a link, creating the entrance.

The first pavilion is the children’s retreat and the second pavilion includes the master bedroom and living area. The living area includes a mezzanine that is an office space. The living area and kitchen were very important to the clients and features two beautiful blackbutt lined windows framing the picturesque rural view.

Also nominated for Design & Construct is George Dionisatos from Dion Group Projects. Sydney owned and operated, Dion Group Projects is a custom residential builder focused on delivering high-end homes and spaces. The nominated project, situated in the leafy suburb of North Kellyville, hosts four bedrooms and three bathrooms as well as a games room, theatre room and home office. The home has great thermal efficiency due to the utilisation of UPVC window and doorframes, tinted glass and double-glazing throughout.

Harrison Marsh from Marsh to Mansion was nominated through entries Bondi Apartment and Ermelo House. Bondi Apartment is a Home Unit Renovation – Internal. Nestled behind Bondi Beach, this top floor addition cleverly achieves a perfect balance between form and function. The project involved extending into the roof space of a four-storey Art Deco apartment building to create a new structure on top. Ermelo House in Contract Houses, is situated at the base of Mount Jellore High Range NSW. The architecturally designed house was described by Harrison as a pleasure to build; this project challenged him to think outside the box and use ingenuity.

Michael Nagy

George Dionisatos

Harrison Marsh

Ciaran Dunne

Maple Design & Construct also have a nominee in the 2022 Young Builder of the Year Award, Ciaran Dunne. Ciaran is the director of Maple, an integrated service merging timeless design and quality constructions.

Ciaran is nominated through three projects submitted by Maple Design & Construct; Lekker in Catherine Hill Bay has an elegant modern coastal home touch to the outside with the flow of modern industrial to the internal finishes. Weatherboard acts as the dominant cladding feature of the design adding texture to the façade while accentuating the white window frames and trims.

The second project is located in Norah Head. The Bungary Bungalow marries a precisely detailed design response to the site with a design that is individually tailored to both the client and area. It is an accomplished and creative adaptation of the bungalow house. Nestled in the leafy suburb of Woollahra in Sydney’s Eastern Suburbs, Maple’s final nomination Woollahra Terrace seeks to capture natural light on a new level for terrace construction through a combination of skylights, lightwells and a white colour palette.

Joey Pamment

Family-owned and operated construction company Pamment Projects’ Joey Pamment is another 2022 Young Builder of the Year nominee.

Joey is nominated through a project in Residential Warehouse Renovation category. Originally a corner shop and commercial bakery, this project required a complete reconfiguration, restoration and redesign to create a welcoming home for birds, bees and a family in the heart of the inner-city Sydney suburb of Newtown. Significant surrounding heritage streetscape, rich social fabric and strong community connections were all key to this culturally sympathetic adaptive re-use renovation for the new owners of The (new) Bakery

Adam Souter

For a second year, Adam Souter of Souter Built is nominated. Souter Built provides a range of building services including residential, commercial, and heritage restorations, along with Passive House Construction.

The project Pepper Tree Passive House is nominated in two categories in this years’ awards; Granny Flats and Excellence in Sustainability – Residential. The project is a secondary dwelling, designed by Alexander Symes Architect, and built around a 50-year-old pepper tree.

The building technology used derives from the German building Passiv Haus. This is a common building technology in Europe, UK and North America, and is now emerging in Australia. The building technology consists of five building principles:

1. Airtight,

2. High performance windows and doors,

3. Excellent insulation, 4. HRV (heat recovery ventilation),

5. Thermal bridge free construction.

Daniel Lambert from Lambert Building Group is another Young Builder nominee supported by two entries in House Alterations / Additions, and Design & Construct — House.

The renovation took just over eight months and transformed a dated, dysfunctional home into a modern, bright oasis. This included knocking down 90% of all walls, removing the roof, adding a garage, extending the alfresco and living area as well as redesigning some of the internal layout to create open plan living.

Regarding the new build, Daniel showcased that the best way to utilise a home on a standard size block of 450sqm, was to design and build something tangible that the client could walk through and see. Daniel aimed to build a home that captured evolving design and style trends, as well as create a home that was innovative and functional in its design.

Neil Hipwell

Neil Hipwell of Futureflip is another Young

Builder of the Year nominee and Futureflip submitted three entries in this years’ awards.

Futureflip is a young, innovative Design & Build company with a significant client base in the Sutherland Shire, and a growing client base in the Eastern Suburbs and South Coast of NSW.

The first project in Town Houses or Villas / Dual Occupancy faced significant design challenges to ensure that the designs were both compliant and sympathetic to the neighbours, and ensuring their ocean views were not impacted by the development.

The purpose of the Pacific in Town Houses or Villas / Dual Occupancy was to create a high-end resort feeling, as the homes would be rented as holiday homes. Futureflip wanted to capture the ocean front aspect, but also have a smooth transition connection to the backyard and swimming pool.

Kain Bliss

Kain Bliss is a first time nominee through Greenbuild Constructions’ three projects in the Housing Awards and one project in the Pool Awards.

Greenbuild Constructions is a high-end architectural Design & Construct builder specialising in the design, planning, and delivery of high-end luxury homes and smaller scale commercial projects.

Greenbuild Constructions are a family-owned and operated building company servicing areas throughout Newcastle, Port Stephens, and the Hunter Region.

Nathan Cowan of Cowan Built Constructions is nominated through their entry in Town Houses or Villas / Dual Occupancy.

Cowan Built’s Yathong project is an architecturally designed dual occupancy, featuring innovative and cutting edge design features to create an idyllic coastal lifestyle sanctuary.

Finally, Gipps in Town Houses or Villas / Dual Occupancy, was built in accordance with the high standard of Futureflip projects. The quality of the construction was second-to-none; all timber was hand-cut on site, with all flush connections and includes typical details such as square set windows and architraves, plenty of skylights, floor-to-ceiling windows, European Oak engineered timber flooring and high-quality craftsmanship.

Their first project in this years’ awards, The Ridge Project, is the ultimate home of architecture and luxury. This project was designed and built by Greenbuild Constructions, and is carefully engineered to be built into the complex granite rock shelf on the ridge of one of Port Stephens iconic land subdivisions (Nelson Ridge).

In the category Design & Construct — House , The Ullora project is a uniquely designed twostorey home with part of the home as split level due to the extensive sloping site. The site was complex to build on and Greenbuild carefully resolved the site gradients to maximise the use of the sub-floor to create large garage and open storage areas, while providing a well-engineered design solution to the upper levels.

Daniel Lambert

Nathan Cowan

Bryden Scifleet

Bryden Scifleet is another 2022 Young Builder of the Year nominee. Bryden was nominated by Jaggered Group entry in the awards, The Glasshouse. Set on an acre of land in the prestigious Bombira Estate overlooking the beautiful town of Mudgee, the modern contemporary resort home has been carefully designed around indoor/outdoor living, natural lighting and the picturesque outlook over Mudgee and it’s rolling hills.

Matthew Moneghittie

Moneghittie Built nominated Matthew Moneghittie for the project Hart House.

Hart House is elegantly placed on the picturesque shoreline of Great Mackerel Beach and encompasses the contemporary interpretation of the quintessential, one-room Australian beach shack.

The corrugated aluminium exterior resembles a wrapped ‘box’ and protects the house from the harsh salt environment, cold winter winds and bushfire prone surroundings. Only the sun-facing side of the house is left exposed, allowing the residence to embrace the beachfront location and breathtaking views.

Jordan Galloway

Our next 2022 Young Builder of the Year nominee is Jordan Galloway from Prekaro Projects NSW. The project consisted of the renovation of an existing bungalow, updating every aspect of the home (apart from the kitchen), altering the floor plan to suit the modern family and capitalizing on the location and views. The home features naturallysourced Australian and international materials throughout to create two living rooms, three bathrooms, powder room, master suite, three bedrooms, laundry and a huge entertaining deck.

Brad Swanson

Arc. have nominated Brad Swanson through their four entries in this years’ awards. The House Alteration / Addition entry, located in Paddington, focused heavily on sustainability principles, to create a house that would be long lasting.

Using the passive design principles, the masonry core of the house adds to the thermal mass of the terrace, cooling it during the summer and keeping it cosy during the winter. Other entries are in the categories House Alterations / Additions, Contract Houses and Granny Flats.

Joel Basha

Joel Basha from BTM Construction is nominated for another year for two projects in House Alterations / Additions and Granny Flats.

The House Alteration / Addition entry, The Ark on Alma, is a flood-zoned, conservation house that was transformed into a sunlight filled, open plan, brand new family home.

BTM Construction’s Granny Flat Avalon Apartment is a two bedroom flat, built upon the existing garage and detached rumpus room. This is a class 2 build, ensuring fire rated compliance between the two levels. The upstairs addition tied in perfectly to suit the existing residence, with a cladded exterior and a beautiful coastal aesthetic finish. This project will also feature in our new TV series Master Build.

Kendall Designs submitted a project in House Alterations / Additions and nominated Peter Kendall as a 2022 Young Builder of the Year. In the project, the basement level had one small room that flooded when it rained. Since Peter started construction, this has been converted into a spacious gym, water sports storage locker and bespoke wine cellar. Level 1 was dark and cramped with poor natural lighting and has now been expanded to the old balcony line creating more space and allowing light into the bedrooms. The living room now has floorto-ceiling bifold windows which open to the pool area, and Level 2 has been re-designed to include an additional home office, wood fireplace, cinema, bar and laundry.

Peter Kendall

Another nominee is Mathew Hall from D.velop.R.

D.velop.R is a family-owned and operated builder-developer with a passion for unique high-end residential developments. Founded in 2014 by father and son duo Matt and Peter Hall, Matt has since grown the business to what it is today, realising his vision of creating prominent landmarks along the Cronulla foreshore. The project is in the category Town Houses or Villas / Dual Occupancy. All dwellings have three bedrooms each with an ensuite, with the living, dining and kitchen areas mostly surrounded by curved glass. The open planned areas have easy access to a large covered terrace and external kitchen on one side and cozy family room on the other.

Mark Harb from Pillar Project is another Young Builder nominee for a project in Contract Houses. The Hunter House epitomizes all that is innovation and modern living. For a young company established in late 2017, this project was challenging in different ways including design challenges and budgetary restraints, the use of raw and exposed materials and innovation. However, it was ultimately these challenges that pushed the entire Pillar team both structurally and in design to bring to life Hunter House, solidifying a milestone project for Pillar Projects.

Luigi Ginardi

Ginardi have nominated Luigi Ginardi for their North Shore Residence.

The project, submitted in Contract Houses, is a luxury North Shore residence high on the prestigious Balmoral Slopes, with breathtaking views of Sydney Harbour.

With an interior designed by Greg Natale, the property features five bedrooms (all with ensuites), seven bathrooms, a four-car garage, formal and informal living rooms, outdoor barbecue area with swimming pool and spa and an internal garden/atrium.

Daniel Minkus

Mink Building Group has nominated Daniel Minkus who launched the company in 2011 with his brother Brendan. Mink Building Group comprises a dynamic team of passionate and committed professionals who thrive on honesty and creativity, producing quality, cost-effective outcomes. The Design & Construct – House is a finely crafted building that provides a functional and beautiful home for a young family.

Beyond Build Constructions have two Young Builder of the Year nominations in this years’ awards; Jason Economos and Mark McMullen. Jason was nominated for House Alterations / Additions, in North Bondi and Mark for House Alterations / Additions in Dover Heights.

Both Jason and Mark are directors of Beyond Build Constructions, a Sydney-based custom home building company committed to providing the highest quality work — the standards clients expect and demand.

Working closely with a trusted team of architects, contractors and skilled tradesmen, Beyond Build take care of the whole process from design and execution to completion.

Huge congratulations to all our 2022 Young Builder of the Year nominees. Winners will be announced at the 2022 Excellence in Housing & Pool Awards on Friday 11 November.

Mark Harb

Mathew Hall

Jason Economos & Mark McMullen

Jason Economos

Mark McMullen

Effective management of workplace injuries

n FY2020/21 there were 65,500 injured workers claims in NSW, which included $1.16 billion in weekly payments. There was a further $740 million paid in medical expenses and rehabilitation support to assist with their recovery and return to work. These injuries place a heavy financial burden not only on workers and employers but also the community at large, as a total of $2.8 billion was paid out in claims costs.

I

The most common injuries included ligament and muscles strains, wounds, lacerations and musculoskeletal disorders (MSD). MSD injuries have the greatest cost impact for employers, workers and the workers compensation scheme. In FY2020/21 there were 31,700 claims for MSD injuries, which accounted for 48 per cent of reported nominal insurer claims. The injuries listed above continue to occur in high numbers in the construction industry. This correlation is not surprising as the tasks performed in the industry are physically demanding and require constant hazardous manual handling tasks.

These workplace injuries and illnesses are a major cost to the industry, businesses and to jobs. Building and construction companies with low injury costs have a significant competitive advantage. Any workplace injury has a clear financial impact on the employer’s workers compensation premium. There is not only an increase in the employer’s premium, the employer in turn, has to commit resources including time, staff, supervision and energy. Not all of the costs can be accounted for in dollars and cents. The effect on the worker extends over a number of facets including loss in income, effect on relationships, lifestyle and psychological response. Prevention of injuries has to be a primary focus of all companies and should commence in the design phase of every project.

Cost to Employers

Over recent decades Australian businesses

have achieved considerable success in improving workplace health and safety. However, ongoing rates of work-related injury and illness have been increasing.

Prevention of injuries and incidents is critical. There are a number of strategies that should be used by employers to reduce workers compensation costs. Risk management, planning and analysis being the primary actions.

All employers are obligated to have workers compensation insurance. The two major components of the premium calculation include the basic tariff, which is based on estimated wages and the second component being the employer’s experience component. The experience component is based on the cost of the claim to date and potential costs as a result of the claim. This can have a significant effect on the employer’s premium.

Currently each worker’s claim and its associated costs have an effect on the premium for three years. Each employer is classified within an industry rating for the experience component. Employers (within their industry classification) who have no claims and manage their claims well (i.e. lower costs) will not be changed as much as those who have expensive claims and/ or numerous workers compensation incidents. If an employer has their worker return to work early, the employer can receive a savings of up to 15% on that claim.

Common causes of high premiums

• Not providing suitable duties. When the insurer is paying wages, it has the greatest effect on the experience estimate. It makes up the majority of the claims cost

• Employer was unaware that the worker had reaggravated his injury and was no longer employed by the company

• Dismissal of a worker when unfit for work and within six months of injuring themselves

• Ineffective rehabilitation of the worker and no return-to-work strategy

• Significant injuries where a worker is unfit for a lengthy period of time

• Not notifying the insurer of an injury within five days. This will cost you an excess; 1 week of the workers’ wages

Controlling the $$ Costs

The employer’s management of the claim is essential. Unfortunately, if employers have the attitude that the problem will ‘just go away’ or ‘it won’t cost me’ or “it didn’t happen at work” they could be unexpectedly shocked by a higher premium. Trying to rectify the incurred cost of the claim is not possible. Employers must ensure they have a process to review their claims and the cost of each claim throughout the year.

Supporting a worker is a critical piece of rehabilitation and return to work.

Rehabilitation Strategies

There continues to be a resounding emphasis on the provision of suitable duties for the benefit of the employer and worker. The statistics continue to indicate that the earlier a worker returns to work the better the outcome. This also means a reduction in the individual claims’ cost and therefore effect on the premium calculations.

The cost of rehabilitation on a claim is minimal, making up only 3% of the total cost of most claims. However, the effect of rehabilitation on the overall claims cost can be high. If a worker can be placed on suitable duties, even on reduced hours, whilst undertaking retraining it will have a profound effect on reducing the claims cost. In the building and construction industry it can be difficult to identify and provide suitable duties. However, Mend is familiar with identifying suitable duties in the industry, formulating an appropriate return to work plan and communicating with the workers treaters.

Claims Reduction – Immediate Strategies

1.

a Return

(RTWC) within your organisation. If your basic tariff premium exceeds $50,000 there is a legal obligation to appoint a RTWC. The appointed RTWC must be accredited by the State Insurance Regulatory Authority. The Authority offers free online training for return to work coordination.

2. Claims reviews are essential. This is where the insurer provides you with all the current claims relating to your workers compensation premium. They outline the current costs associated with the claim and its current status. This way you won’t be surprised by an unexpected claim that you weren’t aware of. It also provides you

with a forum to review the strategies being implemented to manage the claims, ensure they are effective and costs are contained.

3. Ensure you have a strong culture to report all injuries promptly, early intervention and management supports a good outcome.

4. Identify and locate suitable duties for injured workers. Do not dismiss this option.

5. Monitor your incidents at work, claims submitted and time lost. This provides an overall view of the organisation’s current systems and effectiveness. It allows the prevention of injuries rather than just reaction.

By managing your workers compensation

claims, you can minimise the effect on premium calculations and ensure the care for your workers.

Mend Services can assist in the implementation of the above outlined strategies.

Contact us on 1300 176 774.

Key facts

Covered 329,000 businesses with over 37,000 new policies issued and 292,000 policy renewals

million workers covered and

billion in wages insured

claims received

earned premiums

injuries included

and muscle strains, wounds,

and

Helping you bridge the SAFETY GAP

Safety is a major focus for Master Builders, and we are committed to not only ensuring the ongoing safety of our apprentices and trainees, but in ensuring we raise the safety standards across the industry.

Recognising the importance of good safety management practices to minimise the risk of harm or injury to apprentices and trainees, we have developed a safety service to assist our Training Employers in implementing, maintaining, and undertaking the continuous improvement of their safety management practices.

Prior to taking on a Master Builders Apprentice or Trainee, all Training Employers are required to satisfy the Master Builders Minimum Safety Standard. Through our safety service, our dedicated team will assist you in ensuring that your safety management systems and practices meet our minimum safety standard, not only keeping our apprentices and trainees safe, but helping to improve site safety across your entire team.

According to Tarek Farhat, Master Builders Apprenticeship Safety Coordinator “Many of us, myself included, use the word SAFETY in our conversations, but when we are asked to define safety it has a different meaning

for each person. Safety is about living and learning. We help our Training Employers to create a safety culture within their business and educate apprentices in adopting best practice methods.”

“My role is to ensure the safety of Master Builders apprentices and trainees to prevent accidents, injuries, and work-related illnesses in the workplace. I also ensure that the Master Builders Training Employers workplaces where our apprentices are working are maintained to a high standard of health and safety”.

Whether you choose our industry-leading Master Builders Apprenticeship Services (MBAS) or Master Builders Apprenticeship Services Plus (MBAS+) for your apprentice needs, we will work with you to assist in the implementation, maintenance and continuous improvement of your safety management practices. Every Training Employer is engaged in our Safety Service from the very beginning of the process of taking on a Master Builders Apprentice or Trainee.

As Tarek explains, “Before a Training Employer can take on a Master Builders Apprentice or Trainee, they must satisfy our Minimum Safety Standard. As part of the process, we will review your current safety practices and if

there are gaps identified between your current safety practices and the Master Builders Minimum Safety Standard, our Safety Service will assist you in bridging those gaps”. This is a free service for all Master Builders Training Employers and is available throughout the period of the engagement of a Master Builders Apprentice or Trainee.

The Safety Service includes;

• Advice on current safety legislative requirements

• Access to templates

• Recommendations and guidance for use of the templates

• Assistance with implementation plans

• Annual safety check

• Periodic contact by MBAS Field Officers to assist and support

• Access to a dedicated MBAS Safety Coordinator

For more information contact Apprenticeship Services on 8586 3533.

To keep up to date with Safety matters, go to our Resources page on our website https://www.mbaapprenticeship.com.au/ resource-categories/safety/

TOOL

M aster Builders Apprenticeship services hosted a toolbox talk on 18th May 2022, for Smith and Sons. Up to 12 tradespeople were in attendance onsite at the residential project in Normanhurst.

As part of our Safety Service, our toolbox talk provided an opportunity for consultation to identify hazards onsite and put in place controls to manage the risks. The toolbox talk was used

as an opportunity to discuss the three main onsite hazards that cause serious injury; falls from heights, being hit by moving objects and electrocution. Conducted by our subject matter expert trainer and assessor Graham Stewart, the advice from Graham is simple “we all have a duty of care onsite, look after yourself as well as look after each other and a toolbox talk is a great way to remind everyone of the hazards on site and how to stay safe”.

DIGITAL SURVEY PLANS TO COMPLETE TRANSITION TO PAPERLESS LAND REGISTRY

Anew digital system for survey plans will deliver $300 million in productivity savings for NSW with property owners, buyers and sellers to benefit from a completely digital land titles system.

Minister for Customer Service and Digital Government Victor Dominello said the new digital system followed the successful move to digitise the conveyancing process in October 2021 which reduced costs, saved time and eliminated most risks associated with human error.

“Survey plans have defined land boundaries in NSW for more than 200 years and despite surveyors using the latest measurement technology, the creation and registration of survey plans tends to go back to a paper-based process,” Mr Dominello said.

“We are now taking steps to move survey plans online and mandate 100 per cent online lodging with the new digital system NSW Land Registry Services Connect by the second half of 2023.

“This is the final piece in the puzzle to make it an end-to-end paperless process, improving the quality of survey plans and enabling approvals to be faster.

“Over the next three decades the new system will save around $10 million per year for the NSW economy by reducing associated holding costs for the delivery of new land parcels and strata lots and reducing the time and costs spent on rectifying errors on survey plans.”

Mr Dominello said NSW LRS Connect was already available to Registered Land Surveyors and would be open to other industry stakeholders such as legal practitioners and conveyancers later this year, to assist in the preparation and lodging of survey plans.

“By transitioning from paper to digital survey plans we are ensuring the process of creating

survey plans to registration is more secure, transparent and efficient,” Mr Dominello said.

“We welcome the Industry Consultative Committee’s ongoing advice and guidance on this reform, including the Association of Consulting Surveyors NSW, Institution of Surveyors NSW, Australian Institute of Conveyancers NSW, Law Society of NSW, NSW Land Registry Services and relevant local and state government entities”.

For more information visit: https://www.registrargeneral.nsw.gov.au/landboundaries/digital-survey-plans

Expansion of the Home Guarantee Scheme

The Albanese Government is helping thousands more Australians into homeownership by expanding the Home Guarantee Scheme.

From 1 July 2022, the Scheme will be expanded to include:

• 35,000 places each financial year to support first home buyers to purchase a home with a deposit of as little as five per cent (the First Home Guarantee); and

• 5,000 places each financial year to support single parents with dependants to purchase a home with a deposit of as little as two per cent (the Family Home Guarantee).

From today updated property price caps will also apply, reflecting recent increases in property prices and to make more properties available for purchase using the Scheme.

The table below details the updated property price caps that will apply from 1 July 2022.

Further information on the scheme, including eligibility criteria and the full list of participating lenders, is available from the National Housing Finance and Investment Corporation website.

The Albanese Government will also provide targeted support to Australians living in regional areas though a new Regional First Home Buyer Support Scheme.

This new scheme will join the Home Guarantee Scheme and deliver on a commitment the Albanese Government made before the election. Further details on this scheme will be announced shortly.

The Albanese Labor Government is committed

to introducing a suite of policies that will make it easier for Australians to buy a home, and deliver more social and affordable housing.

This includes:

• The $10 billion Housing Australia Future Fund which will build 30,000 social and affordable housing properties in its first five years;

• Help to Buy, a new program to make it cheaper and easier for Australians to own their own home;

• Establishing a National Housing Supply and Affordability Council; and

• Developing a new National Housing and Homelessness Plan.

Area Home Guarantee Scheme

Existing property price cap (First Home Loan Deposit Scheme and Family Home Guarantee)

Updated property price cap (First Home Guarantee and Family Home Guarantee), from 1 July 2022

New South Wales – capital city and regional centre $800,000 $900,000

New South Wales – other $600,000 $750,000

Victoria – capital city and regional centre $700,000 $800,000

Victoria – other $500,000 $650,000

Queensland – capital city and regional centre $600,000 $700,000

Queensland – other $450,000 $550,000

Western Australia – capital city $500,000 $600,000

Western Australia – other $400,000 $450,000

South Australia – capital city $500,000 $600,000

South Australia – other $350,000 $450,000

Tasmania – capital city $500,000 $600,000

Tasmania – other $400,000 $450,000

Australian Capital Territory $500,000 $750,000

Northern Territory $500,000 $600,000

Jervis Bay Territory and Norfolk Island $550,000 $550,000

Christmas Island and Cocos (Keeling) Islands $400,000 $400,000

The Hon Julie Collins MP

New digital Strata Hub goes live

Homeowners, buyers and the property service industry will benefit from stronger accountability and transparency with more than 83,000 strata schemes across the state able to register and consolidate their details into a new digital Strata Hub.

Minister for Customer Service and Digital Government Victor Dominello said with more than one-in-seven NSW residents living in strata, it was crucial they were provided with accurate and up-to-date information.

“Buying and living in a strata scheme is a significant investment of time and energy and relevant information can be difficult to find,” Mr Dominello said.

“The Hub will evolve to act as a one-stop shop for those living in, or looking to, purchase a strata property.

“Strata living is a popular option for couples and families and this platform will enable them to make more informed decisions about where they live.

“NSW, after Ontario in Canada, is the only place in the world to offer something like this for its people.”

Minister for Fair Trading Eleni Petinos said the Hub would be a game changer for prospective

buyers and homeowners.

“The Hub will be easy to use and allow people to access a wealth of clear information on strata issues anywhere, anytime,” Ms Petinos said.

“Whether you’re after the facts on keeping a furry friend, renovating, or repairs and maintenance in strata, you’ll be able to find it at the click of a button in one centralised hub.

“This a big win for those living in or wanting to live in strata – it will provide them with more transparency and hold strata schemes to account.”

The reporting platform is now open for registrations, which means owners corporations or their managing agents can register their details and do a proof of identity check to complete their profile on the strata portal.

In August, strata schemes or their managing agents can submit regulatory information such as fire and safety information and occupation certificates. The search function will also feature geo spatial mapping so people can locate strata schemes faster.

From 2023:

• The nominated emergency service contacts will be shared with emergency services agencies;

• All people wanting to buy, live and work in strata can register on the strata portal to access tailored general information about strata living on the NSW Government website including, basic strata information about plan numbers, street addresses, number of lots and registration dates.

Strata scheme residents and owners will also be able to register on the strata portal to review:

• All the information available to the general public;

• Webinars and how to information for strata scheme reporting;.

• Date of issue for the latest annual fire safety;

• Whether the scheme has formed a strata renewal committee and its date;

• Contact details for the strata manager and building manager (if any).

All strata schemes in NSW will soon need to report key information online each year.

More information is available on the NSW Government website.

Released by: Minister for Customer Service and Digital Government, Minister for Fair Trading, Minister for Small Business

Stay on top of the 2022 NCC changes

with WoodSolutions

Technical Design Guides

The 2022 National Construction Code will be adopted no earlier than 1 October 2022 with transition periods being considered for some requirements.

Changes to the NCC include the introduction of the new livable housing requirements, new residential energy efficiency and condensation mitigation requirements.

WoodSolutions Technical Design Guides will be updated to include guidance on meeting all relevant new requirements. Please note local state and territory variations may still apply.

Please ensure you update your reference library by downloading the latest editions using the QR code below or visiting www.woodsolutions.com.au/publications.

for the update on the cover

2022 Florence Luncheon

The luncheon, held as an extension of, and a highlight to The Master Builders FLORENCE Magazine was based on the theme of Constructing a New Perspective.

The magazine’s namesake, Florence Taylor, was a pioneer for women in construction whose legacy continues to resonate within the building industry today.

As an architect and publisher, Florence believed in the notion that “it was a disgrace for a woman to marry, get into the confines of the home and never be articulate in public affairs”. Her multiple achievements in the male dominated architectural and construction industries of her time demonstrate this.

The Master Builders Association of NSW FLORENCE Luncheon was held at The

Grounds of Alexandria on Friday 16 September 2022 with over 170 guests in attendance and proudly partnered with Women Building Australia. Special guest, Jana Pittman, took us all on a roller coaster journey of triumph, failure and success. She spoke of her journey through the peaks and troughs that helped shape her career and built her into whom she is today.

With special guest speaker, Jana Pittman — the personification of resilience.

Jana is a two-time World Champion and four-time Commonwealth Champion in athletics, and when injuries hampered her athletic career, she swapped the track for the ice and became the first woman to represent Australia in both a Summer and Winter Olympic games.

Outside of sport Jana has completed a Bachelor of Medicine & Surgery and a Masters of Reproductive Medicine and is a practising Doctor in the field of Women’s Health.

Jana’s many achievements don’t stop there. In 2021 Jana joined the cast of Channel 7’s SAS Australia making it to the final five. In March this year, she also gave birth to twins making her a mother to six children.

Jana was a wealth of inspiration and an example to all with the message that it is never too late to strive for your dreams.

Denita Wawn, CEO of Master Builders Australia, also gave an industry update highlighting the current skills and labour shortages. It is estimated that about 477,000 new workers will need to enter the industry by the end of 2026 and for this to be achievable the industry needs the capacity to attract the best workers regardless of their gender. Denita said “that getting more women into construction is a win-win for both the industry and women”. She also stated, “to achieve this, Master Builders is addressing the barriers that prevent women from entering the construction industry”. A big thank you to Women Building Australia for partnering with the Master Builders Association of NSW to hold such a wonderful and inspirational luncheon.

We look forward to seeing you all at our 2023 FLORENCE luncheon.

THE ROAD

KEEP YOUR FLEET GOING THE DISTANCE WITH A TOYOTA GENUINE SERVICE

Australia

is a nation defined by vast distances and long, winding roads, and there’s no better way to navigate them than in a Toyota. Whether you’re hauling heavy loads or traversing long roads, it pays to check whether it’s time for a Toyota Genuine Service.

No one knows your Toyota like we do, so there’s no substitute for a Toyota Genuine Service. We guarantee that every single part our expert technicians use to repair or service your vehicle is a Toyota Genuine Part. That way you know you’re getting the best possible components to keep your fleet in the peak condition.

Beyond expert service and genuine parts, you’ll enjoy complete pricing transparency. Before any Toyota servicing, we’ll let you know exactly how much it will cost, and unless there are any unexpected issues, that price won’t change.

Plus, opting for a Toyota Genuine Service means you’re covered by the Toyota Warranty Advantage. It covers every new Toyota with a five-year unlimited-kilometre warranty, and if you keep up your annual service schedule we’ll extend your engine and driveline warranty from five to seven years.

With the myToyota app, you’ll be able to instantly access all your fleet vehicles’ information, including service history, schedule and more. Your drivers can even use the app to book, customise and manage their Toyota Genuine Service from their smartphones.

So make sure your Toyota has the care it requires to get the job done, no matter where work takes you.

Book a Toyota Genuine Service with the myToyota app, by visiting your Toyota Dealer, or by calling 1800 679 247.

Give your fleet an expert service and go the extra mile

HiLux

INTRODUCING SUPABRIDGE™

integrated insulated roofing system is the fast, cost effective way to achieve

The lightweight and easy to install

to NCC Section J requirements for uncompressed roof insulation. Replacing the need for the separate purlin bridging and roof raisers the system utilising existing trades skills for integrated bridging, safety wire, insulation and roofing installation. SUPABRIDGE™

are delivered pre-assembled and are readily adjustable on site using traditional purlin bolts significantly reducing installation time and costs. Get the Inspiration to Build

with LYSAGHT

LYSAGHT

trademark

New LYSAGHT SUPABRIDGE® helps deliver thermal benefits and cost efficiencies

Replacing traditional purlin bridging, SUPABRIDGE™ accommodates the safety wire and uncompressed insulation within the roof purlin space. By utilising the structural purlin depth to achieve this, internal roof height can be maximised while maintaining the full bracing capacity of the roof sheeting thanks to direct fixing to purlin members.

This integrated approach delivers several important benefits for architects, engineers, installers, builders and ultimately, building owners.

With the SUPABRIDGE™ roofing system, buildings can achieve R values of up to R6.2, ensuring they comfortably meet National Construction Code NCC thermal insulation requirements, while also delivering potential cost savings during installation, which can be undertaken by existing trades without specialist knowledge or extra equipment.

Lysaght National Specification Manager, Tony Jamieson, said SUPABRIDGE™ had already been trialled on a number of projects and had been extremely well received.

“SUPABRIDGE™ makes it easier and more cost effective to meet NCC thermal requirements without the need for roof raisers,” Mr Jamieson said.

“Along with the added expense of fitting raisers and the extra installation costs, raising the roof can also reduce sheet uplift capacities — because SUPABRIDGE™ allows the cladding to be fixed directly to the roof structure, this new system actually has the opposite effect.

“The added cavity space provided by LYSAGHT SUPABRIDGE® also means there’s no need to compress the insulation blanket

during installation, a practice that is no longer acceptable under NCC.

“Feedback on the new system from builders who have trialled the technology has been very positive, with comments focusing on simplicity of installation along with how easy the system allowed the required insulation R values to be achieved compared to previous methods.”

SUPABRIDGE™ provides many tangible benefits across a range of operational parameters.

Improved insulation performance

Insulation blankets are installed to SUPABRIDGE™ buildings without being compressed, ensuring they continue to meet their specified performance levels, with the ability to deliver R values ranging from R3.7 to R6.2.

Reduced cost

SUPABRIDGE™ eliminates the need for roof raiser components and traditional purlin bridging components, leading to faster and more efficient installation.

Easy to install

Installing SUPABRIDGE™ is simple. Components are delivered preassembled and are readily adjustable on site using traditional purlin bolts. Easy on-site adjustment of brackets also efficiently accommodates variances if required. Additionally, SUPABRIDGE™ uses fewer components than traditional systems and can be installed by existing trades without the need for specialist skills or equipment.

Improved installer safety

SUPABRIDGE™ integrates roof safety mesh

to provide a safer working platform, while placement of the insulation between purlins keeps them visible throughout the roof installation process.

The system also eliminates the potential for roof spacer ‘roll-over’ during installation. A further benefit of SUPABRIDGE™ is that it allows SUPATHERMIC® insulation options that are glass wool fibre-free, non-allergenic and formaldehyde free, meaning specialist PPE is not required. Additionally, these options provide easier on-site handling due to their compact dimensions and lightweight nature.

Maintains engineering and design performance

Using SUPABRIDGE™ ensures the engineering integrity of the roofing is maintained. The system allows the roof cladding to be fixed directly to thicker purlin sections for added integrity rather than roof raisers. From a design and approvals perspective, SUPABRIDGE™ also helps keep roof heights in check, which is important for sites that are bound by height restrictions.

Assured compliance

The new SUPABRIDGE™ meets — and in many cases exceeds — a broad range of building governance and compliance requirements including NCC, Section J Insulation Performance, Fire Performance to AS1530.2:1993 (R2016), Roof Safety Mesh standards to AS/NZS 4389:2015 and the AS/ NZS 4600 Cold-Formed Structures Code.

For additional information about LYSAGHT SUPABRIDGE®, visit our website: www.professionals.lysaght.com/supabridge or contact your local Lysaght representative.

LYSAGHT SUPABRIDGE® is an integrated bridging and roof insulation system for commercial and industrial buildings.

Revolutionary interior/exterior cladding product

While Governments strive to meet the challenges of Climate Change, one innovative Australian company has been hard at work, developing specialised composite building and cladding products.

FloodClad Composite Cladding products offer a range that is strong, durable and extremely resilient when it comes to the extreme, diverse challenges of the Australian climate.

It offers diverse protection from flood, fire, termites, mould, bacteria, impact and sound. FloodClad offers an outstanding range of products in floors, walls, ceilings, roofing, eaves, soffits, decking, etc to suit every need.

Finally, we discover a product that protects on multiple levels. This product appears to be the greatest single advance in construction cladding history, when considering multifaceted protection/performance, economic gain and long lasting, low maintenance for dwellings in flood/fire-prone areas.

A better choice long term, FloodClad is a resilient and diverse solution.

The beauty of FloodClad Composite products is they do exactly what they are designed to do:  protect people and property in multiple ways from serious threats, while being kind to the earth… and they last, providing long term peace-of-mind.

FloodClad is planet friendly and has a very low carbon footprint. Being an MgSO4 product, FloodClad is a water inert cladding, an MgSO4 product - scientifically developed, it is primarily inorganic composite. It is 100% recyclable.

FloodClad eliminates repetitive costs and genuinely delivers - being the most resilient and versatile product available on the market. Owners who proactively choose to make their properties more resilient, will realise not just financial gains, but ensure greater stability and wellbeing for those who occupy them, as well as being kind to the planet.

FloodClad remains inert in water and during flooding - even over long periods - and when correctly water-sealed during installation, can protect timber framing from serious water absorption.

After flooding, lightly scrub off water marks and repaint if required. A very inexpensive, easy process, to return things back to some kind of normality.

Government Projects Benefit: Agencies involved in procurement of quality construction products would benefit from this product development — particularly where such cladding is used in temporary or emergency accommodation — as well as wherever there is risk of fire, flood, termites or mould.

FloodClad is sold direct to builders and construction companies with national supply capability.

More info:    visit www.floodclad.com.au, a product of the FireCrunch Group.

With flooding events becoming more frequent, FloodClad Composite Cladding products offer a range that is strong, durable and extremely resilient.

Powerful protection during floods or fires

Dahlsens, a rare treasure in the building industry

While it’s rare for an Australian company to have been around for 145 years, Dahlsens is proud to hold this record and to remain 100 per cent family owned.

The family legend is that a fortuitous gold find was the start of everything for the company, with founder Johan Christian Dahlsen arriving in Australia 14 years prior to striking gold in 1863.

For more than 40 years, Johan worked in the Gippsland gold mining industry, using his earnings to build a newly formed hardware business.

In September of 1877, when Johan received a large consignment of timber and advertised his plans of starting up the timber yard business, Dahlsens was born - and the rest, as they say, is history.

Fast forward to 2022 and the company is still family owned and operated, marking an impressive six generations of Dahlsens in the business.

Today, Dahlsens is the largest builder-focused merchant in Victoria and New South Wales, operating a total of 40 trade stores, truss and frame manufacturing plants and roofing manufacturing plants throughout the two states, all experts in servicing the trade.

There are also subsidiaries trading in Far North Queensland under the Cairns Hardware

Company, and in the Northern Territory and Broome (Western Australia) as Nortruss Group.

In the past 12 months, Dahlsens has invested heavily in its service and network, opening six new trade stores, and acquiring two more truss and frame manufacturing plants in New South Wales, upgrading the (formerly) Midcoast Timber Centre network across the state to better support the needs of the trade.

Right across Greater Sydney, the Central Coast and Newcastle, wherever you’re building, you can now access whole-of-house building materials and truss and frame with one phone call.

The company has also branched out since the days of Johan’s timber consignments, and now offers building solutions to new home and alteration/addition builders in bulk trade quantities – from foundation to fit-out, wall frames to door handles, roof trusses to bathroom products, cladding to doors, decking to insulation and more, Dahlsens offers a convenient one stop shop for all building materials.

A team of trade experts - including account managers, logistics professionals and trade support team - can work directly with you to organise delivery and drive-through pick-up of building materials to meet your project lead

times, as well as the installation of items such as blinds, heating, ventilation, cooling, and insulation.

An extension of your team who care about your success, you can depend on your local Dahlsens team and account manager for reliable service and helpful advice.

With Dahlsens, you can also get truss and frame manufactured using SpeedTruss by Pryda - an innovative approach to roof truss design and installation that incorporates preinstalled screws which act like an assembly kit, reducing installation time and greatly improving safety.

With SpeedTruss you can fix everything into place at, or below, the top plate – a total gamechanger.

There is more to come for Dahlsens, as it continues to invest in its people, partners and communities, expanding and enhancing its ability to support builders and trades today and for decades to come.

If you’d like to open an account, request a quote or have a general enquiry, visit your local store - which you can find by visiting dahlsens.com.au/store-locator - or contact Dahlsens’ NSW Sales Manager, Shane Selby, by calling 0409 354 592 or emailing shane.selby@dahlsens.com.au

FMC embrace innovation

In this day and age, we are constantly faced with higher expectations, challenging designs, and new method requirements — the Ronald McDonald House in Perth was one such build. As an international charity that helps the families of sick children with support and accommodation during their times of treatment, it was essential that the building be an exemplary design and construction for this type of project and purpose. The building achieved a LEED [Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design] Silver rating and a global recognition and certification for environmentally sustainable buildings — the first of its kind in Australia.

Several significant challenges presented themselves at Ronald McDonald House.

In particular, the new construction method affected the supporting basement retaining walls by creating gaps in the structure large enough for a small child to squeeze through. As with every unique project, this required a new

way of thinking.

The Homeguard team at FMC Australasia proudly assisted the HomeGuard Accredited Installer, Termico Pest Management Services, to install a HomeGuard Termite Management System. The solution was HomeGuard termite protection ‘sheeting’ – it provided great flexibility coupled with chemical repellence that could wrap the retaining walls and cover all entry points from subterranean termite infestation with no worries about exposure to residents as it is fully contained in the sheeting’s matrix.

HomeGuard is designed, researched and developed in Australia for Australian conditions to last for the design life of the building. So, Ronald McDonald House can rest assured that in the future their limited funds can be spent on the young patients and their families, not on continual termite treatments.

Perth’s Ronald McDonald House by Perth Architect Gerry Kho, built by Doric Construction HomeGuard installed by Termico Pest Management Services, and supported by FMC Australia.

Manufactured in Australia

DIVISION NIGHTS

With our Divisional Information Nights back in full swing after the Covid affected years, the Manning Great Lakes, North North West and Oxley Divisions have held their regular face-to-face Divisional Information Nights. To service members in the outer areas, events have been held in Gloucester, Kempsey and Moree too. These nights have received a great reception and attendance, and we look forward to continuing to hold events in these locations.

In conjunction with SafeWork NSW, we have delivered updates on safety in the construction industry, as well as local Council updates, and information on engineering, geotechnical, asbestos, insurance, Industrial Relations as well as some product updates.

Our AGMs are in October, so it’s a great time to consider becoming involved in your local committee. Being involved ensures we have relevant and interesting information at our Division nights, as well as keeping the Council of Management abreast of issues, in your local area.

GOLF DAY FUN

The Oxley Division Golf Day was held on 1 July 2022 at the Port Macquarie Golf Club and were lucky to have a day of fine weather, which made for a fantastic day on the golf course. As always, it is a non-competitive, fun day of nine holes, where anyone can win, and the winners were Sovereign Hills Display Village. On behalf of the Division, we would like to thank the sponsors of the golf day, Mid Coast Windows, Petries Mitre 10, Nationwide Property Brokers, SMP Fabrications, Sovereign Hills Display Village, Fastplast Building Supplies, Kennards Hire, North Eastern Door Frames, NIS Power & Communications, BDM Constructions and Master Builders Insurance Brokers.

RELOCATING OUR OFFICE

By the end of 2022, the Port Macquarie office should have relocated to 18 Jambali Road, Port Macquarie. The Master Builders Association NSW purchased the building in late 2021, and now with two tenants in place, and the DA approval on its way, we will be able to fit out the building with our office space and training facilities, and hope to move in before the end of the year. This is an exciting time for the Port Macquarie office, proving MBA are here to stay, and with off street parking and member facilities, we look forward to it being a busy, well utilised office.

Golf Day winners — Sovereign Hills Display Village.

Our Divisional Information Nights in full swing again.

Another successful 2022 Central Coast Division Race Day

Fabulous day at the MBA Central Coast Division Race Day in Gosford on Thursday 9 June. A special thanks to all our sponsors, guests and staff from The Entertainment Grounds for making this day possible.

Shout out to our guests for your generosity in helping us support the Westpac Helicopter Rescue Service. The Westpac 100 club board filled up within record time and we had some very happy prize winners. Rose was our major prize winner, with a two-night stay and dinner for two at Bannisters in Port Stephens.

We were very pleased to present Shannon from WHRS with a cheque for $4,500 on behalf of everyone involved on the day.

Proudly sponsored by: Master Builders Insurance Brokers, Milwaukee Tool, Hume Doors & Timber, North Construction & Building, Dahlsens, Weathertex Pty Ltd, KCKN CHKN.

Proudly supporting: Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service Central Coast Region.

The Central Coast Division Committee presents the winners ribbon to the winning owners.

MBIB presents the winners ribbon to the winning owners.

Central Coast Division Golf Day raises cash for WRHS

Ahuge shout out to Katrina and the team at Kooindah Waters Golf Club for hosting our first annual Central Coast Division Master Builders Association of NSW Golf Day. After multiple cancellations due to COVID and wet weather we were able to hit the course on Friday 29 June.

Great to see the members, sponsors and guests enjoying a fun afternoon on the course. Phrase of the day, “how many balls did you lose?”

Thanks again to the following sponsors for your support:

Master Builders Insurance Brokers, Kincumber Mitre 10, Hip Pocket Workwear & Safety, CCF Floors, Milwaukee Tool, Advance Building Services, Theil Building & Sons, Hume Doors & Timber, ITI Australia

We proudly raised $1,500 for Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service — Central Coast Region. Great to have Shannon and Allison run the 100 club and explain the important work the WRHS provides the community.

Congratulations to Mark and Jye from Advance Building Services for taking home the 2022 Barrie Frost Memorial Trophy

Crestwood Building — 3rd place.

JT Projects — 2nd place.

Longest Drive Winner — Joe McPherson.

Golf Day Winners.

Golf Day Players Presentation.

Northern Rivers Compliance Industry Dinner

On 2 August 2022, the Ballina Office hosted a Compliance Industry Dinner at Kingscliff Beach Bowling Club.

More than 80 members heard presentations from the Office of the Building Commissioner, NSW Fair Trading and SafeWork NSW which included a video presentation from David Chandler OAM, NSW Building Commissioner.

The dinner was to launch the compliance program that was undertaken from 2nd – 5th August 2022.

This is the first time the agencies have collaborated to improve compliance, build quality, and site safety across the construction industry. Master Builders Executive Director Brian Seidler concluded the evening with Master Builders position on key policy reform and facilitated the Q&A session with the panel of presenters.

Master Builders was pleased to host this event and further support our members by working closely with the Office of the Building Commissioner, Fair Trading and SafeWork NSW to educate on building compliance and safety in the construction industry.

Construction Annual Bowls Day

A great day was had by all with donations raised for Mates in Construction. Thanks to Robert Norton and his Team at FM Glenn for organising a great event.

MBA Northern July 2022 Division Events

Guest speaker presentations included Mates in Construction, Buildxact, SafeWork NSW, James Hardie Australia and Master Builders Insurance Brokers’ Alan Fraser, as well as Ian Anderson promoting Green Hats for Aaron Initiative — Apprentice Safety in Green Hard hats.

Mid North Coast Division – FM Glenn

Women in Construction Western NSW Inaugural Event

J

saw us run our first ever

Construction

which was held in Dubbo

We heard from some brilliant speakers and had the

network with other women (and the men who

them) who work across all aspects of the

Look out for our next event

be held

this year

Dubbo

our region.

towns

If you’re interested in being added to the invite list email Katie on kkidd@mbansw.asn.au.

The Countdown is on until the 2022

NSW Excellence in Building Gala Night!

Judging has been completed and as usual

didn’t disappoint with an

Upcoming Events

•

in the

even ended up in a

in the

as far as Cobar

With a

Now

which

only be

GJ Gardner Homes Dubbo representatives at the Women in Construction event.

Murray Division Industry Breakfast

On Thursday, August 11, we held our Annual Industry Breakfast for our Murray Division in Albury. We were joined by some wonderful guest speakers on the morning, Helen Haines (Independent Federal Member for Indi) and Sussan Ley (Federal Member for Farrer). It was a great morning with over 65 attendees, packed with informative discussion and local networking.

Great turnout for our Division Nights

I n August, we held our Riverina and MIA Division Nights. Our guest speakers included Brad Parker (Mates in Construction), Joe Carabott (James Hardie) and Jacklyn Selberg (Master Builders Insurance Brokers).

We had a great attendance at both our Wagga and Griffith events and are looking forward to catching up with all our members at the next ones. We would also like to say a huge thank you to Brad Parker (Mates in Construction) for allowing us to attend the launch of the Mates in Construction/Bunnings hoodies at Bunnings, Griffith NSW. It was great to see our members in attendance to purchase a hoodie and support an amazing cause.

From Hi-Vis to Green and Gold

F or the past six years MBA member, Matt Bonny has volunteered his time as a Cronulla Division Committee member, whilst also running a successful building company. What his fellow committee members didn’t know was that Matt was also chasing his dream of representing Australia at the World Triathlon

Championships.

After dedicating years to early starts, training over thousands of kilometres, two years of qualifying during lockdowns and cancelled events, Matt never lost sight of his goal and qualified!

So, in June this year Matt flew to Montreal,

with the rest of the national team, to represent Australia in both the Age Group and Relay events. Matt expressed a profound pride in wearing the Green and Gold and spoke fondly of the national team experience. Congratulations Matt! Such an impressive achievement.

Two unique venues for local Divisions

I t was 2019 since the Illawarra Division hosted an event outside the MBA Wollongong Branch.

In August we headed to RESIN Brewing in Bulli, once the Bulli Railway Guest House, and chosen for its unique historic building restoration. Well, that and for the foamy golden goodness served inside.

Members heard the brief story behind the renovation project, before moving onto our key speakers — Building Consultant and Expert Witness, Neil Wallace and MBIB Home Warranty Insurance Team Leader, Jacklyn Selberg.

Mini Trade Show

The Cronulla Division partnered with Dahlsens to host a mini trade show style event at their Kirrawee Trade Store. The meeting was the first supplier site event in more than two years.

Attendees experienced product displays by various suppliers and gained technical knowledge from two presentations delivered by Meyer Timber and Pryda Australia.

Judging the Awards — 2022

I t came around quick this time, but throughout August we were back on the judging trail for the upcoming Southern Regions Building Awards. It really is one of my favourite times of the year. Rarely do we get a close look at our members completed projects and I am always impressed by the passion, expertise and dedication that goes into the finished products. The calibre of the building across the range of categories continues to impress me. Thankfully, I don’t have to judge them.

The Awards evening is scheduled for Saturday, 29 October 2022 at the Ulladulla Civic Centre, where I look forward to cheering on our local builders!