Master Builders Victoria July-September 2020

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MASTER BUILDERS VICTORIA JULY-SEPTEMBER 2020 VOLUME 75 ISSUE 03

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From the CEO: Pride in the performance of our members — Page 12 Guest foreword: The VPA’s Stuart Moseley on planning for a post-pandemic Victoria — Page 14 Cause for celebration: Hansen Yuncken’s Victorian Pride Centre — Page 17 and Barpa’s Indigenous commitment — Page 24

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EDITOR’S NOTE

Good vibrations…

Peter Sackett Editor

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ou can still feel them if you allow yourself to tune in.

In a world without COVID-19, this issue of Master Builder would have a big section in the middle dedicated to showcasing the work you submitted to our annual Excellence in Construction Awards. These projects would have been conceived and delivered after confronting only the usual constraints and obstacles. The photographs of buildings and their smiling creators would remind you of a great evening in August when nearly 1000 of us had a party to celebrate a successful year of delivering fantastic projects to grateful clients.

Volume 75 Issue 03

This year has been a little different.

At the time of publication, we’re not quite sure when we’ll be able to celebrate again like that in the same room. But that doesn’t mean the same great work isn’t still being accomplished by our members.

Our judges may not have been able to visit your project sites to select winners, but we are confident that winning projects are out there, scattered throughout Victoria. And while so much of the news today is gloomy, we decided to throw some light on work that’s worth knowing about. It begins in this issue with the Victorian Pride Centre in St Kilda by Hansen Yuncken, and Barpa, a construction company with deep roots in the Indigenous Australian community.

When complete, the Pride Centre will play a crucial role in supporting the LGBTIQ community and enrich the sense of belonging and togetherness across Victoria and beyond. You can learn about it on page 17.

Barpa, whose profile appears on page 24, has established itself as a provider of extraordinary opportunity for careers in the building and construction sector while maintaining a commitment to the needs and wellbeing of Indigenous people and communities.

Notice of Annual General Meeting Master Builders Victoria, Annual General Meeting (AGM) 24 November 2020 3.00pm to 5.00pm Location: 332 Albert Street East Melbourne 3002 Subject to COVID -19 restrictions, the AGM may be held via video conference But since great work is tucked throughout the state, not just in the inner suburbs of Melbourne, we need your help in discovering and sharing it. We want to know about projects big and small—even tiny—that make a difference for one or many.

Times are tough, but that’s a good reason to keep good news flowing where it’s available. It’s another way to remind ourselves that the work you do makes life better for so many. That should never go unnoticed.

Reach us at (03) 9411 4555 or psackett@mbav.com.au

Master Builders Victoria |

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drew S hailer Andrew Shailer Ti ling

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

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

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

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

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

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

ON THE COVER AND ABOVE: Hansen Yuncken’s Victorian Pride Centre project.

Contents FOREWORDS 03 EDITOR’S NOTE 11 PRESIDENT’S FOREWORD 12 FROM THE CEO 14 GUEST FOREWORD REGULAR 48 NEWS 61 DIRECTORY FEATURES 17 VICTORIAN PRIDE CENTRE

HANSEN YUNCKEN WORKING TO FOSTER STRONGER COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS 22 MASTER BUILDERS FOUNDATION SUPERCHARGE YOUR CAREER 24 BARPA CONSTRUCTION SERVICES TRAILBLAZING AN INDIGENOUS STAKE IN CONSTRUCTION

DEPARTMENTS 27 INSURANCE 28 32 Produced by Newscorp for Master Builders Victoria EDITOR: Peter Sackett EDITORIAL CO-ORDINATOR: Alyssa Welke DESIGNER: Alyssa Welke

Volume 75 Issue 03

CONSIDER ADDITIONAL COVER FOR POLLUTION LIABILITY OH&S WORKPLACE MANSLAUGHTER LAWS COME INTO EFFECT IN VICTORIA INDUSTRIAL RELATIONS MAKE CERTAIN YOU’RE MEETING YOUR COINVEST OBLIGATIONS IMPORTANT CHANGES TO THE BUILDING AND CONSTRUCTION AWARD

39 CAREERS 42 47

MORE CHOICES FOR COMMERCIAL BUILDERS ON THE PATH TO REGISTRATION COMMITTEE ROUND-UP VICTORIES AND STRUGGLES IN GRAPPLING WITH THE PANDEMIC GREEN LIVING BUILDING NET-ZERO CARBON HOUSES IS NOT AS EXPENSIVE AS YOU THINK

MEMBERSHIP 58 MEMBERSHIP

MEMBER COMMITTEES: WHY YOUR VOICE MATTERS

ADVERTISING FEATURES 26 MASTER BUILDERS INSURANCE BROKERS 31 GOOP GUYS 34 INCOLINK 37 ACRS 40 STORMTECH 41 PTA LANDSCAPES 45 AFPA 57 THERM-OZ

Master Builders Victoria |

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

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

Sydney

Adelaide

Bendigo Ballarat Geelong

Albury-Wodonga Shepparton

Gippsland Melbourne

Warrnambool

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

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

Ballarat

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

Master Builders Executive Managers Member Experience: Commercial Tony Biffaro Phone: (03) 9411 4557 Corporate Services Marc Lyons Phone: (03) 9411 4528 Master Builders Training Institute Corrie Williams Phone: (03) 9411 4544

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

Volume 75 Issue 03

Membership Mell Greenall Phone: (03) 9411 4598

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

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

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

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

Council of Management

Gippsland

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

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

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

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

Master Builders Victoria |

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PRESIDENT’S FOREWORD

Making us stronger and prouder than ever health of our businesses and the wellbeing of all who work in them.

Richard Hansen President

S

ince I last wrote, the fortunes of our community and of our industry have twisted in unexpected ways. While we could be forgiven for thinking we were on the path back to some form of normality, events have decided otherwise and we have found ourselves in a lockdown firmer than previously. This has enormous consequences for our mental health, the

Volume 75 Issue 03

Over the past six months, our Master Builders team has been magnificent in promoting the interests of our members and our industry and promoting to government what an outstanding job you have all done in adapting work practices and keeping everyone safe. This has been a great outcome not only for safety but for maintaining incomes and productivity.

This time around it has been much more difficult.

In such a circumstance, once again, the Master Builders team has proven its mettle and adaptability to changing situations, by actively lobbying and obtaining the best from a bad situation. The initial rules as they were announced frankly created more questions than answers. In the space of a couple of days, an enormous amount was done to seek clarity and, where necessary, rules were amended to avoid what might have been total shutdowns for some sectors of our industry.

While none of this is pleasing or easy, we continue to march on as best we can, looking forward to easing

of restrictions, and most importantly reduced levels of transmission of the dreaded virus through the community.

I have been aware of a great deal of anxiety, stress and emotion from workers in our industry. I have seen it on sites in our own business. This is a time to reach out and support your fellow colleagues and check in with a simple “Are you OK?”. Many will need help right now and please be alert to this. As I noted in my previous foreword, excellent support services are available, particularly through Incolink.

My time as your President is in its final months, and it seems only yesterday since I started in this role.

What a fantastic opportunity it has been, with my only regret that I haven’t been able to get out and about and see many members at events this year. With the new round of elections having just commenced, I look forward to seeing high levels of engagement and interest by members in the activities of MBV and making this a stronger and prouder institution than it has ever been before.

Best wishes to you all.

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FROM THE CEO

We’re proud to represent you Rebecca Casson CEO

I

t’s difficult to write a message to anyone these days — be it a magazine foreword or an SMS — that doesn’t make some reference to the ways COVID-19 has affected the course of our lives.

In Victoria, at the time of publication, many of us are several weeks into Stage 3 and Stage 4 restrictions, which launched daily tasks by Master Builders Victoria and members alike in interpreting and clarifying the restriction specifics to remain productive while also protecting the lives of every Victorian.

I am so impressed with your ability to cope with

12 | Master Builders Victoria

adversity in doing the important work you do. Our team constantly reports back your determination to get the answers you deserve so that you can keep your businesses and our state economy afloat, albeit at a slower pace than we’d like. We have worked tirelessly with the government to get the answers to your questions and suggested workable solutions when answers were in short supply.

When I speak to the media on your behalf (which has been incredibly frequent lately) I often remind them the people in our industry care deeply about their clients and the communities they serve. And every time I think I’ve said that perhaps a little too often, I’m given another reason to remind readers and the television audience of that important fact.

Master Builders Victoria, with the co-operation of other employer associations and unions, took early action by working with the government to keep our sector open and developing proactive safety guidelines. But you, our members, made it work. The coronavirus may not discriminate, but you certainly have in heeding the plethora of safety messages.

And I’m very pleased to report our sector has only a fraction of the cases compared to other industries. That

is a genuine achievement, and I congratulate you. Keep up the good work. It is precisely the sort of action that will help our industry prepare for the time — soon, we hope — when it helps lead our state out of financial distress and resume normal operations once again.

Our team took quiet pride in seeing an article in the Australian Financial Review in August, in which our sector was credited by Victorian barristers for an outstanding performance in lobbying for members.

The article states: “The work of the Master Builders illustrates, in our view, the kind of advocacy work that the bar should have done from very early on….It is difficult to resist the conclusion that we have been out-lobbied and outmanoeuvred by other sectors.”

These are tough times for all, of course, but how nice it is to see that others appreciate the productive momentum of the building and construction industry and its enormous contribution to the Victorian economy. Lobbying is one thing, but you are the ones who give our voice meaning — and we are so proud to represent you all.

Please continue to stay well and safe.

Volume 75 Issue 03

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T2020-014816 MBA VIC 06/20

GUEST FOREWORD

An artist’s impression of the Arden Precinct for which the VPA has developed a structure plan. Image courtesy VPA.

Designing for a post-pandemic world C Stuart Moseley CEO, Victorian Planning Authority

14 | Master Builders Victoria

OVID-19, as we are all rapidly coming to terms with, is a world-changing event. It’s more than the public health implications and the economic damage the pandemic has triggered. COVID-19 will clearly have significant implications for our cities.

But none of us can predict exactly what this impact will be, or how the aspirations of our communities and households will change, and for how long. It’s simply too early to tell.

Some commentary suggests that COVID-19 will change everything — capital cities and central business districts will become obsolete, workers will henceforth work from their (increasingly far-flung) homes, many will be fearful of density and public transport and will flee to live and work in the suburbs and regional towns.

Other commentators see the pandemic as little more than a temporary blip, and that as soon as there is a

vaccine everything will get back to the way it was.

Of course, what actually happens will fall somewhere in the middle of these two extremes. And though it is too early to tell what the full impact might be, the challenge for all of us in the city-building business is twofold.

First, we need to get the fundamentals right and keep the options open.

This is the key to future-proofing better outcomes and enabling design and market innovation to meet as-yet-unforeseen consumer demands and preferences.

We have only just begun to find solutions for how people can live, work and play in dense urban environments safely. Much of the solution will lie not in the form of our buildings, but in how we approach their design and manage their use.

Volume 75 Issue 03

GUEST FOREWORD

We may have to change the way lifts are designed and how we configure and manage communal areas in high-rise buildings. Our office environments will need to be shaped and occupied differently. And the way we design public spaces may need to change.

But it doesn’t mean it can’t be done, and because we don’t yet know what these changes might be, the logical approach is to focus on getting the fundamental parameters right — building envelopes, mixing of uses, quality connections, amenity and accessibility — while allowing designers and developers to innovate within these parameters.

Multi-storey buildings will need lots of internal light and ventilation. Reliance on a single-core lifts will not pass muster and staircases will need to be wider, safer and the preferred choice of vertical movement.

Apartments will need to be built with proper balconies where residents can sit in the sun, grow plants and have a barbecue. Hallways will need to be wider, conceptualised as the building’s roads with thresholds outside apartments where residents can wait with physical distancing if they need to.

Ultimately, there is far more to be lost from any retreat

Volume 75 Issue 03

from density than there is to be gained. We know that living in compact, walkable, mixed-use medium-rise environments is better for your health and wellbeing overall, and better for the planet because it uses less energy. And we know that the alternative – increased sprawl at the outskirts of our city – has pronounced economic and social impacts.

“

We have only just begun to find solutions for how people can live, work and play in dense urban environments safely.”

Secondly, we need to act decisively to secure a positive COVID-19 legacy.

By investing in supporting infrastructure and services now, we can “ride the wave” of positive COVID-related change.

Perhaps the most obvious example of a positive legacy is the rise of working from home. All progressive employers are now looking to embed remote working as a “new normal” working option, allowing more staff

more choices to balance work and family life postCOVID and to reduce the need for time-consuming and costly long-distance commutes.

Transport behaviour change is another example.

COVID-19 restrictions have prompted many more of us to access local services and facilities, making trips on foot or by bike. If we act now to improve facilities for cyclists and pedestrians, we will be able to keep a large number of these COVID-converts cycling and walking when the pandemic lifts.

Right now, there is a unique opportunity for designers, developers and builders to help catalyse these changes — by designing work-from-home spaces, quality pedestrian environments and amenities for cyclists.

A project on which we are currently consulting in Arden, next to North Melbourne, could be a great test case for this sort of investment and development.

In our plan for Arden, we are focusing on getting the fundamentals right, future-proofing innovation and capturing the positive legacy of the COVID-19 pandemic. We look forward to working with the industry to find solutions to these challenges.

Master Builders Victoria |

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A new Melbourne landmark: St Kilda’s Victorian Pride Centre Volume 75 Issue 03

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FEATURE

Hansen Yuncken working to foster Janice Mascini Special Contributor

M

elbourne will have plenty to celebrate with the opening of the purpose-built Victorian Pride Centre anticipated for December 2020.

This new state-of-the-art centre located on the corner of Jackson and Fitzroy Streets, St Kilda will provide

18 | Master Builders Victoria

an inclusive and vibrant LGBTIQ community hub that will enable the public, community groups and LGBTIQ organisations to come together.

It will be home to many important services including mental and physical health care, especially for young people; it will host a lively event space, with a function area on the rooftop having uninterrupted views of Melbourne, the bay and bayside suburbs.

Tenants currently include JOY-FM, Minus18, Melbourne

Queer Film Festival, Star Health, Australian Lesbian & Gay Archives, Thorne Harbour Health, Australian CLBTIQ Multicultural Council and Switchboard with plenty more set to come on board before the years’ end.

Built by Hansen Yuncken for the Victorian Pride Centre, the bespoke building has four levels, with 6000sqm of floor space.

The design by BAU-GAA JV Partnership was the winning entry in a competition.

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FEATURE

strong community connections The project began about 14 months ago and was launched with an indigenous smoking ceremony performed by the Boon Wurrung Foundation, where native plants were burned and made to smoulder with the belief the smoke wards off bad spirits.

Among the attendees were leaders from the project, the LGBTIQ community, health and community services, the Lord Mayors of Port Phillip and Stonnington and Mr Martin Foley, the Victorian Minister for Equality, Mental Health and Creative Industries.

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Unique design features There are many design features integrated into the building with stunning curves and shapes with sculptured pre-cast panels, circular and elliptical windows, and an atrium that displays an enormous, distinctive, sculptured eggshell spanning across four levels from the ground floor to the roof. The egg was inspired by the emu egg to celebrate the First Nations Indigenous people and history of the area.

Hansen Yuncken operations manager Brian McAdam describes the rear of the building on Jackson Street as sculpted like an umbrella, with peaks and troughs.

“There were some interesting challenges in bringing the design to fruition, particularly with the pressure equalisation of the circular windows and the pre-cast panels, each with individual features, which needed to be well thought out,” Mr McAdam said.

“Of course, the restrictions associated with the COVID-19 pandemic have, and continue to present

Master Builders Victoria |

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FEATURE

hurdles to overcome to ensure health and safety onsite remains paramount. However, we believe we’re on track to achieve the completion date.

“Building the Victorian Pride Centre has all the key elements of a great project — it has an amazing design, its ethos of creating a building that is the heartbeat of the community aligns with our company values and we are working with a client who shares the same goals and focus,” Mr McAdam said.

“The end result is a quality building that is distinct and memorable and is sure to boost renewal in the Fitzroy Street precinct, become an impressive Melbourne

20 | Master Builders Victoria

“

The end result is a quality building that is distinct and memorable and is sure to boost renewal in the Fitzroy Street precinct, become an impressive Melbourne landmark and, most importantly, connect and support the LGBTIQ community.”

Hansen Yuncken Operations Manager Brian McAdam

landmark and, most importantly, connect and support the LGBTIQ community.”

If you have a community project or a building with a

special story that you would like to feature in a future issue of Master Builder magazine, please email Peter Sackett psackett@mbav.com.au or phone on (03) 9411 4555.

Volume 75 Issue 03

FEATURE

About Hansen Yuncken In 1918, Lauritz Hansen and Otto Yuncken started a partnership based on a handshake and a one-page agreement. Today, Hansen Yuncken is responsible for thousands of projects, including some of Australia’s most iconic buildings and employs over 600 staff across nine offices with an annual turnover exceeding $1 billion.

Volume 75 Issue 03

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FEATURE

Supercharge your career Janice Mascini Special Contributor

I

f you are waiting for an opportunity to take your career in building and construction to the next level, applying for a scholarship through the Foundation of Master Builders Victoria could help make this happen.

Established in 2008, the foundation was designed to help individuals reach their potential by providing financial assistance through a range of scholarships. To date, it has supported 170 people by providing more than $430,000 in scholarship funding.

Financial assistance can be used toward course fees, the development of a tool kit or other resources to support your career. Whether you are just starting out or want to develop and diversify your established skill set in the industry, there are a number of scholarships on offer.

“

The scholarship I received made it possible for me to follow my passion of carpentry…”

Denise Murnane, scholarship recipient

Early Career Scholarship This scholarship aims to provide assistance to anyone who is aspiring to undertake a pre-apprenticeship, apprenticeship or further training in a construction or a related field. The funds are split into two parts: • $1200 towards approved course fees • $1000 worth of quality tools relevant to your trade Previous successful candidates have used these funds towards a variety of qualifications including: • Certificate III in Carpentry • Certificate II Electrotechnology • Plant Machinery training • Certificate III in Cabinet Making • AutoCAD Level 1 • Certificate III in Plumbing

into building surveying, construction management or sustainability.

Leadership Scholarship This scholarship of up to $10,000 is to assist successful candidates to further their career through initiatives such as tertiary studies or research trips and enable individuals or their project to lead our industry into the future.

Eligibility and how to apply

Career advancement scholarship

To be eligible, applicants must be either an Australian citizen or permanent resident of Australia, reside in Victoria upon their application date and intend to remain involved in the Victorian building and construction industry following completion of their selected course or training.

Up to $5000 can be awarded to those pursuing a qualification above Certificate III level or approved professional development in a construction or related field. For example, this could apply to courses associated with builder registration or to help diversify

Visit https://www.mbav.com.au/Master-BuildersFoundation to download a copy of the application form. For further information about our scholarships please contact the Careers Team on foundation@mbav.com.au or (03) 9411 4555.

22 | Master Builders Victoria

Volume 75 Issue 03

FEATURE

Scholarship recipient Denise Murnane “I received funding from the Foundation of Master Builders Victoria for part of Cert III Carpentry and all of Auto CAD level 1 and 2.

“As a mature-aged female, I found it difficult to obtain work within the industry, without training or experience. The scholarship I received made it possible for me to follow my passion of carpentry and enabled me to fund my training so that I could gain experience and employment within the industry.

“I’ve been in the industry for four years and I work for Amrick P/L, which is a labour-hire company connected to the domestic and commercial sectors. This has allowed me to obtain an extensive skill range. The AutoCAD component of the scholarship will provide me with the skills to advance into management and widen my range of capabilities within the building and construction industry.”

Volume 75 Issue 03

Master Builders Victoria |

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FEATURE

Smoking ceremony at a Barpa site.

Trailblazing an Indigenous stake in construction

B

arpa Construction Services is a dynamic Victorian construction company that has become a model for Indigenous entrepreneurship, empowerment and business development.

With their vision to “empower Indigenous people and businesses through building Australian infrastructure”, Barpa’s goal differentiates it from industry competitors.

Barpa, a Dja Dja Wurrung word meaning “to build”, launched in mid-2014 as a joint venture between majority owners, the Federation of Victorian Traditional Owner Corporations and Cockram Construction, creating a synergy between the world’s oldest living culture and Australia’s oldest building firm.

The Federation is a not-for-profit peak body that represents more than 4000 members of five Traditional Owner groups across Victoria, and Cockram, which

24 | Master Builders Victoria

merged with Icon.co in 2018 to form Icon, one of Australia and New Zealand’s largest construction providers.

Barpa was the realisation of an ambitious plan by the Federation to create a business that would focus on employing and empowering Indigenous people, not only in Victoria, but across the nation.

“One of the key aims of Barpa is to be a catalyst and to provide opportunities for other Traditional Owner groups to generate income in their own sectors,” Graham Atkinson, Barpa Chairman and Dja Dja Wurrung Elder said.

The Barpa journey Following Barpa’s launch, the company invested heavily in business development from its Melbourne

office.

“We got all the licences in place, along with the third-party pre-qualifications in environmental management, health and safety and quality. Then it was all about trying to secure some work,” Michael Read, Barpa Executive Manager said.

In 2015, Barpa had a breakthrough and won its first tender, a small refurbishment project for the Department of Finance.

It was completed safely and on time and gave the company the traction it needed in the building industry.

Four months later, the company delivered a range of building works for the Department of Defence at Puckapunyal in central Victoria.

It was through this project that Barpa was able to gain

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FEATURE

One of Barpa’s Victorian projects for Defence Science and Technology. further accreditations, which opened the door to larger opportunities nationally.

In 2016, the company opened an office in Darwin, joining outposts in Canberra, Sydney, Brisbane, Perth and Geelong.

With increasing capability and national coverage, Barpa was soon able to win more contracts with Defence and other government departments.

Barpa has since gone on to secure a total of 75 projects, including 60 for Defence, and completed construction projects in every Australian state and territory for a variety of clients.

These projects have included the construction of new buildings and facilities, commercial fit-outs, refurbishments, heritage works and infrastructure.

Due to its success, Barpa has been able to deliver on its vision and recruit, develop and retain Indigenous staff through its Pathways to Construction program, providing mentoring and support and offering university scholarships.

It also uses Indigenous subcontractors and suppliers where possible and supports the local communities where it works through respectful engagement, its sponsorship program and providing voluntary labour to community projects.

Volume 75 Issue 03

Barpa is a joint venture between majority owners, the Federation of Victorian Traditional Owner Corporations and Icon.

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25

ADVERTISING FEATURE

Rebuilding an industry heavyweight A

fter a rigorous business transformation program, MBA Insurance Services has emerged with a new name — Master Builders Insurance Brokers (MBIB).

MBIB has changed more than just their name. They’ve also launched a new website, with a new look and new tailored product offerings. They’ve also been working hard to transform their business to be even more engaging and accountable to their clients.

MBIB continue to look after a broad range of construction industry participants here in Victoria, from those undertaking smaller straightforward jobs to those completing major projects with significant complexity.

Luke Hueston, CEO of MBIB, is intent on being the industry leader in the space.

for money coverage, the internal expertise to handle claims and access to tailored risk management advice.

“Our rebranding to MBIB aligns with our new strategic vision and core values, all focussed on being your goto construction insurance broker,” Mr Hueston said.

MBIB also boasts dedicated warranty eligibility, surety and construction teams and a broad product range allowing them to meet the demands of an everwidening variety of builders.

MBIB are more than just an insurance broker. They are dedicated to providing clients with the best value

Builders trust MBIB to help them understand, select

and manage the right cover for their business. They look to them for the specialist advice which only comes from working in the industry every day.

With an ongoing commitment to providing highquality service and broader coverage to Victorian builders, Master Builders Insurance Brokers is set to cement their position as your industry specialists.

Your go-to construction insurance broker

MBAIS is now:

Master Builders Insurance Brokers We’re the same group of hard-working brokers dedicated to providing you with specialist advice.

1800 150 888

26 | Master Builders Victoria

Volume 75 Issue 03

INSURANCE

A Contractors Pollution Liability policy is designed to cover businesses against a range of environmental liabilities and exposures, which include sudden, accidental or gradual events.

Consider additional cover for pollution liability Blake Raymond Business Development Executive, Master Builders Insurance Brokers

A

pollution event could have serious financial implications on any business. In the construction industry, head contractors are often the first port of call in the event of any loss or incident, so the immediate rectification costs incurred as a result of a pollution event could leave the head contractor with a significant financial loss. It’s important to note that these costs are often uninsured under a contract works and liability policy.

Pollution claims are becoming more frequent in the construction industry and a Contractors Pollution Liability (CPL) policy is designed to cover businesses against a range of environmental liabilities and exposures, which include sudden, accidental and/or gradual events.

Liability policies provide different levels of cover for pollution-related events, and can fully exclude some losses, particularly pollution events deemed to be ‘slow and gradual’. While some liability insurers

Volume 75 Issue 03

provide limited cover by way of a reduced sub-limit for these types of losses, the coverage is not as broad when compared to a full CPL policy. Slow and gradual pollution events often go unnoticed for an extended period of time and can involve significant rectification costs.

An example of a gradual pollution event is described below: A small crack in an underground section of the pipeline in a carpark caused a slow leak of fuel into the surrounding soil and stormwater drains.

The stormwater drains lead to a manmade sediment pond/lake which was constructed in the 1990s as part of a development. It was estimated the total quantity of the fuel leak was between 37,000-116,000 litres. The leak was caused by an excavator during construction activity on the easement, in which the pipe was brushed by the excavator unknowingly and then later backfilled – where over time this fracture turned into a leak. The clean-up and monitoring cost was $680,000.

Pollution liability policies also provide protection for asbestos losses, which are also excluded under most liability policies. Unknown asbestos disturbed on-site, and the use of contaminated backfill are both common and potentially very costly CPL claims.

Pollution claims which cause injury and/or damage often involve the presence of the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA). By holding a CPL policy, the costs incurred from investigation, emergency response, re-design and remediation would be insured. These

costs are generally not covered under a standard liability policy.

Policies can be purchased on an annual or individual project basis to insure construction projects, along with the property owners and/or developers. Insurers can accommodate if you need a policy to extend to cover your business activities or for that one specific project. Depending on your preference, policies can be designed to cover your business on an occurrence-type wording (covering losses that occur within the policy period) or on a claims-made basis (designing to cover claims that are made and notified during the policy period).

Some of the major benefits provided under a CPL policy are: • Clean-up costs for gradual pollution events • Third-party injury and property damage claims

from gradual pollution events • Asbestos losses covered • Emergency response costs included • Statutory clean-up (clean-up directed by

regulatory notice).

If you would like further information on how a CPL policy can protect your business over and beyond the cover provided by a contract works and liability policy, or would like a review of your current cover and confirmation of your potential risk exposures please contact MBIB on (03) 9411 4555.

Master Builders Victoria |

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OH&S

Master Builders Victoria will continue to advocate that there needs to be a balance of responsibility between employers and employees for safety in the workplace.

Workplace manslaughter laws come Samuel Smith Senior Coordinator OHS

28 | Master Builders Victoria

F

or the purposes of compliance, nothing changed on 1 July 2020. If you were meeting your OHS duties the day prior, you continued doing so.

The introduction of workplace manslaughter does not require you to do anything additional to what you are already required to do. Master Builders Victoria continues to support members to help meet OHS obligations.

The differences will come from how non-compliance is treated. In basic terms, penalties will be harsher.

From 1 July, you may have noticed an advertising campaign alerting to the changes and the harsher penalties.

Yourself, employees and the general public will likely be exposed to it and it can be confronting. Providing a safe working environment that is without risk to health is the best way to avoid these scenarios.

From a Master Builders Victoria perspective, we’ve written to the State Government expressing our concerns on the timing of the legislation, given

Volume 75 Issue 03

OH&S

into effect in Victoria the extra demands currently put on business due to the COVID-19 pandemic, while we will continue to advocate that there needs to be a balance of responsibility between employers and employees for safety in the workplace.

Notwithstanding, the objective of the law is to reduce the risk of fatalities in the workplace and create safer workplaces. We collectively support these aims and will continue to play our role in creating safer work spaces for all.

Volume 75 Issue 03

“

The world is changing, but our commitment to the building and construction industry remains the same.”

In the lead up to the introduction of this legislation, Master Builders Victoria provided member support through webinar briefings, training, phone advice,

and on-site safety coaching and audits. In the coming months, we will continue to provide our members with information, support and resources, ensuring that you have the correct safety practices, polices and processes in place.

Members are encouraged to call the OHS team on (03) 9411 4555 with any questions they have.

The world is changing, but our commitment to the building and construction industry remains the same.

Master Builders Victoria |

29

Don’t wreck it it!

Goop is an Innovative and unique way to protect a wide range of surfaces and products. Goop is a protect o t peelable temporary protective y a w e nd uniqu cts. Goop is a a e v i t a v no that paint and produon like n incoating nd rolls a s e c that rolls a f g r n u i s t f a o o ve c removal. ngepeels off tectieasy ofor r p oval. y r m a e r r o y s p a m e r te els off fo e p d n a ous t Guys Australian ainGoop azardmade, h n o n , de alian ma tecproducts r t s u A non-hazardous can be s uy pro t o t d e s u an be to protect s cused • Windows s e • Floors s i h c n A fr • Bathtubs e l B a l i a v a • Benchtops

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Goop ~ starting from scratch!

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Goop is a temporary surface protection coating designed he Copleys a product, then to builtprotect a thriving p is an innovative andcreated unique way business in the industry. specifically for builders. The benefits include cost and p isrange an innovative and unique way to protect de of surfaces and products.

Goop is a time-savings, but many users also appreciate the relief p is an innovative and unique way toGoop protect Made in Australia by trades, for trades, is by de range of surfaces and products.

Goop is a from the stress associated with repair or replacement of able temporary protective coating that rolls far the leader for paint on/peel off surfaceGoop protection. de range of surfaces and products. is a damaged items. able temporary protective coating that rolls ke paint andThepeels removal. genius ofoff Goopfor cameeasy from observations by founders, able temporary protective coating that rolls “Our products are very different to other forms of and Kirstee Copley.

While working in their first ke paint andShane peels off for easy removal. protection in the marketplace,” Shane said. ke paint and peels off for easy removal. business, a builder’s cleaning company, the couple saw p Guys Australian made, non-hazardous everyday damage to surfaces during the building “Goop products are genuinely non-hazardous, user p Guys Australian made, non-hazardous can be the used to protect pucts Guys Australian process. made, non-hazardous friendly, water-based, non-carcinogenic, environmentally ucts can be “The used to protect friendly and can be disposed of in general waste.” damage expensive items like windows, window ucts can be used totoprotect frames, bathtubs, benchtops and flooring from scratching and impacts during the construction stage was a glaring issue in need of a solution,” Kirstee said.

Conventional methods of protection were often totally useless in preventing a damage bill that was adding cost to the build and delays in completion and eventual hand over.

Kirstee said identifying the problem was the easy part.

Finding and developing the solution required engaging a team of chemists, painstaking research, testing and trials in the formulation of a peelable coating that met the demanding performance criteria set by Shane and Kirstee.

“When the product was finally perfected it more or less named itself, and in a relatively short time since its launch, Goop has grown to a market leadership position.”

Shane and Kirstee said they are proud that the company has grown from a one-man band in 2001 to a national franchise operation ‘Gooping” thousands of projects every year.

“Deciding to franchise was a big decision — especially for my husband. Simply because you have to let go of your baby and trust that other people will take care of your brand,” Kirstee said.

“Our daughter has her own franchise in Victoria and our son manufactures the Goop product in Caloundra. So, we really are a family business, proudly Australian made and owned. We have a great team who take care of administration, accounts, sales and application now too.

“If you have engaged a building company sporting Goop posters on their projects you know you are dealing with one that is focused on quality,” Shane said.

Made by Tradies ‘For Tradies’

INDUSTRIAL RELATIONS

Make certain you’re meeting your CoINVEST obligations T

he Master Builders Victoria industrial relations team receives many enquiries from members who want to understand their legal obligations.

Members will often seek our advice in relation to minimum wages, overtime rates, annual leave and other employee entitlements. When advising our members, we find that one particular obligation isn’t always well understood, and sometimes, it is overlooked completely. Here are some of our most frequently asked questions on the topic of CoINVEST. The hardship precipitated by the COVID-19 pandemic underscores the importance of resources like CoINVEST. Particularly in times like these, when the people behind the building and construction industry need support in ways they perhaps have never imagined, ensuring your compliance with a long service leave fund requirement is essential.

What is CoINVEST? CoINVEST is the construction industry long service leave fund in Victoria and is governed by the Construction Industry Long Service Leave Act 1997. The scheme was established in 1976 to ensure workers in the construction industry would have access to long service leave, even if they didn’t remain with one employer for seven years. CoINVEST operates as a fund, where employers pay a quarterly contribution fee proportionate to the size of their workforce’s total wages. After seven years of working in the construction industry, workers can claim their long service leave from CoINVEST.

Who is covered by CoINVEST? Broadly speaking, CoINVEST covers work in the principal and allied construction industry – this encompasses building, electrical, and metal trades in commercial industrial and domestic settings throughout Victoria. The scheme also includes renovation, maintenance and installation work, as well as some service, maintenance and repair work.

In the construction industry, most trades, labourers,

32 | Master Builders Victoria

apprentices and forepersons are covered by the scheme.

The scheme covers employees, but also extends to working directors and some independent contractors.

How does it work?

Every three months, employers must complete a Workers’ Days and Wages form. Employers record how many days their employees worked in the quarter and also how much the employee was paid over the same period. CoINVEST will then issue an invoice to be paid, currently based on 2.7 per cent of total gross wages reported on the form.

Once workers have completed seven years of service in the construction industry (even with different employers) they can make a claim for long service leave. CoINVEST will pay the worker 9.1 weeks’ pay.

For every additional year after the first seven, workers receive an additional 1.3 weeks leave.

I only do domestic work. Do I still have to pay?

CoINVEST is a compulsory requirement for all kinds of building work including new builds, renovations, installations, maintenance and repair work. The scheme applies to both commercial and domestic businesses.

I don’t have an EBA. Does CoINVEST still apply?

CoINVEST is a statutory obligation under the Construction Industry Long Service Leave Act 1997 (Vic).

It applies to all businesses who engaged workers in the construction industry, regardless of whether or not they have an enterprise agreement.

Do I have to pay for my apprentice?

Apprentices are also covered by the CoINVEST scheme.

Although you do not have to pay contributions for apprentices, you must ensure they are registered with

The hardship precipitated by the COVID-19 pandemic underscores the importance of resources like CoINVEST. the scheme and that their working days and school days are recorded.

I don’t pay CoINVEST because I only use subbies.

You don’t have to pay CoINVEST for genuine subcontractors. Genuine subcontractors can make their own contributions if they wish, but this is optional.

However, you will still need to make contributions for a subcontractor if they are deemed to be your employee for the purposes of CoINVEST. Some indications of a deemed employee are that they only work for your business, they are paid based on hours worked rather than per job and they don’t provide their own materials. If CoINVEST determine that the subbie is a deemed employee, you will be required to record their service with CoINVEST as an employee, even if they work under an ABN.

What about casual employees?

If you have casual employees that perform more than five days of covered work in any month, you are legally required to record this service with CoINVEST.

I’m the director of my business. Do I need to pay CoINVEST for myself?

If you are operating under a company ABN and perform building and construction work, you will be classed as a working director under CoINVEST. This means that you are treated as an employee of your business for the purposes of CoINVEST. Working directors must pay contributions for themselves and can be penalised for failing to do so. This can also apply to some Trustee directors too.

Volume 75 Issue 03

INDUSTRIAL RELATIONS

Important changes to the Building and Construction Award Adrian Ziccone Senior Industrial Relations Advisor

What if I don’t pay?

CoINVEST is a legal obligation on employers and penalties apply to businesses that fail to comply. Aside from back-paying contributions, CoINVEST may require you to pay additional statutory interest charges on the amount owed. This can be very costly, particularly for businesses who have operated in the industry for some time and have never paid contributions in the past.

I haven’t been paying CoINVEST. What should I do now?

Call the Master Builders Industrial Relations team for a confidential discussion regarding your situation.

CoINVEST can be complicated if you’re unfamiliar with the scheme — we can assist you to determine your obligations and help you work out the next steps. Information you discuss with our advisors is confidential — we will never contact CoINVEST about your situation unless you ask us to.

What is it going to cost?

CoINVEST have agreed to help Master Builders Victoria members who were unaware of their obligations under the scheme. If your business has never been registered in the past and you come forward through Master Builders, CoINVEST have agreed to waive the statutory interest charges that would otherwise apply.

The statutory interest charges in some cases can be up to tens of thousands of dollars - this represents a significant saving for members who choose to come forward voluntarily and have the charge waived.

It is important to note that you must still back pay the contributions owed, but payment plans are also available through CoINVEST to assist people with meeting their obligations.

If you would like to discuss the interest waiver or have questions about CoINVEST, call the Master Builders Industrial Relations team on (03) 9411 4555 for a confidential discussion regarding your situation.

Volume 75 Issue 03

I

n the construction industry, most on-site employees will be covered by the Building and Construction General On-site Award (the Award), or by an enterprise agreement that incorporates the terms of the Award.

The Fair Work Commission (FWC) has made important changes to the Award from 1 July 2020.

These changes have been made with the intention of simplifying and modernising the Award, but have had the effect of varying some entitlements, which may have implications for you.

Industry allowance The most significant change made by the FWC was the consolidation of several special, disability and expense allowances into a single industry allowance.

The updated industry allowance payable depends on if work is performed in the commercial or residential industry. In the commercial industry, the allowance will be six per cent of the weekly standard rate, whereas in the residential industry it will be 4.8 per cent.

As this industry allowance is payable for all purposes under the Award, it is generally built into the employee’s standard rate of pay. Given the allpurpose industry allowance has increased as a result of this change, it has had the effect of increasing minimum wage rates from 1 July 2020.

While the increases are only marginal, it may be worthwhile reviewing employee rates of pay to ensure compliance with the new pay obligations.

Travel allowance The Award now expressly states that no travel allowance is payable if an employee is provided with a fully maintained vehicle free of charge to the employee or provided transport from the

employee’s home to the place of work and return.

The entitlement to payment for distant work has also slightly changed. Employees will be entitled to the distant work travel payment (i.e. time spent in travel and $0.47 per km) only when they exit the radial boundary and the site is more than 50 km by road from their usual place of residence.

Time off in lieu A new feature was inserted to provide flexibility in relation to overtime.

Rather than be paid for overtime, the Award now allows weekly-hire employees to take time off instead. In short, the employee’s overtime gets recorded in a bank for the employee to take at a later stage. Any time off in lieu arrangement must be agreed by the employer and employee, recorded in writing, and taken within six months.

Appropriate footwear Another change concerns boots.

The Award now requires that employees are provided with steel-capped boots, where there is a legal, or employer imposed, requirement for such boots to be worn.

Employers must reimburse the cost of such boots and replace them on a fair wear-and-tear basis.

Other changes Admittedly, there is a raft of changes to the Award made by the FWC — too many to list in one, short article. Further changes include simplifying clauses, minor wording changes or adding other flexibilities.

We also remind members that the FWC has already announced that minimum rates of pay under the Award will increase by 1.75 per cent from the pay period commencing after 1 November 2020.

If members would like further information on the Award changes or the minimum wage rates, they can contact the MBV IR Team on (03) 9411 4555.

Master Builders Victoria |

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Incolink Assist Your bespoke Employee Assistance Program.

Built by Incolink, experts in well being.

Incolink Assist is the employee assistance program designed and built for Australia’s construction and manufacturing industry. Our Employee Assistance program helps you help your staff.

How does Incolink Assist work?

Incolink will create a personalised corporate landing page, with your branding, for staff to access information about the service. You’ll also be provided with your company’s own 1300 number to allow workers to access phone or skype counselling service.

It can form a key part of your work to promote a mentally healthy workplace so that people can realise their potential while coping with the ordinary challenges of life.

You can choose how many sessions your staff will be eligible to access under this service.

Why engage an Employee Assistance Service?

Mental health conditions cost Australian workplaces $10.9 billion each year – more than any physical injury.

One in five Australians will experience a poor mental health episode in any one year.

The stress can be sudden, or build over time, and impact the employee’s wellbeing and performance.

The construction and manufacturing industry is a highpressure environment and providing access to an Employee Assistance Program that understands the industry, whilst offering a wide range of specialist counselling services can contribute to them being an employer of choice. This in turn increases employee satisfaction and retention.

Early intervention and easy access to treatment can reduce the duration of a mental health episode and enable an employee to participate more fully in the workplace.

Give your employees access to a proven service designed for them and for your business.

There are three offerings. You can choose one, two or all three.

Phone / Skype Counselling Counselling sessions with a trained counsellor.

Face to face sessions are available at Incolink’s Carlton (Victoria) office. Visits to your office can be arranged at fee for service.

Critical Incident Support A trained counsellor to visit your office immediately after a critical incident to speak with staff and allow them to debrief

Psych-Ed Training Sessions Mental health awareness sessions designed to increase your people’s ability to recognise risks to their mental health. They can cover a range of topics from anxiety to stress to addiction. These are conducted on your premises.

What reporting do you receive?

What does it cost?

Phone/Skype Counselling Support Face to face at Incolink Office (extra charges apply for counselling on employer premises)

$150 per session

Critical Incident Support

$450 per hour (1 counsellor) at Employer offices

Psych Ed – Training Sessions

$3,000 full day training at Employer Office

Incolink respects the confidentiality of its service but realises employers require meaningful reporting to track their spend and the value their employees are receiving.

Having your own landing page and 1300 number means we can track calls and site visits and we will report against these. Your invoice also indicates how many sessions have been used by your staff.

Is there a minimum spend?

One of the advantages of Incolink Assist is that you pay for the services you use. There’s no minimum spends per month.

How are you billed?

Each month you’ll receive an invoice for the previous month’s number of sessions.

Contact us www.incolink.org.au/IncolinkAssist

A quarterly newsletter will be provided that provides meaningful reporting indicating the trends we’re seeing across the service, demographic date, types of issues - be they workplace, personal relationship issues, financial.

SHANDYING...

YOU WOULDN’T STAND FOR IT WITH YOUR BEER… SO WHY STAND FOR IT WITH YOUR STEEL?

Are you getting what you ordered? (and what you PAID for?)

Does ALL of the steel you’re receiving comply with the right Standards?

The problem of mixed supply (or as it’s more commonly known, ‘shandying’) can have serious consequences – even if you’re specifying construction steels to meet Australian and New Zealand Standards.

Shandying can occur when conforming supply is ordered, but only a portion of the product supplied is sourced from ACRS Certified suppliers (and the rest is sourced from somewhere else). Using non ACRS Certified steel can leave you with non-compliant construction steel... and the risks that come with that.

By providing effective continuous review of both the manufacturer and the fabricator/processor, ACRS 2-stage steel certification scheme and the new ACRS traceability scheme play a major role in reducing the risk of shandying on your project.

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

www.steelcertification.com

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

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

ADVERTISING FEATURE

Full disclosure...

Reduced exposure W

ith so many projects underway and planned, this article highlights some recent ACRS advice to builders enquiring about attempts to circumvent specification requirements for ACRS certification of steel supply, including incidences of misuse of ACRS certificates.

MANAGING YOUR RISKS OF RECEIVING NONCOMPLIANT STEEL. Do you know whether or not the steel supplied is compliant with Standards and your specification requirements? With ACRS 2 Stage certification it’s automatic.

ACRS was set up by Austroads and other peak industry bodies in 2000 as a steel certification scheme independent of steel suppliers to manage this problem.

The ACRS scheme is JAS-ANZ accredited, including, since January 2018, to AS/NZS 5131 – Structural Steelwork.

ACRS certifies over 70% of the steel manufactured in or imported into Australia to AS/ NZS Standards. However recent reports from builders suggest non-equivalent alternative solutions are being accepted, often due a lack of awareness by builders’ staff of ACRS Stage 2 certification, or due to worries regarding: • not enough suppliers of ACRS certified materials “available” at the time of purchase (and the Builder ending up with plenty of suppliers, but no guarantee of quality); • Too short lead times claimed for sourcing and verifying compliant supply (not true as the specification exists before the supply contract is tendered and supplier accepted); • Supply of steel to projects allowing test certificates instead of ACRS, or with alternative product

Volume 75 Issue 03

•

certification presented to builders as “equivalent” to ACRS - then subsequently found to be nonconforming (often despite clear instruction in the contract or specification as to what is acceptable); Steel suppliers lobbying builders to amend specifications to accept alternative schemes to ACRS with claims these provide “equivalent” technical rigour and scope of assessment to ACRS (fine where this is proved to be the case in advance of acceptance.

However, this is leaving the builders facing risk by accepting the use of nonconforming processed and fabricated steels on projects when it turns out the “equivalent” scheme is actually not “ACRS equivalent”. And so far, none are).

ACRS 2020 CERTIFICATES AMENDED FOR ADDITIONAL CLARITY AND AVOIDANCE OF MISUSE ACRS 2020 certificates have some important changes to protect builders, engineers, and steel purchasers Focus continues to intensify on nonconforming building materials, and more examples of nonconforming steel are identified on major projects. ACRS is receiving significantly more enquiries from specifiers and consumers, including builders, asking which certificates can be relied upon, and how do builders’ staff and contractors know what to look for?

Regrettably, this is too often after using an alternative to ACRS - only to find later that the alternative has not performed to expectation.

In the most common instances reported to ACRS, the alternative rebar processor, or welded section

supplier may have assured the builder that all the steel comes from ACRS certified mills (Stage 1), but upon checking, the builder finds that some or all of the steel was from non-ACRS approved sources. Plus, the subsequent processing or welded fabrication of the steel may also not have met Standards, as the alternative did not verify as ACRS Stage 2 certification does.

ACRS not only certifies steel manufacture (Stage 1) and the rebar processing/welded section fabrication of that steel (Stage 2), but also assesses steel traceability between the two certificate holders.

To assist builders personnel make informed determinations, from 1 January, 2020 the wording on ACRS certificates was amended to state clearly that “ACRS certified” may only be applied to steel that arrives on the project with both ACRS Stage 1 (mill) certificates and ACRS Stage 2 (rebar processor, or structural welded section) certificate.

Ensure your staff are aware of these important changes to ACRS certificates and make sure your specifications call up ACRS certification for both Stage 1 (mill manufacture) and Stage 2 suppliers (processing and welded section fabrication) to manage your risk of inadvertently accepting non-ACRS approved materials.

For further information, including full details of all certificate holders and materials, please visit: builders.steelcertification. com or contact ACRS on T: +61 2 9965 7216 or E: info@steelcertification.com

Master Builders Victoria |

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LY

N STOCK SUPP EE GR AL IP IC UN M & L VI CI E, AP SC WHOLESALE LAND NATIVES | ORNAMENTALS | STREET TREES | GRASSES | OZBREE

D & MORE

TA L LTR E ES.COM.AU | I N FO@TA L LTRE E S.COM. A U | (03) 5983 0 1 6 6

CAREERS

More choices for commercial builders on the path to registration Ingrid Mountford Careers and Registration Manager

S

ince the launch of our Domestic Builder Registration Program at the start of 2020, more than 100 members have taken part in the services on offer.

Members eager to boost their knowledge and gain skills in performing under examination conditions have found the workshops and practise sessions invaluable.

When asked how Master Builders Victoria had helped him on his registration journey, member Tom McDermott, now a Domestic Builder Unlimited, responded: “In multiple ways — I’ve been on this journey for around five years and at every step of the journey, Master Builders has provided me support. Master Builders offers many short courses, which I have completed and would recommend highly. Recently, I have done interview preparation exercises and study classes, which prepared me for the application process and assisted me in obtaining my DB-U.” As word of the Domestic program has spread, the request from members planning to apply for Commercial Builder registration has been, “When will there be a Commercial Registration Program for us?”

We’ve listened to your request and we’re delighted to launch the new Commercial Builder Registration Program, which started on 28 August.

Our new program will mirror the successful approach of our Domestic Program. The new offerings for our commercial members will include intensive legislation and technical workshops plus interactive sessions designed to test skills in applying knowledge in a computer-test situation, as well as communicating your experience in what can be a stressful interview environment.

The selection of topics for inclusion in our intensive, technical workshops is based on the key areas of

Volume 75 Issue 03

Our new program is made up of three tiers, allowing you to choose the option that works best for you.

“

A selection of packages is available to enable you to personalise your approach and perform at your best.”

knowledge required by the VBA, coupled with member feedback on known knowledge gaps. Members will boost their knowledge through workshops covering topics such as basement construction, suspended slabs, tilt-up construction and portal frames.

A selection of packages is available to enable you to personalise your approach and perform at your best.

Program support packages Our new program is made up of three tiers: Bronze, Silver and Gold, and you can choose the option that works best for you.

The Bronze package is automatically included in your Master Builders membership and features: • Commercial Builder registration workshop • Application review and submission to the

Victorian Building Authority (VBA) • Two study sessions — one to prepare for the

computer test and plan-reading assessment, and one to prepare for the VBA interview.

The Silver package (member price $2750) includes the features of the Bronze package plus: • An eight-week intensive study program, including

technical and legislation workshops • Study packs and plan-reading exercises

• A suite of online practice tests.

Upgrade to the Gold package for an extra $750 to include the Silver package plus: • Assistance with preparation of your registration

application • A simulated computer-based test and plan-

reading exercise • A simulated VBA interview at our Building

Leadership Simulation Centre (BLSC) in South Melbourne.

Not a member yet?

Our Commercial Builder Registration Program is for members exclusively.

A membership with Master Builders will not only provide you with dedicated support for gaining your Commercial Builder Registration, it will also connect you with our full suite of member services including legal, industrial relations, OHS support and marketing.

For a limited time, we are offering 12 months of membership with no joining fee, plus a free copy of the NCC Volume 1 and the 2018 Building Regulations to support your study.

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

We’re ready to support you and can’t wait to hear the news that you are a registered Commercial Builder.

Master Builders Victoria |

39

ADVERTISING FEATURE

Australian Made Stormtech launches new products

S

tormtech has been at the forefront of drainage innovations for home and commercial building industries for more than 30 years.

Their product range for residential and commercial applications includes linear drains, tile insert drains, floor wastes, threshold drains, vinyl clamps, as well as special assemblies and slot drains for landscaping applications.

Adequate drainage plays an integral role in the entire building system and its proper implementation is crucial to the workings of the entire building.

Knowing which system will best work and function reliably and effectively is crucial.

As one of the most respected drainage manufacturers and suppliers in Australia, Stormtech is committed to delivering the highest quality drainage solutions for today’s unique drainage projects and welcomes

40 | Master Builders Victoria

questions about product selection and compliance.

Their skilled specialists can also offer bespoke drawings and plans for customised drainage designs.

It has been an extraordinary year, however everyone at Stormtech believes they have an opportunity to demonstrate their manufacturing agility and show how we can all stand tall and stand together in the face of uncertainty.

This is a golden opportunity for Australian manufacturers to show why producing and buying local is a big advantage, especially in periods of crisis.

Supply lines are shorter, often more controllable and stable than offshore suppliers and wholesalers — Buying Australian Made keeps jobs local.

With this engrained approach Stormtech has launched three new products this year, including two new grate designs that add to Stormtech’s extensive range of

designer architectural drainage, the PAS and PPS designs offer striking angles and refined symmetry that are proving to be very popular in the residential market, and furthermore a new UPVC Black Channel.

Inspired by emerging global colour trends, and sustained interest in metallic finishes, the new Black Channel adds a unique architectural finish to any bathroom design, complementing tapware, lighting and other accessories All Stormtech products are WaterMark certified and as the inventors of linear drainage, Stormtech is proud to also be the pioneer in sustainability and “green responsibility” in their market. Their entire product range of linear drains has recently obtained a GreenTag™ certification For more information visit www.stormtech.com.au or call 1300 653 403.

Volume 75 Issue 03

ADVERTISING FEATURE

PTA Landscapes raising of the rail A

s part of the raising of the Caulfield Dandenong rail, PTA Landscapes completed the hard landscaping works on two stages for the previously unused spaces to great success, assisting in bringing home multiple awards for the ambitious project.

Working alongside the landscape architects at Aspect Studios, PTA Landscapes was engaged by CPB Contractors and Lendlease Engineering to complete the hard landscaping works to the activation node at Heatherton Road, Noble Park and the RSL Memorial on Haughton Road, Clayton, as part of the Caulfield Dandenong rail upgrade.

“The lifting of the rail not only has assisted in resolving safety and traffic congestion, but it has also provided opportunities to recapture and develop previously unavailable land for use,” Andrew Wilson, PTA Landscapes director, said.

“It is the biggest ‘re-giving’ of land in Melbourne

since the opening of the Royal Botanic Garden in 1846 and has provided the opportunity for open space, parklands, new communities areas and pedestrian and cyclist paths.”

The Heatherton Road activation node project centred around a new playspace for the area, which complements the new Noble Park station, skate park, aquatic centre and nearby shops.

The playspace works included in-situ concrete retaining walls, stairs and edging, asphalt, coloured concrete and gravel pavements, rubber softfall and Laykold decorative surface finishes.

RSL, bluestone feature paving and memorial walls, decorative gabion walls, coloured concrete pavements and edges, flag poles, furniture, bollards, and fixtures.

The landscape of the Caulfield Dandenong rail upgrade project has been widely recognised.

In 2019 it was awarded the Victorian Park of the Year by Parks & Leisure Australia (PLA) while at the Australia Institute of Landscape Architects (AILA) Victorian Awards, the project received a Parks & Open Space Landscape Architecture Award and Infrastructure Award of Excellence.

The playspace includes a bespoke salvaged log parkour course, exercise equipment and furniture, bollards and barrier fencing.

“PTA Landscapes was delighted to be a part of the build. We get great enjoyment returning and watching the local community interact with the new landscaped spaces we built,” Mr Wilson said.

In comparison to PTA’s active first stage, the second stage was a reflective open space that contains the new Clayton RSL Memorial. The works included the relocation of the Cenotaph from the Clayton

For more information contact PTA Landscapes, 14 Ramage Street, Bayswater VIC 3153, phone (03) 9720 0113, email info@ptalandscapes.com.au, website ptalandscapes.com.au.

BUILDING LANDSCAPES OF EXCELLENCE

Heatherton Road Activation Node PTA LANDSCAPES PTY LTD 14 RAMAGE STREET BAYSWATER, VICTORIA, 3153

Volume 75 Issue 03

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

Master Builders Victoria |

41

COMMITTEE ROUND-UP

Victories and struggles in grappling with the pandemic I Kevin Hoang Policy Advisor

42 | Master Builders Victoria

t should be no surprise that the central focus of the sector committees recently has been on the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, which continue to loom over the industry despite victories in keeping it open for business. It’s meant that the latest committee discussions have been mostly about what role Master Builders Victoria, as an industry body, should have in addressing it.

A main worry among the sector committees is the effect the pandemic is having on business productivity.

Commercial sites have been obviously affected, with the General Contracting and Specialist Contractor sector committees pointing out the difficulties in

implementing social distancing measures while remaining productive, and the potential effect the pandemic has on contractual obligations. On the domestic front, members of the Housing sector committee highlighted the decline in enquiries and display-home traffic amid the economic uncertainty and social distancing restrictions. While cashflow remained mostly stable, committee members noted the reduction in enquiries will translate into a large reduction in building activity in the latter half of 2020 unless significant stimulus measures are undertaken.

These issues were further compounded by the increasing difficulty in accessing finance to commence

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COMMITTEE ROUND-UP

building projects.

Members of the Country sector committee were especially vocal about this, explaining while these issues existed before COVID-19, it has worsened considerably. Master Builders Victoria continues to have conversations with the banks and regulators as it relates to this space.

Despite these difficulties, the sector committees emphasised the industry’s commitment and ability to address COVID-19 and were receptive toward the governments’ proposed stimulus measures. They view the industry guidelines for COVID-19 as exemplary of the industry’s ability to put in place stringent social-distancing measures that would mitigate the spread of the virus on building and construction sites.

In particular, the sector committees commended Master Builders for providing ongoing communication to members so they remain abreast of new policy announcements, and its ongoing conversations with government.

Proposals such as the need for shovel-ready projects to support the industry by the newly created Building Victoria’s Recovery Taskforce, were viewed as vital

Volume 75 Issue 03

in reigniting the Victorian economy. The taskforce’s co-chair, Roger Teale, attended several committee meetings to provide an overview of the taskforce’s work and to seek feedback from committee members.

Furthermore, the introduction of the HomeBuilder grant was a welcome move to cushion the forecasted slowdown in the residential market. The potential

“

The committees view the industry guidelines for COVID-19 as exemplary of the industry’s ability to put in place stringent social-distancing measures that mitigate the spread of the virus on building and construction sites.”

effect that HomeBuilder will have in stimulating the market is high, with the number of expressions of interest for the HomeBuilder grant in the state surpassing 10,000.

Other than COVID-19, other pertinent issues, like the negotiations for new enterprise agreements for the commercial sector, remain a key area of focus for the

General Contracting and Specialist Contractor sector committees. On behalf of its members, Master Builders Victoria has been a key figure in these discussions which included the union and tier-one construction companies. The sector committees also discussed the Master Builders submission on the Victorian government’s planned introduction of mandatory trades registration and employee licensing. In this submission, MBV continued to reiterate its commitment for mandatory trades registration for subcontractors while remaining opposed to the introduction of an untested, and potentially expensive, employee licensing scheme.

The sector committees remain steadfast in their commitment to have the industry remain open by working together to quickly adapt and implement measures to mitigate the spread of COVID-19. This has been very effective and is reflected in the relatively low numbers of COVID-19 cases on building and construction sites to date. In these difficult times, the sector committees will continue to meet regularly (online of course) throughout 2020 to ensure the industry remains resilient and open.

Master Builders Victoria |

43

What’s the real cost of not buying Aussie timber?

Threatened su

rvival of local

saw mills

Placing thousands of Aussi

e jobs at risk

Harm to our timber industry today will cost us more tomorrow

Impacts to local communities that make up our industry

Our local timber industry is under threat, placing thousands of Aussie jobs at risk and threatening timber supply requirements.

Your timber choice matters because it will keep Australia stronger. Stronger because of the thousands of Aussie jobs and the communities supported – including your own.

Buying Aussie timber first will ensure that the Aussie building industry remains strong, which in turn will make your business stronger. By supporting our local timber industry, you’re supporting your own future.

buyaussietimberfirst.com.au

ADVERTISING FEATURE

Buy Aussie Timber Framing First As a professional builder, working with quality, effective products is essential, which is why structural pine is one of the most critical product categories in the build and often taken for granted because it is used in over 80% of Australian homes today.

What’s more, there’s no question about the environmental credentials of timber with its ability to lock up carbon.

So, does it really matter where those building products are made and should builders and tradies be interested and concerned about “buying local”?

Did you know that a typical* Australian home: Has absorbed more than 7 tonnes of carbon dioxide (CO2) from the air Stores almost 3 tonnes of carbon *Note: a typical Australian home is made up of approximately 12m3 of sawn timber

The timber industry and COVID-19 Local growers, manufacturers and tradespeople need all our support as Australia’s COVID-19 virus outbreak continues to impact our lives in 2020. In our everyday lives, we can all make a positive impact on Australian industry by sourcing, buying and using Aussie made products.

Australia’s overreliance on imports has been highlighted during the Covid-19 crisis and it’s time to get that balance right for our country’s long-term prosperity. There’s never been a more important time to champion our Australian building materials manufacturers!

So, you’ve chosen timber for the structure, but what does “buy local” mean and does it really matter?

Buying local means taking note of where your structural pine is grown and made – is it Australian made and grown pine?

Australian plantation pine is grown with Aussie soil, rain and sunshine to suit our conditions. It’s then sustainably harvested and precision manufactured to Australian Standards to meet Australian Building Code requirements with Australian safety standards and using some of the world’s leading technologies in terms of grading, drying and sorting timber.

Being local, there is a reliable and secure delivery network across Australia to merchant suppliers and fabricators and there is also a team of local technical sales support for product assistance on site.

Australian plantation pine is grown across Australia with high tech automated sawmilling operations in every state, so supply lines are

Volume 75 Issue 03

truly local and are secure and reliable, especially in these times of global pandemic which are creating global supply chain disruptions.

These softwood manufacturing operations are also responsible for being the major employer in the regional communities in which they are located, so buying local also supports many communities impacted by the bushfires earlier this year.

Australia’s forest products industry is one of Australia’s largest manufacturing industries, with an annual turnover of around $25 billion, and it employs nearly 200,000 people both directly and indirectly. They are proud of the renewable Aussie products they produce and this collaboration to Buy Aussie Timber First will help sustain timber manufacturing in Australia.

The Timber Industry is working together during these tough times During these unprecedented times, we have been working alongside your whole supply chain for residential construction in Australia. Our Industry has also been lobbying all levels of government for stimulus packages to support our local building and timber industries through this crisis, so that we can stand strong together for the long term.

Hear from our Aussie Timber Mill Workers who also need your support in these challenging times by going to: buyaussietimberfirst.com.au

How can you get involved?

So, buying local from your timber merchant or timber prefabricator means asking them about their timber supply and requesting Australian grown and made structural pine. And, there’s no compromise on quality or value for money when you insist on Aussie timber framing first.

It’s not hard and it’s just the right thing to do for Australia right now. It also helps with climate change long term. On behalf of our local timber industry, we thank you for your support and we’re in this together.

To become one of the many faces that make up the mosaic of people in our supply chain, go to buyaussietimberfirst.com.au.

Master Builders Victoria |

45

VCH introduces largest remotely operated crane in Australia Meet the Fassi 195 Australia’s largest remotely operated crane. Fassi 195 is a heavy lifter.

Weighing in at just under 40 tonnes it has the equivalent lifting capacity of a 70-ton mobile crane.

The Knuckle crane has the capabilitiy of lifting a 14 ton roller at 12 metres.

The various articulations within the boom allow it to be utilised in ways mobile cranes can’t be.

The Fassi 195 has a radius of 43 meters and can lift a load on a flat boom.

Fassi 195 is able to operate within the loading area with a minimal footprint but achieving maximum reach.

As we can see in the photo the crane is restricted within the loading bay and can operate 100% at any angle. No need for traffic control to do the job! The Fassi 195 has a 52 metre vertical reach.

Fassi 195 vs Mobile Cranes

* Remotely operated (Does not require a Dogman)

* No counterweights ( No extra transport charges)

* Does not need a permit ( No permit fees)

* Safer to operate as people can operate within an exclusion zone

To all Master builder members quote VCH Titan to hire the Fassi 195 out at $250.00 p/h min four hours

CONTACT US! Crane Trucks & Transport Email: transport@vch.com.au 35 Colemans rd, Dandenong South 3195

GREEN LIVING

Building net-zero carbon houses is not as expensive as you think Dr Phillip Alviano Sustainability Advisor

N

ew research shows constructing a net-zero house may not be as expensive as you may assume.

While the final costs will be dependent on the complexity of the design and access to a good, northfacing orientation, the project found the additional costs added two to three per cent to the total build costs, including land.

This equated to an additional cost of approximately $20,000 for a 30-square-metre home in a growth area.

But reduced or zero utility bills means the investment is paid back in around eight years. Moreover, with a number of lenders now offering reduced interest rates for “green loans”, the initial investment can be recovered within four years through a saving of $5000 per year on energy bills and repayments on interest.

A typical zero-carbon home has a 100 per cent renewable energy source, usually on-site solar with or without a battery, external shading for east and west windows, insulation with a minimum R2.5 in the walls and R5 in the roof. Good-quality windows and glass doors with a U-value of at least 3.3. air tightness should also be at about 5 ACH at 50pa pressure.

In addition to the savings there are health and comfort benefits.

While we have been aware for some time that cold houses have a negative impact on their occupants’ health, it is increasingly evident that heat waves also lead to more frequent hospital admissions. So, having houses that are more comfortable in both summer and winter has a positive effect on public health and reduces the financial burdens on the healthcare system.

The Mainstreaming Net Zero Energy Housing — Cost Analysis Report, published by the Cooperative Research Centre for Low Carbon Living (Byrne et al

Volume 75 Issue 03

An example of low-carbon residences available today. Photo courtesy SJD Homes.

2019), looked at a number of case studies across Australia.

The Melbourne case study used an SJD Homes typical single-storey home built in new developments.

The 258sqm home had four bedrooms and two bathrooms. Upgrades included double glazing to all sliding doors, increased ceiling insulation and changes to the size and placement of some windows. This resulted in an improvement of the energy rating from 6.5 to 7.6 stars.

Some of the cost increases were the result of better-quality, energy-efficient appliances such as induction cooktops and heat-pump hot water. A five kilowatt photovoltaic solar system was estimated to easily cover the energy use of a typical four-person household.

The total cost of the upgrades and solar panels came in at just under $20,000.

Reference: Byrne. J, Eon. C & Law. A (2019), Mainstreaming Net Zero Energy Housing – Cost Analysis Report, CRC for Low Carbon Living.

Builders’ pledge When Master Builders Association of Victoria started the Green Living program in 2005, very few people thought builders were genuinely interested in protecting the environment.

Since then, approximately 2000 people have completed sustainability training and a core group has continued as accredited Master Builders Green Living Builders.

This has involved keeping themselves informed with up-to-date information on the latest building practices and materials in order to build better, healthier, more comfortable and energy-efficient housing.

We were contacted recently by a number of members who told us about the ‘builder’s pledge’ to which they have committed.

This pledge involves a group of builders creating a passionate community of professionals in the construction industry who are ready to face climate change and biodiversity challenges, and who want to share their knowledge and continue learning how to do things better.

Australian builders declare mission In a world first, Australian builders have joined architects in publicly acknowledging that we are in a climate emergency, and that business as usual cannot continue if we want a prosperous future for our children and the natural environment in which we live.

Builders Declare is an alliance that runs events, provides resources, shares knowledge, answers queries and links professionals passionate about building more sustainably, and creating a better future for all Australians.

Australian Builders Declare seeks like-minded builders and professional tradespeople to show their support by signing up to the pledge. For more information go to https://au.buildersdeclare.com/.

They can also be found on Facebook and Instagram.

Master Builders Victoria |

47

NEWS

June sees further decline in building approvals T

he Australian Bureau of Statistics has released data on residential building approvals for Victoria for June in which it shows a fall in the total

48 | Master Builders Victoria

number of buildings approved.

This has largely been in the high-density market, a sector that is usually quite volatile during challenging economic conditions.

In seasonally adjusted terms, there was a total of 14,533 buildings approved for the three months to June, a decline of 9.7 per cent compared to the previous quarter. Of the total approved, 9336 houses

and 5197 multi-units were approved, an increase of 1 per cent and a sharp decrease of 24.2 per cent respectively compared to the previous quarter.

The current economic slowdown, combined with the new Stage 4 restrictions, means we expect building approvals numbers to decline further in the coming months. However, stimulus measures like HomeBuilder may cushion this in the months to come.

Volume 75 Issue 03

NEWS

High-Risk COVIDSafe Plans vital for building and construction industry

B

uilding and construction businesses that are permitted to continue to operate during Stage 4 restrictions all need to have a High-Risk COVID Safe Plan in place.

This replaces the previous requirements where largescale construction required a High-Risk COVID Safe Plan, and small-scale construction required a Universal COVID Safe Plan.

Master Builders Victoria has an updated High-Risk template for all in the construction industry to use that has been informed by the Building and Construction COVID-19 Industry Guidelines version 6.

It and many other helpful tools and resources are available in the COVID-19 section of our website, accessible from our homepage at mbav.com.au.

On 10 August 2020, this template was updated to also include the High-Risk COVIDSafe Plan attachment for

the Construction industry. It adds details regarding the calculation of site numbers, worker movement, carpooling and more.

The attachment should be included with the COVIDSafe Plan for construction sites.

If you are a high-risk industry (construction, warehousing and distribution, supermarket and medical distribution centres) your COVIDSafe Plan must be complemented by this attachment if you operate in metropolitan Melbourne.

We will continue to provide updates to this template as further information becomes available or if the Industry Guidelines are amended.

The Master Builders Victoria team is available to provide support, resources and information for Master Builders members. Please contact our team on (03) 9411 4555 for more details.

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Volume 75 Issue 03

Master Builders Victoria |

49

ON LANDSCAPE

Light on Landscape provides tailored solutions to create stunning environments.

712 High St, Armadale Victoria 3143 | 03 9509 8000 | lightonlandscape.com.au

NEWS

Building the legacy of diversity in the construction workplace D

o you have a story to share that celebrates cultural diversity in your workplace?

Master Builders Victoria wants to show young Victorians that the construction industry is accessible to all, no matter who you are or where you come from.

And we’d like your help.

‘Explore Careers’ is a careers and employment program that provides career resources to secondary schools across Australia with the aim of guiding students toward finding the right path for them. Where do we fit in? Master Builders Victoria has partnered with Explore Careers to showcase the huge variety of opportunities available in our industry and to help encourage young Victorians to consider a career in construction, fostering the next generation of builders.

copy publication (distributed to all secondary schools in the country), we now have the opportunity to showcase cultural diversity in construction-- and what better way then by sharing genuine stories of inclusivity from our members?

Through our online Explore Careers profile and hard

Perhaps you proactively celebrate cultural days of

Volume 75 Issue 03

significance, have an existing diversity and inclusion program, or have other ways in which you support the individuality of your multicultural workforce.

If you have a story you’d like to share, we would love to know. Please contact our Careers Team at careers@ mbav.com.au.

Master Builders Victoria |

51

DAHLSENS

HELPING BUILDERS GET THE JOB DONE SINCE 1877

Y L I M A F D OWNE BUILDING SUPPLIES AND TRUSS & FRAME MANUFACTURING

WYONG TUGGERAH

GOSFORD

RYDALMERE

SMITHFIELD SMEATON GRANGE

MILDURA

KIRRAWEE

WOLLONGONG

GRIFFITH

SWAN HILL

WAGGA WAGGA DENILIQUIN

ULLADULLA ALBURY WODONGA ECHUCA

MIDCOAST TIMBER CENTRES NOW DAHLSENS

SHEPPARTON MYRTLEFORD

BALLARAT LAVERTON

BAIRNSDALE

CRAIGIEBURN BAYSWATER WARRAGUL

CRANBOURNE

SALE PAKENHAM

TRARALGON

WE’VE GROWN!

LAKES ENTRANCE

NEWS

Federal and State Treasurers offer economic updates

I

n late July, both the Federal and State treasurers gave detailed updates on their respective economic outlooks. Here are some of the major take-aways and thoughts from Master Builders Victoria on what these figures mean.

Victoria is likely a more relevant summary for most, but the national update will also give some context around Federal stimulus programs.

Victoria Treasurer Tim Pallas’ economic update: • Real gross state product (GSP) expected to fall by

5.25 per cent, or $11.4 billion, in the 2020 calendar year with an estimated rebound of 6.25 per cent in real GSP growth in the 2021 calendar year.

• Despite the stimulus measures to support the

labour market, it is expected that unemployment in Victoria could rise to nine per cent in the September 2020 quarter, with job losses peaking at around 200,000. However, it has been forecast that this will fall to seven per cent by June 2021.

• Taxation revenue and GST grants are expected

to be around $2.5 billion lower in 2019-20 and around $6 billion lower in 2020-21.

• The fall in revenue is a result of fiscal support

measures such as tax concessions to support the economy, along with a reduction in property and payroll tax collections due to the fall in property sales and rising unemployment.

• The combined shortfall in tax revenue, along with

increased spending to support businesses and the community, has meant that a deficit of around $7.5 billion for 2019-20 is expected.

• This shortfall in tax revenue highlights the

importance of support for the housing market given it contributes over 45 per cent of the state’s total tax revenue, as well as support for businesses in hiring people.

Federal Treasurer Josh Frydenburg’s update: • Largest budget deficit since World War II, reaching almost $86 billion in the last financial year (201920). Understandably, this is in contrast to the forecast of December 2019 whiuch predicted a $5 billion budget surplus.

• Deficit is expected to grow further this financial year (2020-21), with forecasts showing that it will grow to more than $184 billion in 2020-21.

• Real GDP is forecast to fall by 0.25 per cent in 2019-20 and by 2.5 per cent in 2020-21.

• Fiscal support measures by the Federal government totaled $289 billion, or 14.6 per cent of GDP. • Fiscal support measures by the Federal government such as JobKeeper were estimated to have saved 700,000 jobs.

• Regardless, the economic contraction is expected to have a significant effect on the labour market in which: • Unemployment is forecast to reach 8.75 per cent in 2020-21 • Low wage growth — 1.25 per cent in 2020-21 • Australia retains its Triple-A credit rating which will enable it to have room to stimulate the economy for programs like JobKeeper and

HomeBuilder.

• Despite the forecast numbers, there remains

significant uncertainty about Australia’s economic recovery given the second wave of COVID-19 cases in Victoria, and the uncertainty associated with the recovery of the global economy.

• We will advocate to the Federal Government

to continue to provide fiscal stimulus to the economy in light of growing economic uncertainty.

• We continue to support Federal Government’s

plan over the next five years to introduce reforms into key areas of the economy like industrial relations and infrastructure spending, to boost business confidence and take Australia on to the road to recovery.

We will continue to provide further updates and analysis on the economic effects and movements as we move through COVID-19.

6836454aa

Building and Construction Lawyers

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

www.wflawyers.com.au Level 12/533 Little Lonsdale St Melbourne Volume 75 Issue 03

Andrew Whitelaw - Director awhitelaw@wflawyers.com.au

(03) 9090 6700 Master Builders Victoria |

53

NEWS

JobKeeper extension

T

he eligibility criteria for the JobKeeper wage subsidy scheme has been eased for businesses and employees in response to further restrictions in Melbourne and regional Victoria, meaning more businesses are now be eligible.

Businesses will only need to show their GST turnover has fallen over one quarter to qualify, rather than multiple as was determined as part of the recent extension of the scheme.

Employees on the payroll at 1 July will also now be eligible, rather than the 1 March for the initial round of JobKeeper payments. Reduced payments previously announced for the second and third stage of JobKeeper

54 | Master Builders Victoria

will remain, with $1200 fortnightly payments from 28 September for employees working more than 20 hours per week, reducing to $1000 from 4 January to 28 March, 2021.

The initial JobKeeper will end on 28 September, and the extension comes into play from that date.

Businesses will be eligible for the extension if they can show their GST turnover had fallen in the September quarter compared to the same quarter in 2019 (when first announced, a loss in June and September 2020 quarters was required). The level of reduction required to be eligible remains the same: • 50 per cent for those with an aggregated turnover

of more than $1 billion; • 30 per cent for those with an aggregated turnover of $1 billion or less; or • 15 per cent for Australian Charities and Not for profits Commission-registered charities (excluding schools and universities).

The same criteria change will apply to the second extension that is scheduled from 4 January. This means businesses will need to show a GST turnover loss for the December 2020 quarter as compared to 2019 to qualify, rather than a loss for June, September and December originally required to be eligible. The level of reduction for eligibility will remain.

Volume 75 Issue 03

NEWS

Victorian Premier praises Master Builders Victoria for support of coronavirus combat effort

D

uring his 29 July press conference, Premier Daniel Andrews took the time to thank Master Builders Victoria, other industry associations, unions and organisations for their support in getting the message across about staying at home if you’re feeling unwell.

Master Builders Victoria has collaborated with many organisations to ensure we have a unified message and protocols for our industry which, so far, has resulted in it being safer from the threat of COVID-19

Volume 75 Issue 03

than the rest of our community.

That thanks from the Premier must be passed on to all our members and their employees who have listened to those messages and adhered to the guidelines.

Thanks must also go to the following organisations who Master Builders Victoria has worked with as part of this industry effort; the Australian Institute of Building, Australian Manufacturing Workers’ Union, Air Conditioning & Mechanical Contractors Association, Australian Workers Union, CFMEU, Civil Contractors

Federation, Electrical Trades Union, Master Plumbers, Prefab Aus, National Fire Industry Association, National Electrical and Communications Association, Plumbing and Pipe Trades Employees Union, Property Council of Australia and the Urban Development Institute of Australia.

We’ll continue to collaborate with industry stakeholders and the government as we move through this challenging period to ensure our industry operates safely, as the backbone of Victoria’s economy.

Master Builders Victoria |

55

FULLY APPROVED

Thermostatic Shower Mixing Valves Add this feature to your inclusions to gain more winning quotes from homeowners.

ALL NEW & SAFER CHOICE FOR YOUR HOME Available with or without Handset & Slide Rail

Renovations & New Build Projects AS/NZS3500.4:2018 Compliant In accordance with AS/NZS 6400

Licence No. 1834 Therm-Oz Showers Pty Ltd

139774AA

www.therm-oz.net.au

ADVERTISING FEATURE

A NEW AND SAFER CHOICE FOR YOUR HOME — THERMOSTATIC SHOWER MIXING VALVES — A thermostatic shower mixes water to a set constant temperature, even if other taps, toilets or washing machines are in use. If the cold-water supply to the shower were to fail, the shower will instantly shut off, preventing any chance of scalding.

The shower is turned on with a simple twist of the right handle. The temperature is controlled by rotating the left handle and limited to 38°C as a safety feature by an override stop button. Depressing this safety button allows the user to rotate to a higher temperature up to 45°C maximum, or rotate the handle in the opposite direction for a cooler shower.

Cool-Touch technology ensures a low surface temperature of the valve, safe to touch or hold while showering. The surface temperature will not exceed 20°C when operating at 38°C. Therm-Oz is ideal for families with young

children, the elderly as well as those who require assistive care.

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

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

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

Constant temperature Safe showering Simple to use Cool-touch technology No electics Fully approved Available with or without handset & slide rail For renovations & New builds Easy to install 5 year guarantee

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

0439 196 441 info@therm-oz.net.au www.therm-oz.net.au

Volume 75 Issue 03

Master Builders Victoria |

57

MEMBERSHIP

Member committees: Why your voice matters T Melissa Greenall Senior Manager Membership

58 | Master Builders Victoria

he 2020 Master Builders Victoria elections are now well under way, with the Australian Electoral commission (AEC) running the formal nomination and voting process for our sector group committees, council and board positions. For those members eligible to nominate and vote, you will have received various emails from the AEC as we move through the process.

Master Builders Victoria is, in every way, an association by and for its members, and this is reflected most strongly in our committee structure to ensure members have a voice with regard to our strategy, direction and focus. Our committees are critical to ensuring we are actively connected to the diverse needs of the building and construction industry.

There are two main tiers of member committees, the first being our Sector Group committees, formed by 48 elected positions across our five main industry sectors.

The Sector Group committees are structured to ensure that all areas of our membership are represented and recognise that each has unique challenges affecting different areas of the industry. These sectors are defined as: Housing • General Contracting • Specialist Contractor • Country • Materials Manufacturing and Supply

Volume 75 Issue 03

MEMBERSHIP

The sector groups play an important role in adding their voices for the pressure points our members are facing, the types of service and information needed to help members navigate regulation and legislation and critical policy positions for which Master Builders advocates.

The second tier of member committee is the regional sections which, again, are elected committees in the following Master Builders Victoria-defined areas: • North East • North West • Wimmera • Gippsland • Geelong • Ballarat • Bendigo • Mornington

The Section committees recognise that there is diversity across regional Victoria and that the local member voices are important to ensuring we can provide service, support and relevant events that meet the needs of the region.

These committees also play a key role in supporting

Volume 75 Issue 03

“

Our committees are critical to ensuring we are actively connected to the diverse needs of the building and construction industry.”

networking opportunities and welcoming new members to the local Master Builder’s community.

Your participation, be it at a committee level, as an elected officer, a voter or an attendee at local section events, plays an important role in ensuring Master Builders continues to provide the right service and support to our members, from everyday business advice and support through to high-level advocacy work with government and key stakeholders.

Master Builders Victoria is always looking to increase diversity across all our committees. We know that the building and construction industry is made up of people from all walks of life, cultural backgrounds and ethnicities.

Our membership reflects this, and so should our committees. Every member has an equal voice and by

ensuring our committees reflect diverse perspectives, experiences and skill sets we evolve to meet the needs of industry and our members.

What’s next?

Eligible members will have received information regarding voting for your relevant Sector Group committee candidates recently. We encourage you to take the time to read the candidate statements and send in your vote. Your vote counts and is an important part of helping the sectors best represent our membership.

We have also issued AGM notices and calls for nominations for the regional section committees. The section committees are a valued voice and an excellent way for members who are new to committees to get involved. As a section committee member, you can help support regional members and the communities they support.

If you would like more information on voting for the group sector committee candidates or how you can get involved with a regional section committee, please reach out to our Senior Manager of Membership Mell Greenall at mgreenall@mbav.com.au

Master Builders Victoria |

59

NEWS

In-principle understanding reached with union for Enterprise Agreements

B

y early July, several of our members and the CFMEU had reached an in-principle understanding on what are acceptable terms for new Enterprise Agreements over the next four years.

Master Builders Victoria has assisted our members in these discussions.

A core role of Master Builders Victoria is to provide industrial relations support to our members, which includes assisting them in negotiating Enterprise Agreements.

The in-principle understanding will provide certainty for both employers and employees in the building and construction industry.

Several flexibilities have been provided for, including a smaller projects provision that will promote investment and employment.

It introduces positive new provisions that support worker flexibility around accessing part-time work, and a safer and more inclusive environment, particularly for women.

The wage increase element is a more measured outcome than previous years; an annual average increase of approximately 1.68 per cent this year and approximately three per cent each year after that.

Redundancy, superannuation and insurances have also increased.

Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, Master Builders Victoria has worked tirelessly with the unions to keep building and construction sites safe and open, and successfully advocated for additional stimulus.

However, while we are proud of how resilient and adaptable our industry has proven itself to be, this is a time for moderation. We are optimistic that these in-principle Agreements will send a strong signal that Victoria is the place for building and construction, and help promote investment and employment at a time when it is most needed.

If you are interested in using the in-principle Agreement as a reference point for your enterprise bargaining, we can provide more detailed advice. We also acknowledge that the in-principle Agreement may not suit some members.

In those cases, we will assist you to establish what you need for your business and support you in discussions with your employees and their representatives. Please contact our Industrial Relations team if you need any assistance on (03) 9411 4555.

60 | Master Builders Victoria

Volume 75 Issue 03

CR138182AA

GLASS BRICK COMPANY The complete ‘Glass Brick Specialists’  FRAMES  DIY KITS  PREFABS  INSTALLATION  FIRE RATINGS

phone Sydney/nSW: 02 9620 9055 Melbourne/VIC: 03 9703 1530

eMAIL nSW: nsw@glassbrickcompany.com.au VIC: info@glassbrickcompany.com.au

WeBSITe www.glassbrickcompany.com.au ACn 116 139 970 | ABn 19 310 920 095

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

Licenced Commercial and Domestic Waterproofing

Volume 75 Issue 03

C&D

WATERPROOFING

0418 999 876 www.cdwaterproofing.com.au enquiries@cdwaterproofing.com.au

Master Builders Victoria |

61

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

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

• Business Structures

CR132526AA

• Asset Protection

Level 4, 530 Lonsdale St, Melbourne VIC 3000 • Asset Also atProtection Mitcham by appointment only.

Email: wre@wrelawyers.com.au

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

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

62 | Master Builders Victoria

Volume 75 Issue 03

CUSTOM MADE TIMBER WINDOWS AND DOORS SINCE 1993 Timber Window and Door Range: Awning | Casement Double Hung | Bifolds Sliding Doors | Stacker Doors | Lift & Slide | Sashless | Louvre | Gas Struts | French Doors

Ph: 9768 3944 16 Healey Rd, Dandenong South, VIC 3175 sales@aspectwindows.com.au www.aspectwindows.com.au

Volume 75 Issue 03

Master Builders Victoria |

63

Don’t break the REO quality chain The mechanical properties of a steel bar change when it is bent, straightened, or welded.

You must get a JAS-ANZ accredited 3rd Party Processor Certificate to guarantee the reinforcing bar and mesh supplied on your project conforms to Australian Standards.

REO quality and traceability chain

STEEL MILL A JAS-ANZ accredited 3rd Party Mill

PROCESSOR

Certificate certifies

A JAS-ANZ accredited

the stock bar and

3rd Party Processor

BUILDER

rod conforms to

Certificate certifies

Provides a JAS-ANZ

AS/NZS 4671.

the processed bar

accredited 3rd Party

and welded mesh

Processor Certificate

conforms to

(ACRS or equivalent)

AS/NZS 4671.

to the Engineer and Building Certifier to

CLIENT

guarantee REO quality.

Confidence the structure is safe and robust, and meets the NCC.

Mitigate your risk.

Ask your supplier for a 3RD PARTY PROCESSOR before the concrete is placed.

sria.com.au

CERTIFICATE