2014 Master Builders Western Australia Magazine Sep-Oct by arkmedia4217

VOLUME 11 | NUMBER 4 | SEPTEMBER - OCTOBER 2014

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Excellence rewarded FIONA STANLEY, GOLDFIELDS ESPERANCE

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Steel compliance scheme mooted

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contents 1

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2014

OUR COVER Fine workmanship is what Master Builders is about and it was demonstrated in spades at the recent Excellence in Construction Awards and Goldfields Esperance Building Excellence Awards. See pages 24-31 for details.

IN THIS ISSUE... FOREWORDS

UPDATES

FEATURES

President’s File........................................................2

Opinion ...................................................................8

Director’s File ..........................................................4

Membership..........................................................32

Building Equipment Hire - Meeting Industry Equipment Demand .............................................61

Safety....................................................................34

REPORTS

Members’ Health ..................................................36

Word from the Hill ...................................................6

Legal .....................................................................40

Master Builders General News .............................12

Insurance ..............................................................41

Master Builders Branches ....................................46

Industrial Relations ...............................................42 Housing ................................................................44

AWARDS

Branches ..............................................................46

Excellence in Construction Awards ......................24

Personal Pars .......................................................50

Goldfields Esperance Awards ..............................28

Technical...............................................................53

Sustainability - Construction and Demolition Waste Management and Recycling ......................64 Project Feature: All Saints’ College Performing Arts Theatre .......................................66

What’s New ..........................................................69

Training .................................................................56 Building Business .................................................58

PUBLISHED BY

Crowther Blayne & Associates Pty Ltd Phone: 1800 222 757 Fax: 1800 063 151 Email: publications@crowtherblayne.com.au Advertising Sales Manager Stuart Tovey Email sales@crowtherblayne.com.au Layout Carol Taylor Graphic Design Byron Bailey, Amanda Bennett Editor Sue Guilfoyle Production Coordinator Yvonne Okseniuk Printed by Newstyle Printing Master Builder is the official publication of The Master Builders Association of Western Australia. It is produced five times per year and published by Crowther-Blayne & Associates Pty Ltd. Master Builders Association of Western Australia was established in1898 and is the state’s oldest building industry organisation. The MBAWA is part of the Australia-wide Master Builder movement. Master Builder is produced to keep members informed of matters affecting them. Opinions and/ or statements in any editorial and/or advertisements are not necessarily those of the publisher and/or the MBAWA. The publisher reserves the right to reject any material deemed unsuitable for publication. Other than for the purposes of and subject to the conditions prescribed under the copyright Act 1968, no part of Master Builder may in any form or by any means (electronic, mechanical, microcopying, photocopying, recording or otherwise) be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted without prior written permission from the MBAWA or Crowther-Blayne & Associates Pty Ltd.

MBAWA BOARD OF MANAGEMENT: President: John Ripp Senior Vice President: Robert Spadaccini Vice President: David Crothers Treasurer: Chris Lillis Immediate Past President: Robert Shaw Board Members: George Allingame, Simon Birkhead, Jason Kunkler, Andy Peppercorn, Dan Perkins, Jack Pleiter, Michael Vermey. SENIOR STAFF: Director: Michael McLean Special Projects Director: Gavan Forster Contracts & Administration Manager: Charles Anderson Construction Director: Kim Richardson Membership Services Manager: Veronica Mill Housing & Business Development Director: Geoff Cooper Partnerships & Marketing Manager: Kelly Dewar-Matusik Events Manager: Pippa Tearne Technical Advisor: Romina De Santis Training Director: Neil Du Rand Safety Manager: Michael Fitzgerald Regional Operations Manager: Graham Bell Waste Reduction Consultant: Michael Norriss

HEAD OFFICE: 35-37 Havelock Street, West Perth WA 6005 Post: PO Box 167, West Perth WA 6872 Phone: (08) 9476 9800 (Country) 1300 550 262 Fax: (08) 9476 9801 Email: mba@mbawa.com Website: www.mbawa.com MASTER BUILDERS TRAINING CENTRE 594 Hay Street Jolimont WA 6014 Phone: (08) 9441 8000 Fax: (08) 9441 8001 Email: training@mbawa.com REGIONAL BRANCHES: Albany-Great Southern: Linda Gibbs Ph 9841 6232 Bunbury-South West: Geoff Bosustow Ph 9721 6547 Geraldton-North West: Dianne Gilleland Ph 9921 5061 Esperance: Doug Backhouse Ph 0437 184 366 Kalgoorlie: Colleen Horton Ph 0412 487 970 MEMBERSHIP INQUIRIES: Veronica Mill Ph (08) 9476 9800 SUBSCRIPTION ENQUIRIES: Master Builder is available for subscription at a cost of $55/year. Contact Membership Services Manager Veronica Mill via email at veronica@mbawa.com for further information.

FOREWORDS president’s file SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2014

CHALLENGING REFORM AGENDA

John Ripp

Master Builders is keen to assist the State Government with its ambitious reform agenda. Having met recently with Finance Minister Dean Nalder and Commerce Minister Michael Mischin, our organisation has highlighted the importance of expediting some of these reforms to enable our industry to operate more efficiently.

Regardless of who is in government, the process of implementing changes always appears to be frustratingly slow. As an office bearer of an industry organisation like Master Builders, the delays in bringing about change can test your patience. However, because lobbying governments, politicians and bureaucrats is a critical role of our Association, you have to be persistent and unrelenting in seeking some reforms. The easy part is to explain the problem and its impact. The tricky part is to come up with a solution that the politician and bureaucrats can understand and agree to implement from a political perspective. The list of reforms we would like to see the Barnett Government introduce is becoming rather lengthy. Here are some examples: • The future of housing indemnity insurance. We would like to see the scheme scrapped or limited in scope and made voluntary if the Government want to run it themselves. Their credit rating and the cost of housing are on the line here. • Project bank accounts. We don’t think they are necessary on Building Management and Works projects but will await the outcome from a series of pilot projects. • Tiered registration and whole-of-state coverage of builders. We support these reforms as an additional check on a builder’s capacity to build.

• Amendments to the Industrial Relations Act. We support this legislation being made more consistent with its federal counterpart. Additional controls on union right of entry also have become necessary. • Harmonised safety laws. We want a regulatory impact statement that assesses the costs and benefits of WA adopting a federal safety regime. We believe WA safety laws are fine and should continue. • Review of the Construction Contracts Act. We support this review by Professor Phillip Evans from Curtin University and will be pleased to contribute once the terms of reference are finalised. • Review of the Construction Training Fund. We support the recommendation to extend the CTF levy to all resource sector construction projects. It is inequitable and unfair that this sector has been exempt for so long. • Planning reforms. We are amazed that it is taking so long to exempt the building of single detached housing that complies with the R-Codes from the planning approvals process. Introducing a private certifiers regime for planners would be very helpful in achieving a more efficient system of building approvals. • Rationalisation of metropolitan local government authorities. This is a classic example of minority vested interests resisting change. We support fewer Councils for no other reason than to achieve greater consistency and certainty in lodging building applications.

Acknowledging the Support of our 2014 Partners:

Master Builders follows a variety of protocols in any of our dealings with government and the bureaucracy. Sometimes, we have to resort to media releases to make our points which is regrettable – but the squeaky wheel sometimes gets the most oil. In pursuing all of our policy positions, we greatly appreciate the invaluable input we receive from members, especially those on our Councils and committees. It often can be a time-consuming exercise but a necessary one if we are to create a better industry for everyone’s benefit. We hope the Barnett Government is listening to us. John Ripp

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FOREWORDS director’s file SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2014

REFRESHER SAFETY TRAINING NEEDED Safety has come a long way in the building and construction industry over the last 30 years. This is a credit to employers, our safety regulator and everyone involved. It also has resulted in much improved lost time and fatality statistics. Importantly, the culture on construction sites now sees safety taken more seriously as an integral part of the builder’s risk management considerations.

The move from a prescriptive regulatory environment to a duty of care statutory regime in 1987 created the parameters from which behavioural change has occurred. A significant development to put safety on the map in the building and construction industry, especially in the residential sector, has been mandatory safety induction training. This initiative has cast the safety net across the whole industry and has become accepted now as the prerequisite to working on any construction site regardless of sector. Mandatory construction induction training now is carried out by many registered training organisations and trainers. The induction usually takes between 4-4.5 hours and covers the basics of building industry safety and survival for apprentices, trainees and more mature-aged blue and white collar workers from a diverse range of backgrounds and nationalities. Most of this induction training is conducted face to face in a classroom environment. More recently, online safety inductions have become available to assist workers engaged in regional and remote locations in particular. Clearly, face to face construction induction training is preferable to get the right messages across, to answer relevant questions and to ensure the integrity of the training.

Like a driver’s licence, construction induction training is only required once. There is currently no statutory requirement for refresher training. I believe that should change and sooner rather than later. Anyone involved in the building and construction industry would realise that construction methods, practices and regulations regularly change. This means that you constantly need to update your skills and knowledge base to maintain your employability. Safety is relevant to those changes. For example, tilt up concrete panels and modular construction are relatively new phenomena. Neither was considered in the context of safety inductions 10 years ago. They are now. From a principal contractor’s perspective, it is important to ensure that your subcontractors and employees are on the ball with safety. They would be more likely to be on their game if they had to successfully complete a 3-4 hour refresher safety training course every five years. To me, this is not unreasonable, especially in an industry that is inherently subject to risks and without any form of continuous professional development. WorkSafe is the relevant institution that determines whether mandatory safety inductions are a one off or require regular (five-yearly) updates. I believe mandatory refresher safety inductions would be a

Acknowledging the Support of our 2014 Partners:

pro-active strategy for the WorkSafe Commission to introduce. To me, it makes sense, is consistent with the philosophies of most risk averse employers and would help those employers who might have become complacent or oblivious towards their safety obligations. If it’s appropriate to renew your high risk occupational licences every five years, it’s prudent to renew your white card over the same period. With the influence of trade unions waning in the non-residential sector, refresher safety induction training also serves to keep employers more accountable and up to speed with safety, thereby avoiding the need for unions to interfere and impose their own agendas in this area. I hope WorkSafe sees five-yearly mandatory construction induction training as an opportunity to take a leadership position on the safety front. The building and construction industry would benefit a great deal from it. Michael McLean

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word from the hill SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2014

From time to time, Master Builder invites government members to contribute on current topics and developments. Dean Nalder is relatively new to the job of Finance Minister but here he talks about a subject dear to the hearts of all involved in the building business.

REDUCING RED TAPE FOR INDUSTRY Transport and Finance Minister Dean Nalder was a special guest at Master Builders’ recent Excellence in Construction Awards.

Since becoming Finance Minister in March this year, I have committed to meeting with members of Master Builders every six months to discuss issues affecting the industry. As a result, I have heard first-hand the challenges faced by the building industry, which is of course critical to a State that is growing and transforming at the rate we are. One of the most common concerns raised with me not just by the building industry but by many sectors across the length and breadth of the State is the perception of overly complex requirements of bureaucracy and adherence to official rules and formalities – what we commonly refer to as red tape. Reducing the regulatory burden on business was a central tenet of the Liberal-led Government’s election campaign last year and we are already introducing red tape reduction strategies. The most recent improvements came into effect on 1 July when the Department of Finance introduced changes to the way its construction contracts are tendered and awarded. These changes aim to improve efficiency and transparency when tendering for work with government. In addition, on 8 April the Department refined its Builders Prequalification Scheme and associated business risk assessment processes. These refinements streamlined the administrative requirements while not compromising the key objective to deliver value-for-money outcomes. They were a result of the Department’s commitment to continuous improvement and arose from direct feedback provided by the Master Builders Association and the wider industry. Importantly, it is not just the regulatory framework that matters, but the way we as a Government approach our day-to-day business when working with industry to ensure our processes are effective, efficient and always relevant.

The Department of Finance is also pursuing other initiatives, such as the trial of Project Bank Accounts and spot checks on contractor payment performance. Security of payment remains an important issue for the construction industry and the Department needs to take a lead role in bringing about change. While it is still early days, I am pleased to say that the trial is progressing well with the first few contracts signed and underway. The procurement processes for further trial projects are in train. I am looking forward to seeing the feedback from the trial, which of course will need to be carefully considered, especially in light of any additional overhead on builders, before decisions are made for the future. I am very keen for Government to continue to work with Master Builders and broader industry to innovate. It is more important than ever that we work together to sustain the building and construction industry, which is why I have asked Building Management and Works to liaise with Master Builders to target more red-tape reduction strategies. I am confident this will be a fruitful relationship that will help reduce the regulatory burden on the building industry and help continue to grow the State of Western Australia. For more information on changes to tendering, check out www.finance. wa.gov.au/cms/uploadedFiles/Building_Management_and_Works/ Contractor_information/bulletin_two_stage_tendering.pdf

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opinion UPDATES SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2014

A survey has reported only two percent of people prefer a one bedroom apartment, yet there seems to be a surge of supply into the market in and around Perth. Master Builders’ housing director Geoff Cooper sees it as a case of…

SAY ONE THING, YET DO ANOTHER: IN ONE BEDROOM The March 2013 survey was no Mickey Mouse effort. Conducted by Curtin University, The Housing We’d Choose: a study for Perth and Peel, sampled more than 1000 respondents in a four-stage study. The two percent quota of survey respondents preferring one bedroom apartments doesn’t seem to be impeding the market in Perth. Indeed there are apartments being offered under the 50 square metre size. Builders are reporting that these one bedroom apartments are selling well.

Master Builders’ housing director Geoff Cooper.

Buyers’ preferences are being reflected in their actions, but not necessarily their words. You are looking at a total cost for one bedroom apartments as low as $350,000-$500,000 in some developments. It may be that the lesser cost of one bedroom apartments than other product types is stimulating demand. The Curtin University research also showed that a clear majority of Perth residents prefer to live in inner city areas than outer areas. This could be sparking interest in the apartments which often are located near public transport and other popular amenities. The interest in this segment is likely to continue in the foreseeable future with ongoing regulatory cost pressures pushing up the cost of land and construction in WA. Despite empty political rhetoric about affordability, the property industry is hit with additional costs year after year. Indeed, the last budget saw a land tax grab and additional waste management levy charges as two examples. So if regulatory driven costs are set to continue to increase, the main option left for industry to maintain affordability is to reduce size. One bedroom apartments are a small but important way to offer more affordable homes in WA. Smaller footprints allow more homes to be delivered at lower total cost. This flexibility is critical in the WA property market to offer reduced home sizes to meet constrained budgets.

Yet our planners (perhaps stuck in a 1980s mindset) still are wading into the marketplace via the R-Codes to provide a 40 square metre minimum size. If people are happy to buy a one bedroom apartment to live in or rent, why shouldn’t they be able to? The rationale for this planning red tape is entirely unclear. Government intervention to impose minimum sizes inevitably will restrict the capacity of the market to respond to affordability concerns for lower paid workers, students and other purchasers. The WA Government clearly is limiting the range of people within our community who can afford to live near their place of work to minimise travel time and transport costs. There is a trade-off that home buyers with limited budgets face between size and distance from major employment areas. There is, quite understandably, industry outrage in Victoria about a plan to mandate a minimum 37 square metre apartment size. Perhaps regulators should be made aware that apartments smaller than 40 square meters are provided in many other major cities to encourage diversity of residents and create a critical mass of people. These dwellings support amenity across the globe. There are some really innovative designs in the market to maximise the use of space in small homes. There also are restrictions on loan-to-valuation ratios on smaller apartments levied by some banks. Master Builders will see what can be done on behalf of members in this space. In summary, let’s hope WA regulators can keep their noses out of it and give up trying to limit choice and let the market decide what housing options it wants. A diversity of permitted housing types, underpinned by market demand, will deliver good housing choices for home buyers.

opinion UPDATES 9

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2014

Award winning Fiona Stanley Hospital: Master Builders was disappointed that BMW failed to support the Excellence in Construction Awards this year.

Master Builders’ director Michael McLean laments...

BMW MISSING IN ACTION The Finance Department’s Building Management and Works is an integral part of the building and construction industry. BMW seek to set a high standard in building practices and contractual arrangements, relying on feedback from Master Builders and others about their performance. With tenders in the commercial sector being extremely competitive and many tenders coming in under budget, BMW finances should be in a reasonable state. It therefore was disappointing that BMW weren’t prepared to sponsor the Best State Government Building Award in this year’s Master Builders Bankwest Excellence in Construction Awards in July. It was embarrassing to have Finance Minister Dean Nalder, representing the Premier, at our

Awards this year but not presenting the Best State Government Building Award to Brookfield Multiplex for the Fiona Stanley Hospital project. It was also incredible that no BMW staff attended our awards this year. For a government agency so reliant on good builders to deliver their projects on time and on budget, this absence was a disgrace. It sends all the wrong messages to the private sector and reinforces a perception among some builders that it is a ‘them and us’ relationship with BMW. BMW don’t have their own construction excellence awards and rely on builders to provide taxpayers with excellent value for money and first class construction. Becoming involved in our construction excellence awards would demonstrate some

commitment to best practice in our dynamic industry. It is a shame that some senior bureaucrats at BMW seem to attach greater importance to their paperwork and layers of procedures than recognising construction excellence – unlike their predecessors who recognised the value of their department sponsoring the best State Government building project from among many builders competing for their work. We hope BMW might see the light next year, as their absence from our awards this year said a lot about where their priorities lie and what value they attach to construction excellence.

opinion UPDATES SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2014

State manager – WA of the Australian Steel Institute, James England, makes the case for an industry association-led compliance scheme for the Australian steel industry.

BUILDING CONFIDENCE IN STEELWORK A recent Australian Industry Group survey alarmingly reported that 95 percent of respondents in the steel product sector found non-conforming product in their supply chain. The Federal Government sponsored AiG study indicated that up to 50 percent of building construction products within Australia are non-compliant. Australian industry is now aware that noncompliant construction products have caused the collapse of structures, affected the integrity of glass panels and windows, and through fraudulence resulted in engineered timber product delaminating.

We are not alone Following research in Europe/UK, and US and Canada, the Australian steel industry has seen that an industry association-led compliance scheme has provided long term benefits to its industry and is fully supported by its fabricator members in these countries. For these countries, this approach has achieved: • Quality fabricators being rewarded for their skills. • Creation of a pathway for fabricators to advance through construction categories. • Minimisation of substandard non-compliant or fraudulent product from foreign companies or non EU countries. • Minimisation of ‘backyard’ fabricators with non-compliant processes or procedures from undertaking inappropriate projects. • Constructors efficiently producing compliant structures with reduced rework, safety instances and downtime.

The NSSCS currently being introduced is complimented by the ACRS third party assessment scheme for structural steel which has been successful over many years in providing compliance surety for reinforcing steels. The new regime is essentially supported by four pillars for a holistic approach. Fabrication Standard: The first step has been to create a fabrication standard that allows a compliance body to have something to check against. The ASI has written this for review and to be processed by the Standards Australia committee into a new Australian Standard for fabrication and erection of structural steelwork. In the interim the document will be used as a Code of Practice (CoP). Conformity Assessment: This ASI document provides at a project level definition of what documentation is required to show conformance. Conformity assessment is not a part of Standards Australia’s brief and is therefore not included in the Standard.

The Australasian Procurement Construction Council recently observed that: “There is a lack of credible and accurate information available in Australia to assist all stakeholders involved in construction projects to verify construction product conformance and performance. This has the potential to create significant constraints and risks to a construction project.”

Construction Categories: This is a risk assessment matrix approach based on safety and complexity of construction. It provides for an assessment of compliance based on risk and will be determined by the engineer broadly based on the building importance levels in the Building Code of Australia (BCA).

Distinct from safety aspects, the building and construction industry is becoming aware of the cost of rework, disruption and commercial risk associated with non-compliance. As with many construction products, the current regime of self-inspection and certification for structural steelwork (self-certification) demonstrably does not work. Australia needs a more robust purpose-built compliance regime in which to operate, particularly with the increasing reach of global supply chains.

to independently test and certify product conformance of structural steel similar to the existing approach to reinforcing steel.

The National Structural Steelwork Compliance Scheme (NSSCS) being implemented by the Australian Steel Institute (ASI) as the peak body for the Australian steelwork supply and design chain is based on the principles of the European Standard EN 1090 to ensure risk based safe compliant steel construction.

The Australian steel industry is on a journey with industry progressively rolling out the nation’s first structural steelwork compliance scheme as part of a greater movement to shore up confidence in building products used in this country.

The NSSCS covers buildings, structures and components designed to Australian Standards AS/NZS 4100 (structural steelwork), AS/NZS 5100 (bridges) and supporting Australian Standards including those for welding, bolting and corrosion protection.

The need for a quality compliance and certification system for supply, fabrication and erection of structural steelwork supported by independent assessment has been mounting as the risks for construction projects become more apparent associated with a wide array of building products.

Local supply surety Most recently, the Australian steel industry has contributed to a tightening of the certification and marking provisions in local standards covering hollow and open sections and certification provisions for steel plate, and the establishment of third party accreditation programs like ACRS

Steelwork Compliance Australia (SCA): The auditing authority to ensure that a fabricator has the compliance capability for the required construction category. Australian steel fabrication veteran Alan Nightingale has been appointed to manage the new body and a dedicated website is being fully resourced as a portal for booking workshop audits, acting as custodian of the CoP, assessing compliance and providing industry with access to lists of certified fabricators. For further details about the ASI’s product compliance work, visit steel.org.au/key-issues/ compliance.

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REPORTS general news SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2014

ERA FAILS STRUGGLING HOME OWNERS Graham Teede hands over the chapter Presidents Medal to Frank Dilizia.

NEW FACES LEADING AIB The WA chapter of the Australian Institute of Building held its sixty-first annual general meeting in July with a number of new faces elected to its committee. Outgoing chapter president Graham Teede, who completed his third term in office, said it was great to see new members get involved and promote the profession and AIB values. Frank Dilizia (Georgiou Building) was elected as the new president, Murray Simcock (FIRM) vice president and Rob Shaw (Lavan Legal) secretary. Mr Teede maintains a role as national councillor. Committee members are John Doust, Ron Kilcullen, Rod Sproule (Perkins), Greg Downing (Downing Construction Service), John Pond (John Holland), Richard Pawle (Aston Recruitment), Keith Somers (Psaros), Derek Hammond (Built Environs) and David Eden (Brookfield Multiplex). AIB also recognised the upgrade of members Michael Kilcullen (Kilcullen Constructions), Davide Donati (Pyramid Constructions), Yew Han Goh (PS Structures), Rory Vinnicombe (BGC) and Jason Kunkler (PACT Constructions) to Fellow as approved by the National Council. Fellows are entitled to use the post-nominal letters FAIB and the term Chartered Building Professional. The new Fellow Certificates were presented by the former WA governor and Honorary Fellow of the chapter, Dr Ken Michael. A number of chapter Fellows also were presented with new certificates is recognition of their service to, and support of, AIB and the WA chapter. For further information about the Australian Institute of Building and WA Chapter go to www.aib. org.au or phone 02 6247 7433.

Master Builders has rejected an Economic Regulation Authority recommendation to Treasurer Mike Nahan to privatise KeyStart. According to Association director Michael McLean, KeyStart plays a unique and invaluable role in giving relatively low income, prospective home buyers a real chance of owning their own home. KeyStart now funds about 20 percent of all first home buyers, equating to more than $300 million over the last five years. “This is a classic case of economic theory getting in the way of commonsense and a fair go all round,” Mr McLean said. “Although KeyStart’s share of the housing market is less than five percent, it is the envy of other states and has demonstrated its financial credentials for over 25 years. “KeyStart also has provided an innovative shared home ownership scheme which has assisted many sole parents, indigenous Australians and people with a disability in both metropolitan and regional areas to purchase their own home.” Mr McLean said that without KeyStart to provide last resort finance to battling home-buyers, most would never be able to achieve the dream of owning their own home. “If the ERA analysed KeyStart’s performance in a realistic way, rather than just in a worst case scenario, it would realise that its recommendation was harsh and would cause many negative impacts in the housing industry and the local community. The risk to the WA Government in supporting KeyStart is very low as it is now financially self sufficient and the quantum of funds is capped and underwritten by a tangible asset which generally appreciates over time.” Mr McLean said Master Builders called on the Barnett Government to put commonsense and a proven track record above economic rationalism and theory.

HADGKISS AT AIB INDUSTRY LEADERS’ DINNER Fair Work Building and Construction director Nigel Hadgkiss was the guest recently of the WA chapter of the Australian Institute of Building when it hosted its annual Industry Leaders’ Dinner. Mr Hadgkiss, who has served on three Royal Commissions into the building industry, and who took up his Fair Work role in October last year, discussed his views on the industry’s current industrial relations climate. He spoke of his ambition to see a fairer and accountable IR climate in Australia for builders and contractors, their employees and unions and

also presented an overview on the current Heydon Royal Commission into Trade Union Governance and Corruption. AIB’s WA chapter hosts the Industry Leaders’ Dinner each year. It brings together more than 35 senior executives, directors and managers at Lavan Legal’s offices to hear presentations from Government Ministers and senior officials on issues current within WA’s building industry community. AIB national president Adjunct Professor Robert Whittaker and national vice president Ron Webber attended this year’s dinner.

general news REPORTS 13 SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2014

MCLEAN’S GRAND TOUR Master Builders’ director Michael McLean recently returned from a holiday in Europe mostly in Italy but also taking in Innsbruck, Paris and London and the tennis at Wimbledon (with the thought that it might improve his game for the next Master Builders corporate tennis afternoon in November). He reports: During this trip, I had the opportunity to meet colleagues at the Federation of Master Builders in London. I also had a very useful meeting with senior personnel from specialist engineering contractors group Rider Levett Bucknall and the UK Construction Strategy Team regarding project bank accounts. For those unfamiliar with PBAs, they are an initiative currently being trialled by Building Management and Works on several of WA construction projects. The objective is to ensure subcontractors and suppliers get paid within reasonable periods of time. The purpose of this article is not to share with you the many scenic highlights from my holiday but to compare how things are in the building and construction industry from my brief observations around Europe. Here is a summary of some of my observations which readers might find of interest. The Federation of Master Builders The Federation of Master Builders was formed more than 70 years ago to represent small and medium enterprises in the building and

construction industry in England. It has 36 staff in eight offices, including its five-level central London headquarters, Leeds, Northern Ireland and Scotland. It has about 9000 members, primarily SMEs, its target group. It has an annual turnover of $7 million with 90 percent of its revenue coming from membership subs. The FMB: • Has its own insurance broking business. • Has a Code of Practice for its members. • Is a member of the European Builders Federation. • Publishes a Master Builder magazine six times per annum. • Has as a major sponsor, Nissan which provide a truck as first prize for the organisation’s annual awards. • Has an outsourced members’ helpline providing advice on OHS, legal and taxation issues. • Has 14 on its board – 11 from the regions and three office bearers. Of the current board, 75 percent are builders and the rest specialist contractors. • Inspects the quality of work of all prospective members via an independent agency. The FMB currently is grappling with what distinguishes a Master Builder from others as, except for electricians and plumbers, there is no registration regime for builders and contractors. (Though, the Government has introduced a Trust Mark scheme to recognise the best tradesmen.)

It supports project bank accounts as its members are likely to be paid earlier than the previous blow-outs which apparently exceeded 90 days in some cases. About 25 percent of its members employ apprentices. As you can see, there are some similarities with our Association. Major issues of concern to the FMB include under-building of new homes and dwelling units, a lack of finance available to SME members and home buyers, planning delays and uncertainties at a local government level, a shortage of bricks causing eight month delays and the black economy which avoids the 20 percent VAT, undercutting reputable builders and contractors. Observations from Europe Huge functional airports, high speed trains between major cities and amazing engineering to achieve long road and rail tunnels through mountains and underground were some of the European highlights. Prominent statues of pioneers, preservation of green spaces in higher density areas and a heavy reliance on public transport (which runs to schedule) were noticeable. Light rail serves a useful role. Roads and footpaths are narrow and many are in need of upgrade. They do not compare favourably to Australian roads. Tolls are common and small cars dominate, especially in Italy. Automatic petrol bowsers are common with petrol being about $1 per litre dearer than Australia. Cottages and dwelling units are very compact in European cities. Balconies are narrow. Three to five-level dwelling complexes dominate medium density areas. Mediterranean style housing with no eaves is still popular in Italy. On construction sites, there is less scaffolding and edge protection than in Australia. A bucket and pulley system is still popular in hilly terrains in Italy.

UK PBAs under scrutiny Project bank accounts were discussed at this informative meeting in London involving (l-r) Professor Rudi Klein (chief executive of the Specialist Engineering Contractors’ Group), Michael McLean, Rider Levett Bucknall partner Brian Kilgallon and Philip Heenan, head of construction policy and standards with the UK Government Construction Strategy Team.

Brian Berry, chief executive of the Federation of Master Builders, with Michael McLean at FMB’s head office in London.

Mr McLean says that the interesting take-away from the meeting for him was that the circumstances which prompted the establishment of PBAs in the UK are very different to the circumstances in WA. Payment terms between major principal contractors and specialist subcontractors had blown out to beyond 90 days which was contributing to breakdowns in relationships.

Tourism is a major industry and attracts a very cosmopolitan range of visitors. Historical buildings have been magnificently restored – especially the churches. Unfortunately, graffiti is prevalent everywhere. Australia has a unique lifestyle and standard of living which we often take for granted. It is always good to be reminded of how lucky we are with our spacious housing and relatively free-flowing traffic. Europe is a great place to visit. Australia is a better place to live!

“In WA, the notion of PBAs came about following a review of Building the Education Revolution projects by Small Business Commissioner David Eaton,” Mr McLean said. “At that time it was then Finance Minister Mike Nahan who thought PBA’s would be useful to ensure contractors get paid on Government-funded construction projects. Master Builders is keen to review the trial of these PBA’s on several BMW projects early next year as we are not convinced that PBA’s are necessary and they provide an extra layer of bureaucracy onto BMW contracts.”

Michael McLean (r) and Master Builders WA president John Ripp crossed paths in Paris where there was a pretence of a serious business meeting before enjoying the delights of La Ville-Lumiere.

REPORTS general news SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2014

NEW WASTE GUIDE HELPS BUILDERS CUT COSTS, REDUCE WASTE

Master Builders’ Smart Waste Guide and the Association’s partnership with the Waste Authority were officially launched recently at the LandCorp-Lend Lease Alkimos Beach development. The guide was developed to help Perth builders and contractors reduce the amount of construction waste sent to landfill. Guests at the launch heard from Environment Minister Albert Jacob who acknowledged Master Builders’ and its efforts to reduce waste to landfill. He also highlighted the Government’s commitment to reducing construction waste going to landfill through the landfill levy.

Some of launch audience enjoying the sunny but cool winter conditions at the Alkimos Beach development.

Master Builders’ housing director Geoff Cooper said the guide’s release is timely, considering the waste levy is due to rise significantly on 1 January 2015. “The levy for putrescible waste will increase from $28/tonne to $55/tonne and the levy for inert waste will rise from $8/tonne to $40/tonne,” Mr Cooper said. “The levy will continue to increase yearly until 2019, when the rate will be $70/tonne and $105/tonne respectively. While the levy is clearly a cash grab by the Government hitting at affordability, the better news is that steps can be taken to avoid or minimise the cost impact.” The new guide contains a long list of recyclers, consultants, demolition providers and bin companies to assist builders and subcontractors looking to avoid waste. Mr Cooper said the guide would help Association members to reduce the amount of money they spend on the levy by diverting waste from landfill, by avoiding, reducing, reusing and recycling waste materials. The scope for recycling in WA had increased, he said, since the previous edition of the guide was released in 2008.

Waste Authority chairman Marcus Geisler at the launch of the Waste Guide.

“There are more recycling options now available in the marketplace in 2014 for builders and subcontractors to use, including mixed waste facilities. There has been a substantial improvement in recycling as a result – our industry in WA has increased its recycling rate by over 30 percent in the last three years of available data,” Mr Cooper said. The guide has included information on how to avoid wasting money on landfill disposal, cut transport costs, reduce purchasing costs, create a safer workplace, lead the way in environmental responsibility and stay ahead of environmental regulation. “It is encouraging to see the change in the industry culture, because it means a more cost efficient and responsible industry for builders, subcontractors and clients,” Mr Cooper said. All Perth and Peel based Master Builder members have been issued a copy of the guide. For additional copies, contact Kimberley@mbawa. com. The guide also can be downloaded from www.mbawa.com. Master Builders acknowledges the support of the Waste Authority through the Waste Avoidance and Recovery Account.

Environment Minister Albert Jacob, officiating at the launch of the Master Builders’ Smart Waste Guide, acknowledged the Association’s efforts to reduce waste to landfill.

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REPORTS general news SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2014

2015 HOUSING EXCELLENCE AWARDS LAUNCHED

MASTER BUILDERS’ CHIEFS FOR PERTH As Master Builder was being prepared for publication, arrangements were well in hand for a series of Perth meetings bringing together executive directors from the nine Master Builders’ associations around the country, and the board of the national organisation, Master Builders Australia.

Master Builders’ special projects director Gavan Forster presides over the launch of the Association’s 2015 Housing Excellence Awards.

More than 50 residential builders gathered at Master Builders’ Training Centre for the launch in July of the 2015 Master Builders Bankwest Housing Excellence Awards. Gavan Forster, Master Builders’ special projects director and head judge of the Customer Service Awards since their inception, chaired the launch alongside Rob Spadaccini and Jack Pleiter, registered builders and experienced Master Builders’ judges. Main topics of discussion among the group included judges’ scoring of the awards criteria, advantages of entering the awards and the sought after Bankwest Best Customer Service Award. The attendees also left with some handy hints on entering the awards: • Judging criteria can be found in the entry kit. The judges score each criterion out of 10, with the project receiving an overall score out of 100. (Note that where clients do their own work such as painting, this is not included in the final score, and the overall score will be averaged on the builder’s work.) • The judges measure excellence solely on the quality of construction. Entries will not be disadvantaged if the house is ‘lived in’, or is not professionally cleaned. (It is not necessary to take any additional measures to make the home welcoming for the judges. This is not in the criteria and is NOT required.) • All judges score against set criteria which are kept consistent throughout all projects and categories. • While having a representative of the builder on site at the time of judging is encouraged, entries will not be disadvantaged if no-one is available to attend. • Entries are not judged on the presentation of award submissions (with the exception of the Customer Service Award). Builders simply are encouraged to ensure they include everything listed on the entry checklist.

Quarterly meetings are hosted by the state bodies on a rotating basis and this will be first occasion Master Builders WA has hosted them since the upgrade to Construction House and the Association’s offices was completed. The Association will be keen to show off its state-of-the-art meeting rooms and other facilities when the interstate visitors arrive towards the end of August. The Association’s annual CEOs and managers dinner is being held to coincide with the national meetings. Former Victorian Premier and current chair of Cbus Steve Bracks will be the guest speaker addressing the challenging issue of the shortfall in super for many aging Australians.

UPDATED COST PLUS CONTRACT RELEASED A new form of contract from the Australian Building Industry Contract (ABIC) suite has been launched by Master Builders Australia and the Australian Institute of Architects. The ABIC Cost Plus contract replaces the outmoded FFC Cost Plus contract. Master Builders’ contracts manager Charles Anderson says the new contract merges the two forms of cost plus commonly used: the commission contract where the contractor is paid the cost of the work plus a margin or a percentage of the cost of doing the work and a fixed fee contract where the contractor is paid a fixed fee as well as the cost of doing the work. “Both of these options are catered for in the one form,” he said. “The fixed fee is able to be increased where there is a change to the works. “Cost plus contracts are used where at the commencement of the project the cost of the work is not certain, for example, for heritage buildings that are to be restored but where the lack of documents about the nature of the structure can only be confirmed as work progresses. “The new contract is pitched at the commercial building market though it still could be used for housing work. Of course, in work covered by the Home Building Contracts Act, that is, residential construction up to $500,000, it would have to comply with the Act to the extent of bearing clear advice that it is a cost plus contract and exempt from the Act. And home indemnity insurance requirements apply regardless of the form of building contract used.” The contract can be ordered by contacting Master Builders’ reception on 9476 9800, or by going online at www.mbawa.com.

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REPORTS general news SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2014

Roxby Architects designed the major award winning Toyota WA Head Office, Kewdale, built by Cooper & Oxley.

DIAL BEFORE YOU DIG NOW ABOVE AND BELOW More information about Western Power’s electricity network is now available via Dial Before You Dig (DBYD) 1100 with the addition of pole and overhead powerline locations to the information service. DBYD is a service offered by utilities such as Western Power, Water Corp, Telstra and ATCO that provides the locations of underground cabling and assets. Western Power’s network safety, health and environment manager Brenden Lee says DBYD now saves customers more time by also providing the approximate location of Western Power poles and overhead powerlines.

WA ARCHITECTURE AWARDS ANNOUNCED The WA Chapter of the Australian Institute of Architects announced their major awards in July. Master Builder members were among the contractors on the 38 winning projects selected from more than 100 entries in the 2014 Western Australia Architecture Awards presented at the Grand Ballroom Crown Perth by the AIA. The Toyota WA Head Office in Kewdale, designed by Roxby Architects and built by Cooper & Oxley, won two main awards: the George Temple Poole Award for Public Architecture and the Ross Chisholm and Gil Nicol Award for Commercial Architecture. The award jury said that the architects had responded in an elegant manner to the brief that provided a landmark site within one of WA’s largest industrial areas. The other big winner of the night was a welcoming Fremantle eatery – Bread in Common, designed by Spaceagency and built by Texo (WA) Pty Ltd – taking four awards including the Julius Elischer Award for Interior Architecture and Margaret Pitt Morison Award for Heritage Architecture.

“As an electricity provider, Western Power has a commitment to the safety of our workforce, our customers and anyone working near our network,” Mr Lee said. “Dial Before You Dig now provides a clearer picture of the electrical assets underground and overhead that will ensure onsite precautions are considered before work starts.” The following steps should be taken when carrying out excavation work: • Plan: Dial 1100 Before You Dig to obtain underground and overhead network plans. • Pothole: Use a hand shovel to establish the exact location of all underground cabling. • Protect: Always erect safety barriers in risk areas to protect underground cabling. Protecting exposed assets and ensuring the work is safe is the responsibility of the contractor. • Proceed: Only start digging once you have planned, potholed and protected. In the event of contact with the network, make the safe call to Western Power’s 24/7 emergency line on 13 13 51. For more information about Western Power and Dial Before You Dig visit www.westernpower.com.au.

Award winners will progress to the National Architecture Awards to be announced in November in Darwin. Other prominent winners involving Master Builder members included the Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research (category Public Architecture, architect Hames Sharley and builder Doric) and University Hall (Residential Architecture – Multiple Housing, HASSELL, Probuild). On the domestic construction front, the Residential Architecture – Houses (Alterations and Additions) Award went to Kingsway Residence designed by Nash-Ghersinich Architects and Interior Designers and built by Dynamic Building Services, the Residential Architecture – Houses (New) to Nannup Residence (Iredale Pedersen Hook Architects, Brolga Developments and Construction Pty Ltd), and the Small Project Architecture Award to Florence Street Residence (Klopper and Davis Architects and Wandoo Building Company). Master Builders Excellence in Construction top award winner (announced later in July), the Fiona Stanley Hospital, won the Sustainable Architecture Award. It was designed by the Fional Stanley Hospital Design Collaboration (HASSELL, Hames Sharley and Silver Thomas Hanley) and built by Brookfield Multiplex.

Potholing to find exact locations of underground cabling is an integral step in Western Power’s recommendations for safe excavation work.

advertorial 19

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2014

Construction Training Fund increases Cash Incentives for Employers Members of MBA know how the Construction Training Fund can reduce the costs of employing apprentices in WA’s building and construction industry. The Training Fund has introduced a range of new incentives for eligible employers of apprentices in construction trades, with up to $21,000 in cash now available to help reduce the costs of adding a new apprentice to your business. The minimum standard grant available to an eligible employer is now $4,000 (for a 12 month traineeship), rising to a maximum of $10,000 for a 48 month apprenticeship in core construction trade areas. In addition to the standard grants, the Training Fund provides a one-off bonus to an eligible employer of up to $4,000, depending on trade qualification. A further bonus of $2,000 is available to an employer of an apprentice that has successfully completed a recognised Certificate II VET-in Schools or pre-apprenticeship qualification. Existing allowances for employment of indigenous and regional trainees/apprentices remain, bringing the maximum grant available to a total of $21,000. The new grants are available to employers of trainees/apprentices registered with the Department of Training & Workforce Development on or after 1 July 2014. Direct indenture employers receive the grant in

three equal instalments. The first is paid after probation and six months of employment; the second at the halfway point of the indenture and the final payment is made after successful completion of the qualification. Trade and/or VET-in Schools/Pre-apprentice bonus payments are paid to the employer together with the first instalment. You’ll also receive the benefits of the grant from the Training Fund if you host an apprentice through a Group Training Organisation (GTO). The GTO claims the grant and any bonus payments on your behalf and puts this funding towards the cost of employing and training the apprentice. This will result in a net reduction in your net costs of hiring an apprentice through the GTO. Look for the note on the GTO’s invoice that shows your apprentice is being supported by the Construction Training Fund. Visit bcitf.org or call 9244 0100 for more information about the Construction Training Fund’s apprenticeship grants and other support programs for the construction industry. It’s your training fund.

REPORTS general news SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2014

GEMMILL STANDS BEHIND NEW BUILDING AUDITS Gemmill Homes has been helping the Building Commission put its new risk-based auditing process for builders through its paces. The new audit process being developed by the Building Commission will examine administrative and technical aspects of the building process undertaken by registered builders. The Building Commission is working with the building industry to fine tune the audit tool, including undertaking live testing to ensure its effectiveness. Gemmill Homes general manager Gary Wilson, who participated in the live testing, said the company had welcomed the opportunity to sit down with a Building Commission inspector to look at what the company was doing right and how it could improve its processes. “I felt like we were working together more towards improving the industry, rather than working against each other,” Mr Wilson said. “The audit follows the building process from the minute the client signs on to us getting on site. It was all relevant and we weren’t jumping from one thing to the next, which made it quite easy for us to process. “The closer relationship between the inspectors and builders – and being able to identify bits and pieces in our business that we can improve on and what we are doing well – will certainly make for a much better industry, a much better quality home for people and better standards for Western Australia.” Under the new process, builders will be notified when an audit is to be conducted and what information they need to provide. Initially, audit results will be used to assess the compliance of building services being carried out. On the conclusion of the audit,

Building Commission principal building inspector Ian Aitken and Gemmill Homes general manager Gary Wilson.

the builder will be notified of the outcome in writing. Any incidences of serious noncompliance may be referred for consideration for further action. When necessary, actions for non-compliance may include prosecutions seeking the imposition of penalties, the use of a warning to protect the public from serious non-compliance and the commencement of disciplinary action. Mr Wilson said he expected the new audits would be welcomed by most builders. “We understand that the inspectors are there to do a job,” he said. “If you’ve got a passion for this industry and are out there to do the right thing, the questions are all relevant to what we need to do to process a job from start to finish, build a nice house for people and build it within budgets and Australian Standards, so the new process should be received very positively.” The Building Commission’s director compliance Sandy Randall says the audit program should not be a concern to builders who are doing the right thing.

“The changes to our compliance program are aimed at ensuring performance standards are being met and the registration system works as intended,” she said. “The audits are an opportunity for builders to ask questions about any legislative or technical issues they may have and work with us to ensure the delivery of great buildings for Western Australians. We appreciate Gemmill’s participation and valuable feedback during our testing phase, which will help us to ensure a smooth transition to the new process when we roll it out to the industry.” Once finalised, information on the new process, including timelines, will be communicated to industry before the ‘go live’ date. The Building Commission already has implemented a new audit program for licensed plumbing contractors and is in the process of developing an audit program for building surveyors and painters.

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REPORTS general news SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2014

TURNING RHINOS INTO CHAMELEONS What have wildlife conservation and construction got in common? Not a question many might have considered before but Chameleon Asset Protection is the answer. In 2013, only weeks after the launch of Chameleon Asset Protection, Master Builder member Meridian Services were approached by the SAVE African Rhino Foundation which wanted to purchase the Chameleon Asset Protection solution in order to provide a greater layer of security in the fight against poaching of the rhinos in Zimbabwe. Meridian Services were eager to assist, happily donating the product but were then privileged to be invited to assist in the operation of marking the endangered animals. Meridian say there was no hesitation and two of the company’s directors were quickly booked on the next flight to Zimbabwe to work on the top secret mission.

The first rhino marked with Chameleon Asset Protection technology.

Chameleon Asset Protection was originally developed for the resources and construction industries as a security and theft prevention initiative. Meridian Services security division has worked very closely for many years with the construction industry and understands completely the issues around theft and loss of assets which is a problem for many builders. Armed with this knowledge and with a desire to solve this problem, the Chameleon Asset Protection strategy was developed. The Chameleon Asset Protection solution is a colourless paint that is applied to any asset. It dries within minutes and is invisible to the naked eye. Once dry the product is almost impossible to totally remove. A special light source is used to identify what assets have been marked. Once a pin head sample of the paint is recovered from the asset, a unique chemical fingerprint is identified providing proof of ownership. Due to the initial intended use for construction and resources, the paint had to be able to withstand harsh environments and there is certainly nothing harsher than that of a rhino horn, says Meridian executive director Nina Hobson. “Although the intended use was initially not for rhinos – in fact, that had never crossed our minds – in a short space of time we learnt that Chameleon has huge appeal to a wide variety of organisations and for a number of different applications,” Ms Hobson said. Meridian Services are currently in discussions with a number of builders who see the benefit of Chameleon to assist them in their fight against crime.

Applying Chameleon.

“It is no secret that builders, large and small, are losing assets from their sites which impacts on production time, costs and reputation,” says Meridian executive director Kevin Minchinton. ‘With the use of Chameleon it is not just about the physical marking of the asset but also about the strategy behind it. With the use of warning signs placed strategically around sites, Chameleon provides a huge deterrent to construction site theft. “So it might not seem like a natural link but clearly Chameleon is assisting to save the rhino and could also assist in saving construction costs.” For information about Chameleon Asset Protection, contact Mr Minchinton or Ms Hobson at Meridian Services on 9225 9999.

advertorial 23

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2014

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AWARDS excellence in construction awards SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2014

CONSTRUCTION EXCELLENCE CELEBRATED IN

Well over 600 guests embraced all things raw, industrial and urban to celebrate the premier event for commercial builders at the Master Builders Bankwest Excellence in Construction Awards late in July. “These awards are like no others,” says Master Builders’ events manager Pippa Tearne. “The winners are rewarded for their outstanding level of workmanship, which reflects the skills of the traditional master builder. Our expert judges look past things like aesthetics, design and function, instead focusing on what is most important – construction excellence.” The awards were held in the Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre BelleView Ballroom which was transformed into a ‘steel city’. Ms Tearne said that, with a record of more than 75 entries this year, the sense of rivalry among the attendees was ripe, with some of the biggest names in commercial building on the edges of their seats to see who would take home the top prize. “Notable winners on the night included Brookfield Multiplex Constructions for the Fiona Stanley Hospital project, Doric for Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research, Perkins Builders for the Roy Hill Remote Operations Centre and Offices and John Holland for the Albany Health Campus,” Ms Tearne said. “GreenCo Electrical and Communication Services took out the coveted Subcontractor of the Year Award as well as the Subcontractor Award for Services for their work on Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research. “The crowd was rocked by the legendary sounds of Ross Wilson, who performed some Daddy Cool and Mondo Rock classics including Eagle Rock and Come said the Boy. Felix closed out the night with a covers set which got everyone on the dance floor.”

excellence in construction awards AWARDS 25 SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2014

Former West Coast Eagles star Karl Langdon has been a familiar face at Master Builders’ awards and he was in full swing as master of ceremonies at the Excellence in Construction Awards.

The BelleView Ballroom was transformed into Steel City for the construction awards.

Master Builders’ president John Ripp took time out from his official duties to take to the dance floor with daughter Jordana.

Felix provided music to dance the night away.

The team behind Brookfield Multiplex Constructions’ overall winning Fiona Stanley Hospital project which also won awards for Best State Government Building and Best Health Care Building over $500 million.

Aussie rock legend Ross Wilson in full flight.

AWARDS excellence in construction awards SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2014

The Fiona Stanley Hospital project has seen Brookfield Multiplex Constructions triumphant once again in the Master Builders Bankwest Excellence in Construction Awards.

BROOKFIELD MULTIPLEX TOPS OUTSTANDING FIELD The $2 billion Fiona Stanley Hospital in Murdoch, Brookfield Multiplex’s 2014 Excellence in Construction Awards Best Project winner, is the company’s biggest ever design and construct project. It also is the largest building infrastructure project undertaken by the State Government.

The Excellence in Construction Awards judges were high in the builder’s work.

deliver such a large and complex project ahead of time and on budget with a high level of finish is a testament to the company’s expertise.”

Builders’ Roy Hill Remote Operations Centre and Offices and Doric’s Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research. The hospital also won awards for Best State Government Building and Best Health Care Building over $500 million.

Master Builders’ director Michael McLean said it was the eighth time in 24 years that the company had won the top award.

Brookfield Multiplex was awarded the contract in February 2009 and construction started in September that year. The seven buildings and two decked car parks were completed by December 2013. The 783 bed hospital is expected to open in October.

“It is a credit to Brookfield Multiplex and the project team to have delivered such quality on this iconic project,” Mr McLean said. “To

The project outscored other finalists, John Holland’s Albany Health Campus and Perth City Link Rail Alliance entries, Perkins

FRESH EYES JOIN THE JUDGING PANEL Judging the Excellence in Construction Awards is a demanding and involved process, with Master Builders fortunate to have a dedicated group willing to put their time into the task. 2014 judges featured here, left to right, are Charlie Baggetta, who judges all five regional award entries, Rod Sproule, Kevin Luttrell, Andy Peppercorn and Michael Croudace.

Excellence in Construction Awards Judges

Mr Sproule guided the way for first-timers Luttrell and Peppercorn, and together with Kevin Sale, they represented builders on the panel. Mr Croudace provided a wealth of architectural knowledge, while Peter Bruechle offered an engineer’s perspective. The judges pictured here are with Monique Milne (l) and Pippa Tearne, the Master Builders’ events team.

excellence in construction awards AWARDS 27 SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2014

AWARDS HONOURS LIST BEST PROJECT Sponsor: Bankwest Brookfield Multiplex Constructions Fiona Stanley Hospital

BEST AGED CARE BUILDING Sponsor: Kone Elevators Perkins Builders Ellenvale Aged Care Facility

BEST PUBLIC USE BUILDING Sponsor: Levesys BGC Construction Perth Rectangular Stadium – Stage 1

Best Regional Project Sponsor: John Holland Albany Health Campus

BEST RETAIL BUILDING Sponsor: Cockburn Cement Built Environs Coles Beeliar Village

BEST CIVIL ENGINEERING WORKS Sponsor: Hanson John Holland Perth City Link Rail Alliance

SUBCONTRACTOR OF THE YEAR Sponsor: Cbus Greenco Electrical and Communication Services Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research

SUBCONTRACTOR AWARD FOR FINISHES Sponsor: Cbus Frontline Interiors Silks

BEST NEW BUILDER Sponsor: Meridian Services Credentia Construction

BEST HISTORIC RESTORATION OR RENOVATION Sponsor: ReddiFund Perkins Total Project Delivery Primewest Murray St Perth

SUBCONTRACTOR AWARD FOR STRUCTURAL Sponsor: Cbus TUSS Concrete Masters Bayswater

BEST REFURBISHMENT OR RENOVATION Sponsor: Caledonia Scaffolding Probuild Constructions Silks

SUBCONTRACTOR AWARD FOR SERVICES Sponsor: Cbus Greenco Electrical and Communication Services Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research

EXCELLENCE IN WASTE MANAGEMENT Sponsor: Instant Waste Management PACT Construction Railway Pde BEST STATE GOVERNMENT BUILDING Brookfield Multiplex Constructions Fiona Stanley Hospital BEST MULTI-UNIT DEVELOPMENT Sponsor: Austral Bricks Pindan St Catherine’s College Student Accommodation EXCELLENCE IN ENERGY EFFICIENCY Sponsor: Alinta Energy PACT Construction Railway Parade BEST HEALTH CARE BUILDING UNDER $500 MILLION Sponsor: Hays Recruitment John Holland Joondalup Health Campus Redevelopment BEST HEALTH CARE BUILDING OVER $500 MILLION Sponsor: Hays Recruitment Brookfield Multiplex Constructions Fiona Stanley Hospital

BEST INDUSTRIAL BUILDING Sponsor: Auto Control Systems McLeish & Matthews MACA Facility BEST EDUCATION BUILDING UNDER $50 MILLION Sponsor: Stramit PS Structures CSIRO – Pawsey Centre BEST EDUCATION BUILDING OVER $50 MILLION Sponsor: Stramit Doric Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research BEST BUILDING FIT OUT Sponsor: West Australian Mechanical Services Broad Construction Services WorkZone Office Fitout BEST OFFICE BUILDING Sponsor: Jackson McDonald Perkins Builders Roy Hill Remote Operations Centre and Offices ARCHITECTS AWARD Sponsor: Toyota Hames Sharley

EXCELLENCE IN CONSTRUCTION AWARDS SPONSORS

AWARDS goldfields esperance awards SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2014

PARTINGTON SAILS AWAY WITH BEST COUNTRY HOME AWARD Esperance Bay Yacht Club was the venue for the 2014 Master Builders Bankwest Goldfields Esperance Building Excellence Awards and the scene of another BD Partington Building Contractors triumph. The firm took out the MBA Insurance Services Overall Best Country Home award, and though it had been a few years between drinks, it still represented a record sixth time Partington has won the top residential prize.

Brett Partington of BD Partington Building Contractors is all smiles after winning the Goldfields Esperance Building Excellence Awards Overall Best Country Home award. He is flanked by MBA Insurances Services state manager Nick Vernon (left) and Master Builders’ senior vice president Rob Spadaccini.

Award judges said the Peek Road Esperance project was a worthy winner, borne out by the fact that it won several other awards during the prize giving evening in July. These included best contract home in the over $1 million category and the Water Corporation sponsored Waterwise award. On the commercial construction side of the awards, the Bankwest Best Commercial Building was won by Building Solutions for an impressive construction in Melrose Street Kalgoorlie for Brendon Penn Crane Hire. Glen Melling from Jasmat Steel Fabrication took home the Excellence in Steel award for the same project. The Jackson McDonald Best Goldfields Home appropriately went to Goldfields Homes for a project in Sanders Close Somerville. It was a highly successful night for Goldfields Homes, the company winning several other awards including Best Appointed Kitchen, Excellence in Plasterboard Linings and a number of contract homes categories. Topping it off, the company won the sought after John Truman Award (recognising consistent high quality work across all projects entered by the winning builder) for the fourth successive year.

The Brendon Penn Crane Hire project was a winner for Building Solutions and Jasmat Steel Fabrication. Pictured with their Best Commercial Building and Excellence in Steel awards are (l-r) Marcus Kotsoglo (Building Solutions ), Kristina and Brendon Penn and Kyle Lowrie (Building Solutions).

Wins in both multi-residential awards categories topped Westralia Homes’ list of successes. Other awards came for best $275,000 - $300,000 contract home and the Most Liveable Building/Home award. Westralia Homes also won the Goldfields region Bankwest Best Customer Service. The company’s Glenn Briers said it was a proud moment for him and his staff who were always striving to provide the best possible experience for clients. Another consistent visitor to the award podium was GJ Gardner Homes which won several contract homes categories and sponsor awards. Also among the accolades was the Esperance region Best Customer Service award, the third year in a row the company has been successful. In addition, the company’s Justin Boffey was the winner of the Cbus sponsored Supervisor of the Year award. About 100 contractors, guests and dignitaries attended the awards evening at the yacht club to celebrate the achievements of the regional construction industry. Master Builders’ events manager Pippa Tearne and the Perth events team worked closely with the Association’s regional liaison officers Colleen Jamieson and Doug Backhouse to make the evening a success. Association senior vice president Rob Spadaccini opened the evening and also took on the award presentation duties.

Goldfields Homes’ managing director Nigel Byrd happily accepts the Best Goldfields Home award from Rob Spadaccini. The company also won the John Truman Award recognising the quality of work across its range of entries.

Master Builders’ regional operations manager Graham Bell, in his role of compere for the evening, congratulated all winners and finalists. “The residential and commercial projects entered into the awards were of a very high standard, which demonstrates that there are a number of quality builders in the region for consumers to choose from,” he said. Goldfields Esperance Branch committee chairman Michael Young, who earlier had accepted his Regional Member of the Year award, rounded off proceedings with thanks to the organisers and all those attending. For the full list of winners and finalists, visit www.mbawa.com.

goldfields esperance awards AWARDS 29 SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2014

Goldfields Esperance Awards House

QUALITY WORK THROUGHOUT WINNING HOME Esperance builder BD Partington Building Contractors has taken out the Overall Best Country Home Award at the 2014 Master Builders Bankwest Goldfields Esperance Building Excellence Awards for its Peak Road project. It is the fourth time in the last six years that Partingtons have won the major residential award, their last victory having been in 2011. The four bedroom, two bathroom home, designed to fit in with the surrounding environment, features a lift, cellar, timber flooring, swimming pool and extensive stonework. It won an array of accolades on the awards night including Best Appointed Bathroom, the Waterwise award

GOLDFIELDS HOME SQUARED

Goldfields Esperance Awards House

and excellence awards for ceilings, brick and block paving, wall and floor tiling, plastering and energy efficiency. It was awarded above more than 30 other homes entered in both Esperance and Kalgoorlie. Head regional awards judge Charlie Baggetta said the Peak Road home won the top award because of the quality of workmanship performed throughout the residence. “The internal and external plaster and the tiling of the ensuite and bathrooms were of an exceptional standard,” he said. “What also made this home stand out was the quality of cabinet work and the excellence of the glazing on the windows and doors.”

Goldfields Esperance Awards Kal

Goldfields Homes’ Best Goldfields Home winner in Sanders Close, Kalgoorlie: the company won another six awards on the night, including three Contract Home awards, Excellence in Plasterboard Linings, Best Appointed Kitchen and the John Truman Award which recognised consistent high quality work throughout all its projects entered in the awards.

Goldfields Esperance Awards Commercial

BUILDING SOLUTIONS LIFT FOR CRANE HIRE BUILDING The Best Commercial Building title at the 2014 Goldfields Esperance Excellence Awards was won by Building Solutions for the Brendon Penn Crane Hire building on Melrose Street Kalgoorlie. The building also took out the Excellence in Steel award. The design and construction of the project required Building Solutions to create a site that included both office and workshop facilities and was suitable for the maintenance and storage of heavy cranes. The building includes a mechanics pit, overhead crane, water storage tanks and washbay pad with waste water treatment equipment.

AWARDS goldfields esperance awards SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2014

GOLDFIELDS ESPERANCE AWARDS HONOURS LIST OVERALL BEST COUNTRY HOME Sponsor: MBA Insurance Services BD Partington Building Contractors Peak Rd Esperance

MULTI-RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT OVER $800,000 Westralia Homes Pikurta Way Kalgoorlie

OVERALL BEST COMMERCIAL BUILDING Sponsor: Bankwest Building Solutions Melrose St Kalgoorlie

MULTI-RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT UNDER $800,000 Westralia Homes Aslett Dr Kalgoorlie

BEST GOLDFIELDS HOME Sponsor: Jackson McDonald Goldfields Homes Sanders Close Somerville

BEST CUSTOMER SERVICE-GOLDFIELDS REGION (SMALL-MEDIUM BUILDER) Sponsor: Bankwest Westralia Homes

JOHN TRUMAN AWARD Goldfields Homes

BEST CUSTOMER SERVICE-ESPERANCE REGION (SMALL-MEDIUM BUILDER) Sponsor: Bankwest GJ Gardner Homes Esperance

CONTRACT HOMES UNDER $250,000 GJ Gardner Homes Esperance Bell Way Esperance CONTRACT HOMES $250,000-$275,000 Westralia Homes Dwyer St Kalgoorlie

WATERWISE AWARD Sponsor: Water Corporation BD Partington Building Contractors Peak Rd Esperance

CONTRACT HOMES $275,000-$300,000 Westralia Homes Egan St Kalgoorlie

MOST AFFORDABLE FAMILY HOME Sponsor: Department of Housing GJ Gardner Homes Esperance Mondrain Ave Esperance

CONTRACT HOMES $300,000-$325,000 Goldfields Homes Sanders Close Somerville

SUPERVISOR OF THE YEAR Sponsor: Cbus Justin Boffey

CONTRACT HOMES $325,000-$350,000 GJ Gardner Homes Esperance Remark Dr Esperance

MOST LIVEABLE BUILDING/ HOME Sponsor: Disability Services Commission Westralia Homes Dugan St Kalgoorlie

CONTRACT HOMES $350,000-$400,000 Goldfields Homes Manners Way Somerville CONTRACT HOMES $400,000-$500,000 Goldfields Homes Sanders Close Somerville CONTRACT HOMES $600,000-$700,000 RJ Donaldson Building Contractor Barook Rd Esperance CONTRACT HOMES OVER $1,000,000 BD Partington Building Contractors Peak Rd Esperance

EXCELLENCE IN CARPENTRY (INTERNAL/EXTERNAL) Sponsor: MBA Insurance Services Brendan Purchase Carpentry and B.Starr Carpentry RJ Donaldson Building Contractor Barook Rd Pink Lake Esperance EXCELLENCE IN CEILINGS Sponsor: Holcim A & S Plastering BD Partington Building Contractors Peak Rd Esperance EXCELLENCE IN WALL & FLOOR TILING Sponsor: VV Tiling Shop Joey Renton, JD Tiling BD Partington Building Contractors Peak Rd Esperance EXCELLENCE IN PAINTING Sponsor: Esperance Express Gary Hall Painting Westralia Homes Ward St Kalgoorlie EXCELLENCE IN PLASTERBOARD LININGS Sponsor: MBA Insurance Services Goldfields Homes Sanders Close Somerville EXCELLENCE IN HARDWALL/TEXTURE COAT RENDER Sponsor: Kalgoorlie Miner Justin Gavronich, Justin Plastering GJ Gardner Homes Esperance Remark Dr Esperance

REGIONAL MEMBER OF THE YEAR Sponsor: Cbus Michael Young

EXCELLENCE IN PLASTERING Sponsor: Star Transport A & S Plastering BD Partington Building Contractors Peak Rd Esperance

EXCELLENCE IN ALTERNATIVE WALL FINISHES Sponsor: MBA Insurance Services A&S Plastering RJ Donaldson Building Contractor Barook Rd Pink Lake Esperance

EXCELLENCE IN ROOFING Sponsor: Esperance Express Paul Laws, GJ Gardner Homes Esperance Thistle Ave Esperance SILVER TROWEL AWARD Sponsor: Midland Brick JT Woods Bricklaying Westralia Homes Egan St Kalgoorlie

goldfields esperance awards AWARDS 31 SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2014

TRADESPERSON OF THE YEAR Sponsor: Cbus Andre Meredith and Sean Meredith, A&S Plastering

BEST APPOINTED BATHROOM Sponsor: Toyota BD Partington Building Contractors Peek Rd Esperance

EXCELLENCE IN CONCRETE FINISHING Sponsor: Holcim Terry Birch, Southern Ocean Contractors RJ Donaldson Building Contractor Barook Rd Pink Lake Esperance

BEST APPOINTED KITCHEN Sponsor: Toyota Goldfields Homes Sanders Close Somerville

EXCELLENCE IN BRICK/BLOCK PAVING Sponsor: Star Transport Kim Gillespie BD Partington Building Contractors Peak Rd Esperance EXCELLENCE IN STEEL Sponsor: Kalgoorlie Miner Glen Melling, Jasmat Steel Fabrication Building Solutions Melrose St Kalgoorlie

EXCELLENCE IN RECYCLING Sponsor: Waste Authority GJ Gardner Homes Esperance Mondrain Ave Esperance EXCELLENCE IN BUILDING PRACTICE Sponsor: Building Commission GJ Gardner Homes Esperance EXCELLENCE IN ENERGY EFFICIENCY Sponsor: True North Energy BD Partington Building Contractors Peak Rd Esperance

GOLDFIELDS ESPERANCE AWARDS SPONSORS

UPDATES membership SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2014

HOWELL BUILDERS BRING HQ FACILITIES UP TO SCRATCH

Master Builder member Howell Builders recently completed the conversion of the underused tea preparation facilities on the upper five floors of the Association’s headquarters, Construction House, to end-oftrip facilities which include showers. The tea preparation facilities were a part of the original layout of the building, but have long been superseded by the inclusion of kitchen and break out facilities within the various tenancies on each floor. Construction House is a major Master Builders’ asset and it was decided that replacing the tea preps with end-of-trip facilities designed to be fit for purpose is going to be a far better utilisation of space for current and future tenants. The work also has enabled the toilet facilities on level three, where Master Builders’ main office is located, to be converted back to their original format, further improving the facilities, including the Association’s meeting rooms, for that floor. Howell Builders managed to complete the works with minimal interruptions to tenants and services, and skilfully negated any of the difficulties that normally are expected working in older buildings that have undergone multiple refits. The Association’s facilities managers Knight Frank supervised the work.

CONNECTING MEMBERS WITH POTENTIAL CLIENTS “Are you listed under FIND A MEMBER on the Master Builders’ website?” asks membership services manager Veronica Mill.

Master Builders’ membership services manager Veronica Mill always is keen to help members get the most out of their membership.

“This is a popular ‘go to’ portal for members of the public and the industry alike,” she says. “It connects members to potential clients 365 days of the year, so why not see if it can increase your leads? You choose under which locations and search categories you wish to appear.

“You also have a choice of a Basic (free), Silver or Gold profile. Check your details at www.mbawa.com and, if your business is missing, or you want to make some changes or upgrade, please contact our membership department on 9476 9800.”

membership UPDATES 33

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2014

MASTER BUILDERS WELCOMES NEW MEMBERS ACTIVA DEVELOPMENTS PTY LTD

08 9418 6600

FIRST HOME OWNERS CENTRE

08 6144 1088

PC MACHINERY

08 9726 2627

ASSESS AND CONSTRUCT

0428 465 036

GLASS BOUNDARIES

08 9409 2597

PERTH DEMOLITION CO PTY LTD

0418 938 639

ASTRA HOMES WA PTY LTD

0401 536 405

HERITAGE STONE RESTORATIONS PTY LTD

08 8340 7014

RALPH'S DESIGN AND CONSTRUCT PTY LTD

0410 999 928

ATIFAX

0422 729 832

INNOVATIVE KITCHEN FURNITURE - DESIGN

0432 069 383

RAY ESKETT

08 9842 8966

JARVIS INNOVATIONS

0458 955 727

RENEW RENOVATIONS AND BUILDING PTY LTD 08 9447 5541

AUSTRALIA TREASURY MANAGEMENT PTY LTD 0417 770 916 AUSTRALIAN FIRE CONTROL - BUILT FIRE

08 9399 6957

JIM'S FENCING (SCARBOROUGH)

0432 956 783

RENOVATION CONCEPTS

08 9368 5757

BUDGET WOODCRAFT

08 9249 9472

JIM'S FENCING (WILLETTON)

0448 013 886

SCOTT ELLIS

08 9220 0511

BUILDMORE CONSTRUCTIONS

0419 041 253

JUDITH MCDOUGALL DESIGNS

0429 811 204

STEVE MCKINVEN HOMES

0418 936 375

K.G. HASTIE

08 9844 8450

SWAN BUILDING COMPANY PTY LTD

08 9408 9166

BUNBURY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRIES

08 9791 2292

KEEGAN CONSTRUCTIONS (AUST) PTY LTD

0457 022 511

THE PATIO GUYS

08 9302 4432

BUNBURY CITY GLASS

08 9726 0656

KOMPLETT PTY LTD

0409 886 715

TRACS AIR CONDITIONING SERVICES

08 9409 6360

CHM CARPENTRY

0404 008 129

M & MCL

08 9493 7077

TRENT KIPPIN

0429 702 213

CLEARTECH WASTE MANAGEMENT

08 9248 3505

MURRAY RIVER NORTH

08 9531 2033

VIRTUE BUILDERS PTY LTD

08 6180 9262

CONCRETE SCENE NORTH WEST PTY LTD

08 9401 6650

MY HOMES WA

08 9209 1800

WASTE AUTHORITY

08 6467 5445

CONNOLLY BUILDING CO

0418 197 056

NATURALISTE CEILINGS

08 9754 2627

WCT DISTRIBUTORS

08 9240 7343

ELVEN PROPERTY PTY LTD

08 6305 0505

OFFCUTS CARPENTRY

0419 568 352

WESCO RESIDENTIAL

08 9325 3218

FARRAR CONSTRUCTIONS PTY LTD

08 9470 9680

OROBCHENKO PTY LTD

0411 250 585

WEST TO WEST GROUP

08 9443 8999

FERGUSON BUILDING PTY LTD

0407 424 147

It’s your business to register.

If you employ workers in the construction industry you may be required by law to register in the Construction Industry Long Service Leave Scheme. Find out by visiting www.myleave.wa.gov.au or by calling 08 9476 5400.

UPDATES safety SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2014

WALL CHASING Companies and workers using high speed cutting equipment generally are aware of the hazards and risks associated with wall chasing and controls have been implemented over the years to reduce those hazards and risks.

The most obvious of these controls has been the introduction of water to reduce the amount of airborne dust, which contains crystalline silica, created by cutting masonry products such as bricks and concrete. Although this process has reduced the amount of airborne dust, it produces large amounts of slippery and sticky sludge, which introduces other hazards such as slips, trips and falls. The major hazards associated with using high speed cutting tools to cut masonry products are: • Crystalline silica. • Saw kick-back. • Manual handling. • Carbon monoxide, for petrol driven equipment. In part, Section 19 (1) of the WA Occupational Safety and Health Act states: “An employer shall, so far as is practicable, provide and maintain a working environment in which the employees of the employer (the employees) are not exposed to hazards and in particular, but without limiting the generality of the foregoing, an employer shall – a. provide and maintain workplaces, plant, and systems of work such that, so far as is practicable, the employees are not exposed to hazards.” In addition, the Act also requires that where a person (the principal) in the course of trade or business engages a contractor (the contractor) to carry out work for the principal then, in relation to matters over which the principal has the capacity to exercise control, the requirements of Section 19 of the Act apply as if the principal were the employer of the contractor and any person employed or engaged by the contractor to carry out or assist in carrying out the work. How can you ensure that you are complying with your obligations under the Act to reduce risks, so far as is practicable?

A Master Builder member, Enviro Chasing Services, recently made a presentation to the Association’s Safety Committee that demonstrated how the company has designed equipment, processes and systems of work that greatly reduce the hazards and risks commonly associated with wall chasing for electrical and plumbing works. The committee noted that the purposedesigned wall chasing saws and associated equipment could reduce these key risks in a number of ways: • For petrol driven equipment, all carbon monoxide is evacuated from the operator’s work area through the use of a vacuum system that safely disperses the poisonous gases outside the building structure. This eliminates the risk associated with this deadly gas. • Water is supplied to the cutting surface to reduce the amount of crystalline silica dust in the operator’s work area. The resulting slurry and most remaining dust is safely and powerfully vacuumed away from the cutting area using a specially designed blade guard and suction system. • The use of purpose-designed blades that are smaller than standard wall chasing blades reduces kick-back forces associated with cutting masonry and concrete with handheld saws. The use of a large blade guard provides additional operator protection.

Enviro Chasing Services’ chasing saw with advanced dust suppression and dust and exhaust fume extraction.

Any process, product or system of work that reduces risks within the workplace and is a practicable solution to identified hazards and risks must be considered by all employers as a means of further increasing the levels of safety in the workplace. For further information on the hazards associated with cutting masonry products, or any other safety matter, contact Michael Fitzgerald at Master Builders on 9441 8000 or email safety@mbawa.com. A common chasing saw which uses water only for dust suppression.

An MBA deal to make a song and dance about

TFM1682 MBA 07/14

Save thousands on a new Toyota HiLux or RAV4 and get a free Makita radio.

As a member of the Master Builders Association, you’re entitled to full Gold Fleet Discounts with Toyota, saving you thousands on models right across our range.* Just make sure you mention the discount when you order your vehicle – it’s that easy. And right now, you’ll also receive a free Makita radio with the purchase of a new Toyota HiLux or RAV4 when you order between 1 August and 31 October for delivery before 30 November. Once your vehicle arrives, visit the website below to confirm your purchase and we’ll send your radio. For more information, call 1800 444 847 or visit myfleet.toyota.com.au/mbaoffer *Excluding Special Edition models. For full terms and conditions, please visit myfleet.toyota.com.au/mbaoffer

2014

toyota.com.au

UPDATES members’ health SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2014

MANDATORY TESTING: SAFETY OR SLOGAN

There is nothing like banging the safety drum to halt discussion. As soon as you say that what is being proposed will improve safety, or better still, save lives, any rational discussion is stopped dead in its tracks. After all, who would dare question improved safety? Claims are easy to make. They are harder to prove. And when they lead to unexpected consequences, well, we can just ignore that. So with this in mind, I am going to question the call for mandatory drug and alcohol testing on construction sites. The superficial appeal is undeniable. With mandatory testing, nobody will enter a site with detectable levels of substances in their system. Well at least none which are tested for. Then it becomes very tricky. Both legal and illicit drugs can affect performance. The problems caused by prescribed opiate painkillers far exceed those caused by illegal opiates such as heroin. Many other prescribed medications can impact peoples’ thinking and reaction times.

Does testing stop people using substances? The short answer is, no. It does affect what substances people use. In WA, amphetamines are the illicit drug of choice especially in the mining industry because they get out of your system quickly. You can be high on the weekend and there is no trace in your blood on Monday even though the drug might still be affecting you. Cannabis, in contrast, is detectable up to three months after use – even though it is no longer affecting you the next day. This has also led to a plethora of synthetic cannabinoids which have a similar effect but are not detectable. So rather than stopping people from using substances, mandatory testing simply changes the choices of substance, and not for the better. Amphetamines are more dangerous than cannabis and synthetic cannabinoids carry unknown dangers. Lastly there is alcohol. If it is legal to drive with up to 0.05 then why is it not safe to work? It might not be a good idea to but is it dangerous to have one beer with lunch?

So is it about safety or legality? If we are really considering safety then the legality of the substance is not the issue. And if it is about the legality of the substance then is this the role of an employer or contracting body?

So what exactly are we trying to achieve? Is it safety? Is it legal cover? And at what point does what one does in one’s spare time (rightly or wrongly) become a work issue? And who will ultimately foot the not inconsiderable bill?

Mandatory testing is a symptom of the ‘war in drugs’ which by any objective measure we are losing badly. Testing is something which can be easily done and be seen to be done. It appeals to the school of thought which equates doing something with actually achieving something.

I am not claiming to have answers to all the questions raised in this article. But, before rushing headlong into mandatory testing of certain substances, we need to be very clear on what we hope to achieve and how success will be measured. Dr Joe Kosterich, www.drjoe.net.au.

members’ health UPDATES 37 SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2014

Godfrey Baronie with MATES in Constructions’ LiFE Award from Suicide Prevention Australia.

MATES SAVING LIVES AND WINNING AWARDS Suicide is a very real problem throughout Australia’s construction industry and WA is no exception. Industry research has shown that construction workers were twice as likely to commit suicide as other men and six times more likely to die by suicide than in a workplace accident. Worryingly, suicide seemed to be regarded as an occupational hazard. Problems that contributed to poor mental health for workers included working conditions, workplace behaviour, personal finances, relationships, family issues, alcohol and drug use, job insecurity and a culture that didn’t allow men to openly discuss their issues. But an industry-led solution to an industry problem is not only saving lives in WA but winning awards as well. MATES in Construction recently picked up a LiFE Award from Suicide Prevention Australia (SPA) for its pioneering work. The award for Community Engagement was collected by WA CEO Godfrey Baronie at the SPA Perth conference. “MATES in Construction has really taken off,” Mr Baronie says. “Since 2011, we have been working on the State’s construction sites training workers and what we are doing is working. Construction workers and their families are calling us.” MATES in Construction delivers awareness training to prevent suicide and improve mental health and wellbeing in WA’s construction industry. Working in partnership with employers, unions and government, MATES is an independent organisation helping to change industry culture. The focus is on creating

an environment where workers feel safe to recognise and seek help for a range of issues. It’s about mates helping mates. MATES’ general awareness training teaches workers how to recognise the signs that a mate might be struggling. Further training equips workers to provide help through on-site ‘Connector’ and ‘Assist’ trained workers who have skills to keep a suicidal worker safe until professional help is available. Godfrey Baronie says more than 5000 workers in WA have received general awareness training and they have helped more than 300 workmates get assistance. There are around 400 Connectors and 100 Assist trained workers on the State’s construction sites. As well as delivering on-site training, construction workers and their families in WA have access to a 24/7 helpline to assist with any issues they are facing. Through a team of field officers and case managers, ongoing support and assistance is available to anyone who needs it. Each month, Mr Baronie’s team of case managers provide around 100 hours of support to workers who need help. MATES’ good work hasn’t gone unnoticed by the construction industry either with the organisation being invited onto construction sites across the State. Mr Baronie says that support from the big end of town, Lend Lease and Laing O’Rourke, has been much appreciated. MATES now has a strong presence on metropolitan construction sites with training delivered at Fiona Stanley Hospital, Perth

Site accreditation, Acacia.

Children’s Hospital, Midland Hospital and the QEII Medical Centre upgrade. In the North West, the booming Pilbara region is home to two major LNG projects, the $29 billion Wheatstone Project and the Gorgon Project, and MATES is keeping workers safe by delivering training at both sites. Mr Baronie says he is confident the organisation’s partnership with Murdoch University, which has the task of evaluating the program, will deliver some hard data on just how effective the program really is. He says they already get good feedback. “We heard of one Connector who connected 13 co-workers to help in a three month period. That’s an average of one a week,” he said. Mr Baronie says that working closely with Master Builders has helped deliver training in the Mid-West region. “They have been a huge help, not just in helping us get our program onto sites, but in helping us raise much needed funds,” he said. “They are a great supporter of MATES and thanks to them we are really starting to make some headway in the South West region as well.” And Mr Baronie knows how much the prestigious LiFE award means to the program. “I guess you could say we are the quiet achiever,” he said. “Our staff are getting the word out in the construction industry but an award like this reminds us that not only are other people noticing what we do, they are seeing that we do it very well.”

UPDATES members’ health SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2014

PREVENTION IS BETTER THAN CURE: REDUCE YOUR SKIN CANCER RISK Skin cancer is serious business - 2000 people a year die from skin cancer in Australia! The good news is that skin cancer is almost totally preventable if you protect yourself when you are outside when the UV Index is 3 or higher. What is your individual responsibility? It is your responsibility to cover up when you’re in the sun. It should not be up to the boss to tell you to put your hat on. Sun protection means: • Slip on sun protective clothing – cover as much of your skin as possible. Choose long pants and long sleeved, collared shirts. • Slop on SPF 30 or higher sunscreen – it is the last line of defence for parts of the body which cannot be covered with clothing. Remember to reapply at least every two hours. • Slap on a broad-brimmed hat, not a cap. Brim attachments are available for hard hats. • Seek shade – reduce your exposure to the sun with shade whenever possible, especially during breaks. • Slide on some sunglasses - close fitting, wrap-around styles are best. Find out when the UV Index is 3 or higher Download the free SunSmart app to receive automatic notifications when the UV Index reaches 3 or higher in your area and the required sun protection times for each day. Visit www.myuv.com.au to download the app and for more information about the UV Index. What about the cost? Sun protective clothing and other protective items such as sunscreen and sunglasses which are bought to be used at work are tax deductable. Visit the ATO website at www.ato. gov.au/Individuals/Income-and-deductions/ Deductions-you-can-claim/ for more information. For more information about how you can protect yourself from overexposure to UV radiation have a read of the Cancer Council’s Skin cancer and outdoor work: a guide for working safely in the sun brochure available on the Cancer Council WA website www. cancerwa.asn.au/resources/publications/ prevention/#workplace.

Sun protective clothing for work is tax deductable. Image courtesy of Queensland Health.

Are you responsible for others? Employers, site supervisors or principal contractors have a duty of care to protect subcontractors or employees on their building and construction sites from overexposure to UV radiation. Use a combined approach including guidelines and policy, worker education and use of PPE. In this way, the risk of skin cancer on building and construction sites can be reduced substantially. A comprehensive sun protection program includes: • Risk assessment - periodically assess workers’ exposure to UV radiation. • Sun protection policy - outline in a written policy the sun exposure risks, protection control measures and actions to be taken for non-compliance. • Sun protection control measures • Engineering - the provision of shade, window tinting or driving sleeves. • Administration - consider changes to schedules if possible, including rostering tasks outside peak UV times and rotate people engaged in outdoor work. • Personal protective equipment (PPE) and clothing - including long pants, long sleeved and collared shirts, broad-brimmed hats, sunglasses and SPF 30 or higher sunscreen. • Training to work safely in the sun - provide workers with information, training and guidance on SunSmart behaviours. • Role models - management and supervisors to act as positive role models. For more general information about the why and how of workplace sun protection, read Cancer Council’s Skin cancer and outdoor work – a guide for employers available on the Cancer Council WA website.

SunSmart’s free app provides automatic notifications when the UV Index reaches 3 or higher.

Want help with sun protection in your workplace? Cancer Council WA can provide the information required to develop a comprehensive sun protection program in your workplace. Contact the SunSmart workplace coordinator on 9388 4360 or sunsmart@cancerwa.asn.au if you are interested to find out more.

Business Opportunity

G.J Gardner Homes Master Franchise Opportunity Are you ready for the next step? • G.J. Gardner Homes is taking expressions of interest for the acquisition of Western Australian Master Franchise.

Why G.J. Gardner Homes? • Australia’s largest Franchise Home Builder with 55 franchises in Australia and over 120 internationally. • New Zealand’s largest home-builder and steadily tracking toward our goal of becoming Australia’s largest. • On average our Australian Franchisees have increased their revenue by well over 400% after being with G.J.Gardner Homes for 3 years.

What does G.J. Gardner Homes offer? • Volume home building business model

• Nationally recognised brand

• Proven marketing platform

• An integrated sales system

• Proprietary estimating and Construction software

Hit the ground running! The W.A Master Franchise is already operational and will be sold as a going concern currently managing existing franchisees. For the right owner / operator, the W.A Master Franchise represents a lucrative business opportunity with capacity for over 18 Home Building Franchisees and significant income potential.

Are you the person for this opportunity? We are looking for a strong, charismatic leader with proven success in business and has knowledge of the building industry. They will be required to run a team on the ground in Perth and drive the growth of the brand throughout the State with the support of Head Office and the entire G.J. Gardner Homes Australia network.

Let’s talk now! This is the first Master Franchise available in Australia in the past 7 years. Peter Love General Manager Australia & New Zealand E: peter@gjgardnerhomes.com.au

Dean Lindstrom Western Australia Master Franchisee & Vendor E: dean.lindstrom@gjgardner.com.au

P: (07) 5444 6555 If you have any queries contact Peter Love or Dean Lindstrom.

UPDATES legal SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2014

A LESSON TO LEARN ABOUT ENFORCING ADJUDICATION DETERMINATIONS The Construction Contracts Act sets out a regime for the resolution of payment disputes under ‘construction contracts’. The object of adjudication is to determine disputes fairly, quickly, informally and inexpensively.

If the whole or a part of a progress claim is not paid in accordance with the terms of the contract or is disputed, an application for adjudication must be made within 28 days. Beware the nuances applicable to this 28 day period which we dealt with in Master Builder May-June edition. This time frame must be monitored carefully as no extension is possible.

Basil Georgiou

Matthew Lang

If the respondent does not pay on a determination in your favour and you wish to issue a statutory demand, you must first obtain the leave of the Court to register the determination as a judgment, before serving the statutory demand.

Diploma owed KPA a debt arising from two adjudication determinations made in KPA’s favour. KPA obtained leave of the Court to enter judgment in terms of the two determinations. When Diploma did not pay the judgment debt, KPA issued a statutory demand for payment. Diploma applied to the Court to set aside the statutory demand. The Court dismissed Diploma’s application. It held that a party with the benefit of an adjudication determination or judgment gives rise to a ‘debt due and payable’ and an entitlement to seek to enforce payment via winding up proceedings. Note in this case, KPA had obtained leave of the Court to enter judgment.

Overview of the adjudication process A ‘payment dispute’ arises if a payment claim under a contract is not paid in full when due or the claim has been rejected or disputed (in whole or in part). An application for adjudication must be made within 28 days after the dispute arises.

The recent decision of the WA Supreme Court in Kellogg Brown & Root Pty Ltd v Doric Contractors Pty Ltd (‘Doric’) also concerned the enforcement of a debt arising as a result of an adjudication determination.

A response to an application must be made within 14 days after the date on which the party is served with the application and must set out the details of any rejection or dispute of the payment claim. The adjudicator has 14 days (unless extended) to dismiss the application or otherwise determine whether any party is liable to make a payment. If an amount is payable, the adjudicator will specify when payment is due.

A statutory demand was issued by Doric against Kellogg for debts arising out of two adjudication determinations made in Doric Contractors’ favour. Kellogg applied to set aside the statutory demand. The Court held that the decision in Diploma established that a determination under the Act may not be enforced by issuing a statutory demand, unless the party seeking to enforce the determination has first obtained the leave of a Court to register it as a judgment. The Court set aside the statutory demand.

The adjudicator usually determines the matter on the basis of the application and response, but can call for further information and submissions. An adjudicator can dismiss an application if the application has not been prepared in accordance with the Act or if the matter is too complex.

The lesson from these two cases is: if you successfully secure a determination in your favour, see if the respondent pays and, if it doesn’t, you should apply to register the determination before seeking to issue a statutory demand.

Enforcing a determination The Court of Appeal in Diploma Construction (WA) Pty Ltd v KPA Architects Pty Ltd (‘Diploma’) considered the enforcement methods available to a party who benefits from a determination.

This article was prepared by Jackson McDonald partner Basil Georgiou and special counsel Matthew Lang. Call Jackson McDonald for further information on the process of adjudication or how to enforce determinations.

insurance UPDATES 41

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2014

ENVIRONMENTAL INSURANCE MAKE SENSE The final paragraph of the exclusion does provide some protection against sudden identifiable, unintended and unexpected pollution incidents. But unfortunately this isn’t always the case with pollution events. Further to the above, in almost all cases, a general Public Liability policy will contain an absolute asbestos exclusion providing no cover whatsoever for asbestos-related losses.

Contact MBA Insurance Services’ WA state manager for advice on the need for Contractors Pollution Liability insurance.

One area of insurance that often is overlooked is Contractors Pollution Legal Liability or Environmental insurance. Take a look at your Public Liability policy wording. I’ll bet good money that even in the broadest of Public Liability policy wordings you find an exclusion similar to the below: Any liability arising out of or in any way connected with: a. Personal Injury or Property Damage arising out of or in any way related to the discharge, seepage, migration, dispersal, release or escape of Pollutants into or upon property, land, the atmosphere or any watercourse or body of water, including ground water; or b. The cost of testing, monitoring, containing, removing, nullifying or cleaning up of Pollutants or the cost of preventing the release or escape of Pollutants. This exclusion does not apply to liability arising from a sudden identifiable, unintended and unexpected event which takes place in its entirety at a specific time and place during the Policy Period.

Many contractors believe they are not at risk of pollution liability as in WA, if a contractor discovers pollution on a site, it is considered a latent condition and it is the responsibility of the property owner or principal to arrange cleanup and the construction contract is varied accordingly. But not all pollution is a latent condition..Here are two claim examples to consider: Case 1 Client A was the head contractor working on a demolition and construction project. In turn, it had hired a subcontractor to supply soil material in order to backfill excavations at the site and prepare the site for construction. Following possession of the site by the developer (but prior to commencement of construction) soil testing discovered that the fill material was contaminated with asbestos, lead and residual hydrocarbons from previous site use. The resultant action meant that the client was ultimately responsible for removing the contaminated fill that had to then also be disposed at a specialist landfill treatment facility. The total loss following completion of the corrective action was $765,000. This claim was declined by the Public Liability Insurer and picked up under the Contractors Pollution Liability Policy because: • The soil provided was contaminated by “Asbestos” which was an absolute exclusion under the relevant Public Liability policy. • The act of placing the soil was “deliberate” and not deemed to be sudden nor accidental in nature.

Case 2 Client B was a civil contractor that specialised in road, drainage and bulk earthworks operations and was preferred contractor to the State Government. It was engaged to undertake pipeline construction operations for a new development connecting with an existing residential neighbourhood. Three months after completion of works (and following odour complaints from local residents and plumes discovered in their back yards) it was alleged that unbeknown to the operator at the time, the earthworks performed had caused displacement to an existing sewerage line. Following investigation it was proven there had been gradual seepage from the pipeline caused by displacement of soil rather than a puncture of the line itself. The State Government successfully sought indemnity from the contractor to the value of $416,000. This claim was declined by the Public Liability Insurer and picked up under the Contractors Pollution Policy because: • It was generated by the clean-up for a loss that had accumulated over a period of months – key was it was “gradual in nature.” • There was no specific puncture to the pipeline. Therefore, the immediate cause was not sudden nor identifiable. Just two cases of where the pollution was not a latent condition on the site and was the responsibility of the contractor. As you can see, in both cases the general Public Liability policy would not respond. For more information on Contractors Pollution Liability contact MBA Insurance Services on 08 9476 9898.

NEW FACES AT MBA INSURANCE SERVICES MBA Insurance Services has welcomed two new staff to the Perth office – Kristina Humble and Jolene Clarkson. Kristina (left) takes the role of SME administrator. She has always had an interest in the insurance industry and says the MBA Insurance Services job is perfect while she studies at university. She previously worked in loan underwriting. Jolene returns to the workforce as an account executive after a period of maternity leave taking care of new son Mason.

UPDATES industrial relations SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2014

The industrial relations culture in the construction sector has to change for the better in the national interest, says Master Builders’ construction director Kim Richardson.

IT’S SIMPLE AS ABCC Master Builders’ construction director Kim Richardson.

Some, such as the CFMEU, will contest the need for change but, in the glare of the Royal Commission into Trade Union Governance and Corruption, the sight of the union’s national construction secretary defending outrageous conduct in the Melbourne construction sector as somehow legitimate and beyond criticism says it all. In a media interview, Dave Noonan lectured the head of Boral about being an American and implied that, as an American, he had little insight into how industrial relations in the Australian construction industry ought to be run. It was less than edifying, especially from a person in such a position of influence in the industry. History backs the American rather than the CFMEU national construction secretary. The 1992 Gyles Royal Commission into the NSW Building Industry revealed an entrenched level of disruption to that state’s construction industry that was stunning in its depth and viciousness. In his final report, Commissioner Gyles observed about the construction union: “It is difficult for a person from outside the building industry, and from outside the militant trade union movement, to understand the motivation for the destructive actions of those officials and activists. There is no doubt that the actions and conduct of this relatively small band has, over the years since the demise of the BLF, cost the public of New South Wales, literally billions of dollars, given the industry a reputation that is notorious, and imposed cost penalties upon those wishing to do business in New South Wales to build buildings in New South Wales that is quite indefensible.” Commissioner Gyles went on to make comment about the aggressive, spiteful and abusive nature of construction union officials to those who opposed them. He found such conduct was deliberate, intentional and not just condoned by the construction union, but encouraged. The 2002 Cole Royal Commission into the Building and Construction Industry made similar findings on a national level. As for WA,

Commissioner Cole, in the State and Territory Overviews Final Report, observed: “The building and construction industry in Western Australia is marred by unlawful conduct and inappropriate conduct. Fear, intimidation and coercion are commonplace. Contractors, subcontractors and workers face this culture continuously. At the centre of this culture and much of the unlawful behaviour and inappropriate conduct is the CFMEU.” Decades on, the words of Gyles and Cole ring true in the Victorian construction sector. The current Heydon Royal Commission has revealed similar behaviour embedded in the sector. Over the past decade or so, the CFMEU construction division has had a significant level of penalties applied by the courts for unlawful conduct across the nation and in the process has drawn judicial criticism. Examples abound: • “These various cases illustrate that the federal body (CFMEU) has not been effective in ensuring that officials act in accordance with the law.” Justice Gyles, April 2008. • “Similar previous conduct demonstrates that the respondent (CFMEU) has a history of engaging in the particular conduct in question.” Justice Tracey, September 2008. • “... history tends to suggest that the Union (CFMEU) has, with respect to anti-coercion and similar provisions of industrial laws, what the High Court in Veen described as ‘a continuing attitude of disobedience of the law’.” Justice Jessup, May 2009. • “... it (CFMEU) has quite an unenviable history of breaches as set out in the various cases.” Federal Magistrate Reithmuller, April 2010. • “... the imposition of significant or at least not insignificant penalties, it does not appear that the penalties imposed have, to date at least, been sufficient to deter it (CFMEU) from re-engaging in that conduct.” Federal Magistrate Burnett, February 2012. • “... particularly in relation to the CFMEU whose organisers appear to have shown a somewhat cavalier disregard both of the need to comply with the law and of penalties which have been previously imposed on the union for similar

conduct.” Justice Collier, August 2013. • “... the pattern of repeated defiance of court orders by the CFMEU revealed by those four cases is very troubling.” Justice Cavanough, March 2014. • “The CFMEU, as a holistic organisation, has an extensive history of contraventions dating back to at least 1999. The only reasonable conclusion to be drawn is that the organisation either does not understand or does not care for the legal restrictions on industrial activity imposed by the legislature and the courts.” Justice Burnett, July 2014. These cases represent a small portion of successful unlawful behaviour prosecutions action against the CFMEU in the construction sector over the past decade. The examples demonstrate the culture of deliberate and intentional conduct that ignores the rule of law. In effect, the CFMEU construction division sees itself as being above the law and answerable to no one – and the courts now are coming to that conclusion. Many millions of dollars in union member funds have been paid out in fines and legal costs. The union pays the fines imposed on union officials responsible for unlawful conduct. Personal accountably by CFMEU officials in matters like this is a moot point, as the union has the financial resources to easily pay heavy fines. Imposing financial levies on union members to pay for these fines is also another handy cash stream. Against the backdrop of those cases are the observations of the 1992 Gyles Royal Commission, 2002 Cole Royal Commission and now the evidence emanating from the Heydon Royal Commission about the conduct of the CFMEU. This evidence in its totality shows why the construction industry needs a reconstituted Australian Building and Construction Commission as the tough cop on the beat. The problems that arise in the construction industry are unique and demand industry specific solutions. Between 2005 and 2012, the ABCC

industrial relations UPDATES 43 SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2014

demonstrated its effectiveness in moderating the excessive behaviour of the CFMEU as the union was put before the courts for its unlawful conduct. But all that good work fell away in 2012 when the Gillard Government, beholden to the CFMEU, scrapped the Commission. While the cases show the union has little regard for the law, media exposure of its bully boy conduct has a powerful influence on the public image of the CFMEU. The perception of the union being Robin Hood, taking from the rich (builders) to give to the poor (building workers), is destroyed, the appearance being more like a tyrannical Sheriff of Nottingham.

reward the CFMEU for bad behaviour. The union’s continuing conduct shows it works outside the law that other unions respect and follow. Yet Labor, the Greens and the ACTU oppose restoration of the ABCC. In so doing, they accept behaviour they should never be accepted and they condemn the construction sector, and those who work in it, to a perpetuation of the current unacceptable behaviour. It is behaviour which would not be tolerated in any other industry, nor should it be. That is why Master Builders has been a long time supporter of the ABCC and the need to have industry specific solutions for industry specific problems.

PUBLIC SERVANTS REVOLTING Canberra based federal public servants are up in arms about EBA negotiations that seek to have them work an extra nine minutes per day to work 37.5 hours per week, up from 36 hours. The debate says a lot about what happens in Canberra.

ODIOUS THREATS EXPOSED The Heydon Royal Commission has heard

The ACTU, Federal Labor and the Greens claim one rule of law for all unions. It is odd, then, that they appear to want to protect and

evidence of contractors opposed to the CFMEU (Victoria) receiving photos of their family in graves. This is the kind of conduct those who oppose the restoration of the rule of law in the construction industry endorse by their opposition.

SHAM SUBCONTRACTING FINE A national polling outfit was fined

NEW CHARACTER TEST FOR INDUSTRIAL ORGANISATIONS

$313,500 by the Federal Court for sham subcontracting. Oddly, the polling group, when fitting out offices in Melbourne, was found to have unlawfully engaged building workers as subcontractors when they were employees.

FWBC INVESTIGATIONS UP Since taking over as head of FWBC in

Master Builders Australia has called for stricter rules to ensure better governance of registered industrial organisations in response to the Heydon Royal Commission’s issues paper Duties of Union Officials.

late 2013, Nigel Hadgkiss, has overseen a 400 percent rise in investigations by the agency including filing charges against construction union officials for allegedly intimidating FWBC investigators. The question is, what was FWBC doing under the previous Labor Government?

A CLEAN BILL OF HEALTH? The CFMEU (NSW) recently trumpeted it was in the clear after an independent investigation of serious allegations against the union

CEO Wilhelm Harnisch says Master Builders’ submission on the issues paper proposes a new character test as a precondition for assuming management or control of an employee or employer association. “Before being appointed, people with management and control of registered organisations would need to prove that they have not been convicted of certain criminal and civil offenses,” Mr Harnisch said. “This test would be the first hurdle that would need to be passed. The new test would strengthen the existing fit-and-proper-

person test for purposes such as right of entry and help eliminate the practice of union officials gaining entry to construction sites on spurious safety grounds. “The test would provide members of registered organisations and the community with more confidence in the suitability of officials of industrial organisations and the responsible discharge of their duties.” Master Builders’ submission to the Royal Commission can be viewed at www.masterbuilders.com.au.

including corruption made by a former senior union member. The independent investigator was a former CFMEU industrial officer, now lawyer, representing the union in the Haydon Royal Commission. And the level of independence is...?

ACTU MISSES POINT The ACTU deflected criticism against a major industry superannuation fund releasing member details of ‘non-union members’ to a union, 59 times. The ACTU says unions chase up unpaid superannuation contributions from employers. But any fund providing confidential member information to a union, including home address and mobile phone numbers, breaches the federal privacy laws and the action is indefensible no matter what spin the ACTU puts on it.

UPDATES housing SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2014

BUSHFIRE PLANS ATTACK HOUSING AFFORDABILITY

Master Builders has raised concerns about the impact of a new State Planning Policy covering bushfire risk. Planning or development applications within identified bushfire-prone areas will be required to undertake a bushfire hazard assessment (low, moderate or extreme), prepared by a fire consultant.

“The definition of unavoidable development is highly ambiguous, and it is really lazy regulation if there is a lot of scope for uncertainty,” Master Builders’ housing director Geoff Cooper says. “We are also concerned about the potential cost impost of the requirements if buildings are caught up with requirements where there is no real risk.

Any planning proposal or development application in high risk bushfire-prone areas will not be supported unless it can be demonstrated that the risk can be reduced to a moderate bushfire hazard level or is ‘unavoidable development’.

“Our regulators cannot keep pushing up costs and then turn around and complain that we don’t have affordable homes and buildings for our community,” Mr Cooper said. “Clarification also is required for existing buildings and future refurbishments and additions.”

Any planning proposal or development application that will result in the introduction, or intensification, of development in an area that has an extreme bushfire hazard level or requires construction standards of BAL40 or BAL-FZ will only be supported if it is unavoidable development.

The Master Builders submission set out key principles for the new regulations to ensure that they do not unreasonably interfere in development in WA, stating that they should: • Only apply the higher requirements to properties with a demonstrated risk. • Remove duplication of processes. • Allow for private certification. • Use consistent terminology. • Meet tight regulated time frames. • Deliver consistent development approval conditions between local government areas to minimise costs.

Such applications are to be accompanied by a Bushfire Management Plan prepared by a fire consultant, jointly endorsed by the relevant local government and the authority responsible for emergency services. Master Builders has been critical of the new regulations in a recent submission to the WA Government.

MODULAR HOUSING COULD DELIVER AFFORDABLE HOUSING

Master Builders members with comments should email Geoff@mbawa.com.

Masonic Homes, Lumina Apartments

The WA Government is looking to modular housing to deliver more affordable homes in WA. Speaking at the launch of BGC’s Alkimos Shorehaven Coastal precinct, Housing Minister Bill Marmion said that the modular sector has the capacity to deliver a lot more affordable homes. “Modular construction can help address the need for affordable housing in Perth by offering cost-saving, high-quality homes, with substantially decreased construction time,” he said. “Homes were constructed in their modular factory in 10 weeks then delivered to site and completed in 10 days. Modular apartments are suitable for urban in-fill in highdensity areas and architects can design them to blend with surrounding accommodation.” The Minister announced that a pioneering demonstration of modular housing planned for the northern suburbs’ Banksia Grove estate will deliver 20 affordable modular homes in the next stage of the development. It is part of a joint venture between the Department of Housing, BGC Modular Pty Ltd and Banksia Grove Estate.

Housing Minister Bill Marmion says modular housing might provide a response to the need for affordable housing.

“The potential for modular housing is exciting and the Government is looking to extend this innovative construction method in Western Australia,” he said. “Modular construction technique is expected to deliver savings of at least 10 percent on building costs and can cut construction time by as much as 50 percent.”

program where young, at-risk people receive employment and training during the fabrication process,” Mr Marmion said.

The Alkimos homes and those planned for Banksia Grove are built in BGC’s modular factory in Canning Vale.

The modular homes and land are selling for around $479,000.

“It is also pleasing to hear BGC has formed a partnership with Burnna Yurrul Aboriginal Corporation and Peedac to provide a

So far, 20 people have been assisted by the program, with three young apprentices meeting the Minister at the Alkimos site.

housing UPDATES 45

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2014

JUMP IN NEW BUILDING TO BOOST ECONOMY Master Builders Australia says March quarter data released in July showing a jump in new dwelling starts, rising to the highest level since 2010, is very welcome news. “The latest ABS building activity data confirms the strength of the recovery in new housing construction,” Master Builders’ CEO Wilhelm Harnisch says. “Dwelling commencements grew by 8.5 percent, seasonally adjusted, in the March quarter. It is very encouraging that this growth extended to all states with the exception being South Australia. “All states experienced increased dwelling starts with the highest being 31.6 percent in the Australian Capital Territory followed by 15.4 percent in Victoria, 12.1 percent in Western Australia, 5.9 percent in the Northern Territory, Master Builders Australia CEO Wilhelm Harnisch.

5.3 percent in Tasmania, 2.5 percent in New South Wales and 1.3 percent in Queensland.” Mr Harnisch said the 12.9 percent upturn in commencements for detached houses confirmed Master Builders’ forecasts that earlier strong growth for units and apartments was the start of increased confidence in the broader residential building sector. “The March quarter jump in commencements will see a strong pipeline of work for the industry over the next year,” he said. “It will have an economy-wide benefit and will see it as one of the key industry sectors in re-balancing the economy as the boom in mining-related engineering construction wanes.”

REPORTS branches SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2014

LEEDER-SHIP CONTINUES Luke Leeder has been elected chairman of the Master Builders’ Great Southern Branch for a second year. Mr Leeder, of Greg Leeder Building Service, was appointed at the Branch’s recent annual general meeting. About 60 Master Builder members gathered at the Association’s Albany headquarters for the AGM, and also enjoyed a three course dinner and plenty of social networking. True North Energy sponsored the evening with the business’s Eddie and Rhonda Roe travelling from Perth for the occasion. Others elected to the Branch committee were Andrew Holmes (vice chairman), Tammi Owens (treasurer) and committee members Marcus Hodge, Murray Philip, Nathalie Wauters, Brad Eastough, Asher Schlager and Brian Hoskins.

True North Energy’s Rhonda Roe with Peter Bouwman (Bouwman Construction) at the Great Southern Branch AGM in June.

MILESTONE FOR KEN Esperance identity and past chairman of Master Builders’ Goldfields Esperance Branch Ken Norton celebrated his sixtieth birthday in July. Mr Norton was regional chairman for eight years and his contribution to the Association has been enormous. Perth-based regional operations manager Graham Bell says Mr Norton’s work over many years has been very much appreciated. “We wish Ken a happy birthday and all the best for the future for him and his lovely wife Bobbi,” he said. Ken and Bobbi Norton.

GETTING IT RIGHT FOR CUSTOMERS Winning ways to deliver great customer service was the subject of a Master Builders’ Great Southern Branch and Albany Small Business Centre Building a Better Business seminar recently. Graham Harvey was the enthusiastic seminar leader, involving his audience in useful exercises and colourful stories.

Graham Harvey delivered business training for the Great Southern Branch.

Regional manager Linda Gibbs said the program was an all-encompassing treatment of the customer’s experience and its four hours was packed full of information. Adam Ditchburn and Jessica Boath from Bathroom Décor and Tiles, attended the workshop and both agreed it was informative, inspirational and worthwhile. “A lot of what we learnt, we already do in our own workplace without realising,” Mr Ditchburn said. “But it was good to be reminded of the importance of good customer service.”

Adam Ditchburn and Jessica Boath of Bathroom Decor and Tiles.

Employers Steve and Denise Amato, who sponsored three of their staff members to attend the workshop, said they highly valued the training and it was great to have an independent outsider instilling in their staff, the benefits of excellence in customer service. They also appreciated that the Great Southern Branch was providing a diverse level of training and not solely focused on building-related issues.

branches REPORTS 47

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2014

PERKINS LAUDED AT CONSTRUCTION EXCELLENCE AWARDS WA’s largest regionally-based commercial builder was celebrated in grand style at the Master Builders Bankwest Excellence in Construction Awards held at the Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre late in July. Perkins Builders’ outstanding work was evident in winning the Best Aged Care Building category for their Ellenvale Aged Care Facility entry in Busselton. The project involved construction of a new residential aged care facility with associated amenities. Incorporating single and double story construction, the property has 140 rooms, all with private bathrooms, a hydro spa, in-house cinema, beauty salon, library, café and four large internal courtyards to ensure a comfortable and relaxed environment for the residents and a practical and functional workplace for staff. Perkins Builders also won the Best Office Building category for the Roy Hill Remote Operations Centre and Offices located in Perth. Capping Perkins’ big night, the Roy Hill project also was a finalist for the overall 2014 Best Project award won by Brookfield Multiplex Constructions for the Fiona Stanley Hospital project.

Laminex manager building products Bruce Diamond and the company’s Bunbury branch manager Paul Rafferty.

LAMINEX TRADE SHOW HAS IT COVERED Master Builders’ South West Training Business and Function centre recently was the venue for the Laminex Group’s south west trade evening hosted by Paul Rafferty and Maria Rooney. The Association’s regional manager Geoff Bosustow says displays featuring Laminex Wall Panel Solutions, Wesbearm, Wespine, ITI, Stramit, Fletcher Insulation, Airco Fasteners and WCT illustrated the quality of product on offer through the Laminex Group.

Laminex product support and technical manager Peter Harrison presents his company’s innovative wall panel solutions at the South West trade night.

“Catering to residential and commercial builders and subcontractors throughout the region, the Laminex Group certainly knows how to maintain their focus on clients’ needs,” he said. “The trade night was a raging success. Approximately 50 guests took in the current trends from Laminex while also having the opportunity to socialise and network with colleagues, peers and suppliers within the modern function facility now on offer in the South West. Guests received 5-star catering and beverages during the evening which added to the social feel of the event.” To find out more of what’s on offer at the Master Builders’ Business Training and Function centre, contact Mr Bosustow 9726 0939.

REPORTS branches SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2014

REGIONAL OFFICERS IN TOWN Master Builders’ regional managers visited Perth in July for their thrice-yearly conference. Regional operations manager Graham Bell, who organised the conference, said that while the agenda was considered ambitious, a lot of value was gained by the managers, Geoff Bosustow (South West), Di Gilleland (Mid WestNorth West), Linda Gibbs (Great Southern) and Esperance-based regional liaison officer Doug Backhouse. Colleen Jamieson, Kalgoorlie regional liaison officer, was unable to attend. “The first morning included a visit by our Association president John Ripp who formally opened proceedings,” Mr Bell said. ‘There was good interaction between Master Builders’ department heads and the regional managers with several key outcomes being reached. The afternoon was spent in training with Brett Williams from Response Marketing who shared his sales and marketing idea with a receptive audience comprising of West Perth office staff and the managers.

“Tim Carson from BlueScope Steel was kind enough to host us on Friday. After lunch and a tour of the Forrestfield facilities, some lively discussions ensued with more ideas and outcomes being achieved.” Mr Bell said the regional managers also attended the Excellence in Construction Awards held at the Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre, giving them the opportunity to catch up with sponsors and members and providing a relaxing ending to the conference. “The conferences give the regional managers and West Perth staff a valued medium in which to share knowledge and ideas to raise the overall profile of the Master Builders in our regional centres,” Mr Bell said.

Master Builders’ regional managers got a tour at the BlueScope Steel facility as part of their July conference in Perth. They are pictured with WA state manager Tony Egbers, fourth from left.

MASTER BUILDERS AT THE FOOTY Roebuck Estate Development’s Rob Menzies hosted Master Builders guests at the thrilling Eagles versus Gold Coast Suns AFL match at Subiaco Oval in June. If the photo is anything to go by, it’s clear who tipped for the wrong team. Special thanks to Rob Menzies (left) who is pictured with Geraldton Branch regional manager Di Gilleland, Christopher Gilleland and an optimistic Association president Robert Shaw, holding a cardboard replica of the Premiership Cup bearing the message ‘Will you be there in September?’

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SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2014

HONOUR FOR ATC MIDWEST Master Builder member Apprentice and Traineeship Co Midwest received the Not-forProfit Award for Business Excellence at the Mid West Chamber of Commerce and Industry Business Excellence Awards recently. ATC Midwest general manager Dave Clare says the organisation is proud to dedicate the award to its industry partners and stakeholders, acknowledged as being an integral part of the organisation’s continual pursuit of excellence. “On behalf of all the team and the board at ATC Midwest, we would like to thank all our strategic partners, industry stakeholders, clients, apprentices and trainees to whom we dedicate our Business Excellence Award,” he said. “We have always believed that excellence is not about skill, it’s about a sincere desire to make a positive difference. Through our network of partners and stakeholders, we are able to continually strive for excellence in all that we do.”

ATC Midwest staff with their business excellence award.

MEN AND MATES BENEFIT FROM BOWLS Master Builders’ Midwest Branch held its third Barefoot Bowls Fundraiser at the Geraldton Bowling Club recently. Funds raised by the charity event were shared with MATES in Construction and Midwest Mens Health. Regional manager Di Gilleland says that, as always, the event proved to be fun and entertaining. It was supported by 24 teams, many working in the Building industry.

“Winners on the night were the Men in Black team from Devpro Unit Developments,” Ms Gilleland said. “Dancing Queens, Geraldton Building Services and Cabinets’ girls, took out the best dressed team. They were quite sparkling.” Fundraising at the event was boosted by Bankwest’s donation of a framed, signed Eagles’ jumper and Oaks Hotels and Resorts’ raffle of accommodation in Broome.

UPDATES personal pars SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2014

Condolences to Athena and Basil Georgiou (Jackson McDonald) on the death of Athena’s father in July.

Richard Eaton has retired as the accountant with ReddiFund after a 21 year period of service. Richard and his wife will be taking a well earned holiday to England as the first phase of their retirement.

Fiona Barclay has assumed Frank Marra’s role as chief financial officer with Landcorp.

Congratulations to Hayley Moir from the Summit Group on winning the Graceful Girl title at the Australian national calisthenics competition in Melbourne for the third successive year.

Bill Healy has been appointed chairman of the Decmil Group, replacing Giles Everist.

Fleetwood Corporation has appointed Bradley Denison to replace Steve Price as its new chief executive.

Nik Hardiman and Mark Lawton have left Hays Recruitment.

Congratulations to Paul Lim from Mata Design Studio on winning this year’s top Building Design Association award for his work on a home in Claremont.

Phillip Griffiths has been elected president of the Australian Institute of Architects.

Hames Sharley has received the coveted Best Architectural Practice prize at this year’s Master Builders Bankwest Excellence in Construction Awards. This sought after award is determined by all builders who enter the awards program based on their experience with architects across all their projects. Who better to judge ‘best practice’ among architects than builders?

Former Polytechnic West managing director Wayne Collyer is currently enjoying his retirement in Brisbane. Wayne is a board member with TAFE Queensland and World Skills. Perth is hosting this year’s World Skills national competition from 9-12 September.

After 30 years as the managing director of Lakis Construction, Tony Lakis has decided to retire. Tony is a qualified civil engineer from Lyon in France and worked in Dubai before emigrating to Australia where he founded Lakis Construction – an award-winning Master Builder member. Tony has become a social member to keep in touch with the industry and the Association, also offering to join Master Builders’ awards judging panel.

Stefan Lehmann has been appointed head of the School of the Built Environment at Curtin University.

Master Builders has appointed Aaron Dark to the new position of marketing and IT assistant. He will be involved with the Association’s databases, websites, social media, graphic design, mail-outs and marketing campaigns.

Jon Ilbery has retired as a partner of Jackson McDonald after 39 years. Jon was instrumental in establishing the Trust Deed of the WA Construction Industry Redundancy Fund (now ReddiFund) in 1989. He will continue as ReddiFund’s alternate chairman to Colin Emmott (from Mann Judd). Jon hopes to take on a few board roles and enjoy more golf at Lake Karrinyup. Master Builders acknowledges Jon Ilbery’s expertise and contribution to Jackson McDonald over the last 39 years. His knowledge of tax law is second to none.

John Phillips has stepped down as a director of ReddiFund, representing the Construction Contractors Association. John has been replaced after seven years’ service by Chris Fitzhardinge – a past president of Engineers Australia.

Congratulations to ReddiFund, formerly the WA Construction Industry Redundancy Fund, on celebrating 25 years’ service to the building and construction industry this year. Murray Rzepecki has been the chief executive and company secretary since the Fund’s inception.

BGC Contracting has appointed Hugh Nicol as executive manager, commercial.

Christine Hutchins has left Bankwest. Her daughter Lisa Hutchins is still working for the bank.

The father of Master Builders’ director Michael McLean passed away late in July just short of his centenary at 98. Michael’s many friends, acquaintances and contacts in the building industry and beyond have offered their sympathy to him and his family.

A cheerio to Master Builders Australia president Trevor Evans who is recovering well from heart surgery in July.

Natalie Williams has been appointed as lobbyist and policy advisor for Consult Australia, reporting to state manager Jo Watson Howlett.

Frank Diliza from Georgiou has been elected president of the WA Division of the Australian Institute of Building. Frank takes over from Graham Teede. Murray Simcock (Firm Construction) continues as deputy president. AIB represents professionals in the building and construction industry. Master Builders and AIB have organised a one-day state conference at PCEC on 24 October.

David Malone has been confirmed at the new executive director of Master Builders Northern Territory. He has been acting in the role since last year following the illness and sudden death of the much-admired Graham Kemp.

personal pars UPDATES 51 SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2014

Professor Keith Hampson is now working at Curtin University as the chief executive officer with the Sustainable Built Environment National Research Centre. Professor Hampson previously was based in Brisbane with the CRC Construction Innovation Centre. Master Builders’ director Michael McLean recently renewed contact with Professor Hampson (left) at the Association’s offices and discussed potential research projects.

RSM Bird Cameron has promoted Andrew Johnson to the position of partner, business solutions, in the firm’s Perth office.

Congratulations to Peter Stannard, the founder of Peter Stannard Homes, on winning the Sir Phillip Lynch Award at this year’s national HIA awards for his contribution to the housing industry. The acclaim is industry-wide, Mr Stannard having been awarded Master Builders’ Robert Law Award in 2012. He is pictured on that occasion with then Master Builders’ president Robert Shaw.

We’re pleased to report that Master Builders WA past president Steven Peck is making good progress following a quadruple heart by-pass in May.

UPDATES personal pars SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2014

Geraldton-North West regional manager Di Gilleland (right) enjoys the people and projects she’s involved in with Master Builders. Here she’s pictured with Jane Vallance, Trudie Jackson, Sandy Randall and Bruce Brown.

PEN PORTRAIT:

With more than a decade in the job and with a big year in 2014, it seems like a good time to see what makes Master Builders’ GeraldtonNorth West regional manager Di Gilleland tick.

me to Africa, where I would love to return one day, then perhaps when we retire, travel to Italy and live for a year, taking in the language, food, wine and amazing countryside.

What were you doing before joining Master Builders?

When you’re not at Master Builders, what keeps you busy?

I was a PA for WIN Television – we set up the first office in Geraldton – and then I became practice manager of a local vet.

Enjoying our gorgeous 18 month old grandson. My daughter and son-in-law are living with us until their home is built. Lots of laughs and special times one can never replace.

Why did you move? You’re well settled in your role. How do you feel about it now? I saw an advertisement in the local newspaper calling for a regional manager for Master Builders, Geraldton. It had my name written on it! What is it that you can offer? This year we celebrate the branch’s fiftieth anniversary. We have a great team here, so we work together; it is not about me, rather us. I would like to think that together we bring loyalty to the branch, our members and supporters. We are here to promote them wherever possible and to share in the accolades that come their way and ours. What lies ahead for you? I need to be busy. I have a passion for Rotary which has too many great achievements to list, and is not as well known as it should be, so that remains an ongoing commitment. It has taken my husband and

I remember that only in my first eight weeks I wasn’t finding my feet. After that I seemed to become a part of the furniture and have never looked back. The role has always been full on and challenging and I’ve met and still meet many special people who have worked with me to achieve my goals while doing what I enjoy! What interests you about the construction industry? Again, the people, interesting projects, products and the diversity of the industry. Whenever I am fortunate enough to travel I can now fully appreciate the architecture and what lengths it must have taken to get it there.

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BUSHFIRE MANAGEMENT POLICY AN AFFORDABILITY FACTOR

The Department of Planning has called for comment on the proposed new State Planning Policy 3.7 dealing with planning in WAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s bushfire-prone areas. Master Builders has provided feedback on the proposed new requirements that will have an impact on construction state-wide. Builders are concerned not only about new development in close proximity to vegetation, but also about existing sites and buildings. It is proposed the new policy will be in place from 1 May 2015. This would mean any building permit application submitted from that date would need to consider the Bushfire Attack Level (BAL) of the site and ensure design and construction compliance with Australian Standard AS 3959 Construction of buildings in bushfire-prone areas. Although the Departmentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s public comment submission form dealt with specific clauses and definitions in the draft policy, Master Builders took the opportunity to provide feedback on the overall wide-reaching impacts on industry. Over the last 10 years, the introduction of new energy efficiency requirements, meeting changes in access for people with disabilities, insurance requirements and compliance with the new Building Act all have contributed to construction of new buildings and homes becoming less affordable (particularly for first time home owners). Although we understand the importance of protecting the community from the damaging effects of bushfires, new regulation must be balanced with affordability and must consider the costs and benefits to the community. Using a consultant to demonstrate compliance It is likely reports will be required for each home where it is determined an area has a BAL requiring compliance with the Standard. Builders will need to assess the impact of the

policy on compliance with AS 3959, adding yet another level of documentation either for the builder conversant with AS 3959, or a consultant engaged by the designer or builder - another cost to the construction of the home (both for design and implementation of requirements for the construction). The benefit of involving a suitably qualified consultant might be to review the imposed BAL and potentially to reduce it on the basis of changes to the landscape through the establishment of the subdivision. The BAL might have been determined prior to completion of the subdivision works or future stages removing vegetation and benching of site levels. This might create savings for construction through a lower risk category being confirmed for the site. An issue as yet unresolved is the qualifications of consultants. At the moment, there are very few consultants that specialise in bushfire risk assessment. So, with such a short timeframe for the policy implementation, the time and cost of engaging the available consultants will cause delays and add considerable costs to design documentation and construction. Inconsistencies between the policy and BCA compliance Consistency is the key. When there are conflicts, it is confusing for developers, builders and home owners to know what is required and how to achieve compliance. The technical aspects of the policy should be left to the building stage. Planning should ensure the design of subdivisions best suits the risk category of the area for proposed development, that BALs are noted accurately for each lot and owners and potential owners are aware of the compliance requirements of the site, and overarching land-use requirements are met. The design and construction of the buildings then is left to the building legislation to manage.

Master Buildersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; technical consultant Romina De Santis sees challenges in the draft State Planning Policy 3.7 Planning for Bushfire Risk Management.

Additions and alterations to existing buildings As with energy efficiency, retrospective application of legislative requirements does not apply to existing buildings. In the same way that it is difficult to quantify the performance of an extended building using new workapplicable energy efficiency requirements, applying AS 3959 to new work would be an expensive exercise that would not provide the necessary protection to the extended building, or increase the standards of existing building stock in existing bushfire-prone areas. The time-frame to resolve these matters is insufficient. Collaboration from the Building Commission is needed to deal with the practical implications of the proposed policy implementation and to provide necessary support for industry to implement the changes at the design and construction level for individual projects. Further Information Visit www.planning.wa.gov.au to read the draft policy documents. Get a copy of AS 3959 to understand the requirements for construction in bushfire-prone areas. Master Builders will be hosting a Residential Builders Breakfast Briefing on 10 September that will provide an overview of the proposed new State Planning Policy and how it will have an impact on industry. Email Monique at events@mbawa.com for a registration form.

UPDATES technical SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2014

True North Energy Assessors’ Eddie Roe (left) met with Master Builders’ regional staff in Perth in July to provide them with an update on energy ratings. With Mr Roe are Di Gilleland, Doug Backhouse, Rhonda Roe, Geoff Bosustow and Graham Bell.

Master Builders’ partner True North Energy Assessors’ Eddie Roe looks at NatHERS, the National House Energy Rating Scheme in this...

ENERGY EFFICIENCY UPDATE The Building Commission recently issues an Industry Bulletin (044) on NatHERS with which contractors should become familiar. The full version can be found at www.commerce. wa.gov.au/sites/default/files/atoms/files/ ib_044_complianceusingnathers_0.pdf. Building Commission position When a star rating is used to demonstrate compliance: • The software used must be accredited under the NatHERS Software Accreditation Protocol. • The NatHERS accredited software must be operated in Regulation Mode. The NatHERS software used must be the current version (NatHERS accredited software versions are listed on the NatHERS website – www.nathers.gov.au). The NatHERS accredited software must be used in accordance with the NatHERS Principles for Ratings in Regulation Mode. For WA, NatHERS Principles for Ratings in Regulation Mode comprise NatHERS Technical Note 1 and its Addendum. NatHERS Technical Note 1 states that where there is an inconsistency between a regulatory requirement for carrying out a thermal

performance assessment or preparing a house energy rating, the regulatory requirement prevails to the extent of the inconsistency. For this reason these Technical Notes do not apply because NCC provisions require BCA 3.12.1.2(e) and BCA J1.3(c) to be used to determine the adjustment of minimum R-Value for loss of ceiling insulation. An assessment declaration must be provided which is to: • Be signed by the assessor. • State the version of NatHERS accredited software used, the star rating achieved, that the software was running in regulation mode and that the NatHERS Principles for Ratings in Regulation Mode were used. • State that the assessor has undertaken training to use the NatHERS accredited software for the applicable regulatory purpose. Information for building surveyors When accepting energy efficiency assessments for the purpose of compliance with Section J or Part 3.12 of the BCA, a building surveyor must: • Consider the qualification and experience of assessors to ensure they have the necessary competence to provide the star rating. There are no minimum qualification

or experience requirements for assessors; however, the building surveyor, by accepting the star rating, is in effect taking responsibility for the assessment. • Ensure the star rating was generated using NatHERS accredited software and in accordance with the industry bulletin (NatHERS accredited software is listed on the NatHERS website – www.nathers.gov.au). • Review the assessment documentation provided by the assessor to ensure it provides an appropriate description of the assessed building (refer to NatHERS Technical Note 1). • Ensure the proposed building complies with all other energy efficiency provisions of the BCA not covered by the NatHERS certificate. Recommendation to builders Check the credentials of your energy assessor to avoid paying for a second assessment if required by your building surveyor.

technical UPDATES 55

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6 STAR ON THE HORIZON

FOR ALTERATIONS, ADDITIONS For 2015, 6 Star compliance for additions and alterations removes the concession afforded to existing homes requiring compliance with 5 Star or BCA 2009 provisions. The Building Commission in conjunction with industry representatives and consultants has introduced the WA Alterations and Additions Protocol for Energy Efficiency. From 1 May 2015, additions and alterations proposed to existing Class 1 and 10 buildings subject to energy efficiency compliance requirements can be assessed against the protocol to determine the level of compliance the building must achieve to demonstrate compliance with BCA Performance Provisions. The protocol is a building solution that makes reasonable allowance for performance of the existing building when an alteration or addition occurs. Nominated performances have been determined by research and investigation as making reasonable allowance for existing building performance when determining the ‘to degree necessary’ outcome that applies for Performance Requirements P2.6.1 and P2.6.2. The verification methods provided in the protocol allow building surveyors to certify compliance with the relevant performance requirements. The protocol is intended for existing buildings; however, a number of limitations are set for its use. The following buildings cannot be assessed using the protocol: • Existing Class 1 and 10 buildings where no alteration and/or addition has taken place and approval was granted using the provisions of BCA 2012 or later. • Existing Class 1 and 10 buildings where an alteration or addition has taken place and approval for the alteration and/or addition was granted using the provisions or BCA 2012 or later. • Relocation of an existing Class 1 or 10 building. • The protocol is only applicable to domestic buildings. Commercial and other buildings (that is, apartments) cannot be assessed using the protocol.

When should builders start documenting applications using the protocol? The protocol is available on the Building Commission website and it is recommended designers and builders familiarise themselves with documenting for compliance sooner rather than later as compliance will be required for applications made for building permits on or after 1 May 2015. Designs should be checked for compliance prior to obtaining planning or other approvals if it is likely the Building Permit Application will be lodged after 30 April 2015. Transition Period Per Industry Bulletin 038, regulation 31B of the Building Regulations provided a 12-month transition period. Between 1 May 2014 and 30 April 2015, the applicable building standards for energy efficiency that can be applied to alterations and additions in existing Class 1 or Class 10 buildings are: • BCA 2009 Part 2.6, or; • BCA 2013 or 2014 Part 2.6. The WA Alterations and Additions Protocol for Energy Efficiency can be used as an alternative solution for demonstrating compliance with BCA Part 2.6. This enables industry time to become familiar with the protocol. During the transition period The Building Commission welcomes feedback on the protocol’s use in order to identify any issues and ensure it is a robust, practical building solution for alterations and additions in Class 1 or Class 10 buildings. Provide feedback to the Building Commission via email to bcinfo@commerce.wa.gov.au with a subject line of ‘Alterations and Additions Protocol for Energy Efficiency’. Master Builders also is happy to receive feedback from builders and will be providing training and information on compliance with the 1 May 2015 requirements for additions and alterations. Source: Building Commission WA

UPDATES training SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2014

WORLDSKILLS NATIONALS IN PERTH IN SEPTEMBER

Top Geraldton bricklaying apprentice Rhyse Moroney (centre), who won the Apprentice of the Year Awards at the Durack Institute of Technology Graduation in 2013 and at the Master Builders Geraldton Midwest Building Excellence Awards the previous year, also competed in the 2012 WorldSkills Australia competition in Sydney in 2012.

Perth will host the thirteenth national WorldSkills Australia competition at the Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre from 18-20 September. WorldSkills Australia aims to encourage Australians to celebrate vocational education and training and to create the understanding that to learn a skill, to choose a skill-based career, is one of the most important decisions a young person will ever make. Organisers say WorldSkills Australia is the nation’s premier showcase of youth skill and trade excellence. Competitions alternate on a two year cycle. Regional competitions flow into national events and national competition winners, if eligible, can become members of the Team Australia Skillaroo. WorldSkills Australia says the event is more than the country’s largest and most prestigious trade and skill competition. It unearths ‘Skill Ambassadors’ – perfect role models for young Australians who are contemplating their futures, and examples of what can be achieved in a trade or skills-based career. The event, which first opened in 1983 in Melbourne, is held biennially with the venue alternating between States. It will provide the competitors with the opportunity to benchmark their skills against their peers in more than 50 specialised competition categories, ranging from the construction trades to automotive mechanics, cookery and more contemporary professions such as mechatronics and web design. Construction trades taking part are bricklaying, cabinetmaking, carpentry, electrical control, electrical installation, joinery, landscape construction, painting and decorating, plastering, plumbing, refrigeration, signage and wall and floor tiling. Running alongside the live action of the WSA National Competition will be the popular Try’aSkill program which provides visitors with the opportunity to try their hand at a range of interactive trade and skill activities. It gives aspiring apprentices the opportunity to

meet competitors, watch them demonstrate their skills and to try their hand at the trade they wish to make their career. Builders and contractors also are encouraged to attend and view the latest skills and techniques that the participants display. The next team of Skillaroos will be heading to Brazil to compete in the forty-third WorldSkills International Competition to be held in São Paolo in August 2015. Each member of the Skillaroos will train rigorously with their mentors and trainers in the lead up to the competition, with the hope of being crowned the best in the world in their chosen profession. The 2015 Skillaroos will be selected based on results from the national competition in Perth. They

will be defending Australia’s impressive ranking as the thirteenth most highly skilled nation in the world out of 68 WorldSkills International member countries. The national competition organisers advise that admission to the event is free. To see 500 of Australia’s best trainees, apprentices and students from 30 regions battling it out for gold medal success and the title of ‘Nation’s Best’, go to www.worldskills.org.au/activities/ competitions/2014-national-competition/ register-your-interest.

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SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2014

APPRENTICE SUPPORT LOANS DRAW APPROVAL Master Builders Australia has welcomed the passing of legislation by the Federal Parliament in July establishing the Trade Support Loans Scheme. “The scheme is good policy and good for apprentices,” says Master Builders’ CEO Wilhelm Harnisch. “It is encouraging that the Government received bipartisan support for this important initiative which delivers on an election promise.

Master Builders Australia CEO Wilhelm Harnisch sees value in the Trade Support Loans Scheme.

“The loans will assist some apprentices to complete their qualification, particularly helping in the first year of their apprenticeships. Recruitment and retention of building trade apprentices has been a challenge for the industry in recent years even as youth unemployment has increased. The Trade Support Loans Scheme will help provide an improved pathway to a rewarding career in the building and construction industry and a skilled workforce to meet future demand.”

Sher Associates Pty Ltd

How we can assist your operation: Commercial Management Services

MEETING WITH POLYTECHNIC WEST Master Builders’ director Michael McLean recently met Jill Jamieson, the managing director of Polytechnic West. Mr McLean says that the Association is keen to work more closely with Polytechnic West, a major training institution of building apprentices, on a range of initiatives to boost apprenticeship training. Polytechnic West has the most extensive wet trade training areas of any other comparable TAFE.

• Tenders and quotes • Pre and post contract support • Claims preparation or defence • Variations, EOT, right to cost, valuations • Negotiation – on behalf of clients • Mediation – client representation prior to and during mediation • Adjudication and arbitration – client representation, notices, defence and response • Risk management – commercial, occupational and environmental

We look forward to receiving your enquiry… Office: 44 Kings Park Road West Perth WA 6005

Tel: (08) 9467 5347

Email: Enquiries@SherAssociates.Com.Au

www.sherassociates.com.au

UPDATES building business SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2014

Antoinette Delaney (left) with ReddiFund business development manager Jill Dixon.

RSM TOP CHOICE RSM Bird Cameron has been judged the Best Professional Services Firm by BRW in this year’s ‘client choice awards’. RSM also was voted best tax services provider and most cost conscious firm. Master Builders’ director Michael McLean says it’s no wonder the Association chose RSM Bird Cameron as its preferred business advisory service provider for members. Contact James Komninos (pictured) at RSM on 9261 9100 for business assistance.

MUTUAL BENEFIT FUND SHOWS ITS WORTH ReddiFund’s Mutual Benefit Fund recently proved its value when it covered the funeral expenses of a construction industry worker. A shocked Antoinette Delaney was left to find $9500 in funeral expenses when her husband Antony died after a short illness with cancer. Antony, a specialist medical gas fitter contracting with the Axis Plumbing Group, had been suffering from cancer for about nine months but still had been able to work. Just before being due to take an overseas holiday at the end of last year, he experienced a sudden worsening of his illness and died within a few weeks. Fortunately, the Axis Plumbing Group is a voluntary contributor to the ReddiFund Mutual Benefit Fund, a fund that operates in addition to the Construction Industry Redundancy Fund. Antoinette said she was extremely impressed with the Axis Group for advising her of the money being available for Antony’s funeral expenses and for being a company that made the voluntary contributions. “I wasn’t aware of the fund’s existence until they told me,” she said. “I don’t think Antony was aware either – and I know he would have been most grateful to them.” Antoinette said she also was impressed by the speed with which ReddiFund made the

$9500 expenses of the funeral available and the caring attitude shown by managing director Murray Rzepecki. Prior to leaving work, Antony worked with Axis Plumbing Group on the Fiona Stanley Hospital. He and Antoinette had moved to Australia from Ireland 27 years earlier. Antony was obviously highly regarded, as his funeral was attended by about 450 people with several travelling from the Eastern States to be there. The Mutual Benefit Fund As well as a redundancy trust fund, employers can further enhance their employee benefit package by joining the Mutual Benefit Fund. The indemnity coverage provides for: • Journey cover – loss of wages should death or permanent disability occur in travel between home and work. • Ambulance cover – expenses for ambulance or emergency transport when sick or injured anywhere in Australia. • Funeral/death cover – funeral expenses arising from the employee’s or dependant spouse’s death. • Childcare benefits provided upon the death of the member or their partner. • Travel cover – leisure travel cover. If you have any questions or your company would like to participate, call Jill Dixon on 9481 0259.

building business UPDATES 59 SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2014

CORPORATE LEARNING SOLUTIONS MANAGER GREG KINNAIRD POSES THE QUESTION... ... ARE YOU BEING PRESSURE COOKED? Do you ever feel that you are living in a pressure cooker? Why is it that some people struggle to get ahead in their work life whilst for others, it appears as simple as cutting butter with a hot knife? When you think about it, most of us dedicate at least 10 to 12 hours to our work life each day. It is time to start asking yourself: “Am I doing what I want to do or what I have to do?” Think about it! You probably set your alarm clock for 6.30 this morning, worked a full day, then arrived home tired in the evening wondering where the day went. No wonder we are stressed. Ask yourself this simple question: “Am I in control of life or is life in control of me?” If life is in control of you, you will simply get caught up in the game of life: you wake up, go to work, go home, wakeup, go to work, go home and so it repeats. Now is the time to break free, to empower yourself to achieve all that you want to be. It all comes down to doing those activities that are going to improve your workday and to enhance your work and life, to become a more effective worker through balance. Seven critical principles There are seven critical principles that will empower you to take back control of life: predisposition, physical fitness, nutrition and diet, personal well-being, emotional balance, emotional habits and control and work and life balance.

Stress and well-being currently are recognised as key concerns, not only in the context of the workplace. Remember, the quality of your thinking will determine the quality of your future. Keep an open and optimistic mind as we look at each of the seven principles in more detail. Predisposition This principle asks the question: “How much pressure do you feel or put on yourself?” You already might have discovered that you operate with the so-called ‘Type A’ behaviour. This means that you are likely to be under constant pressure and you may view life in general as competitive, and that you need to be hard driving on yourself and others. If you are a ‘Type A’ person, you are inclined to get things done in a fast and action-orientated manner. You might naturally be disposed to bite off a lot to chew, cramming a lot into your day to impress others with your capacity to manage time with great pace and energy. However, you are often obsessive about cramming and sometimes fail to design in enough contemplative time or to relax or quietly reflect on where you might be going. Physical fitness This looks at your overall levels of physical health and the extent to which your regime maintains your desired health and fitness. Dedication to your job may have led to the direct decline in your physical fitness, especially if you are desk bound from 9.00 am to 5.00 pm. Like many ‘pressure cooked workers’, it is likely that you have neglected good exercise, or are only exercising lightly or infrequently at best.

UPDATES building business SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2014

Those workers who are most at risk of being pressure cooked avoid exercise and often drive or are driven almost everywhere. To have effective work life balance, become more serious about your ongoing fitness and health, and make sure you do at least the minimum to ensure you remain strong and resilient. Develop some kind of fitness regime to include exercise into your life every week. Nutrition and diet What do you eat and how healthy is it? Are you maintaining a healthy and nutritious diet? ‘Pressure cooked workers’ are likely to be the ingredients in their own stew. Most people are unaware of general or particular diet needs and are more prone to consume enjoyable foods regardless of their effect on the body. Effective work life balance means becoming aware of the need to maintain balance in your overall diet. Plan and organise what you eat in order to control what is and is not good for you. Start by reading a good diet and nutrition booklet or guide or see a professional. Design a varied but healthy regime that you can stick to until it becomes a normal part of your daily habits. Personal well-being Do you consciously act to look after your body and avoid substances or practices that are likely to cause you short or long term harm? As a ‘pressure cooked worker’ you may neglect your body and not think about the regular wear and tear that can occur until it becomes a more significant problem. In the worst case scenario, you are likely to give low priority to your personal well-being and to looking after your weight, diet, physical health and relaxation. This is typical of ‘reactive’ people and the low value they place on their own well-being. To have effective work life balance, think about becoming proactive in looking after your body with prevention and protection in mind. To improve well-being, start by picking one or two areas in which you specifically can change your habits to help get you started. This might be to give up smoking or to drink less tea, coffee or alcohol. Emotional balance This refers to the extent to which you consciously act to look after your mental and emotional well-being. This principle asks the general question: "Do I feel emotionally comfortable most of the time?" Have you ever found yourself being insular and concerned with your ‘patch’ and prone to see each day as a challenge to be overcome? If so, it is likely that you give low priority to your mental and emotional wellbeing, and relating to others in a balanced and reasonable way. This can lead to high levels of introspection and withdrawal. To have effective work life balance, think about becoming more easy-going, being happy with your life, and seeing each day as a new experience to be savoured. You might be a relatively open type

of person that is quite comfortable in relating to others in all kinds of positions, environments and situations. Make ‘taking things as they come’ your daily motto. Understand that it is difficult to stop worrying and to become more self-aware. With self-awareness, it is often the first step in a long journey towards thinking more positively. You might find that being more accepting of what comes along in life will be easier by having someone who guides and supports you; or do it yourself with focus, determination and self-discipline. Emotional habits and control Listen to your internal feelings or thoughts, then control your life and your environment as much as necessary to achieve your desired level of control. As a ‘pressure cooked worker’ you often might worry about what others think and be concerned about acting in the ‘right’ way. If this external influence continues, it is likely that you will become relatively volatile emotionally. This may mean swinging from quietly worrying about an action to openly showing irritation (or even anger); even if you think you are keeping it to yourself. Think about becoming more self-reliant to increase self-control in your life. By doing this you will become entirely comfortable in your own company and accept your imperfections without much personal angst. This will help you become comfortable to ask for help when you need it. Consider one or two areas to improve. This might be to treat yourself to something when you think you have done well. It also could involve identifying an issue on which you think you might have been wrong or unfair and admitting this to the person(s) involved. Work and life balance This looks at how you feel about your work and how you think about managing and controlling it rather than it managing and controlling you. Believe it or not, some people see work as a necessary evil, a place to tolerate as best they can. They often are glad to get away from it. You might find that over time you have developed general worry, stress, fatigue or even a long term illness by letting your work frustrations consume you without a non-work stress relief outlet. See work as a challenging and interesting part of your life in which you get out what you want; without letting it become dominant on your home life. You have a choice. Either find your work enjoyable or change it so that it becomes more satisfying or fulfilling. Make a list of what you currently enjoy about your work. Test if it is possible to change what you do to adjust this balance to become more positive. If this isn’t possible, or only makes a marginal difference, think about what steps you would have to take to change roles altogether. Greg Kinnaird Manager Corporate Learning Solutions 0409 314 372.

building equipment hire FEATURE 61 SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2014

HRIA Convention floor 2014

HRIA Convention 2014 - The hire and rental industry covers a range of equipment across varied industries, from general plant hire, access and portable buildings, to temporary power generation and excavation equipment.

Phil Newby, HRIA CEO

As Australian industry regroups after the financial traumas of recent years, many companies and markets are cutting costs, focusing on core assets and looking to maximise the value of every dollar spent.

FEATURE building equipment hire SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2014

The hire industry in Australia can help industry focus its attention on managing its core business by drawing attention to the economic and environmental advantages of renting instead of buying outright.

“When hiring, business can have immediate access to a huge range of modern equipment. New equipment can be trialled, via hiring, on the job for the days required without any capital outlay or the need to take on new debt.

Led by the key representative body for the hire industry in Australia, the Hire and Rental Industry Association (HRIA), the hire industry is increasing awareness of a compelling business case around the relative merits of hiring what you need versus purchasing and owning it.

“Hiring’s desirably cost-effective and beneficial business edge has helped all industries utilising its equipment and services to provide an increased range of services and capabilities by extending their options.

At a time when the world economy is still struggling to recover from financial crises, hiring’s desirably cost-effective and beneficial business edge extends business options.

“Once the job is finished, the equipment can be returned, without the worry of depreciation, repairs, maintenance and storage costs, or whether that piece of equipment will ever be needed again.

Helping businesses and industries meet expected demand quickly and easily, without huge capital outlay, storage problems, maintenance overheads or knowing whether that piece of equipment will ever be needed again, is the business of the hire and rental industry in Australia.

“All the costs are up front for the equipment hired, and, adding to the benefits, equipment hired from an HRIA member company guarantees equipment reliability and efficiency,” Mr Newby said.

Whatever the application, from providing portable toilets and buildings to road works and building construction or keeping essential services running during scheduled maintenance periods, the business of the hire and rental industry in Australia is all about providing peace of mind to customers and allowing them to focus on managing their core business “Hiring equipment is fully tax deductible which makes good economic sense during tough economic conditions. By hiring, mining companies and related businesses can offset any outlays, recoup some of their operational costs, and limit their overall capital equipment purchases, all the while enabling a wider range of jobs outside what they might normally do,” Phil Newby, Chief Executive Officer of the HRIA said. With over 700 rental company members and valued at $6.6Bn (IBIS), the hire and rental industry covers a range of equipment across varied industries, from general plant hire, access and portable buildings, to temporary power generation and excavation equipment. HRIA members nationwide all work to a self-regulated industry ‘Code of Ethics’ which focuses on safety, reliability and quality of equipment and support. HRIA members take pride in sourcing and providing the latest technology and equipment, offering reliable, well-serviced and wellmaintained equipment, which is fully supported by education and instruction on the safe and correct use of that equipment. Meeting demand and allowing businesses to focus on their core concerns is vital across many industries, including mining and mine services companies. Mr Newby said the good news is hiring, not buying, frees up scarce capital in the short term. “Recouping costs while still receiving the benefits of a fully supported and professional industry like the hire industry is an added bonus,” he said. The tough economic climate means capital costs and spending decisions are coming under greater scrutiny.

“Hiring equipment can also help mining companies and related industries meet peak demands by offering and supplying more equipment when business is at its busiest. “Essentially, hiring returns control to the end user by offering options, freeing up capital and allowing end users to plan when equipment is required and when it’s not. “The hire and rental industry in Australia professionally meets frequent and widely variable business needs with safe, up-to-date and specialist equipment for dedicated jobs,” Mr Newby said. There are also compelling environmental reasons for choosing to hire, Mr Newby said, explaining bought equipment often languishes unused for long periods and is essentially wasteful in an era when resources are scarce and people are increasingly conscious of their carbon footprint. “How many times does business buy equipment and use it once or twice on specialist jobs? Hiring is often a better use of money and better for the environment, because hire equipment is always well maintained and will be used many times over during the course of its hire lifespan offering a ‘greener’ alternative.” Another major benefit of hiring is education and instruction on the safe and correct use of equipment operators receive upon hiring from reputable hire companies and HRIA members. “Things have been tough economically now for quite an extended period and of course, every market segment has had to review its operations and offerings and work smarter and more effectively to be productive and cost effective when every other business is working hard to do the same,” Mr Newby said. “The hire industry is no different. As the key representative body for the hire industry in Australia, the HRIA works hard to keep our entire industry working safely and to Australian Standards. It is the role of the industry association to ensure our industry meets and adheres to strict safety regulations and legislation across all the relevant codes. Operator and workplace safety makes good business sense

“In this environment, hiring becomes a smart alternative to buying outright and whether you are a business or a private person, there is a serious proposition to consider. People are increasingly seeing the advantages of becoming more hire-conscious.”

End users have the opportunity to be instructed in the safe handling of building and renovating equipment simply by hiring the equipment from an HRIA member business.

building equipment hire FEATURE 63 SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2014

Members of the HRIA work hard to make operators aware of the importance of safety. As part of the process of hiring out equipment, hire companies conform to a rigorous set of regulatory requirements plus have additional systems and services in place for operator education. Regulatory requirements identified by the Workplace Health & Safety Act, and overseen by WorkCover Inspectors in the field, are stringently adhered to by HRIA member companies to ensure the highest standard of safety for both employees and hirers of equipment. The HRIA, as a national industry association, maintains a close eye on changes to safety legislation and works with its members and regulators to develop national codes of business management to ensure safety measures are identified, adopted and implemented into HRIA member businesses. All rental equipment is thoroughly checked and maintained prior to each hire and is electrically tested and tagged as applicable. All rental equipment is hired out complete with written operating instructions, warning decals and labels, and support manuals as required. The hirer is instructed on the use of the equipment and further advice is available through brochures and videos. The hire company also checks the hirer’s qualifications to operate certain types of plant where a licence is required. To increase end user accessibility, the HRIA website features a comprehensive database and search engine capable of locating specific equipment to the nearest rental supplier location. Making this location identifier even easier, the new HRIA website also features Google maps which displays local street maps and directs users to their nearest hire location. Businesses that hire their plant and equipment eliminate hefty upfront capital expenditure or funding, while freeing up resources to focus it on where it really should be – on the core business of managing their regions. For more information about the HRIA, call 02 9998 2255 or visit: www.hireandrental.com.au.

STATE WIDE SERVICE – YOU NAME IT ... WE LIFT IT.... We provide crane hire services, which extends to include rigging, specialised transport and construction capabilities including complete project execution and mine site relocations. Providing additional construction services is what sets Capel Crane Hire apart from other crane companies and is received well with our clients. This allows our clients to deal with one company throughout their project.

“We are committed to a working relationship with our clients, adopting the roles as a business partner who works with them, not only for them” Ray Payne / Director 0408 931 794 Graham Jones / Director 0417 961 599 Mike Gardiner / Transport Manager 0419 836 398 Peter Hickey / Public Relations / Logistics 0438 271 114 Garry Reid / OHS Manager / Workshop Coordinator 0459 672 295

WORKSHOP 08 9727 2511 Fax 08 9727 2118 LOT 47 Ilmenite Cres CAPEL WA 6271

FEATURE sustainability SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2014

CONSTRUCTION

AND DEMOLITION WASTE MANAGEMENT

AND RECYCLING

Illegal dumping of waste onto and from construction sites is pervasive and costly, and there needs to be a wider understanding of how waste is to be disposed of correctly in a safe and environmentally responsible way.

The clean up costs for illegal dumping in Western Australia is estimated at around $8 million every year. Fines of up to $62,500 individual or $125,000 for corporations can be issued (via the Environmental Protection Amendment Bill 2010). There are key points to consider in response to the environmental focus on waste disposal landfill as the WA State Government introduces landfill levy increases from 1 January 2015. The increases are expected to divert the amount of waste being dumped at tips in the metropolitan area and encourage investment in alternative waste treatment options and other government initiatives to support increased recycling. 1.

The majority of illegally dumped material on construction sites is left by unscrupulous trades, construction and waste companies. You are just as likely to be the victim of dumping on an empty site lot as you are in your construction site skip bin. You can proactively help stop illegal dumping by asking your waste manager for documented proof. Get waste transferal dockets and waste recycling reports from your subcontractors, detailing the waste transfer stations, landfill sites or Material Recovery Facilities where they take your waste. Members of the public or small privately run businesses carry out a minority of illegal dumping on building sites, and perhaps they have the wrong idea that dumping waste is a victimless crime. However, the act is illegal because it has a detrimental affect to the flora and fauna of our environment, it increases the cost of public amenities in our local communities and adds to the cost of building private houses. Around Christmas there is often an increase in the incidences of illegal dumping as people are clearing up homes for the season and throwing away older consumables. Although these incidences tend to stick in supervisors’ minds the most, they are seldom reported to authorities. Only around 50 percent of the illegal dumping incidences witnessed will be reported. Rangers and the Department of Environment investigators need help from the public to report verge side dumped waste. They require as much information as possible to assist in any investigation and prosecution. Where possible information reported should include: • The street location of the illegally dumped material. • The type of dumped materials and if you believe it may be hazardous. • The date and time of the dumping. • Names, addresses and vehicle registration numbers (if applicable) of those responsible. • Photographs of the incident.

Once reported, make sure that you do not disturb the site, as you may be harming evidence which could be used in court. Once the

investigation has been conducted a reliable waste contractor must be used to avoid moving the problem onto someone else’s doorstep. The “Safe Site – Clean Site” campaign, instigated by a number of Perth’s leading home builders, advises that a great deterrent to illegal dumping is keeping the site clean of any waste. Keeping the site clean is also a sensible way to reduce trips and falls on site as well as local government fines for wind blown waste stockpiles that are commonly generated by bobcat contractors loading rubbish into high-sided trucks parked out on the street Corporate social responsibility has provided very important support and through the building industry’s successful Name and Shame program, the Dob in a Dumper (DIAD) campaign launched in December 2007 targeted illegal dumping on building sites with educational messages. The DIAD committee was made up of key representatives in waste educational training, counsel and management as well as the building and construction industry. The committee reported that site supervisors found the cost of illegal dumping to the WA construction industry was increasing and probably amounted to significantly more that the $8 million cost estimated each year. Illegal dumping was particularly evident in the outskirts of new land developments on vacant land and in new building estates. It wasn’t as common in the established built up areas of Perth where refurbishment works from renovations was being undertaken on occupied houses. No firm figures were available from the industry or government to determine exactly how much illegal dumping was taking place on house building sites at the peak time (December to January) so DIAD visited 291 Perth sites over the seasonally months and found the following: • Illegal dumping was recorded on approximately 42 active building sites or vacant building sites, around 15 percent of the total survey. These figures closely match the findings of the DIAD committee for the same period in 2011/12. • An estimated figure of over 50 percent of all illegal dumping in Perth is carried out from within the construction industry by rogue waste management suppliers and/or other companies’ sub-contractors. • The Satterley Property Group’s land development for the Tamala Park Regional Council, the Catalina estate, was recorded as the cleanest new housing estate with only two acts of illegal dumping and not one incident recorded on a Celebration Homes “Clean Site - Safe Site” or placed in any of the estates’ skip bins. • Nearly half of all illegal dumping took place on vacant land or inactive cleared housing lots, shattering the common misconception that skip bins attract more dumping with stockpiles of waste or cage bins being equally targeted by illegal dumpers.

sustainability FEATURE 65 SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2014

LANDFILL LEVY RATES Period

Putrescible Rate/tonne

Approx. inert rate per tonne*

Inert Rate/m3

Current to 31 December 2014 $28 $8 $12 1 January 2015 to 30 June 2016 $55 $40 $60 1 July 2016 to 30 June 2017 $60 $50 $75 1 July 2017 to 30 June 2018 $65 $60 $90 1 July 2018 to 30 June 2019 $70 $70 $105 1 July 2019 onwards $70 $70 $105 *One cubic metre of inert waste in situ within the landfill is treated as equivalent to 1.5 tonnes

The DIAD initiative has now been concluded, but a new private sector campaign Builders United to Stop Theft (BUSTED) was launched this year to continue to combat site theft and eradicate waste dumping. Four major building groups are involved in the initiative and have targeted illegal dumping with private investigators and security patrols held on ABN Group, BGC Group, JWH Group and Summit Homes Group building sites. For more information visit the BUSTED website at: bustedwa.com.au. Landfill Levy increases over the next few years. Approximately 50 percent of illegal waste dumping is carried out internally by the building and construction industry, which may indicate that the high cost of disposal is driving companies and building contractors to illegally dump their construction waste rather than dispose of it correctly.

Illegally dumped construction waste on nearby nature reserve.

The above table shows the 2014 to 2019 levy on landfilled waste using inert waste landfills (sand and rock) and Putrescible waste landfills (any construction waste that biodegrades including sand mixed with timber or light materials like paper and cardboard). Recycled waste or nonmetropolitan waste doesn’t attract the landfill levy. The WA State Government’s 2014-15 Budget, announced increases to the landfill levy from 1 January 2015. This landfill levy increase is the first since 2010 and brings Western Australia’s rates broadly into line with South Australia and Victoria, while still being about half of that in New South Wales. A five-year schedule of levy rates has also been announced. This provides industry with the certainty it needs to plan and invest for the future infrastructure needed for more Material Recovery Facilities. It should be noted that only 25 percent of the levy is hypothecated back into recycling initiatives like the MBA’s new Smart Waste Guide.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Jake Hickey won the 2014 “GreenSmart Professional of the Year” award for his work in advocating the safe and sensible recycling of construction waste. As part of his advocacy and educational work with Instant Waste Management (IWM) he developed the key points to consider when waste and illegal dumping occurs on, and from, construction sites.

WE OFFER A WIDE RANGE OF WASTE MANAGEMENT SERVICES TO ALL INDUSTRIES Instant would like to congratulate our recycling clients who have won both the MBA’s commercial & residential awards for “Waste Excellence” in 2013 & 2014.

Contact: info@instantwaste.com.au GREEN LIVING

Author: Jake Hickey State Resource Development Manager Instant Waste Management

M: 0458 458 770 T: (08) 9379 2111 D: (08) 6270 4123 E: jake@instantwaste.com.au

info@instantwaste.com.au Call for a quote 9379 2111 or book using our 24 hour online booking system at www.instantwaste.com.au

FEATURE project SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2014

CONSTRUCTION OF THE ALL SAINTS’ COLLEGE PERFORMING ARTS THEATRE

Proudly positioned at the front of the All Saints’ College along Ewing Avenue, the Performing Arts Theatre is a state-of-the-art facility constructed by Perkins Builders. The project is part of an Architectural Master Plan, developed by All Saints’ College with the help of Parry & Rosenthal Architects, to revitalise the college and ensure it is well placed to meet the growing demands of the future. Significant work on the Architectural Master Plan has already taken place including the redeveloped Central Bush Court in 2009, which was followed soon after by the completion of the Indoor Sport Centre and a new library in 2010. In response to research that demonstrated the vital role of arts education for school students, the Performing Arts Theatre was built and officially opened in March 2013. The new theatre includes an auditorium, four new general learning areas, new staff office facilities, a complete theatre management system with extensive above auditorium catwalks and back-of-house facilities for all stage performances.

project FEATURE 67

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2014

Construction methods included a structural steel frame with full height acoustic brickwork throughout, complete with external stone cladding. To the southern elevation there is full height external glazing together with steel columns encased with glulam timber beams. Within the auditorium the seating was specifically selected by the architect and the client to ensure appropriate comfort and quality. In total there is seating for 417 persons, with 395 fixed seats and 22 free standing seats that can be altered depending on how the orchestra pit thrust stage is positioned. The orchestra pit thrust stage is one of the key features regarding the operation of the theatre. It can be hydraulically lifted up and down to finish at four different levels to accommodate a variety of theatre plans. The sprung timber floor is finished to match the stage so that at the same level it can act as an extension of the stage. There is high specification for the internal finishes with a significant emphasis on the internal timber wall panelling throughout which is interfaced with timber joinery The extensive wood panelling provides warmth and beauty to the auditorium and foyer areas. American Cherry veneer wall panelling was installed to both the ground and first floor, and extends around the perimeter of the auditorium and to the interior, both on the stage and to the walls of the seating area. The application of modern lighting to the interior creates a wonderful ambience and the exterior lighting creates a spectacular show of the building at night. Challenges of the project included working around an operating college and chapel, site access limitations, a complex structural and architectural design, as well as a completely automated high-tech integrated building and theatre management system. The end result is a multi-purpose theatre/learning building which far exceeds the bench mark for an educational theatre facility.

The All Saints’ College Centre for Performing Arts Building in Bullscreek, WA. Engineering Technology Consultants/ETC is proud to have been associated with the delivery of the Electrical Engineering and Lighting Design Consultancy Services to this unique and award winning project.  61 Loftus Street, Leederville, Western Australia 6007  +61 8 9328 5500  +61 8 9328 5522  www.etcpl.com.au  etc@etcpl.com.au

FEATURE project SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2014

Perkins Builders was founded in a partnership between Jim and Neville Perkins, established in 1965 and trading as Perkins Bros Builders. The partnership flourished and over the course of the next 30 years contracted extensively throughout the South West of WA and built a solid reputation as reliable and quality building contractors by successfully completing a diverse range of commercial and industrial building contracts and civil engineering projects. Continuous company growth and development and purposely implemented success planning now sees Perkins (WA) Pty Ltd trading as Perkins Builders, owned and managed by Dan Perkins and ideally placed in the Perth and South West construction markets to capitalise on its impressive history. The company’s head office is located in Bunbury, WA with branch offices in Perth and Busselton. With a workforce of over 120 staff and a current order book of $300 million Perkins is recognised as WA’s leading regional based building contractor.

FAST FACTS All Saints’ College Performing Arts Theatre Location: Ewing Avenue, Bull Creek WA Client: All Saints’ College Builder: Perkins Builders Architects: Parry & Rosenthal Architects Value: $14.7M Officially opened: March 2013 Awards: 2013 Master Builders Excellence Awards The Best Education Building for WA and Subcontractor Award for Finishes Cabinetry/Joinery. It was one of five finalists in the Best Project in WA category, alongside the Perth Arena and QEII Hospital. 2013 AIA Architecture Awards Awarded an Architectural Commendation in the Public Category and an Architectural Award in the Interior Section.

what’s new 69

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2014

If you supply or install genuine COLORBOND® steel products you could WIN more customers as well as $100,000 cash, plus other great prizes. For full details, eligibility criteria, terms and conditions and to register for the COLORBOND® steel GEN-U-WIN promotion, visit COLORBOND.COM/GENUWIN. How to GEN-U-WIN. If your customer wins you could win – it’s that simple! When your homeowner customer purchases any genuine COLORBOND® steel product valued at $1,500 or more (excluding installation) they could be eligible to enter the promotion and win. If your eligible homeowner customer wins the major prize of $150,000 and has nominated you as their supplier or installer you could win a cash prize of $100,000 as long as you are eligible and have registered.* Similarly, if they win a fortnightly cash prize of $2,000 and have nominated you and you have registered and are eligible, you could also win a cash prize of $2,000.* To claim your prize you must have registered at COLORBOND.COM/GENUWIN prior to the draw.* Homeowner entry starts on 1 October 2014 with the first of the 15 fortnightly draws on Wednesday, 15 October 2014. The promotion closes on 1 May 2015 with the major prize draw on Friday, 8 May 2015. Trade registrations open 1 September 2014. Homeowner purchases from 1 January 2014 until 1 May 2015 are eligible for entry.

You can make the GEN-U-WIN promotion work for you in 3 easy steps. 1. Register now at COLORBOND.COM/GENUWIN 2. Look out for the GEN-U-WIN trade flyer which has further information 3. Hand out the GEN-U-WIN homeowner flyer to all your homeowner customers and encourage them to enter. If your homeowner customer wins you could win! You can order more flyers online at COLORBOND.COM/GENUWIN.

WIN more customers with genuine COLORBOND® steel. *Must have permission from your supplier/installer business owner to enter. See full terms and conditions for details on whom each prize is awarded. In some cases, a prize may be awarded to a person other than that specified on the registration form due to a supplier/installer business’s internal policy. Registrations end 11.59pm AEST 1/5/15. Trade entry open to Aust. residents 18+ who are an employee, owner or contractor of a business that supply and/or install genuine COLORBOND® steel products in Australia, excl. businesses which are owned by the Promoter other than businesses that are a franchisee of the Promoter. Remind consumers to whom you sell COLORBOND® steel products from 1/1/14-1/5/15 to retain their purchase receipt for verification purposes. Limitations: Max 1 entry form submission per person. Draws - Draws at 11am, B6, 41-43 Bourke Rd, Alexandria, NSW 2015. Minor Prize Draws: 15/10/14, 29/10/14, 12/11/14, 26/11/14, 10/12/14, 24/12/14, 7/1/15, 21/1/15, 4/2/15, 18/2/15, 4/3/15, 18/3/15, 1/4/15, 15/4/15 & 6/5/15. Survey Prize Draw & Major Prize Draw: 8/5/15. Minor Prizes (per Minor Draw): $2,000 for consumer winner, $2,000 for pre regist. supplier/installer nominated by consumer winner & $2,000 for supplier/installer’s nominated COLORBOND® steel distributor/supplier. Survey Prize: $2,000. Major Prize: $150,000 for consumer winner & $100,000 for pre-regist. supplier/installer nominated by consumer winner. Scratch & Win Prizes (for eligible suppliers/installers only): 430 x $25 Coles Myer Gift Card; 15 x Apple iPad Mini 16MB Wi-Fi ($350ea). Apple Inc. is not a participant or sponsor of this promotion. Minor, Survey and Major prize winners published at http://www.colorbond.com/genuwin & in The Australian within 10 business days of draw. Promoter: BlueScope Steel Ltd (ABN 16 000 011 058), L11/120 Collins St, Melbourne, VIC 3000. Permit No’s: NSW LTPS 14/05439, ACT TP14/02417, VIC 14/4619, SA T14/1247.

whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s new SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2014

ECOSTRUCT PANEL SYSTEMS - the many benefits ECOSTRUCT PANEL SYSTEMS is a new structurally engineered insulated panel wall system that can be used in residential, commercial and industrial construction in lieu of brick, timber or steel. What makes ECOSTRUCT PANEL SYSTEMS different is the panel connection system (patent pending) allowing flexible house design for external (150mm thick) and internal walls (86mm thick) that are suited for cyclone rated construction in any Australian conditions.

Home buyers will benefit greatly through reduced construction costs, a faster build time and then enjoy significant ongoing energy cost savings. With the shorter construction period, home owners will also be in their house much sooner leading to reduced interest and rental payments.

Construction requires only one trade, meaning less people on site for a shorter period of time allowing lock up and practical completion sooner than using traditional materials. Using the connection system (patent pending) with base and top plates tied down to the concrete slab or timber floor the ECOSTRUCT PANEL SYSTEMS wall is simple, quick and connects to any selected roof construction method.

Check out our new website www.ecostructps.com for all the details and also watch this You Tube link www.youtube.com/watch?v=pocs_6pWYBg that clearly demonstrates ECOSTRUCT PANEL SYSTEMS being successfully used in residential construction.

There are many advantages of using ECOSTRUCT PANEL SYSTEMS wall panels including energy efficiency, white ant resistant, fire retardant and the component materials are recyclable making the panel system sustainable and eco-friendly with less waste during manufacture and construction. The cost advantages of ECOSTRUCT PANEL SYSTEMS include less material costs compared to the traditional alternatives and with significantly reduced build time provide site management cost savings for Builders.

There is also a compelling case to use ECOSTRUCT PANEL SYSTEMS for internal walls in commercial fit outs, high rise and multi density residential projects providing significant advantages in time and cost over traditional framed partition walls. For more information contact: Phone: 08 9493 1110 Website: www.ecostructps.com

what’s new 71

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2014

Site collaboration just got a whole lot easier Coordinating your trades and suppliers has improved dramatically with the launch of the new portal for construction - JobFile. Builders have been making dramatic changes in the amount of emails and other forms of electronic communication they generate to their suppliers and trades. While builders have been putting systems in place to handle this, many suppliers are still left with fighting the ever demanding email inbox and loose bits of paperwork. According to Erik Withoud, Operations Manager at ClickHome, “the amount of call-ups, scheduling and reschedules that a builder produces has dramatically increased in recent years due to onsite systems such as ClickHome, which makes the life of the supervisor and construction manager much easier. Supervisors can easily schedule, reschedule or generate new call-ups to site, which go out increasingly as emails to the trades and suppliers. These are now starting to include important contract documentation such as plans and addenda. We are hearing from our clients and the industry as a whole that suppliers and trades are having trouble in keeping up with this deluge of information.” JobFile has been designed as an industry portal to be the holder of supplier task information. It will provide one central database where builders, suppliers and trades can share all of their work requests. It enables the builder to feed information to the supplier from existing systems. The supplier can view and manage that information either within JobFile online or using a mobile app or if required through connections to their existing systems. JobFile is different from other online portals in that it manages the existing relationships builders have with their suppliers and trades. It is not a bidding, tendering or online directory system that are common in the marketplace. It also is not about managing one construction job and its relevant tasks but pushing out many tasks for many jobs to the relevant suppliers. The other revolutionary aspect is that JobFile enables builders to use JobFile to request task confirmations and show notes with other parties, without forcing them to sign up. For more convenience trades and suppliers could sign up for a free or paid account depending upon their requirements.

Aaron Savory, the Business Development Director at JobFile, said that through an extensive period of consultation with builders, suppliers and trades it was becoming evident that there was a need for a system like JobFile. Many builders, suppliers and trades are required to log in to many separate systems to see and update information. This makes it very hard to manage work between multiple clients. JobFile aims to be the industry’s portal of information so all relevant information is contained in the one spot. This eliminates the need for building companies to have their own online supplier portals which are hard to manage in terms of access, training and updating. For suppliers and trades being forced to log on to many different sites will fast become a thing of the past. For larger companies that wish to utilise their existing systems, JobFile has a proven and tested API to feed data to and from the JobFile system. This makes supplying job and task information back and forward a relatively simple process. ClickHome, used by many residential building companies, have already built a JobFile connector, making the activation process for their clients very simple. The JobFile team can provide documentation, examples and support to help other companies get connected. JobFile has an ambitious feature development pipeline which will mean that all aspects of the builder to trades and suppliers relationship will become easier. Reducing the burden of administration and paperwork will free time and resources that can be spent on more important activities. If you are currently sending or receiving call-ups and task information electronically or by fax then you need to investigate what JobFile can do for you. For more information contact: Phone: 08 6464 8050 Website: www.jobfile.com.au

what’s new SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2014

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Scott Cam - To do a good job, it is so important to have the right tools. To run a successful business, it is just as important to have the right software. Beams has all of the features and functions in one software package and it just works. Beams has been around for over 20 years and they know what is needed.

ESTIMATION The Estimation module of BEAMS with CAD Image, provides all the necessary tools to complete and produce accurate, cost-effective and personalized estimates for your clients before contract.

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JOB TRACKING - From Sales leads â&#x20AC;&#x201C; this is now integrated with Beams. Beams Prospects - Focuses on presales where the relationship between a company and the customer is managed. This includes capturing leads from the website, emails and other correspondence and tracking them. Beams Administration - Once a lead is won, the administration work begins on that lead and it is tracked as the job progresses to contract or conversion. The software allows you to customise as many processes as necessary to cover all your different business requirements. Beams Customer Portal - All communication between your customer and your company is managed. Customers are given a username and password so that they can check their job status and request more information. BEAMSBuild Software | ph. (08)9454 7760 | fax. (08)9454 7782 web. www.beamsbuild.com.au | email. enquiries@beamsbuild.com.au

ACCOUNTS Full accounting functions allowing you to enter all invoices, make payments, issue progress claims and receipts effortlessly. Progress Automated Taxation processing. Payroll with job allocation timesheet. Detailed financial reporting including Cashflow projections, Work In Progress and Profitability Reports.