2015 Master Builders Western Australia Magazine Mar-Apr

VOLUME 12 | NUMBER 1 | MARCH – APRIL 2015

Serena Giudice

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YOUNG BUILDER OF THE YEAR

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Ripp re-elected

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contents 1

MARCH/APRIL 2015

OUR COVER Geraldton builder Serena Giudice (centre, with Senator Michaelia Cash, right, and WoodSolutions’ Eileen Newbury) scored a first for women when named Young Builder of the Year at 2014’s National Excellence in Building and Construction Awards. And three WA firms also tasted success. See pages 67–70 for details

IN THIS ISSUE...

FOREWORDS

UPDATES

FEATURES

President’s File ......................................................4

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

Environmental Impacts of Hot Water Systems ....71

Director’s File .........................................................6

Building Business ................................................32

Meeting Industry Equipment Demand .................72

Word from the Hill ..................................................7

Housing ...............................................................36

How to Make your Pool Safer .............................. 74

Industrial Relations ...............................................41

Hoop Pine Plywood in Walls and Ceilings ...........75

REPORTS

Insurance .............................................................44

Foodbank WA Hunger Relief Centre Opens ........76

General News ......................................................10

Legal ....................................................................45

Branches .............................................................24

Members’ Health .................................................48 Membership ........................................................50

AWARDS

Personal Pars ......................................................55

National Awards ..................................................67

Safety ..................................................................59 Technical .............................................................60 Training ................................................................63 Utilities .................................................................65

PUBLISHED BY

Crowther Blayne & Associates Pty Ltd Phone: 1800 222 757 Fax: 1800 063 151 Email: publications@crowtherblayne.com.au National Sales and Marketing Manager: Trish Riley Sales Manager: Daniel Rutland Executive Sales: Rose Delosreyes, Peter Shepherd Email: sales@crowtherblayne.com.au Graphic Design Team: Andrew Crabb, Byron Bailey and Carol Taylor Editor: Samantha Regan 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, Philip Kemp, 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 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: Amy Bell 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.

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FOREWORDS president’s file MARCH/APRIL 2015

ACTION NEEDED ON UNION CORRUPTION Evidence from the Heydon Royal Commission into Trade Union Governance and Corruption has highlighted the dangers of industrial relations operating outside the law. It also has emphasised the critical importance of having a dedicated authority to oversee and enforce the law in the building and construction industry.

After 12 months, the Commission has held 60 public and 16 private hearings in Sydney, Melbourne, Perth and Brisbane. More than $17 million has been spent obtaining evidence, providing reports and paying for the Commission judge, lawyers, staff and officers. It has had its tenure extended until December and its terms of reference extended.

There are more issues to investigate than originally envisaged, particularly links with criminal conduct uncovered during the first 12 months. Presumably there will be more examples of unlawful and inappropriate behaviour exposed in the industrial relations context. This will not surprise firms working in the building industry. But to the public and governments, the disclosure of corrupt and criminal conduct often comes as a surprise and tarnishes the reputation of our industry.

The Commission was always going to generate shocking examples of industrial relations in the building industry. In some ways it is a relief that most of the worst examples of union corruption, threats, assaults, violence and industrial blackmail have been in Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane.

The risk is that without appropriate, effective law enforcement mechanisms, the most obnoxious practices easily could be applied in WA. That is why our Association has lobbied the Barnett Government to be more pro-active and introduce a Code of Practice to set parameters of acceptable industrial relations practices on State Government-funded construction projects. It is a lot easier to prevent a problem than to fix it once entrenched.

Reflecting on the Royal Commission reinforces the decision taken by Master Builders more than 20 years ago, to deregulate our involvement in industrial relations. Although some commercial builders thought we were ‘throwing them to the wolves’ by no longer negotiating industry-wide pattern industrial agreements with the CFMEU, it has proven to be a prudent course of action.

Our counterparts in Victoria, for example, now are finding it extremely difficult to get off this treadmill where ‘pattern agreements’ continue to be the norm in the commercial sector and it is difficult for members to get work unless they have a union EBA. WA also owes gratitude to Len Buckeridge and BGC who had the courage and capacity to provide an alternative approach to the union-style ‘agreements’. It didn’t take long for most other builders to see the light and take responsibility for their own industrial relations practices, although the CFMEU still promotes its pattern agreement here in Perth.

The Royal Commission has also highlighted the worrying stance of the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission. A long running Victorian dispute between Boral and the CFMEU appears to be a classic case of a secondary boycott where the CFMEU banned the supply of Boral concrete and other products to Grollo construction sites. It has taken the ACCC more than 12 months to investigate and prosecute this behaviour which will be the biggest secondary boycott case the ACCC has ever undertaken.

It will have huge implications on the way unions do business and connects with Master Builders’ submissions to the Competition Policy Review that more needs to be done to marry competition law prohibitions with unacceptable industrial relations conduct.

Trade unions have a long history in our country.

They operate in a privileged position and have achieved a lot for members over the years.

However, when unions and their officials operate outside the law they need to be reigned in, and fast. The Royal Commission already has found that our regulators haven’t acted fast enough.

The examples of union corruption and unlawful behaviour are an absolute disgrace and, by any measure, completely un-Australian. They cannot be allowed to continue.

It will be a real tragedy, when this Commission concludes, if our industry doesn’t achieve an effective ‘cop on the beat’. Master Builders has been calling for the re-establishment of the Australian Building and Construction Commission for years. Regrettably, the Abbott Government doesn’t have the numbers in the Senate to bring about this much needed reform.

It seriously makes you question the motives and understanding of our so-called independent Senators. The cost to taxpayers of inefficient and inflexible industrial relations is enormous. We expect the Productivity Commission to come to this same conclusion following its review of our outdated industrial relations system.

Any efficient industrial relations system relies on appropriate, fair checks and balances. We don’t have that in our industry. The deterrents to grossly obnoxious and unlawful practices clearly don’t exist to prevent the type of union behaviour already exposed by the Royal Commission. Unless our governments and regulators recognise these problems and are prepared to do something about them, nothing will change. The most thoroughly investigated and eloquently written Royal Commission report and recommendations will prove a waste of taxpayers’ money if action doesn’t replace the anticipated volumes of words.

John Ripp

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6

FOREWORDS director’s file MARCH/APRIL 2015

AN EVENT FULL YEAR AHEAD Master Builders’ 2015 calendar of events is the most comprehensive we have ever organised. Our events cater for all types of builders, specialist contractors and suppliers in both metropolitan and regional areas.

This year we are launching a Technical Round Table for builders to facilitate discussion on topical technical issues of concern.

Our Technical Advisor Romina De Santis will be co-ordinating these Round Tables every quarter. Places are limited so register early.

Our Great Southern Branch celebrates its fiftieth anniversary this year while the Goldfields-Esperance Branch notches up thirty years. Both regions are important contributors to the Association and we look forward to members participating in the milestone events organised by Linda Gibbs, Colleen Jamieson and Doug Backhouse.

I am pleased to announce that Midland Brick has taken on sponsorship of the Ric New Medal (for persons 35 and under) and the Ric New Rising Star Award (25 and under) from this year.

Marylyn New sponsored the prestigious awards for the first 10 years. She will continue her involvement on the judging panel with Midland Brick’s general manager Greg Smith.

will support Mates in Construction, which is doing an excellent job in raising awareness about the relatively high incidence of suicide in our industry and pro-active prevention strategies. These events will complement our corporate golf, tennis and lawn bowls days throughout the year.

To enable builders to showcase their workmanship and the quality of their subcontractors, we again have organised building excellence awards for the housing and commercial sectors as well as five regional award presentations. Our regional awards will be held in Bunbury (March), Broome (May), Kalgoorlie (August), Albany (September) and Geraldton (October). These are always glamorous functions into which our events staff and regional managers put a lot of effort to create a memorable experience.

Additional promotional opportunities will be provided by our Home Show at PCEC in August and the sixteenth consecutive season of HOME in WA on Channel 7 and GWN state-wide starting in April. We will be featuring the building of a charity display home by Switch Homes, with proceeds going to Parkerville Children and Youth Care.

Our National Conference is on the Gold Coast from 12-14 November. I recommend diarising the dates and attending as it is always an informative and enjoyable conference. It includes presentation of the National Excellence in Building and Construction Awards.

Our CEO and Managers Luncheon is likely to be held in August, subject to confirming the keynote speaker. This year’s Robert Law Award recipient is another colourful character who has made a significant contribution to our industry. Attend the lunch to find out who it is.

On the fun side, we have organised a corporate sailing afternoon in March and, for motor cycling enthusiasts, the Ride Against Suicide in May. Once again, funds raised

Master Builders’ board is particularly keen to promote apprentice training in our industry.

We train more apprentices than any other Australian industry. Our Apprentice Awards,

Acknowledging the Support of our 2015 Partners:

held in November, will showcase the highest young achievers and future generation of builders. Members are encouraged to nominate their best apprentices for these annual awards.

Members also have the opportunity to attend an international convention in Tokyo in November. Master Builders is an active participant in IFAWPCA, the International Federation of Asian and Western Pacific Contractors Association, which hosts the annual event. Larger commercial builders, in particular, have found the convention an excellent networking opportunity.

All our events as well as our six-monthly training calendar have been developed to provide relevant advice, marketing opportunities and enjoyment for members and guests. I encourage you to check the Events Calendar activities online at www. mbawa.com or in the Membership pages later in the magazine. Take the opportunity to attend as many as you can of the functions that appeal to you.

I wish all members a healthy, safe and prosperous year ahead. The Master Builders’ staff are here to help you and your business so please let us know how we can add value to your membership.

Michael McLean

word from the hill FOREWORDS 7 MARCH/APRIL 2015

VISION FOR HOME OWNERSHIP From time to time, Master Builder invites government members to contribute on current topics and developments. South West Region MLC Colin Holt recently entered the State Cabinet as Minister for Housing, Racing and Gaming. Here he looks at affordable housing.

The strategy has been pivotal in creating viable alternatives to the traditional form of social housing and reshaping the State Government’s role in this space by working more widely across the industry with the intention to increase the scope of affordable housing options available.

But this isn't to say we will be sitting back and patting ourselves on the back any time soon.

Housing Minister Colin Holt

It is an exciting time to be taking the reins as Minister for Housing in our great State. Exciting because WA is coming off an unprecedented year for residential building activity; while approvals for new dwellings are running at a record 12 per cent annual growth.

At a State Government level, we are poised to meet our 2020 target of 20,000 affordable housing opportunities earlier than expected.

Launched in 2011, the Liberal-National State Government’s Affordable Housing Strategy has been a great success and already has delivered more than 18,200 affordable housing opportunities, assisting low-to-moderate income earners in having a place to call home.

The State Government is always looking to undertake new initiatives, such as the Public Housing Stock Redevelopment Program.

This program will see 200 Governmentowned and tired housing sites redeveloped to deliver 500 new affordable housing opportunities in coming years. As well as replacing old public housing with new and better designed homes, it will also offer more affordable housing to low income earners, diluting the volume of public housing and creating more vibrant and active places for people to live.

I’m proud to report the Department of Housing continues to be at the forefront of innovation with its home-grown Shared Equity program recently scooping the pool at the annual Premier’s Awards for Excellence in Public Sector Management.

Coming into such a large and dynamic portfolio, I often get asked what I will bring to the Cabinet table as the new Minister for Housing. Like many Nationals MPs, I am a country boy through-andthrough. Born and raised in Goomalling, I spent 14 years travelling the length and breadth of the State in various roles with the then Department of Agriculture and Food.

Prior to being elected as an Upper House member for the south west region in 2008, I was a founding director of a community development company that provided services, skills and knowledge to regional communities.

I have a deep passion for regional WA and its people. I am proud of the difference the Royalties for Regions program has made and will be a vocal advocate for its continued use in driving the attractiveness of a regional lifestyle to Western Australians.

Although there will always be a role for social housing in our community, I want to encourage the aspiration home ownership creates. I believe every Australian should have the opportunity to own their home. By increasing the supply and diversity of affordable housing we will give Western Australians the opportunity to have pride in themselves, build a brighter future for their families and sustain an innovative and enduring building industry.

8

UPDATES opinion MARCH/APRIL 2015

IS THERE A TRADIE SHORTAGE OR IS IT A MEDIA BEAT UP? Master Builders’ housing director Geoff Cooper questions whether there is a trades shortage in WA.

Master Builders’ housing director Geoff Cooper looks at the apparent dearth of trades.

Headlines might be screaming about a housing boom and spiraling demand for trades. But is this really what we face in WA in the next 12 months?

We clearly have seen a shortage of one particular trade, being bricklayers, that has operated as a bottleneck in the industry over the last 12 months.

The main consequences of this have been an increase in rates for bricklayers and increasing completion times for many residential

construction projects using brick construction.

I’ve received feedback that in some projects, builders have been delayed by more than 10 weeks. It causes a lot of frustration for clients and builders alike.

Can we expect the current shortage of bricklayers to continue through this year?

Based on feedback from builders, there has been an easing in the sales growth of previous years.

I’ve been told that there have been some other trades that have been a little harder to find in recent times, including roof carpenters, concreters and plasterers. But generally, our builders have been able to find these trades at reasonable rates. Otherwise, trades and subcontractors such as electricians, plumbers and painters have been readily available.

Anecdotal reports are that a number of bricklaying teams are now looking for work.

This will help ease the pressure on bricklaying rates. Indeed, there may be a fall in demand for this trade throughout the year that could place possible downward pressure on brickie rates.

So it seems to me that we haven’t had an overall shortage of trades in WA in recent years. The papers may have beaten up the story. Are we surprised?

The real story is that the industry has been incredibly responsive to the increase in demand for workers. We hit a record 152,000 workers in the industry in November last year.

We’ve attracted an extra 24,300 workers in only two years to cope with the increase in home and apartment starts. We are now the biggest employer in WA.

There is a proviso – if interest rates are cut, as currently anticipated by financial markets, this scenario could disappear and we could face bricklayer shortages again, despite the sharp increase in bricklaying apprenticeship commencements.

Is this overview accurate? Is there really a tradie shortage? Do you agree? Email your comments to Geoff@mbawa.com. We invite your thoughts (and they can be submitted for publication in our next edition).

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REPORTS general news MARCH/APRIL 2015

al n o i Reg

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Regional Member of the Year winner for 2014 Michael Young (right) with Master Builders’ president John Ripp.

HE T F O

R A E Y

“He is also passionate about apprenticeship training which is the life-blood of the building industry. I have really enjoyed working with Michael as he is always enthusiastic and energetic tackling any issues on behalf of the Association.”

YOUNG IS REGIONAL MEMBER OF THE YEAR Michael Young, Westralia Homes sales manager in Kalgoorlie, has been awarded the 2014 Master Builders Regional Member of the Year.

The award - which began in 2005 - recognises regional volunteers who have made an extraordinary contribution to the Association.

Mr Young has been a member of the Master Builders’ Goldfields-Esperance Branch committee for six years, and has been chairman for the last two years. Association regional liaison officer Colleen Jamieson said that Mr Young provided tremendous support, encouragement and leadership both to her and the regional committee.

“Michael is highly respected in the industry and local community and is an invaluable mentor to me,” Ms Jamieson said. “Although building activity levels in the Goldfields region are depressed at the moment, Michael’s positive attitude and proactive approach to problem solving has been inspirational.

“He is also passionate about apprenticeship training which is the life-blood of the building industry. I have really enjoyed working with

Michael as he is always enthusiastic and energetic tackling any issues on behalf of the Association.”

According to Master Builders’ director Michael McLean, Mr Young, supported by his employer Westralia Homes, has volunteered countless hours to contribute to the betterment of the industry in the Goldfields-Esperance region.

“Michael often commutes 400 kilometres between Kalgoorlie and Esperance for meetings and events that are relevant to the building industry,” Mr McLean said. “Master Builders is fortunate to have about 200 volunteers who serve on our board, councils and committees or provide sponsorship or strategic alliances for our 1750 members state-wide. Michael was the unanimous choice of our 10 regional staff and he thoroughly deserved to be this year’s Regional Member of the Year.”

The award was presented to Mr Young at the Master Builder members’ Christmas function at the Perth Zoo in December. Mr Young said he was honoured to receive the award and loved being active in such a dynamic industry and within such a reputable organisation.

general news REPORTS 11 MARCH/APRIL 2015

ENERGY EFFICIENCY RATINGS UNDER MICROSCOPE Energy efficiency ratings will be a focus of Master Builders in WA in 2015. There has been industry concern with divergent approaches to energy efficiency ratings in the State.

Right Homes’ 10 star (BERS) rating Green Swing project in Lathlain won Master Builders’ 2014 Excellence in Energy Efficiency Award.

Master Builders’ housing director Geoff Cooper says that more certainty for builders is required.

“The introduction of six star energy efficiency requirements has not led to a level playing field in WA,” he said. “Inconsistent use of the rating software packages, adoption of deemed to satisfy provisions and confusion around accreditation requirements have meant that the industry is faced with some uncertainty about the minimums required. It would be better that the minimum requirements were clear for builders and their clients.”

Master Builders has entered a partnership with the Association of Building Sustainability Assessors, an industry organisation committed to improving the sustainability of homes and buildings through accredited professionals.

ABSA works with regulatory bodies to provide sustainability assessment services to homeowners and the building industry.

Master Builders and ABSA have agreed to promote better practice in energy efficiency assessments in WA in 2015. Mr Cooper said that the partnership would help the delivery of more information to Master Builder members on energy efficiency ratings. Members also will be able to access a directory of green building suppliers and performance professionals who are accredited assessors.

“Master Builders is looking forward to the partnership and promoting a greater understanding in the industry about what is required for accurate assessments,” said Mr Cooper.

RIPP RE-ELECTED PRESIDENT John Ripp has been re-elected as Master Builders’ president for 2015. Mr Ripp is the managing director of EMCO Building, a company he first joined more than 20 years ago when it was trading as Merym.

He is a graduate in mechanical engineering and a registered builder with more than 30 years’ experience in the construction industry in both Australia and the US. He has been a Master Builders’ board member for the past 15 years.

Mr Ripp said the was looking forward to his second year as president and to helping make the building and construction industry a better, safer and more attractive place in which to work.

“One of our Association’s major objectives will be improvement in, and streamlining of, the planning approvals process which will benefit everyone involved in building and project management,” he said. “On an industry level, the top priorities are to boost apprentice numbers, improve housing affordability, maintain industrial relations

stability and minimise additional red tape in carrying out business.

“With new state Housing, Finance and Training and Workforce Development Ministers, it will be important to discuss how their priorities align with ours.”

Master Builders’ director Michael McLean said he was looking forward to continuing to work with Mr. Ripp to improve the regulatory environment in which builders operated in WA. “The building and construction industry is a key barometer to the health of our economy and the wellbeing of our community so the challenge continues to keep the industry viable, affordable and attractive to young people choosing their career path,” Mr McLean said.

John Ripp has been re-elected as Master Builders’ president.

Mr. Ripp is the fifty-fourth Master Builders’ president since the Association was formed in 1898. Other 2015 office bearers are Robert Spadaccini (senior vice president), David Crothers (vice president) and Chris Lillis (treasurer).

12

REPORTS general news MARCH/APRIL 2015

NATIONAL CONSTRUCTION CODE FREE FOR ALL Building Commissioner Peter Gow says an agreement among Australian Building Ministers to make the 2015 National Construction Code and future editions freely available online will pave the way for more innovative and productive building and plumbing industries in WA.

Mr Gow said the decision to eliminate costs associated with buying the Code will make it more accessible to all who need to use it, including the building and plumbing industries, small businesses and consumers.

Building Commissioner Peter Gow says the free online NCC will make the Code more accessible.

The NCC brings the Building Code of Australia and the Plumbing Code of Australia together in a single, consistent performance standard.

The 2015 edition already is available free online in readiness for when it is adopted on 1 May. The reform means building, construction and plumbing practitioners no longer will have to pay almost $400 for a copy of the document.

“Having the National Construction Code freely available online is one of a number of things the Building Commission is doing to significantly reduce the burden of building regulation in this State,” he said.

“The reforms we have planned over the next few years are all about the electronic enablement of the WA building and plumbing industries, and having the NCC freely available online will go a long way towards achieving that.

“The redrafting and reformatting of the NCC to suit free, online delivery is a great opportunity to link it to other electronic systems such as building information modelling and online approvals.”

The Australian Building Codes Board also will move from a one-year to a three-year NCC amendment cycle, starting in 2016. The free 2015 NCC includes Volume One (Building Code of Australia for Class 2 to Class 9 Buildings), Volume Two (Building Code of Australia for Class 1 and Class 10 Buildings), Volume Three (Plumbing Code of Australia) and the Guide to Volume One.

TIGHTER FOREIGN INVESTMENT RULES MISS MARK Proposals to impose tighter rules on foreign investors in real estate completely miss the main game according to Master Builders Australia.

“There are many serious challenges confronting the residential building sector but foreign investment is not one of them,” the organisation’s CEO Wilhelm Harnisch says. “The real issue is the need for less regulation in an overregulated residential building sector.”

Mr Harnisch made his comments on the tabling in Parliament late in 2014 of the Report on Foreign Investment in Residential Real Estate.

“There is widespread agreement that increasing the supply of new housing stock is the key to tackling affordability pressures and allowing more first home buyers into the market,” Mr Harnisch said. “Less red tape is fundamental to improving housing affordability and to broaden the range of housing choices available to meet the needs of the community such as liveable housing for our aging population and more social housing.”

Mr Harnisch said new rules proposed in the Parliamentary Economics Committee’s report fundamentally would undermine and dilute the policy reform efforts of achieving a broader range of housing options.

“The adoption of these proposals would risk undermining the outstanding work of the Government to slash the red tape burden at all levels of government,” he said. “The issue of non-compliance by foreign investors is a serious one but this is an issue for better compliance efforts and not increased regulations or fees.

“A serious effort to tackle housing affordability should also include reform of the inflexible industrial relations system which contributes unnecessary costs to the construction of apartments.”

Master Builders Australia CEO Wilhelm Harnisch

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REPORTS general news MARCH/APRIL 2015

HOME BUYERS’ LATE CHRISTMAS PRESENT AS RBA CUTS RATE February’s Reserve Bank interest rate cut of a quarter of a percentage point will boost home building in WA and is welcomed by Master Builders according to the Association’s housing director Geoff Cooper.

“The rate cut will stimulate the building sector and give home buyers more confidence to invest in new homes and help boost activity levels in WA,” he said.

“It’s a late Christmas present for home buyers.”

Mr Cooper said the Association expects the industry to be able to accommodate some additional demand, as ongoing weakness in the mining and commercial construction sectors will allow residential builders to recruit workers.

“The industry has responded to additional demand for labour, recently reaching the highest ever number of workers in construction in WA with 152,400 as at November 2014,” he said. “According to the ABS, construction is now the biggest employer in WA, just outdoing the health care and social assistance sector at 150,000, retail at 133,000 and mining at 100,500.

“The rate cut is a reminder that there are great opportunities for people to work in construction, in many onsite and office jobs to support building work. Jobs in building are

Peter Jones, Master Builders Australia’s chief economist, says the RBA rate cut will be welcomed by both the housing and commercial building sectors.

versatile, varied and in many cases well paid.

We encourage parents and school kids to consider building careers.”

Master Builders Australia also backed the decision to cut official interest rates, particularly in the light of waning confidence in the still fragile Australian economy.

“The rates cut should help reboot confidence and ensure the building and construction industry can play a key role in rebalancing the economy,” the organisation’s chief economist Peter Jones said. “The RBA’s decision will benefit the housing market even as residential builders enjoy a solid uplift in activity driven by pent-up demand.”

Mr Jones said that with non-residential building continuing to suffer from the effects of weak business investment, commercial builders also would welcome the RBA’s move.

UNDERCOVER COP AT WINBAC One of the most popular networking events on the WinBaC Calendar, the End of Year Lunch held at Frasers, did not disappoint. Guest speaker Nina Hobson, director at Meridian Services, entertained guests with stories from her background as business owner, investigative reporter, bodyguard and champion of causes.

Ms Hobson began her career in the UK police force and worked on cases involving kidnap, murder, drug raids, vice and child protection.

After 15 years in policing, She took her skills to television. It was here she put her training and experience in surveillance, interrogation and informant-running to good use in broadcast investigation and journalism. Her most noted documentary was Undercover Copper, a series exposing corruption in the UK Police Force.

This led to a further hit series, Undercover Mum, which entailed Ms Hobson working undercover to reveal criminals harming UK children.

Nina Hobson kept the WinBaC End of Year Lunch guests enthralled with her varied and fascinating career.

Guests and the lunch supported the Esther Foundation Charity by bringing a gift voucher to help young women in need. Master Builders’ membership manager Veronica Mill said the lunch had been a great finale for the WinBaC year. She thanked sponsors Cbus, Brikmakers, Laminex, Landgate, Levesys, Medibank, Meridian Services and ReddiFund.

general news REPORTS 15 MARCH/APRIL 2015

BROOME AIRPORT’S NATIONAL AWARD SIGNALS RISING TIDE Broome International Airport has received two important Australian aviation awards based in part on a major investment in facilities to revitalise the local Broome economy.

The airport was awarded the Regional Airport of the Year (50,000499,999 passengers) in the Australian Aviation Association’s National Industry Awards late last year. And BIA executive director for projects, Rob Menzies, a prominent regional Master Builder member, also was honoured, receiving the Individual Award for Excellence in a Regional Airport for his management of key infrastructure projects.

BIA’s award was based on a $23 million programme of works funded entirely by BIA to support a recovery in tourism and an expansion into the offshore oil and gas sector. The judges were impressed by the scale of the projects. They commended BIA for overcoming complications related to the remote location, and recognised the positive impact the upgrades will have on the local area.

Broome International Airport CEO Nick Belyea (right) with executive director for projects Rob Menzies and the Australian Aviation Association’s Regional Airport of the Year award.

BIA CEO Nick Belyea said the company was proud of the Regional Airport of the Year award – particularly the recognition of BIA’s partnership with the community.

“In many respects, this reflects a new era for Broome”

“In many respects, this reflects a new era for Broome,” he said.

“Business is gearing up to take advantage of new economic opportunities, while continuing to support the traditional tourism sector.

We’ve built the biggest and best-equipped heliport in the Southern Hemisphere so we can service the offshore oil and gas sector – which helps bring more business to Broome. And we’ve upgraded the runway and terminal complex to benefit business visitors and tourists.”

MYLEAVE LEADS BY EXAMPLE MyLeave (WA’s Construction Industry Portable Long Service Payments Scheme) has received a Best Practice Award from the Auditor General as being one of the top 20 large government agencies in WA in terms of its financial statements and performance.

Master Builders’ director Michael McLean says 158 agencies were audited.

“It is a credit to CEO John Youens and his team that the contribution rate to MyLeave has fallen from 1.9 to 1.5 per cent of building workers’ ordinary wages from 1 January,” Mr McLean said. “The administrative cost of managing the MyLeave scheme on behalf of more than 130,000 registered workers is one of the lowest in Australia – $30.68 per employee compared to an average of $45.94 for each of the other Australian schemes.”

Mr McLean said MyLeave, which has 18 staff, includes 5000 employers and more than $450 million in funds under management. Ray Sputore (Decmil) and Mr McLean are Master Builders’ nominees on the MyLeave seven-member board chaired by Linda Gibbs.

MyLeave CEO John Youens (right) is congratulated by Michael McLean on the scheme’s 2014 success and achievements.

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REPORTS general news MARCH/APRIL 2015

With brickies in demand, Master Builders’ 2014 Apprentice of the Year Nicholas Coci should have no trouble picking up work.

At the recent WorldSkills Gun Trowel speed test in Perth Mr Coci took out the trophy with his work judged best in terms of line, level, plumb and height.

NO TRADE SHORTAGE ACCORDING TO MASTER BUILDERS’ SURVEY A December survey of WA Master Builder members has confirmed that with one exception, there is no shortage of trades in the State’s building industry. The only area where there is any difficulty in finding a trade is bricklaying.

“Members even reported that they had only slight or no difficulty in finding site managers,” says Master Builders’ housing director Geoff Cooper. “Project managers, office staff, labourers, carpenters, scaffolders, electricians and painters all seem readily available.”

WA members, who were participating in Master Builders Australia’s National Survey of Building and Construction, also reported that, looking ahead, they expected no change in industry conditions.

Nationally, there were no areas of significant difficulties in finding trades, even though the labour market is tightening overall. Australiawide, the survey shows more jobs are set to be created by the industry in 2015 as building activity continues to strengthen and confidence in the sector grows.

“Master Builders Australia’s National Survey shows employer hiring intentions rose in the December quarter 2014 to their highest level since before the Global Financial Crisis as builders indicate their intentions to hire more staff and subcontractors,” Master Builders’ Australia’s chief economist Peter Jones said.

“The industry is on track to provide more job opportunities for young people as the index measuring builders’ intentions to take on apprentices lifted in the December quarter to a seven-year high,” he said. “A third of respondents plan to put on more apprentices in the next six months. It’s a clear and positive signal that the building and construction industry is creating more jobs and career opportunities in one of the nation’s key growth industries.”

Mr Jones said that to ensure the increased demand for apprentices translates into the best outcomes for the industry and young people, Master Builders reinforces the need for new thinking by the Government to enable builders and education providers to enhance pathways from school to apprenticeships.

In terms of building activity, Mr Jones said industry confidence continues to grow with the survey recording a sharp rise in expected activity to the highest level in seven years.

“The survey indicates builders see significantly higher industry activity coming in the next six months which is translating into increased confidence in their own business prospects

which have been trending up over the past two years and now are approaching pre-GFC levels,” he said. “The profitability of building firms rose to record the best result in nearly four years and the benefits should flow through to the wider economy as the survey also recorded a marked improvement in builders’ intentions to invest in plant and equipment.

“However, while the survey reinforces Master Builders’ forecast strong growth for residential building in 2015, conditions in the commercial construction sector have some way to go before they could be described as healthy.

Improvement in commercial construction is expected, but a return of business confidence in the sector is essential for a sustained upturn.”

Mr Jones said that with the Federal Parliament resuming, Master Builders, in its pre-Budget submission, would be seeking a more pragmatic Budget repair strategy to ensure that business confidence is not undermined.

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REPORTS general news MARCH/APRIL 2015

MASTER BUILDERS’ CONFERENCE ON GOLD COAST The Master Builders National Conference and National Awards are on again this year from November 12-14. The National Awards are part of the conference program and will be presented on the Saturday evening.

The conference and awards have been held in Canberra for the past couple of years, including as part of the ACT’s centenary year in 2013. The conference sessions include key topics and high profile speakers and always draw a good audience of contractors from around the nation. So also do the National Awards that bring together the cream of the crop of Australia’s Master Builders.

In 2015, by popular demand, the conference returns to the Gold Coast and organisers already are promising an outstanding program.

Images: courtesy Gold Coast Tourism

BUILDING AUSTRALIA Master Builders Australia National Conference & Awards Save the date, Jupiters, Gold Coast,12-14 November 2015

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You’re invited to join Master Builders from around Australia to be part of the most exciting and rewarding building Industry Event in 2015! The Master Builders biennial National Conference will be held 12-14 November 2015 at Jupiters Hotel Convention Centre Broadbeach Gold Coast, a fully appointed one stop conference venue with over 540 superbly appointed accommodation rooms with easy access to beaches, restaurants, shopping centres, Theme Parks and attractions.

Wilhelm Harnisch Chief Executive Officer

The National Conference ‘Building Australia’ will deliver a comprehensive program of high profile speakers that will examine the building industry outlook and topics relevant to today’s building and construction industry. The conference includes a fully incorporated partners program, an exhibition and an exciting social program.

Register your interest online at www.masterbuilders.com.au

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REPORTS general news MARCH/APRIL 2015

The MATES Standby Response Service was launched in Perth late in January.

MATES LAUNCH STANDBY RESPONSE SERVICE PROGRAM MATES In Construction WA, with United Synergies, has launched the MATES Standby Response Service, a pilot project in Perth aimed at providing coordinated support and assistance for people affected by suicide within the WA construction industry or those in the industry who have been affected by a suicide elsewhere.

The service, to be delivered by MATES In Construction WA, has been initiated in response to an identified need and will complement the ongoing suicide prevention services and training delivered by MIC WA to the WA construction industry.

MATES in Construction has a long-standing relationship with United Synergies in Queensland, utilising the Living Works Suicide Prevention model and associated training programs to strengthen the level of support available to people at risk of - or having been affected by suicide. United Synergies approached MATES In Construction WA to deliver the StandBy Response Service in WA, a move that has the support of the Mental Health Commission.

The StandBy Response Service was developed by United Synergies in 2002 and is now recognised as one of Australia’s leading programs.

It operates in all Australian states and aims to provide readily available links to support and services by providing a 24-hour crisis mobile line, local critical response teams, community and support services referral pathways, follow up contacts and links to other support that might benefit people affected by suicide. Liam Cubbage from MATES In Construction WA is the newly appointed coordinator of the Standby Response Service. He is working with local community service providers Anglicare and Lifeline to coordinate the project’s Crisis Response Team.

If you or someone you know in the WA construction industry has been affected by suicide, you can contact the Standby Response Service on the crisis mobile number 0409 996 260 to request help.

ABOLITION OF VICTORIAN BUILDING CODE “PUZZLING” Richard Calver

The Victorian Labor Government’s abolition of the State’s Building Code will unnecessarily increase the costs of community infrastructure, according to Master Builders Australia.

“In its comprehensive and independent review of public infrastructure completed in July 2014, the Productivity Commission found that the disciplines that the Victorian Code applied were the best practice model for getting taxpayers value for money,” Master Builders’ acting CEO Richard Calver says.

“After a thorough and well researched review of workplace relations in the construction industry, the Productivity Commission found that the most promising policy approach is for Australian governments to use their substantial purchasing power as a countervailing measure against conduct that leads to high costs, sweetheart deals, coercion, sham contracting and poor safety practices,” he said.

The inquiry found that governments could achieve this through adopting guidelines modelled on those of the Victorian Government, which covered all the undesirable conduct. Recommendation 13.1 of the Final Report stated: “Australian, State and Territory governments should adopt codes and guidelines with an essentially similar framework to the Victorian Code of Practice for the Building and Construction Industry for their own major infrastructure purchases. The Australian Government should require compliance with these guidelines as a precondition for any infrastructure funds it provides to State and Territory Governments.”

“The abolition of the Victorian Code in the face of the findings of the Productivity Commission and the recommendation that it be adopted nation-wide is as disappointing as it is puzzling,” Mr Calver said.

general news REPORTS 21 MARCH/APRIL 2015

ROO AT MASTER BUILDERS

PERKINS IN NATIONAL ROLE Bunbury builder Dan Perkins has been re-elected deputy president of Master Builders Australia.

The WA past president has served on the national board since 2003, previously has held the treasurer’s position and currently is chair of the national training committee. The re-appointment came at the national board meeting in Canberra in November with Victorian Trevor Evans also reelected as president. Phil Storey from the Northern Territory is treasurer.

Mr Perkins (right) is pictured at the Master Builders National Excellence in Building and Construction Awards at Parliament House together with (l-r) immediate past president Peter Kennedy, board member Derek Pingel (Queensland), CEO Wilhelm Harnisch, Trevor Evans and Employment Minister Senator Eric Abetz.

Former West Coast Eagles champion footballer Peter Matera, nicknamed Roo in his heyday, visited Master Builders’ head office in December. Mr Matera, pictured with Association director Michael McLean, is part of the Matera Group and is keen to get Master Builders’ support for his Matera Foundation, established to provide and promote job opportunities in the building industry for indigenous youth. The Association’s board was giving consideration to the Matera Foundation when Master Builder magazine went to print.

SHORTLIST OUT FOR FIRST PPP FOR SCHOOLS Treasurer Mike Nahan recently announced three consortia of companies had been asked to provide detailed and costed proposals for WA’s first Public Private Partnership for schools. The companies were selected from six which responded to a call for expressions of interest.

The shortlisted companies are: • Decmil Programmed – comprising Decmil Group Limited, Programmed Maintenance Services Ltd and Cockram Construction Pty Ltd. • EduWest Partners – Macquarie Capital Group Limited, Badge Constructions (WA) Pty Ltd, Perkins (WA) Pty Ltd and Spotless Facility Services Pty Ltd. • Plenary Schools – Plenary Origination Pty Ltd, Pindan Pty Ltd and Compass Group (Deltas FM Australia Pty Ltd).

Government starts paying only when each school is operational.”

“Evaluation of the expressions of interest showed these three companies have the capability to deliver the project,” Dr Nahan said.

“The project involves a company designing and building eight public schools and then maintaining them over a 25-year period. It also finances design and construction.

Education Minister Peter Collier said he was pleased the Public Private Partnership had attracted commercial interest.

“Having a private company finance the design and construction means the State

The project involves eight schools – four primary schools (Landsdale East, Alkimos South West, Baldivis North and Byford South West) and four secondary (Ellenbrook North, Lakelands, Hammond Park and Harrisdale).

The estimated capital cost is $370 million.

Proposals are due early in May and the successful consortium is expected to be announced in August.

“The partnership is a strong incentive for the appointed company to build high-quality schools on time and within budget, and for maintenance to be performed to a high standard,” he said.

Treasurer Mike Nahan has announced shortlisted consortia vying to finance, design, build and maintain eight Government schools.

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BUILDERS CAN BEAT LANDFILL LEVY RISE There are some steps that can be taken to avoid January’s rise in the waste levy, according to Master Builders’ housing director Geoff Cooper.

The State Government has added to the cost of waste that goes to landfill in WA from January 1. It increased inert waste levy costs by 500 per cent and nearly doubled putrescible waste levy rates.

Period

Putrescible Rate/tonne

Approx. inert rate per tonne*

Inert Rate/m3

$28

$8

$12

“Waste is a costly thing for builders and their clients,” says Mr Cooper. “Product that goes to waste costs at the time of ordering, it costs more at the time of transport, and is paid for again when it goes to waste.

Before 31 December 2014 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 onwards

$70

$70

$105

“The precise impact of the levy increases on the price of a house will depend on the construction methods used, materials selected, ordering practices, location and so on, so it is very difficult to give an accurate overall cost.

“We’ve had varying reports of increased waste disposal costs already, and they’ve provoked interest in this area.”

Mr Cooper said the better news is that avoiding waste, reducing waste, reusing waste or recycling it can circumvent much of the additional tax burden.

“Builders can do things such as reducing over-ordering, reusing materials as fill, using a recycling facility and fabricating materials

SYDNEY STANDS TALL The Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat has determined that the ‘best tall building world wide’ is One Central Park in Sydney. Nearly 90 nominations were received for the award from around the world and four finalists were selected from the Americas, Middle East-Africa, Europe and Australasia.

According to judge and CTBUH executive director Anthony Wood, “One Central Park strongly points the way forward, not only for an essential naturalisation of our built environment, but for a new aesthetic for our cities, an aesthetic entirely appropriate to the environmental challenges of our age.”

*One cubic metre of inert waste in situ within the landfill is treated as equivalent to 1.5 tonnes All other arrangements for the calculation and payment of the landfill levy remain unchanged.

The levy is going to get even more costly. As the chart shows, the levy is going up next year too, and every year after that until 2018-19.

offsite,” he said. “Key information to avoid the impact of the levy can be downloaded under the publications section of Master Builders’ website (mbawa.com). Look for the Smart Waste Guide, released last year. You’ll be able to find key recycling facilities and tips to cut overall waste costs.”

Master Builders is helping builders implement waste management plans to reduce their costs of construction. With the support of the Waste Authority, the Association has a waste management consultant to assist members with waste disposal. Contact Michael Norriss on 0412 295 147.

general news REPORTS 23 MARCH/APRIL 2015

Making something of a display of themselves at the zoo (l-r): Geoff Cooper (Master Builders), Paul Burnett (Bankwest), Ron ‘Dingo’ Reddingius (HOME in WA) and James Moore (Cbus).

Tim Carson (right) from Bluescope receives the Member of the Year Award from John Ripp.

MEMBERS’ SUNDOWNER WRAPS UP 2014 More than 200 members joined Master Builders’ board and staff in the stunning Marquee at Perth Zoo in December to network and reflect on the year 2014.

Association director Michael McLean acknowledged the challenges faced during the year and thanked members for their support, before handing over to newly reelected president John Ripp for some further words of wisdom and the presentation of the prestigious Member of the Year Award to Tim Carson from Bluescope, for his continued support and commitment to the association, particularly in our regional areas.

Michael Young from Westralia Homes in Kalgoorlie was presented with the Regional Member of the Year for his dedication to the betterment of the industry in the GoldfieldsEsperance region.

Master Builders acknowledges Bankwest, Hays, Hanson, MBA Insurance Services, ProVisual, Waste Authority and Western Power for their support of the sundowner.

The formalities also included the acknowledgement of members that in 2014 celebrated their 10- and 25-year Association memberships.

OFFICEMAX OPEN DOORS FOR BUILDERS The last Master Builders’ members’ night of 2014 was hosted by one-stop office suppliers OfficeMax. Incorporating the Association’s annual general meeting, the networking event featured a product demonstration from OfficeMax, as well as a tour of the company’s warehouse.

The results of the annual election of the Association’s housing and construction councillors were announced. Under Master Builders’ Rules, each Council has 12 councillors who hold office for two years. Each year, there is a half-Council election. Paul Carter (Mitie Construction), Anthony Chillino (Pyramid Constructions), Paul Goodheart (Universal Construction), Michael Lawson (Northerly Group), Andy Peppercorn (Australia Treasury Management) and Rory Vinnicombe (BGC Construction) were elected to the Construction Council. Housing councillors elected were Peter Bisby (Redink Homes), Ryan Cole (Savvy Construction), Philip Kemp (Alliance Builders), Ray Kershaw (Mondo Exclusive Homes), Robert Spadaccini (Spadaccini Homes) and Michael Vermey (Affordable Living Homes).

Bankwest gave an update to the gathering on the WorkPerks program, and presented a cheque to the Association generated from the Member Referral Program. The money raised is earmarked to assist in promoting apprenticeships.

Sponsors of the event, Hanson, Cbus, WA Mechanical Services and MBA Insurance Services were all on hand to have one-on-one chats with members about the services they offer.

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REPORTS branches MARCH/APRIL 2015

BRANCH LEADERS GET THE CHOP Albany-Great Southern Branch chairman Luke Leeder and vice chairman Andrew Holmes traded their organisational skills for a turn at the culinary arts, wielding the tongs at the Branch’s Christmas barbecue function in December. The Laminex Group and Midland Brick sponsored the event and Master Builders’ immediate past president Robert Shaw made a surprise guest appearance. Presentations were made to Greg Leeder Homes and Tectonics Construction Group recognising the firms’ long term memberships.

Pictured enjoying the evening are Denise Amato and Marina Holmes.

DISPLAY VILLAGE OPENS IN ALBANY The Oyster Harbour Display Village, a first for Albany, was officially opened to the public late in 2014. The development is currently the only master-planned community in Albany with features including a lake at the entry to the estate and well maintained parklands and walkways.

Master Builders’ Albany-Great Southern regional manager Linda Gibbs says the developers Heath Development Company have spent considerable time and energy to involve local builders in the venture and the participants – Schlager Homes, Pocock Building Company, Home Group WA, WA Country Builders and Ryde Building Company – are all Master Builder members.

The village’s six display homes have delivered new trends and something for all budgets.

The homes have been so popular that two sold prior to the opening. Further development of the estate, including new parkways, will commence around the middle of the year with two more stages. The natural creek-line will be revegetated with rockwork, native shrubs and rushes and will carry winter waters to the natural wetland at the end of the estate.

Albany MLA Peter Watson (left) with Heath Development Company’s Brian Newman at the opening of the display village.

The village was opened by Brian Newman of Heath Development Company and local Parliamentarian Peter Watson.

The Oyster Harbour Display Village is a first for Albany.

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REPORTS branches MARCH/APRIL 2015

CONTRACTORS TURN OUT FOR RACE DAY The Master Builders Great Southern Tradies’ Day at the Races in mid-December has proved to be a great success. The seven-event program at the Albany Racing Club’s Percy Spenser Racecourse attracted a good crowd in warm weather and under clear skies.

Great Southern regional manager Linda Gibbs reports that in addition to the racing, there was plenty of tasty food to be had and entertainment provided by Geoff Waldeck. She said some canny Branch members were extremely successful in picking winners while others were satisfied simply to enjoy the fun.

The Association sponsored the first race, the Master Builders Association Handicap over 1400 metres, with other races sponsored by Matador Ceilings, Ryde Building Company, Schlager Homes, Ranbuild Great Southern, Tectonics Construction Group and Albany Garage Doors.

Some of the ladies checking out the form at the Great Southern race day.

BUILDERS CONFRONT CHANGING FACE OF BUSINESS He said business lifecycles are being concertinaed. A typical corporation, big or small, needs to reinvent itself at intervals of some three years. Products and some processes become obsolete within 18 months and Mr Urquhart pointed out that with mobile phones, for example, redundancy can occur within six weeks.

Mr Urquhart said that for those who embrace change, the rewards are substantial. A new way of thinking is required, as well as a new way of doing business. Market forces, often non-competitor based, are necessitating the review, refinement and development of all key aspects of business.

Pictured at the Barry Urquhart breakfast are (l-r) Master Builders’ Bunbury-South West Branch chairman John Buckingham, Association regional manager Geoff Bosustow and Branch member John Hovey.

More than 40 people, mostly from the building and construction industry, attended breakfast at the Lighthouse Beach resort in Bunbury recently to hear internationally recognised keynote speaker, business analyst and author Barry Urquhart talk on the changing face of business.

He told the audience that the dynamics of the contemporary marketplace have an impact on everyone, leading to the need for self-initiated change to ensure sustainable competitive advantages can be achieved.

Foremost among external factors are industry structural change, supply chain progression, evolution in brand marketing and growth and fracturing of local area marketing. Most business leaders recognise and accept the need for change, Mr Urquhart said. Few appreciate the quantum nature and rapidity of that change.

ADVERTORIAL 27

MARCH/APRIL 2015

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.

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REPORTS branches MARCH/APRIL 2015

SMART WASTE GUIDE LAUNCHED IN SOUTH WEST In a first for the region, Master Builders has released a South West edition of the Smart Waste Guide to help local residential and commercial builders and subcontractors reduce construction waste and cut costs.

The guide includes information on how to avoid wasting money on landfill disposal, cut unnecessary transport costs and reduce purchasing costs. Master Builders’ waste reduction consultant Michael Norriss recently presented the new guide to 30 business leaders in the fields of building, recycling, demolition and waste management at the Association’s training and function centre in Bunbury.

The Association’s Bunbury-South West regional manager Geoff Bosustow said the guide included a list of recycling facilities and bin contractors in the South West.

“There is a lot builders and subcontractors can do to avoid waste being disposed to landfill,” he said. “All through the guide, we’ve included practical examples of recycling from our award entrants, showing what already is being done. The guide will give our members lots of information on how to go about cutting waste.”

The guide includes information for residential and commercial builders and their subcontractors. Mr Bosustow said there are additional benefits for contractors in reducing waste.

Master Builders’ marketing manager Kelly Dewar-Matusik and the Association’s waste reduction consultant Michael Norriss at the launch of the South West Waste Management Guide.

“It helps create a safer workplace,” he said, “and shows environmental responsibility and helps avoid future punitive environmental regulation.”

Mr Bosustow acknowledged the Waste Authority for its support in producing the guide.

The Authority and Master Builders are working to increase the recycling or reuse of waste in WA to reduce the proportion of waste going to landfill from 60 per cent to 40 per cent.

The Association, with the Authority’s support, also has introduced a recycling award to the Master Builders Bankwest South West Building Excellence Awards. The award recognises contractors that are succeeding in cutting waste in the region. BGC won the inaugural award in 2014 for the management of its Bunbury CBD mixed use development in Victoria Street.

Mr Norriss also is available to assist builders and subcontractors with information on recycling. Email wasteless@mbawa.com.

The initiative is financially supported through the Waste Authority’s Waste Avoidance and Recovery Account.

SUNDOWNER WINDS UP WORKING GROUP’S YEAR Master Builders’ Geraldton Midwest Branch-City of Geraldton working group recently wrapped up its 2014 program with a meeting at the Association’s Walton Close premises followed by a members’ sundowner in the products showroom. The working group was formed in 2007 with the amalgamation of the Greenough Shire and the City. It meets on a regular basis to discuss and resolve issues of concern and to consider new legislation and regulation.

Pictured at the sundowner are (l-r) Dave Gibson, Anely Conti and Lloyd Evans.

branches REPORTS 29 MARCH/APRIL 2015

SUCCESS FOR YOUNG MIDWEST STARS Midwest painting apprentice Andrew Hunter, who was named Geraldton Midwest Building Excellence Awards Kevin Giudice Apprentice of the Year in October took a step up in November when he was named the State’s Regional Apprentice of the Year at the annual Master Builders Apprentice Awards in Perth.

Master Builders Geraldton Midwest Branch regional manager Di Gilleland says Mr Hunter’s keenness to learn and strong work ethic made him a cut above other nominees. He won $350 and a framed certificate sponsored by the Construction Training Fund.

Also at the Apprentice Awards, Georgia Raven from WA Country Builders (Geraldton) was a finalist for the prestigious Ric New Rising Star named after the Midland Brick founder and awarded to a high achiever aged up to 25 who demonstrates outstanding potential, work ethic and commitment to WA’s building industry.

Andrew Hunter was named Regional Apprentice of the Year at November’s Apprentice Awards. He is pictured with Construction Training Fund executive director Ralph Dawson.

Ric New Rising Star finalist Georgia Raven with Di Gilleland at the Apprentice of the Year Awards.

“Georgia is the youngest entrant to have ever been considered for this award,” Ms Gilleland said. “It is a credit to her at such a young age, so just watch this space.”

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.

30

REPORTS branches MARCH/APRIL 2015

GOLDEN KALGOORLIE CHRISTMAS EVENING Kalgoorlie Master Builder members and partners got together for Christmas celebrations in December at the newly renovated Spanish house of Goldfields-Esperance Branch chairman Michael Young.

The Association’s Kalgoorlie regional liaison officer Colleen Jamieson reports that the members’ party came together for a evening of big boys’ Jenga before sitting down to a good old barbecue dinner and Secret Santa presents.

“The evening was topped off with perfect weather, a full moon, great company and some old tunes from the eighties,” Ms Jamieson said. She thanked Skillhire for sponsoring the evening.

Rob Menzies, a great supporter of Master Builders in Broome and the North West, also has received recognition for his work in improving the town’s international airport.

TOP AIRPORT HONOUR TO BROOME’S MENZIES

Getting down to the serious side of Christmas celebrations.

Prominent Broome Master Builder member Rob Menzies has won the Individual Award for Excellence in a Regional Airport at February’s Australian Aviation Associations Awards.

Mr Menzies, Broome International Airport’s executive director for projects, received the award for his role in managing a $23 million program of works at the airport.

The award recognises Mr Menzies’ contribution in delivering projects designed to upgrade the airport so Broome can benefit from new economic opportunities, while continuing to support the traditional tourism sector.

Jenga, Kalgoorlie builders’ style.

Broome International Airport CEO Nick Belyea says Mr Menzies, who has been with the airport for 15 years, has been a terrific contributor to its development.

“Rob is a tireless worker with boundless energy,” Mr Belyea said. “He’s focused on delivering a world class facility to serve the Broome community and ensuring the airport is optimised to capture business opportunities for the region.”

The award recognises works including upgrades to the terminal building, continued development of Broome’s world class heliport facility and refurbishment of the runway. The projects created substantial employment opportunities, with the runway works alone creating more than 50 jobs during construction. Long term, the projects will deliver development opportunities in both tourism and the offshore oil and gas industry.

PROSPECTIVE TRADIES REWARDED Master Builders and Skillhire were on hand for Geraldton Senior College’s graduation ceremony in November to present students Jake Williams, Joshua Zanotti and Patrick Brimson with Vocational Education and Training in Schools Encouragement Awards.

The Encouragement Awards were introduced for the first time, and announced, at Master Builders’ Geraldton Midwest Building Excellence Awards in October. They reward year 11 and 12 students for their studies in the Certificate II in Building and Construction (Pathway Trades).

John Reagan (Skillhire) and Master Builders’ regional manager Di Gilleland attended the graduation ceremony and presented plaques to the winners. Skillhire and Construction Training Fund sponsored the awards.

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UPDATES building business MARCH/APRIL 2015

MOBILE FOR CONSTRUCTION HAS JUST STEPPED UP Construction is competitive and efficiency is a must.

With technology progressing so fast, almost every construction company is using software of one kind or another to help streamline business and make running the business easier. Now, the next generation of business streamlining has become available – mobile technology.

Beyond using mobile phones for calls, emails and possibly a mobile version of your accounting software, mobile phones have not been used to their full potential for time-saving and risk-mitigation in construction. Until now!

Construction apps that link directly with ERP software At a certain point of growth, almost every construction company will implement an ERP software solution. This type of software is an organisation-wide solution that brings the operational and financial arms of the business together with the project and services sides. It is a large-scale software solution that streamlines and integrates all aspects of the business from project management to payroll to forecasting to business intelligence reporting and much more. It is a must for large construction, project and service companies for risk reduction, efficiency improvement and information management that enables informed business decisions, improved control and improvements to margins and cash flow.

Until recently, ERP software was the crème-dela-crème of construction company intelligence.

Mobile technology has stepped up and now can link ERP software to field technicians. But what is so useful about this?

Resource scheduling and time sheets Using new mobile apps, project and service managers are able to verify the availability and location of their staff and subcontractors, allocating resources and work accordingly.

By transmitting the job sheet information from the ERP system to the mobile construction app, you are able to receive data on real-time jobs, complete or flag work in-progress and submit timesheets. Timesheets are sent back to the ERP from the team’s mobile phones and uploaded with job cost codes automatically embedded. Each time sheet, of course, is able to be approved or queried by the paymaster from within the ERP software.

Capture job information as it happens On receipt and confirmation of the job detail and brief, field technicians can use new mobile apps

to confirm their availability, verify job numbers and check site locations via an interactive map.

Job tracking notes are easily recorded via the mobile app and logged directly against the job numbers. Using the mobile app, field operatives also can capture and electronically mark-up photos (e.g. job defects, faulty equipment or additional stock needed or used) providing users with photographic evidence of work performed and notation of risks and actions.

Capturing short videos is also possible for similar reasons. Photos and videos then are recorded against the job to which they relate in the ERP software.

Stock and purchase orders Using a mobile app, field technicians can record directly and submit detail about additional goods purchased over the counter for a job in hand. In line with the company’s purchasing approval processes, this detail is logged against the job number remotely and transitioned back to the ERP system for final authorisation and reconciliation. The new mobile apps also enable stock requisitions detailing stock consumed from field technicians own vehicles while on site. The stock requisition is then processed back into the ERP system, recorded directly against the job for billing purposes and recognised within the company’s inventory systems.

Workplace health and safety forms Depending on the job requirements and site, applicable forms can be available for field technicians through the mobile app. This means that everything is at their fingertips and that technicians do not need to go to the office to fill out the required documentation. It also ensures that all forms are stored against the job and field technician’s profile for easy access when required.

Data integrity New mobile apps for construction provide rock-solid finance and data transactions.

The program used to move private company information from the mobile app to the ERP software is secure and robust. By streamlining, refining and orchestrating the quality of in- and

outbound data, recipients remain confident in the integrity and accuracy of financial data and indeed the timely manner in which job records, timesheets, purchase orders, reports and invoices are documented and processed.

While the need for secure, instant information direct from the job site has been something that construction companies have been after for some time, these new generation mobile apps appear to be the first that are commercially available. Some large companies previously have had to contract the building of their own in-house app for reasons such as reduction of construction disputes, improvement in information accuracy and more efficient billing processes. Now companies requiring such commercial grade apps can have what they need without the cost and risk of in-house app development.

For more information on how construction apps are helping companies improve efficiency and reduce risk, contact LEVESYS on 07 3004 6100 or at info@levesys.com.

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34

UPDATES building business MARCH/APRIL 2015

PROPOSED CHANGES TO TAXATION OF EMPLOYEE SHARE SCHEMES Following release of its Industry Innovation and Competitiveness Agenda in October, the Federal Government has released Exposure Draft legislation proposing changes to the income tax treatment of Employee Share Schemes. The changes are intended to apply from 1 July.

While some changes are aimed specifically at encouraging start-up companies to offer employees ownership in the business, other changes apply to all companies, and will have a broader impact on how employers use ESS as incentives.

Cory Beat

ESS overview and current rules Offering remuneration to employees via an ESS is one way of aligning an employee’s (or director’s) goals with the organisation’s goals in a cash flow effective manner. This is particularly useful for start-up companies, or any other company looking to conserve cash flow while providing benefits to employees.

The ESS regime seeks to tax employees where they receive shares, options or other rights to acquire shares in the employer (or related)

company, at a discount to their market value.

The employee is assessed on the discount at their marginal tax rate.

Currently the timing of when the discount is included in the employee’s assessable income depends on the terms of the ESS. Generally speaking, where the share, option or other right is not subject to forfeiture, the employee is assessed up front (that is, on receipt). Where the share, option or right is subject to a “real risk of forfeiture” in the hands of the employee, the taxing point is generally deferred until the forfeiture condition and any other restrictions lift, subject to a maximum deferral period of seven years.

building business UPDATES 35 MARCH/APRIL 2015

Summary of Proposed Changes CURRENT LAW

PROPOSED LAW

Rights and options will be subject to up front taxation if issued with no real risk of forfeiture.

Rights and options will be subject to deferred taxation if there is no real risk of forfeiture, only restrictions on disposal.

For shares, rights and options subject to deferred taxation, the taxing point is the earliest of: • When there is no real risk of forfeiture of the benefits and any restrictions on the sale or exercise are lifted; • When the employee ceases employment; or • Seven years after the shares or rights were acquired.

For shares, rights and options subject to deferred taxation, the taxing point will be the earliest of: FOR SHARES – When there is no real risk of forfeiture of the shares and any restrictions on the sale are lifted; When the employee ceases employment; or 15 years after the shares were acquired.

FOR RIGHTS – When there is no risk of forfeiture of the rights and any restrictions on the sale are lifted; When the employee exercises the rights; When the employee ceases employment; or 15 years after the rights were acquired.

A refund of tax paid in respect of a right or option received under an ESS is not available where the right or option lapses.

A refund of tax paid will be available where a right or option received under an ESS lapses, provided the ESS had not been structured to protect the employee from downside risk.

The ESS rules generally use the ordinary meaning of market value.

The Commissioner will be given the power to approve safe harbour valuation methodologies.

Taxpayers may elect to use valuation tables in the Regulations to value unlisted options.

The Commissioner will be given the power to update the valuation tables to reflect current market conditions.

All ESS rules and concessions apply equally to all corporate tax entities and their employees.

Concessions will be available for ESS interests received by employees of eligible start-up companies, including: • No tax on shares offered under an ESS where the discount to market value is less than 15 per cent and share is held by the employee for at least three years; • Deferral of tax on options issued under an ESS until sale of option or underlying share, where the exercise price is at least the market value of an ordinary share.

An eligible start-up company will be defined as an Australian resident, unlisted company that has an aggregate turnover of not more than $50 million, and the company and all other companies in the corporate group have been incorporated for less than 10 years. This is sufficiently broad, and should give a number of businesses the opportunity to take advantage of the concession.

However, our view is that the “up front discount” for shares is insufficient to make participating in an ESS attractive for employees who effectively are being asked to provide 85 per cent of the purchase price of the share to get a tax-free benefit on the remaining price. Given many start-up companies do not progress past start-up phase, we don’t see this as being particularly enticing for employees.

Changes to valuation rules The Government and the ATO should be commended for this initiative, although having a number of different valuation tables may lead to some confusion for taxpayers, who will need to ensure they determine the correct deferred taxation point for options in order to use the appropriate valuation table. It remains to be seen whether this will solve the inappropriate taxation outcomes that currently exist where an unlisted option has no value under the ESS valuation tables, but this value is not accepted by the ATO for Fringe Benefits Tax purposes.

Changes to taxing point of options/rights The Government considers this change to be beneficial for taxpayers on the grounds that it will prevent employees being taxed on a benefit they did not effectively receive, where a deferred taxing point is triggered, but the options are not “in the money”. We

note that this issue appears to be dealt with through changes to the refund provisions, so we question whether the removal of up front taxation for most options or rights is necessary.

We see a downside of this change to be that the discount on most options will be taxed as ordinary income. No Capital Gains Tax (CGT) Discount will be available for the increase in value of the option if it is held by the employee for more than 12 months and sold before being exercised (for example, in a takeover or Initial Public Offering. This is contrasted with a grant of shares under an ESS that are subject to up front taxation. The capital growth on such shares will be eligible for a CGT Discount on sale provided the employee holds the shares for more than 12 months.

While some of the above changes no doubt will benefit employees who participate in ESS, particularly in the start-up sector, other changes should be viewed with caution by both employers and employees. For specific advice on ESS issues, contact Corey Beat, principal, RSM Bird Cameron on corey.beat@ rsmi.com.au or 9261 9507.

36

UPDATES housing MARCH/APRIL 2015

HELP AVAILABLE FOR FIRST HOMEBUYERS AND LOWINCOME EARNERS There is a lot of assistance available for first homebuyers or low-income earners in WA. A key provider of this help is Keystart Home Loans.

Master Builders’ housing director Geoff Cooper can assist with queries about the range of help available for first homebuyers or low income earners.

This government-backed funding service provides access to subsidised loans. There is a range of loans available in Perth and regional areas.

A KeyStart Home Loan is a low deposit (two per cent) loan for homes under $480,000 in metropolitan areas and $500,000 in regional areas. The loan applies for some owneroccupiers with an income under $95,000 a year, or a couple with a combined income under $115,000 in the metropolitan area.

Different income caps apply in country areas and for families.

An Aboriginal Home Loan scheme was established in 1995 and is designed to educate, support and provide an opportunity for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders to help them buy an affordable home. The loan is available to both first home buyers and subsequent home buyers.

The GoodStart Scheme helps Department of Housing tenants buy a home under a shared ownership arrangement. Purchasers can look at buying a current rental property or other property offered by the Department of Housing.

The Disability Home Loan scheme helps people with permanent disabilities, or those who care for a dependant with a permanent disability, to buy an affordable home or make modifications to a home. The loan is available to both first home buyers and subsequent home buyers. A two per cent deposit is required with a shared ownership option.

There is also the innovative SharedStart Home Ownership Scheme. Purchasers of Department of Housing homes can receive finance from Keystart to purchase a percentage of the property from the Department of Housing. The Department will take a share in the property ownership of up to 40 per cent. Owners may be able to sell their share back to the Department or buy it from the Department.

Conditions apply.

The Sole Parent Home Loan Scheme helps sole parents to retain their home in the event of separation or bereavement. This is only available to current homeowners to refinance their current family home into sole ownership.

It is worth visiting www.keystart.com.au to find out about other loans that also might assist clients and to check all the terms and conditions that apply.

Master Builders recently has signed a new partnership with Keystart Home Loans to assist in providing information to Association members and prospective purchasers.

There is a lot of other assistance available to first homebuyers. Even though the government collects hidden taxes, it does rebate a proportion of its revenue to first homebuyers.

The First Home Owners Grant currently offers $10,000 to first homeowners who purchase

or build a new home. There is a $3000 grant for purchasing an existing home. The grant is not a loan, so it doesn’t need to be repaid.

Homebuyers can use their grant to cover deposits and loan fees in WA, provided they meet the criteria. The grant is capped to properties with a total value, including the land, of $750,000 or less. If the home is located north of the twenty-sixth parallel, the cap increases to $1 million or less. Visit finance. wa.gov.au to find out more.

When a buyer is eligible for the First Home Owner Grant, a concessional stamp duty or transfer duty rate also will apply. Properties under $430,000 are completely exempt, and a reduced rate applies for properties of up to $530,000 for house and land. If land only is bought, first homeowners are totally exempt for land purchased up to $300,000, and a reduced rate applies for land purchased for between $300,000 and $400,000.

There is a lesser-known Home Buyers Assistance Account. It provides a grant of up to $2000 for the incidental expenses of first homebuyers when they purchase an established or partially built home through a licensed real estate agent for the purchase price of $400,000 or less. The grant can be used for mortgage registration fees, solicitor and/or conveyancing fees, valuation fees, inspection fees, establishment fees, mortgage insurance premiums and lending institution fees associated with lodging the application.

housing UPDATES 37 MARCH/APRIL 2015

BUILDING COMMISSION CONSULTS ON 2015 PROGRAM Master Builders met Building Commission representatives in January for an update on the agency’s 2015 priorities. Building Commissioner Peter Gow said there were a number of significant projects this year.

“Planning reforms and Instant Start are major initiatives, and we’re working closely with other agencies to progress them as a priority,” he said. “We have confirmed ongoing government support for the home indemnity insurance framework and will be inviting input from interested stakeholders to develop a scheme that better meets homebuyer and builder needs.”

The Building Commission recently briefed Master Builders’ representatives on key changes planned in 2015. Pictured (l-r) are current and former Master Builders’ housing directors Geoff Cooper and Gavan Forster, the Building Commission’s Jane Vallance and Peter Gow and Housing Council chairman Jack Pleiter.

The Building Commission also will ensure bushfire construction requirements being progressed within government are implemented with enough notice for builders to assess and adapt to them.

Other potential activities in 2015 include a change in the building services levy to fund electronic lodgement systems and ongoing targeted audits of the building industry to verify compliance.

Master Builders’ Housing Council chairman Jack Pleiter said the Building Commissioner was being open and consultative.

“It’s great to be given an understanding of potential regulatory changes in WA from the Building Commissioner,” he said. “We will be working closely with the Building Commission this year on some pretty important topics for our industry.

“The Building Commission is going to be doing random audits on local residential building sites. There’s nothing major, but there is a concern to ensure that builders are complying with tie downs in particular. We’ll be assisting with educating builders and the regulators on what is reasonably expected.

“We will be busy at our Housing Council to ensure that we get workable regulation for our industry. The quality in building work in WA is pretty good in my experience, and we want this to continue.”

38

UPDATES housing MARCH/APRIL 2015

HIGHEST EVER APPROVALS POINT TO NATIONAL HOUSING BOOM The latest building approvals show that Australia has recorded more than 200,000 dwelling approvals for the first time. This follows the highest level of dwelling starts since records began achieved in the September quarter.

“The ABS building approval figures released in February that show 200,814 approvals in 2014, support Master Builders’ forecast of a looming residential building boom in 2015, and challenge preconceptions that the approvals growth cycle had peaked,” Master Builders Australia’s chief economist Peter Jones says.

“The slight fall back in approvals for December of 3.3 per cent seasonally adjusted came after the spikes seen in October and November of 11.9 and 7.7 per cent seasonally adjusted and strongly positive trend growth,” he said.

Master Builders WA housing director Geoff Cooper, however, said the Association was anticipating a levelling off of activity in 2015 in WA. “Our modelling suggests a reasonably flat outlook for dwelling approvals during the next 12 months, although there is some uncertainty if interest rates are cut which could boost the market further,” he said.

Mr Jones said the historic high in national approvals is being driven by the boom in apartment building in Sydney and Melbourne which shows no immediate sign of abating.

The record high September quarter dwelling starts predominantly were driven by multi-unit dwellings, with NSW, Victoria, Queensland and WA recording their strongest quarters for construction of apartments.

“Builder confidence will be boosted by the strengthening pipeline of work that will drive much needed job creation and investment in both the industry and the wider economy,” Mr

Jones said. “The boom in approvals eventually will flow through to increased housing supply and work to help ease affordability pressures.

“However, urgent reforms to remove the shackles of poor land release strategies, inefficient developer charges and infrastructure levies as well as poor planning and development programs are needed if the housing upturn is to gain further traction.”

Images: courtesy Gold Coast Tourism

BUILDING AUSTRALIA Master Builders Australia 125 Year Anniversary Conference Save the date, Jupiters, Gold Coast,12-14 November 2015

You’re invited to join Master Builders from around Australia to be part of the most exciting and rewarding building Industry Event in 2015! The Master Builders biennial National Conference will be held 12-14 November 2015 at Jupiters Hotel Convention Centre Broadbeach Gold Coast, a fully appointed one stop conference venue with over 540 superbly appointed accommodation rooms with easy access to beaches, restaurants, shopping centres, Theme Parks and attractions.

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The National Conference ‘Building Australia’ will deliver a comprehensive program of high profile speakers that will examine the building industry outlook and topics relevant to today’s building and construction industry. The conference includes a fully incorporated partners program, an exhibition and an exciting social program.

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industrial relations UPDATES 41 MARCH/APRIL 2015

TIME FOR CFMEU LEADERSHIP TO CHANGE The interim report of the Heydon Royal Commission into Trade Union Governance and Corruption, released in December, contains damning observations about how the CFMEU does business in Victoria, NSW and Queensland.

Contempt for the rule of law is the norm with union officials seeing themselves as accountable to no one. This is very apparent with union officials, on face value, allegedly breaching various industrial, corporate, civil and criminal laws on a regular and ongoing basis as standard operational procedure.

Two cases in late 2014 provide some clear examples of just how the CFMEU leadership sees itself and the union as above the law and not bound by the rules other responsible unions follow.

In December, the Full Bench of the Fair Work Commission dismissed an appeal by the Queensland CFMEU against an Order issued some months before by a single FWC Commissioner that the union stop taking unprotected industrial action on a major gas construction project. What is telling about this matter is the union’s conduct in refusing to comply with part of the Order directing it to publish the Order on its website for members as a means to advise workers involved in the industrial action to cease. That omission was seen as deliberate by the union and its leadership. The union attempted to downplay the oversight as a minor issue in the appeal but was given short shrift, a clear indication the union was well aware of its failure to comply.

This example shows the CFMEU simply was unwilling to accept that part of the Order that did not suit it. Such conduct would not be tolerated in any other legal system but reflects just how the CFMEU sees itself as deciding what it will, and will not do.

The second matter, also in December, saw the Federal Court imposing $205,000 in penalties against the South Australian CFMEU for breaching union right of entry on four separate Adelaide construction projects in early 2014. Legal costs will be in addition to the penalties. The Court found the conduct of the union officials deliberate. An aggravating factor against the union was the obnoxious, threatening abuse of a Fair Work Building Inspector on one of the sites by a union organiser. The Court found that union conduct objectionable and without any justification and noted no union official present sought to stop the unacceptable conduct, rather, they filmed it.

The Court also noted the CFMEU’s lengthy track record of unlawful conduct since 1999 and penalties imposed by the Courts with seemingly little modification by the union of its demonstrable approach of breaching the law on an ongoing basis.

This second example shows how the union has little interest in respecting the law, or any person who challenges its unlawful conduct; and it has a history of this going back to 1999 and beyond if one looks at the notorious BLF which was absorbed into the CFMEU in the 1980s and 1990s.

Strangely, it appears lost on the CFMEU leadership in adopting its unlawful conduct in the legal costs union members pay. For example,

Master Builders’ construction director Kim Richardson says breaking the law has serious cost implications for the CFMEU.

the WA CFMEU financial report for 2013 reveals the state union paid out almost $2.4 million in legal and settlement costs for 2013 alone.

A review of the union’s financial records shows legal costs are about $5.5 million going back the past few years. Most of these costs can be attributed to the union being penalised by the courts for unlawful industrial action. Similar outcomes apply in Queensland and Victoria.

Responsible union leadership would identify the loss of millions of dollars of union members’ funds each year due to unlawful conduct as simply an unacceptable waste. It begs the question: why is it that the CFMEU leadership is happy to waste millions of members’ funds for what is selfinterest and self-promotion by union officials, rather than what is in the best interest of union membership? As other construction unions seem able to work within the legal framework and represent their members without incurring legal costs, maybe the CFMEU leadership might consider that following the law is a much cheaper option. Alternatively, for the benefit of union members and the construction industry generally, there might be a good argument for a change in CFMEU leadership, or at least how they do business.

42

UPDATES industrial relations MARCH/APRIL 2015

WORKPLACE REVIEW TERMS GET TICK Master Builders Australia CEO Wilhelm Harnisch has endorsed the terms of reference for the Productivity Commission’s inquiry into the workplace relations system saying they are appropriately broad and provide an opportunity to closely examine all the factors that can contribute to lifting productivity.

FRIENDS IN ARMS

“Ensuring the workplace relations system promotes productivity is essential for a strong building and construction industry,” Mr Harnisch said. “The industry needs a flexible workplace system to drive productivity so that it can play its role in meeting the community’s infrastructure and housing needs.”

SO GIVING!

The terms of reference will require the Commission to assess the impact of the workplace relations framework and consider improvements, taking into account key interests including: • Job creation.

• Fair and equitable conditions for employees.

• The maintenance of a relevant safety net of conditions for employees.

• Productivity, competitiveness and business investment.

• The needs of small business.

The Government released the terms in mid-December and the Commission’s final report should be provided in November.

Employment Minister Eric Abetz says the inquiry will ensure that the laws are meeting their objectives and contributing to productive, rewarding, competitive and harmonious workplaces. The Commission also will be asked to make recommendations about how the laws can be improved, bearing in mind the need to ensure workers are protected and the need for business to be able to grow, prosper and employ.

Mr Harnisch said the inquiry would be an important tool in tackling the nation’s demographic and economic challenges.

Late last year, after John Setka had been the subject of damning submissions at the Heydon Royal Commission, notorious Melbourne identity Mick Gatto publicly endorsed the Victorian CFMEU secretary as a good bloke. With friends like that...

New Victorian Labor Premier Daniel Andrews, on winning office in December, proclaimed the Friday before the AFL Grand Final a public holiday. Seems the new Premier is off to a good start, imposing costs on employers by adding another public holiday to wage bills.

Master Builders Australia CEO Wilhelm Harnisch has welcomed the terms of reference for the Productivity Commission’s inquiry into Australia’s workplace relations framework.

REDUNDANCY CLAIM VERY REDUNDANT The Fair Work Commission in late 2014 dismissed a claim by an employee made redundant in 2008. A loophole in the Fair Work Act allowed the former employee to lodge the claim in early 2014. It was thrown out, but no employer should have to face the costs of defending such old claims.

LEGAL COSTS MOUNT Legal costs increasing from $674,000 in 2012 to $2.4 million in 2013 for the WA CFMEU would be a concern for the union along with further significant legal costs predicted for conduct that occurred in 2014. With the union paying out a little over $5.5 million in legal costs since 2010, much for unlawful conduct, its leadership might want to look at lawful conduct as a much cheaper option.

MUA KEEPS CASH Despite being found to have acted unlawfully in 2012 at Port Hedland in stopping iron ore shipments, the MUA cut a deal which sees it not having to pay a $1 million penalty on the proviso it follows the law for the next six years. That is, the union agrees to comply with the law for six years and gets to keep $1 million! And the deterrence here is?

FWC CALLS IT AS IT IS A FWC Commissioner (and former AWU official) has been highly critical of the CFMEU in NSW for defending an employee for breaching a drug test. The union claimed the employee had had her drink spiked and, in any event, was not impaired in driving a 58-tonne dump truck under the influence. The Commissioner pointed out the union places much store on workplace safety and downplaying this breach reflected poorly on it.

industrial relations UPDATES 43 MARCH/APRIL 2015

COMMUNITY WOULD BENEFIT FROM STRONGER WATCHDOG Evidence of the spread of building union thuggery across Australia demonstrates the need for a stronger construction industry watchdog according to Master Builders Australia CEO Wilhelm Harnisch.

“A record number of legal actions against the CFMEU by Fair Work Building and Construction in 2014 confirms that, despite its best efforts, the FWBC lacks the necessary powers to keep a lid on industrial unlawfulness in the construction industry,” Mr Harnisch said. “The resurgence in thuggish industrial behaviour by the CFMEU would likely have led to further court action by FWBC had it not been hamstrung from the moment it was established by significantly weaker powers than its predecessor, the Australian Building and Construction Commission.

“The maximum level of fines that may be imposed for proven breaches was cut by two thirds. The range of circumstances in which industrial action is unlawful and attracts penalties has narrowed in that the FWBC inspectorate enforces the flawed Fair Work Act, while the ABCC administered industry specific laws.”

Mr Harnisch said that parties are no longer forbidden to apply ‘undue pressure’ to make, vary or terminate an agreement. The definition of building work has been narrowed to exclude work performed off-site, thus limiting the ambit of the inspectorate’s authority, he said.

“Additionally, FWBC is powerless to intervene where legal proceedings have already been commenced by another party and where litigation on the same subject has been discontinued because the building industry parties have ‘settled’ their differences,” Mr Harnisch said. “The latter is especially egregious as it has potentially resulted in the union coercing builders and contractors to settle legal action.

“The Heydon Royal Commission last year heard evidence of alleged unlawfulness by the union and its officials and the Commission’s interim report echoed Master Builders’ observation that the CFMEU does not regard itself as being bound by the same standards of behaviour as does the rest of the community. A clear example of this situation is the alleged black banning of Boral by the CFMEU. The Union, by consciously stepping outside accepted community standards of behaviour, imposes a cost on taxpayers by substantially increasing the cost of schools, hospitals and other community infrastructure.”

44

UPDATES insurance MARCH/APRIL 2015

CHECKING EXISTING STRUCTURE INSURANCE: A MUST-DO One of the most overlooked insurances when builders are engaged to perform alterations or additions is just who is responsible for insuring the existing buildings and contents.

MBA Insurance Services WA state manager Nick Vernon has some wise counsel when it comes to insurance and alterations and additions.

Before and after: an Addstyle Master Builders 2014 Housing Excellence Award winning alterations and additions project in Mt Pleasant. Responsibility for insuring the pre-existing property must be addressed.

It is essential that insurance for the existing buildings is discussed and agreed with the property owner prior to any works commencing.

Failing to do so could lead to disputes, poor public relations or catastrophic uninsured losses. So who is responsible for insuring the pre-existing property during construction?

Check the contract The first place both parties should check is the construction contract. In most cases the contract will set out clearly the obligations of each party to arrange the various insurance policies required for the project.

The most common contractual position in standard domestic building contracts is for the builder to arrange: • Construction insurance to cover damage to the actual works in progress under contract.

• Public liability insurance to cover property loss or personal injury suffered by a third party; And for the owner to arrange insurance for the existing property and contents.

If the contract is silent on which party is responsible for insuring the existing property, then it will continue to be the property owner’s responsibility as it was prior to the contract being entered into. It seems relatively simple.

However, there are critical issues that need to be addressed to avoid confusion, disputes and uninsured losses.

It’s dangerous to assume It’s common for both builders and owners to assume that the builder’s public liability policy will cover the owner’s existing property if it is damaged during the project. However, the builder’s public liability policy responds to injury or damage to third party property (including owner’s property) when the builder is legally liable for the damage. Simply because the builder is performing works on the site does not automatically mean that the builder is responsible for all occurrences of damage that might occur to the existing property.

Think of the situation where storm water enters a property during an extension to the existing building causing damage to the existing property and contents. Remember that the builder’s public liability policy responds when the builder is liable, meaning there has been a degree of negligence. What if the water entered through a different part of the building, the opposite end of the property to the extension works? What if the builder has taken all reasonable care to protect the property ensuring generous roof coverage by tarpaulins, correct ties, adequate overlapping, tarpaulins in excellent condition, ample weights used and appropriate consideration given to the foreseeable weather? What if the builder is not legally liable for the damage? How would a court of law view this? The answers to these questions are uncertain and rely on an interpretation of law. You can be sure that

if the builder’s public liability insurer believes its client (the builder) is not liable the insurer will decline the claim and defend any claim the owner brings against the builder – not a situation in which builders or owners want to find themselves.

Owner’s insurance After the contract has been checked and it has been established that the owner must maintain or obtain insurance for the existing buildings, another check needs to be performed.

Many general home and contents policies will contain a clause that excludes all cover if alterations or additions over a certain value are performed on the home. This value might be $15,000, it might be $30,000 or it might be $0, but it is critical that owners check their policy wordings or contact their insurer to ensure that the cover they have in place will respond if alterations or additions are being undertaken.

If the owner is unable to secure insurance for the existing buildings, MBA Insurance Services might be able to assist.

Another factor that might affect the insurance is whether the property is to remain occupied or if the owner is moving out for the duration of the works. Again, MBA Insurance Services can provide advice for each specific situation and arrange insurance as required.

Check the contract, communicate with the owner, check the policy wordings and seek advice from your broker. That is the best way to avoid disputes, poor public relations or worst of all, large catastrophic uninsured losses.

legal UPDATES 45

MARCH/APRIL 2015

RESPONDING TO AN ADJUDICATION APPLICATION WITH A COUNTERCLAIM In June last year, in Alliance Contracting Pty Ltd v James [2014] WASC 212, the WA Supreme Court clarified an adjudicator’s powers under the State’s Construction Contracts Act 2004. The case presented a response to an application for adjudication containing a counterclaim, which provided the Court a footing from which it interpreted the application of sections 6, 26 and 31(2)(b) of the Act in such situations.

Summary The Court held that the power of an adjudicator under the Act is to determine whether a party is liable to make a payment only in respect of the payment claim of a payment dispute, which was the subject of the application. As such, any counterclaim contained within a response to an application for adjudication will be seen to be a new and separate payment claim pursuant to section 6 of the Act. Therefore, in determining an applicant’s application, it is beyond the adjudicator’s power to determine and order payment to the respondent pursuant to any counterclaim.

Factual background Tenix SDR Pty Ltd (contractor) and Alliance Contracting Pty Ltd (subcontractor) entered into a subcontract under which Tenix engaged Alliance to undertake works for the construction of a wastewater treatment plant in Karratha.

Tenix certified practical completion and, on September 2, 2013, gave notice that Alliance was liable to Tenix for liquidated damages by

reason of the delay in practical completion.

Tenix further claimed recourse to the security provided by Alliance (provided by way of bank guarantees) in partial satisfaction of the liquidated damages claimed.

On the same day, Alliance rejected Tenix’s payment claim and gave formal notice on September 13 of Tenix’s alleged breach of the subcontract by its claim for liquidated damages and security recourse, and issued its final claim and invoice.

On October 11, Tenix issued its final certification, which was substantially less than Alliance’s invoice. Alliance subsequently gave Tenix a second formal notice of dispute on October 25, rejecting the claims set out in the final certificate.

Adjudication On November 22, Tenix brought an application for adjudication following the payment dispute the result of Tenix’s final certificate issued October 11 (payment claim), and Alliance’s rejection on October 25 (payment dispute). In response, Alliance detailed its position in accordance with the final claim and final invoice issued on September 13 (counterclaim), which resulted in the balance of the payment dispute being approximately $6 million in favor of Alliance.

On December 20, the adjudicator found that despite finding a balance due to Alliance, he had no power to order any sum to be paid

by Tenix to Alliance. As such, the adjudicator determined that the balance in favour of Tenix against Alliance was nil.

The Court’s decision Alleging the adjudicator misconstrued the interpretation of section 32(2)(b) of the Act, Alliance filed an application for judicial review on January 10, 2014. It submitted that the adjudicator failed to exercise its jurisdiction in that having found that there was a balance due to Alliance by Tenix, he wrongly found that he did not have jurisdiction to award that sum in favour of Alliance.

The Court found that where a party B’s response to a payment claim by party A is to assert a counterclaim that contends that party A is liable to party B, although the merits of the counterclaim will be considered in determining whether party B is liable to make a payment on party A’s payment claim, that counterclaim is not itself subsumed into the payment dispute constituted by party B’s rejection of party A’s payment claim.

Therefore, the counterclaim is deemed to be a separate payment claim, the rejection of which will give rise to a separate payment dispute. In accordance with section 6, the Court found that Alliance’s final invoice on September 13 constituted a payment claim, the rejection on October 11 by Tenix’s final certificate culminated in the payment dispute. However, no such application for adjudication in respect of this payment dispute was commenced and as such the dispute was incapable of being determined simultaneously with Tenix’s payment dispute.

This article was prepared by Jackson McDonald partner Basil Georgiou and special counsel Matthew Lang. For more information, they can be contacted on 9426 6611.

Matthew Lang

Basil Georgiou

46

UPDATES legal MARCH/APRIL 2015

TECHNICALITIES STRANGLING CONSTRUCTION CONTRACTS ACT We might be in for a stormy time for adjudication of payment disputes following a recent review of a determination by the State Administrative Tribunal. Adjudicator Mark Jones comments.

In 2004, then Planning and Infrastructure Minister Alannah MacTiernan, introducing the Construction Contracts Bill, recognised law technicalities and unfair contracts effectively were being used to force contractors and subcontractors to finance construction projects. Things had to change.

When reading the Bill for the second time, she described the proposed rapid adjudication process with phrases like “trade-off between speed and efficiency”, “contractual and legal precision”, “keep the money flowing”, “enforcing timely payment”, “sidelining protracted or complex disputes” and “process is kept simple”. With those Parliamentary intentions, you would expect after about 90 appeals the Construction Contracts Act would have settled down, but challenges to the Act are as active and inventive as ever.

An example that unfolded in recent times involves an applicant under the Act which provided a prescribed appointor with three consecutive applications for adjudication of payment disputes. The applications involved the same parties, contract and project. None of the applications contained the appointor’s ABN. Separate adjudicators, X, Y and Z, were appointed to the applications.

Adjudicators X and Y, appointed to adjudicate the first and second payment disputes, considered the merits and made substantial determinations in the applicant’s favour. When it came to Z’s turn, he found regulations 4 and 5 of the Construction Contracts Regulations, dealing with the operation of the Act’s section 26, probably required the appointor’s ABN to be included on the application. After calling for submissions from the parties on the issue, Z dismissed the application under section 31 because of the missing ABN and without considering the merits of the payment dispute.

The losing applicant applied to the State Administrative Tribunal for a review of Z’s determination.

In the meantime, the respondent, having won in Z’s determination on a technicality that avoided consideration of the merits, appealed the determinations of X and Y on the basis that they also should have dismissed those applications due to the lack of the appointor’s ABN.

The Supreme Court dismissed the appeals, accepting there was insufficient evidence that the applicant knew the appointor’s ABN. Regulation 4 contains an escape clause: the requirement to include the ABN (and other information) is limited “… to the extent to which the person required to give the details knows the details.” The only direct evidence of past communication between the applicant and the appointor was about 10 years earlier and the Court said the applicant could not be expected to retain that in its corporate memory. (See WQube Port of Dampier v Philip Loots of Kahlia Nominees Ltd [2014] WASC 331.)

Subsequently, the Tribunal dismissed the application for review of Z’s determination, accepting the applicant did know the appointor’s ABN, and affirmed the adjudicator’s determination. There was evidence that by the time of the third application, the applicant was aware of the ABN. The evidence was in the appointor’s letters advising of the appointment of adjudicators X and Y in the previous months.

(See Marine & Civil Pty Ltd and WQube Port of Dampier Pty Ltd [2014] WASAT 167.)

It should be noted that regulations 4 and 5, through the operation of section 27, also appear to require the appointor’s ABN to be included in the response. Having received confirmation of the appointment of the adjudicator on the appointor’s letterhead, the respondent cannot claim ignorance of the appointor’s ABN. Does this mean the adjudicator cannot consider a response that does not include the appointor’s ABN? Either the Tribunal or the Court will tell us soon enough.

Since the Building Commission produced new pro forma forms for applications (Form 2) and responses (Form 4), with positions for mandatory information marked with an asterisk, other generic forms have been being replaced. However, neither new form has a location for the appointor’s ABN. The pro forma to assist applicants (and potentially that aiding respondents) is unintentionally misleading them into submitting invalid applications.

It is futile for a losing applicant to blame the Building Commission for supplying incorrect forms. A mistake by a department administering legislation does not excuse a person from being required to comply with

the legislation. (See Ostrowski v Palmer [2004] HCA 30.) It is unreasonable to blame adjudicators who follow the Tribunal decision that strict compliance with section 26 is required regardless of whether a party has raised the issue. (See Match Projects Pty Ltd and Arccon (WA) Pty Ltd [2009] WASAT 134).

This is certainly not the first jurisdictional problem with the Act. Nearly half of the applications for adjudication are dismissed and most due to jurisdictional issues. Furthermore, of those that won, about 90 have been appealed. Understanding and complying with the case law in about 2000 pages of appeals is as important, if not more important, than the 42-page written Act. It is imperative that applications for adjudication comply with all requirements including the latest unveiling, the appointor’s ABN. About a century ago, John L Woolcock, a Queensland Supreme Court judge, is reputed to have quipped: I’m the Parliamentary Draftsman, I compose the country’s laws, And of half the litigation I’m undoubtedly the cause.

Not much has changed.

Mark Jones

legal UPDATES 47

MARCH/APRIL 2015

CONSTRUCTION CONTRACTS ACT UNDER REVIEW Master Builders has responded to the review of the Construction Contracts Act commenting that the payment dispute resolution process, rapid adjudication, is underutilised, particularly in the area of low value claims.

The Association has suggested adjudication applications in relation to such claims should be dealt with on a fixed scale of fees kept to a minimum to encourage use of the process.

The Building Commission should administer this aspect of the Act and could play a part in ensuring the quality of applications was sufficient to allow adjudications to proceed expeditiously. All adjudicators should be required to share the load of low value, low fee adjudications.

• Addressing the current 28-day limit on commencing adjudication proceedings with a two-stage approach being an option to maintain the key rationale of the legislation, keeping money flowing in the contract chain.

• Providing some flexibility in relation to adjudication response timelines, given that the current 14 day limit can be a handicap in complex matters.

• Sticking with the current overall 28-day time limit for adjudication determinations.

Master Builders’ contracts manager Charles Anderson says the Association also recommended provisions in the Act excluding certain mining activities, construction of processing and extraction plant and artworks from adjudication should be changed.

Domestic building work, however, should continue to be included in the Act’s coverage.

Mr Anderson said the Association also would like to see the Act amended to do away with a provision which, where there is no building contract or the contract is silent, implies not only the contractor’s entitlement to progress payments but also requires the respondent to the claim, if it wants to dispute the matter, to do so by way of a compliant notice within 14 days. Failure to meet this requirement results in the respondent being obliged to pay up even it if means taking action to recover the payment.

He said other aspects of the Association’s submission included: • Support for national harmonisation of security of payment legislation, but only on the basis that WA’s ‘West Coast model’ was used.

• Maintaining current qualification requirements for adjudicators, perhaps with a mandatory continuing professional development element.

This goes beyond the usual terms of construction contracts, the Master Builders’ submission said.

Master Builders’ contracts manager Charles Anderson says the Association has made a number of suggestions for improvements to the Construction Contracts Act.

48

UPDATES members’ health MARCH/APRIL 2015

THE MATES LUNCH – RESILIENCE AND SUICIDE MATES in Construction WA has announced The MATES Lunch - Resilience and Suicide, the organisation’s inaugural event to bring together WA business to support suicide prevention and mental health. It is being held on Friday, 20 March at the Pan Pacific Perth.

MATES in Construction WA is a non-profit organisation formed to reduce the level of suicide and to improve the mental health and wellbeing of workers in the WA construction industry. It is all about mates helping mates – an industry led approach to an industry problem and MATES in Construction is recognised as being Australia’s leading industry-based suicide prevention organisation.

The MATES in Construction peer support program works by raising awareness of the suicide problem in the construction industry, and by providing high quality help that is easy for workers to access, including a 24/7 assistance line. The program is provided at no cost to either workers or construction

companies. However, it does cost money to deliver training and support services to construction workers.

Attending The MATES Lunch not only will provide a delicious meal and the opportunity to network with peers and others from a range of industries, but it will support MATES in Construction WA’s work and there will also be two compelling keynote speakers – Kevin Briggs and Glenn Mitchell.

Mr Briggs is known as the Guardian of the Golden Gate Bridge. A retired California Highway Patrol policeman; he spent the best part of 20 years patrolling the famous bridge. Early on he discovered that as well as a policeman, he was a suicide prevention counsellor. A cancer and heart disease survivor, Mr Briggs built bonds with suicidal men and women that helped him save lives. “I very much despise losing. I do whatever I can to get that person back over the rail. I play to win,” he says.

and the world as an ABC sports broadcaster, covering many Olympics, Paralympics, Commonwealth Games, Test cricket tours and nearly 1000 games of AFL and WAFL football. However, throughout much of that period he suffered from mental illness and in mid-2011, following a breakdown he made an attempt on his life. Having resigned his dream job at the time he now spends much of his life conducting mental health and suicide awareness talks with the aim of preventing other people going down his path.

There will also be a live auction and a silent auction at the lunch. If you are interested in attending or sponsoring the event, contact Rosanne McDonnell at MATES in Construction WA on 9463 6664 or email at rmcdonnell@ micwa.org.au.

Glenn Mitchell has truly known the highs and lows of life. For 21 years he travelled Australia

HEALTHIER WORKERS NEEDED ACROSS INDUSTRY Research indicates that some industries are lagging behind in workplace health and could benefit from creating a healthier workplace for their workers.

Compared with the national average, the rates for risk factors such as smoking, unhealthy eating, physical inactivity and alcohol consumption are much higher with industry workers posing a significant risk to their health.

Heart Foundation WA director of cardiovascular health and Healthier Workplace WA chairman Trevor Shilton says there are many positive health and productivity outcomes that can be gained for the employers and workers involved in workplace health and wellness initiatives.

“Healthy workers are up to 29 per cent more productive, can take up to 21 per cent fewer sick days per year and are more likely to be engaged with their work,” Associate Professor Shilton said.

Healthier Workplace WA supports workplaces across WA to make positive lifestyle changes

Blue collar lunch break: Healthier Workplace WA supports workplaces making positive lifestyle changes

members’ health UPDATES 49 MARCH/APRIL 2015

MINDFULNESS MEDITATION FOR MENTAL HEALTH Practising mindfulness meditation can be a valuable way to improve your mental wellbeing. Lucy Richards, general manager of Smiling Mind, explains how.

Mindfulness is the opposite of mindlessness. It’s about building your awareness of the present moment by focusing attention on the here and now, rather than getting caught up thinking about the past or worrying about the future.

The mind is like a muscle. Just as we exercise and eat healthily to keep our bodies fit, practising mindfulness meditation is a way of keeping our brains fit and healthy too. Global research shows that mindfulness meditation helps manage stress, build resilience, and increase focus and concentration. Learning the skills to be more in the present moment ensures that you can live a more fulfilled,

that benefit everyone. Since the program launched in 2013, HWWA has helped more than 1120 businesses across the State to develop health and wellbeing initiatives that focus on risk factors such as smoking, unhealthy eating, physical inactivity and alcohol consumption.

“We offer a range of services to WA workplaces, including free telephone and email support and a wide range of online tools and resources,” says HWWA program delivery manager Hayley O’Connell. “We also provide free advice, information and support on workplace catering, active commuting, quit smoking courses and alcohol-related issues in the workplace and provide advisors who can meet to discuss how to make workplaces healthier.”

HWWA is committed to initiatives that support a healthy, happy and productive workforce and a popular aspect of the program is face-to-face and online training for health and wellbeing coordinators or for people with an interest in workplace health. Lunch and Learn sessions

enriched life and metaphorically stop to smell the roses in our busy, tech filled world.

Meditation for mental health Mindfulness meditation builds your ability to be in the present moment, with acceptance and without judgment. By learning to focus your attention in this way, you are also building awareness of your thoughts, emotions, sensations and experiences. From a mental health point of view, it is incredibly selfempowering to be aware of your experiences and see them for what they actually are, rather than getting caught up in the story behind them, which can often lead to mental ill health.

are run regularly and support for regional workplaces is provided through online training resources and webinars.

To access more information, free advice and support from Healthier Workplace WA visit www.healthierworkplacewa.com.au or telephone 1300 550 271.

The recently launched Recognised Healthy Workplace initiative celebrates commitment to workplace health by awarding workplaces with gold, silver or bronze status. Leighton Broad, the Leighton Contractors-Broad Construction Services partnership, recently achieved gold status for its efforts.

“We know that it’s essential to our business for our workers to be healthy,” says the firm’s health and safety manager Michael Farmer. For more information about Healthier Workplace WA or to Get Recognised for your workplace program, visit healthierworkplacewa.com.au/ get-recognised.

How to practise meditation Research suggests practising between 3-5 times per week to really feel the benefits of mindfulness meditation. These meditations are guided and last between 5-15 minutes, so they are easy to implement even into the busiest of days. Being an app also ensures that users can meditate when commuting to work, before they go to bed or even while making their cup of tea.

Meditation is quite a personal experience, and different people will naturally connect with different types of meditation. The beauty of mindfulness meditation is that you can use anything as the focus for your attention: breath, body, sounds or even a piece of chocolate!

This allows you to practice mindfulness meditation in a way that suits you.

Just as importantly, being mindful on a moment-to-moment basis allows you to bring moments of calm, clarity and contentment into your everyday life – for example while eating lunch, having a cup of tea, while in conversation, or when emailing at work. This is what we call 'informal' mindfulness, and individuals can use it in ways which best relate to them.

Starting a meditation routine If you're a first timer, meditating first thing in the morning or last thing in the evening before bed is a great start, and you only need to set aside five minutes.

To start your mindfulness meditation journey visit smilingmind.com.au.

50

UPDATES membership MARCH/APRIL 2015

NEW CAR? MASTER BUILDERS WELCOMES NEW PARTNER EASIFLEET Master Builder members can now access novated leasing, fleet leasing and fleet management through a new alliance partner, easifleet.

“This newly created partnership is very exciting,” says Association marketing manager Kelly Dewar-Matusik. “We wanted to look for a partner that could offer our members some really valuable services which could assist them in their business.”

Irwan Iriks, business relations’ manager at easifleet has tailored packages specifically for the Master Builders’ membership and values the partnership possibilities. Coming across from Melbourne, he noticed a gap in the market and promptly went after it. His philosophy is all about delivering value and he is keenly looking forward to assisting members with queries on best price for vehicles, fitting vehicles out, servicing, financing options including purchasing outright, loans, and demystifying novated leases – pretty much anything car related.

“We look forward to what we can bring to the table, and I’m looking forward to the next 12 months where I can really get involved with the organisation and work together closely,” says

Mr Iriks. “For individuals, an easifleet novated lease is a great way to significantly save on the purchase and running costs of your private use vehicle. For employers, a novated lease provides a low cost way to attract and retain employees and position your company as an employer of choice.

“For medium to large businesses, the easifleet vehicle fleet management services come with a proven commitment to road safety and quality customer care. For small businesses, our wide range of finance and lease options give you control over your business expenses.

“For members looking for a vehicle – and that is any type or kind of vehicle – put easifleet to the test.”

Ms Dewar-Matusik said Master Builders has purchased two fleet vehicles and been impressed by the pricing easifleet secured and the service received. She added that Master Builder members will still be able to access Gold Fleet Pricing from Toyota.

Contact Mr Iriks to see how he can assist you on 1300 266 828 or email: irwani@easifleet.com.au.

Refer a mate and get $250 off your membership fee!

Simply tell us about a mate who might be interested in becoming a Master Builders member and we’ll give them a call. If they join, we’ll give you $250 off your next membership renewal*.

Call Master Builders on (08) 9476 9800 or email mba@mbawa.com and refer a mate today! * Terms and conditions apply. Go to www.mbawa.com/terms-and-conditions for full terms and conditions

Master Builders’ marketing manager Kelly DewarMatusik has announced the Association’s new alliance partnership with easifleet.

membership UPDATES 51 MARCH/APRIL 2015

MASTER BUILDERS WELCOMES NEW MEMBERS JCM Construction (WA) Pty Ltd Allblack One Pty Ltd Prime Shopfitting and Building A-Team Builders WA REN Construction Services Pty Ltd Keystart Home Loans Ace Roofing WA Pty Ltd Whyte Steel Pty Ltd DenMac Industries Burke Air Pty Ltd City of Armadale JNC Building Services John Beresford Just Ask Just Mako Building Brad Edwards Constructions Altima Construction Barnet Building Co Pty Ltd Maximize Living Earthbound Constructions Exclusive Residence Pty Ltd McCombie Construction QBC Homes & Units Stallion Homes EMDICCO Pty Ltd Imperial Interiors Ingat Design Insulation Systems Pty Ltd Ital Cabinets Mastercraft Carpentry Cabinetry Maintenance Mukinbudin Building Reliance Handyworks SS Building Supervision & Maintenance Winterbottom Constructions Dave Allens Carpentry Services F & R Carpentry Services Southerly Homes Pty Ltd Trevor Nobbs Homes Pty Ltd Loch Carpentry Solutions New Millennium Painting UI Home Improvements T & O Building Construction Pty Ltd Cap-It-All Building Inspections Provision Drafting Services Green Horizons Landscape Construction Greenline Home Pty Ltd Beams Software Cleanaway Clockwork Print Lomwest Enterprises Pty Ltd Rainfill Tanks & Curved Roofing Supplies Metroll Avenue Lighting

08 6465 4121 08 9226 3422 08 9583 5006 08 9192 3685 0427 088 247 1300 578 278 0419 918 955 08 6114 8044 08 9249 2800 08 6465 7300 08 9399 0190 08 9448 4002 0418 913 280 0409 101 134 0425 950 410 0407 996 072 08 9380 9471 08 9446 4936 08 9306 9602 0402 682 522 08 6164 3098 08 9227 8391 08 6336 6454 08 9621 2020 0457 877 834 08 9249 9211 0413 311 452 08 9437 3217 08 9303 9106 0435 588 132 0428 471 888 08 9343 6419 0429 390 089 08 9329 9309 08 9776 7276 0417 174 271 0409 111 312 0419 985 977 0417 922 428 0419 232 422 08 9965 3353 0405 791 277 0412 542 503 0448 992 003 0422 035 121 08 9301 4911 08 9454 7760 08 9449 3333 08 9321 0877 08 6498 9902 08 9371 1266 08 9365 5400 08 9841 7522

Membership manager Veronica Mill is calling all women in building.

WINBAC – AN OPEN INVITATION TO ALL MEMBERS Master Builders’ membership manager Veronica Mill wants to know if you are on the Women in Building and Construction mailing list to ensure you’re one of the first to be notified of WinBaC workshops and networking events.

“If not, and you’d like to be included,” she says, “just email us at veronica@mbawa.com with your details.

“We have a fabulous program already lined up for the first half of the year including the popular Plan Reading and Building Basics Workshop on 22 April and the WinBaC midyear networking event on 12 June.

“WinBaC is now 10 years old. It has been a very successful forum for raising the profile of women in the building and construction industry, providing specialised training opportunities, creating a business networking platform and bringing women together in friendship and support.

“One of the great benefits of membership is the opportunity to connect with others in the industry, to share knowledge and business opportunities, and develop friendships with like minded people. WinBaC is its own special community within the wider Master Builders’ community. Let’s spread the word and get even more women involved.”

UPDATES membership MARCH/APRIL 2015

Member * Member Savings Scheme* Savings Scheme Master Builders Members can save through our growing Master Builders Member Savings Scheme.

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Members have access to an exclusive discount on accommodation at Oaks Broome and Oaks Cable Beach Sanctuary. Visit Master Builders website Members for details.have access to an exclusive discount on accommodation at Oaks Broome and Oaks Cable Beach Sanctuary. Visit Master Builders website for details.

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52

Save 55% on your monthly fees with a Caltex StarCard Save 55% on your monthly fees with a Caltex StarCard You might not care how long it takes to record your fuel receipts, but someone in your business does!

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Evaluate your current business model, receive a business improvement Evaluate your current strategy valued at $990 business model, receive a business improvement strategy valued at $990 RSM Bird Cameron offers members a free Business Assessment to evaluate your current business model and provide a business improvement RSM Birdvalued Cameron offersMembers memberscan a free Business strategy at $990. also access Assessment to evaluate yourcurrent current free assessments of either your taxbusiness planning model and(valued provide business improvement strategies at a$400), the benefits of self strategy at $990. Members canthe alsopotential access managedvalued superannuation funds and freeuse assessments of eithertoyour current tax planning to gearing strategies invest in property within strategies (valued $400), the benefits of self the fund (valued at at $800), a free subscription to managed superannuation funds and the potential the SME Pathways electronic newsletter or a free to usefinancial gearing strategies invest in property within initial services to consultation to discuss the fund (valued $800), aplanning free subscription to your financial and at retirement requirements the SMEatPathways electronic newsletter or a free (valued $400). There is also a free business initial financial advice hotline -services call 1800consultation 154 245. to discuss your financial and retirement planning requirements http://www.mbawa.com/member-savings/ (valued at $400). There is also a free business advice hotline - call 1800 154 245. http://www.mbawa.com/member-savings/

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membership UPDATES 53

Secure competitive insurances with a construction sector specialist

M O TO R V E H IC L E S

IN S URA N C E

L E G A L H O TL IN E

MARCH/APRIL 2015

Secure competitive insurances with a construction sector specialist, MBA Insurance Services. Using its construction market leverage, benefit from attractive premium pricing and better policy terms for your business and personal insurances. A strong service is part of this broker’s commitment to Master Builders members. Contact MBAIS now on 1800 150 888 to discuss your premiums and insurance needs.

Jackson McDonald/Master Builders Legal Hotline offer up to 15 minutes of immediate, free legal advice. The Hotline complements Master Builders’ ongoing services of standard form contracts, insurance products and safety training and auditing.

When legal issues arise, the Hotline will offer quick and knowledgeable initial guidance. A 7% reduction on normal fee schedules also applies for members.

easifleet is the expert in private and corporate vehicle solutions. Their extensive buying power allows them to purchase vehicles at the lowest fleet prices. While these fleet discount prices are usually reserved for private salary packaging customers, easifleet is partnering with Master Builders to offer access to huge savings when purchasing or leasing your next vehicle. They can also offer an ongoing discounted finance rate if finance is required. Better yet, they can source your vehicle, liaise with the dealer and organise settlement and delivery free of charge.

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10% discount from their standard terms of business

10% - 25% off the standard price of popular items

For all your recruitment needs, talk to the world leading specialist recruitment company and enjoy a 10% discount from their standard terms of business. Contact Mark Lawton (Construction Labour hire) on (08) 9259 4513, Lee Plant (Commercial Building) on (08) 9486 9553, or Natalie Punshon (Office Support) on (08) 9322 5383.

OfficeMax is offering Master Builders members 1025% off the standard price of many popular office and stationery items. By buying through Master Builders, you will enjoy the benefits of combined purchasing pricing for the extensive range offered

by OfficeMax. For further information please phone Bronwyn Nicolaas-Ponder on mobile 0488 625 234 or email bronwyn.nicolaas-ponder@officemax. com.au

Master Builders has partnered with Telstra and Insight Communications to offer market leading telecommunication products and services. Speak to Master Builders Telco about our exclusive range of telecommunications products with genuine discounts. Master Builders also has a dedicated help desk to ensure you save money and time. Call us now on 1300 881 372 or email phonesales@ masterbuilders.asn.au.

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$400 discount when purchasing a 3 minute advertorial production Home in WA is the Master Builders’ very own TV series and is into its 15th series! Members can receive a $400 discount when they purchase a 3 minute advertorial production. Your business will get state-wide TV coverage, on both GWN7 regional and Channel 7 in the metro area. This year, you will also be supplied with a free advertorial production YouTube link to post on your website!

Phone Ron (Dingo) Reddingius on 0417 279 103 or (08) 9246 5442 or watch the show on the website. www.homeinwa.com.au

* Scheme participants will generally require proof of membership through our membership card or other verification. We remind members that all benefits are subject to terms and conditions specified by the service provider and may be withdrawn at any time. It is recommended that you contact the service provider advertised to confirm the most recent offer available.

54

UPDATES membership MARCH/APRIL 2015

EVENTS

SEP 4 SEPTEMBER WinBaC Plan Reading and Building Basics Workshop 12 SEPTEMBER Master Builders-Bankwest Great Southern Excellence Awards

MAR

JUN

OCT

4 MARCH Fit-Out Forum 18 MARCH Department of Fire and Emergency Services Forum 25 MARCH Corporate Tennis Afternoon 28 MARCH Master Builders-Bankwest South West Building Excellence Awards

12 JUNE WinBaC Mid Year Networking Event (incorporating Support Staff)

17 OCTOBER Master Builders-Bankwest Geraldton-Midwest Excellence Awards

16 JUNE Builders Technical Round Table Non-residential

21 OCTOBER Technical Round Table Discussion Forum

26 JUNE WinBaC Plan Reading and Building Basics Workshop

NOV

APR

JUL

6 NOVEMBER Apprentice Awards

22 APRIL WinBaC Plan Reading and Building Basics Workshop

1 JULY 2016 Housing Excellence Awards Launch

12 - 14 NOVEMBER Master Builders Australia National Conference (Gold Coast)

29 APRIL Residential Breakfast

15 JULY Master Builders Bowls Afternoon

14 NOVEMBER Master Builders National Awards (Gold Coast)

MAY

25 JULY Master Builders-Bankwest Excellence in Construction Awards

2 MAY Ride Against Suicide 9 MAY Master Builders-Bankwest KimberleyPilbara Excellence Awards 27 MAY Master Builders-Bankwest Economics Breakfast.

AUG 14 AUGUST Master Builders-Bankwest CEO & Managers’ Lunch 21-23 AUGUST Home Show 29 AUGUST Master Builders-Bankwest Goldfields Esperance Excellence Awards

WE’RE LYSAGHT WE’RE THE TRUSTED EXPERIENCE IN STEEL • • •

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13 NOVEMBER WinBaC End of Year Lunch

16 - 19 NOVEMBER IFAWPCA 42nd Convention (Tokyo, Japan) 17 NOVEMBER AGM and Industry Update 18 NOVEMBER Corporate Tennis Afternoon

DEC 8 DECEMBER Members’ End of Year Sundowner

personal pars UPDATES 55 MARCH/APRIL 2015

Congratulations to Tony Mancini and his team at Master Electricians on signing up their fi ve hundredth member in WA after only two years.

Jim McGinty and Debra Bakker have been appointed to the board of Access Housing Australia, a not-forprofi t affordable housing provider.

Congratulations to Boral CEO Mike Kane on being named Business Person of the Year in 2014 by the Australian Financial Review. Mr Kane has been resolute and outspoken in confronting union bullying and illegal conduct on Australian building sites. Boral is Australia’s biggest supplier of building products and construction materials. Mr Kane has described CFMEU actions as “criminal mafi a-like conduct”.

Leighton Holdings has sold its John Holland construction business to China Communications Construction Company for $1.15 billion. Leightons has decided to focus on publicprivate infrastructure projects and contract mining. John Holland had more than 4000 employees at the time of its sale. Australia’s new Free Trade Agreement with China will allow construction workers from China to be employed on John Holland projects.

Congratulations to the team at Riverstone Custom Homes on celebrating their twentieth anniversary in 2015.

John Brogden has been appointed as CEO and managing director of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.

Congratulations to Di and Dennis Gilleland who celebrated their thirtieth wedding anniversary in December. Di has been a pearl to Master Builders for the last 12 years just as she has been to Dennis over the last 30.

A cheerio to ReddiFund CEO Murray Rzepecki who is making good progress after three attempts at a shoulder reconstruction.

Congratulations to Belinda and Ray Sputore (Decmil) on becoming grandparents for the fi rst time following the safe arrival of Vienna Jane Sputore in January. Ray’s son, Mark also is employed at Decmil.

The Sustainable Energy Association of Australia has closed down. The WA chapter of the Clean Energy Council is likely to replace SEA’s role in WA.

Congratulations to Marilyn Gangemi, wife of Joe from Butler Settineri, in winning the Best Casual Staff Member Award for the third consecutive year at Veronika Maine which is part of the Cue Group of companies in ladies fashion.

John Langoulant has been elected president of the Committee for Economic Development of Australia for 2015.

Infrastructure Australia has appointed John Ellice-Flint and Gabrielle Trainer to its board.

Congratulations to Psaros on winning awards at the National Banksia Sustainability Awards, CitySwitch State Awards, Global Sustainability Film Awards and the International Property Awards in Asia Pacific in 2014. We hope you have another big year in 2015.

Congratulations to former Cooper & Oxley managing director and Master Builders’ past president and life member Max Rivett on becoming a septuagenarian in January.

Max is currently a member of the Construction Training Fund board.

Condolences to Linda Dye and the family and friends of Barry Dye (formerly of Danmar Homes) who died in January.

BGC executive general manager David Rowe has been appointed chairman of the Warren Jones Institute for Community Health and Medical Research, based at Fiona Stanley Hospital.

Bankwest has appointed Donna Dalby as state manager for business banking. Donna is a former Australian indoor cricket player.

Peter Bradbrook has been elected secretary of the Master Builders Bowling Club. Peter has a background in local government.

Members are encouraged to give Bill Pitt, the president of the Bowling Club, a call on 9473 0057 if you would like to have a bowl once a month at different clubs during the year.

Previous experience is not necessary.

ongratulations Technology Assisting Disability WA, winner of the Improving Personal and Community Support award at the 2014 National Disability Awards in Canberra in November. The award recognised TADWA “making an outstanding contribution in providing and/or improving personal and community support for people with disability, to assist independent living and to actively engage in their communities”.

Former Master Builders’ safety officer Graham Beckett died in November leaving a wife, three children and four grandchildren.

Joe McGinnis has been appointed training support officer with the Construction Training Fund. The CTF received $35 million in revenue in 2013-14 and is on track to meet its targeted $34.8 million revenue in 2014-15, helping to subsidise the employment of 3558 apprentices.

Errol Dennis has resigned as general manager of McGrath Homes. Laurie Foster has taken Errol’s place on Master Builders’ Modular Committee.

Simon Butt has replaced Valdis Luks as Master Builders ACT representative on the Master Builders Australia board.

Sarah Mennie has been appointed media and stakeholder manager with Fair Work Building and Construction, based in Melbourne. Sarah visited Perth in November with boss Nigel Hadgkiss (right) to meet Master Builders’ director Michael McLean.

Mr Hadgkiss advised Master Builders that Fair Work Building and Construction inspectors would be launching an audit campaign in January to determine whether builders and contractors in the industry had EBA’s that were compliant with the National Construction Code.

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VALE JOHN MANDER Master Builders’ executive director for a decade (1972 to 1982) John Mander died in December aged 94.

Mr Mander was born in England, and held a variety of jobs starting as a delivery boy, office junior and biscuit maker prior to joining the British RAF in 1940. In 1952 he travelled to Australia as a ‘Ten Pound Pom’. He work in Sydney, but was on his way back to England by ship, when it docked at Fremantle and he fell in love with Perth where he spent the rest of his life.

Mr Mander worked as an office administrator for a Perth builder before taking on a role as contracts officer with Master Builders. He succeeded Gordon Mann in the executive director’s position during 1972, and retired in 1982 at the age of 62 before starting a short career as a small business owner.

Described at his Karrakatta funeral as an intelligent, self-taught man, Mr Mander was also said to be honest, stoic, feisty, hardworking and loyal. Master Builders contracts manager Charles Anderson confirmed this description, having worked with Mr Mander from 1980 to 1982.

“I also agree with those who said John was a man of high integrity, and who held firm views, and expressed them passionately - and

that he was less tolerant than he would have preferred,” Mr Anderson said.

dedicated fan of The Goon Show and Steptoe and Son.

“You might say he didn’t suffer fools lightly – in fact, that would be something of an understatement. But if such was the case, it always was because John had firm views. You weren’t left in the dark – you couldn’t criticise him for failing to express his convictions.”

His wife Wendy, a prominent school psychologist and counsellor with a lifelong interest in children with learning disabilities, pre-deceased him by 15 years. They had been married for 47 years and had five children.

Mr Anderson said that Mr Mander never shied away from a verbal stoush, whether it was with the unions or even with his bosses, the Association’s management council.

Master Builders acknowledges John Mander’s significant contribution to the Association, and the building industry, and extends condolences to his family.

“There also was much more to him than his doggedness as executive director,” Mr Anderson said.

“He was a fascinating bloke, seeking after the meaning of life – as was indicated at his funeral, seeking from a spiritual and philosophical perspective.

“We had some very deep and meaningful conversations about such matters when we otherwise might have been engaged on Association business.”

Despite this searching after the truth, a seriousness in the pursuit of excellence and a keen interest in astronomy, Mr Mander also had a keen sense of humour and was a

John Mander

Master Builders Australia national president Trevor Evans is recovering well from a knee replacement in Melbourne. Trevor will be hard to keep up with at quarterly national board meetings this year.

Nathan Szkoruda has resigned as apprentice engagement officer with Master Builders to take on an apprentice bricklayer training role with Skill Hire. Master Builders wishes Nathan all the best as he is an enthusiastic trainer who is keen to enhance the skills and aptitudes of prospective brickies.

Congratulations to Dan Perkins on becoming a quinquagenarian in February. With a track record including a past presidency of Master Builders WA, and as current national deputy president, it’s been one of the most entertaining innings from a member of the Master Builders’ team for many years. Dan is pictured on the occasion of his being named Member of the Year. President of the day George Allingame presented the award.

personal pars UPDATES 57 MARCH/APRIL 2015

LIFE MEMBERSHIP FOR RIVETT Mr Richardson said he recalled an example in the late 1990s of Mr Rivett’s foresight.

“The IR Committee had invited Kevin Reynolds from the CFMEU to attend to discuss industry issues,” he said.

“During that meeting the discussion canvassed the emergence of a non-union EBA sector in the local construction sector. Kevin Reynolds dismissed the challenge thrown up by non-union EBA contractors.

“I recall Max Rivett putting to Kevin Reynolds that unless he, Kevin, accepted a need for the union to be moderate in its claims and conduct, that buildings would always be built but more and more would be built by those who would not have an EBA with the union, and be built by non-union building workers.

Master Builders’ latest life member Max Rivett, flanked by Association president John Ripp (left), and past president and life member Ron Doubikin.

Master Builders has bestowed life membership on a long-time servant of the Association, Max Rivett.

Kim Richardson, Master Builders’ construction director with nearly 25 years experience in the organisation, recently praised Mr Rivett’s great contribution in front of guests at the Association’s 2014 CEO and Managers’ Dinner He noted the Association’s rules, which provide for life membership to be conferred on a member who has “rendered exceptional service to the Association as determined by the Boar.”

Mr Rivett’s exceptional service started when he joined the Master Builders’ Industrial Relations Committee early in 1986.

A brief overview of his involvement in the ensuing years includes: • Member of the IR Committee/Construction Council since 1986.

• Master Builders’ Council of Management 1989-2000.

• Association president 1995-97.

• Master Builders Australia National IR and General Contracting Committee 1996-97.

• Master Builders Australia board director 1996-97.

• WA Government Building and Construction Advisory Committee 1997-2003.

• Member of the ATO Cash Economy Task Force 2001-03.

• Member of the BCITF (CTF) Board since 2007.

“Reynolds was dismissive but some 15 years’ time has proven Max to be correct.”

Mr Richardson said an example of Mr Rivett’s practical approach was his influence at the national level in 1996-97 in setting up of Master Builders’ presidents’ meetings in conjunction with national board meetings. Mr Rivett saw it as a way membership views would be at the forefront of the board’s deliberations.

Mr Richardson said Mr Rivett joined the WA Master Builders Industrial Relations Committee

Mr Richardson said one of Mr Rivett’s qualities is to talk to, and gain the confidence of, anyone from any level – labourer, senior union official, public servant, Minister of the Crown, Premier or Prime Minister.

“He has been a significant and persuasive advocate for Master Builders at governmental levels for many years,” he said.

“He has been a significant and persuasive advocate for Master Builders at governmental levels for many years” – Kim Richardson, Master Builders’ construction director

in 1986 at a time of great turbulence in the construction industry.

“That year, the then Hawke Government would deregister the Federal Builders Labourers Federation due to its flouting of the industrial relations laws,” he said.

“It triggered major disruption on construction sites around the country. Perth sites were not immune.

“Max and the other IR Committee members spoke about what was best for the construction sector, for those that work in it and those that benefit from it such as clients and public at large. It was not about them, but the industry.”

“It therefore makes sense that Max has been Master Builders’ representative on the Construction Training Fund board since July 2007, in helping shape the training outcomes for the construction industry.

“This shows his commitment to the future of the building industry as well as it having the necessary skills set and skilled workers.”

Mr Rivett was presented with life membership by current Association president John Ripp, and another life member and past president, Ron Doubikin.

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Gavan Forster’s long Master Builders’ career, industry knowledge and wise counsel have made him widely known and respected in the industry and broader community.

PEN PORTRAIT: GAVAN FORSTER Master Builders has some long-serving staff, but none more so than special projects director and former housing director Gavan Forster. His career with the Association and Master Builders Australia stretches over three decades, and largely centres on his unparalleled knowledge of industry economics and the housing sector. Now he spends much of his time assisting would-be builders and building companies with attaining registration – much of his time, that is, when he’s not pursuing his beloved golf or joining the rabid supporters of his favourite footy team, Collingwood.

What were you doing before joining Master Builders?

Thirty-three years ago? I can’t remember ... lectured at UWA and Curtin Uni, and also had a brief stint with the Chamber of Commerce and Industry WA. Why did you move?

An advertisement calling for a research officer for Master Builders – it was a new role, so I had a blank desk and no job description. That suited me fine.

What is it that you can offer?

These days I assist individuals and companies obtain their builder registration. I work oneon-one with these, more as a consultant than anything else.

these days. I also teach in the MBA program at UWA and Curtin – in academic circles MBA has a different meaning (that is, Master of Business Administration) but it makes sending me an email quite easy!

What interests you about the construction industry?

The enthusiasm of new entrants.

What lies ahead for you?

A good question, I’m not sure. One could say that I am in the ‘time on’ period of my working career. However, I do enjoy assisting businesses to get started in the industry. I believe that should be part of the role of an industry organisation, to develop the next generation of future builders. Hopefully, I am playing a useful role in that regard.

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

Golfing, personal fitness, AFL. As my children have lives of their own as young adults and live interstate, they don’t require much time

safety UPDATES 59 MARCH/APRIL 2015

MASTER BUILDERS CHECKS SAFETY BILL Master Builders has provided a written submission to WorkSafe WA on the Green Bill that seeks to align WA’s safety laws with the Federal model safety laws introduced in 2011.

The Bill followed a 2008 Council of Australian Governments agreement to harmonise separate state and territory safety laws to reduce costs and reduce workplace injuries and fatalities.

“Laudable outcomes,” says Master Builders’ construction director Kim Richardson, “but regrettably, some state and territory governments have adopted differing approaches on the content of their so-called harmonised safety laws since 2011. That’s one reason why the WA Government adopted a cautious path to this complex matter, as a rushed approach would not have served the best interests of WA well.

“In the main, Master Builders considers the Bill to be a modernisation of the existing 1984

SAFE USE OF LIGHT DUTY ALUMINIUM MOBILE SCAFFOLDS

OSH Act but there have been some glaring omissions. No draft regulations were issued with the Bill, nor any Codes of Practice, meaning stakeholder input has been limited.”

Master Builders identified several provisions of the Bill that were opposed. In particular, the Association objected to the inclusion of major penalty increases that reflect the 2011 Federal model legislation. Mr Richardson said this ignored WA Government Policy of 2008 and 2009 of not picking up the penalties.

“As an interesting comparison, we drew attention in our submission to very recent changes to China’s safety legislation penalties that are similar to those in the Bill,” he said.

“Clearly, China’s officially acknowledged 70,000 workplace fatalities in 2012 contrasts with WA’s improving safety record. Yet the penalties in the WA Bill would suggest our safety standards are comparable to China.

This simply doesn’t stand up to scrutiny.”

“There was no reason advanced about reversing the previously stated policy position and this when WorkSafe data shows WA’s safety performance significantly improving since 2001,” he said. “Rather than recognising improvement in safety performance, the Bill seeks to penalise employers with fines of up to $3 million and/or jail of up to five years. This is counter-productive.”

Mr Richardson said given the State’s improving safety performance, Master Builders argued the status quo on current penalties be retained as a minimum.

A light duty aluminium mobile scaffold is an independent scaffold that is freestanding and mounted on castors where the maximum safe working load per platform unit must not exceed 225 kilograms.

Scaffolding checklist • Light duty mobile scaffolds must be erected in accordance with the supplier’s information and guidelines.

• A licensed scaffolder must erect and/or alter scaffolds from which a person could fall more than four metres.

• Persons may not alter a scaffold without authorisation from the main contractor.

• Scaffolds that are incomplete must have warning signs and/or danger tags displayed at appropriate locations to prevent use.

• Scaffolding from which a person could fall more than four metres must be inspected and tagged by a competent person before use, after alteration or repair and at intervals not greater than 30 days.

• Safe access and egress from the scaffold must be provided.

• Access ladders must be positioned inside the tower against the shortest side with a trapdoor in the platform floor.

• Edge protection must be provided at every open edge of a work platform from which a person could fall two or more metres.

Master Builders’ construction director Kim Richardson says aspects of the State Government’s OSH Green Bill are open to criticism.

Minimum requirements are: 1. Guard rail (between 900 mm and 1100 mm above and parallel to the platform).

2. Toeboard (must be set up so that no gaps greater than 10 mm between toeboard and platform).

3. Midrail (set midway between and parallel to the guardrail and toeboard).

• Do not locate the mobile scaffold closer than one metre to any open edge, penetration or step down, unless positive means are in place to prevent the scaffold falling.

• The maximum jacking adjustment of adjustable castors is 300 mm.

• No person is permitted on a mobile scaffold when it is being moved.

Additional requirements • Castors must comply with AS1576.2 and must be capable of being locked when work is being performed from the scaffold.

• The supporting structure of a mobile scaffold must be a hard flat surface.

• Unless the castors incorporate adjustable legs, the surface must be level.

• Each scaffold should not have more than one working platform (unless specifically stated in the supplier’s documented information).

• The height of light duty aluminium mobile must not exceed nine metres • Maximum SWL 225 kilograms.

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ALTERNATIVE SOLUTIONS IN BUILDINGS When the Building Code of Australia was introduced in 1996, WA was the first state to adopt it. The new Code provided flexibility lacking in the Uniform Building By-Laws that prescribed a minimum of residential and nonresidential building compliance requirements. Romina De Santis, Master Builders’ technical adviser, explains how - under the Code - alternative solutions can be used.

The performance-based Building Code of Australia maintains prescriptive requirements in Deemed-to-Satisfy (DTS) clauses as one way to demonstrate compliance. Most buildings follow the DTS approach for design aspects for compliance. It is a tried and tested way of complying with the construction, fire, access for people with disabilities, health and amenity, and energy efficiency requirements of the BCA.

number of risers of the stairway exceeds the maximum 18 allowable under the DTS provisions. By including the landing, the stairway is separated into two flights containing less than 18 risers. The only way for the stairway to provide access to the upper level is to have 19 continuous risers with slightly shorter treads and slightly higher risers than the BCA allows in Table 3.9.1.

Not all building design requirements and sites can adhere to the prescriptive requirements of the DTS clauses. This is where the BCA’s performance requirements enable a proponent of a development to include a Building Solution which addresses the criteria demonstrating compliance with a section or part of the Code instead of using DTS. The BCA enables compliance through DTS, the performance provisions, through a building solution, or a combination of both.

The building surveyor must be satisfied that the performance requirements are addressed, and the design and subsequent construction are compliant. A suitably qualified person to provide an alternative solution to address the issue is a building surveyor. The building surveyor would document a report that demonstrates the proposed design adequately addresses the performance requirements for safe movement and access. If the building surveyor can show the design meets the criteria, the design is compliant with the BCA.

It should be kept in mind that alternative solutions are used to address site or design constraints for a building proposed, that is, alternative solutions should be part of a design solution and not proposed post-construction as a way to fix a construction problem once an error has been identified.

Using an Alternative Solution An alternative solution must be documented to address the BCA requirements and be written by a suitably qualified person. A building surveyor assesses the proposed alternative solution for compliance with the relevant performance requirements and must be satisfied the person documenting the solution is suitably qualified. It is important to note that proposing an alternative solution for one section of the BCA, may impact the compliance of the building with other sections. All of these must be considered to ensure overall building compliance with relevant building standards.

Case study - residential An upper level addition is proposed to an existing building. The building has limited space for the installation of a stair to the upper level. In order to meet the DTS requirements, the designer would need to follow the prescriptive requirements of the BCA Clauses and Tables for stair construction. In this case a suitable landing would be required, as the

Alternative Solutions on fire safety require the Department of Fire and Emergency Services to be included as a stakeholder. DFES provides comment on the Fire Safety Engineering Brief (the initial report provided by the expert – usually a fire safety engineer – summarising the building and occupant characteristics and proposed alternative solution/s for the stakeholders to consider), for the operational requirements for fire brigade intervention.

Other building solutions might be provided by an acoustic consultant or access consultant to provide alternatives to the BCA’s prescribed requirements and referenced Australian Standards.

Ultimately, the building surveyor assesses the alternative solution against the relevant performance requirements and determines it has suitably addressed the BCA to be accepted and included in the design compliance documentation for the building permit.

This process is not always understood. In a situation like this, solutions are not worked on at design stage. Instead, the drawings are made to appear compliant and/or conditioned for compliance with the BCA with notations on plans, that is, stairway to meet BCA requirements, and then the builder is left to solve the issues on site when the stairway doesn’t work, or cannot be constructed to achieve compliance.

Non-residential buildings In commercial buildings (Class 2-9 buildings), Alternative Solutions are often associated with sound insulation compliance, fire safety and access for people with disabilities. Alternative Solutions in commercial buildings are more common than domestic buildings and are adopted to address design issues and reduce construction costs often with an overall improvement in the building in terms of its function and use by occupants.

The building surveyor works with consultants who are deemed experts in the specific field to document the design and subsequent construction for compliance with the performance requirements. Often each Alternative Solution has a number of stakeholders including the designer or architect, builder, building owner and building surveyor.

Master Builders’ technical adviser Romina De Santis can be contacted on 9476 9800 or email Romina@mbawa. com for more information on BCA compliance and Alternative Solutions.

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62

UPDATES technical MARCH/APRIL 2015

DDA AND NCC COMPLIANCE REQUIREMENTS Since the implementation of the Disability (Access to Premises – Buildings) Standards in 2011 we have improved the level of access provided in new buildings and existing buildings undergoing additions and alterations.

The intent of the Premises Standards is to provide people with disabilities and the ageing population better access to a wide range of buildings. Improved building access affords older people and people with mobility, vision, and hearing impairments greater opportunities to access employment and services and to connect with family, friends, and the community.

The provisions of the Act are codified, meaning that by complying with the requirements of the National Construction Code, you have met the requirements of the Act. It is important to note that building owners, builders, designers and building surveyors also should consider the Disability Discrimination Act. There might be design or construction considerations that could be

included in some buildings which, though not required by the NCC, would enhance access to facilities and services. These still could present as discrimination where a person cannot access a service counter or part of a building in a dignified manner.

Important places where this should be considered are libraries, hospitals and other service areas in retail and office buildings, where high counters or the placement of racking could make it difficult for a person with a disability to use the building or part of it. It is important clients, building owners, designers, builders and building surveyors consider any improvements for visually or mobility impaired occupants, and address whether simple solutions can be implemented.

BUILDING APPROVALS WORKSHOP GETS THE TICK In 2015, Master Builders’ Women in Building and Construction program has been planned to include training on working with the State’s Building Act introduced in 2011. The first of a number of scheduled technical events was a Building Approvals Success Workshop held in February.

The workshop provided: • An overview of legislative requirements, fees, and forms.

• Tips on efficiently getting approvals – steps and documentation requirements.

• An explanation on roles and responsibilities – Council, certifier, builder.

• An explanation on work affecting other land.

• What a builder needs to know on compliance matters and obligations under the Act. The workshop was well attended and well received by the participants. Other workshops are scheduled during the year, so register your interest to attend with Events@ mbawa.com.

training UPDATES 63 MARCH/APRIL 2015

USI REQUIREMENT NOW IN FORCE “I’ve been told I need a ‘USI’ to do training?” people are saying to Master Builders’ training director Neil Du Rand and his trainers. “So what’s a USI?” they ask. Mr Du Rand explains.

USI accounts can be accessed online from a computer, tablet or smart phone anywhere and anytime.

Master Builders’ training director Neil Du Rand.

USI is the abbreviation of Unique Student Identifier, a Commonwealth Government initiative which came into operation on January 1.

From that date, if you are undertaking nationally recognised training delivered by a registered training organisation, you will need to have a USI. This includes studying at TAFE or with a private training organisation, completing an apprenticeship or skill set, certificate or diploma course.

A USI gives you access to your online USI account that is made up of ten numbers and letters. It will look something like this: 3AW88YH9U5. The USI account will contain all your nationally recognised training records and results from January 1, 2015 onwards. At this stage there is no intention to have qualifications completed prior to that date entered on the USI account. Your results from 2015 will be available in your USI account in 2016, that is, all qualifications or units of competency completed after January 1, 2015 will appear on your USI account from January 1, 2016. This is to allow training providers time to submit the data.

When applying for a job or enrolling in further study, you often will need to provide your training records and results. One of the main benefits of the USI is that you will have easy access to this information throughout your life.

Do you need a USI? You will need a USI when you enrol or re-enrol in training from January 1 if you are a: • Student enrolling in nationally recognised training for the first time, for example, if you are studying at TAFE or with a private training organisation, completing an apprenticeship or skill set, certificate or diploma course.

• School student completing nationally recognised training.

• Student continuing with nationally recognised training.

You are a continuing student if you already have started your course in a previous year (and not yet completed it) and will continue studying after January 1. Once you create your USI you will need to give it to each training organisation you study with so your training outcomes can be linked and so you are able to: • View and update your details in your USI account.

• Give your training organisation permission to view and/or update your USI account.

• Give your training organisation access to your transcript.

• Control access to your transcript.

• View online and download your training records and results in the form of a transcript which will help you with job applications and enrolment in further training.

If you are an international, overseas or an offshore student please visit usi.gov.au for more information.

How to get a USI USIs are easy and free to create online and free. While you can create your own USI, training organisations also are able to do so for you. Training organisations should do this as part of the enrolment process when you begin studying. Where this service is provided, training organisations will let you know.

Steps to create your USI Step 1: have at least one, and preferably two, forms of ID ready from the list below: • Driver’s licence.

• Medicare card.

• Australian passport.

• Visa (with non-Australian passport) for international students.

• Birth certificate (Australian).

• Certificate of Registration by Descent.

• Citizenship Certificate.

• Immi card.

It is important for all of your training records to be kept together. The USI will be linked to your name as it appears on the form of ID you used to create the USI. The personal details entered when you create a USI must match exactly those on your form of ID. Step 2: have your personal contact details ready (for example, email address, mobile number or address).

Step 3: Visit the USI website at usi.gov.au.

Step 4: select the ‘Create a USI’ link and follow the steps.

Step 5: Agree to the terms and conditions.

Step 6: follow the instructions to create a USI. It should take only a few minutes. On completion, the USI will be displayed on the screen. It also will be sent to your preferred method of contact.

Step 7: you then should write down the USI and keep it somewhere handy and safe.

For more information visit usi.gov.au email usi@industry.gov.au or phone Skilling Australia Information line on 13 38 73.

64

UPDATES training MARCH/APRIL 2015

BUILDING INDUSTRY FACES SKILLS CRISIS

future skill needs of the industry is reinforced by the Department of Employment projection that shows demand for jobs in the building and construction industry will grow by 83,500 to November 2018.

The latest apprenticeship data shows there is only a third of the number of apprentices in the pipeline needed to meet the current and future skill needs of the building and construction industry.

“The latest NCVER statistics shows that [apprentice] commencements have declined from 22,100 in 2010 to 17,200 in 2013 before an increase to 18,000 in 2014. While the near five per cent increase in the numbers of young people starting an apprenticeship in 2014 is good news, it comes off an extremely low base and is way below industry requirements and belies the dramatic drop off in commencements of 18.5 per cent since 2010.”

“The latest data released by the National Centre for Vocational Education Research highlights that the apprenticeship system is not meeting the needs of industry,” says Master Builders Australia CEO Wilhelm Harnisch.

Mr Harnisch said a similar picture is painted with apprentice completions with numbers ranging from 11,100 to 14,500 each year since 2010.

“Unless there is a dramatic increase in the number of people in skills training, then the building and construction industry is heading for a skills crisis putting billions of dollars of investment at risk,” Mr Harnisch said. “It will also place pressure on the building industry to rely on skilled foreign workers to fill the gap.

“The short term skill deficit will come as a consequence of the 23 per cent drop in the number of apprentices in training since 2010. The total number of apprentices in training in the building and construction industry has fallen each year since 2010 from 56,000 to 43,100 in 2014.”

“While there has been a welcome 30.6 per cent increase in completions in 2014, it comes off a low base and is totally inadequate to meet the industry’s needs,” he said. “The challenge is to reform the apprenticeship system to ensure our young people have the opportunity to be part of the future of building and construction.

“To achieve this, new thinking is required to enable the industry and education providers to enhance pathways from school to apprenticeships and into rewarding careers in the industry. This must be complemented by a more flexible industrial relations system.”

Mr Harnisch said this challenge to one of the major growth sectors in the economy is compounded by an annual exit rate due to retirement of 30,000 construction workers.

“This is a dramatic drop for an industry that will be one of the growth sectors in the economy,” he said. “The challenge of meeting the

Master Builders Australia CEO Wilhelm Harnisch.

COURSE STARTS FOR FUTURE BUILDERS The year’s first group of candidates tackling the Diploma of Building and Construction – required to meet the educational requirements for builders’ registration in WA – started their course at the end of January at the Master Builders’ Training Centre in Jolimont.

The course participants will attend block sessions over the next six months including taking classes on weekends. They also will undertake assignments in their own time in order to complete the Diploma and be eligible to apply to become registered builders.

Master Builders’ training director Neil Du Rand says completing the Diploma requires great commitment.

“But participants have taken the decision to sacrifice some of their free time to achieve their vision of becoming registered builders,” Mr Du Rand said. “Besides the training that Master Builders offers, they are assisted with their builders’ registration by Gavan Forster, Master Builders’ special projects director.

“The Association also assists with other services such as membership, safety advice, industrial relations, contracts and insurance services.

Master Builders is committed to assisting them from their training right through to where they are successful builders.”

Master Builders is again running the Diploma of Building and Construction – a step on the way to becoming a registered builder.

utilities UPDATES 65 MARCH/APRIL 2015

ERA GAS CONNECTIONS DECISION A HOT TOPIC A draft decision of the Economic Regulation Authority will result in no new gas connections in greenfield development areas in WA, according to advice received from ATCO Gas. Master Builders has been told that the ERA’s draft decision will significantly cut capital expenditure for ATCO Gas, reduce the commercial incentive for investment in gas, and substantially alter the current funding model for gas connections.

“We understand that no new connections in greenfield development areas will be offered by ATCO Gas because of the limited commercial incentive to provide connections – even with the customer paying upfront,” says Master Builders’ housing director Geoff Cooper. “Gas availability may end up not being promoted in new development areas.”

Mr Cooper said that if the scenario eventuates, it will be a major concern because feedback from Master Builder members is that consumers overwhelmingly want the choice of gas supply to their new homes.

“Consistent with this member feedback, ATCO Gas has forecast that approximately 100,000 customers will seek a natural gas connection over the next five years, based on current trends,” he said. “But it seems that only 10,000 connections are going to be funded from what ATCO is reporting.”

Master Builders has put a submission to the ERA to highlight some concerns, including: • Consumers face the challenge of funding their largest investment. They are not always in a position to fund upfront capital costs and recover the investment through lower tariffs during the lifetime of an asset. The reality is that consumers commonly cut discretionary upfront capital costs and gas reticulation is likely to suffer given competing financial demands at the time of building.

This will distort consumer choices due to short-term financial challenges.

• The costs of retrofitting gas infrastructure are likely to prove a strong deterrent to future investment. It is not simply a case of

retrofitting the gas supply piping – consumers also would need to fund any changed stoves, heating or other services (for example, hot water units) and replace existing appliances that have long useful lives.

• Should developers fund the gas infrastructure (if they provide it at all), the upfront costs could be recovered through costs of purchasing land and buildings. This would push up the cost of a new home in WA, exacerbating well-documented and well-known current affordability concerns.

• The ERA policy shift could be classified as a new tax on development.

• It is not clear who would maintain the cost of the gas infrastructure once a development is completed.

• There are long term intergenerational equity issues, where future home buyers generally will be forced to pay an upfront cost for capital works for gas supply – something previous generations have not been required to do.

Mr Cooper said that a more detailed investigation of the ERA draft decision is required, alongside further stakeholder consultation.

“The ERA decision, if implemented, is likely to cause a significant shift in the financing of a popular consumer energy supply choice and will distort current marketplace behaviour,” he said. “Given the short and long term significance of the reform, a more detailed investigation is warranted to ensure the benefits of the ERA’s approach to householders and industry, the community and the State are identified – and transparent – in both the short and the long term.

“Even if the ERA decides to proceed with its draft decision, a significant transitional period would be required to ensure that consumers and industry are protected from adverse financial impacts of this change in regulatory policy.”

Master Builders’ housing director Geoff Cooper

66

UPDATES utilities MARCH/APRIL 2015

WORKING SAFELY NEAR GREEN DOMES They may look unassuming but Western Power’s green domes play an important role in the safe and reliable delivery of electricity. Beneath their hard plastic exterior are live electrical wires that deliver electricity to nearby properties.

This means they need to be treated with a high degree of caution, particularly when performing work nearby. To help ensure safe work in the vicinity of the green domes, there are a number of important steps that must be taken.

security fence or gate unless the customer has installed an approved network master key system. Obstructions can cause delays in Western Power’s emergency response, which can impact the reliability of service.

Familiarise: Prior to planning any works near residential or commercial assets with underground power, always familiarise yourself with the location of green domes.

With safety as a priority, failure to maintain the required clearances may result in the network operator issuing orders to customers to meet compliance requirement.

Keep clear: Be aware of the required clearance zones illustrated below.

• Do not build over or enclose or conceal the pillar with a wall or a shrub or other vegetation.

• Do not bury deeper than the marking along the side of the pillar as this will prevent access to it in an emergency or for maintenance. It also may force water into the dome and the electrical circuitry.

‘Dial Before You Dig’: If underground excavation and/or digging works are planned in the vicinity of a green dome, contact Dial Before You Dig (dial 1100 DBYD or visit www.1100.com.au) for the location of the associated underground cabling.

Do not obstruct: Always ensure that access to the green dome is maintained and free from obstructions. The ground level should not be raised to a level where the green dome is buried. Network Operational personal require unimpeded access 24 hours and seven days a week. It cannot be located behind a locked

If contact is made with the green dome or if damage is identified to dome or any part of the network, make the safe call to Western Power’s 24/7 emergency line on 13 13 51.

Remember, most safety incidents can be avoided easily with proper pre-planning and precautions. Western Power is committed to

ensuring the safety of everyone that works near its network. If you are interested in a customised safety presentation with important information about staying safe when working around Western Power assets, contact Western Power at communityenquiries@ westernpower.com.au. Further information is available at www.westernpower.com.au and www.1100.com.au.

Always maintain a 500 mm vertical and horizontal clearance zone around all service connection equipment (including green domes) to ensure sufficient space for easy access as required. Trees, shrubs, fences and garden features such as ponds and retaining walls should not be placed within this clearance zone. Maintain a distance of 3.5 metres from swimming pools or water features.

national excellence in building and construction awards AWARDS 67 MARCH/APRIL 2015

MORE WA SUCCESS AT NATIONAL AWARDS Master Builders Australia held its annual National Excellence in Building and Construction Awards in Canberra in November with WA builders again prominent in the winners’ circle.

The awards bring together the best builders throughout Australia who have won state and territory housing and construction competitions to have their projects assessed at the national level by an independent panel of judges. Organisers say that while a state award is a great achievement, winning a national award is the ultimate accolade.

Parliament House was the venue for the awards with Prime Minister Tony Abbott delivering the opening address. He emphasised the importance to the nation of building and construction and set the scene for the evening’s celebration of the outstanding achievements of Master Builders across all industry sectors.

WA’s 2014 successes came from Barbaro Homes, Brookfield Multiplex, New Generation Homes and Geraldton Homes’ director Serena Giudice.

The National Commercial Master Builder of the Year was Lend Lease Building for the Gold Coast University Hospital. NSW company Touchstone Construction Services

National Apprentice of the Year Martin Lewis previously had been named the top NSW Master Builders Apprentice in each year of his term. He was presented with the national award by Prime Minister Abbott.

was named National Residential Master Builder. The National Apprentice of the Year, also from NSW, was fourth year carpentry apprentice Martin Lewis. Employment Minister Eric Abetz presented the National Excellence in Workplace Health and Safety Award to Hansen and Yuncken The 2015 National Excellence in Building and Construction Awards will be held in conjunction with the November Master Builders National Conference at Jupiter’s on the Gold Coast.

A complete list of 2014 National Award winners and more information on the 2015 conference can be found at www.masterbuilders.com.au

The talented Sirens of Soul ensured National Awards guests were entertained throughout the evening.

68

AWARDS national excellence in building and construction awards MARCH/APRIL 2015

A PHOENIX FROM THE ASHES Having topped the $250,000-300,000 alterations and additions category in WA’s Housing Excellence Awards in February, Osborne Park builder Barbaro Homes took things a step further at the National Awards. In the broader $150,000-350,000 alterations and additions division, its Woodrow Avenue Dianella project beat all from around the country.

The client’s home had been badly damaged in a fire. Barbaro Homes transformed the burnt out area from a series of pokey rooms, which had included a dining room, kitchen, and living area, which opened onto a nine square metre alfresco area. The completed renovation saw an open plan living, dining and kitchen area with tri-slider doors flowing through to a fully tiled alfresco area about three times the size of the previous arrangement and including built-in barbeque, sink, hotplate, range-hood, storage cabinets and a server window from the kitchen.

national excellence in building and construction awards AWARDS 69 MARCH/APRIL 2015

BIG HOME A WINNER New General Homes’ The Gateway won the National Awards best display home under $250,000 category. On show in Baldivis, the project previously had taken off the WA Master Builders $230,000-260,000 display home award.

At a little under the quarter-million dollar mark, the large home was designed with family needs in mind. Children are well catered for with the minor bedrooms surrounding the second bathroom and an activity area. Parents have a separate space to retreat to with a generous ensuite and walk-in robe and plenty of natural light. The hub of the home, including the entertainment, living and dining areas and a large alfresco, has been designed for families who enjoy entertaining.

At just over 300 square metres, the home represents value at about $809 per square metre.

BROOKFIELD MULTIPLEX’S FIONA STANLEY WINS AGAIN

Brookfield Multiplex received the prestigious President’s Award at the National Awards in Canberra for construction of the Fiona Stanley Hospital. Master Builders Australia CEO Wilhelm Harnisch said the award recognised the project’s unique design and the degree of difficulty overcome by Brookfield Multiplex’s innovation, high calibre workmanship and specialised project management expertise.

Mr Harnisch said the President’s Award is reserved for outstanding projects built by outstanding builders. Brookfield Multiplex was the

thoroughly deserving recipient of one of Master Builders Australia’s highest accolades, he said. Previous winners include John Holland, Leighton Contractors and Hansen Yuncken.

Brookfield Multiplex was nominated for the National Awards after winning WA Master Builders’ top accolade at the Excellence in Construction Awards in July.

70

AWARDS national excellence in building and construction awards MARCH/APRIL 2015

GIUDICE NAMED YOUNG BUILDER OF THE YEAR Geraldton’s Serena Giudice added yet another highlight to her career when she was named Australian Young Builder of the Year at the National Awards in Canberra. She is the first woman to receive the recognition.

Minister Assisting the Prime Minister for Women, WA Senator Michaelia Cash, was on hand to present the award which she hailed as a breakthrough for women in the traditionally male dominated industry.

Ms Giudice is a director of Geraldton Homes, a role she took on after her father, who was an inspiration to her, died six years ago.

“Serena’s journey to being the first female Australian Young Builder of the Year is an absolutely inspiring one,” Master Builders Australia CEO Wilhelm Harnisch said.

“Serena has overcome enormous challenges and personal loss through sheer talent and determination to become both a successful woman and respected leader in a male dominated industry.”

Ms Giudice started working in her father’s building company at 20 after a short stint with a local computer firm. She learnt the ropes of the family business from her father and mentor, Kevin Giudice - a prominent Geraldton building figure.

Ms Giudice became the first female registered builder in Geraldton in 2009 having already established Geraldton Homes, operating alongside Kevin Giudice & Co and focussing on the lower end of the housing market. She took on more responsibility for the family business during her father’s deteriorating health.

“Serena has built on her father’s legacy to take her business from strength to strength,” Mr Harnisch said. “Geraldton Homes has an exemplary reputation for producing outstanding outcomes for clients in both quality of workmanship and value for money. Serena has also ensured her firm lives and breathes an absolute commitment to safety on building sites.”

Ms Giudice’s award sees a West Australian taking the title for the second year running, Ryan Cole (Savvy Construction) having been the 2014 winner.

Senator Cash told the Awards audience that as the Minister Assisting the Prime Minister for Women and as a West Australian, she was delighted with Ms Giudice’s win. It also was important to acknowledge ‘firsts’.

“So I want to congratulate Serena on being the first ever female National Young Builder of the Year” she said. “Serena was the first registered female builder in Geraldton

Australian Young Builder of the Year Serena Giudice (left) with Senator Michaelia Cash.

and has become highly respected for both her ability and integrity. This is reflected in her willingness to become a volunteer mentor for the Master Builders Construction Apprenticeship Mentoring Scheme, to help improve apprenticeship completions and enhance career opportunities in the building and construction industry.

WA Master Builders’ director Michael McLean said Ms Giudice’s ability, integrity and honesty meant she already had become a leader in the State’s building industry. In 2009, she was the first woman to receive the WA Association’s Ric New Medal, awarded annually to a high achiever up to 35 years old who demonstrates outstanding potential, innovation, creativity and entrepreneurial flair.

“I know that Serena is a trail blazer and a wonderful role model for all of the women in the building and construction industry and that going forward other women will also make their careers and win awards in the industry.”

“She is currently Chair of Master Builders’ Geraldton Branch and there are undoubtedly greater leadership roles ahead of her,” Mr McLean said.

Ms Giudice said that young women are an untapped resource as so few currently work in the building industry. “There are so many opportunities out there for men and women alike. You don’t necessarily need a trade background to succeed,” she said.

National Awards judge Robert Shaw said Ms Giudice was a deserving winner. Women were a vital part of the building industry, he said, and there had been a big change in the past decade with a lot more females employed in the traditionally male-oriented business.

hot water systems FEATURE 71 MARCH/APRIL 2015

A STUDY OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS OF HOT WATER SYSTEMS HAS REVEALED THE NEED FOR GREATER FLEXIBILITY IN AUSTRALIAN BUILDING POLICIES. The research by RMIT University's Centre for Design has shown current building policies are failing to support innovation in futureproof technologies.

In the study, researchers for the first time compared the impact across the life cycle of a gas centralised hot water system with a pointof-use instant electric system in medium and high-density apartment buildings.

Alan Pears AM, Senior Lecturer in Environment and Planning in the School of Global, Urban and Social Studies at RMIT, said the results of the comprehensive Life Cycle Assessment showed current policies favouring gas and gassolar hot water systems were short sighted,

reflecting the lack of a whole-system approach to measuring environmental impact.

a "direct energy transfer" method rather than heat exchange – examined in the study.

"Our findings show there are significant opportunities today, and in coming years, for point-of-use electric systems to perform better than gas and solar-boosted gas, in greenhouse gas emissions and energy demand," Mr Pears said.

Testing the point-of-use electric product and comparing the two systems over the life cycle in a 257-apartment building and an 8-apartment block, the study found: • in operation, point-of-use was up to 3.1 times more energy efficient than gas in the medium-density block (up to 1.6 times compared with solar-boosted gas) • in operation, point-of-use electric was up to 2.3 times more energy efficient than gas in the high-density building

"Context is the key to choosing environmentally-friendlier hot water systems and this research demonstrates why policymakers should consider a systems approach in regulation, rather than following product-specific rules of thumb.

"Because of their strong energy efficiency, point-of-use electric hot water systems could also be the choice to ensure future-proofing of developments, as future grid emission reductions combine with efficiency for strong environmental outcomes."

The independent research assessed greenhouse gas emissions, water use, solid waste and cumulative energy demand and included the use of dynamic thermal modelling software.

The research was commissioned by Australianowned MicroHeat Technologies, developers of the electric hot water system – which uses

While the study found gas currently scored better on greenhouse gas emissions in coalreliant Victoria over the life cycle, the electric system could perform better with green power now and in coming decades (with more grid renewable energy).

Translating the findings to warmer states that have more green power feeding into their grids showed that the point-of-use system already performs better for average hot water use and on greenhouse gas emissions in the smaller building.

For media enquiries: news@rmit.edu.au

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72

FEATURE industry equipment demand MARCH/APRIL 2015

MEETING INDUSTRY EQUIPMENT DEMAND 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Every May, the HRIA hosts the only hire industry expo in Australia with live hands-on demonstrations

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.

“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.”

“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.

“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.”

“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.

“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.

“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,

industry equipment demand FEATURE 73 MARCH/APRIL 2015

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 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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

To increase end user accessibility, the HRIA website features a comprehensive database

For more information about the HRIA: Phone: (02) 9998 2255 Web: www.hireandrental.com.au

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

74

FEATURE pool safety MARCH/APRIL 2015

HOW TO MAKE YOUR POOL SAFER Sadly, many drowning incidents in Australia occur within backyard or complex swimming pools. Strata pools pose an increased risk of drowning due to the high number of children who can access them.

There were 266 drowning deaths in Australian waterways between 1 July 2013 and 30 June 2014. Of these, 39 (15%) occurred in swimming pools.

Ultimately it is the responsibility of body corporate to provide safety notices for swimming pools.

• Install a striker or latch to make the gate self-latching • Adjust the self-closing mechanism or replace the hinges to make the gate self- closing • Tighten the hinges to ensure they are capable of holding the gate • Oil the hinges if the gate is not closing properly • Ensure the gate is regularly maintained.

vegetation may provide foot or hand holds for a child to access the pool area.

• Fix a wedge fillet (minimum 60 degree angle) along the horizontal rails of the barrier • Shield any lattice or other climbable material with a non-climbable material such as flat polycarbonate sheeting or vertical palings • Trim any climbable vegetation on the barrier.

Although private swimming pool legislation in WA is not retrospectively applicable, there are minimum standards for barriers around private pools. Depending on the installation date of the swimming pool, barriers are inspected at least every four years and must be maintained to the standard under which they were approved.

A private building surveyor or pool inspector of the local authority can provide advice on the compliance of the barrier in place. However, the following information notes the main compliance requirements for pool barriers of private swimming pools.

Fixed, climbable objects Fixed, climbable objects include taps, light fittings, low-hanging branches or shrubs, as well as bracing on a deck near the pool area.

• Shield any climbable objects with a non- climbable material such as flat polycarbonate sheeting, vertical palings or A shield that has an angle of 60 degrees or more • Trim any branches within 900 millimetres of the pool barrier – if there are branches overhanging from an adjacent property, you may need to negotiate with your neighbour to remove them.

Damaged pool barrier A pool barrier in disrepair or with missing, loose or damaged palings can provide a gap of more than 100 millimetres or reduce the height of the barrier, giving children easy access into a pool area.

• Repair, replace or adjust fence palings • Add non-climbable bracing to the barrier to provide greater stability.

IN ORDER TO ADDRESS AND RESPOND TO THE LEVEL OF RISK ASSOCIATED WITH AQUATIC AMENITIES IN THE BODY CORPORATE AREA, THE ROYAL LIFE SAVING SOCIETY AUSTRALIA (RLSSA) HAS PRODUCED THE GUIDELINES FOR WATER SAFETY – Body Corporate Pools.

Surrounding garden beds and ground levels A pool barrier must be a minimum 1200 millimetres above the ground level. The ground level or garden beds surrounding the barrier may reduce this height if they have been raised or grown over time.

• Remove surrounding garden beds • Reduce the height of surrounding ground levels and garden beds • Raise the barrier height to at least 1200 millimetres above the finished ground level Pool gates Non-compliant pool gates can give a child access to a pool area.

• Adjust the gate to make it swing outwards away from the pool area

Windows that access the pool area A building with windows that open more than 100 millimetres and directly into a pool area can provide a child with access to the pool.

Installing window locks is not acceptable as they can be easily left unlocked.

• Fix a rivet or screw in the tracks of the window to stop it opening more than 100 millimetres • Insert a permanent window chock to stop the window opening more than 100 millimetres • Install permanently fixed security screens on windows that open into the pool area.

Climbable pool barrier The pool barrier itself may be climbable. For example, fencing material, lattice or nearby

Moveable, climbable objects A child can use moveable, climbable objects such as pot plants and outdoor furniture to gain access to a pool area.

• Remove all climbable objects within 900 millimetres of the pool barrier • Secure all moveable objects near the pool area.

These guidelines have been specifically written for operators of body corporate pools. The guidelines are based on the RLSSA guidelines for safe pool operation and contain detailed information on supervision and water safety.

The guidelines also offer direction and assistance in the areas of injury prevention and superior best practice management, while raising awareness of what is aquatic best practice to both body corporate managers and tenants.

The Guidelines for Water Safety – Body Corporate Pools is relevant for any swimming pool and spa facility that unit owners and occupiers can enjoy as common property under the governance of a body corporate. The guidelines provide generic advice and may be applied to a wide range of activities and operations of any body corporate aquatic environment.

The guidelines are directed at approximately 1.6 million Australians who are members of a body corporate or who live in a property run by a body corporate. They apply to aquatic amenities such as residential units, apartment blocks, high-rise-style apartments and retirement villages. Copies of the guidelines can be purchased at www.royallifesaving.com.au/shop.

hoop pine plywood FEATURE 75 MARCH/APRIL 2015

HOOP PINE PLYWOOD IN WALLS AND CEILINGS Hoop Pine plywood combines the natural warmth of timber with the durability and strength of an engineered panel. It is manufactured by bonding together multiple layers of thin wood veneer. The cross grain of the veneer is alternated for every layer, resulting in a strong yet lightweight panel.

There are four main groups of Hoop Pine plywood products which consist of Structural, Exterior, Interior and Marine. Hoop Pine plywood is commonly used in walls and ceilings applications because the actual structure provides increased stability, high impact resistance, surface dimensional stability and a high strength to weight ratio as the plywood offers all the strength and advantages of the parent wood with the addition of a laminated structure.

normally re-cut from the standard panel size and not always available.

Being a wood based product, Hoop Pine plywood has the ability to accommodate short term overload and up to twice the design load. This structure also distributes loads from impact over a larger area on the opposite face, which then reduces the tensile stress.

Acoustics and Sound Insulation Hoop Pine plywood is an excellent reflector of sound, an acoustic property put to good use in applications such as the internal lining of The Perth Arena and Melbourne Recital Hall.

On the flipside, perforated plywood with sound insulation behind can act as a sound absorbing lining. The most important factor determining the ability of a wall system or lining to absorb transmitted sound is its mass per surface area.

A double-sided plywood partition reduces the level of noise transmitted by around 35 decibels (http://www.ewp.asn.au/).

The cross-laminated plywood ensures that the sheets remain stable under changes in temperature and moisture. This is especially important with the use of the Hoop Pine plywood in ceilings and wall applications.

With very good strength and stiffness to weight ratios, Hoop Pine plywood is very cost effective to use in walls and ceilings, with much plywood used with express joint applications.

Plywood Specification When it comes to specifying Hoop Pine plywood for walls and ceilings in a nonstructural manner, the plywood must be manufactured to a minimum of AS/NZS2270.

The plywood appearance will vary considerably depending on the grade of the veneer, but mostly is a personal choice. Should these sheets be required for structural use, the minimum of AS/NZS2269 is required.

Whilst exterior products can be used inside, interior plywood is always more attractive, lighter and brighter in appearance and therefore highly recommended on walls and ceilings and all interior uses. When looking for suppliers, ensure that you look for a low formaldehyde plywood products, and manufacturers that provide a 25 year bond guarantee.

Environmental Benefits of Hoop Pine Plywood Hoop Pine Plywood is manufactured from a natural, renewable resource; wood. The energy requirements for the manufacture of plywood are relatively low when compared to most other competitive building products.

Wood products (including plywood) provide a wide range of benefits, one of which is the role wood plays in tackling climate change.

Growing trees store carbon very efficiently, by absorbing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. This carbon remains locked up in the wood even when used for building products or furniture.

Most Hoop Pine plywood has attractive rotary peeled pine veneer faces. The face veneers are sanded smooth and ready for the selected finish with water based finishes recommended, not oil.

Using Hoop Pine plywood instead of other materials can be an advantage too. Hoop Pine plywood requires very little energy to manufacture compared to other materials.

The back side of the decorative plywood is non decorative and is of reduced quality. For ceilings and walls, 9mm and 12mm plywood linings are recommended. These sheets come in the standard panel size of 2400mm x 1200mm. 2700mm x 1200mm panels are not always readily available but can also be made. Should you require a smaller sheet size, for example 1800mm x 1200mm these are

Hoop Pine plywood Finishing Single pack polyurethane clear in a satin or matt finish is recommended for most interior plywood surfaces such as wall paneling, furniture and fitments. Oil based or high gloss finishes are not generally recommended as they tend to change the appearance of the ply colour and highlight knots and open defects in underlay veneers, grain variation and patches.

The recommended procedure for applying a single pack polyurethane satin or matt finish is: 1. Sand the ply with fine sandpaper in the direction of the grain, never across it.

2. Apply one coat of the finish by brush, not roller. Do not brush rigorously as this will cause bubbles, simply lay the finish on the plywood surface.

3. Allow the finish to dry thoroughly. Ensure at least the minimum time recommended by the finish manufacturer has elapsed.

4. Rub down the surface with steel wool to remove the nibs.

5. Apply a second coat of finish.

6. Seal all open edges and the back.

Two pack polyurethanes are normally high gloss, produce a hard, durable coat where extreme resistance to abrasion or chemical action is required. Applications such as bench tops, school desks and decorative flooring require this.

It is good practice to experiment with samples to establish the final colour when staining or clear finishing plywood, and always request a warranty on the finish or coating should you get a third party to complete the job.

Written by Lizan Yee, Austral Plywoods 2015

76

FEATURE centre for hunger relief MARCH/APRIL 2015

FOODBANK WA STATE OF THE ART CENTRE FOR HUNGER RELIEF OPENS Master Builder member ADCO Construction has completed construction and handover of Foodbank WA’s new 6000 square metre warehouse facility at Perth Airport.

Foodbank WA CEO Greg Hebble says the project, construction of which started in March last year, is a credit to the builders, the project managers Savills and his organisation’s advisory committee who were involved during design and throughout the build.

feedback from the front line of hunger relief helps us to understand their concerns and also to focus on areas of greatest need. It is a great responsibility to act as their voice in raising awareness of our cause and we appreciate their trust.”

“ADCO have truly embraced this project and Foodbank,” he said. “The passion and determination of their teams ensured the project remained on schedule. For all of our partners it is extremely satisfying to see this important project come to fruition.”

Mr Hebble said that perhaps the most alarming fact to come out of the report was the number of Western Australian children who miss out on much needed food relief each month.

Foodbank WA is the State’s largest food relief charity, playing a significant role in supporting vulnerable families. Mr Hebble said the organisation launched its 2014 Hunger Report, compiled from hundreds of surveys completed by WA welfare agencies, big and small, in October.

“I am grateful to all of the agencies who participated in the survey,” he said. “Their

“More than 4000 children are going without because welfare agencies don’t have enough food to meet the rising demand,” he said.

“The report does show that Foodbank WA is making a difference. Last year’s report identified that 16,000 Western Australians were being turned away from welfare agencies each month. This year the number of people assisted with food originating from Foodbank has increased by 20 per cent and the number missing out has halved.

“The other pleasing result from the Hunger Report was the outcome of independent research into the social return on investment of Foodbank. Ensuring that everyone has the food that they need supports our community in many ways. Benefits include improving physical and mental health, improvements in social relations and academic achievement and also helping the environment by reducing food waste. When quantified, these social benefits are worth $23 for every kilogram of food distributed by Foodbank WA. In the last financial year alone that equates to a staggering $71 million.”

Perth Airport has been supporting Foodbank WA since 2011 through a popular staff volunteer program and its community grants program which provides a further commitment of $1 million over seven years.

The new warehouse, located on Abbott Road within the Perth Airport estate, will enable timely, convenient distribution of

centre for hunger relief FEATURE 77 MARCH/APRIL 2015

food resources. ADCO, a national company with its WA headquarters in West Perth, has a long and successful history delivering quality community related projects with major buildings completed across all areas of the sector. The company says experience includes extensive community centres, sport and recreational facilities, high class architecturally designed libraries, regional aquatic centres, religious temples and churches, zoo enclosures and a burgeoning portfolio of fire, police and ambulance stations, local area command centres and training facilities along the eastern seaboard.

“These have been delivered for government organisations, commercial operators, private investors and not-for-profit organisations,” the company says. “ADCO has become a market leader in the delivery of communityorientated projects where our continued success is based on consistent on-time project delivery, to budget and to the highest standards of quality.”

WHITEHOUSE CONSTRUCTION SERVICES (WCS) IS A COMMERCIAL CONSTRUCTION COMPANY SPECIALISING IN FORMWORK AND CONCRETE PROJECTS AROUND THE METRO AREA OF PERTH, WESTERN AUSTRALIA

Proud to be associated with ADCO Constructions and the Foodbank Warehouse & Offices project Whitehouse Construction Services Located at 81 Blair Road Oakford, WA 6121

Phone: 08 6500 8425

www.whitehouseconstructionservices.com

78

FEATURE centre for hunger relief MARCH/APRIL 2015

Mr Hebble says there are plans for a purpose built Foodbank distribution centre to support Geraldton, the Mid West and the Lower Gascoyne. It will be constructed on land provided by the City of Greater Geraldton and will include a training kitchen equipped to provide nutrition education to schools and community groups.

“I recently had the opportunity to attend a very special variety concert hosted and performed by the staff of the City and supported by many local businesses,” he said. “The timing of the concert coincided with the announcement of funding to commence construction.”

Mr Hebble said there still was some additional fundraising to be completed before building starts this year, but the City was a wonderful partner of Foodbank Geraldton. “We are thankful to the City of Greater Geraldton, the Mid West Development Commission, Lotterywest and the Department of Regional Development for recognising the important role Foodbank plays in our regional communities,” he said.

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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.

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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. *Supplier/Installer registration opened 1/9/14 & ends 11.59pm AEST 1/5/15. Trade entry open to Aust. residents 18+ who are an employee, owner or contractor of a business that supplies and/or installs genuine COLORBOND® steel products in Australia, excl. businesses which are owned by the Promoter other than businesses that are a franchisee of the Promoter. 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. 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. Limit 1 Market Research Survey completion per person. Max 1 scratch card per eligible supplier/installer. 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 16GB Wi-Fi ($350ea). Apple Inc. is not a participant or sponsor of this promotion. Minor, Survey and Major prize winners published at 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. Full Terms & Conditions, incl. full eligibility & entry details at www.colorbond.com/genuwin. 1. Warranty subject to application and eligibility criteria. For full warranty terms and conditions and to determine the eligibility of your building for the warranty visit www.bluescopesteel.com.au/warranties or call BlueScope on 1800 800 789. 2. Thermatech® technology is not available in the colour Night Sky® and is not available in COLORBOND® Stainless steel. COLORBOND®, Thermatech®, Night Sky®, BlueScope and the BlueScope brand mark are registered trademarks of BlueScope Steel Limited. Activate™ is a trademark of BlueScope Steel Limited©. 2014 BlueScope Steel Limited ABN 16 000 011 058.

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WHAT’S NEW MARCH/APRIL 2015

Leica Geosystems’ Rugby Lasers are the most accurate and reliable rotating lasers for general construction and machine control applications that require precise grade. They can be used wherever level, single or dual grades are required, and are compatible with Leica Geosystems’ 2D and 3D Machine Control Systems for ultimate grade control.

• The Leica Rugby Laser level has been available in Australia for more than 10 years now with the most recent series being the Rugby 600. The Rugby 600 range is a general construction laser although within the range many variations are available ranging from the single button 610 to the NEW Rugby 680. The 680 is the latest and greatest in the 600 range and offers some special features.

• The Leica Rugby 670 and 680 are great general construction lasers with digital grade capability with dial-in grade in single or dual axis, easy and fast at the touch of a button. The unique Smart Slope function continuously monitors time and temperature changes to ensure accurate performance over the course of the day. Price is also a very strong point for these grade lasers.

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• A great general construction laser with digital grade capability • Dial-in grade in single or dual axis, easy and fast at the touch of a button • The unique Smart Slope function continuously monitors time and temperature changes to ensure accurate performance over the course of the working day • Teamed with the RE160 receiver this offers such unique features as strobe light rejection and half mm accuracy.

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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.

JOB TRACKING - From Sales leads – 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.

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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.

VOLUME 12 | NUMBER 1 | MARCH – APRIL 2015

CONTRACTS Including all the features of the Estimates module, plus create variations and purchase orders. Time Line Scheduling allows you to track all onsite activities. With BEAMS Mobile for your Supervisor, the office and site is connected and you’ll never suffer scheduling nightmares again.