2015 MB NSW Magazine Nov - Dec

Official Magazine of the Master Builders Association of NSW | Issue Five | November/December 2015

EXCELLENCE IN CONSTRUCTION AWARDS 2015

MASTER BUILDERS PRE-APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAM MAJOR CHANGES TO WORKERS COMPENSATION CONTRACTING WITH FRIENDS AND FAMILY | DRAFT LEGISLATION FOR DEFECTS BOND

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contents

IN THIS ISSUE: Official Magazine of the Master Builders Association of NSW | Issue Five | November/December 2015

EXCELLENCE IN CONSTRUCTION AWARDS 2015

MASTER BUILDERS PRE-APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAM MAJOR CHANGES TO WORKERS COMPENSATION CONTRACTING WITH FRIENDS AND FAMILY | DRAFT LEGISLATION FOR DEFECTS BOND

Print Post Publication No. PP100003016

SALES MANAGER: Peter Shepherd EMAIL: peter.shepherd@crowtherblayne.com.au ADVERTISING SALES: Paul Baird, Peter Shepherd, Rose Delosreyes, Craig Flenley, Scott Sharples, Daniel Rutland and Trish Riley STUDIO MANAGER: Byron Bailey EDITOR: Samantha Regan LAYOUT: Michelle Triana GRAPHIC DESIGN TEAM: Andrew Crabb, Danny McGirr SALES TEAM: Toni Allen, Rose Delosreyes, Craig Flenley, Trish Riley, Peter Shepherd PRODUCTION: Brooke Travers PRINT: Newstyle DISTRIBUTION: Newstyle CONTACT DETAILS PO Box 824 Surfers Paradise QLD 4217 TEL: 1800 222 757 FAX: 1800 063 151 EMAIL: publications@crowtherblayne.com.au WEB: www.crowtherblayne.com.au

Disclaimer: The Publisher and the Master Builders Association of NSW, their employees and agents take no responsibility for any inaccuracies or omissions. The opinions are those of the contributors and not necessarily of the Publishers nor of the Association. No warranty is given and no liability is accepted.

Products and Services appearing in Master Builder are not necessarily endorsed by the Publisher or the Association.

While every care has been taken during production, the publisher(s) do not accept any liability for errors or omissions that may have occurred.

REGULARS Contact List President’s Viewpoint Executive Director’s Viewpoint Regional Roundup Newsbrief

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FEATURES Excellence in Construction Awards

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Newcastle Awards

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Aboriginal Affairs Samantha Conley

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Apprenticeship The Master Builders Pre-Apprenticeship Program has started!

2016 Master Builders Apprenticeship Service School Based Apprentices and Trainees

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Housing Draft Report On The Review Of The Building Professional Act Easier Ways To Navigate The Planning System

35

Industrial Relations NSW State Government Announces Major Changes To Workers Comp System

38

Legal Renovating Under The influence RUI Fixed Price Residential Contracts Can Only Claim Stages

40

Insurance Update on important Changes to the Home Building Compensation Fund

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Membership Notice of Annual General Meeting New Members Chances are You Will Outlive Your Money!

45

Finance What the Turnbull Government Means for the Building and Construction Industry

50

Workplace Health & Safety Federal Government Mandates Drug and Alcohol Testing Fire Precautions During Construction

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Dates for your diary

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GENERAL FEATURES Hire and Rental Helping all industries work smarter and safer

56

Designed for the Future UNSW Materials Science and Engineering Building – Designed For The Future

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DIRECTORY

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WHAT’S NEW

63

THE WAY WE WERE

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M A S T E R B U I L D E R S A S S O C I AT I O N O F N S W N O V E M B E R / D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 5

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contact list MASTER BUILDERS ASSOCIATION OF NEW SOUTH WALES 52 Parramatta Road, Forest Lodge NSW 2037 / Private Bag 9, Broadway NSW 2007 Tel: (02) 8586 3555 | Fax: (02) 9660 3700 Email: enquiries@mbansw.asn.au Website: www.mbansw.asn.au | ABN 96 550 042 906

HEAD OFFICE

EVENTS & BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT Awards Coordinator Assistant Awards Coordinators Special Projects Officer Business Development Manager

EXECUTIVE BOARD Paul Maginnity Ross Mitchell Gordon Leggett Martin Patience Simon Pilcher Chris Calderbank-Park

President Deputy President Immediate Past President Vice President Vice President Vice President Brian Seidler Amanda de Vries

8586 3503 8586 3507

Luke Hueston Edwina Lyall Aravinda Mathuran Adam Myers Dele Omisore Linda Thomson Adam Fawcett

8586 3519 0412 806 700 8586 3556 8586 3501 8586 3583 8586 3568 0466 770 910

MBA INSURANCE SERVICES State Manager Senior Account Manager Account Executive - General

Authorised Representative Capital & Construction Risk Managers Pty Limited Account Executive - Warranty Daniel Vine Jayne Pan Account Executive - Warranty Joel Beater National Business Development Manager (Surety) Bill Korakis Business Development Manager (NSW) Leeanne Farmer

8586 3566 8586 3528 8586 3565 8586 3541 8586 3512

MASTER BUILDERS FINANCIAL SERVICES Broker

Ogarit Kelley

0414 919 194 1300 760 366

MEMBER SERVICES Manager Member Services Membership Coordinator

Graham McGuiggan Paul Love

Membership Representative Member Services - Administration Member Services - Administration Member Services - Administration

Mark Shearwood Joan Ah-Hen Samantha Bell Susie Bell

8586 3554 8586 3540 0413 306 556 8586 3520 8586 3515 8586 3572 8586 3581

TRAINING Education Centre Training Manager Apprentice Training Officer Administration Coordinator Qualifications Coordinator Cert III Coordinator Cert III Customer Service Cert III Lead Trainer Short Course Coordinator Administration Coordinator MBA Skill Recognition Centre

Darin Grace Phillippe Esterman Karen Grono Dean Edser Carson Gao Jason Kim Andrew Turner Vanessa Herrera Sharon Eakin

8586 3588 8586 3579 8586 3534 8586 3521 8586 3548 8586 3559 8586 3559 8586 3578 8586 3577 8586 3553 1300 884 315

Safety Officer Trainee Safety Officcer IR Administration Officer Secretary

Director Finance & Administration Accounts Supervisor Credit Control Manager Credit Officer Inventory & Property Administration Officer Accounts Payable Officer Reception #2 Fishbowl #2 Charles Martin Room

8586 3508 8586 3511 8586 3509 8586 3567 8586 3527 8586 3510 8586 3526 8586 3530 8586 3546

Joanne Papageorge Daniela Fraumeni

8586 3555 8586 3555

RECEPTION Receptionist

REGIONAL OFFICES NEWCASTLE OFFICE Level 1, 165 Lambton Road, Broadmeadow NSW 2292 Tel: Hunter Region Manager Len Blakeney Office Administrator Trish Dillon Receptionist Ashleigh O’Brien Industrial Relations Officers Ben Ziolkowski Shona D’Arbon Safety Officer John McGhee Trade Events & Divisional Coordinator Haley Tibbetts Membership Representative Luke Reeves Events and Training Coordinator Kerri Richards MBA Insurance Services - Newcastle Leeanne Farmer

4953 9400 4979 0101 4979 0103 4953 9400 4979 0107 4979 0116 4979 0112 4979 0106 4979 0109 4979 0105 0466 777 057

NORTHERN REGIONS Shop 1, 97 Tamar Street, Ballina NSW 2478 Tel: Regional Coordinator Member Services Representative

Graham Marchant Marlee Rudgley

6681 4266 0428 412 784

GOSFORD Unit 7/4 Stockyard Place, West Gosford NSW 2250 Tel: Director Housing Peter Meredith Member Services Representative Zoe Gardnier Unit 1, 171 Princes Highway, Ulladulla NSW 2539 Tel: Regional Coordinator Lynn Smith Member Services Representative Debbie McDonald

8586 3538 8586 3533 8586 3536 8586 3542 8586 3550 0423 025 380 0412 499 754 0401 998 853 0413 316 407

Peter Meredith

4323 4588

WOLLONGONG

Robert Collings Hannah Shephard Daniel Schwebel

8586 3517 8586 3517 8586 3517

Unit 3, 29-35 Princes Highway, Unanderra NSW 2526 Tel: Regional Coordinator Michael Hart Member Services Representative Ruth Billington

4323 4588 0412 694 001 4323 4588

4454 1955 0418 633 297 4454 1955

ALBURY/WODONGA 35 Hovell Street, Wodonga VIC 3690 Tel: Regional Manager Office Manager Administration Assistant

Steve Donaghey Lesley Donaghey Pauline Meade

6058 2000 0402 044 075 6058 2000 6058 2000

PORT MACQUARIE Unit 3, 12 Jindalee Road, Port Macquarie NSW 2444 Tel: Member Services Representative Kerrie Clark

6581 4033 6581 4033

4272 9409 0419 140 126 4272 9409

ORANGE

INDUSTRIAL RELATIONS AND SAFETY Director Construction Executive Officer Safety Industrial Relations Officers

Arthur Johnson Strebre Delovski Leon Kopcikas Frank Chevell Rheannon Vea Vea Bridget Delmore

FINANCE & ADMINISTRATION

Karen Kellock Perry Wynn Maria-Luisa Branezac Kelly Graham Teigen Morier Paulo Atienza Ben Mitchell Frank Luppino Donna Seidler

LEGAL Head Solicitor Solicitor Legal Assistant

8586 3537 8586 3539 8586 3562 8586 3580 8586 3525

8586 3588 8586 3557

HOUSING Director Housing

Craig Donovan Omesh Jethwani Steven Swan Amanda Kernaghan Alexander Ashley-Carrington

Laura Weston

APPRENTICESHIP SERVICES Apprenticeship Services Manager Apprenticeship Services Coordinator Apprenticeship Payroll Supervisor Apprenticeship Payroll Officer Apprenticeship Field Officer Apprenticeship Field Officer Apprenticeship Field Officer Apprenticeship Field Officer Apprenticeship Mentor

Director Operations Government Projects & Programs Manager Communications Manager IT Systems Manager IT Support/Webmaster

SOUTHERN REGIONS

NORWEST EDUCATION CENTRE 5 Burbank Place, Baulkham Hills NSW 2153 Reception Executive Office

8586 3506 8586 3564 8586 3504 0421 050 395

OPERATIONS

EXECUTIVE Executive Director Executive Assistant

Susan Manning Helen Harris Amanda Kelly Juliet Pratley

Peter Glover David Solomon Rod Grace Nicholas Arends Iain Jarman Chris Schultz Leon Lenzo Annette Gee Beverly Glover

8586 3535 8586 3552 8586 3574 8586 3573 8586 3502 8586 3522 8586 3524 8586 3531 8586 3523

Level 1, 296-298 Summer St, Orange NSW 2800 Tel: Fax: Mob Regional Coordinator Chris Dunn

02 6362 6895 02 6369 0390 0458 243 976

MATES IN CONSTRUCTION Hotline:

M A S T E R B U I L D E R S A S S O C I AT I O N O F N S W N O V E M B E R / D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 5

8586 3575

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president’s viewpoint the MBA in this capacity, and to promote the interests of the building and construction industry in NSW. Over the last two years I can genuinely say that our Association has made significant contributions which have resulted in tangible benefits for those who undertake work in the building and construction industry, not only in NSW but also at a national level.

President Paul Maginnity

This edition of the Master Builder Magazine showcases the winner of each category for this year’s Excellence in Construction Awards.

The Excellence in Construction Awards is a celebration and acknowledgement of excellence in the commercial sector of the building and construction industry in NSW. The Awards also acknowledge the state’s best apprentices for 2015.

Particularly, our Association has made a major contribution to various aspects of the Security of Payment legislation in New South Wales, amendments to the Home Building Act, planning reform, workplace relations, various inquiries into productivity, awareness of nonconforming building products, work health and safety matters and training & education issues.

I believe the Association has also made significant contributions to improving Aboriginal participation in the construction industry, as well as women in construction and suicide prevention.

This year, 14 judges commenced judging the Excellence in Construction Awards in July and completed their work in September, after 3 months of full time judging.

One area however, where we, as an industry must do more is to encourage and nurture the employment and engagement of more apprentices and trainees.

Each building project entered was visited, and a site inspection conducted. The construction value for all of the entries received this year, equated to just over $4.3 billion – an extraordinary amount and an extraordinary feat for the judges to view.

What we know is, we have an aging workforce, some 80,000 builders will leave our industry by the end of this decade, only 5 years away, the amount of work in the pipeline nationally is enormous and our industry will need to find an estimated 300,000 skilled workers to satisfy this demand. At the current level of intake of apprentices, we will experience a major short fall of trades people in our industry.

The judges highlighted that the quality and detail of construction continues to excel, and that the complexity and difficulty in many of this year’s entries was extremely challenging, and that is a credit to the builders, contractors and the industry as a whole.

Congratulations to all the entries and winners of this year’s prestigious Awards and in particular, the major Award for “Outstanding Construction Project for 2015” presented to Brookfield Multiplex for the refurbishment of 50 Martin Place, Sydney.

The MBA’s charter, the industry’s charter must be to make the building industry one of the most attractive choices for career seekers and that a career in the building industry is a profession.

While our industry will always face challenges, this one I believe is central to us delivering a high quality, and sustainable built environment for the future.

My term as President of the Master Builders Association of New South Wales will come to an end this month. It has been an honour and privilege to represent our members and

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You would now be aware we have also established a specific building and construction industry training facility in the west of Sydney, which I had the pleasure of opening officially with our NSW Premier Mike Baird in February of this year. This facility will train future tradespeople of our industry and contribute to a much needed building and construction skills base of which I just referred to. In fact, I understand that the Association has just enrolled its first intake of apprentices for the 2016 year.

Our Association now has nine dedicated offices servicing members and the building and construction industry throughout New South Wales. In more recent times we have expanded our services to regional New South Wales by opening a new office in Orange, Western NSW. I would like to take this opportunity to thank my peers for supporting me in the position of President and look forward to representing the Association in other capacities. I would like to also extend my thanks to our past president Gordon Leggett whose commitment and assistance over my tenure has been invaluable.

It is with great pleasure that I announce the new President for the Master Builders Association of New South Wales, Mr Ross Mitchell who will take over the Presidency at the Association’s next Annual General Meeting in December. I wish Ross well in his position as President and offer my support should it be needed.

I thank the MBA NSW Executive Committee Members, our MBA Council of Management team, and all of the hard working staff at the Association.

As this is the last edition of Master Builder for the year I would like to take this opportunity to wish you and your families a happy festive season and prosperous 2016.

Paul Maginnity MBA/NSW PRESIDENT

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executive director’s viewpoint high rise apartments as well as student accommodation. As the second largest source of visitors to our shores, China is also a major engine of tourism revenue and related construction including hotel accommodation.

Based on analysis by the Centre for International Economics (CIE), the economic benefits of Australia’s North Asian Free Trade Agreements, benefits for our industry and the community from ChAFTA will be higher output by an estimated $1 billion and also create more employment opportunities.

Executive Director Brian Seidler

Many in our industry have questioned the advantages of the China Australia Free Trade Agreement (ChAFTA). In fact, there are some who have actually attempted to portray the ChAFTA as an evil that will undermine Australia’s way of life.

The MBA has examined the impact of the ChAFTA on our industry, and based on consultations with our National Office, Government departments and on other information available, we make the following observations.

ChAFTA is one of many bilateral free trade agreements Australia has signed with our key trading partners in recent times including, Korea and Singapore, which deliver economic benefits to the Australian community. ChAFTA also builds on the deep existing economic and cultural ties with China that have been built up over many decades.

China is Australia’s largest two-way trading partner in goods and services (valued at $160 billion in 2013-14) and in goods export (valued at $100 billion in 2013-14). For our industry, Chinese investment is a major driver of construction activity particularly in our major cities such as Sydney. China is the largest source of overseas students studying in Australia which helps attract investment in new residential building, especially

The Government has confirmed that under ChAFTA the current checks and balances with regard to foreign workers, such as those on 457 visas will remain in place. In response to Master Builders’ inquiries, the Government advised that under ChAFTA skills assessments required for workers seeking temporary 457, visas do not change and consequently there will no diminution of licensing requirements or safety standards.

Construction firms wishing to engage 457 visa workers will need to ensure applicants can demonstrate to the Immigration Department that they possess the necessary skills to work in Australia including work history, skill qualifications and English language skills. An additional skills assessment will be conducted by a Registered Training Organisation (RTO) approved by Trades Recognition Australia if required by the Immigration Department bringing temporary skilled migration arrangements with China in line with other major Australian trading partners including Japan, South Korea and the United States.

Workers from China will also have to comply with respective State and Territory skills requirements including in the important area of safety.

One of the key questions of course is will the workers from China on 457 visas be able to meet the high standards demanded on Australia’s building and construction sites.

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Master Builders is satisfied at this time that all the appropriate checks and balances are in place to make sure that this will be the case and where non-compliance occurs, that there are appropriate processes in place that can quickly deal with it.

It is interesting to note that construction industry related 457 visa holders represent about 1% (10,660) of total Australian construction industry employment.

Master Builders also considered the important question of whether, in an overall sense, CHAFTA will take work away from us. Master Builders has come to the view that under the free trade agreement building work should actually increase investment in offices, factories and warehouses as more and more Australian companies increase their exports to China. This will particularly produce more opportunities for contractors in the regional areas as they increase their exports of our primary products to China.

This investment can be expected to flow across all sectors of our industry, particularly for construction, in agriculture and aquaculture building, hotel and serviced apartments, education and entertainment and recreation.

Master Builders’ vision is for a stronger building industry with an environment that supports our members to grow more successful businesses.

We believe ChAFTA and the benefits it will bring to our industry on balance, will produce more positive opportunities.

We will continue to monitor this most important area and impact on our industry.

I join with the President and would like to take this opportunity to wish you and your families all the best for the Festive Season and for a healthy and prosperous 2016.

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regional roundup

2015 RESIDENTIAL BUILDER OF THE YEAR – NORTHERN REGIONS NSW Winner – Jason Stehn from Stehn Building Pty Ltd Jason Stehn and the team at Stehn Build service high-end residential projects in the Byron Shire area with their focus firmly set on realising architecturally designed new homes and renovations that satisfy the high standards of their clientele base.

The Master Builders Association said Stehn Build’s defining strength is: “In achieving building excellence on time and on budget and ensuring complete customer satisfaction throughout the process.”

Stehn Build also won awards for the best contract house between $700,000 and $1 million, best concrete swimming pool under $50,000, best house addition/alteration/ renovation between $100,001 and $200,000 and the best restoration of an historic building.

Restored building

The company is recognised by the industry for its innovation and extremely high quality of workmanship. This complex project comprised a detailed restoration of a commercial and residential project located in the heart of Byron Bay’s shopping precinct. The owner wanted to maintain the historic elements of the building including the original façade and roof line.

Numerous challenges were successfully overcome by the builder including major termite activity and damage, and low lying existing floor levels compared with current flood zone levels. The provision of disabled access with tight existing openings, major sound insulation work to divide the commercial and residential zones, and the conversion of roof spaces into habitable living spaces with ceiling heights greater than 2.4metres were also tricky aspects. The result is a private oasis within the heart of Byron Bay. A superb project.

ground water table of -900mm and included extremely complicated decking edge details.

Construction of the pool posed numerous challenges for the builder due to extremely restricted access and the decision to construct the swimming pool after the completion of the building work. The pool had to be constructed with a

“Our repeat clientele and longstanding relationships with reliable and highly skilled sub-contractors is a testament to our reputation in the industry and ability to deliver consistently high results and value for money.”

The Farm Byron Bay, a working farm and café

Stehn Build say they offer a full suite of services including consultation, design, estimations, budgeting, project management, construction, final fit-out and cleans.

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Stehn Build also won: • Best Contract House $700,000 - $1 Million • Best House Additions / Alterations / Renovations $100,001 - $200,000 • Best Concrete Swimming Pools Under $50,000 • Best Commercial Restoration of an Historic Building • Best Commercial project – Hospitality Buildings

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regional roundup

2015 COMMERCIAL BUILDER OF THE YEAR – NORTHERN REGIONS NSW Winner – Woollam Constructions Founded 130 years ago, Woollam Constructions impressed the judges with the professionalism demonstrated on all projects undertaken and the relish with which they viewed projects with a high degree of difficulty.

Judges were also impressed with the projects that required extremely close liaison with the client’s representatives.

On all projects inspected this year, the response from all clients was glowing praise for the employees, tradespeople and administrative staff of this builder, who has been responsible for some of the country’s most iconic buildings and new projects for both the government and private sector.

With 149 employees spread over four offices in Queensland and Northern New South Wales, Woollam Constructions also won this title last year.

Woollam’s winning entry in the category of Best Commercial Project – Health Buildings, was work on the Casino Hospital.

The existing Casino Memorial Hospital, built in the 1930s, required alterations and additions to accommodate a new accident and emergency facility.

Works involved the demolition and gutting of the internal building, relocating and installing additional structural supports and firewalls, while maintaining and improving the structural integrity of the building.

Works also had to be undertaken while maintaining the hospital’s critical emergency and theatre services.

The hospital’s medical records facility was relocated and the new accident and emergency facility included new ambulance access, an isolation ward, operating areas, triage, a new reception, a non-acute emergency area and paediatric facilities.

Their Kingscliff TAFE refurbishment project encompassed the construction of two new buildings and internal modifications to two existing buildings.

The project was completed in stages to allow for the continuation of normal TAFE activities during construction and the integration of the new facilities to suit TAFE timelines.

The new state-of-the-art automotive building, with its fixed mounted chassis and engine dyno and specially equipped vehicle bays, is a model for auto training facilities.

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The adjacent on-ground, fully interactive and computerised solar array serves the dual function of a training facility for solar and technical students as well as back feeding electricity to the grid to effectively minimise the electricity running costs for the TAFE.

Other awards include: • Winner – Best Commercial Project – Health Buildings • Merit – Best Commercial Project – Educational Buildings

newsbrief WORKPLACE RELATIONS SENATE CHANGES GOVERNMENT BILL On 13 October 2015, the Senate changed the Fair Work Amendment Bill 2014 which amends the Greenfields agreement provisions in the Fair Work Act 2009. The amendments give employers greater power to resolve deadlocks when negotiating Greenfields agreements. The proposed amendments allow employers to seek approval of their draft Greenfields agreement if no deal has been reached with the union or unions after a six-month “negotiating period” but is a back door mechanism to have an arbitrated outcome that must reflect “prevailing conditions” in the industry and so is certainly going to trigger litigation. This process is designed to give employers a mechanism to resolve deadlocks to prevent excessive delays in project start dates but the uncertainty in the conditions that might be determined could equally put off investors.

In addition, the approval would be subject to other restrictions, including the “better off overall test” and good faith bargaining requirements. The original proposal allowed employers to seek approval of their proposed Greenfields agreements after a three-month negotiating period, but the period was extended to six months to get cross-bench support. The new Greenfields provisions will be the subject of a review after two years, meaning this area could be the subject of further change in the future.

Master Builders believes that employer Greenfields agreements should be reintroduced to provide investors with the certainty they need. These changes now need to be considered and passed by the House of Representatives before becoming law. Parliament resumes on 9 November 2015. The changed Bill also includes other amendments to the Fair Work Act, such as changes to the protected action ballot order requirements and a new obligation on employers to give employees a reasonable opportunity to discuss requests to extend parental leave.

Richard Calver, National Director Industrial Relations and Legal Counsel, rcalver@masterbuilders.com.au

LEGAL AND CONTRACTS REVISED DRAFT STANDARDS CONTRACT – AS11000 STILL A CONCERN In March this year, Master Builders provided comprehensive feedback on a new contract drafted by Standards Australia – AS11000 General Conditions of Contract (AS11000). Recently we were provided with a subsequent opportunity to consider a revised strictly confidential draft of AS11000. The revised version continues to have systemic defects and fails to recognise a large portion of our objections to the original draft. These largely being that the contract does not reflect up-to-date plain English drafting or an appropriate risk balance between the parties to the contract. We are also concerned that the role of the Superintendent, in accordance with the contract, is unclear and the constraints on subcontractor engagement are inappropriate. These objections were conveyed in a revised schedule of comments and lodged with Standards Australia.

Master Builders will continue to be engaged with Standards Australia in relation to any subsequent drafts of AS11000.

Richard Calver, National Director Industrial Relations and Legal Counsel, rcalver@masterbuilders.com.au

ECONOMICS AND TAXATION BUSINESS SURVEY CONFIRMS IMPROVEMENT The September quarter Business Survey released by the National Australia Bank (NAB), confirms the trend improvement current conditions in the non-mining economy, while the outlook is also looking notably better. In contrast, confidence softened considerably although this is largely a reflection of the timing of the survey – prior to the Liberal Party leadership resolution, and at a time when emerging market concerns were particularly high. Lower interest rates and AUD depreciation appear to be having the desired effects, although this varies by industry.

ECONOMICS AND TAXATION RESIDENTIAL BUILDING TO STAY STRONG Master Builders is forecasting another year of solid growth in the value of residential building work done in 2015/16 that will once again provide further impetus to growth in the Australian economy. The latest building activity data for the June quarter show that the residential building upturn has further to run, with claims to the contrary running the risk of jumping the gun.

The official ABS figures show better than expected dwelling commencements totalling 211, 500 for 2014/15. Master Builders is predicting another year of plus 200,000 starts this financial year 2015/16. High rise apartment projects, particularly in Sydney and Melbourne continue to surpass record levels but detached houses have also been contributing, up by almost 25 per cent from their level of two years ago. New South Wales house starts, seasonally adjusted, jumped 11.6 percent in the June quarter in a hopeful sign that moves by the Baird Government to resolve impediments to land release are beginning to have an impact.

Although forward indicators may have peaked, there is a solid pipeline of work in train for at least another year, more likely 18 months to two years. For 2015/16, Master Builders expects real growth in the value of residential building work done of 2½ per cent (more than 5 per cent in nominal terms). The forecasts are predicated on interest rates remaining steady in the short to medium term.

SHIFT IN ENGINEERING AND COMMERCIAL PROJECTS The Deloitte Access Economics (DAE) Investment Monitor is a barometer of structural change in the Australian economy and of the investment climate. In its most recent report, DAE notes that the new PM and Treasurer have ‘rebooted’ a number of important reform processes – tax reform; competition policy reform and financial system reform – all of which have the

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newsbrief ECONOMICS AND TAXATION potential to improve Australia’s international competitiveness and are vital to the long-term economic outlook. As the nation grapples with the end of the mining investment boom, the wind down in LNG projects over the next year and a half will dominate the investment landscape in Australia, with other sectors struggling to fill the gap left in their wake.

The Investment Monitor reveals that information media and telecommunications has taken over from iron ore mining as the fastest growing sector in the past year, with mining exploration shrinking fastest as commodity prices continue to decline.

The $A and low interest rates are helping both trade and credit-related sectors in the economy namely tourism and international education, along with housing construction and retail. The finance sector and some parts of business services are also benefiting from cheap credit and an increase in M&A activity.

The report finds NSW and Victoria as the main beneficiaries of low interest rates and the fall in the $A, while Western Australia and Queensland are slowing as mining-related construction winds back.

GOVERNMENT RESPONDS TO FINANCIAL SYSTEM INQUIRY The Prime Minister, the Hon Malcolm Turnbull MP, the Treasurer, the Hon Scott Morrison MP and the Minister for Small Business and Assistant Treasurer, the Hon Kelly O’Dwyer MP, recently announced the Government’s response to the Financial Systems Inquiry (the Murray Inquiry). The Inquiry began in December 2014 with the objective to examine the ability of Australian financial system to best meet Australia’s needs and support strong economic growth. The Inquiry’s recommendations are intended to facilitate a more efficient, competitive and flexible financial system while sustaining public confidence and sufficient prudence and stability.

The Government’s response was crafted within the five strategic priorities that were the focus of the Inquiry: increasing resilience in the financial system to reduce the impact of potential future financial crises; improving the efficiency and operation of the superannuation and increasing retirement incomes; developing new sources of innovation for the economy and support competition; increasing

consumer confidence in Australia’s financial system; and making Australia’s financial regulators more accountable for their actions, and improving their performance, capabilities and effectiveness.

The Government endorsed actions already taken by the Australian Prudential Regulatory Authority in relation to the capital rationing requirements, mortgage risk weighting and reporting. It referred to the Productivity Committee the task of developing criteria to assess the efficiency and competitiveness of Australia’s superannuation system, and to investigate alternative proposals for the allocation of default fund members to superannuation products. Also on superannuation, the Government intends to provide more choice to superannuation members and introduce legislation requiring superannuation funds trustee boards to include at least one-third independent directors.

Master Builders made submissions to the Inquiry, including a call for stability in relation to the rules relating to superannuation as constant rule changes to the system undermine its objectives.

NEW NATIONAL COMPETITION POLICY FRAMEWORK The Council on Federal Financial Relations (‘the Council’) met in Sydney on 19 October.

The Council is made up of the Commonwealth Treasurer and the Treasurers from each of Australia’s States and Territories. The Council stated that competition reform was required in Australia, and discussed recommendations made in the recently released Competition Policy Review (the Harper Review). It was noted that previous national competition policy reforms had increased Australia’s economic efficiency. The Council agreed to undertake more work on how competition policy could be developed by the Commonwealth and State and Territory Governments to provide greater innovation and economic growth.

In relation to housing supply and affordability, the Council acknowledged the approaches taken to address issues by Victoria on solutions for supply problems and asked for a national reform strategy for the provision of social housing. Reform of the GST has been a contentious issue between the Commonwealth and State and Territory governments.

M A S T E R B U I L D E R S A S S O C I AT I O N O F N S W N O V E M B E R / D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 5

Various Treasurers and Premiers have stated views relating to the broadening of the base of the GST, increasing the rate with funding to be spent of a specific area, and reforming the apportionment system of GST revenue.

The Council noted that the Commonwealth planned at the 2016/2017 Budget to expand the application of the GST to include digital products and services.

Master Builders Australia endorses the focus by the Federal and State/Territory Treasurers on national competition policy. Master Builders has long called for the Federal Government to adopt national competition policy reforms to drive economic growth and tackle housing affordability in particular.

SUPERSTEAM TAX OFFICE SUPPORT FOR SMALL BUSINESS As the SuperStream rollout for small businesses continues, the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) is assisting employers who may need support to implement SuperStream. The ATO has recently commenced an intensive communication program, delivering practical help and information via email and SMS to registered businesses across 22 industries. They are contacting the relevant industry associations and hosting dedicated SuperStream online information sessions (webinars).

Small businesses that may need more practical support to start using the new, streamlined super payment process typically rely on manual processes and lack close business support partners. They are particularly prominent in industries such as trades, hospitality, agriculture and construction.

The priority for the ATO is to provide practical help and support to those who make superannuation payments on behalf of their employees, particularly those that aren’t frequently online or connected. SuperStream started for small businesses with 19 or fewer employees on 1 July this year and they have until 30 June 2016 to be fully compliant.

More information including a list of webinars, is available on the ATO website. The ATO step-by-step checklist to help employers prepare can be found at ato.gov.au/ SuperStreamChecklist.

Peter Jones, Chief Economist, peterjones@masterbuilders.com.au

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14

newsbrief HOUSING FOREIGN INVESTOR DEMAND

DWELLING RENTS

COMMERCIAL RETURNS

Spending by foreign investors on Australian residential property appears to be easing, accounting for 12.8 per cent of total demand in the June Quarter 2015, down from a 15.6 per cent share in the March Quarter of this year. The figures come from a survey of the Australian residential property market produced by the National Australia Bank (NAB). Foreign buyers were particularly active in the Victoria property market, where they accounted for just over 18 per cent of demand, well ahead of their shares in NSW and WA (at 13.1 per cent and 10.1 per cent respectively).

The outlook for dwelling rents remains soft, according to new forecasts from CoreLogic, a property consultancy. The growth in dwelling rents was just 0.7 per cent in the year to July 2015, the slowest rate of increase in almost two decades. Darwin and Perth were the hardest hit by declining rents, dropping almost 11 per cent and 6 per cent respectively. By contrast, rental growth was a modest 2.3 per cent per annum in Sydney, and 2.1 per cent per annum in Melbourne.

CoreLogic attributes the softening of the rental property market to increasing supply, particularly of apartments, and slowing population growth, largely on the back of weaker immigration numbers.

Returns to commercial property investors are likely to remain fairly modest over the coming financial year says CBRE, a property consultancy. While returns to investors in office and retail property are expected to edge up toward 3.5 per cent per annum next year (compared to little more than 2 per cent this financial year), investors in industrial property are likely to have to remain content with dividends stalling at around 1 per cent per annum.

HOUSE PRICES AND ENTREPRENEURSHIP A new study from the Reserve Bank of Australia has found a clear and positive link between higher house prices and entrepreneurship amongst small business people. According to the central bank study higher housing prices lift the housing equity of home owners, which in turn increases the potential borrowing capacity of new and potential entrepreneurs, meaning they can ostensibly draw upon their home equity to fund their business ambitions. However, the Reserve Bank also points out current levels of housing unaffordability may be stifling entrepreneurship especially amongst younger people who are not able to build up the necessary levels of home equity.

MACRO-PRUDENTIAL POLICY IMPACTING HOUSING The ‘macro-prudential policy’ interventions of the Reserve Bank and the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA) appear to be working, says Morgan Stanley, a major international bank. These policy settings are designed ‘guide’ banks and other lenders in their financing activity, with the intention of taking some of the heat out of the Australian residential property market. Morgan Stanley also sees an easing in net immigration reducing demand for housing by as much as 30,000 new dwellings over the coming year.

They also point to recent, and further, easing in auction clearance rates as further signs of a peaking in the housing cycle.

CONSTRUCTION FIRMS AND INNOVATION Small firms in the building and construction industry appear to have a relatively poor culture of innovation. A new business survey from the National Australia Bank has found just 23 per cent of firms in our industry have ‘an innovation culture’, the lowest level amongst the 10 industry sectors analysed.

Industries with ‘high innovation cultures’ include manufacturing (44 per cent of such firms), finance (39 per cent) and business services (33 per cent). The all-industry average was just over 29 per cent.

CITIES AND PLANNING Australia’s cities, and a number of regional areas, can expect to suffer a decline in their ‘liveability’ absent major changes in planning and transport policies and practices. And, without major commitments to improve road transport systems in our capital cities, traffic congestion could cost more than $53 billion a year within 15 years, says a new academic study. The study also estimates there is already a ‘transport infrastructure deficit’ of some $100 billion (reflecting more than four decades of under-investment), a figure which could blow-out to $350 billion within the next decade unless urgent action is taken.

M A S T E R B U I L D E R S A S S O C I AT I O N O F N S W N O V E M B E R / D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 5

Brent Davis, National Director Industry Policy, brent.davis@masterbuilders.com.au

WORK HEALTH AND SAFETY ARE YOU GHS READY? The Globally Harmonised System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS) is a United Nations effort to standardise chemical classification and will soon to be applied in Australia. GHS provides the basis for international harmonisation of the rules associated with hazard communication. A useful fact sheet on the GHS, relevant to all jurisdictions, is available on the NSW WorkCover website and can be viewed at - http://www.workcover.nsw.gov. au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0004/26896/GHSfact-sheet-final.pdf A survey has also been prepared to assess current GHS readiness for the 1 January 2017 commencement date. The survey can be accessed at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/GHSReady.

Master Builders encourages the dissemination of the GHS readiness survey so that members can test their preparedness when the new hazard classification regime commences in 2017.

Richard Calver, National Director Industrial Relations and Legal Counsel, rcalver@masterbuilders.com.au

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excellence in construction awards

OUTSTANDING

CONSTRUCTION AWARD

Venue, THE STAR Event Centre

It was a packed house of over 900 commercial contractors and suppliers for the 2015 Master Builders Association of NSW Excellence in Construction Awards black tie dinner held on Saturday, 31 October at THE STAR Event Centre.

Major contractors from all sectors as well as subcontractors, clients, suppliers and consultants enjoyed the gala evening, hosted brilliantly by comperes Sylvia Jeffreys and Matt Burke, with entertainment provided by Marty Fields.

VIP guests included the Hon Mr Ray Williams MP, attending on behalf of the Hon Michael Baird, Premier of NSW, Mr Peter Dunphy, Executive Director, SafeWork NSW, Ms Anne Tabbaa, Commissioner, NSW Industrial Relations Commission, Mr Nigel Hadgkiss, Director, Fair Work Building Construction.

of the completed projects and the excellent relationships demonstrated between clients, contractors, sub-contractors and suppliers.

The Construction Awards are divided into a number of divisions and price categories to reflect the staggering array of commercial, industrial and civil projects undertaken by MBA members in these sectors and the differences in project values.

Divisions include the restoration, refurbishment and adaptive re-use of historic buildings, hospitality, commercial, industrial, education and public buildings as well as public and private school building. Other divisions included interior fit-outs and shop fit-outs and sporting facilities.

Club/entertainment, retail buildings and an array of health buildings were also amongst the huge range of entries in 2015.

The Association was delighted with the number of entries in this year’s awards, with the judges commenting on the high quality

M A S T E R B U I L D E R S A S S O C I AT I O N O F N S W N O V E M B E R / D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 5

The Excellence in Apprenticeship Awards were also presented at the beginning of the evening to the most outstanding first, second, third and fourth year apprentices who are the future of our industry.

All projects entered into any divisions are judged for the Master Builders Association major award – the 2015 Outstanding Construction Award. This year, the prestigious award went to Brookfield Multiplex Constructions Pty Ltd for the 50 Martin Place Redevelopment. Congratulations to Brookfield Multiplex Constructions and all entrants and winners in this year’s awards.

The Association also sincerely thanks its esteemed panel of judges for their expertise and valuable time and, of course, its generous sponsors for their support of the MBA.

excellence in construction awards

Comedian Marty Fields

Brookfield Multiplex Constructions Pty Ltd – 2015 Outstanding Construction Award Winner presented by Paul Maginnity, President of MBA NSW

Comperes Matt Burke & Sylvia Jeffreys

Speech, Stephen Boss from Brookfield Multiplex Constructions Pty Ltd

Construction Awards judging panel and Comperes

Master Builders Association NSW, President Paul Maginnity

M A S T E R B U I L D E R S A S S O C I AT I O N O F N S W N O V E M B E R / D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 5

17

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excellence in construction awards

EXCELLENCE IN CONSTRUCTION AWARDS 2015 JUDGING PANEL JOHN ELDER AM

DANIEL BRIAN MURPHY

FRED RYDER

John Elder AM worked for the MBA for 25 years and is the independent chairman of COMET Training Pty Ltd and a Director of the Australian Construction Industry Redundancy Trust (ACIRT). In 1982 he served on the Tripartite Working Party to review the Building and Construction Industry Long Service Payments Act, 1974 and the Tripartite Advisory Committee on Occupational Health and Safety.

In 1986 he served on the Ministerial Working Party Reviewing the NSW Apprenticeship System. He served on the 1996-1997 review into the workers compensation system in NSW. John was a member of the Occupational Health, Safety and Rehabilitation Council of NSW from 1983 until 1997, at which time he was appointed a commissioner of the Industrial Relations Commission of NSW. In 2005 he was made a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) and in 2007 he received a PhD from the University of Sydney for a thesis on the first 100 years of the MBA.

Brian Murphy is managing director of DB Murphy & Sons Pty Ltd, which he formed to specialise in the management of the design and authorities approval process of major commercial projects. He has a trade background and completed a Diploma in Quantity Surveying at the University of New South Wales, as well as postgraduate studies in Construction Management.

Fred Ryder having served his apprenticeship with D.H.Gibson has spent a lifetime in the shop fitting and associated industries involved in manufacture, sales and marketing. Starting his own business in October 1976 carried out work for many leading retailers before retiring in 2004 and the company still continues on under the guidance of his son Glenn. Fred is a former NSW state president and life member of the Australian Shop and Office Fitters Association [ASOFIA] and past national councilor. He acts as a judge for the Master Builders Association of NSW and also for the ASOFIA National Fitout Awards.

MAX MOSHER Max Mosher is an energy consultant and has worked in the energy industry for more than 35 years. During that time he has gained a wealth of knowledge and experience, especially in relation to solar and energy-efficient house design, including energy utilisation in the domestic sector and thermal performance assessments. Max has been a committee member on a Standards Australia Review Committee BD/058 titled “Materials for the Thermal Insulation of Buildings”. He has been on the judging panels for the Building Designers Association Annual Design Awards, the Master Builders Association Excellence in Housing Awards, the Master Builders Association Excellence in Construction Awards, The Master Builders Australia National Excellence in Building and Construction Awards, and the Local Government Association Environment Awards.

Max is a founding member and former director of the Association of Building Sustainability Assessors (ABSA).

DAVID SOLOMON David is the Executive Officer- Safety heading up the MBA NSW Safety Department.

He has over 26 years’ experience in the Construction Industry. David has a sound knowledge of Management Systems; designing and developing Safety Management Systems to comply with ISO and Australian Standard requirements. Disciplines include Environmental ISO14001, Quality ISO9001, Safety AS/NZ4801, NSW Government WHS Management Systems Auditing Guidelines 5th Edition and NSW Government Environmental Management Systems Guidelines 3rd Edition.

David represents MBA Nationally sitting on the ISO45001 SF-001 Committee, (A new International Standard for Occupational Health and Safety Management Systems) as an Industry Representative and policy maker in International Standards development. He is a WHS technician when it comes to prescribed legislation. David provides WHS advice to members coordinates safety network briefings and delivers safety updates at member divisional evenings. He sits on numerous committees, state, national and international, leading by example increasing safety awareness and bringing the focal point back to grass roots, with a view to making safety easy to understand implement for everyone.

M A S T E R B U I L D E R S A S S O C I AT I O N O F N S W N O V E M B E R / D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 5

DONNA SEIDLER Donna Seidler is a member of the Department of Education and Training Apprenticeship Tribunal and a committee member of the Long Service Payments Tribunal. An MBA apprenticeship judge since 2001 and formerly the MBA’s Group Training Manager, she oversaw the pilot program and establishment of the MBA’s indigenous program.

BRYAN SIDGREAVES OAM Bryan Sidgreaves OAM started as an apprentice joiner, becoming managing director of H & E Sidgreaves Pty Ltd in 1967.

The company is now in its 99th year under daughter Louise. Bryan graduated from Sydney University with a degree in economics and accountancy. He is a past president of the Australian Shop & Office Fitting Industry Association and a Life Member. He served on the MBA’s council and was awarded the Order of Australia medal in 1994 for services to the shop fitting industry. Bryan acts as a judge for the Australian Shop and Office Fitting Industry Association for the National Awards and he also judges the Master Builders Association of NSW Fitout Awards.

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excellence in construction awards

EXCELLENCE IN CONSTRUCTION AWARDS 2015 JUDGING PANEL TONY WOOD

LEN TULLY

BRUCE BELL

Tony Wood commenced working life with Civil & Civic Pty Ltd in 1961. During his 10 years there, Tony worked on Blues Point Tower, Australia Square Tower and the Law School in King Street. In 1971 Tony joined Phillip Lipman Pty Ltd as foreman on the Northside Gardens project and then as site manager on the Northpoint building at North Sydney. Tony was appointed construction director in 1983 and managing director from 1992 until his retirement in July 2001.

Len Tully completed a Bachelor of Architecture in 1975 and has more than 35 years experience in the building and construction industry, working mainly on projects in aged care, schools and churches. He has worked with several architectural firms in Sydney, including holding directorship positions. As part of his work, he managed designs through documentation to completed built projects. In 2012, he retired from his position as director of T+E Architects but remains involved the Masters Builder Association of New South Wales, offering his expert views as part of the judging process this year.

Bruce Bell is a Principal Inspector in the Construction Services Team at SafeWork NSW, conducting: workplace inspections; advisory visits: incident response; investigation; and stakeholder engagement. He is a chartered professional member of the Safety Institute of Australia (CPMSIA) with 30 years experience as a workplace health and safety professional in a range of public and private enterprises, including Comcare and the National Occupational Health and Safety Commission (NOHSC).

PAT MURPHY Patrick Murphy commenced in the Building Industry in 1969 and shortly after received his Certificate of Competency in Carpentry and Bachelor Applied Science (Building) from the Institute of Technology. A director of AW Edwards Pty Limited until he retired recently, he worked for the company for 43 years. He was the Project Manager for the Nan Tien Buddhist Temple, Wollongong, St Mary’s Cathedral School, Sydney, and the major restoration of the Queen Victoria Building, Sydney.

COLIN GING AM Colin Ging AM is one of the most respected project management consultants in the Australian property industry and has more than 50 years’ experience in building and civil engineering. He has worked on a number of landmark projects, including Australia Square, Governor Phillip Tower and Sydney Opera House. From 1994 to 2001 he was the Olympic Co-ordination Authority’s Project Director for the procurement of the Olympic Stadium. Colin holds a Bachelor of Civil Engineering and was chairman of Colin Ging & Partners Pty Limited for 21 years.

JOHN MCKELLAR John commenced his construction career with Mainline Constructions in 1971. Since that time he spent 42 years in varying rolls of site management, project management and senior management roles. After working for several major companies he spent the most recent 25 years with A W Edwards Pty Limited as a Senior Project Manager and then the Companies Commercial Manager for the last 12 years up to retirement in 2013. Over this period he has been responsible for many key projects including Sports facilities, hospitals, commercial developments, research facilities and university education facilities. John holds a Bachelor of Applied Science (Building) from the UTS.

M A S T E R B U I L D E R S A S S O C I AT I O N O F N S W N O V E M B E R / D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 5

RICK DUYNHOVEN Rick Duynhoven is an Assistant Director with TAFE NSW – Sydney TAFE. He has held teaching and vocational training management positions in construction across a number of TAFE NSW Institutes. Rick is a member of the NSW Vocational Training Tribunal. He holds a NSW Builders License and has undertaken a Masters of Design Science in Building Services at Sydney University. Rick is also a member of the Sydney Institute Sustainability Governance team, leading the development and implementation of sustainable building training products and services.

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22

newcastle awards

MASTER BUILDERS EXCELLENCE IN BUILDING AWARDS NIGHT WESTS LEAGUES CLUB FRIDAY 4 SEPTEMBER 2015 In a tribute to the outstanding workmanship displayed within the region’s construction industry the Master Builders Association held its gala Excellence in Building Awards at West’s Leagues Club on 4th September with over 520 guests in attendance. More than 140 entries were judged with a combined value of work exceeding $300 million. This presented the experienced judges with the enviable task of selecting the best of the best.

2015 Award Winners

Newcastle Master Builders President, Peter DiPrinzio, recognized a special 50-year membership by local builder, T & J McGlynn Builders, now currently owned and operated

by Matt Lynch. There are numerous long time members of the Master Builders who have contributed to the local economy over past 20 years and pleased to have witnessed a solid pick up in residential construction activity in the past 12 months. The Hunter’s building industry continues to make a significant contribution to our region’s employment and wealth with 20,000 workers deriving an income from the local industry. The projects displayed were a credit to the building skills of local firms and demonstrated the extensive business experience possessed by so many of the region’s contractors and builders.

The commercial projects, both winners and entrants, were of outstanding caliber. The commercial builder of the year, A & K MacKay Building, were rewarded for their efforts in completing 104 Brighton Avenue, Toronto which also claimed commercial awards for Interior and Shop Fitouts and best use of Ceramics.

It was certainly a difficult choice for the judges when competing against projects of such a high standard as the University of Newcastle Student Accommodation Building (John Holland), Newcastle Private Hospital (North Construction), The Lucky Hotel (Graph Builders), Cordina Chicken Factory (GWH Build), Foghorn Brewhouse (Deane Projects) and Muswellbrook Hospital Emergency Department (Hansen Yuncken) which were all worthy commercial winners. Godbee Electrical were also recognized as commercial subcontractor of the year for their outstanding work on a number of projects including the Ourimbah Ausgrid Depot and the Foghorn Brewhouse.

Ferris Building Team

The residential awards continue to produce entries that demonstrate exceptional build quality, exciting new products and better attention to sustainability and energy/water efficiency. The Residential Builder of the Year, Developing Business, dealt with a range of site and design challenges to produce an award winning home of outstanding construction quality at Avoca Beach. To be recognised the best project against other worthy category winners including Peter Doody Constructions, McDonald Jones Homes, Octobrick and Crest Building Services was a memorable achievement. Josh Ferris (Ferris Building) was judged to be the Master Builder’s Young Builder of the Year and collected an award for an exceptional renovation project at Hamilton

M A S T E R B U I L D E R S A S S O C I AT I O N O F N S W N O V E M B E R / D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 5

South. John Hersee Master Painter was recognized as the Housing Subcontractor of the year for excellent work at The Junction, Speers Point and Carrington.

Twenty two local award winners will now progress to the National Master Builders Awards to be held on the Gold Coast in November, where the regions previous winners have claimed significant success. In 2014 Hansen Yuncken’s excellent project at Birubi Point Surf Club was a worthy National Master Builder Award winner for Public Buildings.

Len Blakeney, Hunter Regional Manager for the Master Builders Association

newcastle regional roundup awards

NEWCASTLE EXCELLENCE IN BUILDING AWARD WINNERS

HOUSING BUILDER OF THE YEAR

HOUSING SUBCONTRACTOR OF THE YEAR

YOUNG BUILDER OF THE YEAR

Developing Business Pty Ltd

John Hersee Master Painter

Phone 4324 7371 Project Beach Build, Avoca Beach Architect/Designer Zias Building Design

Phone 0425 312 540 Project 2 Ravenshaw St, The Junction - Berkley St,Speers Point 58 Gipps St, Carrington

Josh Ferris

DISPLAY HOMES UNDER $450,000

CUSTOM BUILT HOMES $300,000 - $650,000

CUSTOM BUILT HOMES $650,000 - $800,000

McDonald Jones Homes

Peter Doody Constructions Pty Ltd

Octobrick Pty Ltd

CUSTOM BUILT HOMES $800,000 - $1 MILLION

CUSTOM BUILT HOMES OVER $2 MILLION

ALTERATIONS, ADDITIONS, RENOVATIONS

Developing Business Pty Ltd

Developing Business Pty Ltd

& RESTORATIONS UNDER $400,000

Phone 1300 555 382 Project Seaside Retreat 16, Fern Bay Architect/Designer Stuart Everitt

Phone 4324 7371 Project North Avoca Beach House, North Avoca Architect/Designer Rebecca Cavanagh Design

Phone 0418 843 404 Project Hunter Valley Farmhouse, Fullerton Cove Architect/Designer Schreiber Hamilton Architects

Phone 4324 7371 Project Beach Build, Avoca Beach Architect/Designer Zias Building Design

Phone 0402 534 157 Company Ferris Building Pty Ltd

Phone 0418 296 658 Project Johnson/Sawatzky Residence, The Junction Architect/Designer Buzacott/Webber Architects

Ferris Building Pty Ltd

Phone 0412 719 181 Project Dumaresq St Project, Hamilton South Architect/Designer Kevin Snell - Snell Architects

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newcastle awards

NEWCASTLE EXCELLENCE IN BUILDING AWARD WINNERS

ALTERATIONS, ADDITIONS, RENOVATIONS

ALTERATIONS, ADDITIONS, RENOVATIONS

MEDIUM DENSITY, DUAL OCCUPANCY

& RESTORATIONS $400,000 - $700,000

& RESTORATIONS $1.5 MILLION - $2.5 MILLION

McDowell Homes

Crest Building Services Pty Ltd

Bailey and Morris Constructions

Phone 0418 497 242 Project 20 Sunset, Soldiers Point

MEDIUM DENSITY, 3 - 5 DWELLINGS

MEDIUM DENSITY, OVER 5 DWELLINGS

KITCHEN OF THE YEAR UNDER $35,000

Pycon Homes & Constructions Pty Ltd

Mavid Construction Pty Ltd

Pycon Homes & Constructions Pty Ltd

BATHROOM OF THE YEAR

SWIMMING POOL OF THE YEAR

OUTDOOR LANDSCAPING PROJECT OF THE YEAR

Claybuild

Developing Business Pty Ltd

- RESIDENTIAL DWELLING

Phone 0412 597 225 Project Degabriele, Coal Point Architect/Designer Mayfield Design

Phone 0418 634 252 Project Harbourside, Port Macquarie Architect/Designer Collins W Collins

Phone 0402 291 404 Project Neptunes Bedroom Suite, Croudace Bay

Phone 0414 979 015 Project Bellarimbah, Palm Grove Architect/Designer Slater Architects

Phone 0421 811 588 Project 46-48 Lachlan Road, Cardiff Architect/Designer Seymour Architect

Phone 4324 7371 Project Beach Build Pool, Avoca Beach Architect/Designer Zias Building Design

M A S T E R B U I L D E R S A S S O C I AT I O N O F N S W N O V E M B E R / D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 5

Phone 0418 634 252 Project Suitor Residence Kitchen, Port Macquarie Architect/Designer Pycon Homes

North Luxury Residential

Phone 0418 690 997 Project The Point, Copacabana Architect/Designer Slater Architects

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newcastle awards

NEWCASTLE EXCELLENCE IN BUILDING AWARD WINNERS

OUTDOOR LANDSCAPING PROJECT OF THE YEAR -

ENERGY EFFICIENCY & ENVIRONMENTAL

BEST USE OF TIMBER

MEDIUM DENSITY

SUSTAINABILITY

Bailey and Morris Constructions

Scape Constructions Pty Ltd

Altez Building Contractors

Phone 0414 979 015 Project Bellarimbah, Palm Grove Architect/Designer Slater Architects

BEST USE OF BRICKS

BEST USE OF GLASS

BEST USE OF CERAMICS

Altez Building Contractors

Altez Building Contractors

McDonald Jones Homes

EFFICIENT USE OF WATER

WORKCOVER EXCELLENCE IN WORK HEALTH

WOMEN IN BUILDING RECOGNITION AWARD

Developing Business Pty Ltd

& SAFETY AWARD HOUSING

Gillian Geraghty

Phone 0439 485 170 Project Forresters Beach Retirement Village Development Architect/Designer Scape Constructions Pty Ltd

Phone 0414 605 013 Project “Benbulla” House for Bob and Susan Architect/Designer Austin McFarland Architects

Phone 4324 7371 Project Beach Build, Avoca Beach Architect/Designer Zias Building Design

Phone 0414 605 013 Project “Benbulla” House for Bob and Susan, Wherrol Flat Architect/Designer Austin McFarland Architects

Phone 0414 605 013 Project “Benbulla” House for Bob and Susan Architect/Designer Austin McFarland Architects

Bartlett Homes

Phone 02 4932 4009

M A S T E R B U I L D E R S A S S O C I AT I O N O F N S W N O V E M B E R / D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 5

Phone 1300 555 382 Project Miami 16 Executive, Rutherford Architect/Designer Stuart Everitt

newcastle awards

WOMEN IN BUILDING RECOGNITION AWARD

HOUSING APPRENTICE OF THE YEAR

Jennifer Bates

Jonathon Lawler

COMMERCIAL BUILDER OF THE YEAR

COMMERCIAL SUBCONTRACTOR OF THE YEAR

EXTENSIONS, RENOVATIONS &

A & K MacKay Building Co Pty Ltd

Godbee Electrical

REFURBISHMENTS OVER $2 MILLION

Phone 02 4022 8777 Project 104 Brighton Avenue, Toronto Architect/Designer The Plan Centre

Phone 02 4967 5277 Project Ausgrid Depot - Ourimbah, The Alec Rice Centre – Toronto and Foghorn Brewhouse, Newcastle

Deane Projects Pty Ltd

EXTENSIONS, RENOVATIONS &

PUBLIC BUILDINGS UNDER $1.5 MILLION

PUBLIC BUILDINGS $1.5 MILLION - $6 MILLION

REFURBISHMENTS OVER $2 MILLION

Lianda Constructions Pty Ltd

Hansen Yuncken

North Construction & Building Pty Ltd

Phone 0438 106 306 Project Newcastle Private Hospital, New Lambton Heights Architect/Designer DWP Suters

Phone 0416 255 036 Project CAPA Building, Port Macquarie Architect/Designer Wayne Ellis Architects

Phone 0408 469 815 Project Foghorn Brewhouse, Newcastle Architect/Designer Murray James Building Design & Planning

Phone 0434 203 079 Project Muswellbrook Hospital Emergency Department Redevelopment, Muswellbrook Architect/Designer EJE Architecture

M A S T E R B U I L D E R S A S S O C I AT I O N O F N S W N O V E M B E R / D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 5

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newcastle awards

NEWCASTLE EXCELLENCE IN BUILDING AWARD WINNERS

PUBLIC BUILDINGS OVER $6 MILLION

CLUB/HOTEL DEVELOPMENTS (REFURBISHMENT)

INTERIOR & SHOP FITOUTS

Stevens Construction (NSW) Pty Ltd

Graph Builders Pty Ltd

A & K MacKay Building Co Pty Ltd

INDUSTRIAL BUILDING OVER $5 MILLION

CIVIL ENGINEERING & INFRASTRUCTURE

APARTMENT DEVELOPMENTS

GWH Build Pty Ltd

Waeger Constructions

John Holland Pty Ltd

COMMERCIAL PROJECTS UNDER $2 MILLION

COMMERCIAL PROJECTS OVER $5 MILLION

RESTORATION OF A HISTORIC BUILDING

A & K MacKay Building Co Pty Ltd

Stevens Construction (NSW) Pty Ltd

Australian Heritage Restorations

Phone 0417 469 720 Project Performing Arts Centre, Erina Heights Architect/Designer CBM Sustainability Group Pty Ltd

Phone 02 4966 3766 Project Cordina Chickens, North Wyong Architect/Designer GWH Build Pty Ltd Civil Engineering & Infrastructure

Phone 02 4022 8777 Project 104 Brighton Avenue, Toronto Architect/Designer The Plan Centre

Phone 02 4935 9400 Project The Lucky Hotel, Newcastle Architect/Designer Altis Architecture

Phone 0402 448 647 Project Newcastle Memorial Walk, The Hill Architect/Designer EJE Architecture, Northrop Consulting Engineers

Phone 0417 469 149 Project Performing Arts Centre, Erina Heights Architect/Designer CBM Sustainability Group Pty Ltd Commercial Projects Over $5 Million

M A S T E R B U I L D E R S A S S O C I AT I O N O F N S W N O V E M B E R / D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 5

Phone 02 4022 8777 Project 104 Brighton Ave, Toronto Architect/Designer The Plan Centre

Phone 0418 491 870 Project University of Newcastle Student Accommodation, Callaghan Architect/Designer Architectus/GHD

Phone 0427 249 455 Project Scone Theatre Court House, Scone Architect/Designer EJE Architecture

SPECIAL MBA NSW MEMBER

OFFER! GET NATIONAL FLEET PRICING* ACROSS THE ENTIRE ISUZU D-MAX AND MU-X RANGE!

To secure this great offer take your MBA NSW membership card to your local Isuzu UTE dealer.

ISUZUUTE.COM.AU 5-star ANCAP safety rating on 4x4 D-MAX Crew Cab models built from November 2013 onwards, 4x2 D-MAX Crew Cab High Ride models built from November 2014 onwards and all MU-X models. *To be eligible to receive National Fleet Pricing Master Builders Association NSW (MBA NSW) members must hold a valid membership & provide a proof of membership at the time of purchase via a membership letter or membership card. Only at participating Isuzu UTE Dealers until 31/03/2016, unless extended, varied or while stocks last. ABN holders only. Excludes government, fleet, rental, non-profit and demonstrator vehicle buyers. Not available with any other offers. >The Capped Price Servicing Program applies to eligible Isuzu UTE vehicles with a warranty start date after 1 January 2015. The program covers the first 6 scheduled services in line with the scheduled service intervals. Program price subject to change. For full terms & conditions and current pricing go to isuzuute.com.au/service-plus. ^5 years or 130,000km whichever occurs first, for eligible customers; excludes accessories and trays.

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newcastle awards

NEWCASTLE EXCELLENCE IN BUILDING AWARD WINNERS

ENERGY EFFICIENCY & ENVIRONMENTAL

BEST USE OF TIMBER

BEST USE OF GLASS

SUSTAINABILITY - COMMERCIAL

Malman Constructions

Phone 0499 787 704 Project Sister Marie Hall, Adamstown Architect/Designer Schreiber Hamilton

GWH Build Pty Ltd

Deane Projects Pty Ltd

BEST USE OF CERAMICS

COMMERCIAL WORKCOVER EXCELLENCE IN

COMMERCIAL APPRENTICE OF THE YEAR

A & K MacKay Building Co Pty Ltd

WORK HEALTH & SAFETY AWARD

Jarrad Page

Phone 0408 469 815 Project Foghorn Brewhouse Architect/Designer Murray James Building Design & Planning

Phone 02 4022 8777 Project 104 Brighton Avenue, Toronto Architect/Designer The Plan Centre

Kingston Building Australia Pty Ltd Phone 0405 422 114 Project Belmont Police Station, Belmont

UNIVERSITY GRADUATE OF THE YEAR

Lachlan Bell

M A S T E R B U I L D E R S A S S O C I AT I O N O F N S W N O V E M B E R / D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 5

Phone 02 4966 3766 Project Mercure Hotel Newcastle Airport, Williamtown Architect/Designer GWH Build Pty Ltd

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Aboriginal affairs

SAMANTHA CONLEY Omesh Jethwani Government Projects & Programs Manager interviewed Samantha Conley, to find out why she decided to jump-start her career in a typical male dominated industry.

“Because I am a woman, I must make unusual efforts to succeed. If I fail, no one will say, “She doesn’t have what it takes.” They will say, “Women don’t have what it takes.”

- Clare Boothe Luce

Share something personal with us about you that you are proud of.

I am a descendant of the Dhurruk Tribal clan.

Dhurruk land covers from Parramatta to the bottom of The Blue Mountains then over to Cabramatta / Liverpool which connects up to Ganangarra Land / Tharawal Land Dharral Eora Land.

What is your current year of apprenticeship?

I am currently a 2nd year apprentice painter and decorator.

What did you want to be when you were little?

I had many dreams when I was little. Looking back, I wanted to be a bit of everything but the list kept changing as I grew up. I wanted to be a hairdresser and a builder to name a few.

How did you feel when you got your apprenticeship?

I felt elated that I had achieved an overall success in my trial period, which eventuated to a full-time apprenticeship. It was an overwhelming experience.

What inspired you to want to be a painter?

I wanted to do something completely different and challenge myself. I do enjoy being very productive and hands on.

What is the best thing about painting that you like the most?

I like painting as it allows me to be creative and take pride in my work. Not only do you get instant results but you also contribute to the building’s new chapter.

Furthermore, it has given me an opportunity to meet some amazing and talented people to work with ever since I started my apprenticeship.

In addition it has given me the opportunity to work on different projects located around New South Wales.

When did you realize you wanted to work in the building and construction industry?

Having family members who have worked in the building and construction industry helped lead me into a trade oriented field. My mother helped enrol me into a pre-apprenticeship course which then led me to where I am today.

What have you learnt at TAFE and on site so far?

I have learnt all aspects of preparation, special effects, lead management, asbestos recognition and business management.

What is it like undertaking a male-dominated trade and being in a classroom full of males?

It is no different to be undertaking any trade for that matter. I found it to be less full-on that the hairdressing course.

What has been the most surprising part of being a female working in the building and construction industry?

It is not as daunting or hard as what people perceive it to be.

Tell us more about the awards you have won for your commitment and dedication.

I was named the 2014 Dulux Accredited Apprentice of the Year Runner Up. I was determined to push myself even harder to win the 2015 Dulux Accredited Apprentice of the Year and I did which I am very proud of. This has now given me the opportunity to compete in the Nationals to be held in Melbourne next year. Recently I found out that I had also won the 2015 Master Builders Apprentice of the Year Award as a 2nd Year Female Apprentice of the Year.

M A S T E R B U I L D E R S A S S O C I AT I O N O F N S W N O V E M B E R / D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 5

Initially, I was surprised to have received both awards in 2014 and I am very proud of my achievements. But it had also given me the determination and confidence to challenge myself and to compete even harder in 2015.

What ambitions have you got for the future?

My long-term goal is to finish my apprenticeship. Then down the track, I would like to start my own business. I am inspired by my boss who runs Ms Fix Pty Ltd with an all-female team.

Furthermore, I am currently completing a Certificate IV in Small Business Management through the Investing in Women Funding Program funded by Women NSW. The course is delivered by Master Builders NSW Education Centre at Baulkham Hills.

What advice would you give to other female school leavers thinking of doing an apprenticeship in a male dominated industry?

I would highly recommend they consider an apprenticeship in the building & construction industry. You will learn skills that you will have for life.

What advice would you give a female who is just starting out on her first day at work?

Just learn as much as you can and never give up no matter how difficult some days might be. Just be true to yourself and take pride in your skills and work. The road to career opportunities in the building and construction industry is endless.

apprenticeship

THE MASTER BUILDERS PRE-APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAM HAS STARTED! Nik and James preparing for wall frame construction

L to R – John Rostirolla, Chris Calderbank-Park, Karen Kellock and Michael Quinn Jamie getting some instruction from MBA Assessor Andrew Turner

At the time of writing this article, we have completed 3 weeks of our Pre Apprenticeship Program at the MBA Education Centre in Baulkham Hills.

Our participants have heard from Award winning builders and Industry experts –John Rostirolla from Roshills Constructions Pty Ltd, Chris Calderbank-Park from Smith & Sons, and Michael Quinn, MBA 4th Year apprentice hosted by Stephen Edwards Constructions Pty Ltd. They have visited industry suppliers such as Hardware and General at Blacktown, Mitre 10 Blacktown and Big River Timbers to learn about the tools, equipment and timber products purchased and used by Carpenters and Builders.

The visited John Rostirolla on his job site at Cremorne and a commercial site in Norwest Business Park built by Shorebuild Pty Ltd. They also visited NBS Frame and Truss to understand how these are produced for the industry.

The boys have built wall frames using hand tools and have learnt to hang doors! They have made benches and are currently building tables for outdoor seating to be installed at our MBA Education Centre.

Carolyn Willis from MIC (Mates in Construction) has conducted training with the boys and

MEND talked to them about drugs and alcohol, workers compensation and injury rehabilitation.

Cancer Council have spoken to the boys about the dangers of our sun and the damage it can do to the workers within our industry. Ivan from Anytime Fitness spoke to the boys about nutrition and fitness – this is vital for everyone in the Building and Construction industry.

Nik – loving the big toys!

All this in 3 weeks! We are getting great feedback from the participants, but also from the many representatives that have presented to them.

They are a great bunch of young guys looking to start their career the best way they can.

I can’t wait to employ them in the Master Builders Apprenticeship Service! Weeks 4 and 5 are shaping up to be just as exciting!

We are heading out to visit a concrete plant with Boral, the paintline with Bluescope Steel and Wethertex are showing us their products used on local new homes.

We will be hosting a BBQ for prospective Training Employers at our MBA Education Centre. While you enjoy your lunch, you can meet and see the projects and portfolios of our Graduates.

After lunch, we will be conducting ‘Speed Interviews’. This gives you the opportunity to meet each of the participants and have a short interview.

When the bell rings, the apprentice moves to the next table and a new apprentice sits down to be interviewed by you.

At the end of the interviews, you select which one you would like to have for a 2 week trial on your site.

This is a paid trial, but to make this more attractive for you, we’ve reduced out MBA Apprenticeship Services rates. We can do this because we have won some NSW Government funding to run this Program.

If you are interested in taking on one of these boys through Master Builders Apprenticeship Services, you need to book your place to meet them!

Call us on 02 8586 3533 to book We have another program starting early January 2016 so there will be more opportunities to take on one of our quality 1st year apprentices!

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apprenticeship

2016 MASTER BUILDERS APPRENTICESHIP SERVICE SCHOOL BASED APPRENTICES AND TRAINEES Master Builders Apprenticeship Service are preparing for the next wave of School Based Apprentices and Trainees (SBATs). The 2016 School Based Apprentice and Trainee hopefuls are ready to start their training now!

What is a School Based Apprentice or Trainee, also known as a SBAT A School-based Apprenticeship and Traineeship allows students in year 10, 11 and 12 at high school to commence an apprenticeship or complete a traineeship while still completing their HSC. School-based apprentices work part-time and undertake the first stage of their formal or offthe-job apprenticeship training, while schoolbased trainees work part-time and complete their formal or off-the-job traineeship training by the end of their HSC year.

Provided that the SBAT’s have successfully completed both their on-the-job and off-thejob training program during their senior high school years, school-based apprentices will commence full-time employment as a 2nd year apprentice from January after their HSC. Most apprenticeships in NSW are a term of up to four years full-time employment. For schoolbased apprenticeships, this term is broken down into part-time and full-time. A typical pattern, where a school-based apprentice undertakes a two year HSC program, will result in the apprentice gaining their trade qualification within 5 years of commencing their school-based apprenticeship: that is, after completion of the HSC, the apprentice will have up to 3 years of full-time employment as an apprentice.

While at school, the school-based apprentice must complete a specified number of days of paid employment as a first-year apprentice.

For many trades the minimum requirement is 100 days but for some trades (e.g. electrical and electronics trades) it may be as high as 180 days.

For Carpentry School Based Apprentices, they must complete 144 days School-based apprentices will be enrolled in the relevant trade course, generally at Certificate III level, from the beginning of their apprenticeship. The formal training component to be completed while at school is generally equivalent to what a full-time apprentice would complete in their first year.

School-based apprentices must complete the formal training component by the end of Term 3 before the HSC to ensure the student receives appropriate credit. They must complete the minimum number of days of paid employment by 31 December of the HSC year to progress into the next stage of their apprenticeship.

A school-based trainee will be enrolled in the relevant qualification at a Certificate II or Certificate III level. They must complete a minimum of 100 days of paid employment, or as specified in the relevant Vocational Training Order. They must also complete their formal training component by the end of Term 3 before the HSC, to ensure the student receives appropriate credit.

School-based apprentices and trainees in New South Wales will undertake their apprenticeship training through a Registered Training Organisation authorised to provide apprenticeship / traineeship training. The student’s school may also deliver the formal

M A S T E R B U I L D E R S A S S O C I AT I O N O F N S W N O V E M B E R / D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 5

training on school premises if it is authorised to do so. In most cases school-based apprentices will continue their enrolment with the same training organisation once they commence full-time work as an apprentice after the HSC, and will complete their formal training within a further two years.

A PDF of more information can be found at the following: http://www.training.nsw.gov.au/forms_ documents/apprenticeships_traineeships/ qa_for_sbat.pdf How can Master Builders Apprenticeship Service help you with a SBAT? We ran a pilot program in 2015 with a small number of school based carpentry apprentices.

These apprentices are all still employed by MBA and ready to start the next stage of their career.

We’re ready to go big for 2016!

5 Reasons to take your SBAT through Master Builders Apprenticeship Service 1. We match you with a SBAT who has the support of family and their school 2. We do all the administration work! You only need to sign a timesheet 3. Workers Compensation liability – We cover the costs, rehabilitation, the insurance company and all of the paperwork!

4. We invoice you an hourly rate – you know exactly what your SABT costs 5. We will manage your SBAT if your situation changes If you’re interested in taking on a Master Builders SBAT or want some more information please call Master Builders Apprenticeship Services on 02 8586 3533 or apprenticeship@mbansw.asn.au

housing

EASIER WAYS TO NAVIGATE THE PLANNING SYSTEM Free online information, advice and tools for residential building and renovation projects are available from the NSW Department of Planning and Environment.

Whether you’re working on small improvements like adding a deck through to larger projects like building a new home, our tools can help you. You can find out what work you can do that doesn’t need council approval or those projects that can be undertaken via a fast-track approval process.

The NSW Planning Hub is simplifying the planning system, making it easier to bring your clients projects to life.

On the Hub, you’ll find Interactive Buildings, which provides easy-to-read planning requirements for minor building work displayed on a residential, commercial or industrial property. This work is known as exempt development and includes verandas, carports and kitchens. Exempt development does not require planning or development approval.

Interactive Buildings is a handy tool that lets you enter an address to see what work you can or cannot do on a property.

The Electronic Housing Code is an online system that provides a faster, easier way to get approval for certain types of residential

development, including renovations and additions as well as one and two storey houses. The system lets you investigate, prepare, lodge and track complying developments online.

Complying development is straightforward residential development that meets specific building standards and can be approved by either councils or private certifiers without the need for a full development application.

The Electronic Housing Code also allows you to easily find out which developments are exempt – those that do not require council approval.

The Planning Hub will be replaced in November by the NSW Planning Portal. The Planning Portal will provide a single point of access, advice and guidance on the planning system in NSW as well as all the current State and local planning controls including: • Local environmental plans • Development control plans • Contributions plans • Other relevant state plans and policies.

You’ll be able to enter a specific property address into the NSW Planning Portal to find land and property constraints that affect the property you selected. The Portal will be available at www.planningportal.nsw.gov.au.

The Planning Viewer displays the planning rules that apply to properties across NSW. This mapbased tool shows planning controls like lot size, land zoning or heritage. It’s timesaving and helpful to anyone interested developing a property.

Local Insights provides demographic and development information about individual local government areas. It displays development applications on a map allowing you to see what’s happening in a particular area.

All of the Department’s online planning tools can be found on the NSW Planning Hub at www.hub.planning.nsw.gov.au

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housing

DRAFT REPORT ON THE REVIEW OF THE BUILDING PROFESSIONAL ACT Ex- Treasury official, Mr Michael Lambert has released his draft report on the review of the Building Professional Act. The draft report is a prescription to substantially reform the regulation and administration of the NSW building industry.

The draft report is a reflection of the wide Terms of Reference provided to the reviewer to review just not the Building Professionals Act, the Building Professionals Board and certification, but importantly the overall building regulation and administration in NSW. The draft report is also an obvious reflection that Michael Lambert has in a relative short time come to understand the complexity of the NSW building industry and how it operates in a practice. Such a comprehension of the industry is fundamental to ensure any recommendations for reform is structured on the way the industry operates in a practical sense, rather than trying to mould the industry to fit political policy and impractical regulation.

Previous Reviews The reviewer was required to consider a number of reports from previous reviews and inquiries over the past fifteen years relating to building regulation and certification of building work. It was noted just from the sheer number of reviews and inquiries commissioned by successive governments over this period that there have been warranted concerns over the operation and structure of the NSW building industry. It was also noted the consistency in conclusions in the previous reports and recommendations of which the reviewer found through his consultations are still consistent today.

fatigue and frustration in light of the number of reviews undertaken and the lack of progress in structural reform.

Such frustration is certainly endorsed by this association to the extent that the process has simply become a matter of dusting of previous well-worn submissions and simply changing the date.

Whether out of concern by the reviewer that his report will suffer a similar response by government, he has been pointed in his commentary regarding government inaction: The consequences of inaction will not necessarily be apparent for some time but there is a significant level of risk in the system that will, at some time, manifest itself in a major negative event. In such circumstances the worst of all worlds is to have a regulatory system that is ineffective and has been acknowledged as such.

Comparison With Other Jurisdictions.

The draft report emphasises the complex and fragmented administration of building regulation in NSW and provides a detailed comparison in the approach to building regulation and certification across other jurisdictions.

It is found that with the majority of other jurisdictions there is a consolidated approach to building regulation with a consolidated Building Act, the exception being NSW and South Australia. The benefit of a Building Act supports a more consolidated approach to the administration of the building industry, generally in the form of a Building Commission.

The reviewer rightly concluded that no substantial reforms have been undertaken in recent years to address the serious concerns raised in previous reports regarding the operation of building regulation and certification. He also reflects that there is broad support for reform; there is also a level of

M A S T E R B U I L D E R S A S S O C I AT I O N O F N S W N O V E M B E R / D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 5

Master Builders has for a very long time held as a key policy positon for NSW to undertake major structural reform in the administration of regulation of the industry by establishing a Building Commission. Our lobbying efforts on this issue to date have had scant response from successive governments, not unlike the key recommendations of previous inquiries as highlighted by this current review.

The other significant stand-out from other jurisdictions is that licensing in NSW is limited to the residential sector as a response to consumer protection. In in all other Australian jurisdictions and New Zealand, licensing or registration covers the wider building sector.

The draft report also reveals that the resourcing for building regulation in NSW is significantly less when compared with other jurisdictions, especially the larger States of Queensland and Victoria. It is especially concerning that the Building Professionals Board is found to lack the necessary autonomy and resourcing, and a lack of budgeting process to enable it to be fully effective in its role and given the ongoing criticism of private certification and the level of complaint. It appears the BPB is just “treading water� in undertaking its functions and has been hamstrung in initiating a proactive audit program.

Building Defects Higher In NSW While noting that comprehensive data on building defects is not available, it appears the reviewer has found anecdotal evidence convincing enough to find that the incidence of

housing building defects is higher on balance than with other jurisdictions. In particular, concern with the higher level of defects occurring in strata apartment buildings. It is found that major cause of complaints is poor workmanship and the role of the builders.

The draft report identifies recent events such as the Bankstown apartment block fire resulting in death and injury; the Lane Cove balcony collapse causing serious injury; and the Macquarie Park balustrade failure causing death, as sufficient indicators there are serious problems with the system in NSW. The draft report identifies a number of underlying problems with the current system and makes particular mention that there is clear evidence of non-compliant fire safety systems causing unsafe conditions in new and existing buildings.

As previously mention, the fragmented, complex and under resourced administration of building regulation is identified throughout the report as a contributor to underlying problems.

Our view is that the lack of comprehensive data on building defects is a major omission to directing appropriate resources through education, training and improved technical standards in isolating or eliminating building defects. Rather than limiting defects during the construction process there continues to be a policy position of deferring problems until completion of the project and responding to consumer complaints and this view is emphasised by the recent introduction of a defects bond.

Building Commission Versus Office Of Building Regulation.

The draft report provides several options for the governance; or administration of building regulation. The current fragmented approach is shared amongst a number of agencies: • The Department of Planning and Environment • The Building Professionals Board.

• Home Building Services , a division of Fair Trading • Office of Local Government.

From the options provided in the draft report, two options stand alone as a good administrative structure, a Building Commission or Office of Building Regulation.

Both options would consolidate the like functions of licensing and accreditation and align other related functions into one agency.

The main difference and an important one for consideration, is the differing legal structure of the two options. The Office of Building Regulation incorporates the building regulation function within a department structure with a statutory Board administering licensing and accreditation.

A Minister for Building Regulation would be appointed with the Board and the Office of Building Regulation reporting to the Minister.

A Building Commission would achieve the same consolidation of functions as mentioned above within one portfolio; however the difference being that the Building Commission would be a statutory authority with its own governing Board.

Master Builders strongly supports the Building Commission option out of concern that an Office of Building Regulation option could suffer from similar issues as the current Building Professionals Board and suffer from lack of resources. An advisory Board under the Office of Building Regulation proposal has the risk of simply being a token body and ineffective as occurred with previous cross – agency coordinating committees.

Further Considerations The draft report rightly considers the certification system and the role and accountability of certifiers. The difficulty faced by certifiers in forming decisions on complex and inflexible regulations and codes, including the complexity of complying development.

It identifies the lack of clarity for certifiers in understanding their roles and responsibilities and confusion within the community over who is the responsible party for a development.

Improving the professionalism of certifiers through improved education and training and creating an attractive career path to ensure sufficient supply of certification services.

It seeks as a priority reform in the area of accountability and responsibility in the design, installation and commissioning of fire safety systems and the certification of waterproofing and that proper accountability and responsibility flows across all parties involved in the construction process. Ensuring the construction of Class 2-9 buildings is supported by detailed plans prepared and certified by accredited persons.

A greater emphasis on the appointment of certifiers for strata and community title buildings, together with an active audit program to ensure problems are addressed during construction rather than reacting to subsequent consumer complaints.

Final Submission Master Builders will make a submission on the draft report which will be succinct in it content and generally supporting the content of the draft report and its recommendations as it reflects many of the views we have present over the last decade or more.

A copy of the draft report can be found on the Building Professionals Board website at: http://bpb.nsw.gov.au/

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industrial relations

NSW STATE GOVERNMENT ANNOUNCES MAJOR CHANGES TO WORKERS COMP SYSTEM Members are advised that the NSW State Government recently announced a $1billion workers compensation reform package in a win for injured workers, employees and businesses across the State, which took effect from Tuesday 1 September 2015.

The NSW State Government’s Workers Compensation reform package includes three main elements: A Simplified System and Customer Experience Three new organisations have been formed to regulate the State’s insurance schemes and regulate work, health and safety.

These new organisations are: 1. SafeWork NSW, which is an independent work health and safety regulator, positioned within the Department of Finance, Services and Information.

2. State Insurance Regulatory Authority (SIRA), which is an independent insurance regulator within the Department of Finance, Services and Innovation incorporating CTF Regulation (Motor Accidents), Workers Compensation Regulation, Home Building and Compensation.

3. Insurance & Care NSW is a single customer-focused insurance care service provider incorporating Nominal Insurer

Workers Compensation, Lifetime Care and Support, Dust Diseases, SiCorp and Sporting Injuries Compensation.

NOTE: All previously existing agencies have been brought under the banner of one of these three agencies. There will be no job losses as a result of these changes and all employees will maintain their working conditions.

Enhanced Benefits for Injured Workers Payment of medical expenses, certain prosthesis and aids for life for seriously injured workers, increased lump sum and minimum weekly payments, and new financial assistance for return to work, education and retraining.

Premium Reductions for Business A range of 5% to 20% discounts for employers in workers compensation premiums for maintaining safe workplaces and helping injured employees return to work.

What this means for SafeWork NSW The full range of services will continue to be offered across the whole of NSW: • The inspectorate continues to provide advice, as well as undertake compliance and enforcement activities and conduct investigations.

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• The existing partnerships, sponsorships, agreements and MOU’s remain in place to ensure mutually beneficial outcomes.

• Authorised training and assessment providers continue to provide critical services to customers.

• Will continue to recognise WorkCover NSW authorised licenses, authorisations and certificates.

• Information, assistance and advice will continue to be available via the SafeWork NSW website: www.safework.nsw.gov.au and the Customer Service Centre 13 10 50.

Members are also advised that the NSW State Government has claimed that these reforms have been developed from the ground up by talking to injured workers, meeting with businesses and engaging with stakeholders.

They honour the Government’s commitment to provide two thirds of every dollar, above the amount to keep the scheme sustainable, to support injured workers and one third to lower premiums for business.

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Comprehensive training will be provided to the purchaser on products, suppliers, customers and the quoting software.

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Current staff (Office and On-Site) will be retained, and are able to provide ongoing assistance/advice where required.

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legal

RENOVATING UNDER THE INFLUENCE RUI “Most strata issues and disputes relate to renovations where the owner is unaware of just where their responsibility starts and end. As Strata living is on the rise so too are related renovating disasters,” says Matthew Wrigley, Managing Director of Perpetual Strata Management. Mr Wrigley should know, initially a builder, he has worked in the construction industry for more than 10 years. His career change, into Strata management three years ago, was sparked by the fact that most serious strata issues sprang from a lack of experience and understanding of the complexities of building and construction.

The rage for renovating, swing to strata living and seemingly ever-upward property demand is creating new pressure for Strata Managers and Owners Corporations.

Almost a quarter of the Australian population live in a Strata titled home and with the rise in apartment living the number is increasing every day in parallel with the obsession for home renovation.

Influenced by the heady allure of extreme makeovers and the promise of instant profit,Australia has become a renovation nation.

Owners often rush to remodel unaware of the costly pitfalls and long-term repercussions.

“Rarely is any renovation experience straight forward but when this is compounded by the lack of, or lax Strata by-laws, as is commonplace, it is just a matter of time before there is a problem.

“Strata renovation mistakes and mishaps are often borne out of naivety and compounded by regulations and legislation that are mired in confusion.”

Strata Management schemes have a raft of legislation and regulation to consider when renovating. Any breaches or poorly executed work can have long lasting consequences and cause considerable expense for home owners, fellow residents and impact the value or the sale of everyone’s property.

Residents generally do not set out to fall foul of the system but the mores of Strata regulations and by-laws are open to interpretation, have plenty of grey areas and often are just poorly written and executed in the first place.

Sophisticated investors, first-home buyers, DIY renovators and those from non-English speaking backgrounds are all expected to be familiar with ever the changing technology and terminology of

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the Australian building code (BCA), tradespeople of varying skills, licences and permits updates.

None of this is straightforward.

There are many hidden caveats for the uninitiated: It is a little known rule that all risk lies with the owner and it is the owners’ responsibility to employ a solicitor, expert in Strata matters, to have a by-law written which specifies the planned renovations. Just that exercise can be expensive.

Owners are often not aware of what the term renovation means and indeed there are different interpretations in every building, council and state.

Mr Wrigley recalls one inner-city apartment owner who added down-lights, ducted airconditioning and a new ceiling, believing that as the owner, he was within his rights.

The renovations only came to light once a council fire order was placed on the building.

Not only did this raise the need for a change in by-laws with ensuing legal implications and costs, but the property had to rectified to comply with fire regulation. As this was the responsibility of the Owners Corporation (OC), a special levy of more than $100,000 was struck and each of the Strata unit owners had to foot the bill. And this was in a small strata scheme of 20 units.

A bitter lesson when the owner-renovator has made a tidy profit sold up and moved on.

legal

Mr Wrigley says, “It happens from time to time and extreme examples are known as a Hollywood renovation where a property is glammed up to sell. The owner knows full well what corners to cut with scant regard for approvals. The only aim is a quick turn around and a quick profit.”

“Hollywood-type builders have made it their business to know how to get around insurances, warranties, approvals and Owners Corporations (OC).

“With a building industry background you can head off any signs of trouble before there is a dispute – but for someone without an insider’s skills and nous it would be very difficult.”

PERPETUAL STRATA MANAGEMENT’S GUIDE TO STRATA RENOVATIONS 1. No secrets no surprises Advise the OC before the hammer hits the nail to avoid any squabbles. Get in first. Get in early. If in any doubt about what requires the permission of the OC it is safer to assume that permission has to be sought. Put your intentions in writing, to the OC together with plans and documentation.

Secret or illegal renovations done under the cover of darkness can backfire and cause grief and financial repercussions and may affect the value of the property.

2. Neighbours, everybody needs good neighbours Face it – renovations can be annoying for the neighbours. The Owners’ Corporation should advise the neighbours of the impending disruption. Even if the OC does this formally the courtesy of a personal note in the letterbox will sooth potential fracas. Renovation noise and mess should be covered under the bylaws including what time renovations start and

finish, what happens with debris and mess and tradies access and parking.

Tradies’ parking is one of the biggest issues so best to work that out upfront when you are talking about access.

3. Down Mexico way – across the border Each building is unique. Each council will be different and each state will be different in terms of regulations and by-laws and what’s deemed minor and major works. What applies to a property in Queensland is not the same as New South Wales or Victoria. What’s accepted as renovation and what is a cosmetic update will vary. Be sure you understand where your property envelope starts and finishes and where the common property starts, as this will be the responsibility of the OC. Familiarise yourself with the terminology as it is not obvious or simple.

4. Cousin Vinnie renos For small renovations the home-handyperson is fine. If the work is worth more than $5000 you will need a licenced builder. There has to be a formal contract between you and your tradesperson. It befalls you to check the licences are update and in order. Best to keep a copy of these to provide to the OC. Where the work is worth more than $20,000 Home Owners’ Warranty Insurances is mandatory.

This is considered an insurance of last resort if the builder defaults, goes bankrupt or dies.

5. Avoid the damp squib Be aware that anything to do with water is potential for trouble. To an amateur DIYer what could be simpler than buying a bucket of waterproofing-liquid-membrane and slapping it around the shower recess? But a disregard for application and drying times will see more leaks than the Trevi Fountain in years to come.

Usually it is years later that a leak springs and

you may have to rely on the paperwork at the time of the project to decide who takes responsibility and ultimately who pays for damages. Where plumbing is involved bring in a professional plumber.

6. Wires and cables get the chop Mistakenly cutting through wires, cables and pipes can happen to the most experienced builder or contractor. The repercussions of this can be costly particularly if the premises are commercial. But it is the inexperienced or illegal renovator who is unaware of their obligations. The builder has the responsibility of preparing a defect report before the works begins so that there can be no mischievous claims for damages when the work is finished.

Illegal work and defects can come back to bite the Strata scheme years later 7. Time warp Coordinating people and events is fraught at the best of times. With any renovations there are myriad details from permits, licences, plans and quotes to organise, add to this the caprices of councils, committees and corporations as well as other residents. Best to allow for a flexible time frame and not rush into renovations.

“Strata Management is intertwined with responsible asset management as property is usually a significant investment. There are changes afoot as people wise up and Strata living becomes more commonplace. Now even owners of the smallest strata schemes are challenged to become responsible for setting the tone and culture of the building and add value to important assets,” adds Matthew Wrigley.

Released for: Perpetual Strata Management www.perpetualstrata.com.au Released by: Heusler Public Relations Contact (02) 8354 1131 M: 0414 388 744

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FIXED PRICE RESIDENTIAL CONTRACTS CAN ONLY CLAIM STAGES Any fixed price residential building contract signed on and from 1 March 2015 must only claim payments by way of stages that are described in clear and plain language, with some limited exceptions referred to later in this article.

All MBA NSW fixed price residential contracts have been amended to provide only staged claims, which is required by The Home Building Amendment Act 2014. Any contracts purchased prior to 1 March 2015 should be disposed of to ensure that a builder does not inadvertently contract with periodic or milestone claims. Also, there are a number of other technical amendments that are required by the amending Act and are incorporated in the March 2015 versions of MBA NSW fixed price contracts.

Be wary of banks advising that there are “standard stages” or “compulsory stages”.

This is not the case in New South Wales and any such statement should be reported to the Legal Department. The work comprised in each stage is up to the builder to nominate and negotiate with the owner.

Staged Claims All payment claims in fixed price contracts are to be for specified stages only. A builder can no longer claim periodically such as weekly, fortnightly or monthly claims for the value of the work or on a percentage basis.

Instead the progress payment must be for a “specified amount or specified percentage of the contract price that is payable following

completion of a specified stage of the work, with the work that comprises that stage described in clear and plain language”.

The MBA NSW is providing a list of suggested descriptors with hard copy sales of any fixed price residential building contracts, but this list is not exhaustive and it is vital for the Builder to ensure the stages in the contract accurately cover all aspects of the work involved in the project. Whilst descriptors should be general so that Owners can understand them, the builder should ensure that there are descriptions of each major component of the works comprised in each stage. If you wish a copy of this list then contact the Legal Department.

Staged payment requirements could cause problems if an owner refuses to pay a progress payment on the basis that a very small part of the stage has not been completed. As such, the MBA NSW contracts allow for a claim to be made when 95% of the particular stage has been reached. Even so, it is important for the builder to carefully consider the structure of the stages agreed to in the contract and the sequencing of the project, in order to ensure that valid claims can be regularly made to maintain cash flow. A builder should not include in a stage any item that may be delayed or not completed and thus preventing payment of that entire stage.

A builder should try to claim as many separate stages as possible. Quite often a bank will only allow a certain number of stages and a builder

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should ensure that his costings allow for bank imposed stages to be cost-effective in that the builder is more exposed to risk and in fact becomes a second tier financier to the job and should consider increasing his price to reflect these factors. If a bank nominates stages the builder should not consider the description of work nominated by the bank as sufficient but instead should carefully consider the work comprised in that stage in accordance with the Act, in other words, include all the major components of the work in each stage being described in clear and plain language.

Milestones are not stages and should not be used under any circumstances. As the requirement is now for stages where the work is described in clear and plain language, milestones do not comply with this requirement. Therefore, when a builder puts that a payment is due on reaching “Ground floor slab”, “Roof”, or “Lock up” et cetera, this will be non-compliant with the staged claim requirements and the builder will not be entitled to the progress claim (see Penalties below).

Penalties The penalties for non-compliance are severe.

A builder cannot demand or receive payment of a progress payment for a fixed price contract unless the progress payment complies with the staged claim requirements. It may be necessary for the builder to complete the entire contract works before he is entitled to any money.

legal MBA NSW has approached NSW Fair Trading to consider changing this provision as it could create a disproportionate hardship for the builder and if the builder cannot complete then the owner would suffer loss as well. The indication thus far from NSW Fair Trading is that they would consider this submission but it is unlikely to change and certainly not any time soon.

There is also a penalty for non-compliance of up to $22,000.

Exceptions The requirement for staged claims only for a fixed price residential contract do not apply if the builder is contracting with a strata plan owners corporation, a developer, an investor, or if the contract is for less than $20,000.

residential building contracts. If a builder quotes a price that allows for a deposit and is later told by the owner or a bank that no deposit or a lesser amount will be provided in the builder may wish reconsider the price as there is no working capital provided by the owner and instead the builder will have to fund it.

Termination clause Contracts for works exceeding $20,000.00 are required to include a termination clause.

This is a “statement that the contract may be terminated in the circumstances provided by the general law and that this does not prevent the parties agreeing to additional circumstances in which the contract may be terminated”.

Whilst all MBA NSW residential fixed price contracts only have provision for staged claims, if a builder is contracting with any of these exceptions he could rule through the staged claim provision and instead put in a special condition to the effect of “Payments to be made for the value of the work performed at the date of the request for payment. Requests for payment are to be made every two weeks.”

The builder should change the claim period to whatever is suitable however it is usually best to claim as often as possible.

Essentially this is clarifying that the general law will still apply despite any default and/ or termination clauses in the contract. An example of termination under general law is where one party to the contract “repudiates” the contract – ie shows an intention to no longer be bound by the contract – and then the other party can either accept or reject this repudiation. If the repudiation is accepted, the contract is terminated and the innocent party is entitled to claim damages to compensate them for their loss. These principles run alongside any contractual provision and the amendments merely reiterate this.

Other Changes There are a multitude of other amendments in connection with residential building work which have been imposed by the new legislation, but which have not been covered in this article and have been incorporated into MBA NSW residential contract, only some of which are listed below.

Consumer Building Guide MBA NSW residential contracts have the new Consumer Building Guide reproduced at the end the contract, except for the Minor Works Contract in which case the builder should print a copy from NSW Fair Trading website, or request MBA Legal Department to e-mail to them, and then provide to the owner.

It is no longer necessary for a builder to provide a developer with a copy of the Consumer Building Guide.

Cost Plus Residential Contracts The amendments also authorise cost plus contracts where progress payments are for “labour and materials in respect of work already performed or costs already incurred (and which may include the addition of a margin) with provision for a claim for payment to be supported by such invoices, receipts or other documents as may be reasonably necessary to support the claim and with payment intervals fixed by the contract or on an “as invoiced” basis.”

The way you claim for the MBA NSW Cost Plus Residential contract remains unchanged.

However because of the other technical amendments required builders should not use any contracts produced prior to 1 March 2015 as they will not comply.

If you have any difficulties or enquiries then contact MBA Lawyers on (02) 8586 3517.

Deposits The cap on deposits was increased for work over $20,000 from 5% to 10%. Consequently this results in a flat deposit rate of 10% for all

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insurance

UPDATE ON IMPORTANT CHANGES TO THE HOME BUILDING COMPENSATION FUND Members will now all be aware of the changes to Builders Warranty that came into effect on 4th of August which replace current “annual” limits of Eligibility while also releasing the new CIMS IT system to manage the Certificate issuing process.

limit to their profile. We suggest that builders include this in the handover process at practical completion so that the advice is sent to the broker as a matter of course.

Completion Advice forms are available on the MBAIS website.

Under the new framework, builders’ limits will be managed on the number of projects under construction and their contract values.

Every licensed builder with current HBCF Eligibility will have recently received (in early August) a communication from HBCF outlining their new “open job” limits. Each builder has had the following formula applied to transition from an annual limit to an open job limit.

Once you reach practical completion on a project, you now notify MBA Insurance Services (or your HBCF Broker) by completing a Builder Project Completion Advice; it is at this time that the limit is returned into your Open Jobs limit. At this point the homeowner is notified by HBCF that the project is complete.

This has also been communicated via MBA NSW and to MBAIS clients via various mediums: See Formula below

This process has now been operational for some months and at times this newest link in the process can be missed resulting in with builders not closing jobs of and returning

Please note: When conducting Eligibility Reviews and Profile Changes, assessments will still be completed on the builder’s annual turnover.

The introduction of the new process and system has clearly resulted in delays and issues for some builders and the HBCF have apologised for these delays (see MBAIS website for HBCF communication).

Nevertheless, by enlarge the new process has been embraced by builders as a better way to manage their ongoing requirement to provide consumer protection.

MBAIS will continue to keep its clients and MBA NSW members updated on changes as they are notified to us. Please monitor your e-mail and refer to the MBAIS website for most up to date information. If you are unaware or concerned about how these changes may affect your business please contact one of MBAIS’ experienced staff for assistance.

Sydney (02) 8586 3555 Newcastle (02) 4953 9400 Wodonga (02) 6058 2000 Melbourne (03) 9411 4555

Open Job Value =

Number of jobs x 1.2

Open Job Value =

Approved annual turnover x average construction days x 1.2

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membership NOTICE OF ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

November 2015 Dear Member,

RE: NOTICE OF ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING – MASTER BUILDERS ASSOCIATION OF NSW I hereby give notice that the Annual General Meeting of the Master Builders Association of NSW will take place on Tuesday, 15th December 2015 at 3.00pm at 52 Parramatta Road, Forest Lodge, NSW (MBA Head Office).

Yours faithfully,

Brian Seidler EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

NOTICE OF ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING MASTER BUILDERS ASSOCIATION OF NSW Tuesday, 15th DECEMBER 2015 @ 3.00PM AGENDA 1.0 2.0 3.0 4.0 5.0

Attendance and Apologies Minutes of Previous Meeting (9 December 2014) President’s Report Presentation of MBA/NSW Audited Accounts Close of Annual General Meeting

N.B. This year’s financial statements can be found on the Association’s website at www.mbansw.asn.au/financials Any member who does not have access to the Internet and would like a hard copy of the financial statements posted to them, free of charge, should contact Strebre Delovski, Manager Finance and Administration on (02) 8586 3508.

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NEW MEMBERS A & J Building Group TUGUN

Australian Sports Labour BALGOWLAH

Coatings & Constructions Pty Ltd KINGS PARK

Durant Building ROSEBERY

A G Lawson CONDELL PARK

B & C Shepherd Demolishers (NSW) Pty Ltd YAGOONA

Colin Palmer WATERLOO

Dylan Falecki OATLANDS

A K Bathrooms PADSTOW

B M D C Constructions Pty Ltd WAGGA WAGGA

Colortile DEE WHY

EConstruction Pty Ltd BALMAIN

A L G Commercial Pty Ltd THORNLEIGH

B P Lancaster & R S Lancaster JUNEE

Compass Housing Services HAMILTON

Eden Construction Pty Ltd ALEXANDRIA

A R Design WETHERILL PARK

B P M Industries Australia WEST PENNANT HILLS

Concrete One Pty Ltd MEREWETHER

Efeng Homes Pty Ltd RYDE

A V Building & Maintenance Pty Ltd HINCHINBROOK

B R Contracts Management BURWOOD

Coverite Pty Ltd BERESFIELD

Eire Constructions Pty Ltd WAUCHOPE

Above All Bathrooms RYDALMERE

Base Building MONA VALE

Crafter Build & Design FAIRLIGHT

Epiphany Training and Consulting ANNANDALE

Absolute Contracting (Aust) Pty Ltd NORTH RYDE BC

Beaches Building and Carpentry Pty Ltd ALLAMBIE HEIGHTS

Croning Group Pty Ltd GLEDSWOOD HILLS

Erceg Contracting WYOMING

Acity Pty Ltd HURLSTONE PARK

Ben Trivellionscott EDGECLIFF

Cubelic Holdings Unit Trust CAMPERDOWN

Evan Hayes MUDGEE

AClass Concrete & Landscape BLACKTOWN

Big Build Constructions Pty Ltd COLLAROY PLATEAU

Curley Builders Pty Ltd BIGGERA WATERS

Exspan Pty Ltd UNDERWOOD

Adam Dormor FORSTER

Blitz Group Pty Ltd BROOKVALE

Custom Carpentry & Joinery NEWTOWN

Field Construction Group LENNOX HEAD

Admiration Building Services MUDGEE

Bone Dry Remedial Building & Waterproofing Pty Ltd MONA VALE

Custom Property Group MIRANDA

Focus Building & Carpentry MOUNT COLAH

D Plus C Pty Ltd CATTAI

Fortis Development and Construction Pty Ltd ALEXANDRIA

D W P Homes Pty Ltd ORANGE EAST

Francesco Pisano NEWCASTLE

Dallas Pearson BANORA POINT

Fusion Buildings Pty Ltd WOONONA

Daniel Finn Builder THE LAGOON

Fusion Empire Australia Pty Ltd ABBOTSFORD

Darren Sams COOGEE

G C Architecture and Project Management STRATHFIELD

Darryl Pickering HUNTERS HILL

G M Mitrovski Pty Ltd LAKE HEIGHTS

David Costin CABARITA BEACH

G T Construction THURGOONA

David Keller MILDURA

Gallop Solutions LEICHHARDT

David Smith FRENCHS FOREST

Garry Mansfield & Associates KURNELL

Davonne Blinds GREENACRE

Garth Teasel CRONULLA

Deane Hainsworth ORANGE

Gary Davies SHOALHAVEN HEADS

Delong Construction Building Pty Ltd BURWOOD

Genesis Building Company AUSTINMER

Dennis Ledgerwood DUNGOG

Geoff Tomlinson ROSEBROOK

Dennis Sayers MOREE

George Nicolades BERKELEY VALE

Dependable Project Managers & Builders BRIGHTON-LE-SANDS

Gerrod Jarvie ABERMAIN

Devesticon Pty Ltd KINGSGROVE

Gholam Shahrokhi ROSEVILLE

Dezign Dimension Pty Ltd CASTLE HILL

Graham Kelly SYLVANIA WATERS

Dino Fuccenecco ROUSE HILL

Graham Pogmore SARATOGA

Diverse Design & Construct BATEAU BAY

Grange Central Group CONCORD

DJ & JA Everingham KUNDLE KUNDLE

Gregory Bush WEST PENNANT HILLS

Dunn and Farrugia PENRITH

H & M Constructions (NSW) Pty Ltd SYDNEY SOUTH

Aleksander Ostojic ST JOHNS PARK Alexakon & Sons Pty Ltd BLAKEHURST Ali Hamka BANKSIA All Property Solutions QLD PORT DOUGLAS All Roof Australia BALLINA All Trade Projects LIDCOMBE Allguard Home Improvements Pty Ltd CHARMHAVEN Allround Team Pty Ltd ST LEONARDS Alpine Projects Australia LANE COVE Andre Isaac EASTWOOD Andrew Bianco ULLADULLA Andrew Seeque-Tout WALLSEND Anthony Bellette MALUA BAY Approved Plans Pty Ltd NOWRA Aqualine Pool Resurfacing NSW Pty Ltd MONA VALE Arch Building & Construction Pty Ltd BONDI Artisan Concrete Constructions NSW Pty Ltd WALLACIA Ashmarc Constructions Pty Ltd EARLWOOD Ask A Local Pty Ltd NORTH BONDI Asset Building and Construction Pty Ltd FAIRFIELD Aston Demolition Pty Ltd KINGSFORD Australian Master Homes BUNDALL

Bono Group Pty Ltd MARRICKVILLE Bower Projects Australia Pty Ltd SYDNEY Bradfield Building Group LIVERPOOL WESTFIELD Bradley Cavanagh CARINGBAH Brent Goodwin REDHEAD Brightbuild Constructions BONDI BEACH Broadway Contracting WODONGA Brookvale Industrial Maintenance FRENCHS FOREST Builders Mentor Pty Ltd ANNANDALE Built 4 You Group GLADESVILLE Built Up NORTH BALGOWLAH C K M Building & Maintenance WATERVIEW HEIGHTS Cadner Pty Ltd BROULEE Cais Building Services Pty Ltd BEXLEY Cam’s Home Improvements BALGOWNIE Central West Waterproofing ORANGE EAST Chevalier (Aluminium Engineering) Australia Pty Ltd SYDNEY Chris Kingham ORANGE Christopher Thompson COBAR Christos Skaros GREYSTANES Cleantech Plumbing Pty Ltd BAY VILLAGE

M A S T E R B U I L D E R S A S S O C I AT I O N O F N S W N O V E M B E R / D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 5

membership Hala Constructions Pty Ltd OLD GUILDFORD

Luke Payne Building Pty Ltd KIRRAWEE

Peter Fuller Building Services DUBBO

Small Builders Pty Ltd FOREST LODGE

Hanping Yan ASHFIELD

Luke Wiesberger ULLADULLA

Peter J & Kay L Brown PORT MACQUARIE

Southern Highlands Concrete Constructions DOUGLAS PARK

HazRid Asbestos Removal BEVERLY HILLS

M & V Sheather Pty Ltd COFFS HARBOUR

Peter Shaw-Velzen FOREST LODGE

Southside Bricklaying (NSW) Pty Ltd CARINGBAH

HC Developments Pty Ltd PUNCHBOWL

M C B Constructions NSW Pty Ltd LANE COVE

Peter Skiadopoulos BURWOOD NORTH

Stephen Plowman WALLABI POINT

Herrick Constructions WOOLOOWARE

M I H Projects SUTHERLAND

Philip Mandalidis Services KELSO

Steven Browne EAST MAITLAND

Hi Spec Pty Ltd PORT MACQUARIE

M Summers Constructions ROTHBURY

Platinum Star Constructions Pty Ltd ANNANGROVE

Steven Horton CHARLESTOWN

Home Design & Build Pty Ltd DULWICH HILL

MAAP House Pty Ltd BULADELAH

Power Building Group (NSW) Pty Ltd STOCKTON

Stevens & Co Pty Ltd LEICHHARDT

Home Maintenance on Call BEXLEY

Magnetic Constructions Pty Ltd LIVERPOOL

Precision Timber Mouldings Australia BUDERIM

Stuart Hanger CASTLE HILL

HoverCo Australia DEE WHY

Main Asset Pty Ltd UNSW SYDNEY

Premium Projects By J.R Pty Ltd ALLAMBIE HEIGHTS

Style Group Constructions Pty Ltd TAHMOOR

Iconic Landscaping Pty Ltd GREYSTANES

Mark Pollard Pools and Outdoor Designs PORT MACQUARIE

Protrade Constructions FAIRLIGHT

Sustainable Passive Renovations Pty Ltd WARRAWONG

Inspecta Holmes WOLLONGONG

Mennie Builders Pty Ltd UMINA BEACH

Quinlan Constructions WARRIEWOOD

Sydney Hoist Rentals Pty Ltd LALOR PARK

Interline Projects Pty Ltd GREENACRE

Merritt Construction Solutions HELENSBURGH

R N A Building Solutions CHULLORA

T M Building & Maintenance CAMPSIE

Intrend Building CRONULLA

Mid North Coast Building Service GUMMA

Raffi Gebenian RYDE

Tarner Projects Family Trust CARINGBAH

Isaac Houghton Carpentry LEETON

MKGS Constructions & Project Management NORTH SYDNEY

Red Dog Constructions CAMMERAY

Technique Build ANNANDALE

J & P Olzomer Pty Ltd TERRIGAL

Mountain Coast Concrete NORTH HAVEN

Richard Crookes Constructions Pty Ltd NAREMBURN

The Graff Group Pty Ltd HAMMONDVILLE

J & S Metal Fabrication Pty Ltd OLD TOONGABBIE

Mozzy’s Carpentry & Building Pty Ltd GIRRAWEEN

Roof & Guttering Solutions SARATOGA

The Shed Company Sydney South West NARELLAN

J C Holdings International Pty Ltd MORTLAKE

MRT Constructions RUSSELL VALE

RW Griffin Constructions BLUE BAY

The Superseal Group (NSW) Pty Ltd REVESBY

J F Lindfield & P J Lindfield MULLION CREEK

Mud and Straw Concepts WENTWORTH FALLS

S B C Construction Pty Ltd DUNDAS VALLEY

The Trades Team (Aust) Pty Ltd KINGSGROVE

James Baillie WINDRADYNE

Murray Pinnington MILDURA

S K M W Pty Ltd BALLINA

The Trustee for Hanna Family Trust OATLANDS

Jason Hopkins Pty Ltd FORBES

N G Electrical Services Pty Ltd LENNOX HEAD

Samways Building & Construction Pty Ltd FAIRFIELD

Timbaworx BROOKVALE

Jason Montgomery Constructions GOULBURN

N S W Tafe Commission BANKSTOWN

Sapform Pty Ltd SMITHFIELD

Timothy Quera EDGEWORTH

Jeremy Martin OCEAN SHORES

Nathan Zietsch GATESHEAD

Sarwood Timbers Pty Ltd ALSTONVILLE

Trevor Van Sebille DURANBAH

John Boags Premium Building MARULAN

Neil Main Constructions BUNDABAH

Scott Marchant GULMARRAD

Trident Projects CONCORD

John D Want & Amie Harrison LAWRENCE

New England Constructions Pty Ltd SYDNEY

Scott Warburton Carpentry & Joinery Pty Ltd EAST SEAHAM

Urban Edit CLONTARF

Jonathan Lawler LARGS

Nic Preston HUNTERS HILL

Secure Building Solutions Pty Ltd NARELLAN

Utopia Tile Works Pty Ltd MEDOWIE

Jonathan Pourau GOSFORD

NuStruc Pty Ltd GLENHAVEN

Semaan Pty Ltd FAIRY MEADOW

V I P Builders Pty Ltd RYDALMERE

Josser Constructions ORANGE

Ocean Shore Construction ST IVES

Service Station Developments & Construction WARRIMOO

Wanless Building Pty Ltd KURRI KURRI

K G S Building Consultants Pty Ltd MEREWETHER

Ocean Stylez and Design WAMBERAL

Sevaco Holdings Pty Ltd CARLTON

Waterbloc Waterproofing AVOCA BEACH

K P Thanos EPPING

Ogden Timber BOWRAL

Seven Building Services ALLAMBIE HEIGHTS

Wayne Dillon GROSE VALE

Keen Struct Pty Ltd BONDI BEACH

Opulent Constructions THIRLMERE

Simon Li CANLEY HEIGHTS

Wesbeam Pty Ltd SMITHFIELD

KPartner Interior Pty Ltd BERALA

Osores Holdings Pty Ltd WEST RYDE

Site Sydney Pty Ltd SURRY HILLS

Wickham Hoist (Australia) Pty Ltd WETHERILL PARK

Lars Fischer NEWPORT BEACH

P J Murphy & S G Murphy BALRANALD

SJN Projects CECIL HILLS

Wolfe Kitchens & Custom Joinery WEST GOSFORD

Liquid Pool and Landscape BANORA POINT

Pacific Building Services Pty Ltd NORTH SYDNEY

Skope Pty Ltd BAULKHAM HILLS BC

Wonderwall Group GLADESVILLE

Local Traffic Services Pty Ltd MINTO

Parsons Brinckerhoff SYDNEY

Sky High Tower Crane Services Pty Ltd PORT MACQUARIE

Zacfab Pty Ltd CONDELL PARK

Loch Garman Roofing LIBBERTY GROVE

Peoplefusion Recruitment NEWCASTLE

Smaart Building Consultancy NELSON BAY

Zakaria Obaid PARKLEA

M A S T E R B U I L D E R S A S S O C I AT I O N O F N S W N O V E M B E R / D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 5

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48

membership

CHANCES ARE YOU WILL OUTLIVE YOUR MONEY!

Australian post-retirement life expectancy is currently amongst the highest in the world.

One in eight women retiring now are expected to live beyond 100, and estimates for the average Australian male retiring at 65 years of age is that he can expect to live to 90.

If you are hoping to retire at 65, your money may need to last around 30 years. But what if it had to last for 40 years? That’s almost the equivalent to your time in work.

Could you afford to support yourself for over 40 years? Or like most, would you fall back on the Government Age Pension, a payment currently around $395 per week for an individual?

Many in the trade face the risk of outliving their money (longevity risk), and the vast majority of professional builders lack a plan in order to achieve and maintain quality of life in retirement.

A further risk is the impacts of inflation, currently eroding your purchasing power by two to three percent every year.

Looking at a simple example: A builder entering retirement today and drawing an income of $65,000, with an assumed

inflation rate of 3% pa, will see their future buying power more than halved in 25 years’ time (around $31,000 in today’s dollars). If you cannot increase your income from investments in line with inflation each year during retirement then you will need to radically adjust (reduce) your standard of living just to get by.

What a builder needs in retirement: • Realistic expectations based on your personal circumstances • A ‘hedge’ against Inflation • Sufficient Income for life (however long you live) • Certainty What a builder usually gets: • Unrealistic expectations on lifestyle and funding • No inflation protection • Income that quickly runs out once savings run out • No certainty (of anything) Lifespan Financial Planning to build and protect wealth for members of the Master Builders Association Through sponsorship with Lifespan Financial Planning, MBA (NSW) is offering members and their families access to a team of specialist

M A S T E R B U I L D E R S A S S O C I AT I O N O F N S W N O V E M B E R / D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 5

financial planners, giving you the opportunity to meet with a qualified adviser for a free, noobligation initial consultation to avoid being one of the many facing the need for a government pension in retirement.

Lifespan Financial Planning is one of Australia’s largest non-institutional financial planning firms and has been providing financial advice to Australians for over two decades.

Lifespan Financial Planning provides comprehensive advice on business and personal financial matters, SMSF and retirement planning, personal insurances, investments. Your local professional adviser can ensure you have all the right information, clearly documenting your options and the advice provided, enabling you to make wellinformed decisions about your business and your family’s future.

To find out more and get in touch with your local financial planning professional, contact Lifespan Financial Planning: Phone: 02 9252 2000 Website: www.lifespanfp.com.au

w w w. s y d n e y b u i l d e x p o . c o m

Featuring:

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training CPD-accredited workshops

EXHIBITION BOOTHS ARE BEING FINALISED AT PRESENT, CONFIRM YOUR SPACE BEFORE IT’S TOO LATE! SOME OF OUR SUPPORTING PARTNERS INCLUDE

SOME OF OUR TOP-LEVEL SPEAKERS REPRESENTING FROM

MEET THE RIGHT PEOPLE A key format of the event will be the business matchmaking service for all attending. A series of high level networking functions and meetings are to be run in conjunction with the exhibition and conference , these include:

For more information please contact:

Organised by:

Email: sydneybuild@oliverkinross.com | Phone +61 (02) 8006 7557 * The event is free to attend for anyone working in or linked to the construction industry

@ Sydneybuild # Sydneybuild

50

finance

WHAT THE TURNBULL GOVERNMENT MEANS FOR THE BUILDING AND CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY

There is no doubt that the ascension of Malcolm Turnbull to the office of Prime Minister has dramatically altered the political and public policy dynamic. But what does it mean for the building and construction industry?

Prime Minister Turnbull’s strong commitment to a stronger and more targeted focus on the economy is good news for the nation’s third largest industry. A more productive building industry will build a stronger economy and stronger communities.

The refreshed ministerial line-up appointed by the Prime Minister can bring renewed and reinvigorated energy to driving the implementation of an economic vision and realistic plan to strengthen business and investor confidence that are essential for the commercial and residential building sectors.

Its first few months have seen the Turnbull Government begin to come to grips with issues of vital import to our industry.

Treasurer Scott Morrison has embraced the need for national leadership to tackle housing affordability to ensure new home ownership remains a realistic aspiration for the current and future generations. Master Builders welcomes the Treasurer’s recognition that the housing market needs reform and that he intends to do something about it. A national affordability agenda that works with state/ territory governments and local councils to implement structural reforms to increase the

supply of new housing must be at the core of the Turnbull Government’s approach.

The Harper Review of Competition Policy recommends the proper use of national competition policy payments to state and territory governments for targeted and permanent measures that remove unnecessary blockages to building new homes that inflate the cost of housing.

Master Builders sees an opportunity for the new Federal Treasurer to work with the Victorian Treasurer Tim Pallas to give added impetus to the reform process being considered by COAG’s housing affordability working group.

Master Builders strongly supports Prime Minister Turnbull’s leadership on the need to regenerate urban infrastructure in our major cities to maximize their contribution to the economy as engines of growth and productivity.

The Prime Minister’s vision for our cities, reinforced by his appointment of Jamie Briggs MP as Minister for Cities and the Built Environment and Paul Fletcher MP as Minister for Major Projects, represents a roadmap to our cities meeting the economic and social challenges of population growth and concomitant demand for new public infrastructure.

Master Builders is calling for a bipartisan approach to planning, funding and constructing new public infrastructure.

M A S T E R B U I L D E R S A S S O C I AT I O N O F N S W N O V E M B E R / D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 5

Opposition Leader Bill Shorten’s recent speech Unlocking The Infrastructure Australia Needs, is also an important contribution to the important debate about how best to fund community infrastructure.

But the cost of construction must not be forgotten as important factor.

The Productivity Commission’s inquiry into the public infrastructure confirmed the link between the hostile industrial tactics of the building unions and the high cost that is paid by the community for public infrastructure.

Master Builders’ response to the Draft Report of the Productivity Commission’s inquiry into the workplace relations framework reminds of the Commission of its earlier conclusions and calls for the restoration of the Australian Building and Construction Commission as the regulator with proven success in suppressing the unproductive culture of the CFMEU. The new Minister for Employment Michaelia Cash understands that the restoration of the ABCC is a vital productivity reform that will boost economic growth and Master Builders welcomes her elevation to Cabinet and to this important portfolio.

As the Royal Commission exposes more evidence of the CFMEU’s refusal to be bound by normal standards of behaviour, the community must understand that the union’s unacceptable conduct undermines the economy and the livability of communities.

workplace health & safety

FEDERAL GOVERNMENT MANDATES DRUG AND ALCOHOL TESTING

Master Builders Director Construction – Peter Glover discusses the Federal Government’s new requirement for drug and alcohol testing on Government Funded Projects.

The Federal Government has amended the Building Code 2013 (the Code) by introducing a requirement on employers who tender for Federal Government funded work that they must have a Fitness for Work Policy in place which will provide for drug and alcohol testing to be undertaken on Commonwealth Funded Projects.

In order for the Fitness for Work Policy to comply with the requirements of the Code, it must address the following: 1. How those on site (including employees of the principal contractor, subcontractors and their employees and others) will be required to comply with the relevant fitness for work policy (i.e. through contract or some other enforceable means).

2. The use of an objective medical testing method(s) to detect the presence of drugs or alcohol in a worker’s system and outline the detection of method(s) to be used on the project.

3. The requirement that all of the following substances are tested for: a. Alcohol; b. Opiates; c. THC; d. Cocaine; e. Benzodiazepines; f. Amphetamine; and g. Methamphetamine.

4. That a person who returns a positive result for any of the substances listed above will be deemed not to be fit for work (in respect of each substance listed above, subject to testing detectable levels, there is a zero level tolerance).

5. How a person who returns a positive result will be prevented from performing work until they can prove that they are fit to return to work, and other processes that will apply in the event of a positive result or deemed positive result (i.e. a failure to submit to a test).

6. The requirement that, as a minimum, frequent and periodic testing (at least once per month) of the workforce (both construction workers and site office workers) will be as follows: a. where there are less than 30 workers on site – at least 10% of the workforce; b. where there are 30 to 100 workers on site – a minimum of 5 workers per month; and c. where there are greater than 100 workers on site – a minimum of 10 workers per month.

7. Procedures for the selection of personnel to be tested (including staged selection across a worksite or random selection for testing if the entire workforce is not to be tested in a testing round).

8. Procedures for the targeted testing of higher-risk activities, voluntary testing and for-cause testing.

9. How workers who attend for work affected by drugs or alcohol will be counselled and assisted, apart from any disciplinary process that might apply.

In order to assist members to comply with this new obligation, Master Builders developed and released on 8 October 2015 a Model Fitness for Work Policy which complies with the requirements of the Code.

Members are also advised that the amendment to the Code makes it clear that the costs associated with conducting Drug and Alcohol

testing arising from the implementation of the Fitness for Work Policy is to be borne by the Principal Contractor on the project.

As some Commonwealth Agencies have contractual provisions in place that would enable the cost of the drug and alcohol testing to be passed on to the client Agency, Principal Contractors are advised to check their contractual arrangements.

The Fair Work Building and Construction (FWBC) has announced that as the Regulator responsible for enforcing the Code on projects, they will be taking a staged approach to the implementation of the Fitness for Work Policy.

In the first stage, the FWBC will focus on assisting industry to introduce the policy through education, providing information and helping contractors to understand the implications of the policy.

In the second stage, the FWBC will conduct site audits with a view to providing feedback to principal contractors on their compliance with the policy and assisting them with voluntary rectification to achieve compliance.

In the third stage, which will not commence until after 1 February 2016, the FWBC will conduct audits and, if compliance and rectification are not achieved, they will undertake the usual processes to give consideration to taking further action under the Code.

Members should contact the Association’s Industrial Relations Department or Safety Department if further information or assistance is required regarding this matter.

M A S T E R B U I L D E R S A S S O C I AT I O N O F N S W N O V E M B E R / D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 5

51

2016

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workplace health & safety

FIRE PRECAUTIONS DURING CONSTRUCTION Members are reminded that the current NCC2012, Building Code of Australia (BCA) has specific requirements for building works to safeguard occupants from illness or injury whilst evacuating during a fire, and to provide facilities for occupants and the fire brigade to undertake fire-fighting operations, and to prevent the spread of fire between buildings.

Member’s attention is drawn to the BCA at section E1.9 - Fire precautions during construction.

This provision requires; a. “not less than one fire extinguisher to suit Class A, B and C fires and electrical fires must be provided at all times on each storey adjacent to each required exit or temporary stairway or exit”; and b. After the building has reached an effective height of 12m i. The required fire hydrants and fire hose reels must be operational in at least

every storey that is covered by the roof or the floor structure above, except the 2 uppermost storeys; and ii. Any required booster connections must be installed.”

The BCA defines ‘effective height’ as the height to the floor of the topmost storey (excluding the topmost storey if it contains only heating, ventilating, lift or other equipment, water tanks or similar service units) from the floor of the lowest storey providing direct egress to a road or open space. Also noting that a “storey means a space within a building which is situated between one floor level and the floor level next above, or if there is no floor above, the ceiling or roof above,” but not a mezzanine.

Another consideration is that a contractor’s insurance may be voided if it is found that construction did not comply with the BCA if the required fire precautions were not in place.

In planning and conducting construction work on sites, Master Builders once again recommends that members take steps to comply with the above mentioned section(s) of the BCA in addition to meeting their emergency preparedness duties imposed by the Work Health and Safety Legislation.

For more information relating to this issue or other health and safety matters, please contact the Master Builders Safety Department on (02) 8586 3555 or by email on safety@mbansw.asn.au

Master Builders alerts members that union officials continue to attend building sites citing non-compliance with the above mentioned section(s) from the BCA.

M A S T E R B U I L D E R S A S S O C I AT I O N O F N S W N O V E M B E R / D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 5

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54

dates for your dairy

2016 DIVISION Central Coast

Far South Coast

03 FEB, 02 MAR, 06 APR, 04 MAY, 01 JUN, 06 JUL, 03 AUG, 07 SEP, 05 OCT, 02 NOV 23 FEB, 22 MAR, 26 APR, 24 MAY, 28 JUN, 26 JUL, 23 AUG, 27 SEP, 25 OCT, 22 NOV 03 MAR, 26 MAY, 25 AUG, 24 NOV

Hume

03 FEB, 06 APR, 01 JUN, 03 AUG, 05 OCT

Illawarra

04 FEB, 03 MAR, 07 APR, 05 MAY, 02 JUN, 07 JUL, 04 AUG, 01 SEP, 06 OCT, 03 NOV 15 MAR, 17 MAY, 19 JUL, 20 SEP, 15 NOV

Eastern Suburbs

Inner West Manly Warringah Manning / Great Lakes

11 FEB, 10 MAR, 14 APR, 12 MAY, 09 JUN, 14 JUL, 11 AUG, 08 SEP, 13 OCT, 10 NOV 23 OCT, 10 MAY, 27 JUL, 11 OCT

Mid North Coast

22 FEB, 16 MAY

New England

29 FEB, 23 MAY

North Coast

23 FEB, 17 MAY,

Northern Suburbs

18 FEB, 17 MAR, 21 APR, 19 MAY, 16 JUN, 21 JUL, 15 AUG,18 AUG, 20 OCT, 17 NOV 24 FEB, 11 MAY, 27 JUL, 12 OCT

Oxley Parramatta Cumberland Snowy Mountains South Coast / Shoal

17 FEB, 16 MAR, 20 APR, 18 MAY, 15 JUN, 20 JUL, 17 AUG, 21 SEP, 19 OCT, 16 NOV 02 MAR, 25 MAY, 24 AUG, 23 NOV

St George

17 FEB, 06 MAR, 20 APR, 18 MAY, 15 JUN, 20 JUL, 17 AUG, 21 SEP, 19 OCT, 16 NOV 09 FEB, 08 MAR, 12 APR, 10 MAY, 14 JUN, 12 JUL, 09 AUG, 13 SEP, 11 OCT, 08 NOV 16 FEB, 19 APR, 21 JUN, 16 AUG, 18 OCT

Tweed

24 FEB, 18 MAY

Southern Highlands

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hire & rental

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

safety regulations and legislation across all the relevant codes for all the rental markets, whether general hire, access hire, or event hire.

James Oxenham, HRIA Operations Director.jpg

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

The HRIA works hard to keep the rental industry working safely and to Australian Standards and to ensure all rental companies operating in Australia meet and adhere to strict

“In recent years there has been a raft of new legislation creating uniformity for Australian business but simultaneously tougher working conditions right across the board for all industries,” James Oxenham, National Operations Director of the HRIA said.

• the biggest hurdle for the hire industry in recent times, the introduction of the national property registration system – the Personal Property Security Act (PPSA).

“The Personal Property Securities Act 2009 or PPSA has revolutionised the way creditors and financiers take security over assets to protect their position.

“This has occurred as every market has worked to adjust their businesses and conform to the new operating requirements.

“The PPSA requires all security interests in equipment to be registered under the PPSR (Personal Property Securities Register) against potential customer security interest.

“Changes in legislation in recent years relative to the hire industry have included changes in: • workplace health and safety; • training and licensing; • privacy laws and marketing to customers; and

“To secure interest in their hire equipment, hire companies must register their equipment on the PPSR every time it goes out on hire, against each new hiring customer if the hire is defined as a PPS lease under the PPSA.

M A S T E R B U I L D E R S A S S O C I AT I O N O F N S W N O V E M B E R / D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 5

hire & rental “For the hire industry, safety of the operator and liability for use of the hired equipment are prime considerations,” Mr Oxenham said.

Operator and workplace safety makes good business sense 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.

This is to protect it against liquidator security interest should the customer go into liquidation while the equipment is on hire.”

“This is especially pertinent on big projects and operations where equipment might be hired for extended periods. For many, if not all hire companies, this has become an expensive proposition,” Mr Oxenham said.

“So while hire offers many valuable options to help keep other industries afloat during tough economic times, no industry is recession proof and the hire market has worked harder, smarter and more effectively to become more productivity and cost effective for itself and for its customers.”

A major benefit of hiring is the education and instruction on the safe and correct use of equipment operators receive upon hiring from reputable hire companies and HRIA members.

The hirer is instructed on the use of the equipment and further advice is available through brochures and videos. The hire company also checks the hirer’s qualifications to operate certain types of plant where a licence is required.

To increase end user accessibility, the HRIA website features a comprehensive database and search engine capable of locating specific equipment to the nearest rental supplier location. Making this location identifier even easier, the new HRIA website also features Google maps which displays local street maps and directs users to their nearest hire location.

Businesses that hire their plant and equipment eliminate hefty upfront capital expenditure or funding, while freeing up resources to focus it on where it really should be – on the core business of managing their regions.

“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 Oxenham said.

There are also compelling environmental reasons for choosing to hire, he said, explaining bought equipment often languishes unused for long periods and is essentially wasteful in an era when resources are scarce and people are increasingly conscious of their carbon footprint.

“How many times does business buy equipment and use it once or twice on specialist jobs?

Hiring is often a better use of money and better for the environment, because hire equipment is always well maintained and will be used many times over during the course of its hire lifespan offering a ‘greener’ alternative.”

“Hiring equipment is fully tax deductible which makes good economic sense during tough economic conditions. By hiring, 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,” Mr Oxenham said.

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

“But it definitely pays to ensure you seek professional assistance and advice from professional operators and the HRIA recommends its member hire companies to ensure end users receive the best equipment which complies with Australian Standards, with the best instruction and the safest loading/ unloading and operational advice.”

For more information about the HRIA, call 9998 2255 or visit: www.hireandrental.com.au For more information about this release, contact: Allison Leo – Punctuated! Media – t: 02 6687 2607 m: 0428 107 341 e: allieleo@bigpond.net.au Kindly provided by James Oxenham, National Operations Director, HRIA

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u N S W M A T E R I A L S S C I E N C E A N D E N G I N E E R I N G B u I L D I N G –

DESIGNED FOR THE FuTuRE By

Trish

R iley

The physically imposing 9-storey Materials Science and Engineering Building in the Physical Sciences precinct of UNSW is testament to Building Information Modeling (BIM) and professional collaboration, providing innovative research and laboratory space for the School of Materials Science and Engineering, as well as workshops, administrative offices, display spaces and more.

Emerging from their participation in a Design Excellence competition, the conception and execution of the 23,000m2 facility was awarded to international architectural practice Grimshaw, as Head Design Consultant, with HDR Inc., TTW and Steensen Varming as the principal sub-consultants – and ultimately to awardwinning global contractor Brookfield Multiplex.

Catering for more than 140 staff and up to 160 primarily post-graduate research students, with a capacity for a further 144 individuals in future, the inaugural Australian project for Grimshaw’s Sydney studio has established a new precedent in research laboratory building for universities both nationally and internationally.

As Head Design Consultant from conceptual proposal, and execution until handover, Grimshaw utilised BIM extensively turning information into insight and the delivery of business value at every step of the process.

Speaking at the completion of the project, Grimshaw Partner Andrew Cortese and Associate Principal Michael Janeke, explained: “The focus of the design was on achieving a modular and adaptable laboratory configuration that allowed for the always changing spatial and servicing requirements of high performance physical sciences research facilities, while ensuring optimum flexibility for the laboratories to be easily modified or reconfigured as varying research programmes and advances in technology demand.”

Engineered upon a racked or tiered structure of working modules around a central ‘spine’ containing building services, the laboratories have been designed to ‘plug in or plug out’ of services without interrupting neighboring facilities in perimeter modules.

The unique design is particularly appropriate given the building’s core function is to serve the School of Materials Science and Engineering, however only floors one to four will be occupied by these sciences. The three floors above serve as cold shell lab spaces to house researchers in other disciplines.

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Designed and built to facilitate collaboration between individuals within various research programmes and within the places where research is actually undertaken, the building’s integrated laboratory and support areas comprise a number of interconnecting voids, allowing researcher clusters to be established horizontally and vertically with efficient connectivity between all levels. This new precedent enables the easy communication of ideas between disciplines and, unusually for a research facility; the laboratory environment is visually connected to the adjacent offices with expansive interior glass walls, allowing both to be illuminated in sunlight. Furthermore, this visual connection allows for eye contact between the internal spaces while providing views to the outside – the MSE Building is an environment that places collaboration at the heart of research activities.

The teaching laboratories and student hub are located on the first floor to facilitate quick

entrance and egress, and the ground floor is activated by the Michael Crouch Innovation Centre. This new Centre is a facility for creative enterprise for all students of the University, and provides a forum for nurturing innovation and enhancing connections between the student body, businesses and professional bodies with the potential for presenting commercial opportunities.

The physical space allows for lectures, manufacturing workshops and specialist laboratories as well as the ability to be reconfigured into a single large space to host events and pop-up retail functions.

Commenting on the challenges of the actual construction, Project Manager of Brookfield Multiplex, Darren Marshall, said: “As expected, the establishment of the laboratories were the most complex, requiring specialist supervision for over four months, extensive collaboration with lab managers and the installation of more than

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700 laboratory tools including Low-flow fume cupboards. This was further complicated by the fact that the laboratories were being used for research and teaching, and downtime needed to be minimised.

“Key to achieving floor to ceiling controlled penetration of sunlight, a high performance glass façade and blade louvre system was also a feature of the build,” said Marshall.

“The façade controls sunlight into the offices and allows an enhanced sense of space and orientation to the collaborative nodes without heat loading. The environmentally friendly, glass reinforced concrete (GRC) louvres offered versatility to suit the specific needs of the project and provide resistance to impact, weather, water, chemicals and fire.

“This innovative element delivered its own challenges however,” adds Marshall. “We had a significant issue with the weight of the blades being in excess of 400 tons, with an

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additional 150 tons of supporting steelwork.

The original concept called for the steelwork structure to penetrate the curtain wall that would have inhibited façade movement and potentially created issues of water ingress.”

Following months of extensive R and D, sampling and wind tunnel testing, Brookfield Multiplex and Grimshaw engineered a solution that removed the steelwork structure, supporting the blades off a secondary bracketing system allowing for independent movement of the curtain wall and a watertight solution.

The GRC blades were lifted into their final position after completion of the curtain wall panels using small mobile or ‘Maeda’ cranes that were placed on the roof terrace by the tower crane. Boom lifts and/or rope access were used to fix the blades in their final location. This installation methodology, along with the deletion of the proposed supporting

steelwork structure, meant that scaffolding was not required. This allowed completion of the ground level landscaping and public domain works to be completed in conjunction with the façade installation, providing program and cost benefits for the client.

UNSW Client Side Project Manager, Eddie Swat adds: “The space least visible to the public has the highest performance capabilities. The design incorporated four hhigh performance laboratories for Transmission Electron Microscopes (TEM’s); Lasers; Organic Molecular Beam Epitaxy (OMBE) and Scanning Tunneling Microscopes (STMs) in the basement level. A vibration and electro-magnetic-field-free environment was created by the construction of a completed independent ‘box within a box’ and seamless 12mm thick aluminium shielding to all six sides. These laboratories are completely isolated from the rest of the building to eliminate potential interference from the

sub-station, vehicles, lifts and even the new Light-Rail once completed.

“Environmental controls for these laboratories were also very stringent,” said Swat.

“Temperature has to be maintained within a +/- 0.5 degrees range, and a full ‘life safety system’ was incorporated as many TEMs utilise hazardous or oxygen depleting gasses. This has provided the University with a world-class facility, and it is understood that there is already a two-year waiting period for the first TEM.” Summing up the project, Grimshaw’s Cortese and Janeke stated: “The success of this project is based largely on the robust partnership developed between the stakeholders. From the outset, the commitment by the team to articulate the design vision and optimized engineering systems meant streamlined construction planning, improved efficiencies and the ability to deliver 100% on program and on budget.”

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the way we were 46 (Feb. 1918)

Property Owners’ Section

BUI LDI NG

Cool Houses An Appropriate Symposium for “Heat –Wave” Days

Even for the notoriously long-suffering human race, there come occasions when the stress and strain of circumstances becomes too acute for its overburdened spirit, and an expostulatory plaint is extorted from some of its articulate representatives. Such an occasion in the heat-wave infesting Melbourne and thereabouts and under the heading of “Houses for Hot Weather,” the “Argus” has day by day collected the letters of the heat-obsessed house occupier, who crys aloud for coolness in a dwelling that knows it not.

be great considering the immense advantage gained.” Will some benefactor to humanity construct his roof on the principle suggested and inform us of its success or unsuccess?

being strongly impregnated with bitumen and creosote, is also vermin-proof. This material is extensively used in New Zealand, its use in timber houses being usually specified.

Another writer, who signs himself “Ventilator,” is also of opinion that perfect ventilation is necessary; he advocates too, wire gauze doors and window screens, with felt curtains to keep out heat or cold.” These arrangements are in practice in various parts of the country, and have proved effective.

Brick, stone, or concrete walls of good thickness are the best preservers of an equable indoor temperature.

“Cottager,” for one, desires to know how people can “make their existing houses more impervious to excessive heat” and complains that thousands of houses have nothing but sheets of galvanised iron between the ceilings and the unpitying sun. Another contributor wants houses built of concrete, and quotes English prices for building the same, suggesting that, as there is plenty of cement manufactured in Australia, prices here should be on the same scale.

And in all these schemes and suggestions one sees the individual tentatively endeavour to adapt himself to his environment. The Australian is slow to do so; he still wears heavy, sombre garments, under a sun that imperatively demands light clothes and few.

He persists in designing and constructing his dwellings after European models and, when the heat of his habitation becomes unendurable, viciously gibbers at the climate, whereas the fault is in his unadapatability.

A.C.N. quotes Malvern villa residences and is of opinion that “brick houses, the rooms built all through in height of 12ft or 13ft ceilings, seem best suited to resist the power of both the heated and cold air outside, and give a modified climate inside of their own.”

To help “Cottager” and his kind in their existing houses, we suggest that a layer of building felt be placed between the roofing iron and the joists, and that ceiling ventilators be placed in each room to discharge above the roof separately or in to one main vent. Besides this each room should be supplied with side vents at floor and ceiling lines.

He also considers good ventilation a quite necessary arrangement to ensure a cool house. The suggestion does not strike us as being startlingly original, but his idea of building a double roof, so that a continuous current of air may pass through, sounds promising.

The A.C.N has evidently not tried the scheme himself, but opines that “the expense would not

“Cottager,” speaking of frame cottages, wants to know what cheap non-conducting material to use in packing the walls so as to minimise the heat of the direct sun. We suggest building paper, which may be obtained in various thicknesses; it is waterproof, and

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In summing up, then, the Australian residence to be cool, should be free from intricate angles and courts. It should be solidly built with good walls of concrete, stone or brick.

For preference, the walls hollow and well ventilated. The rooms should be wide, about 12ft 6in high, and well ventilated at skirting and cornice line, and in ceiling. Verandahs and balconies to be high and wide; low hanging verandahs impede the circulation of air, and become heat traps. There should be a good space between the ground and floor joists, the walls to be provided with gratings so as to allow free passage of air underneath. The windows to be large and many, furnished with folding hoods or awnings outside. If metal ceilings be used, felt must be laid between metal and ceiling joists. The felt prevents the conductivity of the metal.

The roof to be of low pitch or flat roof, carried on duplicate joints, so as to provide an air chamber into which ceiling vents open. The air chamber to be served with exhaust cowl vents, opening above roof. Whatever material used for roofing to be laid on a bed of roofing felt.

It will be seen from this that the gist of the whole matter pertaining to cool houses, is nonconducting materials and proper ventilation.

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