Hire & Rental - February 2023

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HIRE AND RENTAL INDUSTRY ASSOCIATION LTD

ABN 70 093 630 847

HRIA BOARD OF DIRECTORS

President Jeremy Shaw | 0467 770 331

Past President Mark Burton | 0407 608 420

Vice President

Tony Symons | 0421 051 367

Chief Executive Officer James Oxenham | 02 9998 2255

NSW President Emmanuel Georgoudis | 0457 518 975

VIC President Ash Woodcock | 0419 321 128

QLD President Troy Moulder | 07 3376 2888

SA President Ben Quirk | 08 8370 2488

WA President Craig Palmer | 0457 308 066

EVENT DIVISION President Erin Johnston | 02 4256 2439 HRIA PO Box 1304, Mona Vale, NSW 1660

Tel: 02 9998 2255 Fax: 02 9998 2299

Email: info@hireandrental.com.au

Web: www.hireandrentalnews.com.au

PUBLISHER Martin Sinclair | 02 9998 2213

Email: martinsinclair@hria.com.au

Web: www.hireandrentalnews.com.au

EDITORIAL Tel: 02 9998 2207

Email: editorial@hria.com.au

ADVERTISING

National Sales Manager Martin Sinclair | 0417 450 662

Email: martinsinclair@hria.com.au

CIRCULATION Circulation Enquiries/ Customer Service

Tel: 02 9998 2255

Printer: Bright Print Group

Tel: 02 9757 3000

Distribution: D&D Mailing Services Tel: 02 9725 2114

Opinions published in the Hire and Rental Industry Association magazine — Hire & Rental Magazine — do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the association or the Editor. The HRIA accepts no responsibility for the accuracy of any information contained in this magazine and readers should rely upon their own enquiries in making decisions related to their own interest. The contents of this publication are subject to copyright and cannot be reproduced in any way or form without written consent from the Editor.

All rights reserved. ISSN 1838-1197

JEREMY SHAW HRIA NATIONAL PRESIDENT

Meet Jeremy Shaw, your new HRIA President

AT JUST 39 YEARS OLD, JEREMY SHAW HAS STEPPED INTO THE ROLE OF NATIONAL PRESIDENT. SO WHO IS OUR NEW PRESIDENT, WHAT ARE HIS PRIORITIES FOR THE HRIA AND WHY IS HE SO PASSIONATE ABOUT THIS INDUSTRY?

At just 39 years old, Jeremy Shaw has stepped into the role of national President. So who is our new President, what are his priorities for the HRIA and why is he so passionate about this industry?

Jeremy Shaw grew up around the hire industry. From his early teens, he worked in the family business, Master Hire in Toowoomba, on weekends and school holidays helping sweep floors, wash machines and eventually completing pre-hire inspections and serving customers. It gave him a first-hand view of excellent customer service, hard physical work and the long hours required in the equipment hire industry.

On graduating with a business degree in 2003, Jeremy moved from Toowoomba to Brisbane and worked as a hire representative at Allight, before moving to Conplant as a Client Services Manager and eventually becoming Queensland Sales Manager. In 2014, he returned to the family business where he’s now their Sales and Marketing Manager. Jeremy leads a small team who manage all marketing and advertising for the company (including branding, website development and social media), as well as completing contracts and tenders.

He now lives on Brisbane’s southside with wife Hannah and their three children Indiana, Sebastian and Denver.

Jeremy’s involvement with the HRIA began in 2007 when he was encouraged to join the Queensland committee and later took on the role of state President.

“I was this young 23-year-old soaking everything in,” he says. “Within 12 months of being on the committee, my name was put forward to be state President. I thought it would be great for my career and help improve my public speaking, so I accepted, and with the help of some great mentors, served as Queensland President for five years.”

It’s that role that Jeremy credits as being invaluable for his personal growth and development.

“At my first national board meeting in Melbourne, I was sitting around the table with these industry legends as they talked about the successes and challenges in their respective businesses,” he says. “I was just listening, learning and trying to understand the financial statements and processes, and how each state ran their meetings. I did that for five years and loved every minute of it.”

“But five years was a good tenure as state President and with one of the committee members keen to take the role, I became his mentor, to help him for the first year. I also remained on the Queensland committee as a member, up until the end of 2022.”

In November 2022, Jeremy was appointed National President of the HRIA, a role he says he’s honoured and humbled to undertake.

“I’ve been so passionate about this industry and the association for so long, attended almost every Australian hire convention in the last 15 years and stayed in contact with the national office team,” says Jeremy. “I really enjoy the networking opportunities that arise from being a part of this great association, so I feel this is a great opportunity to give back and share my knowledge and experience.”

It’s this passion for the industry that drives him in his work.

“In every industry there’s good customer service, because everyone wants to be the best,” he says. “But with the equipment hire industry being very reactive, it’s incredibly satisfying to supply whatever equipment our customers are asking for, on time and know that it will solve their problem. I think the passion for helping our customers and providing solutions to their challenges is infectious and gets the whole team working together and wanting to do it all again.”

“I also thrive on seeing my team and colleagues grow their skills and knowledge, whether that be understanding sales processes, reviewing contracts and pricing, or simply having better conversations with customers.

Jeremy’s now bringing this approach to the role of National President.

“I love to be part of a team that works towards a common goal, finds solutions for our customers, and where egos are left at the door. We all have different life experiences and ways of learning and so we can all contribute in different ways.”

Three months into his tenure as National President, he says a lot of what he learned on-the-job as Queensland President is flooding back. Having also recently completed the Australian Institute of Company Directors graduate program, he’s excited about putting his learnings into practice, especially around achieving Board effectiveness.

“I want to ensure we get the most out of the Board,” says Jeremy. “We’re all here because we’re passionate and want to help, not because we’re forced or paid to do it. So how do we channel our passion to deliver on the recently released 5-year Strategic Plan and encourage all members to advocate for the association to other hire companies and suppliers?”

As National President, he’s keen to tackle some of the big challenges facing the industry, including people and equipment

“In our industry, you can’t run a business without people or equipment. You need tools and equipment to supply to customers, but you also need people who can service, sell, fix and deliver it.”

“Add to that the issue of lead times where you can place an order for a machine but may not see it for 12 months. We all know it’s hard to manage in a reactive environment because no customer is going to wait a year to hire an excavator when they need to dig a hole tomorrow. That’s probably our biggest challenge at the moment.”

He’s also wants to build on the momentum around training and education for members. Having been on the Young Professionals journey and fortunate enough to participate in a global rental exchange program to the US in 2017, he says it’s increased his passion for the industry and for wanting to give back.

“Young people — male and female — are the leaders, managers and business owners of the future,” he says. “But while we’ve come along in leaps and bounds over the past few years with our Young Professionals and Women in Hire programs, we know we can do more.”

“We have to continue to promote and grow these programs so more hire companies and suppliers see the benefits and want to give their people these great opportunities for professional and personal development.”

He believes there’s also potential to offer more in the training space.

“Dealing with equipment, whether it’s an elevated work platform or chainsaw, can be really dangerous,” says Jeremy. “As an association, we need to ensure we’re always at the forefront of all the safety rules and regulations and communicating that knowledge to our members.”

It’s just one of the reasons why Jeremy believes the HRIA is vitally important.

“With so much going on behind the scenes, whether that’s advocating for legislative change to help members of the industry, chain of responsibility training sessions or simply upskilling our people, I think HRIA membership is critical,” he says. “I’ve been part of other associations previously, but I feel that the HRIA and EWPA do so much for our members and at a reasonable price, so membership is worth every dollar.”

As for the future, Jeremy hopes he can continue the great work of his predecessors and deliver real value for members.

“I’m pretty fortunate that our 5-year Strategic Plan has just been released so if at the end of my tenure, I can put my hand on my heart and say that we as a team, delivered on the plan, that would mean success.”

“I also know this role will push me outside of my comfort zone, so at a personal level, I hope to end my tenure with more confidence in public speaking, chairing a Board and networking with my peers, other hire companies and suppliers.”

“I want to look back and know that the HRIA has grown an already impressive reputation as one of Australia’s best industry associations.”

“I’d also like to thank Master Hire (and Conplant) for giving me the opportunity to be part of the HRIA and attend state meetings and conventions over the previous 15 or so years. I’m especially grateful for the support and encouragement I’ve received from the company Directors and my Master Hire colleagues since taking on the national President’s role.”

“On a final note, I look forward to catching up with old friends and meeting plenty of new people at our upcoming Hire convention in Sydney, so mark 23-25 May in your calendar now!”

www.masterhire.com.au

Master Hire is a general equipment hire company with eight branches across south-east Queensland, the Darling Downs and the mid-north coast of NSW. In 2019, Master Hire was named Australian Rental Company of the Year.

Provide solutions, not just a product

AS INNOVATION, SYSTEMS AND TECHNOLOGY LEAD AT SELECT PLANT, OMAR AL-KHAYAT (PHD MIEAUST) IS A PASSIONATE BELIEVER IN TECHNOLOGY AS A DRIVER OF LASTING POSITIVE CHANGE. SO HOW DOES THAT PLAY OUT IN THE HIRE INDUSTRY? OMAR TALKS TO HIRE AND RENTAL ABOUT THE FUTURE OF HIRE, TECHNOLOGY TRENDS, THE CIRCULAR ECONOMY AND HELPING CUSTOMERS NAVIGATE THEIR SUSTAINABILITY JOURNEYS.

What does the future of Hire mean to you?

To me, the future of Hire is about leaders in the hire industry taking a step back from the day-to-day and observing the world around us for trends, not just in the sector and region that we currently service. We then need to find opportunities in those trends for our business operations to grow into and introduce new technologies, products and services, thereby delivering and capturing value.

What do you see as the three main technology trends for the next five years?

1. Environmental sustainability driving the need for low/no emissions machinery.

2. Environmental sustainability also driving alternative fuels as businesses seek to fast-track emissions abatement.

3. Automation to meet the need of Australia's construction market for higher productivity and standards of safety.

How important is achieving net zero to your business and your customers?

Net zero is a key part of the Laing O'Rourke Group's sustainability agenda. The business has a clear ambition to achieve operational net zero by 2030 and to be a net zero company by 2050. As a global constructor there are significant hurdles to achieving these targets, especially in the reduction of embedded carbon in materials. However, the business has heavily invested in finding innovative solutions to these challenges with the ambition of its projects and the capability of our people recognised by

the Infrastructure Sustainability Council in 2022.

We recently invested in the first two 250-tonne electric crawler cranes in the Australian construction industry. This is the largest investment yet in our sustainability range which meets the needs of our customers. Our range is growing weekly with electric, solar and hybrid power solutions. We want to set a benchmark and an example for the construction plant hire industry.

How does the relationship between Select Plant and Laing O'Rourke give you a strategic advantage?

Laing O'Rourke is a progressive and innovative contractor and works closely with Select to deploy the latest technology, products and solutions. Laing O'Rourke's extensive supply chain also provides us with a supportive network of customers to validate our products before releasing them to the wider market. The relationship works

both ways with Select championing Laing O'Rourke's standards to our partners in the Hire industry and driving development across the sector.

What do you view as the main advantages to using ‘hire’ over ‘owned’ fleet equipment?

Agility. In an industry where most OEMs aren't Australian based and with equipment evolving rapidly, the decision to invest in owned fleet can be challenging. Leveraging the Hire industry's networks with OEMs and experience with products and their customers' requirements allows contractors to de-risk their asset holdings and the opportunity to test the latest products without significant capital expenditure. In the construction

Omar Al-Khayat (PhD MIEAust)

sector, procuring and operating assets over the timescale of a project is likely to be financially and environmentally unsustainable.

In what way does the circular economy feature in what you do?

The circular economy framework is synonymous with the hire industry. We procure selectively for assets with high utilisation potential. These assets are closely managed with preventative maintenance, routine inspection,

refurbishment and damage repair between jobs to ensure the maximum useful life is reached and viability for the second-hand market.

Finally, we maintain close relationships with the OEMs for product feedback and enhancement.

We’re always looking for opportunities to minimise, substitute and eliminate waste and single-use materials associated with our products, as well as developing the capability to support our customers to achieve the same results.

When we adopt new technologies, we are mindful to promote and support the development of sustainable pathways for the production, use and disposal of these products and their components. As an example, the sustainability of production and end-of-life of Lithium-Ion batteries is one consideration among others that are front of mind as we procure the next generation of products.

What will industry be looking for from Hire companies in the future?

Industry is looking for hire professionals who know their product and understand the application spaces to provide expert guidance to select the right product for the job. I see the relationship evolving to be more than transactional, especially in non-traditional products and solutions. For the construction industry, this expertise in innovative technology will

be relied on to support project design, planning and delivery

What are your top priorities in the coming 12 months? Select's focus is to operate Australia's most modern, innovative and sustainable hire fleet. We have a publicly stated position to achieve operational net zero by 2030 and will be exploring all opportunities across fuels, plant, site facilities and vehicles in the local and international markets to achieve this target. We'll also be working with our teams nationally to provide the knowledge in this space to allow them to best serve the needs of our customers and guide them on their sustainability journeys.

What can HRIA members do to better help industry?

Really understand your customer's requirements and challenges to provide them with solutions, not just a product. Select Plant is an innovative plant hire and site solution company providing sustainable solutions to the construction industry.

information@selectplanthire.com.au www.selectplanthire.com.au

We’re always looking for opportunities to minimise, substitute and eliminate waste and singleuse materials associated with our products, as well as developing the capability to support our customers to achieve the same results.

Des Whelan’s been involved in the hire industry since 1956. Now, at the age of 83, he’s been recognised for his contribution to the EWPA industry, recently named a Life Member of the EWPA and is still a passionate advocate for the industry that he loves.

“It’s a fabulous industry to work in because things happen very quickly,” says Des.

“I used to love standing in the yard and see equipment moving out all the time. You always knew the machines were going to work properly and do a good job because you had to maintain them.”

After decades in hire and rental, Des knows a thing or two about the industry. His father and uncles ran a demolition company, Whelan the Wrecker, which used air compressors for demolition. After constantly being asked to loan out their air compressors, they saw an opportunity and had the foresight to ‘formalise’ the process and hire out the equipment. That’s when Wreckair was born, with just seven employees and one telephone.

With very few operators in the industry, they made up the rules as they went along. “It’s amazing how informal it was in those days,” says Des, “A lot of things back then were done on a nod and a handshake.”

In those early days, the equipment in demand was air compressors.

“If you were in the hire business, you had to have air compressors as they were

the key to earth moving,” recalls Des. “If customers needed to use jack hammers to drill or blast the rock away, air compressors were essential.”

Having joined Wreckair at 16, by 17 he was sent to Adelaide to manage the local operation for a short term. After a few years back in Melbourne, Des was asked to relocate to Sydney to open a local branch of Wreckair. He stayed for nine years, returning to Melbourne in 1973 as Chief Executive. By that stage, Wreckair was a fast-growing public company and the biggest rental company in Australia.

He says this was one of his proudest career memories.

“I was chairman and managing director of a public company at age 32. I was very proud of that because although we were still relatively small, we were one of the fastest growing companies listed on the Australian Stock Exchange.”

He left the company in 1978 to start his own business, Whelan Rentals, eventually selling the business to Coates Hire in 1992 (who also acquired Wreckair in 2002).

As one of the pioneers of the hire industry in Australia, Des says he didn’t foresee how big or quickly the industry would grow.

“I couldn’t imagine that Wreckair would grow like it did,” he says. “I

remember when we used to allocate plant numbers to equipment and 150 would be plenty for what we had in Melbourne but by the time I left, we were numbering well over 1000.”

The type of equipment that’s now in demand has also changed from the early days of air compressors to access equipment.

“Access equipment is having an impression on so many industries because it enables safe working conditions,” says Des.

He also learned that providing specialised equipment for hire can pay dividends.

“I think the penny dropped that if we provided more specialised equipment, like impact wrenches and heavy jacks, we could not only get a premium rate but would enhance our reputation with customers.”

“Same thing for water pumps,” he says. “While we were trying to provide the minimum amount of hose, the customer was always trying to hire the longest hose they could so there was conflict straight away.”

It's been a fabulous ride

AFTER

DECADES IN THE INDUSTRY, LIFE MEMBER DES WHELAN REFLECTS ON A CAREER IN HIRE.

In the end, they offered high quality hose and couplings because people were willing to pay for it.

“That’s the eureka moment,” he says, “when you can see demand grow and know that the initial investment was worth it.”

Des is also proud of the part he played in the creation of the hire and rental association in the early 1960s. He says the idea of an association came about when Wreckair hosted a lunch in Melbourne with about 6 or 7 people from the industry. They appointed a secretary from an accounting firm to set up the basic association structure and began to have regular meetings.

“Being in an association enabled us to exchange ideas because we were all headed in the same direction.”

Through the association, we were able to help each other and standardise a lot of processes.

Des believes that business owners and leaders need to take more responsibility for leading their people and talking about the benefits the industry can offer.

“Someone will only join our industry if they can see something in it for them. It’s a vibrant, terrific industry to work in because you’re touching base with a broad and diverse customer base. As employers, we’ve got to emphatically believe that we can offer people a secure future and then talk about it in a loud voice.”

It’s why he’s a big advocate for formal training and believes the association’s Young Professionals and Women in Hire programs are great avenues for attracting more people to the industry.

“It’s wonderful that we’re doing this sort of thing, but we need to be more upfront about what the future can hold for young people looking to join our industry.”

he says. “How you treat your people is how they’ll treat your customers.”

His other passion is customer service.

“It’s everything in hire,” says Des. “My experience says when you go to a place to buy something, there is nothing like the sense of urgency that hire industries have.”

“People come to us to find solutions — and often in a hurry — so we’ve got to be able to react in double-quick time.”

“You’ve got to anticipate your customer’s needs and do the job properly. Otherwise, we let them down and they might consider purchasing their own equipment. That takes us out of the equation and the market becomes a bit smaller.”

“I always had a dream that ultimately, if a person wants a piece of gear, they would hire it. But it turns out, it wasn’t just my dream, it was the dream of the association because we knew that the bigger we could make the pie, the bigger the share would be for everyone and all our businesses would prosper.”

The association has come a long way since those early catch-ups in the 60s and 70s, with a big focus now on attracting more people into the industry.

“When we were expanding at Wreckair, we’d have people joining us who were well-educated and had trade qualifications,” Des recalls.

“But I also remember someone at Wreckair whose first job was cleaning machines, yet he made it to the position of state manager. That’s because it doesn’t matter where you start or where you come from, as long as you’ve got a desire to work and a willingness to learn.”

For Des, it comes back to leadership.

“Our industry has had a lot of good leaders — certainly the leader I had when I started in business was wonderful to me, giving me all sorts of responsibility at a young age and saying, ‘you have to work it out’. He empowered me and gave me the chance to do it. This really helped formed my views on leadership.”

“I’ve learned that you can’t treat your people one way and expect those people to treat your customers a different way,”

Now, at the age of 83, he can look back with satisfaction on a long and rewarding career in the industry and as part of the EWPA.

He's also proud of how much the industry has grown.

“The way the hire industry has grown to become an integral part of commerce in Australia is extraordinary,” he says.

“It’s now essential for the smooth operation of so many industries that can't possibly own and maintain all the equipment they need. It’s our industry that keeps them going.”

“I’m so lucky to have been in this industry,” says Des. “While I didn’t always get it right and might have made some pretty big blunders along the way, it’s been a fabulous ride.”

This month, Des and his wife Helene celebrate their 60th wedding anniversary. They have five children, 14 grand-children and one great grandchild on the way.

“Being in an association enabled us to exchange ideas because we were all headed in the same direction.”

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BY JASON LEGUIER, CEO, HOTLINEIT

Australia mulls Europeanstyle “right to be forgotten” privacy laws

The amendments are being put forward in the wake of the well-publicised data breaches in 2022 after Attorney General, Mark Dreyfus brought in: “...substantial increases to penalties which I hope has sent a message to corporate Australia that they have to take more care about the privacy of Australians.”

The Bill introducing the new penalties moved quickly through Parliament as public and media outrage grew over the Optus and Medibank data breaches. The attention these data breaches brought (over the hundreds of data breaches reported last year alone in Australia), highlighted how existing legislation and penalties may not be “encouraging” companies to take data privacy seriously. The penalties were also not in line with public expectation, particularly those members of the public that had to change driver’s licenses, passports, passwords and bank details as a result.

Under the legislation, penalties will increase from a maximum of $2.22m for

the most serious repeat offenders, to the greater of:

• $50 million;

• Three times the value of any benefit obtained through the misuse of the information; or

• 30 per cent of a company’s adjusted turnover in the relevant period.

In addition to the significantly increased penalties, the legislation also provides the Australian Information Commissioner with greater powers to investigate, resolve and share information about data breaches to help protect citizens.

Since the day the very first computers were used for business purposes, data has been seen as an asset by most companies. However, many companies don’t stop to ask the most basic of privacy questions: do we need to record and retain this information?

Apart from implementing cyber security training and having robust, regularly reviewed cyber security defences

in place, hire members are encouraged to promote a healthy data security culture. A great place to start is to remember that a lot of the information you collect as a business, is not yours. It belongs to someone else and you are holding a copy, securely, only if it is necessary in order to conduct your business activities. I am pretty sure I can find roughly 10 million people (the number of Australians affected by the Optus and Medibank breaches) who would agree with this statement.

Here is a quick reminder of what a good data collection policy looks like:

1. For what purpose do we need to collect the information?

2. Does the information need to be retained beyond its initial use?

3. How will it be stored securely?

4. Who needs access to the information? (access should be restricted to only those that require the information in carrying out their jobs).

5. How will data be identified and deleted, once the need no longer exists?

FOLLOWING A REVIEW OF THE PRIVACY ACT, THE RIGHT TO BE FORGOTTEN AND A RIGHT TO SUE FOR PRIVACY BREACHES WILL BE CONSIDERED FOR THE NEXT TRANCHE OF AUSTRALIAN PRIVACY LEGISLATION.

Remember that a lot of the information you collect as a business, is not yours.

Times of change bring opportunity

members to get along to as many meetings as possible throughout the year. They’re a great way to form and strengthen relationships across our industry, learn from each other and work together to deliver the right outcomes for our customers.

As 2023 kicks off, many people in business are facing some significant challenges on the road ahead with rising inflation and interest rates, a shortage of labour and general economic uncertainty. However, I’ve always been a big believer that times of change bring opportunity. From that perspective, I’m optimistic about the year ahead for the Hire industry.

Often in Hire, we lose opportunities to customers buying equipment, yet during times of uncertainty, Hire may be a more favourable option as builders and developers look to decrease risk. But, while on the lookout for opportunity, we must also be cautious and have an appropriate appetite for risk. Careful control of debtors and finding the right balance of capital equipment are therefore worthy areas for consideration.

In Victoria, it’s no secret we’re in the midst of an infrastructure boom, with major projects including the West Gate tunnel, Metro tunnel and many level crossing removal projects well underway. This year, we’ll also see new major projects starting or significantly ramping up, including the north-east link, Melbourne Airport rail and the suburban rail loop, to name a few.

As someone who grew up in Tasmania, I’m also really excited for our Tasmanian members, who could expect to benefit from increased investment in infrastructure. Late last year, McConnell Dowell signed a $786 million design and construct contract for the new Bridgewater Bridge, Tasmania’s largest ever transport infrastructure project.

While the pipeline in infrastructure is strong and should provide many opportunities to our members suppling these contractors and associated trades, tough market conditions may continue to prove challenging for many operators. That’s why now, more than ever as an industry, we need to band together, learn from each other and strengthen these inter-industry relationships.

I am grateful for the opportunity to represent Victorian and Tasmanian members and I look forward to seeing as many members as possible at our state meetings.

Ash Woodcock is the CEO of RPM Hire Australia, a national business specialising in the hire of traffic management related equipment.

It’s an honour to represent Victoria and Tasmania as their new HRIA State President.

I had the pleasure of working on the Victorian state committee last year, under the guidance of Ken Maher who did a fantastic job. I’m delighted to continue on with the great work of Ken and the committee, but with a fresh approach.

We got off to a great start with an informal catch-up in December to align our goals for the year ahead. The committee share a strong desire to increase member engagement and support, particularly through the onboarding process, and run informative and engaging meetings.

As an industry, we’re stronger when we work together. We’re also amazing at sharing experiences so I’d highly encourage all

DESPITE THE CHALLENGES FACING MANY IN THE INDUSTRY, NEW VICTORIA/TASMANIA STATE PRESIDENT ASH WOODCOCK IS OPTIMISTIC ABOUT THE YEAR AHEAD.

ASH WOOD COCK VIC/TAS STATE PRESIDENT

“As an industry, we're stronger when we work together. We're also amazing at sharing experiences.”

ALL THE HIRE & RENTAL EQUIPMENT YOU NEED, UNDER THE ONE ROOF.

Known for market leading counter-balance forklifts and warehouse equipment, Toyota Material Handling is also proud to o er an unparalleled range of products suitable for Australian hire and rental companies.

With a huge range of forklifts, elevated work platforms, scrubbers and sweepers, Taylor-Dunn electric vehicles, plus Huski skid steers, scissor lifts, and mini excavators available, chances are we’ve got the equipment that will suit you and your customers.

So, if you’re looking for hard working, fully backed equipment for your hire and rental business Toyota Material Handling has all you need to add value to your operation.

That’s the Toyota Advantage.

Respect@Work Bill passes Parliament

ON 12 DECEMBER 2022 THE ANTI-DISCRIMINATION AND HUMAN RIGHTS LEGISLATION AMENDMENT (RESPECT AT WORK) ACT 2022 (ACT) CAME INTO EFFECT. OUR HRNET BENEFIT PARTNER, MST LAWYERS, BREAKS DOWN WHAT THIS MEANS FOR HRIA MEMBERS.

The Act implements a number of recommendations made by the Australian Human Rights Commission in its Respect@Work: National Inquiry into Sexual Harassment in Australian Workplaces report and has significant implications for all workplaces.

All changes introduced by the Act are now in operation, with the exception of the Australian Human Rights Commission’s new compliance and investigative powers, which come into effect on 12 December 2023.

HRIA members should be aware of the following key changes introduced by the Act:

1. Positive duty to eliminate unlawful sex discrimination

The Act confers a positive duty on a person conducting a business or undertaking (PCBU) to take reasonable and proportionate measures to eliminate, as far as possible, discriminatory conduct that includes:

• Sexual harassment;

• Harassment on the ground of sex;

• Discrimination on the ground of a person’s sex;

• Conduct that subjects a person to a hostile workplace environment on the ground of sex and;

• Acts of victimisation that relate to complaints, proceedings, assertions or allegations in relation to the bullet points above.

Notably, the positive duty applies not only to employers in respect to their employees, but to all PCBUs in respect of workers in the relevant business or undertaking.

This new positive duty means that employers and PCBUs are now required to proactively take steps to prevent the conduct from occurring, rather than simply responding to conduct that has already occurred.

2. Hostile workplace environments

The Act makes it unlawful for a person to subject another person to a hostile working environment on the ground of sex.

A person will be deemed to have subjected a person to a hostile workplace environment on the ground of sex if:

• The first person engages in conduct in a workplace where the first person or the second person, or both, work; and

• The second person is in the workplace at the same time as or after the conduct occurs; and

• A reasonable person, having regard to all the circumstances, would have anticipated the possibility of the conduct resulting in the workplace environment being offensive, intimidating or humiliating to a person of the sex of the second person by reason of that person’s sex, a characteristic that appertains generally to persons of that sex or a characteristic that is generally imputed to persons of that sex.

Factors considered when ascertaining whether a person has been subjected to a hostile workplace environment on the ground of sex include the seriousness of the conduct; whether the conduct was continuous or repetitive; the role, influence or authority of the person engaging in the conduct; and any other relevant circumstance.

Conduct prohibited under the Act does not necessarily have to be directed at a specific person, it also prohibits conduct that results in a hostile environment for people of one sex. For example, conduct that may breach the new section may include displaying sexually explicit imagery, sexual innuendo, offensive jokes or insults of a sexual nature.

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CONTROL

3. Expanded compliance and investigative powers of the Australia Human Rights Commission

The Act amends the Australian Human Rights Commission Act 1986 (Cth) (AHRC Act) by expanding the compliance and investigative powers of the Australian Human Rights Commission (AHRC) to monitor employer compliance with their positive duty to eliminate unlawful sex discrimination.

Under the new powers granted by the Act, the AHRC can:

• Inquire into employer/PCBU compliance with the positive duty;

• Provide recommendations to the employer/PCBU to prevent a repetition of failing to comply with the positive duty;

• Issue a compliance notice specifying steps that an employer/PCBU must take, or not take, to address noncompliance; and

• Apply to the Federal Court or the Federal Circuit and Family Court for enforcement of a compliance notice.

These new AHRC powers listed above will come into effect on 12 December 2023, giving employers and PCBUs enough time to understand and take steps to discharge their positive duty.

There are additional AHRC powers that have already come in effect which empowers the AHRC to:

• Publish guidelines for complying with the positive duty;

• Inquire into any matter that may relate to actual or suspected systemic unlawful discrimination;

• Permit a representative body such as a union to make an application to the court on behalf of affected persons (which means that class actions for victimisation claims can now be brought the Federal Courts); and

• Terminate complaints if more than 2 years has passed since the alleged unlawful conduct took place.

4. Lowered threshold for the finding of harassment on the grounds of sex

The previous definition of harassment on the ground of sex under the Sex

Discrimination Act 1984 (Cth) was ‘unwelcome conduct of a seriously demeaning nature’. The Act redefines harassment on the grounds of sex as ‘unwelcome conduct of a demeaning nature’. The removal of the requirement for the unwelcome conduct to be “seriously demeaning” lowers the threshold for an allegation of harassment on the ground of sex.

and other sex-based discrimination in their workplaces, noting that the AHRC’s investigative and enforcement powers will come into effect later this year.

HRIA members may consider taking the following steps to comply with the positive duty:

• Review and update policies dealing with sexual harassment to ensure that they explicitly set out expected behavioural standards. This may involve implementing a stand-alone sexual harassment policy in the workplace.

• Implement a training program for all staff about sexual harassment. This training can also be tailored to specific groups such as executives, managers, supervisors, human resources and service employees.

• Provide proactive reporting frameworks to deal with and manage reports of sexual harassment. Employees should clearly understand how to make a complaint/report and know that concerns about sexual harassment in the workplace are dealt with in an appropriate and timely manner.

• Assess what ‘reasonable and proportionate’ steps can be taken within the workplace to eliminate the risk of sexual harassment. What is considered ‘reasonable and proportionate’ will differ between every workplace.

5. Complaints under the Act can be submitted as a civil action as well as a criminal complaint

The Act amends all Commonwealth anti-discrimination legislation to clarify that victimisation claims can be submitted as a civil action as well as a criminal complaint.

What do these changes mean for HRIA members?

HRIA members should ensure that ‘reasonable and proportionate’ steps are taken to comply with their positive duty to eliminate sexual harassment

HRIA members are encouraged to contact MST Lawyers through the HRNet hotline support service if they have any questions in relation to this article or would like any assistance in complying with their positive duty.

“HRNet” is an initiative of the HRIA which gives HRIA members free access to a dedicated workplace relations support service operated by MST Lawyers.

HRIA members can speak to a specialised employment lawyer at MST Lawyers using the HRNet hotline in the member services area of the HRIA website www.hireandrental.com.au

HRIA members may consider updating policies dealing with sexual harassment to ensure that they explicitly set out expected behavioural standards.

Kais Group enters indigenous joint venture with Munganya Pty Ltd.

Munganya Pty Ltd, meaning echidna in the local Palyku language — a symbol of strength and determination — is a joint venture between Kais Group and Walter Stream, a proud Palyku traditional land Owner and cultural person.

Kais Group started Munganya aiming to make a real difference in the resource sector with Walter’s involvement. They want young Palyku people to see First Nations business owners and leaders in their local community and

for Palyku people, who have a strong connection to the land, to share in the job opportunities being created on their land from the resources sector.

Through Munganya, Kais Group plan to provide Palyku and other indigenous peoples with the skills and training to be able to operate and maintain the modern equipment available through the Kais operation. Providing education for Indigenous people, who are interested in business, and to be role models for

tomorrow’s indigenous business owners.

“If we can do all these things, then we will have made a difference”, said CEO Sharon Kais.

Munganya Pty Ltd specialises in dry hire of graders, water carts , water trucks, excavators, service trucks, dump trucks, wheel loaders and telehandlers. Munganya will also source any other mobile plant and mobile plant accessories to suit a broad range project requirements.

THE TEAM AT KAIS GROUP ARE PROUD TO INTRODUCE THEIR NEW INDIGENOUS JOINT VENTURE MUNGANYA PTY LTD.

“If we can do all these things, then we will have made a difference.”

Sharon Kais, CEO

A career in hire? Can do!

FOR THOSE LOOKING FOR A CAREER IN HIRE, IT’S THE ‘CAN DO’ ATTITUDE THAT COUNTS!

If there’s a common challenge across many industries in Australia, it’s how to attract and retain the best people for the job. Competition for talent is tough and the Hire industry might not be at top of the list for people considering their first — or next — career move.

Take Tom Wood from Camden Hire. He started working in Camden Hire’s wash bay at age 14, moved into party hire on the weekends and spent time in the access department. Yet he never believed the hire industry could provide a rewarding career.

“I didn't recognise, for a myriad of reasons, that the hire industry was an option,” said Tom. “The opportunities are amazing. If I’d taken my ‘blinders’ off a little earlier, maybe I could have worked

more, taken on more responsibility and learned a lot more.”

It’s that perception that Careers in Hire is looking to change.

Careers in Hire is an initiative of the HRIA designed to encourage more people to consider a career in our industry by spotlighting some of the great opportunities available across a range of trades and vocations.

It’s about attracting people from a range of diverse backgrounds and experiences to the industry. From school leavers and tradies to those interested in

sales, management and IT, or skilled in management, delivery service and event co-ordination, whatever the background, the industry has a position to suit.

There are also great opportunities for people to grow, develop and build rewarding careers that might start in the wash bay but progress to General Manager or Chief Executive.

That’s what excites Tom about the industry.

“I’m so much more aware of the opportunities now and am passionate about this industry,” he says.

“What’s also different about hire and rental is that the priority is always people.”

So, tell your family, friends and colleagues — Hire is the career choice that has it all.

PPSA: calls for change continue

process (yet another layer of red-tape facing small businesses) — it is deemed to be the property of the liquidator or administrator.

In 2017, after five years of lobbying by business owners and industry associations led by the HRIA, the scope of the ‘PPS lease’ definition was cut down, greatly reducing the kinds of hires that could be deemed ‘security interests’. After May 2017, hires only fell into the ‘PPS lease’ definition when:

• the agreed term of the hire and any options actually exceeds two years; or

• the hire actually extends for more than two years. The two-year threshold replaced the previous one year or period in the current PPSA.

Another win for the hire industry was the removal of hires ‘for an indefinite term’ from the PPS lease definition meaning a lease for an unspecified term would no longer be caught unless and until it actually lasts more than two years.

Hire and rental business owners need to know where they stand when it comes to the PPSA, especially the potential pitfalls.

That’s the message from Alan Moody who owns and operates a trailer rental business in WA. Having recently been ‘burned’ by the PPSA, he’s on a mission to change the legislation and ensure other business owners don’t suffer the same consequences.

Alan’s story could apply to anyone in the hire and rental business.

When a customer with a low-loader dolly on hire from Alan’s business, Haulmore Trailer Sales, went into voluntary liquidation, Alan contacted the administrators to arrange the return of his equipment. He was told the PPSA document he’d filed was incorrect and they (the administrators) had the right to retain and sell the equipment to collect funds for creditors.

It’s a scenario that Alan could not believe. “How can that happen in Australia? I manufactured and licenced the equipment which was 100% owned by Haulmore but because we hadn’t properly dotted the i’s or crossed the t’s in the PPSA document, our equipment could be seized and sold.”

“It’s unfair and unjust. How can anyone say that’s a fair crack of the whip in Australia? It’s blatantly bad and I won’t rest until we get it fixed.”

So what does the PPSA legislate and who does it apply to?

Under the PPSA, hire company assets can be seized by another secured creditor (usually a bank) when in the possession of a liquidated business, despite this equipment being owned by the hire company. If the equipment is on hire for more than 2 years or if it is not registered on the PPS register — or an error has been made in the registration

While most of our members only do short-term hire business and are now outside the PPSA, the amendments did not remove the hire industry entirely. In 2023, that’s the focus of the HRIA’s ongoing advocacy to the federal government — with a goal of achieving further change urgently to protect the hire and rental industry. This is important in the current economic climate, where unfortunately we continue to see builders go into liquidation.

HRIA CEO, James Oxenham, urges members with assets on hire for longer than 2 years to register on the PPSR. “Failure to do so can leave hire companies at risk of losing their assets, should a customer go into liquidation.”  The HRIA’s lobbying efforts continue, and a meeting is being sought with the Attorney General, Mark Dreyfus to address the legislation which in its current state leaves long term hires exposed.

To find out more about the PPSA, visit our resource page: hireandrental.com.au/resources/ ppsa-and-the-hire-and-rentalindustry/

FOR

MORE THAN 10 YEARS, THE PERSONAL PROPERTY SECURITIES ACT (PPSA) HAS BEEN THE LAW OF THE LAND. BUT DESPITE SOME SUCCESS IN LOBBYING FOR AMENDMENTS TO PROTECT THE HIRE AND RENTAL INDUSTRY, THERE’S STILL WORK TO BE DONE.

How to deal with rising loan repayments

THE RESERVE BANK OF AUSTRALIA HAS INCREASED THE OFFICIAL CASH RATE 300 BASIS POINTS FROM 0.10 IN APRIL 2022 TO 3.10 IN DECEMBER 2022.

We all know that interest rates are on the rise — anyone with a loan or those who have applied for finance in recent times has had to deal with ballooning monthly payments. As lenders pass on those monthly rate rises to borrowers, those monthly payments are only becoming larger with no end in sight (yet).

Thankfully, there are ways to take control of the situation before it’s too late. So, what can borrowers do to alleviate the impact of these increased loan payments and not be overburdened with debt?

Know the difference between good and bad debt

Not all debt is created equal. While all debt is taken out with a specific purpose, some debt is better than others. For example, any loan used to finance something that can offer a positive investment return is good debt. Any debt that is tax deductible and/ or has a low interest can also fall under the category of good debt.

On the other hand, bad debt is defined as exactly the opposite — that could mean a debt for an investment providing a negative return, a debt that is not tax deductible and/or a debt that is at a very high interest rate. Generally, the worst types of debt are credit cards and payday loans. It’s important that these bad debts are paid off first. If possible, aim to pay these off as quick as possible and try avoiding them if you can.

Cut your losses

If you are carrying equipment that is not profitable, then now may be the right time to cut your losses and sell the equipment. It may be better to turn a poor performing asset into cash to pay down debt or reinvest into more profitable assets.

In order to do this, business owners should analyse their equipment to get an understanding on how they are performing. Those that are not hitting the mark, should be turned into cash and redeployed.

Get your pricing right

Pricing is one of the most powerful tools in a business owners toolbox. Used correctly, it can help you build your business, used incorrectly and it can take your business away. As the cost of business increases, you need to consider your pricing strategy or be prepared to lose margin.

Perform a spending audit

A short-term solution to handling higher loan repayments is to assess your discretionary spending. It is important to document your spending. Starting with any money that has been paid for rent or paid off debt, add to this list details of

If you are carrying equipment that is not profitable, then now may be the right time to cut your losses and sell the equipment.

XCMG, For Your Success.

XCMG is in the top three Mining and Construction Equipment manufacturers in the world and was founded in 1943.

We offer the Australian market:

- Excavators

- Wheel loaders

- Compactors

- Access Equipment

- Cranes

- Skid steers

- Forklifts

- And more

Deputy General Manager for Australia

Mr Roy Rossini is cementing a footprint of support for the Australian marketplace. Establishing a National spare parts distribution centre located in Melbourne.

Customers are backed with qualified technical support and a national dealer network.

Providing all your Equipment and spare parts requirements, in the one convenient location.

where money has been spent in the last month on thing that may not be essential. Evaluate whether it has been spent on necessary items and if your spending habits are ‘overweight’ in any areas.

This exercise will provide a good overview of where hard-earned money is going and will be a useful benchmark for setting a monthly budget. It will also identify areas where cuts can be made on spending or to shop around for better deals.

Also, there is no law that locks borrowers into their current mortgage for the full 25 or 30-year term. Shop around and find an alternative provider that can offer a lower rate. Even a one per cent reduction can make a huge difference in terms of reducing the monthly loan payment.

Lastly, don’t forget about those balloon payments on your equipment finance. It’s easy to forget about those large balloon payments if you negotiated them a couple of year ago. As part of your spending audit, go through your finance facilities and identify any large payments that may be coming up so you can plan around them and refinance if necessary.

Make sure you invest in having a good accountant that can help you keep more of what you earn so you can manage the increasing debt repayments that everyone is experiencing.

Forecast

Make sure you have a cashflow forecast that you update at least monthly and that you refer to when making decisions on what equipment to purchase next. When done right, your forecast will tell you the future. It will tell you if you can expect to experience negative cashflow at certain times of the year and it can be adjusted to see how changes to your strategy will impact your cashflow.

The forecast can then be used to help you plan and address the challenges you may be facing now and those you potentially will face along the way. It is an invaluable resource when it comes to your decision-making process.

Finally, don’t overextend yourself, get advice and build a cash buffer if possible. If you follow these steps, then you will be on your way to dealing with the rising loan repayments.

Make sure you are not paying too much tax

Making profit takes a lot of hard work — don’t pay more of it in taxes than you need to! Ask questions and speak with your accountant about your situation. Make sure you have an efficient structure for your business and be wary of the additional tax that can come from drawing funds from your structures.

If you’d to like to learn more about HLB Mann Judd and how we work with members of HRIA, EWPA and TSHA please visit our website www.hlb.com.au/locations/ sydney/hire-rental-industry-hria/

There is no law that locks borrowers into their current mortgage for the full 25 or 30-year term. Shop around and find an alternative provider that can offer a lower rate.

Help us build a stronger hire industry

Are you working for a HRIA member?

For every business you refer that joins the HRIA, we will reward you with a $50 gift card. Just make sure that the business mentions your name when they complete their application.

The more businesses who become members of the HRIA the stronger and more influential the industry

becomes. Our existing members know how important it is to be a member of the HRIA – so help us get the message out.

The more businesses you refer the more you are rewarded. Start referring other hire businesses now.

Restraint clauses: what they are and what to look out for

Introduction

Restraint of trade clauses can play a vital role in protecting your business. This is especially important in an industry like the hire and rental industry, where employees come and go, and hurdles to entry aren’t particularly high.

But a restraint will only protect your business if it is valid and enforceable.

What are restraint clauses?

In essence, a restraint involves a party promising not to engage in certain activity, such as poaching customers or competing more generally.

Restraints can be found in various contexts, such as in:

• employment contracts;

• consultancy agreements;

• business sale or share sale agreements;

• franchise agreements; and

• shareholders agreements.

As such, individuals or businesses may be subject to multiple restraints at any one time.

The court’s approach to restraint clauses

While restraint clauses can be a useful tool to protect business interests, they may not be enforceable in certain circumstances. Very generally speaking, the Courts consider restraints to be void as the principle behind restraints is contrary to the public policy position that everybody should have the right to earn a living to feed themselves and their families.

The Courts do however recognise that restraints are needed in certain circumstances. In determining whether to enforce a restraint, the Courts normally ask two questions:

• Is there a legitimate interest? and

• Is the restraint reasonably necessary in order to protect that legitimate interest?

What is a legitimate interest?

For the purposes of interpretation, the Courts need to be able to identify a specific interest that needs protection. Typical examples of legitimate interests include trade secrets, confidential information and the goodwill of a business. A general interest, such as an interest in preventing a former employee from competing or using their knowledge, will not be considered a legitimate interest.

and ental ndustry

WHY HIRE FROM A HRIA MEMBER

By choosing to hire from a HRIA member you are ensuring the best possible hire experience.

• HRIA Members will recommend the right equipment for your job

• HRIA Members can provide instruction on use of the equipment

• All equipment hired by HRIA members is thoroughly checked and maintained prior to each hire and electrically tested and tagged where needed

• HRIA members follow all Workplace Health and Safety requirements and have access to the latest safety legislation – ensuring the highest standard of safety for employees and hirers of equipment

• Hiring from an HRIA member ensures equipment reliability and efficiency

• HRIA members are committing to a code of ethics

WITH OVER 500 CORPORATE MEMBERS, YOU WILL BE SURE TO FIND A HRIA MEMBER NEAR YOU.

For more information or to join the HRIA visit www.hireandrental.com.au

Is the restraint reasonably necessary?

For a restraint to be enforceable, the restraint must be no more than is reasonably necessary to protect a legitimate interest. Whilst there is no true brightline test for this, the Courts typically look at the surrounding facts and circumstances, including factors such as:

• what is the interest being protected;

• who are the parties, and what characteristics do they possess;

• what activities is a party prevented from doing;

• where geographically is the party prevented from conducting the activities;

• how long is the party prevented from conducting the activity;

• has any consideration been paid; and

• what is usual in the current market.

Ultimately, whether a restraint is reasonable depends on the facts and circumstances. As an example, in the recent appeal judgement of McMurchy v Employsure Pty Ltd; Kumaran v Employsure Pty Ltd [2022] NSWCA 201, the Courts considered whether a 9-month restraint against two former sales managers was reasonable. Here, the Courts were willing to

may be ‘read down’ pursuant to the Restraints of Trade Act 1976 (NSW). What this means is that where this Act applies, the Courts aren’t limited to simply striking out words but can modify the provision so that at least some protection is afforded to the legitimate interest.

Practical considerations

Drafting

To ensure a restraint is enforceable, it is important to make sure the clause is properly drafted and tailored to the individual facts and circumstances, noting how the Courts deal with restraints that are considered unreasonable.

As what is considered reasonably necessary does change from time to time, it may be appropriate to include some flexibility and think about what minimum protections are necessary. In doing so, you should be working closely with your lawyers to ensure any restraints you put forward are appropriately designed and drafted.

What action can be taken if a restraint is breached?

If you are concerned that someone has breached their restraint, it is important to ensure that steps are taken to stop any further breach and to ensure you are not seen to be waiving your rights or otherwise accepting the conduct. Typical steps include:

• issuing formal cease and decease letters; and

• informing other involved parties about the alleged breach of restraint.

Ultimately though, you may need to take formal legal action, which may include seeking an injunction, to enforce the restraint. Sometimes proving that a restraint has been breached can be difficult.

enforce against one of the former sales managers on the basis they had access to certain confidential information but were unwilling to enforce that same restraint against the other as they did not appear to have the same access rights.

What happens if a restraint is

not reasonable?

Under common law, when the Courts determine that a particular restraint clause is unreasonable, they will try to apply the ‘blue pencil test’. This involves the Courts seeing if they can make a restraint reasonable by simply striking out parts of the clause. As the Courts are not entitled to modify or alter any of the words in conducting the test, it may result in the entire restraint being struck out, even if it means leaving a legitimate interest entirely unprotected.

In NSW however, unlike other States and Territories, restraint clauses that are unreasonable

As such, it is important to take formal legal counsel as soon as possible to ensure that you are taking the most appropriate action.

If you require assistance with your standard form contracts or would like any advice on the current UCT regime, please contact Gavin Stuart or Nicole Marcus from Bartier Perry Lawyers. www.bartier.com.au

Courts consider... that everybody should have the right to earn a living to feed themselves and their families.

ELEVATING WORK PLATFORM ASSOCIATION OF AUSTRALIA INC

ABN 32 545 830 419

EWPA BOARD OF DIRECTORS

President John Glover Tel: 0419 663 863

Vice President Tim Nuttall Tel: 03 9547 7700

Past President Doug Rawlings Tel: 08 9350 570

Chief Executive Officer James Oxenham Tel: 02 9998 2222

NSW President Luke Schubert Tel: 0458 770 002

VIC President Keith Clarke Tel: 0400 369 900

QLD President Richard Gannon Tel: 0437 477 279

SA President Ray Green Tel: 0473 217 310

WA President: Will Reilly Tel: 0408 474 261

TECHNICAL DIRECTOR:

OPER ATIONS Peter Davis Tel: 02 8796 50551

TECHNICAL DIRECTOR:

ENGINEERING

Peter Wenn Tel: 03 9568 7211

COMMITTEE Bob Mules Tel: 0402 982 999

James Nightingale Tel: 0457 110 110

Tony Fish Tel: 0427 115 711

TELESCOPIC HANDLER ASSOCIATION OF AUSTRALIA (TSHA)

PRESIDENT Stuart Walker Tel: 0418 849 107

EWPA & TSHA PO Box 1304, Mona Vale

NSW 1660

Tel: 02 9998 2222

Email: info@ewpa.com.au Web: www.ewpa.com.au

Opinions published in Hire & Rental Magazine do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the association or the Editor. The HRIA accepts no responsibility for the accuracy of any information contained in this magazine and readers should rely upon their own enquiries in making decisions related to their own interest. All rights reserved.

ISSN 1838-1197

One of the EWPA's shortlisted 2022 Photo of the Year images (Access) from Matt Reeve, Hire Australia.

JOHN GLOVER EWPA PRESIDENT

‘Hands-on’ President brings new perspective to EWPA

As National Service Manager for Onsite Rentals, John provides leading-edge thinking around service performance, fleet availability, fleet procurement, major inspection programs, parts procurement, technical training and all aspects for fleet servicing.

He has 33 years of technical and service experience, including 27 years repairing and providing technical advice for Elevated Work Platforms, is a former NSW President of the EWPA, has been on the national Board for the past 10 years.

In November 2022, he was appointed national President of the EWPA.

John considers himself a ‘hands-on service guy’ and it’s this perspective that he’ll continue to bring to his new role.

“I’m the first service tech from the mechanical side of the business to take on the role,” says John. “That gives me an acute understanding of how the equipment works, how it functions, the different safety features and the user experience.”

John’s career began in the aircraft industry as a member of the Royal Australian Air Force. On leaving

industry dies,” says John.

“As a working at heights industry, our equipment has to be the safest option available to our customers. Safety is key to our success.”

Over the past 35 years, he’s seen the industry evolve, change and mature into what it is today.

“The technological advances are amazing, especially in the last number of years and it’s great to be a part of that innovation.”

John believes the biggest changes he’s seen over the last decade are the electrification of equipment and telematics.

“Hybrid and electric machines hadn’t really reached the mainstream five years ago but we’re now seeing the electrification of a lot of equipment that was once diesel,” he says.

THE EWPA’S NEW NATIONAL PRESIDENT JOHN GLOVER IS SOMEONE WHO GENUINELY LIKES TO BE IN THE ENGINE ROOM.

“What we’re finding is that government contracts are driving companies to report on their emissions. As many of these companies rent the equipment that creates emissions, electric equipment is now seen as a way to achieve reductions.”

“That means we also need the right infrastructure (eg, mobile or installed charging stations). We need to better understand charge cycles so if a machine runs out of charge and it’s a mile from power, we and our customers know what to do.”

But the push towards electrification comes at a risk for the hire and rental industry.

“Our customers look to us to give them the latest technology however it’s changing at a rapid rate. You don’t want to invest in equipment that’s going to become obsolete before it’s lifecycle has ended so that’s a big challenge for our industry,” says John.

“There used to be all these businesses who would churn out apprentices, but industry across the board has failed to develop apprentices over recent years. I will continue to advocate for our industry to take on and train apprentices to become tradespeople.”

With more skilled tradespeople exiting the industry than coming in, it's resulted in a big skills gap.

“While we have an EWP apprenticeship — I worked with Autoskills Australia to bring that to life — the industry as a whole hasn’t invested enough in that skillset,” says John.

“I used to go to local high schools and talk about the opportunities in this industry, but schools are no longer interested. They prefer to push people into university rather than trades.”

As national President, John is keen to see the EWPA do more to engage existing members and attract new members.

“We’re also seeing a growth in telematics, which is basically GPS and remote monitoring. This access to live information on what your equipment is doing and how it’s being used, means we can help our customers use our equipment more efficiently.”

Being part of an evolving industry means there is always new equipment and technology on the horizon but fortunately, John has access to the major OEMs.

“I’m able to tap into them and give honest feedback when they’re looking at new products or designs or when they’re looking to understand what our industry is doing or what our customers might want to see,” he says.

“I am regularly invited to express a point of view or participate as part of the product road map and it’s a really enjoyable part of what I do. That said, I can be like a dog with a bone and really dig my heels in on anything that I’m passionate about. If I’ve got a position, I’m not afraid to push that position appropriately.”

As for the industry’s biggest challenges at the moment? It’s people.

“The shortage of skilled workers is certainly our biggest challenge but it’s not just a challenge for our association, it’s industry wide. We’re competing for the same pool of workers as are our customers and other major industries, including those with ‘deep pockets’ like mining.”

John says one of the big issues is how to attract skilled technical people to the industry.

“We’re known as the resource library for specialist technical knowledge and the Australian Standards, which is free to anyone in the industry.”

Members can also access industry-recognised training, support and professional services, like legal, insurance and HR

“With the majority of our members being new and smaller businesses who don’t have the internal resources and infrastructure of the bigger players, that represents good bang for your buck.”

Looking ahead, John believes one of the biggest challenges for the EWPA will be Board renewal.

“We’ve got to ensure the talent is coming through, that we’re training that talent and giving them a pathway through to Board level,” he says. “That’s how we remain relevant.”

And despite being a bit of a quiet achiever, John is keen to use social media to engage more with members, potential members and lift the profile of the industry.

“I want to use my profile to get the message out about this industry and why it’s important,” says John.

“It will be a challenge, but I’m looking forward to representing our members.”

You can keep in touch with John via LinkedIn. www.linkedin.com/in/john-glover-36411858/

“If I've got a position I'm not afraid to push that position appropriately”

JLG unveils all-new DaVinciTM Series Scissor Lift

Fully electric, the AE1932 Electric Scissor Lift has no hydraulics, eliminating the risk of oil leaks, which makes the machine ideal for use in food production facilities, clean rooms, medical buildings or on carpeted floors.

The new JLG AE1932 features the latest electric drivetrain including AC drive motors for zero emission power and low draw, meaning more work on a single charge. Further extending run time is an energy recovery system that uses gravity to recapture power as the platform descends.

Such is the AE1932’s low power consumption that only a single 24V Lithium-Ion battery is required on the unit. The battery also provides Zero Performance Degradation, which maintains performance and productivity even as the battery depletes.

When recharging is needed, a full charge can be achieved in under six hours, while opportunity charging is also possible without damaging the battery — fast 30-minute lunch break charges can lead to hours of additional productivity. Additionally, the AE1932 offers a 5-minute quick charge that

allows 30 metres of driving and provides enough torque for the scissor lift to be loaded for transportation.

Along with these benefits, the AE1932 offers a generous 7.8 metre elevated working height and platform capacity of 275kg, providing accommodation for work crews (two occupants indoors and one outdoors) and tools. High efficiency steering with zero inside turning radius and 6.4 km/h stowed drive speed also makes the machine more manoeuvrable. For added productivity, the AE1932 can also be driven at 0.8 km/h in the elevated platform position, with the machine’s industryexclusive progressive elevated drive speed system adapting the drive speed depending on the platform height.

Preparing the AE1932 for work is also efficient, its QuikFold rails unfold faster than standard machines, while fully raising and lowering the platform takes just 24 and 26 seconds respectively. Positioning the AE1932 is also easier thanks to independent wheel motor control which also reduces tyre wear and limits damage to sensitive flooring.

Operators control the machine via the platform control box, while the JLG Mobile Control App also allows users to drive, steer and load the stowed DaVinci from a distance using their smartphone.

Although JLG’s new DaVinci™ Series Scissor Lift is virtually maintenance free, in the unlikely event of an issue, diagnostics can be performed using the exclusive DaVinciGO™ app through a smartphone or tablet. This technology provides software updates, machine configuration and calibration — the app even allows machines to be connected remotely to a JLG service centre.

With an expected battery life of 10 years, JLG’s new DaVinci™ AE1932 all-electric scissor lift delivers low total cost of ownership benefits and is backed by the extensive JLG Ground Support network.

JLG’S NEW DAVINCI™ AE1932, THE INDUSTRY’S FIRST FULLY ELECTRIC SCISSOR LIFT IS NOW AVAILABLE IN AUSTRALIA, OFFERING NEW TECHNOLOGIES THAT INCREASE EFFICIENCY AND CONVENIENCE WHILE REDUCING TOTAL COST OF OWNERSHIP.

The AE1932 has no hydraulics and features JLG's latest electric drivetrain.

ALL-NEW DAVINCI™ SERIES SCISSOR LIFT

JLG’s new DaVinci™ AE1932, the industry’s first fully electric scissor lift is now available in Australia & New Zealand. New Regen technology and quick charge functionality will increase efficiency and convenience for operators, while also reducing total cost of ownership.

Australia 131 JLG | www.jlg.com.au

Haulotte expands Apprentice program

OVER THE LAST FEW YEARS, HAULOTTE HAS BEEN GROWING THEIR TEAM OF APPRENTICES AND HAVE NOW IMPLEMENTED A FORMAL PROGRAM TO HELP GROW AND DEVELOP THE SKILLS NEEDED IN THIS INDUSTRY.

Haulotte expert, Brad Kennaugh, has been appointed to guide the apprentices and develop a fully structured training and mentoring program.

“I am really enjoying getting around the country and getting in front of all the apprentices and their educators. They have had a few tough years with lockdowns, so it’s good to get some face time and start rolling out this program” said Brad.

Haulotte ramped up its apprentice intake in 2020 alongside the HRIA Apprenticeship & Traineeship Scheme (HATS).

They now have at least one apprentice in each location across Australia. This year they have seen their first apprentice graduate the program and start a fulltime role as a service technician. Ben Nicholl joined Haulotte in 2019 based in Dandenong South VIC.

“Ben completed rotations across all departments and showed a real aptitude for diagnosing and repairing faults. He is a perfect fit to our service team in Victoria and is now on the road completing service jobs”, adds Brad.

“It has been great going through my apprenticeship with Haulotte, they were

really flexible in terms of TAFE and let me focus on areas that interest me. The team is great and supportive of each other”, said Ben.

The program includes several rounds including in the workshop with the predelivery team, through to major repairs and overhauls.

Apprentices start with things like decal’s and painting, then move to pre delivery inspections. After one year they rotate to service where they learn the diagnostics and maintenance of the machines. Finally, they work with experts to complete 10-year refurbishments to completely refresh a machine. Safety is at the core of every role including training on PPE, protocols, through to heavy machinery operation, like crane lift. Every apprentice is assigned a mentor to guide them.

“They get to try everything and grow their skills across all departments, including the important task of cooking a good BBQ”, adds Brad.

Haulotte is investing in Apprentices because they see the future growth of this industry and want to ensure there are skilled workers with knowledge of EWP’s.

“It is a unique set of skills that go into servicing an EWP, and we face tough competition from other industries. The Hire Industry is a great place to work and provides great opportunities. That is why we want to get the message out there and help get as many apprentices trained up as possible”, adds Brad.

The program also features incentives such as interstate travel and training, recognition, as well as rewards and financial incentives. The training offered by Haulotte goes beyond the TAFE courses as all apprentices have access to the Haulotte Academy which is a globally awarded training platform full of intuitive programs designed to provide detailed expertise on EWP equipment, safety and operations.

“When I graduated the program Haulotte presented me with a premium tool kit. They really made me feel part of the team” adds Ben.

Haulotte are currently looking for additional apprentices in Sydney, Melbourne, Perth and Brisbane to start early next year. The company is also looking at international intern proposals across the vast Haulotte global network.

Almac’s Spiderboom sets the standard

INTERNATIONALLY RECOGNISED FOR OFFERING INNOVATIVE, VERSATILE, AND FLEETCOMPLEMENTARY PRODUCT RANGES, ALMACRAWLER CONTINUE TO SATISFY THE MOST DEMANDING WORKSITE REQUIREMENTS THROUGH ADVANCEMENTS IN FUNCTIONALITY, TECHNOLOGY AND THE HIGHEST SAFETY CAPABILITIES AVAILABLE IN AUSTRALIA.

Almac’s BILLENNIUM range goes beyond traditional aerial platform designs, resulting in a brand-new family of self-propelled tracked aerial platforms to the market, the Spiderboom.

The goal was to create a single product that combined the key features of self-propelled, wheeled-aerial platforms, with stabilised tracked aerial platforms. Through extensive research and development, AlmaCrawler developed the Billennium range which offers a morphologically unique product with a simpler user experience, and superior market adaptability. The end result caters to both the professional end-user, and the rental sector.

The B1570 and B1890 with a working height of 15m & 18m respectively, also have two different types of automatic stabilisation, Fixed (Visual) or Variable (Quick-PRO). There are also three power options available including, petrol engine, diesel engine and full electric lithium (LTH version).

All versions showcase typical tracked platform size compactness (minimum width 0.78m) and a competitive maximum weight (2600kg, 2900kg) to ensure transportability on traditional trailers.

With an operating outreach of 8.6m and 9.8m respectively, and a maximum load capacity in the basket of 230kg and 250kg, the Billennium Spiderbooms will also feature a series of new technological features:

• SPS (Self-Propelled Skilled System)

– This new patent-pending system allows the use of the machine even without lowering the stabilisers, on slopes up to 10° longitudinally and up to 5° laterally. The platform can safely and directly be used up to 9m working heights, thanks to the advanced control and leveling systems of the machine.

• AWP (Adaptive Working Performance) – This new patentpending system allows for the optimisation of the operational outreach. It calculates the stabilisation area in real time by measuring the angle of deployment of each individual stabiliser, the performance being determined by checking the actual stabilisation area in real time.

• Automatic Stabilisation – All Billennium models are equipped with the automatic stabilisation system as standard. Two choices include:

a) Visual – B1570: Automatic stabilisation with a fixed area.

b) Quick-PRO – B1890: Automatic Stabilisation with variable areas, it offers six different machine positioning configurations. Simple to choose through the onboard

selector, it automatically interacts with the AWP system and gives the operator the best possible outreach performance.

• Undercarriage XXL – AlmaCrawler design which allows for an easier and safer daily loading/unloading as well as the selfpropelled capabilities of the Spiderbooms. This without sacrificing the typical size compactness (variable track 0.79 ÷ 1.39 m but with a longer track length – 2 m).

• ATS (Automatic Tensioner System) – Uniquely designed ZERO maintenance hydraulic system for the automatic tensioning of the track.

The Billennium Spiderboom was designed to complement AlmaCrawler’s already popular range of innovative tracked aerial platforms, including the Athena  scissorlift, the JIBBI telescopic boom lift, and the Multi Loader tracked carriers. Available with our intelligent, integrated anti-collision detection technology.

Through its all-terrain versatility for working safely at height, the Billennium Line is highly suited for construction and industrial applications, the arbor sector as well as building and park maintenance.

All Billennium models are equipped with the automatic stabilisation system as standard.

The Billennium is available now, please contact Almac Pacific on 0402 982 999 or our national dealer, United Forklift and Access Solutions on 131 607 or visit www.unitedequipment.com.au.

Are spider lifts a good investment for a hire company?

THERE ARE A GROWING NUMBER OF SPIDER LIFTS IN AUSTRALIA, MORE AND MORE OF YOUR POTENTIAL CUSTOMERS KNOW ABOUT THEM AND WILL WANT TO USE THEM. IT PAYS TO DO YOUR RESEARCH AND UNDERSTAND WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW BEFORE YOU ADD SPIDER LIFTS TO YOUR HIRE FLEET.

Why you should think about adding these EWPs to your fleet

Today’s sophisticated spider lifts have a great deal of good design thinking that makes them easily manageable with minimal training. Here we explore some of the benefits of spider lifts for a hire company.

Who hires spider lifts?

Because they solve so many problems, customers find they have a wide market of potential users for spider lifts. For example:

• Roofing contractors

• Window cleaners

• Councils and government departments

Indoors

• Shopping centres

• Trades

• Fire and safety

• Industrial areas, and

• Almost anywhere with narrow ingress

Why spider lifts are easy to hire

Trained operators find spider lifts very easy to use. Hire firms can benefit from a ready market of licenced operators and can take advantage of video resources to help further familiarize them with the machines. You can also access further resources and have your hire team trained to be able to give an induction.

What return on investment does a spider lift offer?

Clearly, you want the machine you purchase to be out on hire as much as possible. With a spider lift, your utilisation rate can be leveraged because it is a specialist machine that commands a high per-day rate compared to a boom or scissor lift.

Even with a lower utilisation rate, your business will still be way in front in terms of ROI when you invest in a spider lift.

You can sub-hire spider lifts for even more opportunities

Larger spider lift suppliers — such as Monitor Lifts — will be able to assist you with sub-hiring their fleet, in the event that yours is fully booked. It helps you say ‘yes’ to more clients, more often.

This arrangement could bring you more profit, without ownership — allowing you to grow your business even further than you may have thought possible.

Talk to us about spider lifts for hire companies

If you choose to expand your business’s offering into spider lifts, look for a supplier who provides video support to ensure the hiring process goes smoothly.

Outdoors

• Trades — such as electricians, painters, glaziers and plumbers

• External property maintenance

• Amusement park maintenance

• Tree trimmers

• Telecommunications companies

A highly experienced supplier can also assist with training and induction, saving your staff spending excessive time with your customer, and helping with any technical issues.

To find out how a spider lift could benefit your hire company, call Monitor Lifts on 1800 025 024, email sales@monitor.net.au or visit monitor.net.au

Spider lifts have a wide market of potential users.

Dingli goes ‘all in’ as Green Pioneer Construction Manufacturer

AS A GLOBAL LEADER IN NEW ENERGY AERIAL WORK PLATFORMS, DINGLI WILL CONTINUE TO DEVELOP THE STRATEGY OF “ELECTRIFICATION AND DIFFERENTIATION” IN 2023. THE CORE CONCEPT OF “GREEN DEVELOPMENT” HAS PENETRATED THE WHOLE PROCESS OF CORPORATE GOVERNANCE, INCLUDING STAFF TRAVEL, PLANT CONSTRUCTION, THE PRODUCTION PROCESS, R & D AND RECYCLING.

Green travel

Dingli has introduced measures to encourage employees to commute by walking, using bicycles, trams, electric buses, and subways to help reduce emissions through their own, individual carbon footprint.

Plant construction

Dingli factories and office buildings all adopt energy-saving solutions, increasing the use of green planting indoors and outdoors, enlarging the natural light area; using LED lights and reducing the use of daytime lights; optimising thermal insulation of their buildings; installing photovoltaic roofs; heat energy recovery for air conditioning and heating; secondary use of rainwater recycling; automatic induction flushing in the toilets; paperless office, as well as in all other areas of sustainability.

Production Process

Research & Development

Dingli is the first to adopt modular design for its whole series of products in the industry, with its electric, diesel and hybrid models developed all on the same platform, comprehensively promoting the application and popularisation of electrification of global nonroad construction machinery, greatly reducing exhaust emissions.

Recycling

With overseas branches as the focus, Dingli has set up more than 10 remanufacturing factories (4S stores) one after another, greatly extending the product life cycle and pioneering the sustainable development of manufacturing in the industry.

Focus

Dingli will continue to launch more new-energy products in 2023, striving to become the benchmark for the manufacture of green aerial work platforms.

To find out more about Dingli in Australia, contact www.accesssalesandspares.com.au

Snorkel

MHP13/35: Versatility Meets Portability

SNORKEL CREATED THE MHP 13/35 TOWABLE TRAILER-MOUNTED BOOM LIFT SPECIFICALLY FOR THE AUSTRALIAN MARKET. IT FEATURES

HIGH-STRENGTH STEEL BOOM AND BASE CONSTRUCTION FOR ROBUST AND DURABLE OPERATION.

Designed with the operator in mind, this versatile machine features proportional speed control, a 600V AC rated cable to platform (upgradable to 110/240V GFCI power to platform), and a jib boom. The 1.25m x 0.78m x 1.07m platform can accommodate two workers with its 227kg maximum capacity, and the chassis also features 540-degree (non-continuous) turntable rotation.

Articulating boom sections that provide up-and-over reach combined with a maximum working height of 12.6m make this boom lift ideal for a wide variety of construction, maintenance, landscaping and agricultural applications. Additionally, the automatic self-levelling stabilisers and outriggers with safety interlocks provide balanced working conditions on unfinished or uneven terrain.

This compact boom lift is designed to make even the smallest or most awkward workspaces easily accessible, and it is easily transported with a height of only 2.05 meters, a total weight of 1,360kg and a heavy-duty tow coupling, making it ideal for those who work on multiple jobsites.

Other standard features include a Honda petrol engine with 5.5hp, a proportional electro/hydraulic system and hydraulic disc brakes. Also available as an optional feature is a bi-energy engine.

Ahern Australia is the exclusive dealer for the Snorkel MHP 13/35 in Australia. For more information, please call 1300 900 700 or visit ahernaustralia.com.au.

The Snorkel MHP13/15 towable trailermounted boomlift

Coming to Sydney Showground’s Iconic Dome this Autumn!

HIRE23 May 24th/25th

Book your tickets at hire23.com.au

FEBRUARY 2023

24

FEATURES

49 Events President, Erin Johnston, looks at the year ahead

50 Lobbyists call for changes to working visas

52 Point of Rental can pinpoint a toilet on centre court with just three words

ERIN JOHNSTON HRIA EVENTS DIVISON PRESIDENT

Australia’s Events Industry Forecast to grow 11% in 2023

2023 has started with a bang that’s for sure.

The events industry is well and truly booming and many large key events in the industry have come back or at least have plans for 2023/2024 to get back into gear. A recent Research Dive report is even forecasting the global events industry to grow at an annualized rate by as much as 23% to 2028.

This is incredible news for the industry. Although our sector of the industry has seen a decline in market size over the last 4 years, we are now looking at a bumper 2023 with Australia’s market size projected to increase by 10.7% according to Ibisworld.

The challenge for us all will be stock and staff. Spend time getting the right people in the right positions in your business and honing your employee value proposition. Forward thinking with stock requirements and capital investment — it will be key to growth.

Our Focus Group outcomes have been presented and we are working on building the value proposition for the Events Members based purely on what the direct feedback was out of the sessions — I am personally very grateful for the time and effort that members put in to participate during their busy periods to provide the HRIA with valuable feedback. We are now working hard to action and bring forward some great initiatives, with identified key areas of focus, from Best Practice and Compliance, to Training and Marketing.

We have some really exciting sessions planned for the 2023 Convention this year, so I hope to see you all there enjoying the time to learn, grow and catch up.

“

”

Forward thinking with stock requirements and capital investment will be key to growth.

Visa Rules Changes Needed To Help Grow Labour Market: Lobbyists

The Federal Government is currently reviewing Australia’s migration system in light of current labour shortages, with an interim report due next month.

As industries, including tourism and events, grapple with worker shortages as they struggle to recruit staff back following the pandemic, the Tourism and Transport Forum Australia (TTFA) has been leading calls to expand working holiday visas.

Federal Treasurer Jim Chalmers has now indicated the government is considering ways to streamline some visa application processes to ensure the right mix.

Changes to Working Holiday Maker visas

The Working Holiday Maker visa program was established in 1975 to allow young adults to have an extended holiday and support themselves by working in temporary jobs. The program is reciprocal in nature, with similar arrangements for Australian citizens wishing to work and holiday abroad in partner countries.

Last year, in a bid to improve Working Holiday Maker visa wait times (for subclasses 417 and 462), the Department of Immigration added 400 administration staff to process the backlog of one million visa applications. As a result, visa approvals increased by 19 per cent with more than 120,000 applications approved just in time for the holiday season.

Applicants outside Australia also saw their visa applications processed in less than a day.

“This is a direct result of a government that understands how important immigration is to ensuring certainty for individuals, families and businesses,” said Federal Immigration Minister Andrew Giles.

In another move to address the shortage of casual workers, visa workers were also permitted to remain with a single employer for 12 months, instead of the previous six-

month maximum. The provision was to cease on 31 December 2022 however has now been extended to June 2023.

Calls to increase the age limit

TTFA boss, Margy Osmond says lifting age eligibility requirements is another way to help grow the labour pool for Australian industry.

Currently, Working Holiday Maker visas are only available to applicants from eligible countries who are aged between the ages of 18 and 30. For a small number of countries,

including Canada, Denmark, Ireland, Italy and the UK, the age limit is up to 35.

“One solution to help address the skills shortage in tourism is to increase the age limit for working holidaymakers to 50,” said Ms Osmond.

“This would open up a whole new market of workers from overseas with a wider range of skills and experience that could benefit our industry.”

“Raising the age limit for working holiday visas might [also] give us access to a more skilled group of visa holders to fill more senior positions,” she said.

With visa holders typically taking up work in seasonal industries, such as hospitality and agriculture, the scheme has worked really well in Australia, according to Associate Professor Pierre Benckendorff, a tourism expert from the University of Queensland.

“It combines the right to do certain types of work with the right to be on a holiday,” said Professor Benckendorff.

“But the visa timelines are quite generous... so generally, people are able to get a longer period of time in Australia than what they would if they were just on a tourist visa.”

In 2021–22, 95,901 visa applications

were lodged for the Working Holiday Maker program. By December 2022, nearly 129,300 working holiday makers had arrived in Australia since borders reopened.

Ms Osmond said any worthy recommendations which could increase the tourism workforce, “must be acted on swiftly to help our sector”.

Visa rules should extend to other sectors

Ms Osmond also told ABC Radio that rules requiring backpackers to work in the agriculture sector for three months, in order to extend the length of their visa, should be

expanded to other industries.

“Not everybody wants to work in the agricultural sector, important as it is, but we would like to see a few more options and a recognition of how difficult times are,” she said.

“We certainly wouldn’t want to make life any more difficult for the agricultural sector, we’re simply raising it as a thought process... [for] other sectors that similarly had skills shortages who could be included in this structure.”

HRIA CEO, James Oxenham said changes to visa rules could bring significant advantage to sectors like the Event Hire industry, which struggles to attract and retain seasonal workers at times of peak demand.

GEOFLEX STRETCH TENTS

The GeoFlex Stretch Tent can be set up in a variety of configurations. Install on a sloped area, stretch over gardens, attach to buildings, join around corners … the options are endless, and be impressed by the stylish design!

A single tent can be erected in a variety of configurations, or additional tents are easily linked together to create a larger covered area.

“We welcome initiatives that aim to improve access to available skilled labour,” he said.

The visa review comes as four million visas have been processed since the election of the Federal Labor Government in May 2022. Australia also faces a net migration that looks set to exceed the Immigration Department’s forecast by 25 per cent, according to the department’s former Deputy Secretary, Abul Rizvi.

A spokesperson for the Department of Home Affairs told SBS News that working holiday makers provide an important cultural and economic contribution to Australia, including through their contribution to skills and labour gaps and job creation in associated industries and businesses.

“This measure is designed to provide immediate assistance to Australian businesses currently facing critical workforce shortages and enables them to keep delivering goods and services to the Australian community,” the spokesperson said.

designed for simplicity, style and greater flexibility in eyecatching shapes

"We welcome initiatives that aim to improve access to available skilled labour."

Point of Rental integrates What3Words

Not every plot of land has its own street address. When all you’ve got is a postal address, large job and festival sites can make it difficult to find the locations of the equipment you’re delivering, collecting, or servicing.

Sure, it’s possible to use GPS coordinates. But calling out coordinates to 5 decimal places is time consuming and hard to remember. Furthermore, should you have a typo, ending up 100 metres away from where you should be… well, that can result in frustrated drivers and unhappy customers.

That’s why Point of Rental users have been asking for an integration with What3Words — it’s the top request for mobile functionality on the company’s uInnovate page in 2022.

What3Words divides up the world into three-metre squares and assigns each square a three-word name (example: just outside the doors to the Sydney Opera House, you’ll find palms.nest.chief). This makes locations easier to say, easier to enter (similar-sounding words are not located near each other, which makes is easy to identify quickly if you’ve got the wrong location), and easier to remember.

You can convert coordinates into 3-words locations an unlimited number of times for free.

With the API Key, you can convert W3W addresses to coordinates up to 1,000 times each month for free (if you need more, you can get a W3W license for a small monthly fee). For businesses operating in multiple countries, locations are translated into words in 50 different languages, including Chinese, Arabic, and Vietnamese.

What3Words

And as of Syrinx’s first update of 2023, Syrinx and its apps will be integrated with What3Words, making it easier for everyone to find where they’re going.

So hire drivers using Point of Rental’s Driver App — let’s say they’re delivering a loo to the very centre of the court at Rod Laver Arena* — will be able to tell

their phone “animal.yards.sung” and be on the right route.

All in all, the integration will make it easier to not only get to where you need to be, but to tell your team where they need to go.

It’s even easier to remember where to go to get your hire business going to the right place, though: Just type pointofrental.com into your browser and book a demo.

*or, hopefully, they can recognize that they’ve probably got the wrong three words

NOW ASSET MANAGEMENT SOFTWARE COMPANY, POINT OF RENTAL, CAN GET A PORTABLE TOILET ON TO THE VERY CENTRE OF THE COURT AT ROD LAVER ARENA WITH JUST THREE WORDS.

divides up the world into three-metre squares and assigns each square a three-word name

WHY HIRE?

LATEST EQUIPMENT

Hiring gives you access to a huge range of the latest equipment. Trial new equipment and ensure you are always using the right equipment for your job.

ENSURE EFFICIENCY

When you hire you are speaking to experts who can help you choose the right equipment for your job. Once the job is complete the equipment can be returned, no need to worry about whether that piece of equipment will ever be used again.

CONTROL COSTS

Don’t worry about machine maintenance costs or tying up your capital. Hiring equipment is also fully tax deductable which makes good business sense.

SAVE TIME

Hiring means you don’t have to spend time updating and maintaining machinery. Get instant access to the equipment you need when you need it.

SAVE MONEY

Owing equipment is expensive. By hiring you will always have access to the latest equipment without worrying about repairs, upgrades and borrowing costs.

SAVE SPACE

No need to worry about storage sheds, yards or equipment sitting idle. Hiring means you can return the equipment as soon as you are finished using it.

SAVE THE ENVIRONMENT

Equipment that is purchased often sits idle for long period of time. People are increasingly conscious of their carbon footprint therefore hiring makes sense for the environment as well as your business.

ENSURE SAFETY

When you hire, the equipment comes inspected and ready to go, ensuring it always up to standard and meets regulations.

PROTECT YOUR STAFF

All hired equipment is thoroughly checked prior to each hire and electrically tested and tagged as required.

SERVICE

When you hire you don’t need to worry about delivery, spare parts, accessories and more

6-WHEELED UTVs DESIGNED FOR AUSTRALIAN CONDITIONS

AS PART OF NORTH QUEENSLAND ALL TERRAIN HIRE'S RAPID GROWTH, THE SPECIALIST REMOTE ACCESS ULTRA TERRAIN VEHICLE COMPANY INTRODUCES ITS GAME-CHANGING 6-WHEELDRIVE UTV.

NQ All Terrain Hire firmly believe that All Terrain Vehicles (ATVs) can be a superior alternative to traditional vehicles in the Construction, Mining and Agricultural industries saving clients time and significant cost reductions. As a subsidiary of Built Tuff Industries, the Townsville-based company, which has been specialising in highend manufacturing and fit-outs for UTV and ATV vehicles since 2009, has deep connections with clients all over Australia, allowing them to develop an understanding of the problems facing everyday commercial operations.

Through innovation they have recently commissioned a fleet of medical-specific units, which were designed, engineered and fabricated inhouse through their manufacturing arm. They are extremely proud that the units are 100% Australian designed and fabricated and have been a hit since their inception.

Other exciting editions to their inventory have been the ‘built tough’ range including industry leading bullbar and siderail protection; offering vehicles to agricultural customers as well as clients needing something more robust, such as in the logging industry. Through their manufacturing department they build and install units in house and are proud to be supporting Australian manufacturing through NQ All Terrain Hire.

“We believe these units are the most premium alternative on the market and customers who value reliability and durability are recognising their strength,” said Director, Brett Storey.

NQ All Terrain Hire has grown from 1 unit to nearly 20 in as little as 3 months, and are preparing for more significant growth.

“We have just finalised importing Australia’s first Canam 6 wheel drive UTV which will change the landscape for the hire industry, in particular recovery and salvage. This unit is a significant investment for us but we believe it will go places the traditional recovery unit can not. On a recent trip to Salt Lake City, the NQ All Terrain team was fortunate enough to test one of these vehicles, and their low range capability is impressive. We hope to commission this unit by June 2023, and have already had clients looking to hire it,” said Brett.

We appreciate the support of the HRIA in establishing ourselves as a genuine UTV/ATV commercial hire company, and look forward to more growth in what is proving to be a great industry to be a part of.

WHY HIRE FROM A HRIA MEMBER

By choosing to hire from a HRIA member you are ensuring the best possible hire experience.

• HRIA Members will recommend the right equipment for your job

• HRIA Members can provide instruction on use of the equipment

• All equipment hired by HRIA members is thoroughly checked and maintained prior to each hire and electrically tested and tagged where needed

• HRIA members follow all Workplace Health and Safety requirements and have access to the latest safety legislation – ensuring the highest standard of safety for employees and hirers of equipment

• Hiring from an HRIA member ensures equipment reliability and efficiency

• HRIA members are committing to a code of ethics

WITH OVER 500 CORPORATE MEMBERS, YOU WILL BE SURE TO FIND A HRIA MEMBER NEAR YOU.

For more information or to join the HRIA visit www.hireandrental.com.au

CHOICE ENERGY PARTNERS WITH EWPA AND TSHA TO HELP MORE BUSINESSES SAVE

Choice Energy joins EWPA during a time of extreme volatility in the National Energy Market resulting in increased electricity costs across the east coast of Australia.

As experts in commercial energy, Choice Energy provide a range of quality energy solutions to help businesses lower their reliance on the grid and reduce their energy costs.

In the first 12 months of partnering with HRIA, Choice Energy helped more than 30 businesses across the network with energy cost reduction strategies.

Choice Energy’s solutions include:

• Energy procurement for small and large businesses (gas and electricity)

• Network tariff and demand assessments

• Power factor correction

• Metering and monitoring, including bill validation

• Commercial solar

ENERGY SOLUTIONS TO HELP LOWER ENERGY COSTS

Now more than ever, businesses are also looking to expert energy procurement and renewable energy solutions to identify energy cost reductions, become more independent from the energy grid and reduce their carbon footprint.

While the energy market has seen some cooling in the last month, commentators suggest electricity costs won’t come down until 2024, and with impending coal station closures, no one really knows by how much.

HAVE YOU CONSIDERED SOLAR FOR YOUR BUSINESS IN THE LAST 5–10 YEARS?

Solar for business has changed dramatically over the last five to 10 years.

With increased competition between providers, improved Government regulations (regulated via the Clean Energy Council) and higher consumer expectations, the value and quality of solar for businesses has never been greater. Some of the enhancements the solar industry has seen over the last few years, include:

• Improvements across technology, particularly with the introduction of optimisers, which allow solar panel systems to overcome previously common issues with underperforming cells or panels.

• Availability of solar rebates to better enable businesses to switch to solar, reducing the required investment.

• In 2020, the Government introduced the limitless Instant Asset Tax Write Off allowing businesses to write off 100% of their investment. However to benefit, systems must be installed and operating by 30 June, 2023.

Choice Energy also aims to make solar cash flow positive or neutral from day one, meaning besides a small deposit, a business won’t need to come up with a separate budget for the investment. Solar has continued to innovate, making modern solutions more effective and cost less. As Australia sees volatility in grid energy costs, solar is a proactive step in protecting yourself from a further pinch.

AWARD-WINNING ENERGY FIRM CHOICE ENERGY IS NOW OFFICIALLY A PARTNER OF EWPA AND TSHA, AFTER SUCCESSFULLY PARTNERING WITH THE HRIA FOR 12 MONTHS.

ASX Snapshot: Australian Power Index, 24 Jan 22 - 24 Jan 23

BUILT FOR HIRE

The Flextool PortaVibe has been the go-to concrete vibrator for many concreters in Australia. The original Flextool PortaVibe is now available with an innovative contoured engine guard, offering improved durability and engine protection during operation and transport. Making our best, even better.

Try it today. Go to www.flextool.com.au for more information.

SCAN BELOW TO SEE IT IN ACTION

AUSSIE JETTER REVOLUTION

DRAIN CLEANING JETTERSOUT GO THE EELS

Australian Pump first starting supplying pressure cleaners to Kennards Hire shortly after the company started. The Kennards team was tremendously helpful in guiding the company in how to make machines which were literally, “hire proof”.

It was a big ask but when the challenge was presented Aussie’s engineers took to it with a vengeance. The result is product lines that are not just sold to hire but all over the world. Even Japanese tradies and earthmoving contractors love Aussie’s Scud design.

That design morphed into a range of drain cleaning Jetters, designed initially for plumbers.

“It was plumbers who provided the same level of impetus to our Jetter development. Now, we’re finding Jetters making their way into the hire environment as well”, said Aussie Pumps Chief Engineer, John Hales.

Kennards Hire were first to put Aussie’s high pressure Jetters in their hire fleet. It was Andy Kennard who saw the number of Aussie Jetters on the back of plumbers utes and realised there must be a hire market emerging sooner or later. He was right.

The Aussie Jetters are trolley mounted machines with stainless steel frame, 30 litre water tank and 60 metres of high pressure hose with nozzle kits. The trick is you have to be trained in how to hire them and make sure the

customer who rents them understands the safety issues involved.

On the other hand, a standard 4,000 psi 13 hp Honda powered pressure cleaner can be easily adapted for Jetting. Australian Pump have a drain kit that enables a pressure cleaner of the right capacity to be adapted for jetting.

It consists of a Mini Reel, about to be released in stainless steel configuration, set up on a stainless steel frame with 60 m of high pressure drain cleaner hose. The Aussie Mini Reel, quick couples onto the hose of a pressure cleaner, with an M22 coupler. Thus the Mini Reel can be used to clear chokes up to 60 metres away. The operator can read the pressure on the gauge. Three separate nozzles can be mounted on the Mini Reel, making it easy to select the right one for the job.

Aussie Pumps are working on a program on easy nozzle selection. This will be available soon and will enable hire companies to rent the Mini Reel with pressure cleaners for even DIY customers.

Australian Pumps are very sensitive about the safety standards for pressure cleaner operators. They were the first to recognise that the hire industry needs to focus only on Class A machines.

Operators of Class B machines, bigger units with more than 5,600 bar/litre capacity, must be trained and certified to use the equipment by a Registered Training Organisation. That is an expensive process and not something that the hire industry would want to ‘police’.

This is an opportunity that will continue to grow. Aussie has always been at the forefront of developing products for hire. They support the industry and are proud to be part of it.

HIRE IS A VIBRANT AND HIGHLY PROFESSIONAL INDUSTRY. THE PEOPLE ARE INNOVATIVE AND ALWAYS LOOKING FOR NEW WAYS OF PROVIDING SERVICES TO THEIR CUSTOMERS. SOMETIMES THESE NEW OPPORTUNITIES TAKE TIME TO EMERGE BUT ONE THING IS FOR SURE, HIRE IS ALWAYS QUICK TO ADAPT.

For more information contact Australian Pump Industries. aussiepumps.com.au.

BUDGET PET PRODUCTS GOES FROM STRENGTH TO STRENGTH WITH HELP OF TOYOTA FORKLIFTS

WITH OVER 350,000 CUSTOMERS, ONLINE PET RETAILER USES TOYOTA MATERIAL HANDLING AUSTRALIA’S (TMHA) RELIABILITY TO HELP BUILD ITS QUEENSLAND-BASED BUSINESS, SELLING A BROAD RANGE OF AFFORDABLE PET PRODUCTS, USING THE HELP OF TOYOTA FORKLIFTS TO MAKE THE MOST OF ITS OPERATIONS.

Budget Pet Products started out selling pet products on eBay in 2009, with directors Karla Vandepol and Michael Chen running the operation from a garage.

Since then, the company has grown to a team of over 120 employees with multiple warehouse locations.

For four years the company has been a proud partner of TMHA, having reached out to Toyota following dissatisfaction with its previous forklift supplier.

As well as providing excellent service with a focus on product reliability and durability, TMHA has assisted Budget Pet Products with its growth to the nationwide operation it is today.

Warehouse manager Cheryl Norvock said TMHA had proven to be an excellent partner through its growth period.

"They have made serving and providing parts so easy," Ms Norvock said. "One key difference is that TMHA has always partnered with us to help solve our growing pains."

Starting out with a single 2.5-tonne Toyota forklift, Budget Pet Products now proudly owns a mix of forklifts, order pickers and high lift pallet trucks.

Ms Norvock said the outstanding durability and reliability of the Toyota forklifts were stand-out factors, a sentiment echoed by

TMHA area sales manager Chris Powell, who has worked closely with Budget Pet Products throughout their working relationship.

"They know what they're buying," Mr Powell said. "TMHA's value for money, it's always up there and you get what you pay for.

"The value equation over the life of the forklift combined with our service expertise makes TMHA a very attractive prospect."

Excellent reliability has led to hassle-free servicing for Budget Pet Products.

"We've found the ideal balance of machinery features and service offering with TMHA . Our business is 24/7 with very little downtime — a machine with good features is nothing without the parts and service to back it up," Ms Norvock said.

When asked whether Budget Pet Products would recommend TMHA to others in the industry, Ms Norvock said that Toyota forklifts stood head and shoulders above its competitors in the market.

"We've had various machinery over the last 13 years and find the combination of reliable Toyota features and great service to be superior all-round offering," she said.

Any relationship between companies is only as strong as its people, and both Budget Pet Products and TMHA are quick to sing each other's praises with Ms Norvock calling the working relationship "excellent".

"They have a superior service and product offering than their competitors."

GENELITE LAUNCHES NEW RENTAL SPEC PORTABLE GENERATORS

GENELITE, A LEADING SUPPLIER OF GENERATORS AND POWER EQUIPMENT, HAS ANNOUNCED THE LAUNCH OF ITS NEW RENTAL SPEC PORTABLE GENERATORS.

These generators are designed to meet the power needs of construction sites, event venues, and other temporary power applications. They are built to withstand the rigorous demands of rental applications.

Featuring a durable, heavy-duty design that is built to last. They are equipped with a range of features to make them easy to operate and maintain.

Complete with a wheelbarrow style wheel kit for easy manoeuvrability on any site, these generators come in Work Site Compliance, and are fully customisable to suit to suit different applications

With the launch of these new Rental Spec Portable Generators, Genelite is positioning itself as a go-to supplier for customers in the rental and construction industry who are looking for reliable, high-performing power equipment.

Genelite’s extensive product range and experienced Sales and Tech team make them a leader in the industry, providing customers with a complete solution to their power needs.

In addition to the new Rental Spec Portable Generators, Genelite also offers a range of other power equipment, including Lighting Towers, Air Compressors, and Power Distribution Equipment.

FEATURES:

Two-Wheel Kit: Two-Wheel and Handle Kit contains two pneumatic tyres and fold down handles

Outlets: IP66 Rated 15amp + 15amp switched with Earth Leakage Circuit Breakers & RCD