Auslec Solutions 10

ISSUE 10 AUTUMN 2012

AUSLEC

MINING

A HOLE LOT OF TAX

SUPER

WHAT’S IT ALL ABOUT?

SIT DOWN FOR A FEAST

World leader in industrial and mining cables.

With more than half a century of experience in the industry, and now with the global resources of the world’s leading cable company, Nexans, Olex offers market leadership in cable design, quality, engineering excellence, distribution and customer service to the Australian mining and industrial sector.

Olex is a world leader in the design and manufacture of durable cables for industry, and specialises in a range of mining cables to meet Australia’s specific needs in accordance with local and international standards. Utilising global expertise, but designed and tested for local conditions and applications, all our products are supported by the local knowledge that has made Olex Australia’s No.1 cable provider.

Call 1300 CABLES or visit www.olex.com.au

DISEGNO OLC12164

CONTENTS Published By L&H Group A.B.N. 19730 781 473 456 Lower Heidelberg Road Heidelberg VIC 3084 Australia Ph: +61 3 9243 3555 www.auslec.com.au Publisher Gavin Karthaus P: 03 9897 3758 E: info@badpanda.com.au Produced on behalf of L&H Group by

A.B.N. 67 150 113 101 PO Box 1258 Surrey Hills North, Victoria 3127 P: 03 9897 3758

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OUT AND ABOUT

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BRANCHING OUT — COBAR, NSW

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SUPPLIER’S VIEW - OLEX

10

MAKING SENSE OF THE MRRT

14

TALKING THE TALK

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PRODUCT CUT

22

DID YOU KNOW?

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SUPPLIER’S VIEW - SCHNEIDER ELECTRIC

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SUPERANNUATION - YOUR BEST ASSET?

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A CUT ABOVE

All material appearing in AUSLEC SOLUTIONS magazine is protected under Australian copyright laws. Copyright L&H Group. Reproduction of any material in whole or part is prohibited without the express permission of the publisher.

The publisher does not take any responsibility for any statements, errors or omissions made in any editorial or advertising material that is published in this magazine.

The publisher hereby advises all readers to ensure that all instructions, safety precautions and training is adhered to before attempting to use or operate any product or equipment that is published in AUSLEC SOLUTIONS magazine If you have any comment on anything to do with Auslec Solutions, just drop us an email at solutionsmagazine@auslec.com.au

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OUT & ABOUT 300KPH? A COUPLE OF BATTERIES SHOULD DO THE TRICK!

AUSLEC www.auslec.com.au

When Maurice Allen steps over his ProStock Suzuki dragster and it roars to life, no-one expects that the bikes two 18 volt batteries (the same ones that can be found in most tradies tool kits), will provide the power that will catapult this machine down a ¼ mile straight in a staggering 7.32 seconds……..at 300kph!

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Maurice is the 2011 ANDRA Pro Series champion and uses this unconventional battery set up which has been designed by an American inventor. So successful has this power source been, Maurice has convinced a number of other team riders to do the same. Traditionally, the two Milwaukee lithium Ion batteries are used to power tools such as drills, saws, radios and other cordless products.

As you would imagine, Maurice is incredibly enthusiastic about this sport and his love of drag racing is matched

only by his love of technology and in particular, his search for anything that will enhance the performance of his two impressive racing machines. His choice of a somewhat surprising power source is testament to that.

Now whilst you won’t be able to waltz in to your local Auslec branch and quietly slip one of these Pro-Stock beasts on the bosses account (well, you could try!), you can at least check out the latest Milwaukee cordless products that are powered by these amazing lithium Ion batteries. Auslec branches stock a wide range of the state of the art powered tools.

When asked if he ever gets a bit apprehensive before a practice or race with only racing slicks separating him from the unforgiving bitumen, Maurice

laughs and says, “I started riding at 3 years of age and just gradually increased the speed. 300kph is hardly daunting now!”

Maurice goes into the 2012 season full of confidence and happily tells us that the 300kph mark should be beaten…….more power to him!

EZY AS POSTING A LETTER Like many businesses, Auslec have a very clear commitment to the environment and being a supplier to the Electrical and Industrial sectors, understand better than most the importance of minimising their own carbon footprint as well assisting others to achieve the same.

With this in mind, Auslec are pleased to present an initiative that can help you, your business and your customers comply with environmental standards with their Ezy-Return™ reply paid lamp recycling packs.

You can take an active part in ensuring the proper disposal and recycling of end-of-life lamps such as Fluoros, high intensity discharge (HID’s), compact fluorescent lamps (CFL’s), neon signage and even projector lamps; all of which contain potentially harmful quantities of Mercury.

recycled for use in a variety of industries and mercury can end up playing an important role in your mouth – as dental fillings!

The main elements recovered from lamps will be fully recycled. Glass will be used to manufacture glass wool insulation, phosphor powder can become a baking agent for fertilizer, aluminium will be

Talk to your Auslec branch or representative for more details.

interstate and even overseas events to planned activities that could include AFL/ NRL fixtures, cricket, winery tours and much more.

history, L&H Group has always been focussed on improving our standard of service whilst bringing additional benefits to our customers and supplier partners.

Access could be an invaluable tool for the contractor who understands the benefits of networking and training.

Through their market leading position, Auslec intends to provide members with product and business training in conjunction with principal manufacturing partners and industry experts. The Access program has the ability to offer unparalleled opportunities to stay on top of the latest products and technologies while understanding business trends and growth that will help drive business.

Access is another avenue designed to give our customers more benefits for being a valued part of our business”.

Get involved; and like Auslec, do your bit in reducing your industry’s carbon footprint.

Simply fill the pack(s) and lodge them over the counter at any of Australia Post’s 4,000+ outlets and agents nation wide.

It’s that Ezy! Ezy-Return™ recycling packs are available in two sizes – for fluorescent tubes and a convenient ‘mixed globe’ pack for all other lamp sizes.

AUSLEC www.auslec.com.au

Featuring a protective sleeve and sleeve tie, the packs are user friendly and include reply paid return freight and a full recycling service. Packs are also individually barcoded with a selfcertifying recycling certificate.

ACCESS - ALL AREAS

Staying true to the promise of “Great Service” to contractors Australia wide, Auslec will soon be launching their latest customer membership program – Auslec Access.

Providing a range of real value adding services, Access will give customers the opportunity to expand their business knowledge and leverage off the resources of industry experts.

Auslec branches will be able to offer Access members business support such as a free listing on www.useasparky.com. au making it easier for homeowners and businesses to locate them. Members will be given the opportunity to receive priority invitations to attend local,

To ensure that Access is as relevant as possible, the program will be tailored with benefits to suit local markets. Exclusive offers have been developed with the customer in mind and supported by suppliers and business partners alike.

Robin Norris, Chief Executive Officer of L&H Group said, “Drawing on a long

With the program rolling out in March via a series of launch nights around the country, contractors are being encouraged to pop in for a beer and nibbles to hear first hand how Access will benefit them. On signing up, members will receive everything they need to get involved, get connected and get Access!

For more information visit www.auslecaccess.com.au

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BRANCHING WITH OUT AUSLEC If you take a leisurely 700 odd km drive north west of Sydney, you’ll more than likely arrive at the crossroads of the Barrier Highway and Kidman Way. Take the Barrier Highway and you’ll eventually find yourself in South Australia; zip along Kidman Way, pass through historic Bourke and you’ll end up in Queensland.

AUSLEC www.auslec.com.au

AUSLEC COBAR, NSW

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Branch Manager – Geoff Rorke Branch/warehouse floor space – 450 m2 Number of staff – 3 P: 02 6836 3930 E: auscobar@auslec.com.au A: 15 Thirteenth Street Cobar, NSW 2835

Or you could stop at the crossroads where you’ll find the town of Cobar and the newly opened Auslec branch which services an area nearly the entire size of Tasmania.

Encompassed by the red dirt that epitomises Australia’s interior, the town of Cobar takes its name from the Aboriginal word Cuburra which translates to ‘red earth’ or ‘burnt earth’. The towns name perfectly describes its surroundings as the burnt red colour can be seen in every direction and is part of a shire that covers some 45,000 square kilometers.

Auslec branch manager Geoff Rorke is a born and bred Cobar man so when the opportunity to manage the new Auslec facility came up he jumped at the chance. “I’m a sparkie by trade and have had previous wholesaling experience so this role suits me down to the ground”, said Geoff. “Being a part of building the business up from scratch is an exciting prospect for me and the team”.

Whilst only a small team at present, Geoff and his two staff have certainly made an impression on customers since the doors opened in October last year.

“Not surprisingly, mining makes up a fair percentage of our branch customer base around here and the mine sites are a fair way out of town. When we make our sales calls, we take along fresh cakes for smoko with the mine employees” Geoff says.

One such customer is the Endeavor Mine which is the largest zinc, lead and silver producer in the area. First production at this site started in 1983 and the mine is

an entirely underground enterprise. The Endeavor operation currently produces 720,000 tonnes of ore each year along with 24,000 kg of silver which is contained in the lead concentrates.

As well as the obvious mining customers, the Cobar branch supply a sizable number of local contractors and installers that in turn service the shires 7,000 strong population.

Ensuring that it’s not just the miners that are getting a ‘free feed’, a monthly BBQ breakfast is put on at the branch for customers, who use it as an opportunity to catch up with fellow contractors, talk shop and of course meet the branch staff.

Geoff points out that as the ‘new kids on the block’, Cobar Auslec have a great opportunity to develop strong business relationships. “We aim to be reliable business partners to all our customers; not just the mines. Our smaller industrial and electrical contractors throughout the district get the same amount of support from us that the mines do. That’s why we carry a broad stock base; so we can service industrial, electrical and safety customers”.

Geoff’s looking forward to a busy 2012.

“We aim to be first choice. We understand the challenges faced by our customers and can assist them in many ways such as training, inventory control and even unique product sourcing. It’s really quite simple – it’s about Great Service”.

At last the luminaire the mining industry has been waiting for.

AUSLEC www.auslec.com.au

mine master HID

7

66

Secure IP66 protection.

ta45

Integral control gear operates in elevated ambient temperatures.

IP

Robust Marine grade stainless steel body

Mining infrastructure conveyors, pathways, ship loaders and maritime applications, processing plants and mills.

For product online reference data, simply install and activate a QR code scanner application on your smartphone. For more information visit www.pierlite.com Pierlite is a member of the Gerard Lighting Group.

SUPPLIER’S VIEW

AUSLEC www.auslec.com.au

Most readers will know the name; some readers will be advocates of their products – but have you ever stopped to think where the name ‘Olex’ comes from?

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Way back in July 1973, two industrial heavyweights, Olympic Cables and Nylex Cables, joined forces to form an industry giant and proud Australian company – Olex. The name Olex, was very simply derived from the first two and last two letters of the previous companies. Now in 2012, Olex is owned by worldwide cable industry leader Nexans and employs over 900 people within Australia and New Zealand with sales offices and distribution centres throughout the Asia-Pacific Region.

Being part of the Nexans group provides Olex with an extensive range of advanced cable solutions for the infrastructure, industrial and building markets.

Within these three manufacturing sites, Olex has achieved international certification for quality systems that covers the complete supply process from initial enquiry and contract review, through design, production, handling and delivery of the finished product In addition to the manufacture and supply of cables, Olex prides itself on value-added services ranging from initial concept and feasibility, design, strategic planning to complete turnkey solutions In 2012, optimising the value proposition for the entire supply chain will be a key focus for Olex. From design, manufacturing and through the quotation and sale process, understanding everyone’s requirements will help Olex improve efficiencies that ultimately mean better value for customers.

Well, Olex believe that these initiatives coupled with their local manufacturing, technical expertise, highly skilled workforce and quality standards, mean that as a contractor or installer, you will have access to products that will help future proof businesses.

In order to capitalise on this though, it won’t be just about product supply. It will be critical to have reliable and expert supply partners that have the technical, engineering and R&D support to back up their products.

With high growth areas for in 2012 such as energy efficiency and renewable energy along with the obvious opportunities surrounding the mining and resource sectors, Olex sees itself better equipped than ever to provide innovative cable technology solutions to industry.

So what does all this mean for industry – and in particular customers?

Always at the forefront of innovation, 2011 was a year that exemplified Olex’s commitment to the electrical industry. An internal sales and marketing restructure to better service existing and potential customers was followed by significant investment in their Australian manufacturing operations – the end result of which was the commissioning of new equipment at the Tottenham and Lilydale (Victoria) plants over the recent Christmas break. In addition, a dedicated supply chain organisation was created to ensure all levels of activities are high performing – consistently.

This investment in extra manufacturing capacity, along with improved IT, marketing and R&D means that Olex will be perfectly positioned to partner their customers throughout a year of opportunity and growth.

Producing an impressive 20,000 different types of cable from its three manufacturing sites in both Australia and New Zealand, Olex not surprisingly is Australia’s largest manufacturer of power cable. Each manufacturing site has been specifically designed to efficiently produce cable products for various industries.

Olex is Australia’s largest power cable manufacturer.

NEW

E T N A E H T G N UPPI ITEM 3 HEADING GOES HERE

SKILLED ELECTRICAL WORKERS DEMANDED THE BEST… SO WE ASKED OUR RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT TEAM TO RESPOND…

THEY DID…IN BUCKETLOADS REDLINK PLUS™ Intelligence This is the best- in- class system that integrates full- circle communication between tool, battery and charger, and constantly monitors this internal network to maintain ideal conditions. It is this system that makes FUEL so advanced.

Brushless motors are less noisy, run cooler, and last longer, guaranteeing added years of maintenance- free running. This POWERSTATE motor converts energy into POWER and TORQUE.

REDLITHIUM™ Battery Milwaukee holds the patent for Lithium-Ion battery technology. With an integrated weld frame securely holding the separate cells for maximum life, a cell separator and protective rubber to resist shocks and accidents the strong REDLITHIUM battery operates cooler and delivers best-in-class performance on difficult jobsites.

M18CPD-22C HAMMER DRILL

M18CPD-32C DRILL / DRIVER

UP TO

UP TO

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LONGER MOTOR LIFE

MORE POWER

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10X

25%

AUSLEC www.auslec.com.au

An all NEW POWERSTATE™ Brushless Motor

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50%

IGH WAUKEE H IL M E H T R SIBLE FO RE RESPON E W M A E T DUCTS R&D SURE PRO A E THE SAME M & T S QUALITY TE VOLTAGE DETECTORS

SPEAK TO YOUR LOCAL AUSLEC STORE FOR THE BEST PRICES DIGITAL INSPECTION CAMERAS LASER TEMP GUN for HVAC/R

LASER DISTANCE METERS CLAMP METERS for Electricians and HVAC/R

FORK METERS for Electricians and HVAC/R

AUSLEC www.auslec.com.au 10

MAKING SENSE OF THE MRRT AUSLEC SOLUTIONS INVESTIGATES THE NUTS AND BOLTS OF THE MINERALS RESOURCE RENT TAX.

Not surprisingly, this was generally well received by the mining industry as a better alternative to the Government’s previously proposed Resource Super Profits Tax (RSPT).

Commenting on the announcement, the Deputy Chief Executive of the Minerals Council of Australia (MCA), Brendan Pearson said: “MCA welcomes the announcement that the Government supports the recommendations on the MRRT made by the Argus-Ferguson Policy Transition Group (PTG).

“This delivers renewed confidence to the Australian minerals industry consistent with the July 2010 Heads of Agreement between the Gillard Government and major mining companies. That debate is over.

THE MINERALS RESOURCE RENT TAX According to the exposure draft of the Minerals Resource Rent Tax Bill 2011: “the object of the Act is to ensure that the Australian community receives an adequate return for its taxable resources having regard to the inherent value of the resources; the non-renewable nature of the resources; and the extent to which the resources are subject to State and Territory royalties.”

The Act does this by taxing above normal profits made by miners (also known as economic rents) that are reasonably attributable to the resources in the form in which they are extracted.

Expanding on the details of the MRRT, a media release issued by the Treasurer, Wayne Swan MP states; “These new tax arrangements apply to Australia’s most highly profitable nonrenewable resources: oil, gas, iron ore and coal.

“The updated Bill recognises the views of industry about how they would like new investment to be treated – through higher uplift factors and faster

over 400% and prices for black coal have increased over 200%. Recognising this, the MRRT intends to deliver: •

A major tax break for Australia’s 2.7 million small businesses as well as a cut to the company tax rate for all businesses, large and small;

•

A boost to the superannuation savings of 8.4 million workers, which will increase the nation’s pool of retirement savings by $500 billion by 2035;

•

An extra superannuation contribution for the lowest paid workers; and

•

Critical investment in roads, bridges and other infrastructure, particularly in mining regions.

Mining companies generated massive profits of $92.8 billion in the year to June 2011 and have plans to invest $430 billion to further grow their industry. The MRRT is central to the Government’s plan to spread the benefits of the mining boom

“Small miners with resource profits below $50 million per annum will not have an MRRT liability.”

AUSLEC www.auslec.com.au

On 2 November 2011, the Federal Government introduced the Minerals Resource Rent Tax (MRRT) legislative package. The MRRT will apply to all new and existing iron ore and coal projects in Australia and will be applied at a rate of 30% on the taxable profit of a project, from 1 July 2012.

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“The task now is to enshrine key recommendations in forthcoming legislation, allowing no room for slippage either via political ‘horse trading’ or regulatory ‘back tracking’.

A press release issued by Rio Tinto expresses similar views, stating: “BHP Billiton, Rio Tinto and Xstrata are encouraged by the Government’s announcement that it proposes to replace the RSPT with an MRRT. The companies agree that the Government’s proposal represents very significant progress towards a minerals taxation regime that satisfies the industry’s core principles. The companies will continue to work constructively with Government to ensure that the detailed design of minerals taxation maintains the international competitiveness of the Australian resources industry into the future.”

depreciation of new investment, rather than guaranteed refundability of unused tax deductions.

to more Australians and lock in the gains for generations to come.

“The new resource tax arrangement will apply to the value of the resource, rather than the value added by the miner. It will do this by setting the taxing-point at the mine-gate where possible, and using appropriate pricing arrangements to ensure only the value of the resource is taxed. The MRRT will apply an internationally competitive rate of 30%.

The resource tax reforms essentially involve:

“The new arrangements also recognise the preference of industry for more generous recognition of past investment, through a credit that recognises the market value of that investment written down over a period of up to 25 years.

For companies that prefer to use their current written down book values, an accelerated depreciation over five years will be available.”

Since the beginning of the mining boom, prices for iron ore have increased by

•

a new MRRT regime that applies to iron ore and coal in Australia; and

•

an extension to the current Petroleum Resource Rent Tax (PRRT) regime to all Australian onshore and offshore oil and gas projects, including the North West Shelf.

The Government will focus the resource tax reforms on our biggest and most profitable commodities: iron ore, coal, oil and gas. These represent three-quarters of the value of our exports and resource operating profits and account for an even greater share of resource rents in the mining industry. They also represent the vast bulk of growth in the sector over the coming decades.

AUSLEC www.auslec.com.au 12

Other commodities will not be included, which reduces the number of affected companies from 2,500 to around 320.

These commodities were not expected to pay significant amounts of resource rent tax, and excluding them will allow many companies to remain in their existing taxation regimes.

The agreement also provides certainty for projects in the emerging industry of converting coal seam gas to Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) by including all Australian onshore and offshore oil and gas projects in the PRRT. Including all oil and gas projects in the one regime will ensure equitable tax treatment between competing projects.

The improved resource tax reforms are estimated to reduce revenue by $1.5 billion over the forward estimates. This reduced revenue makes necessary the following revisions to the associated reforms: •

•

The company tax rate will continue to be cut to 29% from 2013-14, but will not be further reduced under current fiscal conditions. Small companies will benefit from an early cut to the company tax rate to 29% from 2012-13.

The resource exploration rebate will not be pursued. Resource exploration costs will continue to be deductible in the normal way and the PTG will consider the best way to promote future exploration and ensure a pipeline of resource projects for future generations.

Iron ore and coal will be subject to a ‘profits based’ MRRT at a rate of 30%.

MRRT assessable profits are calculated on the value of the commodity, determined at its first saleable form (at mine gate), less all costs to that point.

Projects will be entitled to a 25% extraction allowance that reduces taxable profits subject to the MRRT. This allowance recognises the contribution of the miner’s expertise to profits at the mine gate.

Small miners with resource profits below $50 million per annum will not have an MRRT liability.

Miners may elect to use the book or market value as the starting base for project assets, with depreciation accelerated over five years when book value (excluding mining rights) is used; or effective life (up to 25 years) when market value at 1 May 2010 (including mining rights) is used. All post 1 May 2010 capital expenditure will be added to the starting base.

A book value starting base will be uplifted with the long term bond rate plus 7%.

However, a market value starting base will not be uplifted.

Investment post 1 July 2012 will be able to be written off immediately, rather than depreciated over a number of years. This allows mining projects to access the deductions immediately, and means a project will not pay any MRRT until it has made enough profit to pay off its up front investment.

MRRT losses will be transferable to other iron ore and coal projects in Australia.

This supports mine development because it means a company can use the deductions that flow from investments in the construction phase of a project to offset the MRRT liability from another of its projects that is in the production phase.

Unutilised MRRT losses will be carried forward at the government long term bond rate plus 7%. Unused credits for royalties paid will be uplifted at the government long term bond rate plus 7%, as per other expenses. Unutilised royalty credits will not be transferrable or refundable.

The PRRT regime, which currently only applies to offshore petroleum projects, will be extended to cover all oil, gas and coal-seam methane projects, onshore and offshore Australia and will apply at a rate of 40%.

Companies may elect to use market value as the starting base for project assets, including oil and gas rights.

All state and federal resource taxes will be creditable against current and future PRRT liabilities from a project.

The standard features of the current PRRT will otherwise apply, including the range of uplift allowances for unutilised losses and capital write offs; immediate expensing for expenditure and limited transfer of the tax value of losses.

ITEM 3 HEADING GOES HERE

CABLE GLANDS

NON–METALLIC FITTINGS PVC FITTINGS

AUSLEC www.auslec.com.au

METALLIC FITTINGS

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TERMINALS HEATSHRINK ANACONDA CONDUIT 1300 300 747 www.wattmaster.com.au

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INDUSTRIAL TALK FEAST

AUSLEC www.auslec.com.au

Well these questions and more were posed and discussed recently when Auslec hosted their inaugural Industrial Talk Feast luncheon at the impressive Leonda By The Yarra restaurant in Hawthorn, Melbourne where invitees were greeted with beverages on arrival before being seated for lunch.

Industrial Talk Feast is a value added initiative that is designed as a discussion forum for those in industry to access information that otherwise, may be difficult and costly to obtain. Believing that there is a lack of ‘business information’ for industry has lead Auslec to develop a program whereby industry professionals have the ability to listen to and ask questions of business experts; in the company of like minded colleagues.

0ver 100 leading decision makers from a multitude of industries attended the event, all of whom were keen to hear the opinions and predictions of key note speaker and one of Australia’s most respected economists, Chris Richardson Director of Deloitte Access Economics.

Apart from being one of Australia’s best known economists, Chris has a unique way of involving his audiences and explaining his areas of expertise that include Australian and global economies, Federal budget analysis, property, ageing and industry trends.

Chris began his presentation by discussing the two possible scenarios as he sees it for the world’s economy and what that meant to Australia and in particular, Australian industry. “Essentially, we’re looking at one of two things taking place. More of the same where the next 3 years sees China’s strength trumping the weakness in the US, Europe and Japan or scenario number two (and this is becoming increasingly possible) where Europe self implodes, some of its banks become insolvent and that causes a knock-on effect to world financial markets, China and to commodity prices”.

With all the turmoil taking place in countries such as Greece, Spain and Italy at the moment, it is not out of the question that Europe could ‘blow a tyre’ which in turn would have a dramatic impact on the world economy. Chris explains it this way, “It could happen; and

quite soon. The formation of the Euro as a singular currency was a political triumph but clearly an economic mistake.

In the good years, Europe’s periphery partied hard, debt was cheap, housing

lot of recovery to come as a result of the devastating floods of early 2011”, said Chris. Coal exports from this region will jump throughout early 2012 providing a large one-off boost to growth and

“With all the turmoil taking place in countries such as Greece, Spain and Italy at the moment, it is not out of the question that Europe could ‘blow a tyre’ which in turn would have a dramatic impact on the world economy”. and other prices soared and wage gains were ahead of those in central Europe – when the party ended however, costs in the periphery were just too high”.

These outer edge countries have found themselves stranded by the fact that interest and exchange rates are set by policy makers based in Europe’s core.

Along with this, other nations, particularly those from within Europe, aren’t forthcoming with assistance and costs in these blown out individual economies now need to be driven down. Should this scenario take place, the ending won’t be a pretty one with a high probability of world banking problems rearing their head again as they did during the global financial crisis.

So what does all this mean for Australia; is it all doom and gloom? “You’d be forgiven for thinking so”, said Chris.

“People in Australia are now saving rather than spending, the recovery in housing construction has flattened, the stimulus impact is winding down and our sky high Australian dollar makes imports more attractive and has in turn eaten into exports. Add to this, outside of the mining sector, capital expenditure plans of corporate Australia are modest to say the least”.

Yet interestingly, Australia is holding two big aces that will go a long way to protecting our economic position and perhaps not surprisingly, they are from the hand held by our nations resource sector. “First off, there is still a

even more significantly, growth for this financial year as well as next relies mostly on the capital expenditure of miners – an industry that’s not only going like a train, it has momentum that is going to be hard to stop. So although there is a lot of negative news on the European front, the key bit of good news for us is the impact of China on our mining capex – this is a thing of beauty!”

Highlighting the indisputable reliance that Australia has on China and increasingly India, population growth in the urban areas of these two countries is set to steadily increase year on year over the next 25 years. This is one reason why the “much of the same” outlook is likely and that Australia is well positioned to continue benefiting from the worlds two most populous countries. This urbanisation is indicative of a ‘global industrial revolution’ that is taking place and driven extensively by our Asian neighbors. Our proximity to these countries coupled with our rich resource offering sees our projected growth in Gross Domestic Profit (the market value of all goods and services produced by a country) at 3% per annum for the next ten years. The boom countries of India and China’s GDP growth is forecast to be around 8% for the same period while that of the struggling European nations is likely to be less than 1%.

Fueled by the appetite for our resources

by Asia, Australian mining companies’ expected increase in capital expenditure in the coming years is a positive for

AUSLEC www.auslec.com.au

What is going to change in 2012? What is going to drive business over the next five years and how can Australia’s industrial sector position itself to take advantage of these changes?

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our employment growth prospects as well. In 2012 alone, employment in the mining sector is tipped to grow by 9% and “guilty by association” industries such as health and construction are likely to have employment increases of around 4%. The bulk of this employment growth is expected to take place in Western Australia and Queensland however all Australian states and territories are set for increases – again, highlighting the positive position of our nation in global terms.

AUSLEC www.auslec.com.au

Throwing the floor open to questions, Chris was asked what he considers to be a suitable investment for individuals taking into account the turbulent position of Europe and the relative strength of Australia. “Superannuation – for a number of reasons”, he replied. “We almost all hold shares in banks and miners through our super funds anyway and with the tax breaks given to us on super contributions, it’s an attractive long term proposition. I’d be inclined to look closely at your super position and ‘top up’ whenever possible”.

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Looking even deeper into the future over the next twenty years, Chris forecasts increased share of world output from China and India and a steady decline from traditional manufacturing countries such as the United States and Japan. “ Longer term, the key is a global industrial revolution and that will directly benefit Australia”, said Chris. “We are well positioned to take advantage of this; we’re in a good spot”.

Notwithstanding the challenges faced in Europe and other parts of the globe, Australia can look forward to a promising economic future with investment in industry likely to drive the growth.

The first Industrial Talk Feast certainly unearthed some interesting facts and importantly left attendees feeling positive about the position of industry in Australia.

This was evident by the number of discussions taking place on each table during breaks in proceedings and the encouraging outlook was reinforced by Geoff Timbs, General Manager Sales for

Schneider Electric who sponsored the event. Geoff outlined the growth areas for their business for the short and long terms and spoke in particular about the energy management opportunities present within Australian industry. The challenge, he says, is that Australia, like the rest of the developed world will almost certainly face increased energy demands in the coming years while at the same time be required to reduce emissions.

Due to the success of the event and feedback from attendees on the day, Auslec plan to roll out a series of Industrial Talk Feasts around the country throughout 2012. The goal is to continue to supply customers with constructive information and knowledge that will assist in managing and growing their business. If the success of Industrial Talk Feast number one is any indication, customers will be in for an informative and valuable experience. For dates and venues, be sure to be a regular visitor to www.auslec.com.au

Make metering make cents

Improving energy efficiency and performance begins with metering

AUSLEC www.auslec.com.au

ITEM 3 HEADING GOES HERE

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With rising power costs and compliance, energy efficiency is high on the agenda for every business. But before effective change can be made, it’s essential to understand where, when and how energy is being consumed.

Schneider Electric’s advanced range of power meters makes it easy to measure energy use and identify potential savings and dysfunctions.

They also enable sub-metering in multi-tenant environments and loads on one or three phase supplies.

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PM5350 is just one of Schneider Electric’s comprehensive range of energy monitoring devices.

This knowledge makes it a whole lot easier to plan a strategy for lower energy consumption, to achieve targets, and comply with all relevant legislation.

To find out more, go to schneider-electric.com.au or contact your branch representative.

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PM1200

(Available now)

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HEARING VALIDATION SYSTEM

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The 3M E-A-Rfit hearing validation system provides an objective, personalised attenuation rating (PAR) for each worker.

Once a subject is fitted, it takes less than 10 seconds per ear to measure across seven octave bands.

Ratings are then compared across a range of 3M’s E-A-R earplugs and fittings to determine the best fit by providing quantitative data that does not require or relay on a subjects response.

The E-A-Rfit system establishes baseline values for new workers, helps to identify those receiving inadequate protection, validates high protection levels required by workers in high noise.

LADDER LEVELLING & STABLISING DEVICES Capital Safety has announced the launch of a new range of ladder levelling and stabilising devices that include an anti slip ladder stabiliser consisting of a high quality aluminium T-piece bonded to a covering of vulcanised rubber. The device prevents a ladder from flipping and the stiles from rotating. The Leveller is a permanent or temporary device that fits to the bottom of the ladder as a stabiliser allowing it to be levelled on hills and slopes while the Spyder is a top ladder stabiliser/work station that can be fitted securely to any industrial ladder.

DEB NATURAL POWER WASH 2LT. Deb Natural Power Wash uses the influence of solvent free, natural sunflower oil extracts in combination with cornmeal scrub and crushed olive stones to provide a highly effective deepclean performance that is effective on most ingrained and difficult to remove industrial soilings. Available in 2LT packaging, Natural Power Wash contains moisturiser to help ensure regular use does not affect skin hydration and is a certified ‘Environmental Choice Australia’ product’.

UNDERGROUND COAL MINE GREASE GUN The 660AS underground coal mine trigger action grease gun with its patented Everflow Systems is capable of generating grease pressures of up to 10,000psi and can handle thick biodegradable greases even at low temperatures.

Suitable for use with 450 gram cartridges or bulk grease, this grease gun is free of external aluminium components.

Features of this grease gun include a coarse thread on the barrel assembly, heavy duty lever handle with safety grip and a large diameter piston plus long lever travel facilitating high volume greasing.

CORROSION RESISTANT CABLE GLANDS A potentially dangerous situation can arise when a cable gland’s function of retaining, earthing and sealing the cable is compromised due to corrosion. This can result in expensive equipment failure due to the entrance of moisture or dust.

CCG’s range of corrosion resistant cable glands and junction boxes have been specified for use by some of Australia’s largest mining operations and feature a patented mechanical screw on corrosion guard that seals the cable entry to achieve an IP66/68 rating.

MAGNET STICK

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This clever magnet stick is used for testing the presence of magnetic fields. By simply holding the tip of the instrument near the test area, the point of the stick will glow when a magnetic field has been detected.

The test lamp will respond to various magnetic fields including alternating current, direct current and permanent magnets.

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INDUSTRIAL ENCLOSED ISOLATORS CEFEM industrial enclosed isolators from IPD are a purpose built field isolation point which provides operators with a clear indication of power disconnection.

Ideal for the mining, food, beverage and pharmaceutical industries, CEFEM enclosed isolators are suitable for the harshest environments.

The CEFEM enclosed isolator range features a 6mm triplex glass viewing window providing a clear view of the switch contact position. Lateral metal operating handle and fully welded enclosure provide a tough and robust solution.

WORKWEAR FOR WOMEN Huski has further expanded their workwear/safety range for women to include the all new Kimberly soft-shell garments.

Soft-shell fabric is as comfortable and warm as a traditional fleece but features the waterproofness and breathability of a technical rain jacket.

The Kimberly range includes zip-off sleeves and can be worn as either a jacket or vest and remains day and night compliant in both forms. The garment also features superior quality 3M 8910 reflective tape and navy trim on the hem, collar facing and under the arm and is available in safety orange/navy and safety yellow/navy.

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3.0 Ah BATTERY 3 YEAR WARRANTY *

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3 SPEED TRANSMISSION NEW RANGE AVAILABLE AT YOUR L&H BRANCH

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NOISE INDICATOR

SLOTTED DUCT Legrand’s new Lina range of blue slotted duct is intrinsically safe, making it suitable for use in hazardous environments such as Mining or Oil & Gas industries.

Available in 14 different sizes, from 25x25mm up to 120x80mm, this duct is available in 2 meter lengths with 6.5mm wide fingers on the side and has a 6 mm pitch between fingers. Easily cut to size by hand, the Legrand Lina duct complies to EN50085-2-3, and has CSA (no 700861) and UL (no 196692) approvals.

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SAFETY REFERENCE GUIDE NHP have just released a comprehensive Safety Reference Guide which includes all the technical information on a full range of safety products, educational whitepapers on safety applications and a glossary of typical safety terminology.

Information on both international and local safety standards along with example system designs for achieving different safety categories are also included.

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The 3M Noise Indicator alerts users to potentially dangerous noise levels, helping identify areas where hearing protection may need to be worn.

Users simply clip the Noise Indicator to a shirt or jacket and its LED delivers a clear indication when noise levels exceed a potentially hazardous threshold. A red flashing LED indicates noise levels are equal to or above 85 dBA suggesting that hearing protection may be required while a green flashing LED denotes noise levels are below 85 dBA and therefore hearing protection may not be necessary.

Being small and light weight with a rechargeable battery, the 3M Noise Indicator is an economical investment for use in an employee hearing awareness program.

PERSONAL PROTECTION KLEENGUARD A20 coveralls by Kimberly Clark offer disposable protection which can be used for a variety of applications from emergency services, agriculture, general maintenance and cleaning.

Available in orange, white or blue, these coveralls are anti-static, low linting and free of silicon. They offer protection for the wearer against hazardous dust and particulate matter and will provide a good level of repellence against light sprays of water-based liquids.

DID YOU KNOW?

AUSTRALIA’S MINING INDUSTRY IS BIG BUT DID YOU KNOW THAT...

MINING TOWNS ARE EXPERIENCING YEAR ON YEAR GROWTH IN MEDIAN HOUSE PRICES OF UP TO 10.8%.

There are over

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240,000 people directly employed in Australia’s mining industry and they take home around

$33 billion a year in wages.

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Western Australia accounts for around Caterpillar’s 797B off highway mining truck has a payload of 380 tonnes and can travel at 68 km/h with a full load.

45%

of Australia’s mining exports.

CHEVRON AUSTRALIA’S LATEST ULTRA DEEP WATER DRILLING RIG CAN MOOR IN UP TO 2,438 METERS OF WATER AND ACCOMMODATE 200 PEOPLE.

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Tasmanian miners Todd Russell and Brant Webb were trapped nearly 1 kilometre under ground.

Western Australia’s “Super Pit” open cut mine in Kalgoorlie at 3.5 kilometers long, 1.5 kilometers wide and 360 meters deep is vast enough to be seen from space.

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The trains travelling from Fortescue Metals’ Cloudbreak facility to Port Headland are 2.7 kilometers long.

The Argyle diamond mine in the East Kimberley region has produced over 760 million carats of diamonds since the mine commenced in 1985.

SUPPLIER’S VIEW

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It’s an indisputable fact; every day our world demands more. More power, more reliability, more comfort, more control and in today’s energy conscious environment, the world (rightly) demands it via the most energy efficient means possible.

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Achieving these goals in every type of project application is obviously a difficult task for any design brief to achieve. Every infrastructure and industry specification is unique in itself and requires specialist expertise from conception through to completion. With this in mind, there are distinct advantages of dealing with one key partner to help deliver on all electrical and energy management criteria.

As a global specialist in energy management with operations in more than 100 countries, Schneider Electric is an organisation that offers integrated solutions across multiple market segments, including leadership positions in energy and infrastructure, industrial processes, building automation and data centers/networks, along with a broad presence in residential applications.

Perhaps not surprisingly, it is the Industrial sector that consumes most of the world’s energy. Industry energy use is estimated at 33% of total energy consumption – mainly from heating, cooling motors, lighting, electronics and appliances.

Paul Cooper, Schneider Electric’s General Manager – Mining, Metals, Minerals, comments “Our experience of working with some of Australia’s largest mining companies shows a large proportion of the total costs for some mineral mining processes are associated with electricity alone. Given electricity prices are expected to continue to rise in coming months, that represents a significant pain-point for mining companies who are striving to improve productivity levels.

Energy use directly translates to a carbon footprint and the optimisation of energy consumption relates directly to the optimisation of carbon dioxide emissions - with a direct cost benefit under the proposed carbon tax scheme. Whether it’s power for ventilation systems, water

pumping or crushing and grinding, the electrical needs of mining plants are huge. Anything that can be done to improve energy use can have a significant impact on the bottom line and more often than not, small tweaks can result in big rewards”.

Schneider Electric provides specialist energy advice and deliver end to end solutions. Specific to the mining industry, they offer integrated solutions to help build system architecture that results in a measurable effect on energy use. With extensive experience in the mining industry Schneider Electric understand the challenges faced today regarding safety, production, sustainable development and variations in raw materials. In this intensive business, their experts in systems architecture design, automation process control and energy efficiency are able to deliver on mining engineering, production and maintenance needs.

Schneider Electric are focused on making energy safe, reliable and importantly efficient. The company’s 110,000 plus worldwide employees achieved sales of AU$24.2 billion in 2010 through their active commitment to help both individuals and organisations “make the most of their energy.”

Whether it be a cost issue, environmental or ethical standpoint, now more than ever businesses are mindful of energy use and are focused on reducing their energy consumption. Thanks to a global population numbering 7 billion and estimated to be 8 billion in less than 15 years time, energy demand is rising.

By 2050 it is expected that the worlds energy consumption will double while at the same time we are required to reduce our carbon dioxide emissions by half.

Simple arithmetic tells us that change is needed – change at all levels of the energy spectrum.

Delivering energy efficient solutions to Australia’s mining industry.

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HEAVY DUTY CONVEYOR SWITCHES

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Control Logic’s range of heavy-duty belt alignment and slack-wire switches manufactured by Schmersal have been designed for use in the mining industry.

Whilst the belt alignment switch has been long recognised in the conveyor and bulk handling industries due to its robust design and use of long life rollers, the slack-wire switch is seldom acknowledged as an aid to detecting the loosening or breaking of drive belts in transmission systems. The stainless steel roller and cast iron body of this switch makes for a heavy duty, long life unit.

MODULAR FLOW MONITORING FOR FIELD APPLICATIONS ifm efector introduces on-site control monitor for the flexible connection of flow sensors made of ceramics, high-grade stainless steel and titanium.

Standardised M12 connections are used to connect the control monitor and sensor as well as the supply. This allows the use of an evaluation and display unit in different applications such as a variation in immersion depths and a wide range of aggressive liquids.

Adjustment to the flow and setting of switch points is carried out by pressing a pushbutton. Flow and switch point are indicated by a multicolour LED display.

Electronic locking of the settings and factory reset of the parameters provide additional safety.

MINI CONTACTORS

RCD TEST SWITCHES Fitting an RCD test switch to a distribution board allows the RCDs in the board to be tested without opening the escutcheon or disconnecting the associated circuits. This is especially useful for fixed equipment and lighting circuits which do not have any socket outlets to plug a portable tester into.

The Legrand-Lovato miniature BG contactor series comes in 6A, 9A and 12A AC3 ratings, 3P or 4P. At only 44mm wide, both AC and DC versions save space in switchboards and with limited coil consumption and highly-conductive auxiliary contacts, their energy efficiency is enhanced.

Accessories includes add-on blocks with 2 or 4 auxiliary contacts, mechanical interlock, rigid connecting kits for reversing or star-delta starter assembly and power connections for direct linking to MPCBs.

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EARMUFFS

INDUSTRIAL PLUGS & SOCKETS The NHP range of Deconnector 3PS industrial plugs and sockets is suitable for a variety of industries including mining.

Available in five sizes including 16 A, 32 A, 63 A, 125 A and 200 A, these high quality isolating plugs and sockets eliminate the need for a switch and ensure that power is available where and when it is required with complete safety for the operator. The socket outlet and appliance inlet are interlocked and then switched when engaged, making the connection and disconnection under load, safe and reliable.

SLOPED ROOF ENCLOSURE

HAZARDOUS AREA METAL GLANDS Alco’s hazardous area weatherproof metal cable glands with barrier provide a watertight Ex d, Ex e and DIP A21 approved termination. These glands are approved to AS/NZS 60079 and AS/NZS 61241.1. With IEC approval, this makes these metal glands the perfect option for installation in Hazardous areas where SWA cables are used.

Rated to IP68 (30m), Alco glands can be used indoor and outdoor with UV protection and are suited for heat applications -20 to 80 degrees.

Rittal’s latest innovation is specifically designed for Australia’s harshest industrial and mining applications. The Rittal AE Sloped Roof enclosure is built tough with intelligent design to ensure the best protection and usability. Rittal has bolstered the design of the world’s favourite wall mounted enclosure with the introduction of the intelligent sloped roof. The run-off feature together with IP66 protection rating make it first choice when protecting electrical investments in Australia’s toughest industrial applications.

Increased safety to personnel is also provided by the connection mechanism, which only allows units of the same voltage, amperage and poles to mate.

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Designed in three bright safety colours and intuitively numbered, ZONE NG provides instant identification, education and confidence that appropriate levels of hearing protection are being selected and worn in designated areas. The ZONE NG range comes in Headband, Neckband and Cap attachable versions and a choice of 3 levels of hearing protection to suit a wide variety of noisy work environments. The new ZONE 2 NG Hi Vis range provides added visibility and features a twin stirrup design that ensures stability and attenuation performance is maintained.

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SUPERANNUATIONYOUR BEST ASSET?

joined it in the last 10-15 years, you’d only go out on a fraction of weekly earnings… at 9%, we’ve lost a decade of [savings] accumulation.”

SUPERANNUATION – THE ULTIMATE TAX HAVEN Superannuation in Australia is big business – $1.2 to 1.4 trillion of Australians’ retirement funds is managed by this industry, with $300-350 billion in ‘industry’ super funds, $400-450 billion in ‘retail’ super funds and $450-500 billion in self-managed super funds (SMSF), the latter being the fastest-growing sector.

“That’s because people want more control of their money,” comments David Heycock, Managing Director of financial advisory firm, Superannuation in Australia Today (SIAT). “Australians are finally getting interested in their super performance.”

and Service your plan. And within that framework, superannuation should be central.

“Many people don’t realise that super is perhaps the best tax haven available to Australians. The government wants us all to save for our retirement to mitigate its long-term burden as we get older as a community, so they are incentivising us to save through super.

“There are tremendous tax benefits in sound superannuation plans, whether they’re industry or self-managed. The government taxes you at the reduced superannuation rate of 15% and you can add some of your pre-tax salary into super; to reduce your tax even more.

“Insurance is other tax benefit of superannuation when included in a super policy because it is pre-tax funded.

“Many people don’t realise that super is perhaps the best tax haven available to Australians”.

SUPERANNUATION TODAY In the 90’s, the Government addressed those concerns by introducing compulsory superannuation payments for workers. The commonly held fear was that we would reach a time when there would be more Australians on benefits than workers paying taxes to fund those benefits.

Paul Keating made a deal with employers and trade unions, where the unions agreed to forego a national 3% payincrease claim, that money going into a new superannuation system and employers matching this with equivalent payment to their employees’ funds.

These contributions were supposed to progressively increase to 12%, but they stopped at 9%.

“And it’s about time – for years, most Australians had no idea what was going on with their super. They figured it just accumulated over the years into a ‘nestegg’ that would be waiting for them when they retired to see them through their ‘twilight years’.

“But what many Australians don’t understand is that the decisions they make about their super now – whether they’re 20, 30, 40, or 50 years old, can make a huge difference to the amount of money they retire on in the future, which has a significant impact on their quality of life.”

In an ABC interview in 2006, Keating stated that if the tax cuts he proposed to pay as superannuation were honoured at the ‘96 election “we would be now heading to $2 trillion of superannuation assets. As it is, we are only heading for $1 trillion.

Auslec Solutions recently spoke with David to gather useful information to pass on to readers to help them better understand the immense value of factoring superannuation into their financial plans. While David is a certified financial planner, his comments in this article are not presented as financial advice, but simply to convey the significance of superannuation to all Australian workers.

“At 15% [super contribution], you could join the workforce at 20, retire at 60 and go out on about average weekly earnings. At 9%, you’d probably go out on 45% of weekly earnings. And if you

David continues: “Over the years, I’ve crystallised my advice into five simple steps: Safeguard your cash; Set your goals; Select your strategies and structures; Secure your safety net;

Personal risk-management is important for every employee and self-employed worker and should include life insurance, permanent disability insurance, severe illness/trauma insurance and incomeprotection insurance (talk to your tax adviser, as some superannuation-related policies may attract post pay-out taxes).

Don’t confuse income-protection insurance with life insurance. Life insurance is only payable to your estate on your death. Income-protection insurance is paid where circumstances prevent you from earning a living. Some are even tax-deductible.

“A word of caution about insurance – if you have multiple insurance policies, eg an external policy in addition to your superannuation insurance policy, you must disclose additional policies, or they may be invalidated in the event of a claim.

“Another tax advantage of super is factoring your financial advice from an Industry Accredited Financial Advisor under your super program. That way, it doesn’t get funded from your post-tax income and doesn’t impost on your cash-flow or lifestyle.

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Australians are renowned for being poor savers. For decades, economists and government officials have feared that, without being forced to save, many of us would end up retiring financially underresourced and in need of the pension, regardless of how ‘asset-rich’ we may be.

Coupled with the fact that we’re living longer than previous generations, this situation places a considerable burden on taxpayers to provide this support.

Recently, the Minister for Financial Services and Superannuation, Bill Shorten MP, reinforced this concern in the Foreword to the Government’s ‘Stronger Super Information Pack’ (September 2011), stating: “By 2050, almost one in four Australians will have reached retirement age, compared to one in seven today. It’s in the national interest to encourage Australians to save more for their retirement.”

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“One more tax advantage of super worth noting is trusts. Most people who set up trusts are aware that the beneficiary pays no tax on their income stream up to the age of 18. However, a ‘testimentary trust’ increases the tax-free threshold to 25 years of age.”

and therefore whether the compulsory superannuation levy applies to overtime.

Generally, overtime is not caught within ordinary time earnings, unless the overtime hours are so regular or haphazard that they aren’t readily identifiable as such.

COMPLIANT SUPERANNUATION According to Superannuationguarantee. org, a group of superannuation professionals, to meet the Superannuation Guarantee legal requirements, contributions must be made to a ‘complying’ superannuation fund, or Retirement Savings Account.

SMSF may be eligible.

SMSFs are also tightly regulated. They are only open to individuals and up to three employees who are relatives. These funds have become very popular in recent years and allow full tax deductions for contributions. They provide wider choices into where contributions can be invested, such as property and share portfolios. They also allow contributions to be made up to the age of 75. But they’re not for everyone – you probably need at least $250,000 to justify the setup and ongoing maintenance costs. It’s wise to speak with an industry accredited financial adviser before embarking on this course without all the facts.

Exactly who is an ‘employee’ has been the subject of much legal process over the years. Broadly speaking, an employee includes workers, directors and individual contractors supplying more than 50% labour. If your situation is anything other than an obvious employer/employee relationship, get specific professional advice.

The super contribution requirements for employees are intended to be based on ‘normal’ wages of employees. Ordinarytime earnings are generally understood to mean the wages employees receive for their ordinary hours of work, including over-award payments, bonuses, commissions and allowances.

The term ‘ordinary hours of work’ refers to Award-specified hours of work, or the normal, regular, usual or customary hours worked.

A commonly asked question is the extent to which overtime is included in the definition of Ordinary Time Earnings,

NEW REFORMS ON THE WAY In 2011, the Government legislated significant changes to superannuation, including increasing the minimum contribution to 12% by 2019-20 through annual 0.25% increments, starting 2013.

So it looks like we’re back on track with Keating’s vision of a nation of savers that won’t place such a heavy burden of the next generation of Australian workers.

The Super System Review was commissioned to make recommendations to ensure the superannuation system has a sharper focus on operating in members’ best interests. The Review’s final report was handed to the Government in 2010, who in turn produced the ‘Stronger

Super’ series of reforms intended to help maximise retirement income for members and make the system easier to use, and are expected to reduce the average fees paid by members by up to 40%.

Stronger Super is claimed to be one of the most significant reforms to superannuation since the introduction of the superannuation guarantee and will cover a broad range of issues.

The SuperStream working group will endeavour to have the proposed contributions and rollovers data standards published in 2012.

CONCLUSION “It’s very important to safeguard your cash,” concludes David Heycock.

“Everyone needs cash, but today, nearly 70% of all Australian families spend more than they earn. This is true at all levels of earnings. The key to safeguarding your cash is to know where your spending is taking place and learning to control it.

As a wage earner, you should capture a portion of your earnings and build investment income over time. We call it converting ‘human capital’ into ‘investment capital’. This happens when your earnings from non-work sources are equal to or greater than income from personal exertion. Super is one of the best means to do that.”

The information contained in this article is of a general nature and should not be taken or construed as advice. Please consult with a financial professional before making decisions regarding investments.

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20 LITRE LUBE OIL DRUM PUMP

HYDRAULIC 3 LEG PULLER This 22 tonne hydraulic 3 leg puller by Tridon is designed for extra large heavy duty applications where additional force is required.

With reversible legs and adjustable positions for internal and external pulling applications, this puller has a 570mm spread and reach of 300mm and comes in a heavy duty blow moulded trolley case for ease of transport.

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This 20 litre lube oil drum pump is ideal for the transfer of engine, gear, diff and hydraulic oils and is now capable of delivering up to 110ml with each downstroke.

Complete with UV stabilised long life hose and drain back nozzle ensuring that excess oil ends up back in the drum, the 8828N drum pump makes lube oil top ups quick and easy.

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DOL STARTERS 3 IN 1 MULTI TOOL HYDRAULIC BATTERY CRIMPER KIT Heavy duty crimping is made easy with Wattmaster’s 3 in 1 multi tool hydraulic battery crimper kit manufactured by Klauke.

This 12 Ton crimping, cutting and punching kit features a two speed autoretracting system, LED light and sound indicator for errors, manual quick release button and a 360 degree dual track rotating head.

With an ergonomic pistol grip design for one-handed operation and a spotlight to illuminate the workspace, this lightweight crimper is easy to use on any job.

The kit also comes complete with adapters and copper dies.

Protected by an IP65 enclosure, LegrandLovato DOL starters are suitable for use in harsh conditions such as irrigation (pump starting) or the food and beverage industry (motor starting). These DOL starters are robust by nature thanks to the strong plastics that protect components even in the case of a forceful impact.

Available with and without overload relay and in various enclosure sizes, the Legrand-Lovato DOL range consists of many options up to 45KW and complies with IEC/EN 60497-1, IEC/EN 60497-4-1 standards and is cULus listed.

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DISTRIBUTION BOARDS

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HYDRAULIC GEAR PULLER KIT Designed to be used as either a two or three leg puller, the Tridon hydraulic gear puller kit comes complete with bearing separator, main rods, extension rods, beam and legs to build 100mm, 150mm and 200mm pullers.

With a 10 tonne hydraulic ram, this puller kit is suitable for most industrial, automotive, agricultural and marine applications.

Legrand distribution boards are made of sturdy materials and are designed to withstand the rough conditions of industrial and mining environments.

With an IP55 rating and fitted with hinged escutcheon and boasting generous space for wiring (600mm wide and 200mm deep), they make installation easier for contractors.

Legrand distribution boards are available from 24 to 84 pole capacity and come equipped with a 250A isolating switch, dual feed 250A chassis for MCBs, and earth & neutral bars.

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LIQUID RESISTANCE STARTERS NHP’s range of Australian made liquid resistance starters (LRS) are suitable for industrial wound rotor motor applications from 200 kW to 12 MW. Local design and manufacture also ensures a level of consistency and performance that you can be relied upon. The availability of both fixed and moving electrode liquid resistance starters enables selection of the most appropriate technology for the intended application whilst minimising capital investments.

These LRS’s offer optimum control over starting current, torque and motor/load acceleration and don’t require specialist electrical personnel or equipment.

STEP DRILLS

Sutton Tools have released the P&N range of high speed steel step drills for use on sheet metal, aluminium, plastic or fiberglass.

These drills feature a spiral flute for reduced vibration and greater control and automatically de-burr the previous hole drilled.

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CONDUIT SYSTEMS FOR HAZARDOUS AREAS SAFETY PYRAMIDS Site safety is a critical aspect of any industrial environment and the new safety pyramid range from Hi-Vis allows for clear and visible messaging.

Manufactured from touch moulded plastic, these 885mm wide and 790mm high safety pyramids are ideal for identifying temporary areas such as blast zones or other restricted access situations and car parks.

With three faces available for custom messaging, these stackable, UV stabilized safety devices can also be used in conjunction with solar warning beacons.

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Kopex-Ex conduit systems by Thomas & Betts has an extensive range of specialist electrical conduit systems including IECEx approved products for use within hazardous areas.

Advantages of using conduit over other means of terminating cables include the ability to run multiple circuits through, a greater bend radius can be achieved and a reduction in the number of cable entry points is also possible.

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WARNING SYSTEM FOR MINE SAFETY VOLT STICK Wattmaster’s Volt Stick is an instrument for safely checking the presence of an AC voltage in cables, wall sockets, fuses, junction boxes etc.

Ideal for locating blown fuses, identifying live cables or distinguishing between live and neutral in single and three phase installations, the Volt Stick’s tip will glow red when voltage is detected.

The SICK CAS suite (Collision Awareness & Road Departure Warning System) for mine safety and efficiency uses a number of SICK lasers to scan cooperatively with other sources such as GPS. Obstacle information is captured and utilised in a sophisticated warning strategy which alerts the operator to take evasive action and prevent unintended road departure, potential collisions or reversing incidents.

This protection system provides exceptional accuracy and performance in all weather conditions such as rain, dust and fog, enabling you to secure even the most critical operating situations. A display provides relevant information and raises an audible alarm if necessary.

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A CUT ABOVE 34

Picture this. Some work is needed that requires you to climb a ladder and make a number of cuts through a 50mm piece of multi-core industrial cable. Easy enough - but what if the cable has been securely mounted directly overhead to brick and removing the mounts would be an all too time consuming option?

Traditionally, this back braking task would be undertaken with a trusty (or is that rusty?!) hacksaw. Each cut taking several minutes; each one followed by the inevitable ‘back stretch’ as you curse the apprentice who is off sick – this should be his job!

This regular scenario (the overhead cutting not the crook apprentice) was one that lead electric tool manufacturer Milwaukee to develop a product that would allow the cutting of pipes and cables close to a ceiling, wall or other surface.

The solution? A cordless compact band saw that also enables the cutting of metal that is in close proximity to plastics or other potentially flammable materials and where the use of oxy-acetylene would be both problematic and dangerous.

James Ballantyne, Business Development Manager – Industrial for Techtronic Industries said, “We have a commitment to new-to-world innovation that ensures that our tools provide real solutions

for users. The M18 band saw is a good example of a product that does just that”.

Being cordless, the saw can be used where mains power is unavailable making it perfect for remote job sites or confined work areas where power cords can become just another hazard. James continues, “This saw has an 85mm x 85mm cut capacity and will make short work of most common materials found in an Electrical or Industrial environment including conduit, copper and iron”.

Not just confined to the work place, this 18v band saw has also found its way into the kits of four wheel drive enthusiasts and others heading for the outdoors on weekends. James recalls, “We know of one guy who was towing his and has mate’s motorbikes in the bush. They’d chained and padlocked the rear wheels of the bikes together and sure enough, when they got to their camp; no key!

He whipped out the bandsaw and cut straight through a link in the chain – no problem”.

Back on site, the band saw’s light weight of just 4.5kg makes working overhead or in tight confines easy and with a tool free adjustable material shoe, flush cuts on items such as piping, cable or conduit that are installed against walls or ceilings are easily made. The saw is also particularly useful when an accurate, clean cut is needed.

The Milwaukee 18v Bandsaw comes in its own carry bag, complete with two 3.0amp batteries and a charger; more than enough cordless power for a days work. It has an LED work light that illuminates the cutting line when natural or ambient light is scarce.

So next time the apprentice decides to go missing at the wrong time, do one of two things. Wait for them to return and send them up the ladder with a hacksaw or grab a cordless compact bandsaw and make short work of your cutting requirements – come to think of it, better still put the Milwaukee in the hands of the apprentice and go and take a smoko!

Traditionally, this task would be undertaken with a trusty old hacksaw.

15 THIRTEENTH STREET

COBAR

NSW

2835

(02) 6836 3930

AUSLEC www.auslec.com.au

AUSLEC COBAR

35

The only

AUSLEC www.auslec.com.au

protection range.

Main Switch

36

Residual Current Device (RCD)

Miniature Circuit Breaker (MCB)

Combination Residual Current Device (RCBO)

Combination Residual Current Device Slim (RCBO)

You can’t mistake the new Max 4 Series range, with its clean white finish.

• Comprehensive new range.

• Easier termination - thanks to extra large terminals.

• C ompact 18mm modules - universal size suitable for all Australian switchboards.

• B usbar compatible RCBOs are now equipped with insulated slots and deep bottom cog rail terminals - allowing for a quick fit-off.

• T op and bottom line and load compatible - makes installation and wiring a breeze.

• N ow with individual trip indicators on RCBOs - for efficient fault finding.

• U nique design of Super Immune (SI) type RCDs - immune to nuisance tripping and also prevents non-tripping.

For more information contact your local Clipsal Representative, call 1300 2025 25, or visit clipsal.com.

CLIPCOM24345

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