Canberra Builder 2/2017

FEATURE LIFTOUT

Edition 2-2017

FEDERAL BUDGET IMPACTS

ON AFFORDABLE HOUSING

building awards finalists announced

CCF Earth Awards WINNERS PROFILEd

Asset Construction Hire

MARKET LEADERs IN CONSTRUCTION EQUIPMENT HIRE

housing Inquiry

welcomed by mba act

mba insurance services

open for business

AWArd WInnInG PhotoGrAPhy. From bAthroomS to brIdGeS.

WebSIte And PortFolIo PhotoGrAPhy. AerIAl And ArChIteCturAl PhotoGrAPhy. With 25 years’ experience as a Canberra photographer, Geoff Comfort is one of the top professional photographers in the area. Geoff Comfort Photography specialise in architectural, corporate and aerial photography. Geoff is an Accredited Professional Photographer with the AIPP. With clients in both the corporate and government sectors, Geoff offers a personalised service on each photographic project. If you want great results from your architectural, corporate or aerial photography assignment, completed on time and on budget, please contact Geoff on 0411 268 146.

contAct Geoff to dIscuss your Project Mob 0411 268 146 email geoff@geoffcomfort.com Website www.geoffcomfort.com Specialising in Aerial, Architectural, and Corporate Photography.

> 80 rough terrain knuckle and straight booms > 30 fork lifts and telehandlers

equipment and have on hand, fully qualified plant and auto mechanics to resolve problems quickly and accurately.

ACH have a range of speciality equipment which includes; spider knuckle lifts, bioenergy booms, electric rough terrain scissors, tipper trucks and work utes. This diverse range of products, built from our customers’ needs, allows ACH an advantage over other national hire companies.

4. Administration Team

Master Builders Executive Council 2. Sales Team

contents

President ACH have a dedicated sales team who are committed to solving Graciete Ferreira

problems for their customers. Any issues are considered and resolved

Treasurer with competency, care and timeliness.

Frank Porreca

Communicating accurate financial transactions for every hire saves time and frustration. This is why ACH has a team who understand the importance of collecting accurate and concise information relating to the hire, which is speedily converted into an invoice—meaning the customer has all the relevant information at hand.

The paper work will be completed smoothly and when a query is raised the team at ACH will listen and respond quickly.

special feature

Asset Construction Hire “We have listened 26 to our customers and have established our

The well-respected reputation of the account managers is qualified National Board Representative systems It’s no secret ACH is now the market leaderbased in Simon by theirButt actions. From general questions to site inspections, the team construction equipment hire in the ACT region.

on what they need and want. I believe the client shouldn’t have to problem solve that’s our job and I have the prides themselves on being there for their customers.

Commercial Builders This success is largely due to the commitment found Council Chair (Acting) in four main areas of the business.team and equipment that can deliver on all accounts” With 40 years of combined experience in client service and a ‘customer Peter Naylor comes first’ attitude, the company is one, people know they can rely on.

Civil Contractors Council Chair Peter Middleton

ACH Founder, Darrell Leemhuis

features

Residential Builders Council Chair Marc Roland

Construction technology

Professional Consultants Council Chair Bryan Leeming

Will the failing security of payment scheme ever get ‘fixed’?

Subcontractors & Suppliers Council Chair Gerard Allen

forewords p26

Master Builders Management team

Deputy Executive Director Michael Hopkins Director Industrial Relations Cameron Spence

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Plans for a review of the SoP laws in the building and construction industry announced

Group Training Advisory Committee Chair Rod Mitton

Executive Director Kirk Coningham OAM

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Build, buy or partner? Which solution to help you decide which is best for you

President’s Report Executive Director’s Report IR Director’s Report

www.assethire.com.au

Work Health & Safety Advisor Philip Edwards Chief Financial Officer Aaron Froud MBA Group Training General Manager Wendy Tengstrom

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Beware the enemy within

news&events 2017 Apprentice Awards

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Recognising excellence in construction

14

MBA Group Training awards recognise outstanding contributions by apprentices and employers

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Workplace Relations Management Plans

WHS Advisor’s Report

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Master Builders SafetyGlove

“Let beAwards an asset to your business” CCF us Earth 18

The 2017 CCF Earth Awards were recently held at the www.assethire.com.au | 1300 361 383 Hyatt Hotel, with Dylan Alcott as guest speaker 2017 Excellence in Building Awards 34 editor’s note With a new naming rights partner in CHC, this year’s Building Awards are fast approaching. Are you ready?

p31

Thank you to all our members who submitted entries in the 2017 MBA & CHC Excellence in Building Awards.

The calibre of entries was very high as usual, with almost 200 entries received across 48 categories.

For the first time, entries were submitted online and we look forward to improving this system for all users next year.

Master Builders Association of the ACT 1 Iron Knob St, Fyshwick ACT 2609 PO Box 1211, Fyshwick ACT 2609 Tel: (02) 6175 5900 Fax: (02) 6280 9118 Email: canberra@mba.org.au Web: www.mba.org.au Advertising enquires Simon Farrell Tel: (02) 6175 5961 Mob: 0417 721 126 Email: sfarrell@mba.org.au © This publication is copyright. No part of it may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any means including electronic, mechanical photocopy, recording or otherwise without the permission of the Master Builders Association of the ACT. Disclaimer: readers are advised that the Master Builders Association of the ACT cannot be held responsible for the accuracy of statements made in advertising and editorial, nor the quality of the goods or services advertised. Opinions expressed throughout the publication are the contributors own and do not necessarily reflect the views or policy of the Master Builders Association of the ACT.

Finally, a special thanks to the 27 judges who dedicated their time and expertise to judging these projects over six weeks.

of interest 2017-18 Federal Budget

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Government shows strong support for the building and construction industry

Housing Inquiry welcome

32

Master Builders ACT has welcomed an inquiry into affordable housing

New CEO of Master Builders

We look forward to celebrating the achievements of all sectors of our local building and construction industry on June 30.

Good luck to all finalists.

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Introducing Denita Wawn, Master Builders Australia’s newly appointed Chief Executive Officer

Changes to Home Building Contract

48

Amendments have been made and the new contract will be available for purchase soon Canberra Building News I edition 2-2017

5

foreword

president graciete ferreira

recognising excellence in construction On Friday 28 April, I had the great pleasure in opening the MBA Group Training Apprentice Awards for 2017.

Once again MBA apprentices proved why MBA Group Training is the most sought after training organisation to undertake an apprenticeship.

Congratulations must go to all of the apprentices, the winners, their trainers and host employers.The contribution and dedication of all involved ensures our industry is supplied with a stock of new construction workers dedicated to quality and excellence in workmanship, customer service and business management.

In particular I would like to congratulate Luke Wainman for taking out the 2017 Apprentice of the Year, One M Group for winning the 2017 Host Employer of the year, and McClinton Constructions for winning 2017 Employer of the Year.

Amongst the 43 recommendations announced by Minister Gentleman in 2016, of the most important improvements are in the changes to the builders licensing system and the introduction of professional development training.These reforms will ensure that the builder’s license eventually gained by our graduating apprentices will give clients and home owner’s piece of mind that ACT licensed builders will deliver a quality result. Ongoing professional development training will ensure that the skills gained during an apprenticeship will be maintained and keep to-to-date with contemporary issues in our industry.

On Friday 12 May I also had the pleasure in attending the Civil Contractors Federation of the ACT Earth Awards.The CCF Earth Awards recognise the best of our local civil construction sector.

Winners of the Earth Awards progress to the MBA Excellence in Building Awards and then compete at national level.

“The contribution and dedication of all involved ensures our industry is supplied with a stock of new construction workers dedicated to quality and excellence in workmanship, customer service and business management.”

The MBA is also very grateful of the support from our host employers, especially A J Ewer, AMS Hyraulics, Erincole Building Services, One M Group and Your Craftsmen, who were all recognised on the night for consistently hosting MBA Group Training apprentices for 10 years.

In January the 2017 intake of apprentices commenced their first day of training with the MBA. As I reported in the last Canberra Building News, the demand for young people wanting to undertake a MBA apprenticeship is increasing. We have welcomed 35 new apprentices this year, and this number is climbing.

I am also excited to report that progress is being made with the ACT Government on long overdue reforms to the building regulatory system.

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Canberra Building News I edition 2-2017

This year’s Earth Awards marked a milestone 25 years of awards in the ACT. Congratulations go to Complex Civil, Acclaim Contractors, Guideline ACT, and Huon Contractors who all won gongs at the 2017 awards.

And finally, while we are talking about awards season, I would like to wish all of the entrants in the 2017 Master Builders and CHC Excellence in Building Awards the best of luck.These awards will be held on Friday 30 June 2017 at the National Canberra Convention centre, Canberra.

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executive director kirk coninghham OAM

Beware the enemy within The lack of attack on public servants in the federal budget was as pleasing as it was unexpected.

Canberra bashing has become part of the deal for these budgets where politicians gleefully take aim at those they believe are easy game.

This year the banks were in the cross hairs while the traditional attack on public servant ‘fat cats’ was reversed. The budget sensibly supported and funded an expanded public service designed to better serve our community and help hold others to account.

Popular politics would have us believe that Canberra gets a thrashing from conservative governments because a one-sided ideological blinker keeps our heads firmly turned to the left. The reality is far more complex.

Well it’s not. The vast majority (93%) of Master Builders in the Territory are small businesses. Most are mum and dad operations integral to local communities.

And the apprentices being labelled as ‘dodgy’ every morning on radio are hard-working, committed young people who deserve a whole lot better from their community.

The radio campaign comes on top of CFMEU efforts to exclude local construction teams from government work. The most recent example is light rail where a union official bragged to the media of plans to exclude local construction teams from 75% of the job.

Keeping local ‘snouts out of the trough’.

Disturbingly the campaign sees serious safety incidents on unioncontrolled sites go largely ignored while any incident remotely connected to local industry is vigorously pursued.

“This is the only community in Australia where tens of thousands of member dollars are invested in an exclusive attack on locals. ” Ours is a caring community, but we’ve never been hostage to dogma.

We look after people in need but we also appreciate and celebrate individual endeavour and excellence. We recognise and value the rewards that come with hard work and sacrifice but share those rewards through conscious choice.

As an example, a nasty cut to a local apprentice’s hand generates a press release, breathless calls to ministers on speed dial, and a full-on radio attack campaign. But what of a far more serious electric shock incident the day before on a union controlled site? No press release.

No calls. No campaign.

This reality is sometimes lost on those who are purely motivated by ideology. They believe transgressions that allow bullying and attacks on individuals or sections of our community will be dismissed in ‘solidarity’ with the greater good.

Such flagrant manipulations add to the depth of cynicism across local industry increasingly eroding the union’s once proud voice on safety.

But why? The CFMEU is famous for using safety as an industrial weapon but this is the first time we’ve seen this in a sustained public campaign exclusive to the Territory.

Take the current radio attack ads funded by Unions ACT. This is the only community in Australia where tens of thousands of member dollars are invested in an exclusive attack on locals.

8

We initially thought this was just ‘pay back’ against local workers who gave harrowing firsthand accounts of militant union thuggery in the Territory at the royal commission.

They started attacking local residential builders, skewing statistics to encourage the belief that our local industry was unsafe and not to be trusted. The claim was that a person a day was injured (365 a year).

The reality for our residential builders was closer to a serious injury every two months (6 a year).

We now believe it is a long term, heavily funded and orchestrated campaign with a purely commercial objective. Damning the rebellious local construction industry to make way for union compliant teams from across the border.

They’ve since moved on to attacking local apprentices, once again telling porkies to encourage the belief that local apprentices are inferior.

Canberra bashing has gone from conservative government attacks on public servants to militant union attacks on local apprentices and construction teams.

Most see this as a particularly low act, but those funding it rely on Canberra being quietly supportive or at least agnostic. “It’s just part of the age old battle between employers and workers”.

The hope is that decency and truth ultimately prevail and both forms of attack remain equally ineffective.

Canberra Building News I edition 2-2017

Get Qualified with

MBA Group Training Ltd RTO NO. 88163

MBA Group Training CERT IV BUILDING AND CONSTRUCTION (BUILDING)

HEALTH AND SAFETY REPRESENTATIVES

Course Overview

Course Overview

MBA Group Training conduct the Certificate IV in Building and Construction (Building) in evening sessions from 5:30pm to 8:30pm at the Master Builders Skills Centre in Fyshwick.

The introduction to the Work Health and Safety Act 2011 places a duty on all Persons Conducting Businesses or Undertakings (PCBUs), regardless of size, to develop a consultative arrangement on all matters that directly affect work safety.

The course consists of six modules that must be successfully completed to gain the qualification. This qualification is now one of a range of Certificate IV level qualifications which have become the underpinning requirement for the residential class of builder licence. In the delivery of Certificate IV in Building & Construction (Building) MBA Group Training has combined 17 units of competency into six learning modules which are presented in the evening class format.

On successful completion participants will be issued with the CPC40110 Certificate IV in Building and Construction (Building) qualification, allowing them to apply for the ACT Class C Licence through Access Canberra the licencing body. For further information please consult our website.

HEATH AND SAFETY REPRESENTATIVES REFRESHER

Course Overview

Part of this process includes the establishment of Health and Safety Representatives (HSRs) and Health and Safety Committees (HSCs).This course provides Health and Safety Representatives, within the building industry, with the required changes and relevant updates to ensure compliance with the Act. MBA Group Training have been approved by WorkSafe ACT as required under Section 72 of the Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (ACT) to deliver this training.

On successful completion participants will be issued with a Certificate of Attendance. For further information please consult our website.

CONTRIBUTE TO WHS HAZARD IDENTIFICATION, RISK ASSESSMENT AND RISK CONTROL

Course Overview The introduction to the Work Health and Safety Act 2011 places a duty on all Persons Conducting Businesses or Undertakings (PCBUs), regardless of size, to develop a consultative arrangement on all matters that directly affect work safety.

Part of this process includes the establishment of Health and Safety Representatives (HSRs) and Health and Safety Committees (HSCs). MBA Group Training have been approved by WorkSafe ACT as required under Section 72 of the Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (ACT) to deliver this training.

On successful completion participants will be issued with a Certificate of Attendance. For further information please consult our website.

This one day course aims to provide participants with the skills and knowledge required to contribute to identifying work health and safety (WHS) hazards; assessing WHS risks; and developing, implementing and evaluating risk controls appropriate to their own job role and work area.

On successful completion participants will be issued with a Statement of Attainment for BSBWHS404 - Contribute to WHS hazard identification, risk assessment and risk control. For further information please consult our website.

MBA Group Training provides ongoing learning opportunities through industry training and education services. Safe work practices within the industry are a priority with the Master Builders and expert advice is available in a range of areas including occupational health and safety requirements, industry codes of practice, education and training.

For more information about training opportunities contact MBA Group Training: T 02 6175 5900 F 02 6280 9118 E training@mba.org.au www.mba.org.au/training

director industrial relations cameron spence

What is a Workplace Relations Management Plan?

In the previous edition of Building News, I wrote that the ABCC was going to change behaviour in the building and construction industry, not by targeting unions but by targeting business.Workplace Relations Management Plans (WRMPs) are the main tool that the ABCC will use to ensure that these new standards are really being met.

A WRMP is intended to be a comprehensive, practical plan that details just how a tenderer will comply with the requirements of the 2016 Building Code on a particular project.

WRMPs are important, they are where the rubber meets the road and they need to be understood. It’s a fairly straightforward plan;

Tenderers will be advised by the funding entity or recipient if a WRMP is required for a particular project.

Importantly, a funding entity or recipient must not award a tender to a respondent unless that respondent’s WRMP has been approved by the ABCC.

• •

• • • • •

The head contractor tenders for a job; The head contractor is then informed (if applicable) that they must do a WRMP due to the amount of Commonwealth money in the job, this means the tenderer has been shortlisted for the job and there is enough Commonwealth money in the job to require a WRMP; The head contractor submits the WRMP to the funding entity (the body that released the EOI); The WRMP is then forwarded by the funding entity to the ABCC to be assessed (NB: the head contractor cannot send a WRMP directly to the ABCC); The WRMP is assessed by the ABCC and if successful the tender can be awarded; The Head Contractor must then comply with the WRMP on that job; If there is an examination of Industrial Relations behaviour on the job, the WRMP will be used to measure the head contractor’s actual performance against what they said that they would do in the WRMP.

Simply put – the WRMP is what the head contractor promises to do and details how they will do it. The ABCC assess the WRMP, keeps it, and (if there’s an investigation) holds you to it. Here’s the plan in a bit more detail.

Why have a WRMP? It’s required by law. The WRMP is required under Section 25 of the 2016 Building Code. If you’re a head contractor and the job you’re tendering for has more than $10 million of Commonwealth money in it (or there is $5 million Commonwealth dollars in the job and this sum represents 50% or more of the total construction value) then you must have an approved WRMP. 10

Canberra Building News I edition 2-2017

As soon as practicable after a funding entity or recipient issues a request for expression of interest (EOI) or requests for tender (RFT) (however it is described) for building work, the funding entity must inform the ABCC.

What’s in a WRMP? Section 32 of the 2016 Building Code provides that a WRMP must set out a head contractor’s proposed systems, processes and procedures to: • clearly and effectively communicate how the Building Code requirements apply to all building industry participants on site; • promote a fair, lawful, efficient and productive workplace; and • deliver the project on time and within budget.

• A WRMP must also include: • a Fitness for Work policy to manage alcohol and other drugs in the workplace that covers the matters set out in Schedule 4 of the Building Code 2016; and • details of the processes to ensure that security of payment laws and other requirements will be adhered to throughout the life of the project.

Remember, the WRMP is the measuring stick that the ABCC is going to hold up to a head contractor after the tender has been awarded.

With that in mind, it’s vital to remember one thing… DO NOT CUT AND PASTE YOUR WRMP! Each WRMP should must respond to a tender for a particular job (even though they may have some similarities from job to job) because to paraphrase a well-known line from TV police dramas, whatever is written in the WRMP may later be used against you in a court of law, and if what is in the WRMP is not what’s happening on that job – there may be trouble The ABCC will then assess your MRMP (but you don’t send it to them).

As part of submitting a tender response for relevant Commonwealth building work projects, tenderers are required to submit their proposed WRMP for the project to the funding entity or recipient along with their tender documents. WRMPs cannot be submitted by a tenderer directly to the ABCC. Any WRMP submitted directly to the ABCC will not be assessed.

As part of the tender evaluation process funding entities and recipients will apply to the ABCC for approval of the WRMPs of short listed respondents. All tenderer interaction from the ABCC around a project specific WRMP will be with the funding entity or recipient.

The ABCC will review the WRMPs submitted by a funding entity or recipient to ensure each WRMP addresses all of the requirements of the Building Code. The WRMP must address the requirements in section 32 of the Building Code 2016, and the requirements in Schedule 3 of the Building Code as advised by the funding entity or recipient.

The ABCC will provide the funding entity or recipient with an assessment record for each assessed WRMP. This record will indicate whether the WRMP has been approved or not, including specific changes required where the WRMP was not approved. If the ABCC does not have sufficient information to approve the proposed WRMP, the funding entity or recipient may ask a tenderer to provide an updated WRMP for approval, and the funding entity or recipient may reapply for approval of a short listed respondent’s updated WRMP. Under the Code, a funding entity or must not enter into a contract with a tenderer if their WRMP has not been approved by the ABCC. Compliance with an Approved WRMP The Building Code requires head contractors to comply with their WRMP. This is a critical part of a head contractor’s compliance obligations. A failure of a head contractor to comply with its WRMP for a project is a breach of the Building Code.

Head contractors must also, as far as is reasonably practicable, ensure that subcontractors comply with the head contractor’s WRMP. A failure by a subcontractor to comply with a head contractor’s WRMP may result in a breach of the Building Code by the head contractor.

What happened to the old DEEWR letter?

This has been subsumed by the ABCC. Subcontractors can apply to the ABCC for a letter of compliance and/or complete a self-declaration.

Given that under the new rules, the head contractor is, as far as reasonably practical, responsible for the subcontractor on the job, it is strongly encouraged that all head contractors ensure that their subbies have up to date letters of compliance and/or declarations.

There is a Model WMRP The ABCC has developed a guide, which includes a model WRMP, to assist tenderers in meeting their obligations under the 2016 Building Code. Tenderers are requested to follow the structure and format of the model when developing their own WRMPs. This model WRMP includes references to matters listed in Schedule 3 of the Building Code 2016. A WRMP may not be required to address all these matters. Tenderers will be advised by the funding entity or recipient which sections need to be addressed. Tenderers may choose to voluntarily address all of the matters set out in Schedule 3 as a matter of best practice.

A copy of the model WRMP is available for download from the ABCC website.

Members with queries are encouraged to contact the MBA Canberra IR team on 02 6175 5921

2017 INCENTIVES UP TO $4,000

Employ an Australian Apprentice in the following certificate III trades in 2017 • Bricklaying / Blocklaying • Concreting • Data and Voice Communications • Engineering Metal Fabrication • Glass & Glazing • Horticulture Turf

• Plastering – Solid • Plastering – Wall & Ceiling Lining • Roof Plumbing • Roof Tiling • Steel Fixing • Stonemasonry • Wall & Floor Tiling

p a more s is to develo iding incentive employment and training ov pr of ive ct The obje ease the ce and to incr the ACT. skilled workfor Australian Apprentices in r ority is fo s tie ni rtu po ing Fund Auth op n Industry Train st year apprentice in io ct tru ns Co ing and oy a 1 The ACT Build ers who empl ing for employ providing fund during 2017.* s prentice the listed trade 00 max per ap oved • $4,0 e to employer pr ap in e tic pren payabl • 1st Year Ap of Training 3 mths $2 ,0 00 af ter ACT Contract • rs ke or w g istin r 12 mths • $2 ,0 00 af te • Excludes ex te ra % 50 at ts en ng • ASBA paym yer in the Buildi act new emplo encing with a 2017 under an ACT Contr er prentices comm –31st Decemb First year Ap *Applicable to on sector from 1st January and Constructi of Training.

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Improve your skills and professional development with the following courses**: • Wet Area Waterproofing

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• Work Safely at Heights • Cert IV Project Management • Testing and Tagging of electrical equipment

• Business Administration and Management • Computerised Accounting

**These courses are examples of courses for which the Training Fund Authority may reimburse a percentage of the training cost (conditions apply).

Work Health & Safety advisor Philip Edwards

Master Builders’ Safety Glove Late last year Master Builders ACT launched Safety Glove. Safety Glove was developed as a biannual safety promotion. It was formulated in consultation with the ACT Construction Industry Reference Group (ACISRG), a group of ACT construction industry safety managers supported by Master Builders ACT who meet regularly at the Master Builders Skills Centre. ACISRG members agreed Safety Glove should concentrate on five broad safety issues:

Powered mobile plant pose a significant risk on most construction sites in the ACT. Pedestrians being struck by powered mobile plant and collisions between powered mobile plants can cause death or severe injuries. Additionally, certain types of plant require a certificate or licence to operate, but a worker holding such a certificate or licence may still require additional training in order to be able to safely carry out the work to be performed.

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

For each of the above five broad safety issues, Safety Glove identifies a contemporary topic for the biannual promotion and educational material developed to focus on the topic. ACISRG members act as Safety Mentors and visit random construction sites to distribute the educational material developed and discuss the topics with workers onsite.

housekeeping; excavation; heights; electrical; and plant.

Housekeeping was picked as an issue for Safety Glove, as workers are injured seriously enough regularly to stop work because basic site safety and housekeeping is poor. Good housekeeping practices are essential to ensure a safe site.

During the soft launch late last year, the summer topics were the introduction of a Globally Harmonised System (GHS) for housekeeping, and Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS) requirements for excavation,

“In addition to Safety Glove, WorkSafe ACT in partnership with Master Builders ACT (and others) have produced a series of safety videos features local construction workers talking about ways to reduce risk on worksites. ” Excavation was chosen for Safety Glove, as it will expose workers to the risk of injury from a wide range of hazards. Excavations have the potential to expose workers to the risk of injury from falls from height or encapsulation (where workers are buried due to the collapse of trench walls). Even shallow excavations can be trip and fall hazards, with the likelihood of an injury when a worker falls increasing with the depth of the excavation.

Many workers in the ACT construction industry work at heights as part of their ‘trade’. Working at heights is working where falling would mean falling from one level to another. These ‘trades’ include carpenters, tilers, plumbers, painters, electricians, scaffolders and many others. If carried out incorrectly, working at a height can pose a serious or life threatening risk of injury.

Electrical safety is an issue on most construction sites in the ACT. Frequent use (and abuse and misuse) of electrical equipment can make them electrically unsafe and may lead to death or severe injuries from electric shock. Along with risks associated with electrical equipment, underground and overhead power-lines also present many hazards.

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Canberra Building News I edition 2-2017

heights, electrical and plant. For the winter topics, Safety Glove will highlight the requirements for maintaining clear access to emergency equipment for housekeeping; Excavation will focus on Dial Before You Dig (DBYD); Heights will discuss hierarchy of controls, testing and tagging obligations for electrical, and verification of competency before use for operating plant.

In addition to Safety Glove, WorkSafe ACT in partnership with Master Builders ACT (and others) have produced a series of safety videos featuring local construction workers talking about ways to reduce risks on worksites. Using the theme ‘Think Safe.Work Safe. Go Home Safe’, the videos focus on the importance of always following safe work practices on construction sites. The videos are available at Construction industry safety videos, alerts and newsletters on the Access Canberra website.

Think safe. Work safe. Go home safe 1.

Mobile Phones

9.

Precast Concrete

18.

Crane Safety

2.

Exclusion Zones

10.

Mobile Plant

19.

Drugs and Alcohol

3.

Safe work method statements for the PCBU

11.

Electricity

20.

Confined Spaces

12.

21.

Safe Work Method Statements Toolbox Talk

Ladder Safety

Concrete Boom

4.

13.

Working at Heights

22.

Bullying and Harassment

5.

Fatigue

14.

Christmas Shutdown

23.

6.

Forklifts

15.

Slips,Trips and Falls

Personal Security/ Occupational Violence

7.

Traffic Management

16.

Machinery and Appliances

8.

Trenches

17.

Scaffolding

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Celebrating the achievements of our future tradespeople 2017 MBA Group Training Apprentice Awards

Host Employer of the Year – One M Group

The MBA Group Training (MBAGT) Apprentice Awards are held each year to recognise the important contribution apprentices, employers and host employers make to the local building industry. The MBAGT Apprentice of the Year Award is presented to a MBAGT trained and/ or employer apprentice who has been outstanding in all aspects of their trade including trade knowledge, quality building work, strong presentation and solid training results.

The MBA Group Training Apprentice Awards present an excellent opportunity for employers who have dedicated time, effort and resources to the future of our industry by nurturing and supporting their workers to gain recognition from their peers and the community.

Employer of the Year – McClinton Constructions MBAGT currently employs 56 apprentices for which training is facilitated at the Skills Centre in Fyshwick. The benefits of using MBAGT for apprentice employment include having MBAGT manage the administration and compliance side of employing an apprentice, being able to “return” the apprentice to MBAGT when there is insufficient work to sustain the apprentice and having a pool of quality apprentices to select from. In return, the employer pays a premium on direct employment for these benefits.

Class Award Winners 2017 MBAGT Apprentice of the Year – Luke Wainman On the night, 5 host employers were recognised for reaching the significant milestone of consistently host MBAGT apprentices for 10 years:

• • • • •

A J Ewer AMS Hydraulics Erincole Building Services One M Group Your Craftsmen

Luke Wainman has undertaken his apprenticeship training for the past 3 years with MBAGT, working towards his Certificate III in Carpentry. This is not the first time that Luke’s achievements have been recognised, having won his class award in 2017 and 2016 before taking out the overall Apprentice of the Year Award in 2017.

“Luke consistently displays above average results in every aspect of his training. Not only is he looked up to by his peers but he takes on the added leadership responsibilities with a friendly and enthusiastic attitude”, says Richard Flint, Luke’s stage 3 carpentry trainer.

MBA Group Training has long had a commitment to the training and development of apprentices, recognising that apprentices are the future of the industry in terms of both today’s tradespeople and tomorrow’s managers and business owners.

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Canberra Building News I edition 2-2017

• • • • • • • • • • • • •

ASBA – Marc Smith Carpentry 1A – Charlie Shepherd Carpentry 1B – Aaron Mirto Carpentry 1C/2C – Justin Porreca Carpentry 1D – Robert Pak Carpentry 2A – Zachary Mackell Carpentry 2B – Charlie Mifsud Carpentry 2C/3C – Nicholas Reynolds Carpentry 3A – Rowan Hennessy Carpentry 3B – Luke Wainman Civil Construction – Liam Oakley MBAGT People Choice Award – Ben Sullivan APPRENTICE OF THE YEAR – Luke Wainman

For more information on apprentice employment contact Master Builders Group Training on 6175 5900.

These awards would not be possible without the support of our sponsors.

â„¢

MBA Insurance Services ACT is Open for Business Commencing on 5 March, MBA Insurance Services is now in full operation in the ACT, after the recruitment of Nick Morgan to the team of construction insurance specialists.

Nick says “the first two months has been very busy, with the level of interest from ACT members exceeding our expectations.”

“I have met with many ACT members at MBA Sector Council meetings and industry events and look forward to meeting more. In

Master Builders ACT Executive Director Kirk Coningham said “the decision to increase our shareholding in MBA Insurance Services and house an insurance specialist in our Fyshwick office was a logical business decision.”

“For the residential sector, we can now offer home warranty insurance in the ACT and NSW from our Fyshwick office.” - Kirk Coningham our short time we have already signed on a number of major ACT building companies and subcontractors”, Nick says.

MBA Insurance Services is wholly owned by seven of the Master Builder Associations around Australia. Unlike other insurance brokers, all profits are injected back into the building and construction industry, to help Master Builders provide services and benefits to members, and to assist our advocacy efforts.

“MBA Insurance Services have an unequalled knowledge of the construction industry so we can now integrate insurance advice with our other member services and benefits.

Represented in New South Wales, Northern Territory, Tasmania, Victoria, South Australia, Western Australia and the Australian Capital Territory, MBA Insurance Services has been in operation for over 25 years and currently employs 58 people specifically dedicated to our Industry.

Because of the large amount of construction related insurance that MBA Insurance Services purchases from insurers on behalf of clients, we are well positioned to attract competitive pricing and negotiate cover specific to your needs.

One of the unique benefits that MBA Insurance Services can provide is the depth of resources drawn from the greater Master Builders movement with respect to insurance and risk advice for business’s operating in the various sectors of the building and construction industries, whether principal or developer, building contractor or sub-contractor, investor or financier, commercial or residential.

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Canberra Building News I edition 2-2017

For the residential sector, we can now offer home warranty insurance in the ACT and NSW from our Fyshwick office”, Mr Coningham said.

If you are in the office please come and say hello to Nick, or if you would like to make an appointment please call Nick on (02) 6175 5975 or email nmorgan@mbais.com.au.

A UTE IS A UTE, RIGHT? Wheels, motor, seats, they’re all the same, aren’t they?

If you walk into two dealerships and ask for a ‘ute’ would you take the cheapest one?

Or would you compare the tray, fuel type, transmission, air-conditioning, warranty, capped priced servicing, build quality?

Without all the specifications, you aren’t able to make an informed decision about which ute represents the best value.

Construction insurance is no different.

It has conditions, exclusions, clauses and definitions and these can be significantly different from one insurer to the next.

We can help you get the best value for money because we are the construction insurance specialists.

Our business is built on advice.

Nick Morgan

Business Development Manager ACT MBA Insurance Services

er delivering profits ok br e nc ra su in ly on e MBAIS is th construction industry. & g din il bu e th to ck directly ba

Guideline ACT : Winning both category three, and category five on the evening, the team from Guideline ACT with their plaques.

2017 Civil contractors federation earth awards On Friday 12 May the 2017 CCF Earth Awards were held at the Hyatt Hotel Canberra. Guests from all over Canberra’s civil construction industry gathered to celebrate the achievements by the industry in the previous 12 months.

This year saw 14 finalists across the five categories with jobs ranging from road upgrades, to new bridges, innovative share paths and continued suburb development.

The night was a huge success with guests being entertained by Emcee Alan Tongue and both inspired and moved by the success story of duo Rio Gold Medallist Paralympian Dylan Alcott OAM. The president of the ACT Civil Contractors Association, Peter Middleton noted that the wet weather had impacted project delivery for many. “All the projects this year presented a high quality of workmanship, innovative use of materials and impressive problem solving solutions with challenges that arose during construction during what was one of Canberra’s wettest winters.”

Category 3 – Projects $5 million - $10 million GUIDELINE ACT – Cravens Creek Water Quality Control Pond The Cravens Creek Water Quality Control Pond was one element of the preliminary infrastructure works required to support the Molonglo Valley Stage 2 Urban Development.

Category 1 – Projects up to $1 million COMPLEX CIVIL - BRIDGE 3161 STRENGTHENING

The WQCP has been designed to withstand and manage ‘discharge rates up to the design 5 year ARI event and convey peak flows up to the 20 year ARI event through the primary spillway’

In response to increased loading from heavy vehicle traffic and changes to the Australian Bridge Design Code, 3 culverts located at the North and Southbound lanes of the Monaro Highway were earmarked for strengthening.

Category 4 – Projects $10 million - $30 million HUON CONTRACTORS – Barton Highway/Gundaroo Drive Intersection Signalisation

The existing culvert structures were strengthened using precast panels installed over the deck, transferring vehicle loading to the culverts vertical wall members.

The works were undertaken during lane closures outside of peak weekday traffic periods, restricting the construction window to 69 hours at each location. Crews worked tirelessly on rotation through the day and night, completing construction well ahead of schedule.

Category 2 – Projects $1 million - $5 million ACCLAIM CONTRACTORS - Woden Public Realm Improvements (Works Package 1 including Lift & Stairs) The project was initiated to improve the user experience at the existing Woden Bus Interchange and provide a connection to the Woden Town Square. The works will provide an improvement to public safety, pedestrian and cyclist movements, lighting and provide improved user access.

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The nominated works were described as the partial demolition of the upper and lower area including overhead walkway and roof slab, public toilets and cafe and the construction of new stairs and provision of an external public lift at the Woden Bus Interchange.

Canberra Building News I edition 2-2017

The Barton Highway is one of the busiest roundabouts in the ACT and suffers heavy traffic from Gungahlin, Belconnen, Nicholls, Crace and Gold Creek village especially during peak hours. The Barton Highway / Gundaroo Drive Intersection Signalisation project was initiated to improve the traffic flow by upgrading existing traffic lanes.

The construction works for the Project involved three major aspects: 1. Three traffic lanes on William Slim Drive, Gundaroo Drive and Barton Highway. Left turn slip lane on William Slim Drive, Gundaroo Drive and southern approach of Barton Highway, and works to facilitate bus movements through the Barton Highway roundabout.

2. Signalisation of the Barton Highway/Gundaroo Drive intersection with eight sets of Traffic signals on the roundabout and 3. Construction of a new shared path adjacent to the Barton Highway southbound with a high level shared path footbridge.

Category 5 – Projects $30 million - $75 million GUIDELINE ACT – Constitution Avenue Upgrade Constitution Avenue is a 2.5 kilometre road connecting Vernon Circle at City Hill to Russell. The road is a key element of the Walter Burley Griffin Plan and, as the base of the National Triangle it is significant in the implementation of the Griffin Legacy for Canberra. $28.8 million was spent in the main works construction package.

The upgrade project was designed to deliver major transport infrastructure improvements along the road corridor including: Category 1 Winner – Complex Civil

ABOUT THE AWARDS The CCF Earth Awards are the most prestigious awards in civil infrastructure including; roads, bridges, railways, marine structures and utilities that are the economic veins and arteries that link the Australian community.

The CCF Earth Awards have the specific aim of recognising outstanding work in construction and environmental excellence which reflects development and use of the best technologies and practices by Australian civil contractors.

AWARD CATEGORIES Category Winner – Acclaim Projects are2split into the followingContractors contract value categories:

• • • • • •

pedestrian access with broad tree lined footpaths, a separated cycle path duplication of the original single lane carriageways; delivering a public space with high level finishes; landscaping facilities including advanced trees; and an upgrade of the trunk sewer & watermain for future development

Appreciating the importance and potential of Constitution Avenue, the Guideline ACT construction team brought to fruition a design fusing engineering and landscape elements that was able to deliver a project that forms a benchmark for public space in Australia to stand alongside some of the great Avenues of the world.

All the winners will go on to represent the ACT at the National CCF Earth Awards held in Canberra in November.

FRIDAY 12 MAY 2017 HYATT HOTEL CANBERRA

• Category 1 – up to $1 million • Category 2 – $1 million to $5 million • Category 3 – $5 million to $10 million • Category 4 – $10 million to $30 million • Category 5 – $30 million to $75 million

JUDGING CRITERIA Submissions will be assessed against the following criteria:

ACT BRANCH

1. Construction Management a. Construction excellence and industry best practice b. Innovation in concept and implementation c. Interface with other project parties d. Technical complexity 2. Environmental and Social Management a. Management environmental constraints and Category 3 Winner of – Guideline ACT enhancement b. Resource recycling/re-use c. Improvement in environmental amenity d. Community consultation, interface and benefits

Alan Tongue and Dlyan Alcott entertained guests on the evening

Event Partners

3. Project Management a. Project planning and management b. Quality Control and Work Health and Safety Workplace training c. Achieving timing and budget targets THANK YOU TO THE JUDGING PANEL

CE INDUSTRIES

Mick Burgess John McInerney Tom Layton

Category 4 Winner – Huon Contractors

Canberra Building News I edition 2-2017

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Introducing ben ponton, director general of the ACT’s Environment, Planning and Sustainable Development Directorate The ACT Government has recently appointed Ben Ponton to the role of Director-General of the ACT’s Environment, Planning and Sustainable Development Directorate (EPSDD). In this role Ben also wears the ‘hat’ of the ACT’s Chief Planner.

Ben is no stranger to planning and development in the ACT and will be well known to many MBA members.

For the last 14 years, Ben has worked for the ACT Government in areas such as building policy, strategic planning, environmental policy, land and planning regulation, transport, city services and urban renewal.

Prior to joining the ACT Government, Ben worked in the private sector as a town planning consultant on the far North Coast of New South Wales, before beginning his government career with various New South Wales local government authorities. Ben also worked for a number of years for the Australian Government in the building policy area.

Ben is a registered town planner through the Planning Institute of Australia and is passionate about achieving high quality outcomes through meaningful and effective engagement. Ben’s focus on engagement stems from a “strong belief that citizens are the greatest asset that Government’s can use to develop robust and deliverable policy”.

“It is important, in my view, to think of our citizens as all Canberrans. Our citizens include residents, industry, community groups and all of whom we interact with or affect. My immediate focus will be to reach out and work with as many people as possible. I will also be asking my team to think about how we can make interactions with our customers easier, and to think about how we can better engage with our citizens. I would like to think that we can make engaging with Government easy and not time intensive, so that we can capture as many views as possible from the broadest cross section of people and interest groups” Ben said.

Ben also noted that this level of engagement will be critical as we work through the challenges that will present over the next five years. “If we are to deliver on the Government’s agenda of urban renewal, sustainable and affordable housing, with a mix of housing types to accommodate a range of needs and creating high quality spaces and active communities, we need to work together with industry and the community as a team, not against one another; only with this mindset will we achieve the best outcomes for Canberra” Ben said.

When asked about returning to EPSDD, Ben said he was “delighted to be returning to the Environment, Planning and Sustainable Development Directorate. As many of your members know, I left the directorate about a year and half ago and in that time I have been fortunate enough to have worked across several ACT Government agencies and projects but with a return to EPSDD, I really do feel like I am coming home”.

“If we are to deliver on the Government’s agenda of urban renewal, sustainable and affordable housing, with a mix of housing types to accommodate a range of needs and creating high quality spaces and active communities, we need to work together with industry and the community as a team, not against one another; only with this mindset will we achieve the best outcomes for Canberra” - Ben Ponton

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Canberra Building News I edition 2-2017

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GOVERNMENT SHOWS STRONG SUPPORT FOR BUILDING AND CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY The 2017-18 Federal Budget includes a plan to build a stronger and more prosperous Australia, supported by a strong building and construction industry.

CEO of Master Builders Australia, Denita Wawn, said “the Budget measures focus on the right parts of the economy at the right time, particularly areas of strength such as the building and construction sector, the nation’s second largest industry,” “The Government’s commitment in the Budget to building more new homes and working with state and territory governments to removing barriers to increasing the housing supply will be positive in tackling the housing affordability challenge,” she said.

•

Housing Affordability

•

Many of the budget measures are consistent with Master Builders’ policy positions and our advocacy for industry specific policy settings that deliver tangible outcomes for members. It is notable that the Government has resisted calls to take a simple approach to complex policy issues and instead embraced a broad suite of measures that are comprehensive and appropriately targeted.

The major initiatives relevant to the building and construction industry are summarised below.

Infrastructure

• • •

22

The Government is committing over $70 billion from 2013-14 to 2020-21 to transport infrastructure across Australia, using a combination of grant funding, loans and equity investments.

The Government is expanding the use of equity and debt financing where appropriate to augment our infrastructure spending.

The Government is establishing the Infrastructure and Project Financing Agency on 1 July 2017 to assist in the identification,

Canberra Building News I edition 2-2017

development and assessment of equity and debt financing options for investment in major infrastructure projects.

In the ACT, the Commonwealth is providing a total of $67.1 million to the ACT for Capital Metro through the Asset Recycling Initiative.

• • • • • •

Unlocking supply – the Government will help boost supply of housing by: - Providing $1 billion to fund critical housing sector related infrastructure - Working with States/Territories to deliver planning and zoning reform that speeds up development - Releasing Commonwealth Government land for residential development - $70 billion on transport infrastructure to 2020-21 - Housing supply targets in new agreements with State/Territory Governments First home buyer contributions into superannuation Reducing barrier for downsizers Strengthening the capital gains tax rules on foreign investors and relaxing for private investors into affordable housing Social and affordable housing targets between levels of Government Establish a National Housing Finance and Investment Corporation to operate a affordable housing bond aggregator Tax incentives for private investment into affordable housing

2017-18

BUDGET REPORT

Business Growth

• • •

support an extra 300,000 apprentices over the next four years.

Ongoing funding will be subject to a match in funding levels from State/Territory Governments.

The instant write off for equipment purchases of up to $20,000 will be extended until 30 June 2018 for businesses with a turnover of less than $10 million (5 times higher than the previous turnover threshold).

The Government’s National Partnership on Regulatory Reform will reward States/Territories that reduce regulatory restrictions on competition, particularly those on small business.

The Government will provide $300 million over two years under the new National Partnership on Regulatory Reform to incentivise the States and local Governments to lessen the regulatory burden.

Workplace Relations

• • •

Workforce Skills

•

Australian Building and Construction Commission: $79.6 million in 2016-17 and $71.9 million in 2017-18, with staffing levels to expand to 155 in 2017-18.

Fair Work Ombudsman and Registered Organisations Commission: $184.6 million in 2016-17 and $183.7 million in 2017-18, with staffing levels to expand to 730 in 2017-18.

The Asbestos Safety and Eradication Agency: $9.2 million in 2016-17 and $8.6 million in 2017-18. Safe Work Australia will receive $31.8 million in 2016-17 and $32.1 million in 2017-18 with no change to resourcing levels.

The Government will establish a new Skilling Australia fund, funded by a levy of businesses who access skilled migrants, seeing it deliver $1.5 billion over four years. The fund is slated to

“The Government’s commitment in the Budget to building more new homes and working with state and territory governments to removing barriers to increasing the housing supply will be positive in tackling the housing affordability challenge” - Denita Wawn, CEO, Master Builders Australia Major economic parameters Outcomes

Forecasts

Projections

2015-16

2016-17

2017-18

2018-19

2019-20

2020-21

Real GDP

2.6

1.75

2.75

3

3

3

Employment

1.9

1

1.5

1.5

1.5

1.5

Unemployment rate

5.7

5.75

5.75

5.5

5.5

5.25

Consumer price index

1.0

2

2

2.25

2.5

2.5

Wage price index

2.1

2

2.5

3

3.5

3.75

Nominal GDP

2.3

6

4

4

4.5

4.75

Canberra Building News I edition 2-2017

23

Meet the New World of Talent Sourcing & Talent Management

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 Recruitment for all types and levels of construction positions  Focused on organisations and talent in ACT  Deep knowledge of trends affecting Architecture, Construction & Engineering  Behavioural and skills assessments along with cultural fit evaluation  HR advisory and consulting packages for small businesses  Organisational change support  Policies & procedures  Job descriptions  Performance management  Fair work advisory services

Call today for recruitment and HR services designed for your business.

Michael Schroedl - Ignite, Canberra

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Architecture, Construction & Engineering e. michael.schroedl@igniteservices.com t. 02 6113 7543

Outsourced People Services e. sharon.costigan@igniteservices.com t. 02 6113 7538

www.igniteservices.com 24

Canberra Building News I edition 2-2017

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Count on the experts at Ignite to provide your business with time-saving, risk-reducing advice and programs – at an affordable price.

FEATURE

4 Reasons

why you should use

Asset Construction Hire It’s no secret ACH is now the market leader in construction equipment hire in the ACT region.

This success is largely due to the commitment found in four main areas of the business.

So when the question is asked ‘Why use Asset Construction Hire?’ the answer is simple…

1. Product Range

3. Operational Support

ACH current fleet consists of; > 330 electric scissors lifts across all sizes and functionality > 40 rough terrain diesel scissor lifts > 80 rough terrain knuckle and straight booms > 30 fork lifts and telehandlers

ACH has five full time mechanics, three based at their workshop and two on the road, completing repairs and mandatory inspections. ACH understand the cost to the customer if down time occurs due to faulty equipment and have on hand, fully qualified plant and auto mechanics to resolve problems quickly and accurately.

ACH have a range of speciality equipment which includes; spider knuckle lifts, bioenergy booms, electric rough terrain scissors, tipper trucks and work utes. This diverse range of products, built from our customers’ needs, allows ACH an advantage over other national hire companies.

4. Administration Team

An ever-growing range of products continue to meet the demands of ACH client requests. Six years into existence ACH has a fleet totalling 480 units. That number is expected to exceed 500 units by the end of 2017.

2. Sales Team

ACH have a dedicated sales team who are committed to solving problems for their customers. Any issues are considered and resolved with competency, care and timeliness.

The well-respected reputation of the account managers is qualified by their actions. From general questions to site inspections, the team prides themselves on being there for their customers.

With 40 years of combined experience in client service and a ‘customer comes first’ attitude, the company is one, people know they can rely on.

Many factors are considered when deciding which company to hire construction equipment from. One of those factors is how well the equipment is maintained and how quickly will the company respond when a break down or problem occurs.

Communicating accurate financial transactions for every hire saves time and frustration. This is why ACH has a team who understand the importance of collecting accurate and concise information relating to the hire, which is speedily converted into an invoice—meaning the customer has all the relevant information at hand.

The paper work will be completed smoothly and when a query is raised the team at ACH will listen and respond quickly.

“We have listened to our customers and have established our systems based on what they need and want. I believe the client shouldn’t have to problem solve that’s our job and I have the team and equipment that can deliver on all accounts” ACH Founder, Darrell Leemhuis

www.assethire.com.au “Let us be an asset to your business” 26

www.assethire.com.au | 1300 361 383

Canberra Building News I edition 2-2017

FEATURE LIFTOUT Specialty Equipment ACH have purposely developed a range of speciality access equipment to help service their customers.

These include: > Spider lifts that extend from 17m thru to 28m > 20m truck mounted booms > Nifty bioenergy booms and all terrain booms > Bioenergy rough terrain scissor lifts > Towable boom lifts > Athena track scissor lifts Having this extensive range of speciality equipment complements ACH’s already extensive range of Elevated Work Platforms and it is our intension to add more unique pieces of equipment over the next 12 months.

1890 Spider Knuckle

Truck Mount Boom

Athena 850

Nifty SD210

“Let us be an asset to your business”

www.assethire.com.au | 1300 361 383

Canberra Building News I edition 2-2017

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FEATURE LIFTOUT Stick & Knuckle Booms When you need to reach something at height, a stick boom will provide you with a solution to your problem.

If your work site requires you to go up and over in order to reach your desired location then ACH will provide the perfect knuckle boom to complete the task.

ACH have invested extensively over the last six years and now have over 80 booms in our fleet ranging from 11m knuckles through to 48m stick booms.

Genie Z-40N RJ

Genie S-85

Genie Z-51/30J RT

Genie ZX-135/70

www.assethire.com.au “Let us be an asset to your business�

www.assethire.com.au | 1300 361 383

FEATURE LIFTOUT Electric & Rough Terrain Scissors ACH have a combined stock holding of 370 units within this category to meet the needs of the Canberra construction and associated industries.

The electric slab scissor range includes one and two man lifts from 3m to 14m in height with extendable decks, narrow body configurations and non marking tyres.

Our 4WD rough terrain scissor lifts come in both diesel and bioenergy options with single and double deck extensions, non marking tyres and a full range of attachments.

Genie-5390 RT

Dingli-SO808 EH

“Let us be an asset to your business�

www.assethire.com.au | 1300 361 383

FEATURE LIFTOUT Material Handling & Plant Equipment When it comes to moving large or heavy items around the warehouse or work site safely then ACH have a fork lift or telehandler to suit your requirements.

From 1.8 ton fork lifts to 4 ton telehandlers our account managers will find a solution for you.

Our range of plant equipment includes tipper trucks, rollers, compressors, generators and compaction equipment. If you need something we will do all we can to meet your needs.

2.5 Ton Folk Lift with Rotator

2.5 Ton Buggy Folklift

Tipper Trucks

25Kva Generator

P 40.17 Merlo Telehandler

Excavators

www.assethire.com.au “Let us be an asset to your business�

www.assethire.com.au | 1300 361 383

Introducing Master Builders Australia’s new ceo, Denita Wawn I am extremely honoured to have been appointed CEO of Master Builders Australia.

Tasmanian born and educated, I’m especially proud to be standing up for your interests at the national level.

For more than 20 years I have been a passionate advocate for business and the contribution strong and profitable enterprises make in our community.

That’s why supporting your business success is our main priority.

Whether it’s being your lobbyist in the Federal Parliament, speaking on your behalf on 125 Standards Australia Committees and the Australian Building Codes Board (ABCB) Consultative Groups, providing economic resources and insights or pushing back on union claims in the Fair Work Commission, the National Office is fighting your fight.

Master Builders ACT’s President, Board and Executive Director have been outstanding in their support for this approach and their directness in making clear the issues that matter to you as members.

A recent example of how Master Builders Australia supports the success of your business is in the area of company tax. Building and construction is the nation’s second largest industry and one of the most heavily taxed. We have consistently called for a cut in company tax rates and strongly support the Turnbull Government’s enterprise tax plan. Master Builders has lobbied particularly hard for company tax relief for small and medium businesses turning over less than $50 million.

This is a big win for 121,000 small and medium building businesses and will support the creation of more than 8,000 new jobs per year.

Overall it will reduce the tax burden by more than $700 million for thousands of small and medium family building firms when fully implemented.

Nevertheless the level of company tax remains too high for many companies and Master Builders will continue to call for its reduction.

Housing policy is a high profile issue and continues to be a major focus for Master Builders Australia. Our fundamental position is that only by

building more new homes can we keep home ownership within reach of all Australians and we will continue to lobby for reforms to pare back the impediments to increasing the housing supply.

But as Master Builders in the ACT have told us, there must also be recognition that a whole range of cost and regulatory factors are driving up house prices. Just one example is that, according to the Reserve Bank, the raw cost of building a new home has remained stable for nearly sixty years while house prices have more than quadrupled. This is in large part due to the costs of urban infrastructure being embedded in the price of land by state and local governments and Master Builders will be raising the awareness of our politicians of this and similar issues.

The National Office has also been standing up for your interests in the industrial relations space. We convened an Expert Panel on the implementation of the ABCC and the building code and workplace safety which was chaired by our National Director of Industrial Relations Shaun Schmitke. We have also been active in the Fair Work Commission on the so called ‘modernisation’ of our industrial awards where our focus is on ensuring our industry is not hit by significant cost increases and on flexibility for employers.

The Government’s review of security of payment laws in the building and construction industry has also been an important priority.

Engagement with the head of the review John Murray AM was facilitated at Master Builders National Board.

Ensuring the success of the industry and your business also means encouraging more people with the right attitudes and motivations into the industry and making sure there are the resources to equip them with the skills the industry needs. This too is a priority of the National Office.

Finally, it’s important that you should not need to ask how the National Office is working on your behalf. Better communication will also be an important priority including telling the story of our industry – the nation’s second largest industry, employing one in ten Australians and that is crucial for the nation’s future.

Canberra Building News I edition 2-2017

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Housing Inquiry Welcomed by Master Builders ACT Whether it is public housing in the suburbs, dual occupancies on Mr Fluffy blocks, McMansions, or solar access rules, housing is one of the most hotly debated topics in Canberra.

Take any of these issues and when you look behind the headline there are some important issues to be debated.

At the risk of stating the obvious Canberra’s land prices have been skyrocketing; our over-complicated planning regulations have all but eradicated design innovation; and new housing typologies are prevented from responding to the big demographic changes affecting Canberra and Australia alike.

Add to this list the role of housing in meeting the ACT Governments net zero emissions goal, preserving the character and heritage of Canberra’s historic precincts, and meeting community expectations about building quality.

For these reasons, a thorough inquiry into Housing in the ACT is welcomed by Master Builders ACT and the Territory’s building and construction industry.

The Chair of the Standing Committee on Planning and Urban Renewal, Caroline Le Couteur MLA, advised the Legislative Assembly of the Committee’s decision to initiate a new inquiry into housing on 30 March.

In this inquiry, the Committee will inquire into ‘the interaction of population growth, housing affordability, housing diversity and design, consumer behaviour, and suburban and environmental impact of residential development’.

The Committee, in this inquiry, will consider a number of issues, including:

• • •

32

existing housing diversity; demand for different housing types; effects of suburban infill, housing in centres, land release and greenfield development;

Canberra Building News I edition 2-2017

• • •

the effectiveness of existing regulation and zoning; best practice in this area in other jurisdictions; and any other relevant matter.

Through the course of this inquiry the Committee will take into consideration a broad range of views, in depth, and it intends to report to the Assembly by the last sitting day of 2018.

Master Builders are uniquely placed to make observations about housing and to advise the Planning and Urban Renewal Committee about trends, provide market intelligence and make suggestions for meeting future community and industry needs.

Builders are often placed in between meeting client needs, managing community expectations, and complying with government legislation.

Submissions to the ACT Inquiry into Housing are open until 31 October 2017. Master Builders ACT would welcome any comment from our members about the range of issues this inquiry will consider.

If you have a comment to make please email Master Builders ACT Deputy Executive Director Michael Hopkins on mhopkins@mba.org.au.

If you would like to make a more substantial contribution to the housing inquiry, we would like to publish contributions from our members in the form of a 500-750 word essay on any of the topics being considered by this inquiry. If you would like to supply a contribution, please email mhopkins@mba.org.au before 30 September and we will publish selected essays on the MBA web site and FaceBook page.

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Countdown to the Building Industry’s Night of Nights

This year’s Master Builders and CHC Excellence in Building Awards is fast approaching. Make sure you have your tickets booked and your outfit ready for the big night.

2017 Master Builders & CHC Excellence in Building Awards When: Friday 30th June Venue: Canberra Convention Centre Time: Red Carpet Arrivals from 6.15pm,

Awards commence 6.30pm Dress: Black Tie

Naming rights partner

Major Sponsors

Tickets: www.mba.org.au Info: 02 6175-5968

FINALISTS ANNOUNCED!

Associate Sponsors

Over 130 finalists across 48 award categories have been announced in the lead up to June 30.

For a complete list of finalists please visit www.mba.org.au

John Hanna Suit Hire Need to hire a suit? John Hanna is offering MBA Members a discounted rate on suit hire.

Make sure you have your fitting before June 16, so you don’t miss out.

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Canberra Building News I edition 2-2017

Associate Sponsors

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Canberra Building News I edition 2-2017

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Construction technology has taken off at a rapid rate in the last few years, and for good reason. Industry leaders such as Watpac and Mirvac, as well as smaller companies, have recognised the value of business software. The right technology solutions have been shown to shield businesses from market fluctuations, improve efficiency and make worksites safer.

As more companies recognise the value of the new technologies, they face two critical questions. When is the best time to implement new technology? And what is the best way to go about it?

Construction companies looking to harness technology’s full potential have three options:

• • •

Build a customised solution Buy software from an established vendor Partner with a startup to develop a solution

In this piece, we’ll investigate each solution to help you decide which is best for you.

Building your software solution yourself It’s no secret that construction is a practical industry. If you want something done right, it’s often easier to do it yourself. Builders rarely shy away from a challenge, which is why many opt to develop software solutions in-house.

One benefit of rolling up your sleeves and getting knee-deep in code is that you retain complete control of your project.You understand the challenges and unique problems your business faces, and you have the freedom to tailor technological solutions around existing processes. The downside: you also shoulder all the risks.

Unfortunately, customisability is often where the benefits of a DIY solution end. Companies developing their own software ultimately pay the most and take the longest to realise benefits.

The biggest problem with software is the challenge of ‘technical debt.’ Think of it this way: you build a single storey house but when circumstances change, you need to add a second level. A knock-down/ rebuild would take too long and cost too much.You face the prospect of replacing the foundation while keeping the building intact.

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Canberra Building News I edition 2-2017

Similarly, it’s almost impossible to build software without taking the system offline or risking it falling over. Even worse, these issues can make software ineffectual in the long term, and be costly to fix.

Build-it-yourself technology is fraught with other risks:

• • •

Ongoing costs to maintain customised business systems can be prohibitive These solutions often have shorter useable lifespans compared to other options Legacy systems may be unfit for purpose

When considering whether to build your own software, it’s essential to evaluate the related opportunity cost. If you wouldn’t attempt to recreate Outlook for emails, or build yourself an excavator, it’s probably wiser to engage experts in construction technology.

Buying software from a large vendor Once you’ve identified a problem that technology can solve, working with a big name vendor can seem like an attractive option.You get an established product with an extensive feature set.You know the product is going to be stable, and that it will work for well-defined, distinct functions such as accounting and invoicing. Better yet, you won’t have to manage a team of internal tech resources.

The true benefit of established software is that you know exactly what you’re going to get - both the good and the not-so-good. If the software solves your core needs, then you’re in luck, and you can get right down to implementation.

That said, large software packages are not without problems, including:

• • • •

The range of solutions may be overwhelming –packages often come with more solutions than you have problems The products may not address your actual business needs You may spend thousands of dollars on systems you don’t need but you receive because they are part of the package These systems can quickly lose touch with fast-paced industries and innovations

You wouldn’t rent a cherry picker for a job you could do with a ladder.You’d be foolish to hire a cement truck to deliver a bucket of concrete. Similarly, it’s important that the software you choose doesn’t set you up for failure. If you find yourself in this situation, you have two options – adapt or start over. Neither is an attractive option, and both leave your business worse off.

The power of partnering So, you have a particular business problem and you’re sure technology can provide a solution. But none of the large vendors can meet your exact needs. And you don’t want to build the software yourself. The good news? There’s an option that combines the best of both.

Servicing Canberra & Queanbeyan

By partnering with a startup familiar with your problem area, you can get a technology solution that addresses all of your needs.

Collaborative partnerships deliver benefits including:

• • • • • •

Access to the cutting edge technology for a fraction of the price The ability to contribute to the product’s roadmap A strategic competitive advantage through cost and efficiency savings Reduced reliance on legacy systems that don’t deliver results The ability to uncover new business insights, as the startup brings a fresh perspective A continually improving product as a result of the partner’s industry engagement

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The technology market in Canberra, and around Australia, is booming. There’s a good chance you can find a construction technology startup in your backyard. Canberra, for example, is home to sub-contractor project productivity software developer Trade-Up, and defect and inspection tool Mesmer. It’s also where SignOnSite is headquartered.

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At SignOnSite, for example, we invest in our relationship with our clients over time through our Innovation Partner Program. We commit to providing a solution that is far superior to what can be achieved with a DIY build or large vendor. At the end of the day, we know that everyone benefits when we’re growing together. *** The way you use technology to solve your business problems will depend on factors including how specific your needs are, which providers can meet your requirements and your ability to consider the bigger picture.

To get the most out of construction technology, you need a solid idea of the problems you’re trying to solve, and how technology can enhance the way you do business. Only then can you make an informed decision on what will work for you. In future articles, we’ll dig deeper into the pros and cons of each technology implementation method.

Interested in finding out how to partner with technology start ups?

Visit CBRIN’s website for more: www.cbrin.com.au.

Key takeaways

• • • •

While DIY software development can seem cheaper, don’t forget about hidden costs Factor in high customisation costs when working with established vendors Partnering with a start-up can help you get the technology that you need, at an affordable price Don’t be afraid to provide software vendors with feedback – your insights help to build better products.

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Canberra Building News I edition 2-2017

UC will soon enjoy a state of the art new workshop and lab The University of Canberra’s Building 7 is undergoing a radical refit to accommodate a new state-of-the-art ‘makers’ workshop and building materials laboratory complex on the ground floor.

The complex will include a separate new 3D-printing facility, wood and metal working areas as well as facilities for composite materials design and manufacture.

Students from the Faculty of Arts and Design will have access to the laboratory and workshop complex. This includes students studying building and construction, architecture, landscape architecture, interior design and industrial design.

The Building Materials Laboratory will enable students to study the science of building materials, including wood, concrete, and steel as well as other components. The laboratory will house technology and machinery for testing materials.

These new facilities, which will enable innovation and research in design and built environment materials, will allow students to benefit from an enhanced learning experience throughout their degree programs.

Photos : Artist’s impressions of the new state of the art facilities at the University of Canberra.

Canberra Building News I edition 2-2017

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Industry Breakfast with Senator the Hon Michaelia Cash On 29 March Senator Michaelia Cash addressed more than 70 Master Builders ACT members about the re-introduction of the Australian Building and Construction (ABCC) legislation.

The Senator acknowledged the contribution of ACT members during the Royal Commission into Trade Union Corruption, and acknowledged the ongoing support from Master Builders to achieve support for the ABCC’s reintroduction.

Thanks go to breakfast sponsors Village Building Company and Clayton Utz, who were recognised by the Senator and MBA ACT President Gracie Ferreira for their ongoing support of Master Builders campaign for a fairer industrial relations landscape in the construction industry.

Any member requiring advice about the impact of the new laws are encouraged to contact the MBA ACT’s industrial relations team on 6175 5900.

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for further information contact: Photo (L-R) : Master Builders Australia CEO Denita Wawn, MBA ACT Executive Director Kirk Coningham, Senator Michaelia Cash, MBA ACT President Grace Ferreira

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Waterproofing...something to consider for this winter.

The Australian waterproofing market is reported to be one in excess of $220M per annum and growing. Unfortunately a large proportion of this market is made up from remedial waterproofing on relatively new structures, not just new construction.

day, make the task of waterproofing even more challenging. In the winter, the combination of cold temperatures and increased humidity produce one set of conditions which impedes curing, whilst hot and dry conditions in summer can result in rapid curing.

An often quoted industry statistic is that waterproofing accounts for less than 2% of overall construction costs, yet accounts for over 80% of post construction issues. Whilst this is an unsubstantiated figure, it is rarely argued by those in the industry. A recent study by UNSW found that the top three most common defects reported by owners of apartment blocks were:

Most material suppliers provide performance testing and installation data for their technologies based on 23oC and 50%rh.

Unfortunately Canberra’s average temperature falls well outside this range in eight out of twelve months. For the next four months Canberra’s average forecast is:

1.

2.

3.

Internal water leaks – 42% Cracking to internal or external structures – 42% Water penetration from outside – 40%

SOURCE: UNSW City Futures Research Centre – Governing the

• • • •

May: June: July: August:

9oC - 80%rh 7oC - 82%rh 6oC - 80%rh 7oC - 77%rh

What does this mean for the performance of your primers, membranes and adhesives?

Compact City:The role and effectiveness of strata management, 2012

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To further exacerbate waterproofing issues, Canberra and the surrounding New South Wales area provides come of the country’s most brutal conditions for installing and maintaining waterproof membranes. The highs and lows of temperature and humidity throughout the seasons, and even the massive temperature swings which can occur in a single Canberra Building News I edition 2-2017

Dew point can create condensation problems for primers bonding to substrates. Our winter climate can cause longer set times for materials, longer periods between recoating, extended curing time before tiling, and increased waiting times before flood testing and serviceability for follow on trades. The waterproofing of a single bathroom with an expected turnaround of two days from priming to tiling may now be extended to a 16 day installation process

depending on the systems and materials used.

We can’t just stop work for the next four months.

Sure we can keep on working, but the 20 year manufactures warranty may now be void as the small print simply states “Do not install with an ambient or substrate temperature below 5oC”. With a seemingly endless range of products on the waterproofing market understanding what system you are using and how it performs in a cold weather climate is critical to ensuring your project success.

Workshopping your project, from pre-design to completion, with all stakeholders is a great starting point. It’s important to engage with your product suppliers to understand how you can get the right material and process for your specific application, including cold weather timelines and QA documentation. This could help save your time, your money and your reputation.

The cost to waterproof a bathroom during new construction may be around $300 per bathroom. The cost of remediation for the same bathroom post construction could be well in excess of $15,000. Taking the time to ensure you’ve got this trade right for your project is a must, regardless of the size or scope of works.

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Peace of mind.

The Master Builders Fidelity Fund was established in 2002 to protect the interests of both consumers and builders in the ACT. For Builders, the Master Builders Fidelity Fund provides financial certainty as money held by the Fund remains in the ACT. It is securely invested and used for the betterment of the ACT builders and consumers and is therefore not subjected to the vagaries of international markets and events.

The Fidelity Fund issues Fidelity Certificates which provide consumer protection for owners of new homes and those making significant changes to homes. The Certificates protect the owner during construction and for up to six years from the date of practical completion.

Master Builders members receive reduced premium rates and we also offer special discounts for volume users of the Fidelity Fund. For more information contact the Master Builders Fidelity Fund.

Go online and find the cover that is right for you. www.mba.org.au/fidelity_fund

Master Builders Fidelity Fund 1 Iron Knob St, Fyshwick ACT 2609 | PO Box 1211, Fyshwick ACT 2609 Tel: (02) 6175 5995 Fax: (02) 6257 8349 Email: mbff@mba.org.au Web: www.mba.org.au

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Canberra Building News I edition 2-2017

Construction Health and Safety Culture Survey A new research project to evaluate the health and safety culture within Canberra’s construction industry has begun.

Following recent incidents on worksites in Canberra, the ACT Government said it was especially important it carry on its work hard to improve health and safety measures and outcomes for all workers.

November 2012

This research supports the review of the ‘Getting Them Home Safely’ report, and will provide a platform for the ACT Government’s strategic health and safety planning for the construction industry.

The Centre for Construction Work Safety Research at RMIT University (RMIT) will be undertaking the research. The research looking at the state of the present-day health and safety culture within Canberra’s construction industry, and what a ‘positive’ or ‘strong’ health and safety culture would look like. The research will also try to find ways to improve the construction industry’s health and safety, and how this can be achieved.

RMIT has developed an online survey for employers and workers, and Master Builders ACT encourages all members to participate. The survey can be found a the RMIT website.

Site visits will also be incorporated into the research.

GettiNG Home Safely

Inquiry into Compliance with Work Health and Safety Requirements in the ACT’s Construction Industry

A report of the entire review will be presented to Minister for Workplace Safety and Industrial Relations, Rachel Stephen-Smith.

Canberra Building News I edition 2-2017

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Photo Credits: Doma Group - The Pier Kingston - Canberra; Morris Property Group - Mayfair - Canberra

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Canberra Building News I edition 2-2017

Current Winning Group CEO 4th generation John Winning and 3rd generation John Winning Sr.

update from Ozhelp In August the OzHelp team celebrate 15 years supporting building and construction industry workers in the ACT and surrounds.

Cast of “Out of the Blue� with OzHelp staff.

On May 23rd OzHelp hosted a performance of Health Plays -Out of the Blue at the Q in Queanbeyan.

OzHelp turns 15 Years Old

OzHelp farewells Glenn Baird

In August the OzHelp team are set to celebrate 15 years supporting building and construction industry workers in the ACT and surrounds. OzHelp offers EAP (Employee Assistance Program) services free of charge to the building and construction industry in the ACT. Free services available to members include onsite health screening, confidential counselling, workplace training programs on mental health awareness and skills in identifying and supporting at risk employees.

After 14 Years supporting people OzHelp farewells Glenn Baird, who is moving on to exciting new adventures. Glenn has been a literal lifesaver for hundreds of people in the industry through his work with OzHelp.

Employers interested in utilising this free service for their workers can contact James Mills on 1300 694 357.

OzHelp Launches Online Delivery of Health and Wellbeing checks.

Based on the highly successful Tradies Tune Up program - OzHelp have developed the ability for employers to provide health and wellbeing checks to their employees that can be completed online.

This allows OzHelp to support more people than ever before.

Contact James Mills on 1300 694 357 for more information.

Amendments to Master Builders ACT Home Building Contract

Building and construction market in Dubai and the GCC now hits $US 141 billion

The ACT Home Building Contract has been recently been amended in response to feedback from MBA members and will shortly be available for purchase.

The International Division of Master Builders Australia has been assisting Australian firms to access the large construction market in Dubai and Gulf Cooperation Council Countries (GCC) since 1999.

It is important that members are aware of the changes, and use the most current version of the contract where possible.

The total value of construction contracts awarded across the GCC reached US $194 billion in 2015 of which the building and construction sectors alone were estimated to hit US$141 billion.

The most significant amendment relates to the dispute resolution clauses. Previously builders or consumers could be locked into an arbitration method to resolve disputes, when this process was not always the most suitable. The dispute resolution clause has been replaced with a simpler and more streamlined clause which gives parties more flexibility to choose a dispute resolution process to suit the circumstances of the dispute.

Other amendments include:

•

The contract variation clause has been amended to allow invoicing of agreed variations to be at the builder’s discretion, rather than at the next progress payment.

•

Clarification and strengthening of the provisions relating to access to the site.

•

Clarification of the appropriate time a builder may commence work under the contract

The other noticeable change in the contract is the new presentation and formatting. The contract design has been refreshed to give it a more professional look, elements have also been incorporated into the printing design and to ensure original documents are being used, not photocopies.

Due to new contracts being available soon, bulk purchases of the current MBA Home Building Contract will no longer be available. Individual contracts can still be purchased, however stock is limited.

The amended contracts will be available within the next two weeks.

For more information about the contract amendments please contact the MBA’s Director Industrial Relations, Cameron Spence on (02) 6175 5900.

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Canberra Building News I edition 2-2017

Now is your opportunity to join the next MBA mission to the Big 5 Show in Dubai from 26 to 29 November 2017 and capitalise on this important construction market.

The Big 5 Show has been held for the last 36 years and is now the largest building and construction Show in the Middle East. The Show attracted over 78,000 professional visitors last year and exhibitors from 59 countries and 2,586 exhibiting companies.

The Big 5 Show occupies all 12 halls of Dubai’s World Trade Centre in 5 dedicated industry categories: • • • • •

Building Envelope and Special Construction Building Interiors and Finishes Smart Building & Design Technologies MEP Services Construction Tools & Building Materials

MBA can arrange exhibition space in these dedicated sectors.

Contact Keith Stubbs, National Manager for MBA’s International Division for an information pack about the Big 5 Show next November – kstubbs@mbav.com.au or phone (03) 9411 4555

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It will also consider entirely different security of payment models, drawing on advice from various working groups established over the years. Thus, it is vitally important that members of the industry have their say in how any new regime will operate going forward.

Will the failing security of payment scheme ever get ‘fixed’?

By Alisa Taylor and Lauren Gray, Meyer Vandenberg Lawyers

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The Federal Government has announced plans for a review of the security of payment laws in the building and construction industry.

The review stems from a concern on the government’s behalf over the significant differences in security of payment frameworks across Australia, and the impacts of these differences on the level of protection afforded to subcontractors. The review will consult with business, governments, unions and other interested parties in the industry.

was that the Commonwealth commence a two year trial of ‘Project Bank Accounts’ on construction projects where the Commonwealth’s funding contribution exceeds ten million dollars, following which it was recommended that the Commonwealth legislate to extend the use of this form of ‘trust account’ to private sector construction. The report also examined ways to address phoenix activity as a significant issue in the construction industry (that is, the transfer of assets from an indebted company to a new company to avoid paying creditors etc).

Could we see a national security of payment framework?

The 2015 report also recommended that each state and territory construction licensing regime require:

It’s possible. The review will try to find areas of ‘best practice’ in the industry, following a review of the laws in each state and territory. The review will re-examine a number of previous enquiries into security of payment, including the December 2015 report by the Senate Economic References Committee on insolvency in the Australian construction industry, and the 2003 Cole Royal Commission into the Building and Construction Industry draft legislation.

•

The December 2015 Senate report made a total of 44 recommendations directed at overcoming the challenges that the construction industry faces in dealing with its high rate of insolvency.

One of those recommendations was that the Commonwealth enact uniform security of payment legislation. Another recommendation

The 2003 Cole Royal Commission made 211 reform recommendations, and unsurprisingly concluded that the Commonwealth should enact uniform legislation (with the peculiar exception for the national regime not to apply to construction contracts governed by the terms of a state or territory ‘in which

Canberra Building News I edition 2-2017

• •

that licence holders demonstrate they hold adequate financial backing for the scale of their intended project; that on registration, licence holders provide evidence they have completed an agreed level of financial and business training programs, including principles of commercial contract law; and that each licence holder demonstrates it is a fit and proper person to hold a licence.

What next?

Importantly for head contractors and subcontractors, the review will examine the various types of contractual clauses restricting contractors in the industry from obtaining payment for completed work. It will also consider entirely different security of payment models, drawing on advice from various working groups established over the years. Thus, it is vitally important that members of the industry have their say in how any new regime will operate going forward.

We will be monitoring the review, including making submissions through working groups we are participating in with numerous industry associations.

A progress report will be given to the Minister by 30 September 2017, and a final report will be given to the Minister by 31 December 2017 with recommendations.

Watch this space.

For more information contact the Building and Construction Dispute Resolution Team: Alisa Taylor Partner, Construction Dispute Resolution (02) 6279 4388 Alisa.Taylor@MVLawyers.com.au Lauren Gray Senior Lawyer, Construction Dispute Resolution (02) 6279 4332 Lauren.Gray@MVLawyers.com.au adequate alternative legislation is in force’ – adequate as declared by the Governor-General).

Is reform actually likely?

We have seen a number of reviews and enquiries over the years, all of which conclude a national regime is preferable. The difficulty with enacting national security of payment legislation lies in the Commonwealth’s limited powers to legislate in these areas. Security of payment is typically something that lies in the hands of the states and territories to enact, unless (a) the relevant state or territory refers its power to the Commonwealth or (b) the Commonwealth uses one of its specific constitutional powers to enact such legislation (which in itself is a long process). The bottom line is, it’s going to be a long process.

However, whilst changes may not happen next week, it is a hot topic in the industry and the government is presumably feeling the pressure.

Canberra Building News I edition 2-2017

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ACT Progressing on Building Quality Reforms Improving the quality of buildings across the ACT has been a cornerstone of Master Builders ACT advocacy and policy for many years. Master Builders ACT released its Building Quality Policy Document in 2015, and since that time industry has led the charge for reform to the ACT building industry.

In the last decade, the ACT Government conducted a thorough review of the building regulatory environment in 2010 and again in 2015. The ACT Government’s focus on building regulatory reform started to gather some momentum 18 months ago when the ACT Government responded to Master Builders call to establish a Building Regulatory Advisory Committee (BRAC) to act as an advisory group to government on building regulator priorities.

During the BRAC’s first year of operation it has had substantial input into the Government’s proposed building reforms, through consultation on the “Improving the ACT Building Regulatory Systems” discussion paper. Master Builders ACT, with extensive input from our members, made a comprehensive submission to the discussion paper.

But legislation alone will not improve building quality in the ACT. Industry must continue to lead the discussion about improving building quality, and it must also lead by example.

Of the approximately 4,000 licensed builders in the ACT, 12% are members of Master Builders ACT. Before becoming a member of Master Builders ACT, prospective members must be nominated by two existing members, approved by their relevant sector council, and approved by the full MBA Executive Committee. Upon joining, members agree to abide by the MBA Code of Conduct, and are subject to ongoing adherence to the Code by their clients, the general public, other members, and the MBA

The 43 recommendations include a wide ranging list of actions including reforms to builders licensing, security of payment, industry training, residential building contracts, statutory warranties and much more.

Master Builder’s recommendations have largely been accepted by the Government as priorities for reform. Then Minister for Planning, Mick Gentleman, released his response to the consultation by setting out 43 recommended priority actions to the reforming the building regulatory system. The 43 recommendations include a wide ranging list of actions including reforms to builders licensing, security of payment, industry training, residential building contracts, statutory warranties and much more.

During recent meetings between BRAC members and Ministers’ Gentleman and Ramsay, three short term priorities have been set out for urgent action by government. These priorities include:

• • •

Implementation of Continuing Professional Development (CPD) training for the construction industry within 3 years, starting with mandatory or directed training for licensees in identified industry deficiencies in the first 12 months.

Completion of reforms to builders licensing, including the investigation of trade contractor licensing, supervisor licensing and review of corporations licensing.

Clarifications to the Building Act relating to the application of home warranty insurance and statutory warranties to remove some existing uncertainty and respond to recent court decisions.

Running concurrently to actions at a local level, Master Builders ACT and Master Builders Australia are part of a national review of security of payment laws. These reforms aim to improve security of payment laws and adopt a consistent framework across the country for how payment claims and payment disputes are handled.

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Canberra Building News I edition 2-2017

Executive Committee. These members are leaders in our industry, and have all made a commitment to quality and excellence in the construction industry.

For building quality in the ACT to improve our industry leaders must continue to demonstrate best practice, all license holders must be held accountable to public and legislative standards, and government must continue to improve building legislation to ensure it reflects community and industry standards.

Master Builders ACT

Building Quality Policy

Master Builders Association of the ACT 1 Iron Knob St, Fyshwick ACT 2609 PO Box 1211, Fyshwick ACT 2609 T (02) 6280 9119 F (02) 6249 8374 E canberra@mba.org.au W www.mba.org.au

Policy Document Master Builders Association of the ACT

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Without all the specifications, you aren’t able to make an informed decision about which ute represents the best value.

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If you walk into two dealerships and ask for a ‘ute’ would you take the cheapest one?

Or would you compare the tray, fuel type, transmission, air-conditioning, warranty, capped priced servicing, build quality?

How much are you paying?

Construction insurance is no different.

It hastheir conditions,fleet exclusions,of clauses and The staff from Manteena saved on definitions and these can be significantly different from one insurer to the next.

Amaroks by using their membership discount at We can help you get the best value for becauseout we are the Lennock VW. Are you getting themoney most ofconstruction your insurance specialists. membership with the Master Builders?

Our business is built on advice.

Contact Hugo and the team at Lennock VW and find out what savings you can make.

Lennock Volkswagen 150 Melrose Drive, Phillip 17000028 Tel. 02 6282 2022 www.lennock.com.au

Find out how much you can save with our corporate partners. Visit www.mba.org.au for more information.

Nick Morgan

Business Development Manager ACT MBA Insurance Services

profits rance broker delivering Lennock MBAIS is the only insu stry. indu ion uct str con & lding directly back to the bui

Canberra

Thursday 23 March sponsored by CBRE

Andrew Stewart David Dawes Gracie Ferreira

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CBRE Land Development Agency Master Builders ACT

Thursday 6 April sponsored by Woden Contractors

Rory Goodsell Greg Jones Gracie Ferreira

Woden Contractors Worksafe ACT Master Builders ACT

Thursday 23 March sponsored by Chamberlains Law Firm

Stipe Vuleta Louise Morris Jon Stanhope Gracie Ferreira Rory Markham

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Thursday 18 March sponsored by Village Building Co.

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More than 27 •• More than 27 years’ experience • years’ Two experience hour initial

consultation ensuring premium service using 1/30 Bougainville St, Manuka latest technology

Village Building Co. ACT Greens Master Builders ACT

(parking on site at front of building)

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Canberra Building News I edition 2-2017

CWM0326

• 60-day return option

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Canberra Building News I edition 2-2017

60 Barrier Street Fyshwick ACT Tel: 02 6280 4111 Fax: 02 6280 9111