Aussie Painting Contractor July 2014

Sham Contracts The Hard Stuff Often Matters Most Painter Faces

$50,000 Clean up Get ‘Unstuck’

and Move Your Business Forward

www.aussiepaintersnetwork.com.au

From the Editor Welcome!

EDITOR Nigel Gorman

This month we welcome 138 new and renewed members who have been quick enough to get in before the new financial year. You can join anytime of course; if you need any convincing, check out our list of Member Benefits on our new site.

We revisit a few ongoing issues in this edition, such as Sham Contracting, business cards as your most important tool, and your obligations on the job with regards to hazardous materials; get it wrong and it could cost you dearly like one Brisbane painter who disturbed asbestos with a high pressure water washer. Make sure you understand what you’re dealing with. Also, we feature a painting company who tackled some unusual substrates! After all, it’s not just houses needing painting, so if you’re undertaking an unusual paint job, we’d love to hear about it.

Wow what a response to our new website, we have been receiving great feedback from those who have already visited our revamped website. We developed it to make it easier for both painters and consumers to navigate from your recommendations. It’s much improved so go and have a look and tell us what you think.

With the new financial year starting, now could be the time for you to start looking at where you want to be in twelve months’ time.

We have been developing some courses and are looking forward to bringing them to you. We have the Back to Basics Business Course.

It is for established as well as new painting businesses, it covers topics to include; marketing your business, WHS requirements, how to work out your ‘break even rate’ and many other topics. Contact us now so we can bring the course to you.

Happy Painting.

EXECUTIVE EDITOR Caroline Miall CONTRIBUTORS • Caroline Miall • Colin Thompson • Daniel Wurm • Jennie Gorman • Jim Baker • Joanna Weekes • Leo Babauta • Monroe Porter • Neil Slonim • Nigel Gorman • Sandra Price • Scott Robertson

Nigel Gorman

GRAPHIC DESIGNER

07 3555 8010

J. Anne Delgado

nigel@aussiepaintersnetwork.com.au

Contents Page 07 Protection Against Sham Contract Arrangements Page 10 Creating and Utilising A Client Base Page 13 The Hard Stuff Often Matters Most Page 16 Getting Unstuck Page 18 Sub-contractors & Insurance;

When they get hurt Page 22 Seven Tips for Successful Business Cards Page 24 Financial Spring Cleaning Page 27 Five Sure Ways

to get your banker offside Page 29 Eastend Painting Services Page 30 Changes to Work Safety Laws Now in Effect Page 31 $50,000 Asbestos Clean-up Costs Page 32 $59,500 Fine for workplace injury

due to Lack of Training Page 34 National Paint Stewardship Scheme Page 36 Summary of Painters’ Survey Results Page 38 Bridge Revamp

to engage high tech painting Page 40 Building Finishes Page 42 Free Tax Seminars Page 45 The 7 Deadly Credit Management Sins Page 47 Get set for a 3% wage increase Page 48 Restrain Yourself Page 44 Industry Idiots Page 45 Important Contacts

In the Chair We are really encouraged by the support we have received of late; last month we had loads of canny new members join before the end of the financial year. The greater our numbers the larger voice we will have in the changes to our industry. I will be in touch with each of you soon, if I haven’t been already. As always, thank you for your support and don’t hesitate to ring me if you need help with any aspect of your business.

The list of OHS Documents for members is growing and we have now completed the Safe Work Methods Statement for the safe handling of lead and Client Contract documents will be available very soon. If you require any documentation not already developed, let us know and we may be able to devise a pro forma to become a useful resource for all Members.

Our new website has been launched to achieve a more professional look, with additional features and updated content. We hope you will find it easier to navigate. Please make use of the consumer ‘Find a Painter’ area, where you can add your company profile in the free listing page; include your logo or photo. Do you need staff or are you looking for work? Check out the Employment Section and place your details for others to see. We are also happy to promote members as eMag Member of the Month with a company profile and photos. If you want some free promotion, write a couple of paragraphs about your company and include some images and you may be featured.

Colin Thompson colin@aussiepaintersnetwork.com.au Aussie Painters Network Your Partners in Painting 0433 724 794 07 3555 8010 1800 355 344

Opinions and viewpoints expressed in the Aussie Painting Contractor Magazine do not necessarily represent those of the editor, staff or publisher or any Aussie Painters Network’s staff or related parties. The publisher, Aussie Painters Network and Aussie Painting Contractor Magazine personnel are not liable for any mistake, misprint or omission. Information contained in the Aussie Painting Contractor Magazine is intended to inform and illustrate and should not be taken as financial, legal or accounting advice. You should seek professional advice before making any business related decisions. We are not liable for any losses you may incur directly or indirectly as a result of reading Aussie Painting Contractor Magazine. Reproduction of any material or contents of the magazine without written permission from the publisher is strictly prohibited.

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independent contractors Protection against ‘sham’ contract arrangements

The Commonwealth Fair Work Act protects genuine employees from ‘sham’ independent contracting arrangements sometimes used by employers to avoid paying employees their entitlements.

What is independent contracting?

There are different types of working relationships under the law in Australia. Some workers are employees and some workers are independent contractors.

Employees have set minimum legal entitlements, for example, payment of wages, hours of work, and personal and carer’s leave.

Independent contractors tend to run their own businesses and are usually free to negotiate their own fees and working arrangements. Unlike most employees who work for a single employer, independent contractors may provide services to a wide range of clients.

What are ‘sham’ contracting arrangements?

A ‘sham’ contracting arrangement occurs when an employer deliberately disguises an employment relationship as an independent contracting arrangement, instead of paying the worker as an employee. This may mean the worker misses out on a range of entitlements they could be entitled to.

In other cases, employees are pressured to become independent contractors where they are threatened with being dismissed or are misled about the effect of changing their working arrangements.

Protections Under the Fair Work Act it is illegal for an employer to misrepresent an employment relationship, or employment offer, as an independent contracting arrangement.

It is also illegal to dismiss, or threaten to dismiss, an employee with the main purpose of re-hiring that person as an independent contractor to do much the same work.

2014 July Issue | 7

8 | Aussie Painters Network

Contact Graco Australia: 03 9468 8500 0417 723 360 darren_jones@graco.com

2014 July Issue | 9

Creating and Utilising A Client Base There is no doubt that working for a builder is the simplest way of having consistent work flowing in; once job finishes, and the next begins. It certainly has its benefits, however, you may find yourself working for cut throat prices, often forcing you to produce work at a lesser quality than you would if you had more control. If you are taking the leap and starting out in business for yourself, then this is the time to establish yourself, creating a Client Base as you may not yet have built up a referral network which can see your business thrive.

NEW BUSINESS OPERATORS

By the time you have spent out money for your vehicle, equipment, registrations and insurances etc, there is most probably very little left for expensive advertising. So the problem is how do you get your name out there so clients can call you? Here’s a few tips in effectively creating your client database: 1. Create a contact list by writing down the names of every person you know; eg, family, friends, relatives, work colleagues.

2. Now make a list of people you don’t know but can make contact with; eg, neighbours (not just next door but extend to a few blocks away) and your business suppliers.

3. Join Facebook, LinkedIn and any other social media networks and gather as many contacts possible.

4. Finally, compose a letter introducing yourself and your new company and that you’re requiring work (you can maybe give a discount for the first 10 callers). Now send this letter out by Australia Post, email or on the social network sites to all the people in your list.

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ESTABLISHED BUSINESS OPERATORS If you partly or fully work for individual clients and do very little for builders, then you could have up to 50 clients per year that you could utilise for future advertising. These clients either found you through your advertising campaigns or they were recommended to you from another client. As you have spent valuable time and money to find them and they have gained your trust as a painter, they can now be used as a valuable source to expand your client base.

The biggest mistake you can ever make is forgetting all about your clients when the job is completed.

If this has been the case, then go back through all your records and retrieve as much information as you can. You have produced an excellent paint job (hopefully) so they would be more than happy to have you back or recommend you to others. Use this information to your advantage. All you have to do is make a courtesy call after 1, 2, 5 and 10 years to see how the paintworkis holding up. Maybe you can offer them a free paint inspection or a free house wash (depending on the original cost of the project).

You would be surprised how many people forget, ‘Who painted our house?’ and are pleased that you contacted them. I have won many jobs this way and all it takes is a phone call. It is also a good way to update your new database as people do move house or change their contact details. If they don’t require any painting themselves, ask them to recommend you to others and maybe offer a spotters fee for their trouble.

2. Create a website There are sites where you can put one together yourself. It is basic but free or invest in your business and seek testimonials for small business web designers.

3. A-frames These are excellent for job sites and are very effective. You can leave them overnight for people to see when they drive by after you have finished for the day. They range from about $100-$150.

4. Vehicle signage.

As your work vehicle is always moving around from job to job, I suggest the investing in magnetic door signs. These can be purchased for under $200 for two. When you can afford it, have your vehicle professionally sign-written. This form of advertising has given me $1.1 million of accepted quotes

(directly and indirectly) since 1986, so to me it has been a very worthwhile investment.

5. Letter box drop.

When you are on a site, make sure you put your introductory letter in the letter boxes in that street advising you are in the area (give the house number). If they require a quote they can pop in or give you a call.

6. Free or low cost internet sites to advertise.

Your paint supplier or industry representative may have an area where you can place your business name and details. Try organisations you belong to, eg, Aussie Painters Network, MPDA, Green Painters, etc. by : Jim Baker

www.mytools4business.com

Remember, creating leads from an existing client base does not require any costly advertising.

How else should you get your name out there?

1. Invest in some business cards These can cost as little as $50-$150 for a 1000. Take them wherever you go and give them to people you meet. If they are in business themselves, request their card and send a follow-up introductory email. These can also be left at community based notice boards, paint supply outlets and hardware stores.

2014 July Issue | 11

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The Hard Stuff Often Matters Most

by Leo Babauta

I’ve tried a lot of types of exercise, but by far the most effective exercise in terms of results for time spent is heavy barbell lifts.

For 10-15 minutes of lifting a barbell laden with weights, I get a better physique, improved health, more strength and muscle, less bodyfat.

I’ve spent hours running, doing bodyweight exercises, doing Crossfit, playing sports, biking, swimming, and generally doing the craziest kinds of exercises possible.

They’re all very good, but for the time that I’ve invested in them, weights are the ones that matter most.

I’ve found the barbell method — lifting the heavy stuff but for short periods — works for lots of things in life. From productivity to relationships to finances to losing bodyfat to business growth.

The hard stuff really matters.

I’ll get to the productivity/finances /relationships stuff in a second, but first let me clarify: I’m talking about very simple, heavy barbell lifts for few reps and sets (3 sets of 4-7 reps). And do them with good form, or you might get injured.

Start out light, get the form right, progressively add weight each week. The most important lifts are

things like deadlifts and squats (best two), bench press, shoulder press, rows. Add some chinups and you’re done. With rest days in between. And yes, women should do these lifts too. Yes, runners should do them too. Yes, vegans can lift heavy too.

These lifts are hard , and so people avoid them. But they work better than anything else, for the time invested.

I’ve learned that in lots of other areas, the hard stuff that people avoid is what matters most. It’s what’s most effective. I’ll give you some examples: • Productivity : If you have a long list of tasks to do, you could waste time checking a bunch of sites, processing your emails, getting lots of easier tasks done, running around from one meeting to another … and most people do that.

But on that list, there are probably about 3 really hard things that you’re avoiding. Those are possibly the most important things on the list, and if you put everything else off for a bit to focus on one of those, and then the next one, you’re going to see a world of difference. You’ll be doing fewer things but you’ll be much more effective. The hard tasks that you avoid are usually the ones that matter.

• Fat loss : People do a lot of crap to lose weight. Tons of diets, the weirdest workouts, shakes and salads and and elliptical machines and kickboxing dance classes and calorie counting. And yes, if you can stick to some of these, they will probably work. But really, only a couple things matter, and by far the most important one is to eat a diet that’s lower in calories. And the best way to stick to that is to eat a bunch of mostly whole foods (calculate calories to make sure you’re in a deficit) like lean protein (I like tempeh, seitan, tofu), nonstarchy veggies, a small amount of whole grains. Pile up the protein & veggies for three meals a day, don’t add other snacks and calorie-rich drinks (lattes) and you’ll probably see weight loss. I’d add some heavy strength training so you don’t lose muscle. So it’s pretty simple, but people don’t do it, because sticking to a healthy, calorie-deficit diet is hard . It means skipping the snacks and binge eating and work party food and all the other sweet and fried treats you’re used to indulging in. It means finding other ways to comfort yourself other than food and drinks. But it works.

Continue on Page 14...

2014 July Issue | 13

• Relationships : Building relationships isn’t always easy, because while it’s fun to hang out with people when things are going well, it’s much harder when there’s conflict. So while spending time with someone is important when it comes to relationships, having difficult conversations is often the most important thing you can do in that time. And that’s hard, because it’s uncomfortable, so people avoid it. This only makes things worse.

Do the hard work, and have the difficult conversation. But try not to do it so that you’re right or so that you “win” … it should be finding a solution you’re both happy with. I recommend reading Difficult Conversations .

• Business growth : There are lots of things you can do to grow a business (or your career), but usually there’s one or two things you can do that are hard but effective. For me, that’s writing useful articles that help change people’s lives. For my 14-year-old daughter’s cupcake business, that’s spending time perfecting her recipes until they’re to-die-for. Those things take hard work, and so we avoid them. We do all the smaller things and think we’re helping our businesses. But actually, we’d be better spending our time on the hard, effective, important things.

• Finances : How do you improve your finances? Spend less, earn more, invest. Pay your bills on time to avoid paying fees and interest, but that can be automated. Those are the most important things, and they’re not always easy. So people put them off. But if you spend an hour finding ways to reduce your spending (stop shopping or spending on entertainment), you’d make a big difference. If you spent 20 minutes setting up automatic savings (or investment in an index

14 | Aussie Painters Network

fund), you’d make a big difference.

If you spent 30 minutes paying your bills and automating them for the future, you’d save a lot of headaches.

• Mindfulness : Lots of people want to live a more mindful life, and I encourage it, because developing mindfulness is one of the best things I do. But they don’t want to meditate. And yet, a few minutes a day (working up to 10 or 20 minutes) meditating makes such a huge difference.

A Few Tips for Doing Hard Stuff People avoid the hard things, even if it’s important, because it’s hard.

1. Take time to figure out what hard stuff you need to do. This takes a few minutes of sitting there and thinking, rather than procrastinating and checking stuff online to avoid this thinking. But it’s necessary.

After awhile, you won’t need to think about it because you’ll know.

2. Take a moment to commit yourself to doing one hard thing. It could be a bout of writing, a hard short workout, paying some bills.

One thing, not all of them. Commit yourself for the next 10, 20 or 30 minutes.

3. Clear away everything. Bookmark all your tabs for later, make notes on a task list for things you need to do later, and then close all tabs, all windows, all notifications. Just you and this one difficult task.

4. Don’t let yourself run. Your mind will want to run from the hard thing, because you have an ideal in your head that life will be comfortable and easy and pleasant. This ideal obviously isn’t reality, because putting off the hard things by focusing on the easy and pleasant only makes your life harder and more uncomfortable over time. So focus on the hard thing, see your mind wanting to run, then don’t run.

5. Enjoy it. Lifting a heavy barbell is super hard. I love it. It feels like I’m super strong, like I’m accomplishing something great, like I can conquer the world. You can get the same kinds of feelings from any hard task — instead of thinking about how it sucks.

So what are we to do?

And be grateful when you can.

Now imagine you took your day, which has limited time, and stopped doing all the little things.

Imagine you focused on the hard, effective things. You could spend 10 minutes meditating, an hour doing the hard important tasks that improved your career or business.

Another 20 minutes having a difficult conversation, another 20 improving your finances. Another 30 doing two heavy barbell lifts.

Another 30 minutes preparing whole foods for your day’s meals.

That’s less than 3 hours of your day, but you’d improve productivity, your business, your finances, your relationship, mindfulness, your health and appearance. You’d have plenty of time for the other stuff, but focus on this stuff first, and see huge rewards.

Leo Babauta, a successful ‘simplicity’ blogger & author from

California, is the creator of top 25 Blog, Zen Habits, chronicling his insights from acting significant changes in his personal and working life. We are delighted to share some of his observations in this Heremonths’ are some things that work eMag. for me:

Aussie Painters Network is a proud sponsor of

Tweed Heads Seagulls

Become a Member for a chance to Win Tickets!!!!

BYE

2014 July Issue | 15

Getting Unstuck

by Monroe Porter

Change is never easy. This is particularly true for contractors and small business people. We work hard.

We are busy. We are production oriented. Many of us believe that hard work will fix things but sometimes hard work with our shoulder to the grind stone just ends up giving us a sore shoulder. If your business is not offering the rewards you are looking for, you must strive to make changes.

There is an old contractor joke about the wage and hour auditor who could not find any employees who were not being paid fairly and was talking to the owner of the business following the audit. The owner said, “There is one person with an issue. He works 70 hours a week, does not get overtime, rarely takes a vacation and makes very little per hour.” The auditor replies, “I need to talk to that person right away.” The owner replies, “You are, it’s me.”

Why is change so hard? It all starts with our own attitudes. You just put in a 10 hour day and tomorrow looks the same, the thought of taking on the task of making things better can be overwhelming. When we are busy doing what is urgent, sometimes we forget that other things may actually be more important but just not as urgent. No one is screaming at you for a plan or new approach. People are screaming at you to finish their job, do an estimate or some other day to day task. Our network groups were founded on the concept of forcing people to get away from their business for 3 days to work priorities and build long term goals. That old saying, “fail to plan and plan to fail” really does hold true.

16 | Aussie Painters Network

Habits can also play a significant role. Think not? Try crawling into bed tonight on the side your significant other normally sleeps on and see how that goes. The problem is just because something is new does not mean it is wrong. So how can you change your business and make sure you are doing what you need to do?

Start with an attitude rebuild.

Denial and indecisiveness play a large role in getting people to change. “I will quit smoking next year, this year has been stressful.” “I am not into computers, email and stuff.” “Our customers don’t use the internet.”

Start envisioning what your business would look like if you made a few changes.

Next build some new habits: 1. Schedule just 3 hours of uninterruptable time every week to work on business goals that are not immediate.

Turn your cell phone off and close your door.

2. Keep a time card on yourself and determine how you are spending your time. Delegate things that are not a priority to someone else and substitute business building and planning time.

3. Do a brand analysis. Search yourself on the web (from another computer) and see how you come up. Are you on all the free listings? Do a survey and see who would people recommend in your area?

Are you in the top 3? Are your trucks wrapped and visible?

4. Visit other contractors from trades other than yours and see how they do things. Mechanical contractors, plasterers, air conditioners, floorers, etc. will not see you as a competitor. See if your systems are ahead or behind theirs.

5. Consider hiring some younger people into the organization. Their computer and tech ability will be better and can bring some new insight.

6. Consider hiring a consultant or a best practices group to take a look at your business. If you do hire someone, make sure they are used to working with small businesses. May be you can find a successful contractor in a different trade and ask him to review his business and you review his.

7. Have a financial planner help you with a financial plan. One of the problems contractors have is they tend to tie all their net worth up in the business. If the business fails or hits hard times, they are not diversified enough to survive. Worse yet it is hard for them to retire as they have no other income sources.

Last but not least, build a long term vision. Project what you would like your life and business to look like 10 years from now. Too many business owners think they will sell their business for a lot of money and retire. Such a plan includes two basics flaws. One, contracting businesses are hard to sell. Two, retired business owners get bored when they don’t have anything to do. Be realistic about your goals. Start with some simple questions.

Five years from now: • What would you like your work week to look like?

• What will your financial needs be at that point?

• What changes in personnel will you have to make, to make this happen?

• What outside interests do you have that will keep you happy and active?

One of the things I really like about contractors is that they are alive, active and working at it each day. I was at a social gathering recently and many of the people there were government workers. They were all counting the days until they retired and it seems that most of their life was about working to retire. They plodded to work each and every day with little control of their own domain. Heck, live to work and work to live.

Enjoy both. Change your business. Make the changes you need to make it more rewarding.

Monroe Porter is president of PROOF Management a firm that teaches seminars and runs networking groups for painting contractors. Several Aussie painting contractors travel to the US each year to participate in his programs.

www.proofman.com

How much does your business need to earn to cover its expenses?

www.mytools4business.com/myhourlyratecalculator

2014 July Issue | 17

Sub-contractors & Insurance;

When they get hurt In this day & age using a sub-contractor is fairly common.

Some painters use subbies only when things get busy, while others rely on them for the day-to-day operations of their business. What business owners don’t usually consider is the impact sub-contractors have on their liability insurance policies.

We will just be focusing on the liability insurance side of things, but using a subbie instead of an employee can have unexpected consequences. For instance, if you have not accurately told your liability insurer or insurance broker how frequently you use sub-contractors, and how much you expect to pay them in the next 12 months, then your insurance policy can be cancelled. Insurance policies can be cancelled half-way through a claim, leaving you high & dry when you need your insurance most. This happens most frequently under public & product liability insurance policies.

Alternatively, if you accurately tell your broker additional cover can be added – such as benefits for personal injury to sub-contractors under your liability insurance. Often this benefit will come with an additional excess – possibly up to $25,000.

So why is it such a big deal if a sub-contractor gets hurt?

In some cases, a subbie is hurt on the job, WorkCover Australia may consider the sub-contractor to be your employee under their definition – meaning you are now be responsible for paying the medical fees. In other cases there may be an allegation the business has contributed to the accident by putting sub-contractors in unsafe conditions and be expected to contribute to WorkCover payments. Either of these events can lead to costly court cases or large pay-out figures.

If you wish to know more about the the consequences of using sub-contractors in your business please contact your solicitor. If you wish to update your insurance, please contact your insurance broker.

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www.consolidatedi.com.au Phone: +61 7 3292 1100 | Fax: +61 7 3292 1110 Email: contactus@consolidatedi.com.au I just wanted to say a BIG THANK YOU for referring me to Consolidated Insurance Pty Ltd. I spoke to Scott about our Business Insurance and with little time, Scott emailed me back a comprehensive package for our Business and we saved over $1,000.00. Thanks again Aussie Painters Network for the great referral and all your ongoing help.

Sonya Baker www.bakerbrosmasterpainters.com.au

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What’s NEW?

Aussie Painters Network has been evolving for the three years we’ve been providing industry support. The next part of this process for Aussie Painters Network is the relaunch of our website. Consulting with Painters and Industry stakeholders, we have developed a user friendly site full of the most up to date tools and information; for Painting and Decorating Industry and those seeking their services.

The site is now live. Go and look around.

2014 July Issue | 21

Seven Tips for Successful

Business Cards

by Jennie Gorman

Your busines s needs these

As a business owner I know that the most important thing in my ‘tool box’ is my business card. They are my shop window!

I find that most people are unaware of the importance of a business card that really shows who they are and what they do. You will be judged on your business card; the professionalism displayed, the thickness of the card, the clarity of the writing and design, the message that is there, etc.

My seven tips for successful business cards are: 1. ALWAYS have your business cards easily accessible I am surprised at the number of people who say to me ‘I do not have a business card as I do not need one’. I am usually rather shocked when I hear that from a small business owner, even a successful one. In fact to me, it is rather arrogant and I wonder how their business is really progressing.

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Your business card is your shop window, it is the way people can make contact with you if they need to or pass on your information to someone else. I am always happy to pass on a business card to someone if I feel that it will be useful to them.

2. NEVER run out of cards Running out of business cards to me is something in business that is inexcusable. I believe that if you are a small business owneryou need to be spreading your cards around as much as possible. You never know who may want to make contact with you. Be aware that your branding needs to be on your business card, your website, you social media, you emails etc. Remember, your card is your shop window and you will be judged on them.

3. Have your PHOTO on your card if you are a small business Having your photo on your business card will take 15 minutes off your first meeting with someone new.

Isn’t it nice to meet someone that you have an idea of what they will

look like? The judgement and apprehension of that first meeting is no longer there if you know what to expect when you first sight someone physically. This is where social media has been so very valuable in relationship building.

A photo on a business card helps people remember later who they received a card from as a memory jogger. A card with a photo on it is more likely to be kept than one that hasn’t one on it.

4. Make sure all your information is CORRECT Given that your business card is your shop front, having the correct and updated information on your card is REALLY IMPORTANT. I find that so many people do not get new cards done when there are information changes. You will be judged by your card and if you write on it with changes that makes you look unprofessional. If the information changes, throw out all the old ones and get new ones done! Do you want to be seen as unprofessional?

5. Give RELEVANT information about your business As mentioned before, your business card is your ‘shop window’. For many it is the first time anyone gets to find out a bit about you. If this is the case, it is IMPORTANT to make sure that you give them some information about what you and your business do.

This needs to be in very few words so make sure you give enough that will create enough curiosity so that they want to talk with you or check out your website.

7. UNDERSTAND other cultures in the handling of your cards.

This is really important having become such a diverse multicultural society. Note that in some cultures it is important when handed a business card, that it is disrespectful to not look at it and study it for a few seconds (even if there is not much on it). Acknowledge receiving the card and do not put it straight into your pocket.

6. Make sure the writing on the card is easy to read The thing I find hardest with people’s business cards is the ability to read easily the information on them.

Often, font is difficult to read as the graphic designer has decided to use a fancy font and/or the font size is far too small.

I suggest that you learn some of the cultural things necessary, especially if you are travelling overseas, for example the correct hand to pass on your card, the quality of your card, the handling of yours and others cards etc. This is a big subject in itself… use Google as your friend with this.

Be aware that people of all age groups need to be able to read your card easily. For me, if it is difficult to read with a magnifying class, the card goes in the bin.

So make sure you use a good graphic designer who understands the importance of having a good business card that is clear and concise.

www.connexionsunlimited.com.au jennie@connexionsunlimited.com.au

2014 July Issue | 23

Financial Spring Cleaning Let’s face it, keeping good records makes good business sense. Everything you read about small business is spruiking how important it is to keep good records. With so many programs to help a small business keep on top of their records, there really is no reason to let it lapse. If you have a skilled bookkeeper at your disposal, the cost of that service is returned tenfold in the pain and stress prevented. While record keeping is not the most glamourous of tasks, keeping on top of it will make running your business much easier. And...The Australian Tax Office (ATO) requires you by law to keep good records.

Why should you keep records?

It’s not so the ATO can make your life more challenging!

Here are four great reasons to keep records: 1. To provide written evidence of your income and expenses.

2. To help you or your tax agent prepare your tax return.

3. To ensure that you are able to claim all your entitlements.

4. In case the ATO asks you to prove the information you provided in your tax return.

What should you keep?

There are a number of categories you have to keep records for: Income tax and GST: Sales records – sales invoices, including tax invoices, sales vouchers or receipts Cash register tapes Credit card statements Bank deposit books and account statements Purchase/expense records: Purchase/expense invoices, including tax invoices Purchase/ expense receipts, which include an ABN Cheque butts and bank account statements, credit card statements Records showing how you worked out any private use of something you purchased.

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Year-end income tax records: • Motor vehicle expenses • Debtors/creditors lists • Stock take sheets • Depreciation schedules • Capital gains tax records Payments to employees – Tax file number declarations and withholding declarations, withholding variation notices, worker payment records, PAYG payment summaries, annual reports, super records, records of any fringe benefits provided. PAYG withholding for business payments records of amounts withheld from payments where no ABN was quoted, PAYG withholding voluntary agreements records of voluntary agreement payments all PAYG payment summaries, including PAYG payment summary, employment termination payments, PAYG payment summary – employment termination payments, annual reports.

Fuel tax credits Records of fuel acquired, records of eligible and ineligible fuel use, records of claim calculations, records of any loss, sale or disposal of fuel.

How long to keep records?

For most records, you have to keep them for five years from the date you lodge your return.

www.pricebookkeepingsolutions.com.au 4/1311 Ipswich Road Rocklea QLD 4108

Phone: 0468 944130

2014 July Issue | 25

Five Sure Ways to get your banker offside The unfortunate reality for SMEs is that there is not a lot of room for negotiation with your bank. This imbalance of power is succinctly explained by the Golden Rule .… “whoever has the gold makes the rules”. Let’s face it, you need the bank more than they need you so guess who makes the rules? This means you should avoid any kind of behaviour that will get them offside such as:

Not keeping your banker fully informed

Its hard work keeping your banker up to date with what’s happening in your business and industry especially when bankers change so frequently but the investment is definitely worth it in the long run. Communicate regularly and don’t tell your banker what you think they want to hear, this is never a sustainable strategy. An uninformed banker represents a threat to you and your business. And an ill-informed banker is even more of a risk. Honesty is always the best policy. If you tell mistruths, you will get your banker offside instantly.

Not delivering on commitments

Reflecting the Golden Rule, credibility with your bank is easy to lose and hard to earn. It might be a periodic loan repayment or sending in annual accounts by a certain date but if you fail to deliver your credibility suffers. So be very careful about the commitments you make and always err on the side of caution – under promise and over deliver. Of course it’s not always possible to deliver on what you committed to when you signed the bank’s offer letter. Circumstances change and profit and cash flow forecasts are just that but it’s your responsibility to deliver on that which you signed up for. Businesses rarely get into trouble when they meet bank’s terms and conditions they agreed to.

Go overdrawn without prior approval

This is probably the quickest way to blow your credibility because usage of your current account is the first and best measure your banker employs when evaluating your risk profile. If you go overdrawn without your banker’s prior consent this will immediately get them offside.

Failure to respond to emails/phone calls

Even if your banker doesn’t return your calls or emails as promptly as you would like (or at all), if you fail to respond when your banker makes contact it wont help your cause. Remember you need your banker more than they need you so even if they don’t return your calls you still need to return theirs.

Go over his/her head

If you don’t get the answer you want think carefully about going over your banker’s head. This remains an option but it should be carried out only as a last resort and when you are totally in control of your emotions. Bear in mind too that your banker is nearly always the messenger and not the decision maker. If you shoot the messenger, how and who will advocate for you with the decision maker? by : Neil Slonim of theBankDoctor

www.thebankdoctor.com.au

ABIS

Phone: 1300 887 959 www.aubis.com.au

2014 July Issue | 27

Introducing

Jason has been playing the professional circuit for over 15 years. He was the winner of the 2010 Victorian Open, the 2007 Western Australian PGA & the 2007 New South Wales Open. We’re proud to be sponsoring him and look forward to seeing Jason sporting our logo!

Members of Aussie Painters Network will be in draw to play a round with Jason in your state...

28 | Aussie Painters Network

Quality Painting at an Aordable Price CALL : 1300 873 703 | 0413 877 300

Member Profile

Eastend Painting Services

2014 July Issue | 29

QLD NEWS

Changes to Work Safety Laws Now in Effect

Amendments to work health and safety (WHS) laws, which commenced on 16 May, require WHS entry permit holders to give at least 24 hours (but not more than 14 days) notice before they can enter a workplace to look into a suspected contravention. To support this, there were changes that: • increased the penalty for non-compliance with WHS entry permit conditions and introduced a new penalty provision for failure to comply with the WHS entry permit holder notification requirements • removed the power of health and safety representatives to direct workers to cease unsafe work - workers will continue to have a right to cease unsafe work • removed the requirement for a person conducting a business or undertaking to provide a list of health and safety representatives to the WHS regulator (an up to date list of health and safety representatives must still be displayed at the workplace) • allowed codes of practice adopted in Queensland to be approved, varied or revoked without requiring national consultation, although consultation with local stakeholders continues on proposed codes of practice.

There were also amendments to electrical safety laws that increased the maximum penalty that can be prescribed to 300 penalty units, ensuring nationally consistent penalties can be applied for a range of offences.

The amendments removed the mandatory requirement for audiometric testing for certain workers.

Instead, the Managing Noise and Preventing Hearing Loss at Work Code of Practice 2011 has been amended to include guidance on audiometric testing.

The amendments streamline requirements for supervisors of class B asbestos removal work, including removing the requirement for class B asbestos removal work supervisors to complete CPCCBC4051A Supervise asbestos removal.

30 | Aussie Painters Network

Other changes include: • removing the requirement for an asbestos register for workplace buildings if the building was constructed after 31 December 1989 (instead of 31 December 2003), no asbestos has been identified at the workplace, and no asbestos is likely to be present at the workplace • removing the requirement to fit protective structures to earthmoving machinery (a provision that had not yet commenced) • allowing people to report a change of address or a lost, stolen or destroyed licence by phone.

Codes of practice On 30 May, the new First Aid in the Workplace Code of Practice 2014 replaced the First Aid Code of Practice 2004. The new code is based on the national model, with some minor variations to address issues raised by stakeholders during a recent review of WHS laws in Queensland.

Four codes of practice have been amended to align with the changes to the laws: 1. Managing Noise and Preventing Hearing Loss at Work Code of Practice 2011 2. Foundry Code of Practice 2004 3. How to Manage and Control Asbestos in the Work place Code of Practice 2011 4. How to Safely Remove Asbestos Code of Practice 2011.

Further information For more information on the changes to WHS laws, visit www.worksafe.qld.gov.au or call the WHS Infoline on 1300 369 915.

Painter Faces

$50,000 Asbestos Clean-up Costs for using high pressure sprayer

A painter who used a high pressure water spray unit to clean a customer’s asbestos roof could be facing a $50,000 clean up fee after court action in Brisbane recently.

The painter used a high-pressure water spray unit on asbestos containing material and pleaded guilty in the Brisbane Magistrates Court on 1 May to breaching of section 446 of the Work Health and Safety Regulation 2011. The owner’s property, as well as those of nearby neighbours, was contaminated with asbestos fibres.

He was fined and placed on a good behaviour bond. He also faces a possible $50,000 clean-up bill. Some clean ups in recent years have cost up to $100,000.

The Brisbane prosecution followed another in March this year in Ayr where the court ordered a 12 month work health and safety undertaking, with surety of $20,000, over a case of ‘smash and bash’ demolition of a building containing asbestos materials.

Painters and roof cleaners are warned that where there is exposure to risks from asbestos contamination, they must use methods that do not release asbestos fibres into the air.

2014 July Issue | 31

SA NEWS

Case Law: $59,500 Fine for workplace injury due to

Lack of Training

by Joanna Weekes

Case Law: Worker seriously injured due to lack of safety training In Perry v PJ & T Motors Pty Ltd (2014), SafeWork SA prosecuted an employer for failing to: • Provide and maintain safe systems of work; and • Provide proper information, instruction and training in relation to safe working at heights.

A worker was injured in July 2012 while attempting to move a 2.6-metre-high empty diesel tank. A platform and ladder were attached to the tank and the worker was told to dismantle both. After removing the bolts securing the ladder and the platform, worker attempted to attach a sling to the top rail of the platform.

The worker accidentally stepped on to the platform, resulting in it tipping over. Because the worker thought he was going to slide off the tank he jumped and caught his feet in the ladder, resulting in him falling head first to the ground, sustaining significant injuries.

The Magistrate acknowledged that the employer had fully cooperated during the investigation and entered an early guilty plea. Since the incident there was a significant improvement in the work processes and business set up new safety procedures. The company was fined $59,500.

Training and induction of workers – especially young and inexperienced workers – is essential to ensure that safe work procedures are followed. It is critical that you risk assess the work that needs to be performed in your workplace, particularly if there is high-risk

32 | Aussie Painters Network

work such as working from heights, and base the training and induction around safe work procedure developed around that hazard identification.

• Do your company policies and procedures apply to contractors?

• The importance of inductions • Recent case law indicates importance of training workers Many of your company policies and procedures will apply to any contractor you engage and other third parties who enter your premises.

When a contractor or a contractor’s workers attend your work site, you must therefore ensure they are inducted in your policies and procedures.

Make sure contractors and their workers are provided with the following before they undertake work in any part of your work site: • an induction into the work site; • relevant workplace policies and procedures that apply to their work; and • other relevant information about identified risks and safety controls that relate to their particular task.

Remember, your policies should: • be written in plain English; • avoid legalism and excessive wording; and • include subheadings to distinguish different sections and topics.

What do inductions aim to achieve?

The general aim of an induction is to provide new workers with accurate and consistent information about how to carry out their work.

And to get a bit more specific, inductions aim to: • ensure that new workers develop good work habits that are consistent with safe work practice; • enable new workers to feel like part of your business; • demonstrate a commitment by your business to promote safe work practices; and • ensure new workers understand the expectations and values of the business.

If a new worker does not receive an induction to their new workplace, they may seek advice from other workers on an ad hoc basis resulting in receiving different information each time if they ask different people. This creates inconsistency in procedures throughout your workplace and higher risk of something going wrong.

Your policies and procedures are not working towards the health and safety of your workplace unless they are being reviewed, updated and workers are being educated on a regular basis.

And remember, not only do you need to induct new workers but you also need to train and re-train existing workers.

• • • • • • • for more details, visit our website!

www.paintershrpolicies.com

2014 July Issue | 33

VIC NEWS

National Paint Stewardship Scheme Update 5 – Draft Model Approaches Completion

Scheme in Development Waste paint is listed as a Priority Products for development of stewardship arrangements under the Product Stewardship Act 2011.

The Waste Paint Implementation Working Group (‘Working Group’), with senior representation from the paint industry and government, is responsible for the development of an industry-led, national scheme to safely and efficiently recover unwanted paint before it enters the waste stream or environment.

Based on extensive research, the Working Group has drafted a Scheme Business Plan, Economic Model and 5 year Financial Plan to be submitted to the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) requesting a recovery levy to be placed on A&D paint sold nationally.

Financial modelling suggests that to provide safe, free drop-off facilities for both trade painters and householders across Australia the levy will be approximately 1% of the paint shelf price.

It is estimated that over 24.000 tonnes of architectural and decorative (A&D) paint and associated packaging, or roughly 6.1% of annual sales, currently becomes waste annually in Australia (Nolan, 2014). Although A&D paint has significantly decreased in human and environmental toxicity over

34 | Aussie Painters Network

recent decades with the removing of lead and other hazardous substances, the management of waste A&D paint still remains a significant environmental issue and cost to business, governments and waste management authorities.

Research and Investigation Completed To underpin the development of the scheme, considerable work was undertaken, this included; evaluating the Business Case for Paint Stewardship to understand available options for a viable scheme, conducting the PaintCare Trade Collection Trial to determine trade behaviours and volumes associated with trade painters, a Willingness to Pay survey held at retailers provided consumer expectations and cost indications, research into existing International examples of paint stewardship schemes provided insight into costing benchmarks and KPI’s and a National Material Flow Analysis (Nolan, 2014) delivers detailed analysis of A&D paint volumes from manufacture through to disposal.

This work formed the foundation upon which to build an accurate picture of current Australian paint flows, disposal methods, costs and consumer expectations. All of the aforementioned reports can be found online at www.sustainability.vic.gov.au./ paintstewardship

ACCC Submission An application to the ACCC is expected to be submitted mid-2014.

The ACCC will undertake an extensive consultation as part of the ACCC process.

Environmental Protection Authority Consultation A number of States and Territories classify waste paint differently depending on the source of the waste. Internal consultations with state and territory government EPA’s continue to work towards ensuring that paint from trade sources can be lawfully accepted at existing domestic paint drop-off sites and managed in the same manner as domestic waste paint

Further Consultation Industry-led consultation sessions, focussing on the Scheme’s proposed business plan will be held in the later part of 2014 in capital cities and major regional centres. Stakeholders will be informed of the Schedule in the next few months and invited to attend.

In early 2015 the proposed Model Scheme will be submitted to the Australian Environment Ministers for approval under the voluntary arm of the Product Stewardship Act 2011. The industry will commence implementing the scheme during late 2015. The proposed implementation will be presented at Stakeholders Consultation sessions.

Opportunity to Comment The Working Group encourages stakeholders to comment or request further information on the progress of the scheme.

For more information please contact the Secretariat, Paint Stewardship, Implementation Working Group at PaintStewardship@sustainability.vic.gov.au or submit formal comment to Richard Phillips, Executive Director, Australian Paint Manufacturers Federation at richard.phillips@apmf.asn.au Article was supplied by GreenPainters on behalf of Sustainability Victoria

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2014 July Issue | 35

WA NEWS

Summary of Painters’ Survey Results

In 2013, we asked more than 3,000 Western Australian painters and decorators to complete a survey. An initiative of the Building Commission and the Master Painters & Decorators Australia, the survey was intended to provide the first-ever snapshot of Western Australia’s painting and decorating industry.

The survey received a great response from the industry

Thank you to all who took the time to fill it out. The information will be used by the Building Commission to better serve your industry and improve the laws relating to painter registration.

Number of responses received 496 complete | 119 incomplete About the respondents 95% of respondents were male, with 70% aged 41-64 years and 17% aged 31-40 years.

Females represented 5% across all age groups.

Close to 80% of respondents were both practitioners and contractors.

The majority of respondents operated within the Perth metropolitan area (75%), with the remainder operating in the regional areas of Bunbury, Albany, the Goldfields, Geraldton and the Pilbara (25%).

99% of respondents had been working in the industry for more than five years!

Most respondents operated their own businesses – 52% as sole traders, 25% in companies and 23% in a partnership. The most common staffing levels were 1-3 people (66%), while 20% worked alone.

Qualifications held Respondents were qualified painters and decorators.

Most respondents said they held a Certificate III qualification (37%) or had passed the course in Painters’ Registration (49%).

The most common level of training for employees of respondents was a Certificate III (55%).

65% of respondents reported having carried out no

36 | Aussie Painters Network

formal specialised training in the past three years, mostly due to the cost or time involved or because they felt there was no need.

Industry association membership 30% of respondents said they were members of the Master Painters & Decorators Australia.

Types of painting and decorating work carried out The greatest concentration of work being carried out by respondents was on residential homes (86%).

Other work carried out by respondents on a regular basis included wall treatments (23%), shops (21%), schools (18%) and house fences (12%).

Which title do you prefer to be known by?

Registered Painter and Decorator – 36% Registered Painting and Decorating Contractor – 21% Registered Painting Contractor – 20% Registered Painter – 20% Registered Painting Practitioner – 3% Attitudes to employing apprentices 85% of respondents supported the current apprenticeship training system.

However, a significant number preferred four-year apprenticeships to the three-year apprenticeship option, claiming the extra year allowed for more on job training and experience.

The main reasons respondents gave for not employing apprentices related to costs involved (40%), inability for employers to guarantee a steady stream of work and difficulty finding suitable apprentices.

13% of respondents said they were unaware of incentives to employ apprentices.

Hourly rate charged Almost a third of respondents charged an hourly rate of $51-$60 for their services.

Almost 27% charged $41-50 an hour.

21% charged $61-$70 an hour.

Finding work 59% of respondents reported being able to find enough painting and decorating work some of the time, while 33% said they could always find enough work.

When work was considered difficult to find, this was largely attributed to competition from unregistered painters (68%) and an oversupply of painters in the area (38%).

Finding employees Nearly a third of respondents reported they were able to find suitable employees.

However, 33% of respondents felt there was a shortage of applicants with adequate skills and industry knowledge.

Main issues facing the industry The issues of most concern to respondents were low pay rates expected by builders, the increased registration threshold opening the market to more unqualified painters and the effect this is having on the quality/standard of work (refer to Table 1 below).

Unregistered painters were a

source of frustration Frustrations with unregistered painters reported by respondents included: • Difficulty competing with their lower prices.

• Handymen taking on more painting work after the threshold was increased.

• Advertising prices below $1,000 (in local newspapers, community noticeboards, the internet and Gumtree) when the work was obviously of a greater value.

Painting inspectors The presence of painting inspectors in the industry was very strongly supported by survey respondents, with many providing comments about the role, importance and expectations of a Building Commission painting inspector. Many felt that the presence of inspectors was too low to justify the current level of their registration fees.

Setting the registration threshold amount The 2011 increase to the painting registration threshold from $200 to $1,000 was received with mixed results.

23% of respondents would have preferred the threshold to be increased to $500.

33% of respondents wanted the threshold to be returned to $200.

25% of respondents wanted no threshold at all.

Registration ID card The ID card was introduced in 1995 and has proven to be valued by the industry.

94% of respondents supported its requirement.

Almost all respondents have provided their ID card when requested.

However, most respondents were rarely asked to show their ID card, indicating a lack of consumer awareness.

The requirement to provide a national police certificate as part of a registration renewal application received a mixed response.

Call for a roof painter tier There was a strong call from respondents to create a separate tier of registration for roof painters, as it was argued that a significant number of painters specialise in this area. However, only 5% of respondents indicated they actually carry out this type of work.

Suggested registration categories Roof painting – 69% Texture applications – 61% Decorative finishers – 59% Concrete floor finishing – 45%

Click HERE to read more...

2014 July Issue | 37

NSW NEWS

Bridge Revamp to engage high tech painting

High tech solutions are being sought to solve

the problems associated with maintaining the 85 year old Sydney Harbour Bridge. The national icon, affectionately known as the coat hanger, hasn’t had a proper paint job in fifteen years due to the difficulties encountered in workplace health and safety legislation; difficulties such as asbestos, lead paint and heights. Its first paint took 18 months and 80,000 litres of paint.

It is now too dangerous for the arch to be painted with current practices. The fabled ‘never ending paint job’ has claimed victims before, from lead poisoning and a couple falling to their deaths.

Major repainting is only currently able to be done underneath the bridge where the old grey paint is blasted off and replaced, already with a lot of the automated machinery, a project currently spanning a decade so far. The ABC recently reported that tendering was underway for new high tech method to repaint the top part of the bridge. A make-over of the bridge will involve an innovative technology, automation and robotics.

It’s envisaged that drones will be used to inspect the bridge, and possibly utilised to actually undertake the painting tasks in future.

‘My Costing Guide’ is a fully automated program where all you have to do is add or change the variables and the total price will appear in an instant.

It is simple to use and can be personalised to your own business.

www.mytools4business.com/mycostingguide

Lead Alert:

The six step guide to painting your home Here is the latest edition of the

‘Lead Alert: The six step guide to painting your home’.

We were contacted by Government in regards to assisting in upgrading the 5th edition and assisted in supplying additional content that we can happily say they have added. We supplied a copy of the Aussie Painters Network Lead Check List which is now also available in the back of the book.

Both the Department of Environment and Aussie Painters Network both felt it was imperative to supply consumers with a checklist after the increasing amount of Lead exposure incidence that has occurred in the recent past.

Must watch!

In 2003 Kim Cole and family were poisoned by 15,000+ micrograms of LEAD dust when the Master state inspector of the CLPPP (childhood lead poisoning PREVENTION program) passed failing swipes at 18 Winthrop Street in Abington ,Ma.-a rented apartment.

The Board of Health ,landlord, OSHA and CLPPP took weeks to determine that a horrendous error had transpired.Their error could have cost children their lives.Lead can cause mental retardation, seizures and Death. While their case is pending in Superior Cort ; Julia tried her hand at advocacy work and this is her video. Thanks for helping to raise lead poisoning awareness!

2014 July Issue | 39

Building Finishes The Building Finishes Centre in Maitland is a unique multi-purpose training facility, purpose built to deliver practical experience and training for students.

Programs run out of the Building Finishes Centre are from a range of industry areas including: - Sign craft/Signage - Wall and Ceiling lining (Dry wall plastering) - Painting and decorating - Cleaning operations - Industrial Coatings Specialised training is available with interactive connectivity and industry leading equipment and machinery, allowing Hunter TAFE to continue to deliver training packages aligned to the National Training Packages.

Industry leading equipment includes such items as a spray booth, industrial blast chamber, flat bed router and a digital printer which will enable Hunter TAFE to continue to extend its programs to commercial applications. The state of art facility will assist the Hunter TAFE Maitland campus, which has played an important part in its local community since it was established in 1987, to become a building hub for the Hunter and Central Coast region as well as providing a centre for the state to deliver block based programs.

With National housing approvals up 23.2% in February, compared to February last year, Hunter TAFE is ready to meet ongoing skill needs required by industry and deliver job ready graduates to the region, the state and Australia–wide.

Signcraft/Signage

Hunter TAFE’s training facility for Signage at Maitland Campus is designed to address the diverse requirements of today’s sign industry.

40 | Aussie Painters Network

Students will learn about industry processes, specialised skills and relationship of the sign trade to others in building and construction industry. Students will also train in sign manufacturing using the latest state of the art plant and equipment including: - Multicam router - Laser engraver - 3D fabricated signage - LED technology and installation - Roland digital printer - Colour profiling - Vehicle wrap print application - Spray painting - Production management skills - Advanced graphic design specialising in: Adobe Illustrator CS6 - Computer laboratory online training

Cleaning Operations

Hunter TAFE offers a number of cleaning qualifications for people interested in developing a career in either domestic cleaning or commercial cleaning. The Building Finishes Centre at Maitland Campus offers specialised courses which cover: - Domestic cleaning - Commercial cleaning - Occupational Health and Safety - Environmental Protection - Waste control services - Technical specialist in commercial cleaning - Asset management - Home cleaning services - Team leader in commercial cleaning

Visit Our Website

Floor finishes allows students to train on new floor with industry equipment. Painting and decorating At the Hunter TAFE Building Finishes Centre at Maitland Campus students will learn the techniques, materials, tools and equipment used in painting and develop specialised skills needed for surface coating industry.

Students will also develop knowledge about the relationship of this trade to others in the building and construction industry.

The blast chamber, wallpaper cubicles and latest spray equipment will enable students training to be up to date and relevant for the painting and decorating industry, while satisfying the educational requirement of the Office of Fair Trading for the issue of a painting and decorating trade contractor’s licence.

Wall and Ceiling The Building Finishes Centre at Maitland Campus will provide, interactive rooms which will equip students in the plasterboard trade to learn how to install, apply and finish plasterboard, fibre cement sheeting, pre-cast fibrous plaster sheets and mouldings, partitions and suspended ceiling systems.

2014 July Issue | 41

Free Tax Seminars The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) is conducting seminars for small business via webinar.

Webinars are online seminars that: • allow you to participate over the internet using a computer, smart phone or tablet • attend from the convenience of your home or office • save you time and money • have a chat facility so you can ask the presenter questions.

Phone and tablet users can download a free app to join our webinars (see bottom of invitation).

Note all sessions are scheduled in Australian Eastern Daylight Savings Time (AEDST) This is New South Wales, Victoria, Tasmania and Australian Capital Territory time.

Series one - Tax basics for small business Who should attend?

Small business operators, and those just starting or thinking about starting a new business, should consider participating in these free tax webinars.

Why should you attend?

You will learn about tax issues relevant to owning and operating a small business and receive practical tips for your business.

What will be covered?

Each of our webinars will explore a specific tax issue for small business, including: • Tax basics introduction

42 | Aussie Painters Network

• Income tax deductions • Home-based business • Motor vehicle deductions • Concessions for small business • Activity statement essentials • Goods and services tax • Budgeting and record keeping • Small business assistance • Employer obligations overview • Super obligations for employers • Issues for contractors When are they on and how to I register?

Click on this link, for the full schedule and registration details of our Tax basics webinars: Click Here

Tax basics videos

The ATO also offers a suite of Tax basics videos for small business.

These videos cover an extensive range of topics: Click Here

Series two - Construction Industry Taxable Payments Reporting Who should attend?

People working in building and construction industry.

What will be covered?

Taxable payments reporting commenced on 1 July 2012 and requires businesses that operate in the building and construction industry and who pay contractors for building and construction services, to report those payments to the ATO annually.

The one-hour webinar session will answer the questions of who reports, what is reported and provide tips to assist you now.

When are they on and how to I register?

Click on this link, for full schedule and registration details of our Taxable payment reporting webinars: Click Here

The ATO’s other webinar programs

Rental property owners The ATO runs one-hour webinars for owners and prospective rental property owners on the following two topics: • Tax issues when buying and owning a rental property • Tax issues when selling a rental property Trustees of SMSFs The ATO runs one-hour webinars for trustees of self-managed super funds on these three topics: • Self-managed super funds for trustees - an overview • Self-managed super funds accepting contributions and managing investments • Self-managed super funds accessing your super When are these topics on and how do I register?

Click on this link, for the full schedule and registration details of these webinars: Click Here

Webinar apps Download the free app for your iPhone or iPad, Android phone or tablet: • Visit gotowebinar.com.au • Click on “Mobile apps” - on the left hand side menu.

44 | Aussie Painters Network

The 7 Deadly Credit Management Sins There are some serious pitfalls in business, not the least of which is being paid what you are owed.

You’re outlaying your own precious time and money on the promise of being remunerated appropriately.

It’s not surprising that this topic continues to run hot with readers; after all, nobody is painting other people’s property for the love of it. Here is the first of a two part series on some of the ways we leave ourselves vulnerable.

Have a Credit Policy but never use it

No clearly defined Terms and Conditions disclosed

In the past it has been common for businesses to do business on a handshake with problems experienced by either party. As consumers have become wiser, and maybe a little more cunning, business owners, are now often faced with uphill struggles when they are running their business. Whether it be getting paid on time, jobs cancelled at the last minute, defects being noted some 12 or 24 months after the work was completed, or being able to pass collection costs on to the customer for late payment, without Terms of Trade being disclosed prior to work being completed, or services provided, you could be heading for disaster.

How often have we spoken to clients who have paid hard earned cash for a good solid credit management program and still have it sitting in the bottom draw, or better still, have it wrap up in the box it came in! If you have a credit policy, then use it. If you aren’t the right person to be implementing it then find someone who can as well as someone who enjoys doing these duties. You would be surprised at how quickly your cash-flow improves when you follow a structured approach.

If you would like to receive any further information on any of the above, feel free to contact EC Credit Control on 1300 361 070, email info@eccreditcontrol.com.au or visit www.eccreditcontrol.com.au for a no obligation meeting.

No formal Credit Policy

One of the biggest failings in business is that after the job is completed there is no follow up for payment, and before you know it, the invoice can be 3 months overdue. By having a clear credit policy from the start of the relationship with your customer i.e. a completed credit application form, credit checking the customer and then a robust credit control process, a lot of potential problems can be erased. There is no point you having done the job and then never get paid for it because you haven’t bothered following up payment.It can be as simple as sending an invoice, then statement and then a reminder phone call. If they still haven’t paid, then don’t be afraid to escalate.

Because—you work hard for your money

Debt Recovery “No Collection—No Commission” Terms of Trade Documentation PPSR Registrations Professional Credit Management advice Offices throughout Australia Locally based Area Managers

Call us now on 1300 362 070 www.eccreditcontrol.com.au Your Australia Wide Credit Management Professionals

2014 July Issue | 45

46 | Aussie Painters Network

Get set for a 3% wage increase The Fair Work Commission has announced a 3% increase to minimum wages. The increase will apply from the first full pay period starting on or after 1 July 2014.

Subscribe to their updates and they’ll send you an email when our pay tools have been updated with the new rates. The increase only applies to employees that get their pay rates from the national minimum wage, a modern award or in some cases a registered agreement.

New national minimum wage will be $640.90 per week or $16.87 per hour. The national minimum wage applies to employees who aren’t covered by an award or agreement. Most employees are coveredby an award. If you’re not sure which award applies to you, visit Awards.

What happens next?

The Fair Work Commission will issue draft determinations and orders about how this decision affects each modern award. They’ll update the information on their website, including pay tools. Updated information will be available by 1 July 2014.

If you sign up for updates, they’ll email you when their pay tools have been updated with the new pay rates.

You can also follow Fair Work Commission on Twitter, LinkedIn or like on Facebook for updates on the minimum wage decision and other important news affecting your workplace.

2014 July Issue | 47

Restrain Yourself a rundown on load restraint No one wants to risk causing injury to themselves or some other poor unsuspecting victim, whilst carrying out their job. But every year Australians are injured and killed in vehicle crashes caused by poorly restrained loads. It’s vital that you and your staff are well versed with the minimum safety standards. Compliance ensures you avoid accidents by loads falling onto other vehicles or pedestrians; drivers having to swerve to avoid even small loose items; or losing control of a vehicle due to unsafe or shifting weight. It is the drivers responsibility to ensure that any load carried is secure, not unreasonably overhanging, and does not destabilise your vehicle.

When cargo dislodges from a moving vehicle and falls onto the road, it becomes a grave hazard for road users. Even a small item can be a dangerous projectile when it is flung at highway speed prompting erratic evasive manoeuvres, and causing a crash.

As painters we have a few notable issues with the contents of our trucks; ladders trestles, costly spray painters, paint tins, poles and other tools. You’ve probably made a sizeable investment in your ladder and your vehicle and want to keep both free from damage. Be sure to tie ladders and trestles down well.

Your extension ladders can be tied down using any type of strong rope or ratchet set, stretch strap or locking ladder holder. Make sure the ladder is secured and laying flat and all sides are tied and secured before moving the vehicle. Be sure to check your restraining equipment regularly for integrity.

All painters dread it when a tin tips and makes an enormous mess, indelibly marking your journey on the road as you go, as well as the spillage creating a significant skidding hazard for other vehicles. Whilst we might all have a laugh when it happens to others, it messes up the road, the vehicle and anything in it; not to mention the frustrating waste of paint and

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the risk of a fine. If your supply of tins isn’t able to be packed snugly with your equipment, lash the paint tins together and secure as one item to the vehicle.

Here’s a few tips from the National Transport Commission’s Load Restraint Guide: ✓ Use a vehicle appropriate for the type of load you are carrying. ✓ Position the load correctly. ✓ Use suitable restraint equipment for the load you are carrying. ✓ Use good quality restraint equipment, in good condition. ✓ Check your load restraint immediately before leaving and during the trip. ✓ You are driving under different, more difficult conditions when you are carrying certain types of loads. ✓ Unload safely. ✓ Failure to restrain a load correctly on a vehicle may result in legal action being taken against any persons involved.

Check out the guidelines HERE!

aust plan financial services

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4 /1311 Ipswich Rd, Rocklea, Queensland, Australia 4106 1800 355 344 info@aussiepaintersnetwork.com.au

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Mixing it up a little!

Sometimes we forget that it’s more than just buildings that need painting, a fact which can make for a varied and challenging professional life. For some businesses it’s not all houses, workplaces and schools that need attention. LNL Painting posted some interesting shots on their facebook page recently, showing the painting job carried out on large industrial mixing machines used in the Maryborough Hospital!

ENVIROPOXY® WBE with its very low odour is ideal for use in areas such as treatment and operating rooms in hospitals, doors and door jambs in schools and commercial areas, wineries, pharmaceutical plants and the food and beverage industry.

www.duluxprotectivecoatings.com.au

“We recently had the opportunity in painting something out of the ordinary for LNL Painting. We were asked to repaint two Mixing Machines for Queensland Health - one of which proved to be more of a challenge than the other due to its size and weight being 260kg...but all was accomplished with complete satisfaction from Queensland Health staff.”

The team used Enviropoxy® WBE by Dulux; a water borne acrylic epoxy topcoat that has been locally developed specially for the Australasian conditions.

It displays superior gloss retention and resistance to chalking and yellowing when compared to traditional solvent based epoxies. ENVIROPOXY®

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The Industry

Idiots

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Important Contacts Aussie Painters Network www.aussiepaintersnetwork.com.au

Ph. 0430 399 800

Master Painters & Decorators Australia www.masterpainters.asn.au Ph. 08 9471 6662 National Institute for Painting and Decorating www.painters.edu.au Ph. 1300 319 790 Australian Tax Office www.ato.gov.au

Award Rates www.fairwork.gov.au

Ph. 13 72 26 / Ph. 13 28 65 Ph. 13 13 94

Fair Work Building & Construction www.fwbc.gov.au Ph. 1800 003 338 Mates In Construction www.matesinconstruction.com.au

Ph. 1300 642 111

Workplace Health and Safety Contacts STATE ACT NSW NT QLD SA VIC WA

Website www.worksafe.act.gov.au www.workcover.nsw.gov.au www.worksafe.nt.gov.au www.deir.qld.gov.au www.safework.sa.gov.au www.worksafe.vic.gov.au www.safetyline.wa.gov.au

Phone (02)62073000 13 10 50 1800 019 115 1300 369 915 1300 365 255 1800 136 089 1300 307 877

Cancer Council Australia ACT NSW NT QLD SA VIC WA

www.actcancer.org www.cancercouncil.com.au www.cancercouncilnt.com.au www.cancerqld.org.au www.cancersa.org.au www.cancervic.org.au www.cancerwa.asn.au

(02) 6257 9999 (02) 9334 1900 (08) 8927 4888 (07) 3634 5100 (08) 8291 4111 (03) 9635 5000 (08) 9212 4333 2014 July Issue | 53

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