INDUSTRY NEWS
NOVEMBER/DECEMBER
FWO recovers entitlements for school cleaners Following an investigation by the Fair Work Ombudsman, the Victorian Department of Education and Training (DET) made significant changes to school cleaning contracts. Fair Work Inspectors undertook audits in response to intelligence and allegations of cleaners being underpaid at Victorian government schools. A random sample of five regional and five metropolitan Victorian schools was selected for audits in late 2017. Inspectors interviewed school and cleaning staff and checked records for a three-month period, finding that employees were underpaid by nine of the 11 cleaning companies audited. The VIC DET has subsequently improved oversight of its school cleaning contracts. In 2018 the department implemented a new procurement model and reduced the number of cleaning contractors from 250 to eight companies in metropolitan areas. The Fair Work Ombudsman has sought ongoing assurance from the VIC DET that vulnerable workers will be protected from exploitation. Earlier this year, DET introduced a new contract management software system for regional schools, which requires cleaning contractors to submit evidence each year of compliance with workplace laws. In total, Fair Work Inspectors recovered $9,132 for 27 workers in 2018, which was the result of contractors failing to pay the minimum wage for ordinary hours, penalty rates and parttime loadings owed under the Cleaning Services Award 2010. Underpayments for individual workers ranged from $26 to $2223. Fair Work Inspectors issued 14 infringement notices (total fines of $23,100), three formal cautions and four compliance notices to the cleaning companies.
FMA launches Accessibility Policy The Facility Management Association of Australia (FMA) launched its first Accessibility Policy on International Day of People with Disability (IDPwD). The policy, which was developed by the Diversity Portfolio Group, seeks to create a more inclusive facilities management industry by raising awareness and engagement on disability and accessibility. The Accessibility Policy outlines how FMA can foster an environment where members and employers are supported, educated and provided with the right tools to make their facilities and workplaces more accessible. FMA CEO Nicholas Burt said, “Facilities managers can play an important role in breaking down the physical barriers for people with disabilities and creating a more inclusive society.” FMA diversity portfolio group co-chairs Leanne Cluley and Suellyn Ward said the policy is an example of how the FMA is advocating for diversity to become “business as usual”.
Academy Services appoints CEO to spearhead transformation Academy Services has announced James Pollock as CEO of its national operations. Company founder Glen Browne said Pollock is guiding the 40-year-old company through a significant branding and transformational period that will reinvigorate the cleaning, facilities management and e-safety business. “On behalf of the board and the whole Academy team, I would like to welcome James and look forward to seeing him drive this company into the future,” Browne said. “We are already starting to see the benefits of James’ passion and vision for growth and development.”
20 INCLEAN January / February 2020
Pollock’s experience prior to Academy Services includes employment in management consultancy, local government and the oil and gas field, while he is also a co-partner in development firm Hemmerling Pollock Wilson. Pollock said Academy Services is embarking on a significant moment in its history with major growth predicted over the next three years as the company aims to reach a revenue of $120 million. “This is an exciting time for Academy Services as we are investing significant monies into our internal systems and our customer centric branding/marketing,” Pollock said. “We have well and truly commenced our journey to be the leading facilities services company within Australia.”