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Transcript of 2013-Dec 2014-Jan Master Builders WA Magazine
OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE MASTER BUILDERS ASSOCIATION OF WESTERN AUSTRALIA VOLUME 10 NUMBER 5 DEC-JAN 2013/14
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S O U T H S I D E ’ S T H E F L E E T V E H I C L E S P E C I A L I ST S
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PUBLISHED BY
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Email: [email protected]
National Sales and Marketing Manager: Trish Riley
Corporate Sales: Patricia Davey, Dean Wedding
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Graphic Design: Aniko Gaspar
Editor: Sue Guilfoyle
Production Coordinator: Brooke Travers
Printed by Newstyle Printing
OUR COVER
CONTENTS
MBAWA BOARD OF MANAGEMENT:President: Robert ShawSenior Vice President: John RippTreasurer: Chris LillisImmediate Past President: George AllingameBoard Members: Simon Birkhead, David Crothers, Jason Kunkler, Andy Peppercorn, Dan Perkins, Jack Pleiter, Robert Spadaccini, Michael Vermey
SENIOR STAFF:Director: Michael McLeanHousing & Economics Director: Gavan ForsterContracts & Administration Manager: Charles AndersonConstruction Director: Kim RichardsonMembership Services Manager: Veronica MillCommunications Director: Geoff CooperMarketing Manager: Kelly Dewar-MatusikEvents Manager: Pippa TearneTechnical Advisor: Romina De SantisTraining Director: Neil Du RandTraining Manager: Michael FitzgeraldRegional Operations Manager: Graham Bell
SUBSCRIPTION ENQUIRIES: Master Builder is
available for subscription at a cost of $55/year. Contact
Membership Services Manager Veronica Mill via email
at [email protected] for further information.
Master Builder is the official publication of The Master Buil-ders Association of Western Australia. It is produced five ti-mes per year and published by Crowther-Blayne & Associates Pty Ltd. Master Builders Association of Western Australia was established in1898 and is the state’s oldest building industry organisation. The MBAWA is part of the Australia-wide Ma-ster Builder movement. Master Builder is produced to keep members informed of matters affecting them. Opinions and/or statements in any editorial and/or advertisements are not necessarily those of the publisher and/or the MBAWA. The publisher reserves the right to reject any material deemed unsuitable for publication. Other than for the purposes of and subject to the conditions prescribed under the copyright Act 1968, no part of Master Builder may in any form or by any means (electronic, mechanical, microcopying, photocopying, recording or otherwise) be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted without prior written permission from the MBAWA or Crowther-Blayne & Associates Pty Ltd.
HEAD OFFICE:35-37 Havelock Street, West Perth WA 6005Post: PO Box 167, West Perth WA 6872 Phone: (08) 9476 9800 (Country) 1300 550 262 Fax: (08) 9476 9801 Email: [email protected]: www.mbawa.com
MASTER BUILDERS TRAINING CENTRE594 Hay StreetJolimont WA 6014Phone: (08) 9441 8000Fax: (08) 9441 8001Email: [email protected]
REGIONAL BRANCHES:Albany-Great Southern: Linda Gibbs Ph 9841 6232Bunbury-South West: Geoff Bosustow Ph 9721 6547Geraldton-North West: Dianne Gilleland Ph 9921 5061Kalgoorlie: Jade Hayes Ph 0412 487 970Esperance: Doug Backhouse Ph 0437 184 366
MEMBERSHIP INQUIRIES: Veronica Mill Ph (08) 9476 9800
Forewords
President’s File ................................................... 4
Director’s File .................................................... 6
Reports
Word from the Hill ............................................ 8
Master Builders General News ........................ 10
Master Builders Branches ................................ 32
Awards
Geraldton Midwest Awards ............................ 40
Great Southern Awards ................................... 46
Updates
Personal Pars .................................................. 50
Building Business ............................................ 55
Industrial Relations ......................................... 61
Technical ......................................................... 65
Membership ................................................... 68
Members’ Health ........................................... 70
Legal .............................................................. 72
Safety .............................................................. 75
Housing .......................................................... 77
Insurance ........................................................ 80
Training .......................................................... 81
Features
IT Communications ......................................... 87
Scaffolding ...................................................... 88
The Benefits of Shade Structures..................... 91
Bricks and Pavers ............................................. 94
Sustainability ................................................... 96
What’s New ................................................. 100
John Holland, Greg Leeder Homes, Rogers Building Contractors and Geraldton Building Services and Cabinets took top honours at Master Builders’ regional Building Excellence Awards recently. See pages 40-49 for details.
2 WA Master Builder
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Acknowledging the Support of our 2013 Partners:
This is a role I never expected to carry out or to be considered for. In the
process, I have learnt a lot about myself and other people. At the end of
the day, it’s all about communications, people and working together for
the betterment of our industry.
What tools do you need in your bag to be Master Builders’ president?
The basic skills I believe are most essential are:
• Willingness to listen, especially to members’ and stakeholders’
points of view with which you may not necessarily agree.
• A capacity to dedicate a few hours each week to Association
business in conjunction with your own business, family and lifestyle.
• An ability to understand a diverse range of policy issues and
represent the interest of the Association with politicians,
senior public servants and other stakeholders.
I feel particularly privileged to have served as president of a body as
prestigious as Master Builders. I have learnt a lot, met some incredibly
knowledgeable people and feel proud of what we have achieved during
my term of office. Some of the more memorable highlights that stand
out for me include:
• The opening of three new regional properties in Geraldton,
Albany and Bunbury, reflecting our strength in regional
WA. Each of these properties is purpose-built and already
is providing members with wider and better services.
• The establishment of a dedicated Training Centre in
Jolimont which has enabled our range of training
courses to be expanded significantly.
• An upgrade of our major asset in Construction
House with respect to air conditioning, windows,
lifts and newly fitted out offices for our staff.
• Being involved in judging of both state and national housing
and construction excellence awards which has reinforced
to me the quality of workmanship of WA’s builders.
• Celebrating Gavan Forster’s and Michael McLean’s thirtieth
anniversaries with our great organisation. Members
are very fortunate to have such loyal, committed and
knowledgeable staff as Gavan and Michael.
• Working with a Board of like-minded peers who are prepared
to have a go and make a difference even when the going
gets tough in finding solutions to complex industry issues.
It is heartening that our perseverance has paid off in helping to achieve
a more stable industrial relations environment, a better building
approvals process, avoiding an onerous safety regime and maintaining a
strong independent contractor regime.
Being such a dynamic industry, change will continue to be the norm.
Our industry may not be perfect but it generates some incredible
outcomes for our clients, economy and community and significant
opportunities for subcontractors and suppliers. It contributes to making
WA what it is to us and the world.
We should never under-estimate the importance of our industry and
never become complacent in fighting for what’s needed to keep it
efficient, viable and rewarding. The risks need to be recognised, threats
need to be dealt with, opportunities need to be taken and outcomes
need to be celebrated.
In conclusion, I would like to thank everyone who has assisted me
during my term as president over the last three years. Many of you
have become great friends. My wife, Penny, and business partner,
Mick Daly, have been incredibly supportive and understanding. Thank
you to Michael McLean and our metro and regional staff. It has been
a pleasure working with all of you. To our present and past Board
members, thanks for shaping the direction of Master Builders and for
the support you have given me. It has been a fantastic experience which
I will always reflect positively upon. I look forward to my new role on
Master Builders’ Board as immediate past president and to lending
support to our incoming president, John Ripp, from EMCO.
Robert Shaw
President
Reflections of an outgoing presidentCan a president, in three years, add value to an organisation that is 115 years old? By the time most of you read this, my three-year term as president will have come to an end. It has been a very interesting, rewarding and humbling experience which I recommend to anyone who has the inclination to give something back to their industry.
4 WA Master Builder
FOREWORD: President’s File
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Acknowledging the Support of our 2013 Partners:
A Building Act was on the radar in WA for over 20 years. Master
Builders supported the concept as we believed the building approvals
process needed to be made more efficient and we appreciated the
opportunity to consult with the Building Commission. The months of
consultations highlighted the problems that needed to be overcome
– lengthy delays in processing building approval applications, poor
customer service at some local councils and no consistency or certainly
during processing. Philosophically, some councils opposed the move to
private certification and weren’t too keen on co-operating with those
drafting the new legislation even though WA was the last jurisdiction
to introduce such a regime; South Australia and the Northern Territory
having some form of private certification dating back to 1993!
Since April 2012 when WA’s Building Act commenced, many building
surveyors have resigned from local government and established their own
private certification businesses. Some have chosen to work in both areas.
FeedbackHaving consulted with builder members about how private certification
is going, I have formed the following conclusions:
• It has taken some time to adjust to the new forms and
jargon and understand the new building approvals
system but it now has been generally accepted.
• In some areas it has given builders more certainty
regarding time lines in receiving building permits.
• The private certifiers have been competent,
responsive and enterprising.
• There is more front end consultation between the building
team to get the design of commercial buildings right.
• Private certifiers now are starting to specialise in different types of
buildings such as heritage, strata title developments and hospitals.
• Compared to the past, the new process is
more streamlined and efficient.
However, the system is far from perfect. Many builders have pointed
out that local authorities are exceeding prescribed time limits for issuing
building permits. No penalty is imposed for doing so. Other builders
have complained that local authorities are needlessly double checking
certified approvals or imposing additional fees.
Areas for improvementThe two areas that need to be sorted out are planning and Department
of Fire and Emergency Services approvals. Getting the building
approvals process right is one thing but the whole approvals process is
being hampered, corrupted and jeopardised by an inefficient planning
regime. The goal posts vary from council to council. Requiring planning
approval for single houses is unacceptable. Builders are experiencing
delays of three months and longer with no idea when council approval
will be forthcoming. Clients tend to blame their builders under these
circumstances which doesn’t help in maintaining a harmonious working
relationship. Why can’t the building process start while the planners
decide what to do? Better still, why not simply exclude single detached
dwelling units that comply with the Residential Design Codes from the
planning approvals process altogether? There are several planning reviews
currently under way which need to address this situation urgently. The
role of DFES in the approvals process for the commercial and industrial
sectors is equally concerning. While public safety is a critical concern for all
involved, there is simply no transparency, accountability or certainty in this
area. The potential for alternative solutions to the National Construction
Code on complex projects is often thwarted by DFES. It is a tragedy that
many builders have given up on innovative design solutions. The answer
is to enable qualified fire engineers or assessors to certify designs, just like
private building surveyors do.
ConclusionThe Building Act is a big improvement on the previous regime. Many
builders and clients already have benefited. It has created a new spirit of
co-operation among many builders and their private certifiers. However,
the planning approvals process and DFES require an urgent overhaul
before WA achieves a first class rating from builders. The potential
benefits to everyone are enormous. It only requires political will to make
it happen. Regrettably, we’ve already waited too long for those reforms.
Michael McLean
Director
WA needs a better approvals regimeThe Building Act has been in operation for over 18 months now. How do you think it’s measuring up? This question was posed to me recently at the state conference of the Australian Institute of Building Surveyors.
6 WA Master Builder
FOREWORD: Director’s File
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A strong, vibrant building and construction industry is
essential to our State economy, and the Master Builders
Association and its members are vital to its success.
The Department of Finance’s Building Management and
Works also plays an important role through its delivery
of the Government’s non-residential building program,
which last year involved the expenditure of almost
$740 million across some 300 capital works projects.
In recent years, the Western Australian building and
construction industry (like most other States and
Territories) has faced challenging economic conditions
- with a growing number of insolvencies that have
had a devastating impact on small local businesses,
families and communities. Many of you will be aware
of the Small Business Commissioner’s recent report
on the Construction Subcontractor Investigation,
which examined the extent of these issues on projects
administered by BMW between 2008 and 2012.
BMW has made a number of enhancements to its
internal processes that implement the findings of the
report, including improvements to its prequalification
and business risk assessment processes for construction
projects. I am also pleased to see at my initiative BMW
has commenced a trial of Project Bank Accounts
and launched a number of educational initiatives,
including the delivery of a State-wide program to raise
awareness of contractor rights and responsibilities.
I would like to thank Master Builders for its
continued support in 2013 and the input that they
have made towards BMW’s overall improvements
program. I would also like to acknowledge the
contribution made by its members, particularly in
the development of a model for the trial of PBAs.
It is clear from the consultation process and the
experience in the United Kingdom - where PBAs
have been successfully used for a number of years
now - that industry understanding is critical to their
success. Likewise, it is recognised that our model
will need to be refined as the trial progresses. PBAs
will provide a greater level of security of payment
for the supply chain, improve BMW’s management
of project risks, and enable subcontractors to
From time to time, Master Builder invites Government members to contribute on current topics and developments. Dr Mike Nahan faces challenges in his Energy and Finance portfolios. Builders are watching with interest as he oversees...
Big changes in Building Management and Works
better protect themselves in the event that a head
contractor experiences financial difficulties.
In simple terms, PBAs provide an alternative mechanism
for payments on a project – that involves the principal
depositing funds into a dedicated bank account, as
part of the normal payment cycle. Those funds are then
distributed by the bank, direct and simultaneously to
the head contractor and immediate subcontractors.
The head contractor continues to determine payment
allocations, as PBAs do not seek to alter the rights
and responsibilities of the parties to a contract.
The trial is expected to include up to 10 projects
– ranging in value from $2 million to $45 million,
in both regional and metropolitan locations. The
first PBA project was released as an expression
of interest on 11 November and a further two
EOI’s are scheduled for mid-December.
I strongly encourage you to become familiar with
the changes BMW is making to its processes
and the educational material that has been
developed for industry. More information on
these initiatives and the trial of PBAs can be
found on the BMW page of the Department of
Finance’s website via www.finance.wa.gov.au.
I look forward to continuing to work with Master
Builders on this important initiative and I would welcome
feedback from participants as the trial progresses.
8 WA Master Builder
REPORTS: Word from the Hill
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WA Master Builder 9
Anyone who considers the successful builders in WA over time will
see some common features that have led to their success. All of these
businesses have demonstrated their ability to adapt to changes in the
demand for buildings.
It is essential that businesses change their focus over time to deliver
better buildings and to move into areas where the work is. But this
requires moves to acquire different skill sets, different clients and
sometimes different construction delivery processes.
So successful builders in WA have demonstrated their ability to change,
or as it is sometimes called, innovate. Innovation can be defined as:
“Action undertaken to improve or create a product, process or service.”
The University of Melbourne and the Australian Institute of
Management recently released survey research of almost 2500
respondents that shows that organisations that fail to embrace
innovation as a systematic performance tool are “likely to be chronic
under-achievers”. These under-achievers were found to have lower
levels of growth, fewer career choices for staff and had difficulty
attracting and retaining skilled people.
Respondents were classified into two groups - innovation leaders, that is,
the top performing 25 percent of respondents – and innovation laggards,
the bottom 25 percent. Revenue growth, profitability, productivity,
cash flow and other elements of business performance were higher for
innovation leaders when compared to the innovation laggards.
So what makes a business an innovation leader according to the
research? Innovation leaders embrace a structured, planned whole of
organisation approach to innovation where:
• Managers get involved in innovation projects.
• Innovation is prioritised in the business strategy.
• Business strategy and technology is strongly aligned.
• There is willingness to take calculated risks.
• Teamwork is emphasized.
• Employees are highly skilled.
• Clearly articulated employee capabilities relate to innovation.
• Employees are rewarded financially for innovation contributions.
• Competitors are benchmarked.
The conclusions of the report are worth highlighting – I’ve set them
out in the accompanying table. I wish you well in your commitment
to evolve your construction business. Send any comments to geoff@
mbawa.com.
Recently released research maps out some useful management tools to succeed in construction, says Master Builders’ communications director, Geoff Cooper.
Building a successful business: an innovation!
Achieving Innovation Performance and Business ResultsConclusions from the University of Melbourne-AIM report, October 2013, “Innovation: The New Imperative”:
“... In order to achieve... advantage, innovation needs to be the key focus of your organisation, as is the case in leading innovation-oriented organisations such as Apple, Google, Samsung, Sony and 3M. Systematic innovation capability means that:
Business strategy must be centred on finding innovative solutions to your customers’ problems. From proactively solving these problems, one creates business opportunities. Strategies need to include looking for new and different ways to solve problems for clients and new and different ways to conduct your own business processes. This means developing brand new products and services too. This work and orientation also allows your firm to win the ‘war for talent’ because many talented people have a natural affinity for innovation and will be attracted to organisations which are demonstrating innovation leadership.
Systematic innovation needs to be properly resourced, and processes must allow for some experimentation, thinking outside the square, and taking carefully judged and calculated risks when needed. This includes stimulating creativity in all staff, which is a training and skilling-up opportunity. Knowledge management provides the means by which knowledge can be created, shared, disseminated and recombined to create new forms of knowledge. Human Resource Management to support innovation is an opportunity here too, requiring systems capabilities and forums for exchanging ideas between staff.
If a firm is serious about systematic innovation capability as against just paying a ‘lip service’ approach, then innovation must be measured and be a central part of the business key performance indicator system of the organisation. Remember the saying that is indeed a truism: What gets measured gets done!
The business innovation measures are even more powerful when they are then translated into personal incentives for all staff. This means that staff are recognised, rewarded and promoted at least partly on their contribution to innovation capability and innovations. Without this, staff can get away with not ‘buying in’ to innovation. However, with this factor in place, staff achieve personal gains while doing great innovative things in the business and for clients. When the business measures are strongly aligned with personal and team success drivers and incentives, a huge amount of energy is unleashed in the workforce!
Emphatic leadership of innovation behaviours and culture works wonders. When we see Australian senior executives thinking outside the square, trying new initiatives, demonstrating and encouraging some sensible appetite for risk and tolerating the occasional failure as a learning opportunity then fear is removed and people embrace innovation.”
10 WA Master Builder
REPORTS: General News
The proposed changes, if agreed, will see the number of metropolitan
local councils decrease from 30 to 14 by July 2015, with nine new local
government areas created through a series of mergers.
The Wanneroo, Joondalup and Rockingham local government areas
would remain unchanged, while Perth and Stirling would undergo
boundary adjustments and Vincent residents would become ratepayers
of either Stirling or Perth. Speaking at the Master Builders’ More
Homes Less Local Governments Breakfast Briefing in August, Local
Government Minister, Tony Simpson, informed the audience that
the change would decrease the number of duplicated and wasted
resources by grouping communities of interest into one local council.
“All levels of government face pressures to provide affordable services.
The mergers bring councils together to create economies of scale that
offer the best opportunity to keep rates down and deliver services,”
he said. “The transformation will encourage local councils to be more
open minded. The smaller the local councils are, the more likely they
are to have their blinkers on. Creating larger local councils should help
this issue.”
Mr Simpson said the local government amalgamations would not halt
the building process. He stated that he did not want a repeat of what
happened when the new Building Act was introduced, therefore, there
will be no initial changes to town planning schemes.
“A home being built will still be covered by the town planning scheme
of the original local council, even if that local council no longer exists,”
he said. On the argument that amalgamations will result in a loss of
local identity, Mr Simpson said: “It’s not about changing suburbs or
about changing what people love about their street; it’s about creating
stronger councils to serve them.”
More information on the changes is available at www.mediastatements.
wa.gov.au.
Time for government to lead on amalgamations: SimpsonThe WA Government’s preferred local government model for stronger, more efficient Perth local authorities will result in the structure of councils changing dramatically.
Part of the large audience drawn to Master Builders’ More Homes Less Local Governments breakfast function where Local Government Minister, Tony Simpson, and Environs Design Group MD, Ken Bezant, were guest speakers.
Ken Bezant told the breakfast audience that the omission of restrictions on overshadowing in the new R-Codes was a concern.
New Residential Design Codes: the good, the bad, and the uglyExperienced Master Builders’ trainer, Ken Bezant, from Environs Design
Group, told the breakfast briefing what in his opinion are the good, the
bad, and the ugly aspects of new R-Codes applying from 2 August. He
commended the reforms to allow significantly higher densities under
the codes. “Over time, we’ve realised we can design good homes on
small blocks,” he said. “Setbacks have been reduced, there has been
a reduction in open space requirements and there are reduced car
parking requirements. It will help us meet our population targets.”
Mr Bezant also praised the change made to the code relating to
ancillary accommodation (known as granny flats). “The person or
people occupying the granny flat are no longer required to be a relative
of the main householder,” he said, “and the maximum plot ratio for
ancillary accommodation has been increased from 60 square metres
to 70 square metres.” The most concerning area of the R-Codes, Mr
Bezant said, is that there is no legal right to solar access. “The provisions
to restrict overshadowing of existing roof mounted solar collectors and
north facing major openings to habitable rooms were omitted from
the final release,” he said. “This means that a home can have its solar
features blocked by a house built next door, if that house is built at a
higher floor level.”
For the current versions of the R-Codes, visit www.planning.wa.gov.
au/637.asp.
WA Master Builder 11
REPORTS: General News
To ensure operations did not suffer and that
appointments and phone calls were dealt
with as normal, a second smaller session was
organised at a different time.
Secondary level training was equally well
attended, with 11 volunteers chosen from
throughout the different levels and divisions
of the organisation. Having supervisors
trained as ‘Connectors’ (who are able to
identify signs of workers having a tough time)
has the added effect of allowing Gemmill to
look after its tradespeople and subcontractors
on site.
It already has been worthwhile, with a
Connector-trained supervisor approaching
a stressed worker, speaking with him,
establishing his issues and connecting him
directly with a MIC WA field officer who was
able to provide confidential help.
Without the support of builders such as
the Gemmill Group, supporting workers in
the residential sector can be difficult. With
trained, alert supervisors on the ground,
problems can be identified on site and
connections to help can be established.
Gemmill Group backs MATESGemmill Group has become the first WA home builder accredited under the MATES in Construction program. In an impressive display of commitment to implementing the program, more than 110 staff, including receptionists, finance officers, site supervisors, designers and managers, attended MIC mental health safety training in one session at the HIA training rooms.
Gemmill general manager, Gary Wilson (left), with Godfrey Baronie of MATES in Construction WA.
Gemmill Group general manager, Gary
Wilson, is glowing in his praise of MIC WA.
“This program is one of the best safety and
welfare programs we have implemented
for our staff and trades,” he says. “We are
already reaping the benefits. I encourage
other builders in our industry to get behind
this safety and welfare initiative.” MIC WA
says that while Gemmill Homes’ marketing
pitch ‘we stand behind everything we do’ is
well known, the group is showing this also
applies to its concern for the wellbeing of
staff and trades.
The impressive sight of more than 110 Gemmill Group staff undertaking MIC general awareness training.
12 WA Master Builder
REPORTS: General News
Master Builders’ director, Michael McLean, chairs a panel session at the inaugural Master Builders-AIB conference with (l-r) Kelvin Ryan (BGC Residential), Master Builders’ president, Robert Shaw, Loris Moriconi (ABN Training) and CTF supremo Ralph Dawson, taking questions.
Lend Lease’s Murray Coleman (left) and the then director of Construction Code Compliance, Victoria, Nigel Hadgkiss (recently appointed by the Abbott Government as director of the Fair Work Building Industry Inspectorate - right), with Master Builders’ director, Michael McLean.
Master Builders-AIB conference a winnerThe inaugural Master Builders-AIB one-day conference in September focusing on the future of building proved to be a popular event says Master Builders’ communications director, Geoff Cooper.
“Modular construction, labour force shortages, overseas procurement,
project management, economic volatility, political uncertainty and
building information modelling are all affecting the way we build and
invest in WA,” he said. “All these topics were discussed by expert
panellists at the one-day conference held at the WA Maritime Museum
in Fremantle. Attendee survey feedback was positive, with almost all
respondents ranking the event as very good or excellent.”
Mr Cooper said there was a diverse range of speakers at the conference
including the then Minister for Resources, Energy, Tourism and Small
Business, Gary Gray, and (at the time) shadow Defence Minister, David
Johnston, economists Peter Jones (Master Builders Australia) and Gavan
Forster (Master Builders WA), political journalist, Peter Kennedy, and
general practitioner, Dr Joe Kosterich.
Other speakers were:
• Stewart Darby, Housing Industry Forecasting Group.
• Nick Allingame, Pindan development management director.
• Robert Shaw, Master Builders’ president.
• Ralph Dawson, Construction Training Fund executive director.
• Kelvin Ryan, BGC Residential executive general manager.
• Loris Moriconi, ABN Training apprentice program manager.
• Lloyd Jenkins, BGC Modular executive general manager.
• Debra Tarabini, StratX CEO.
• Jon Stone, Brookfield Multiplex regional director infrastructure.
• Murray Coleman, Lend Lease construction managing director.
• Shane Brown, CSI BIM project manager.
• Nigel Hadgkiss, director, Construction Code Compliance, Victoria.
Mr Cooper thanked the conference’s major sponsor, Hays, and silver
sponsors, Access Rentals Australia, Alinta Energy, Austral Bricks, Instant
Waste Management and MBA Insurance Services. He said a follow up
conference is planned for 2014.
Part of the appreciative audience at the Master Builders-AIB one-day conference.
WA Master Builder 13
REPORTS: General News
There’s no ‘I’ in teamGuests at the Master Builders Bankwest Support Staff Breakfast in August heard from West Coast Fever and former Australian Diamonds netball coach, Norma Plummer, who emphasised the importance of team work.
“There’s no I in team, it has to be the ‘us’ not ‘me’,” Ms Plummer
stressed. “Egos must be put aside.” She stated that there was little use
in her, as coach, having a vision, if it was not shared by the rest of the
team. This view helped her guide the Diamonds to victory in the 2011
World Championships, despite Netball Australia’s defeated attitude
towards the tournament, due to the strength of the New Zealand team
and the number of injuries to key Australian players.
To engage her team which then was under siege, Ms Plummer
discussed the team selection with the leadership group, as well as her
idea of including two rookies. The leadership group’s support of her
tactic allowed one of those rookies, Caitlin Bassett, to score the winning
goal in the final against New Zealand.
“Everyone knew their role,” Ms Plummer said of the World
Championship winning team.
Master Builders’ communications director, Geoff Cooper, said the
Support Staff Breakfast provided an opportunity for Association
members to thank and inspire staff. The function reverted to the
breakfast format this year with a mix of staff and their bosses enjoying
the hospitality of Royal Perth Yacht Club. Bankwest, Hays and Landgate
sponsored the event.
Master coach, Norma Plummer, addresses the Support Staff Breakfast.
With the morning sunshine slanting in, staff and bosses alike enjoy the Support Staff Breakfast.
Palfrey kicks winner in footy tipping comp
The South West general manager of WA Home Group, Shaun Palfrey,
has come within a whisker of topping the 495,000-participants ESPN
online footy tipping competition. He finished third, one point off the
leader and based on points margin. Some consolation for Mr Palfrey
was that he won an iPad Mini, donated by Bankwest, in winning the
Master Builders’ footy tipping competition. “Shaun’s was an amazing
achievement,” says Master Builders’ communications director, Geoff
Cooper. “He excelled in the competition – just one point off the leader
in Australia and third on points margin. Not surprisingly, he was best in
Master Builders’ competition.”
Shaun shared his top tip for picking winning AFL teams: “Tip with the
brain and not the heart. Go with favourites based on the TAB odds,
and hope you get the 50-50 games right!”
Mr Cooper thanked Bankwest for its support for the Master Builders’
competition.Gun tipper Shaun Palfrey (left) with Bankwest’s Paul Burnett
14 WA Master Builder
REPORTS: General News
We have solved the problem with Lendilegno wooden flooring modules!
Lendilegno modules consist of 4mm of pure wood timber adhered to a
base of 6mm impact sound protective Regupol acoustic underlay. These
components will absolutely meet and exceed the requirements of the
Building Code of Australia’s standards on impact sound protection.
Achieve the beautiful look of wood flooring using only 4mm of timber from
our planet’s tree resources rather than using up 12mm of solid timber.
This product is the same price as other engineered timber or solid
timber flooring systems, but you don’t have the hassle of sourcing and
installing acoustic underlay before you lay your timber floor. It is all
neatly packed together. The full system including acoustic underlay is
only 10mm thick.
Lendilegno timber flooring modules are manufactured in Italy to the
highest standard and come in a range of beautiful colours and are
completely sealed and finished.
Lendilegno modules are light weight and flexible and also waterproof,
so they can used indoors and outdoors.
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See our showroom at 113 Garling St., O Connor
The publication provides employers with comprehensive
and up-to-date guidance on the primary modern
award for the building and construction industry, the
Building and Construction General On-Site Award 2010.
A companion publication, the National Employment
Standards (NES) Booklet as modified by the On-Site
Award also was published in August.
“These are must have publications for all employers
trying to navigate the complex industrial relations
safety net,” says Master Builders’ chief executive
officer, Wilhelm Harnisch. “This edition is the
essential workplace relations guide for employers,
helping them negotiate a maze of over 60 separate
allowances and a cut-and-paste collection of antique
provisions, particularly about outdated work health
and safety issues in the Building and Construction
General On-Site Award 2010 which can be a real
headache for employers.”
Mr Harnisch said the fourth edition of the manual has
been substantially expanded. It analyses the Building
and Construction General On-Site Award 2010 on a
clause-by-clause basis. Updated annually from 1 July for
the Fair Work Commission’s minimum wage decisions,
it also provides links to key interpretations by the Fair
Work Commission, practical examples and essential
historical and industrial relations perspectives. This time
it also includes an update from the 2012 Modern Award
Review decision that was handed down in July.
“The important matter for employers to understand
is that the Building and Construction General On-
Site Award 2010, together with the NES, set the
minimum standards for all employees in the building
and construction industry,” Mr Harnisch said. “Even
those employees on enterprise agreements must be on
terms which are ‘better-off overall’ when compared to
the 2010 Award. For this reason, all employers in the
industry need to have a solid understanding of that
Award and the NES.”
The Modern Award Manual and the NES publication are
available from Master Builders WA in West Perth (phone
9476 9800).
Updated Modern Award Manual vital for building employersMaster Builders Australia has published the fourth edition of its Modern Award Manual.
NATSPEC boss in townNATSPEC chief executive officer, Richard Choy, visited Perth recently for a shareholders lunch. NATSPEC is a not-for-profit organisation, owned by the design, build, construct and property industry through professional associations and government property groups. Master Builders has a stake through the movement’s national body. Master Builders Australia. NATSPEC’s major service is the comprehensive national specification system endorsed by government and professional bodies. The organisation was founded in 1975 and is impartial and not involved in advocacy or policy development. Master Builders WA director, Michael McLean (right), caught up with Mr Choy and Australian Institute of Architects state manager, Meino Mirkva, at the Perth lunch.
Architects, builders meetMaster Builders’ and Australian Institute of Architects’ representatives met recently as part of regular liaison between the organisations. Topics covered in the discussions included the state of the industry, building information modelling, quality of documentation and Building Management and Works reforms. Master Builders’ director Michael McLean (right) says exchanging information between peak industry groups is an important role for the Association. He is pictured at the meeting with (l-r) Charles Anderson (Master Builders’ contracts manager), AIA’s state manager Meino Mirkva and WA Chapter president David Karotkin.
Builders on show in Las VegasCommercial specialist with the US Consulate General in Perth, Donna Carter, met Master Builders’ director Michael McLean recently. Ms Carter is keen to promote the International Builders’ Show in Las Vegas from 4-6 February to Master Builder members. More information can be accessed via the National Association of Home Builders’ website www.buildersshow.com/Home/.
16 WA Master Builder
REPORTS: General News
Master Builders’ CEO, Wilhelm Harnisch says that every
day, thousands of small and medium building and
construction businesses are diverted from productive
activity by unnecessary regulation and over-regulation.
“The Productivity Commission’s recognition that the
impact of regulation falls most heavily on small business
is a good first step but must be followed up with a
structured deregulation process that seeks to remove
and reduce the compliance burden,” Mr Harnisch said.
“Regulation often overwhelms the limited staff, time and
resources available to small building enterprises, drowning
them in red tape and diverting them from what they do
best – driving economic growth and employing people.”
Mr Harnisch said that Master Builders also welcomes the
Productivity Commission’s recognition of the effectiveness
and efficiency of utilising industry association networks to
disseminate regulatory information to their members.
“But this should be kick-started at the front end of the
regulatory process by consulting with industry about the
likely effects of new regulation or increased compliance
processes,” he said. “We welcome the Report’s
identification of more efficient targeting of regulatory
resources to ensure lesser compliance costs, for example,
less onerous reporting requirements.
“An example is the thousands of contractors in the
building industry must who report each and every payment
to another contractor annually to the Australian Tax Office.
This is a classic case of legislation (passed by the previous
Government) requiring regulators to wield a big stick to
catch a minority who may be breaking the law.
“The new Government indicated during the election that
they would examine this particular requirement and Master
Builders looks forward to working with the Small Business
Minister, Bruce Billson, to advance measures to reduce
red tape for small businesses, boosting productivity and
resulting in more jobs.”
Productivity Commission red tape report wins praiseThe Productivity Commission’s research report ‘Regulator Engagement with Small Business’, released in October, should assist the Abbott Government’s push to slash red and green tape according to Master Builders Australia.
Diligence, hard work, resilience keys to Dockers’ futureGuests at the Master Builders Bankwest CEO and Managers’ Lunch late in October heard from Fremantle Dockers CEO, Steve Rosich, who said that hard work would help the club achieve its goal of sustained success.
He said that the AFL’s equalisation of the league, through the National Draft
and the fixtures, made it the most competitive club sporting competition in
the world. Mr Rosich said the Dockers had undergone a severe overhaul of
management and players since he became CEO in 2008, and this had helped to
achieve a reasonable amount of success this year.
“Only seven of the 45 currently listed players and five of the 140 current staff
members were at the club pre-2008 in the same roles,” he said. “The way to beat
equalisation is through education of players, coaches and staff and by ensuring
all involved with the club are hard working and resilient. The team and staff must
commit to what’s possible and ensure they have the correct attitude and behaviour
to make that happen.”
More than 150 guests attended the function with pre-lunch drinks outdoors in
Kings Park in perfect spring conditions before the lunch inside at Frasers. The
highly successful event was sponsored by Bankwest, Cbus, Colorbond, Hanson,
Hays, LandCorp, ReddiFund and West Australian Mechanical Services.
Fremantle Dockers CEO, Steve Rosich, spells
out his club’s success strategies at the Master
Builders CEO and Managers’ Lunch.
Enjoying the brilliant spring weather in Kings Park over a pre-lunch drink are (l-r) Daniel Hunt (WA Mechanical Services), Matt Callaghan (WA Mechanical Services), Colin Emmott (HLB Mann Judd) and John Youens (MyLeave).
WA Master Builder 17
REPORTS: General News
“There is just so much money floating around looking for premium
assets,” Cbus Property CEO, Adrian Pozzo, told the building industry
lunch guests. “Sydney is hot, you just can’t find sites. Land prices are
causing problems and are making developments cost prohibitive. Our
challenge is to find sites that will generate the returns required by
Cbus.” Mr Pozzo said that Australian assets have yield cap rates
above those in major overseas centres, where they are only about
three percent.
“Yields are getting too sharp and are sitting at low sixes,” he said. “Our
biggest competition is with overseas investors.” Mr Pozzo also said the
reduction in floor space ratios was putting downward pressure on the
office space required by major tenants. “Floor space ratios are now 1:8
square metres, plus some major employers have employees working
one day a week from home. The whole psyche is changed.”
Cbus eyes big office, retail projectsCbus Property has told a Master Builders’ boardroom lunch, hosted by RSM Bird Cameron, that it is on the lookout for quality projects in WA.
The award winning 140 William Street project is a standout Cbus project.
Cbus Property has responsibility for the strategic performance and
management of all aspects of the Cbus direct property investment
business. Over the last five financial years, Cbus Property has returned
an annual average of 9.31 percent. The fund has about 13 percent
of its assets in WA. Master Builders’ communications director, Geoff
Cooper, said Mr Pozzo would meet with the Association’s commercial
builder members where there was interest in exploring the criteria
used by Cbus to assess current prospective property developments
and opportunities in Perth. He thanked RSM Bird Cameron managing
partner James Komninos for chairing and hosting the lunch.
For further details on the topics covered at the lunch, contact Cbus WA
key partnerships manager, James Moore, on 0437 688 538 or email
Summit expandsSummit Homes Group has built a new client showroom at 83 McCoy Street in Myaree, behind its existing head office on Leach Highway. The purpose built facility will assist new home-buyers in their product selections.
18 WA Master Builder
REPORTS: General News
Top award to Pindan’s AllingameThe man who has led one of WA’s most successful building companies for more than 35 years has been awarded Master Builders’ 2013 Robert Law Award for industry service.
The Robert Law Award has been presented annually by Master Builders since 1998, the Association’s centenary year. Previous winners are:
1998 HomesWest1999 Graham Kierath 2000 Geraldton Building Company2001 Len Buckeridge2002 John Roberts2003 Plunkett Homes2004 Graham Glick2005 Ron Scott2006 Gervase Purich2007 Rob Torrance2008 Dale Alcock and Garry Brown-Neaves2009 Peter Hunt2010 Peter Bruechle2011 John Doust 2012 Julian Walter
Master Builders’ 2013 Robert Law Award winner, George Allingame (right), with Association president, Robert Shaw.
George Allingame was the founding CEO and director of Pindan Constructions in 1977.
The company started out building houses, caravan parks and small commercial projects
but now as the Pindan Group, has various divisions covering large scale commercial work,
remote and regional construction and individual and project homes.
It ranks in the top handful of WA’s commercial contractors and also is one of the nation’s
top 10 biggest multi-unit builders.
Mr Allingame originally trained as a metallurgist and was an outstanding student at the
South Australian Institute of Technology and the University of Adelaide. He worked for
Western Mining Corporation in WA in the early to mid-70s, and was senior nickel division
metallurgist when he took a right turn to start Pindan. He became the sixteenth winner of
the Robert Law Award with the announcement of the accolade at Master Builders’ industry
CEO lunch at Frasers on October 31. In accepting the award, Mr Allingame acknowledged
his successful 35-year partnership in Pindan with fellow director and co-owner David Pringle.
Master Builders’ director Michael McLean says the award, named after the Association’s
first president in 1898, recognises exceptional service to WA’s building industry over a
number of years.
“The Robert Law Award is judged by Master Builders’ board and George is a terrific
winner,” Mr McLean said. “Running an enormously successful business isn’t the only thing
that sets him apart. He’s been involved in industry affairs, particularly through Master
Builders, for more than 20 years.
He started with us in 1990 when he joined our Safety Committee. He served on it until
2009 including the last 16 years as chair. He also was the Association’s representative to the
WorkSafe Construction Industry Safety Advisory Committee between 1997 and 2008 and
since 2010 he’s chaired the peak WorkSafe Commission.”
Mr McLean said that, in addition, Mr Allingame was first elected to the Association’s
main governing body in 1993 and since then had served continuously in various roles,
including president from 2008 to 2010. Mr Allingame also was recently appointed as WA’s
representative to the board of brokers MBA Insurance Services.
The Pindan Group had won many state and national building excellence awards and,
reflecting Mr Allingame’s passion for workplace safety, was awarded a WorkSafe Platinum
Certificate of Achievement in 2006.
Pindan was committed to industry skills with scholarships through the Central Institute of
Technology and Curtin University and sponsorship of Master Builders’ Apprentice of the
Year Awards. At another level, Mr Allingame personally had contributed to the education
of hundreds of secondary students through his service on the Mazenod College board
including a decade as its chair.
“George is slowing down a bit now, indulging his fishing and golfing passions,” Mr McLean
said. “It’s fitting that Master Builders should recognise the contribution he’s made to WA’s
building industry and the wider community over the best part of four decades and the
unpretentious way he’s gone about it.”
WA Master Builder 19
REPORTS: General News
MyLeave CEO, John Youens.
It is pleasing to detail that in the 2012/13 financial year, MyLeave delivered record breaking results against various key performance indicators. MyLeave has continued to deliver an increasingly valuable service for its stakeholders especially as the construction industry in WA has undergone a period of strong growth. The number of workers covered by the scheme continued to grow in 2013 and that growth is ultimately reflected in the number and value of payments made to workers. Monitoring of payments indicates that a large number of workers stay in the construction industry to achieve the benefit of an entitlement under the scheme.
In regards to workers, key performance highlights for the year include:
Workers 2012 2013 Growth
Total (average per quarter) contributed for:
69,619 76,748 +7,129 (+10%)
Number of benefits paid: 2556 3112 +556 (+22%)
Value of benefits paid: $20.5M $24.8M +$4.3M (+21%)
The number of registered employers has not shown any growth; in
2013 the number of employers was 4892 which was slightly less than
the 2012 level of 4912.
A key driver of the scheme is the number of workers and the ‘ordinary
pay’ paid to those workers. The growth in the number of workers
previously detailed, coupled with the annual average growth in ordinary
pay of +6.0 percent in 2013, has a direct impact on MyLeave’s balance
sheet. This affects the accrued long service leave benefit liability (as
calculated by MyLeave’s actuary) and also the underlying investment
portfolio required to fund the liability.
John Youens, chief executive officer of MyLeave (the business name of the Construction Industry Long Service Leave Payments Board), provides Master Builder with an annual update.
Record year for MyLeave
The investment portfolio (including cash deposits held by MyLeave), has
grown significantly over recent years and at 2013 it was $342 million.
In 2013 investment markets were volatile, especially during May and
June. However, at year end, markets had performed well above the
long-term average return. This had a positive impact on MyLeave’s
balance sheet which is now being restored following the increased
worker benefits legislated in 2006 and the Global Financial Crisis impact
in 2008 and 2009.
MyLeave’s balance sheet is summarised below:
Balance Sheet
2012 2013 Movement
Assets $268.9M $362.8M +$93.9M (+35%)
Liabilities $271.6M $300.5M +$28.9M (+11%)
Equity Surplus/(Deficit) ($2.7M) +$62.3M +$65.0M
As previously commented, investment markets were strong in 2013 and
MyLeave is pleased to report an investment return of 17.1 percent per
annum for the year.
The strengthened balance sheet has resulted in MyLeave improving
its funding ratio, that is, the ratio of the value of the investment
portfolio to the actuarial funding liability. This will be a factor when
board members make their recommendation to the Minister for the
Contribution Levy rate for 2014. With the continuance of significant
volatility in investment returns, board members have a very challenging
task with the annual assessment of the Contribution Levy rate.
New MyLeave board appointedCommerce Minister, Michael Mischin, has announced the composition of the new Construction Industry Long Service Leave Payments Board for the next 12 months.
The Board is a body corporate of seven members appointed by the State Government principally from nominations made by industry unions to represent employees, and Master Builders and the Chamber of Commerce and Industry to represent employers.
The chairperson is a separate appointment by the Minister. The new board is:• Linda Gibbs (chairperson)• Michael McLean (Master Builders)• Ray Sputore (Decmil)• Warren Edwards (CCI)• Mick Buchan (CFMEU) • Steve McCartney (AMWU)• Les McLaughlan (ETU)
The portable long service leave scheme commenced in January 1987 and now operates as MyLeave. Building workers covered by the scheme are entitled to 13 weeks’ long service leave after 15 years’ service to the industry and pro-rata entitlements after seven years.
At the time of publishing Master Builder, employers currently contribute two percent of their eligible employees’ ordinary wages to fund the scheme.
20 WA Master Builder
REPORTS: General News
MyLeave continues to strive for efficiencies in its operations and a key
aspect of this is the volume of worker data submitted online. MyLeave
is pleased to advise that this ratio has increased over the past year from
68 percent to 78 percent. The new website introduced during the year
has been well received by stakeholders and has assisted in the uplift in
online data. In 2014 MyLeave will continue to focus on demonstrating
to employers the benefits of online submission of quarterly returns.
Legislative changes proclaimed on 1 April 2012 included a key
initiative which now allows MyLeave to automatically register workers
when they appear on an employer’s quarterly return. This initiative
has resulted in a significant increase in the number of registered
workers and, in effect, the elimination of unregistered workers being
contributed for by employers.
As a result of the above, employers no longer need to follow up
with new workers for the completion and submission of registration
forms to MyLeave. From the worker’s perspective, upon automatic
registration they have immediate access to their service records online
and therefore can regularly check that employers are accurately
submitting service records on quarterly returns. Notwithstanding the
automatic registration of workers, it is important that both employers
and workers ensure that the workers are working in a prescribed job
classification covered by the scheme, otherwise a benefit will not be
payable to the worker.
Employers will be pleased to note that the cost efficiency of MyLeave
is confirmed in the level of average administrative cost per registered
worker of $27.44 per annum. This well below the average of $56.78 per
annum (2012) for other Australia-wide schemes.
Whilst it is pleasing to present an improved financial position to
stakeholders, MyLeave board members continue to maintain a cautious
outlook regarding investment markets to ensure MyLeave remains
in a sound financial position into the future. Finally, MyLeave board
members are pleased with the continued benefit that the scheme
provides to workers and therefore assists those workers to stay in the
local construction industry.
For further information employers should contact MyLeave on 9476
5400 or visit myleave.wa.gov.au.
The four projects in the program are prequalification and business
risk assessment enhancement, a trial of project bank accounts, tender
process improvements and an education program for industry and
BMW staff.
Improvements to the way BMW manages its builders’ prequalification
scheme and business risk assessment processes came into effect
in September. The improvements included the requirement for a
higher standard of financial information from contractors applying
for prequalification, expiry of prequalification after 12 months and
the introduction of random spot checks of subcontractor payment.
Full details of BMW’s new builders’ prequalification scheme can be
downloaded from the Department’s website on www.finance.wa.gov.
au/cms/content.aspx?id=3700.
BMW currently is trialling project bank accounts. It is the first time this
alternative payment mechanism has been used by a state government
agency in Australia. BMW’s monthly payments for the trial projects
are made into a quarantined bank account, from which the funds are
dispersed directly and simultaneously to the head contractor and the
immediate subcontractors.
The tender process improvement project includes a trial that broadens
the use of two-stage procurement for lower value projects. The tender
process starts with contractors being invited to submit expressions of
interest for a project. EOIs are assessed using qualitative criteria and
then shortlisted contractors are invited to submit priced tenders.
BMW reforms under wayThe Department of Finance, Building Management and Works has begun a process improvement program to address the recommendations of the Small Business Commissioner’s Construction Subcontractor Investigation Report released in June.
The education program includes documents and information sessions to
increase awareness of leading practices and understanding of BMW’s
processes. New brochures have been distributed to contractors and
subcontractors that regularly work with BMW, and information sessions
have been held in Perth and across regional WA.
For information on the program contact the BMW feedback officer on
6551 1888 or email [email protected].
Policy and practice general manager, Graeme McLean, presents information on BMW’s process improvement program at an October subcontractor awareness session.
WA Master Builder 21
REPORTS: General News
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CEO Wilhelm Harnisch says the building and
construction industry is looking to the Abbott
Government to put as high priorities, sound economic
management, a return to sensible industrial relations
policies, bringing back the Australian Building and
Construction Commission and dealing with the under
supply of housing and the issue of housing affordability.
“The normalisation of engagement with the business
sector is another high priority that should include
wide consultation, the preparation of rigorous and
transparent regulatory impact statements and proper
parliamentary scrutiny for the introduction of new
legislation,” Mr Harnisch said. “This is crucial to
Master Builders Australia CEO, Wilhelm Harnisch.
Master Builders and Bankwest have signed an agreement that will promote careers in construction in WA.
Master Builders has high expectations of Abbott GovernmentWith the serious business of Parliamentary sittings getting under way, Master Builders Australia has restated what it hopes to see from the new Coalition Government.
restoring business confidence. Master Builders looks
to the Abbott Government to get the economy on
the right track, not just for the next three years but
for the next three decades. Building and construction
will be a key industry in generating economic growth,
building the nation’s infrastructure, creating jobs and
lifting productivity.”
Mr Harnisch said Master Builders was looking forward
to working with the Abbott Government to advance
reforms in the national interest and was encouraging
the government to properly recognise the contribution
of the building industry to the wellbeing of the
Australian community.
Bankwest and Master Builders agree to support apprenticeships
traineeships in WA. The initiatives include promotion
of careers, job opportunities, government incentives
and other relevant information. The plus for Master
Builder members is they have access-dedicated banking
contacts for personal and business loans. A 0.25
percent commission will apply on the loan amount on
all business, retail and private banking lending referred
(up to a maximum of $10,000). Master Builders’
director, Michael McLean, and Bankwest’s, Paul Burnett
(pictured), signed the final agreement in November.
“We look forward to promoting apprenticeships,
proudly supported by Bankwest, using the funds raised
by the referral program,” Mr McLean said. “There is
lots we want to do to promote the rewarding careers
in construction in WA, because there are many diverse,
well paid office and site jobs to be filled. The industry
needs more people to build homes, factories, shopping
centres and office towers.”
To find out more about Bankwest loans and products,
contact Bankwest’s business development manager
Christine Hutchins on 0457 541 200 or home loan
specialist Lisa Hutchins (0467 807 662).
Master Builders and Bankwest have signed an
agreement to facilitate a referral fee for business
and personal loans to members that will support
apprenticeships in the industry. Referral fees will be
put towards initiatives to boost apprenticeships and
24 WA Master Builder
REPORTS: General News
Better Living Home Show hits 9000 visitorsMaster Builders had a large number of visitors at its stand at the 2013
Better Living Home Show. The show, held during August, attracted
around 9000 visitors overall. Master Builders’ stand featured extensive
information for consumers on how to find Master Builder members to
assist with their building or renovations. Information was provided on:
• Master Builders’ Find a Member online service at www.mbawa.com.
• Award winning builders from the 2013 Master
Builders Bankwest Housing Excellence Awards.
• Master Builders’ DisplayHomesWA.com.au website.
• The Association’s BuildIT publication.
• The website A-Z Building Information Directory with
more than 200 helpful topics and links to members.
• Master Builders’ partners including Cbus and Bankwest.
The show featured a number of building products, sustainable energy
ideas, finance and legal advice.
Master Builders’ stand at the August Better Living Home Show.
The life membership award was the highlight of the
club’s annual general meeting at the Stirling Bowling
Club. Mr Maricic was a popular recipient of the honour.
He was described as always having a smile on his
face and making visitors to the club welcome. Over
the years, he has been active in different club roles
including sponsorship.
In accepting the life member’s medallion, Mr Maricic
said he was rather surprised but extremely proud
and humbled to be recognised by his peers in such a
way. “I have always enjoyed my time with the Master
Builders Bowling Club and believe it is the best club in
Australia,” he said.
The AGM saw Bill Pitt re-elected president for 2013-14
along with deputy president, Ross Stewart, secretary,
Carl Donaldson, treasurer, Frank Saliba and councillors,
Ivan Campbell, Cyril Dew, Roy Leonhardt, Brian Young,
Mel Lemos, Steve Matthews and Colin Rutter. Mal
Dempsey continues as immediate past president.
Games director, Ivan Campbell, reported that over
the past 12 months, the club hosted 10 games with
an average of 55 bowlers participating, making it the
largest Master Builders bowling club in Australia.
Next year’s interstate Master Builders bowling club
tournament, the James Wall Cup, will be held on the
Gold Coast in the week commencing 15 June.
Anyone interested in joining the Master Builders
Bowling Club, which bowls once a month on
Wednesday afternoons at different locations, is
encouraged to contact Carl Donaldson on 9246 3910.
Member for life: Master Builders Bowling Club president, Bill Pitt (centre), presented a life membership medallion to George Maricic (right) at the club’s AGM. They are pictured with another life member, Colin Rutter.
Life membership for bowler MaricicThe Master Builders Bowling Club has awarded life membership to George Maricic. Mr Maricic has been a member of the club, which was formed in 1966, for 34 years.
WA Master Builder 25
REPORTS: General News
The Australasian Certification Authority for Reinforcing
and Structural Steels, (ACRS)—previously known as
the Australian Certification Authority for Reinforcing
Steels— administers an independent, expert, industry-
based, third-party product certification scheme. ACRS
certifies manufacturers and suppliers of reinforcing,
prestressing and structural steels to Australian and New
Zealand Standards.
ACRS is supported and endorsed by member companies
ranging across engineering, inspection, manufacture,
government, and importantly, customer bodies.
ACRS has undertaken more than 750 factory
assessments of steel construction materials since
2003, and now certifies over 150 manufacturing
and processing sites across 41 steel companies
in 16 countries. ACRS provides the building and
construction industry on both sides of the Tasman
with the widest range of professionally witnessed and
assessed steel products available to Australian and
New Zealand standards.
ACRS certifies construction steels to six Australian/New Zealand steel standards:• AS/NZS 4671 – Steel reinforcing materials
(for both manufacturing and processing)
• AS/NZS 4672 – Steel prestressing
materials (bar, wire and strand)
• AS/NZS 1163 – Cold formed structural
steel hollow sections
• AS/NZS 3678 – Structural steel –
hot-rolled plates, floorplates and slabs
• AS/NZS 3679.1 – Structural steel
– hot-rolled bars and sections
• AS/NZS 3679.2 – Structural
steel – welded I sections
ACRS is currently assessing further AS/NZS construction
steel standards for future certification. These will be
advised in due course.
The ACRS difference: supplier test reporting and verificationReasons for the industry urging ACRS certification of these
materials is the observed increase in incidence of materials
failures, and the consequential financial and physical risk
to customers, building workers and general public.
The three major components of ACRS certification are:Testing of samples selected by ACRS, not the supplier,
and independent, expert review of results against AS/
NZS Standards.
Periodic review and approval by ACRS of the
manufacture of all material types supplied to the
appropriate Standard/s by each certified company.
This approval is a vital part of ACRS certification,
ensuring that anyone relying on ACRS certification can
be confident that ongoing supply by ACRS certified
company of the materials listed on an ACRS certificate
will consistently meet AS/NZS Standards.
Supply of any non-ACRS verified materials to the
certified Standard may result in termination of the
Firm’s certification.
ACRS – Compliance ChecklistsThe checklists have been designed by ACRS for the
guidance of engineers and building surveyors who verify
structural and reinforcing steels to AS/NZS Standards.
These checklists form a valuable part of a professional
verification process by highlighting the basic steps for
confirming the origin and specification of manufacture
of steel construction materials.
Compliance Checklists for Structural Steel and
Reinforcing Steel are available for download at http://
www.acrs.net.au/announcements/compliance-checklists
For more information contact: Website: www.steelcertification.com
ACRS Certification: Confidence in
Steel SupplyThe ACRS certification scheme for construction
steels delivers confidence in steel materials supply through independent third party product
certification of manufacturers and suppliers worldwide, on behalf of the construction industry.
26 WA Master Builder
ADVERTORIAL
Regret.(verb.) a feeling of sorrow or remorse for a fault, act, loss,
disappointment, expressing regret for a poor choice.
Using non-compliant steel can take on a new meaning if something goes wrong.
Demand ACRS Certificates of Product Compliance. You won’t regret it.
• Don’t regret your choices. The ramifications from using non-compliant steel far outweigh the initial cost savings.
• Heavy losses and damaged reputations are just some of the ways you could be affected.
• It’s important to be confident that structures that are built comply with Australian/New Zealand Standards and the Building Codes.
• It’s your responsibility to check the steel you use to avoid penalties in the future.
• Just because it looks the same doesn’t mean it complies.
• Understanding how you can protect yourself is critical. You have the power to refuse to use non-compliant steel.
• Don’t leave steel compliance to chance, demand the ACRS Certificate of Product Compliance.
Call ACRS on (02) 9965 7216, email [email protected] or visit www.steelcertification.com
ACRS – The Australasian Certification Authority for Reinforcing and Structural Steels Ltd ABN 40 096 692 545
Thirty-five year old Homebuyers Centre
building manager, Robert Leader, was
nominated by ABN Group managing
director, Dale Alcock. Mr Leader, who
has completed his Diploma of Builders’
Registration and also has a Certificate IV
in Construction, commenced employment
with Homebuyers Centre in the scheduling
department at 19 and was promoted
to construction manager six years later.
Currently, he is responsible for a large
construction management team which
includes 19 building site managers and
31 apprentices. Over the last 10 years, he
has overseen the successful completion of
nearly 9000 homes.
He has adapted construction methods
to create innovative home ownership
solutions, has developed electronic systems
for site managers and is proud of building
and developing a great industry team.
James Burrows (28) is a John Holland
deputy project manager nominated by
the firm’s regional operations manager,
David Marshall.
Mr Burrows completed a Bachelor
of Applied Science in Construction
Management and Economics with
Honours at Curtin University in 2006. He
also holds a Diploma of Building from
TAFE. He says he always wanted to be
a builder and has advanced his career
quickly and successfully through various
roles at John Holland such as engineer, site
manager and contracts administrator.
Innovative home improver wins Ric New MedalThe young owner of a home improvement business and contract supervisor with Daly and Shaw Building is this year’s Ric New Medal winner. Scott Fagan (33) beat a strong field of five other finalists for the prestigious medal which was presented in November at the Master Builders Apprentice of the Year Awards at the Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre.
Named after the founder of Midland Brick
and a person whose success was achieved
largely through entrepreneurial flair and
innovation, the Ric New Medal for Excellence
focuses on the same characteristics. It
recognises innovation, creativity and
achievement of a young person (aged 35
or under) in the context of current and
potential contribution to the building and
construction industry in WA. Emphasis is
given to the person’s practical, rather than
academic, achievements.
Mr Fagan left school at 16 to work with his
father as a brick paver. Since then he has
completed his Diploma of Building at night
school and become a Master Tradesman
with the Master Builders Association. At 22,
he took a chance and established Dragonfly
Home Improvement to take on small
renovation jobs where he did most of the
labouring himself. This enabled him to acquire
additional skills in carpentry, bricklaying,
plastering, tiling and other trades. Renovating
bathrooms and kitchens are his specialties.
Three years ago, he branched out into
subcontract supervision for Daly and Shaw
This year’s Ric New Medal winner, Scott Fagan,
celebrates with Marylyn New and Michael McLean.
Building while continuing to run his own
business. His largest project has been a 16-
unit site in Aveley.
According to Master Builders’ director,
Michael McLean, Mr Fagan is a worthy
recipient of the Ric New Medal. “Scott is a
tenacious problem solver who has developed
an excellent relationship with all his
subcontractors to be able to resolve some
complex renovating challenges,” Mr. McLean
said. “This has enabled Scott to obtain
quality outcomes and value for money for
his clients. Finding the time and energy to
combine his home improvement business
with supervising projects for Daly and Shaw
is remarkable and demonstrates maturity
beyond his years.”
Mr McLean said Mr Fagan was the
unanimous choice of the judging panel
which comprised Marylyn New, 2006 Ric
New Medal winner and Cachet Homes
managing director, Chris Lillis, and Mr
McLean. Apart from the Ric New Medal,
Mr Fagan receives a return trip to London,
$2000 in expenses and a nomination for the
2015 WA Business News 40under40 Awards
Young industry championsSince its introduction nearly a decade ago, the Ric New Medal has highlighted the achievements and potential of leading young people working in the building industry. This year was no exception with eventual winner Scott Fagan facing serious competition from five other finalists.
28 WA Master Builder
REPORTS: General News
In his most recent role, he is responsible for
the final stages of a $30 million segment of
the new Joondalup Health Campus. One of
his greatest achievements was the successful
completion of the Central Energy Plant which
is the heart of the Health Campus.
Holland’s Mr Marshall also nominated
project engineer, Joshua Benfatta (26),
another Curtin University Bachelor
of Applied Science in Construction
Management and Economics graduate. He
is currently employed by John Holland as a
project engineer at the Joondalup Health
Campus Redevelopment project; having
advanced quickly through the ranks.
He is responsible for the quality assurance and
code compliance of several critical parts of
the multi-million dollar project as well as the
structural elements of a three-level, 85 bed
ward and emergency department.
One of Mr Benfatta’s greatest achievements
was managing the demolition of existing
structural columns over live hospital wards
and the construction of new columns
in a live ward. It was largely through his
perseverance and ingenuity that the project
was so successful. He is now the main liaison
between the builder and client, consultant
and subcontractors which requires excellent
problem solving skills.
Ric New Medal winner Scott Fagan with judges Marylyn New and Michael
McLean and fellow finalists (l-r) Robert Leader, James Burrows, Ray Kershaw, Joshua Benfatta and Adam McArthur.
The principal of Mondo Exclusive Homes, Ray
Kershaw (29), is a former winner of the Ric
New Rising Star Award. He was nominated by
Tristan Kirkham, managing director of New
Home Building Brokers. Mr Kershaw started
out as a roofing and fixing carpenter before
completing his Diploma of Building.
Rebranding his building company from
Kershaw Construction WA to Mondo Exclusive
Homes (to focus on mid- to upper-level
homes) has resulted in a significant increase in
business over the last three years. In 2013 he
is on track to build 15 homes.
He attributes part of his success to the use of
social medial and a reputable building broker.
He is passionate about improving standards in
the building industry and is playing a practical
part in this as a member of Master Builders’
Housing Council and on the Association’s
judging panel for its housing awards.
He is a hands-on master builder who recently
engaged a business psychologist to enhance
his company’s productivity with great success.
Owner-director of Element Construction WA
Pty Ltd, Adam McArthur (33), was nominated
by fellow director, Ben McArthur. Adam
completed his carpentry apprenticeship with
Multiplex Constructions and progressed
through the ranks to become a supervisor
with the company. Exposure to industrial
relations issues and unions prompted him to
get his Diploma of Building and start his own
business with the support of his brother and
several mates.
Element Construction was formed in 2010
and specialises in residential renovation
projects but also builds new homes and small
commercial projects. Mr McArthur focuses
on the construction management side of the
business, with responsibility for 12 employees
and numerous subbies.
The company turnover is likely to grow sixfold
in just four years. Mr McArthur developed
the company’s logo and marketing strategies
to achieve widespread brand recognition. He
also developed the ‘Element Construction
Constitution’, a light hearted set of rules for
his staff and contractors which has increased
team morale.
He is aiming to have Element Construction in
the winners’ circle at the 2014 Master Builders
Housing Excellence Awards as a reward for
the team’s quality work.
WA Master Builder 29
REPORTS: General News
In 2003, Ms Wong came with her mother from Malaysia to Australia
to complete her secondary education. She then spent four months in
Japan and seven months in the UK to broaden her horizons.
She completed an Arts and Civil Engineering Degree at the University
of WA before being accepted into John Holland’s graduate program.
Since 2012 she has been working as a graduate engineer on the
Children’s Hospital Project and has undertaken three rotations
including site engineering, contracts administration and planning. She
also has assisted with the procurement and administration of the key
trade packages.
The Ric New Rising Star is awarded to a high achiever aged up to 25
who demonstrates outstanding potential, work ethic and commitment
in WA’s building industry. As with its big brother, the Ric New Medal,
selection for the Rising Star focuses on practical achievements and not
academic results. The judging panel is Mr New’s daughter, Marylyn
New, Master Builders’ director Michael McLean and Cachet Homes
managing director, Chris Lillis.
The award was introduced by Ms New to recognise the enormous talent
in the building industry’s younger generation and to inspire others to be
successful. The winner receives a cheque for $2000 and a unique trophy
featuring one of the original bricks from Midland Brick.
Young engineer is rising starEileen Wong, a 23-year-old engineer, is the winner of this year’s Ric New Rising Star Award. She is the second female to win the award since it was introduced in 2006.
Ric New Rising Star Award winner Eileen Wong proudly displays her trophy with Mayrlyn New, award finalist, Patrick Hollingworth and Master Builders’ director Michael McLean.
According to Mr McLean, Ms Wong is a confident woman who is an
inspiration to her family and work mates. “Eileen has demonstrated
great initiative and her determination to learn has led her to excel in
all activities she has undertaken,” he said. “An example of Eileen’s
innovation is her use of four dimensional modelling to track the
progress of construction projects, which will benefit other John
Holland projects.
“Eileen’s achievements clearly demonstrate that young women can
succeed in the building industry if they have the right attitude and
commitment. She is an excellent role model and mentor for other young
women and has a very bright future.”
The other finalist for the 2013 Rising Star Award was Patrick
Hollingworth (25), a graduate contracts administrator at John
Holland. He completed a Bachelor of Applied Science in Construction
Management with Honours at Curtin University and also is employed
in John Holland’s graduate program at the Children’s Hospital project
in Nedlands.
The Rising Star Award was presented at Master Builders annual
Apprentice of the Year Awards at the Perth Convention and Exhibition
Centre in November.
30 WA Master Builder
REPORTS: General News
AIB says the awards are the ultimate personal
achievement for a building professional,
recognising the contribution and leadership
shown by individuals to the successful
completion of construction projects and
reinforcing the fact that the success of any
building firm can be attributed to those
responsible for the construction projects.
The awards were presented at a dinner
attended by 250 of the building and
construction industry’s leading figures. Mr
Thompson received his top award for his
work on the Joondalup Health Campus
redevelopment.
The judging criteria for the AIB Professional
Excellence in Building Awards weight the
contribution of individuals and the challenges
they face. Awards are based on challenges
associated with the complexity of the project
AIB presents its top professional awardsThe WA Chapter of the Australian Institute of Building recently hosted the 2013 AIB Professional Excellence in Building Awards in Perth at which John Holland senior site manager, Paul Thompson, was presented with the WA Building Professional of the Year.
Institute active in Curtin degree course accreditationIt’s been a busy time for AIB’s WA
Chapter recently, hosting the AIB
Course Accreditation Team from
Canberra, Sally Allen (AIB education
manager), Professor Hisham Ekardi
(Deakin University) and Atul Kumar
(Village Building Company).
The team has the task of rolling
out the AIB Accreditation Program
at 13 Australian universities.
This includes the Construction
Management and Economics
Degree at Curtin University. Course
accreditation is valid for four years
and during this time there are
annual reviews and face-to-face
meetings including with industry
to ensure what is being delivered
is current and relevant to meet
industry and professional standards.
The Chapter also hosted a
meeting attended by 25 senior
representatives from leading Perth
builders to discuss important
changes in the way the Degree
program will be delivered in the
future as universities take on
more of a research stream. This
will see the need for industry in
conjunction with the profession to
engage and develop programs to
enhance the quality of graduates
and to ensure they are job ready.
Chapter president, Graham Teede,
also explained the Tertiary Education
Quality Standards Agency and
how the role of the profession is
enhanced by way of establishing
sound programs for undergraduates
and graduates as they develop into
well rounded building professionals.
in its construction phase as opposed to the
characteristics of the completed structure.
AIB general manager, Robert Hunt,
congratulated the winners, noting that the
quality was testament to the high level of
professionalism that exists in the construction
industry across WA.
Recipients of Professional Excellence Awards
from the WA Chapter attended the National
Awards held in Melbourne in September
where Mr Thompson received a Professional
Excellence Award as did Leonard Mundy for
his work on the Dumas House refurbishment.
High Commendations at the National Awards
went to Frank Dilizia of Georgiou Group for
the Birrabirra Village, Cape Lambert project,
Andrew Lea (PS Structures, City of Canning
Leisure and Community Centre) and Andre
Conradie (PS Structures, 32 Kings Park Road).
Building Professional of the Year, Paul Thompson (second from right) with (l-r) AIB national president, Robert Whittaker, Jay Whitman and WA Chapter president, Graham Teede.
The PS Structures team show off their High Commendation Awards.
WA Master Builder 31
REPORTS: General News
He succeeds Rade Ristovic who oversaw the redevelopment of the
Association’s Bunbury premises during his tenure. Mr Davis said he was
honoured to lead the Association’s South West regional operations in what
will be a most exciting year, building from solid foundations and the valuable
investment made back into the region with the establishment of the South
West Building Training and Function centre. Master Builders’ regional
manager, Geoff Bosustow, says the Association’s focus has strengthened in
the last few years through a passionate and committed committee.
“The committee is made up of members who are leaders in their
respective fields, be they residential, commercial construction or
the supply of trades, labour and products,” he said. “It is truly
representative of the entire South West with members operating in
areas such as Manjimup, Dunsborough, Busselton and Bunbury. Their
The new South West Branch
committee poses together in front of
the Association’s refurbished
Bunbury premises, due to be officially
opened early in December.
New South West Branch committeeGraeme Davis has been elected chairman of the Master Builders South West Branch for 2013-14. Mr Davis, of Ventura Homes Group, was elected unopposed at the Branch’s recent annual general meeting.
combined commitment to Master Builders has ensured that members
have benefited by being kept up to date with information surrounding
their legal, contractual and employment obligations and through the
successful events that take place annually.”
Other Branch officials are Rade Ristovic (past chairman, WA Country
Builders), Shaun Palfrey (vice chairman, WA Home Group), Andrew
McIntyre (treasurer, Smith Constructions) Committee members are Jaco
Bosman (Perkins Builders), Christine Pidgeon (Innovest Construction), Dean
Baker (Smith Constructions), Phillip Best (PB Design & Construct), Sam
Karamfiles (Karamfiles Builders), Wayne Oldfield (Building South West),
John Buckingham (Bunbury Building Company), Shaun Scadden (Pindan
Construction), Alan Migliore (Plunkett Homes South West), Anton Smith
(Bluewater Building Company, Oscon) and John Hovey (Australind Premix).
Call for industry supportA joint industry sundowner information night with Master Builders, the Construction Industry Training Fund, the Australian Brick and Blocklaying Training Foundation and the Construction and Property Services Industry Skills Council was held at the Master Builders’ Geraldton Branch recently with strong attendance by industry. Representatives from Durack Institute of Technology, Geraldton Regional Community Education, Apprentice & Traineeship Co, Skillhire, Skilled, ApprentiCentre, builders and trades were all enthusiastic about the outcomes of the night.
Master Builders’ Construction Apprentice Mentoring Scheme engagement officer, Nathan Szkoruda, was well received, demonstrating the Midwest’s support for apprentice training. “This event has shown the genuine passion from business owners, enhancing the need for mentors, not only in the building and construction industry but in every avenue of business,” says Master Builders’ regional manager, Di Gilleland. “The amazing amount of information available for industry is all there for the taking. Sincere thanks to everyone for their attendance and fantastic support.”
Geraldton sundowner participants (l-r) Ian Fitzgerald, Peter Kelsall, Scott Thomson, Vicki Buscomb, Nathan Szkoruda and Sharren Holt.
32 WA Master Builder
REPORTS: Branches
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Judging up, up and far awayJudging Master Builders’ Building Excellence Awards project home and commercial building entries throughout the Midwest region requires judges with dedication and expertise.
The Association has such capable people
in head regional judge, Charlie Baggetta,
and joining him this year with many years
of experience in the Metropolitan awards,
registered builder, Kevin Sale.
Mr Baggetta, a registered builder from
Harvey, takes time away from his company
each year to judge Master Builders’ five
regional building award entries.
Master Builders Geraldton-based regional
manager, Di Gilleland, says Mr Baggetta has
been judging the Midwest region awards for
the past 12 years and has seen many changes
and clocked up thousands of kilometres and
many hours’ flying and driving.
“Location of properties sometime can be a
challenge,” she said. “As time is always at a
premium, especially this year with an excess
of 15 entries on last year, Shine Aviation
offered their assistance. This is the second
time they have supported our regional
Branch and we certainly appreciate their
generosity. Additionally, corporate sponsors,
Toyota, provide all regional managers with
a comfortable vehicle during the judging
period, which makes it very hard to go back
to driving our regular vehicles after a week on
the road.”
The winning builders and trades in the 2013
Geraldton Midwest Building Excellence
Awards were presented in October at the
Geraldton Grammar School.
Branch backs Holmes’ charity fundraiserMaster Builders’ Albany premises were pressed into philanthropic use in October with local Association member, Marina Holmes, raising nearly
$4000 for charity Canteen through a quiz night. About 120 people from the Great Southern Branch and wider Albany community turned up for the
event. Canteen supports, develops and empowers young people living with cancer. Ms Holmes first foray into fundraising for the cause was when
she cycled 270 kilometres from Perth to Bunbury in March.
Productive visit by Young chairmanMichael Young, chairman of Master Builders’ Goldfields-Esperance Branch, took time out of his busy schedule to visit staff at Construction House during a recent Perth trip.
After being initially greeted and briefed by Association director, Michael McLean, Mr Young then
met staff from several departments.
“His ideas and comments were well received,” Mr McLean says. “Mr Young was very insightful
about the region and the challenges that lie ahead. He is looking forward to working with our
regional representatives, Jade Hayes in Kalgoorlie and Douglas Backhouse in Esperance, to ensure
the continued grown of Master Builders in his region.”
Mr Young’s visit also meant the chance to meet the Association’s newly appointed regional
operations manager, Graham Bell.
“Michael has a wealth of local knowledge about his community and the building industry and
combined with his proactive approach, will be an asset to our regional representatives,” Mr Bell
said. “I’m looking forward to working with him.”
When not wearing his Master Builders’ hat, Mr Young works for Westralia Homes in Kalgoorlie.
All smiles after a successful visit to Construction House (l-r): regional operations manager, Graham Bell, Master Builders’ Goldfield-Esperance Branch chairman, Michael Young, and financial controller, Tony Taverner.
34 WA Master Builder
REPORTS: Branches
The candidates were contesting the 1.5 million square kilometre seat,
the largest electorate in Australia, larger than some Australian States
and reportedly the second largest single member electorate in the
world. They faced off on a range of issues including skills development,
foreign ownership, infrastructure investment and tax reform.
Nationals’ candidate and Geraldton Councillor, Shane Van Styn,
highlighted several policies that impact on the construction industry.
He said government needed to better support the use of 457 visas, the
extension of the CTF levy to incorporate the mining sector, a review
of taxes and a Fair Share Fund modelled on the popular Royalties for
Regions funds. Liberal candidate, Melissa Price, discussed her party’s
Candidates’ bout in seat of DurackLabor, Liberal and Nationals candidates for the House of Representatives seat of Durack participated in a feisty round of policy questioning at Master Builders’ Geraldton HQ in the lead up to the Federal Election.
reform agenda including abolition of the carbon tax, a tax white paper
reform process, a policy for northern Australia to promote investment
and a plan to cut debt. Labor candidate, Daron Keogh, prioritised
infrastructure investment and said more had to be done to tackle the
housing shortage with more land and more social housing.
Master Builders’ regional manager, Di Gilleland, provoked a discussion
around the major community issue of housing affordability and what
could be done to tackle the problem which is locking young people out
of home ownership. Master Builders’ acting director, Geoff Cooper,
who chaired the discussion, said the candidates provided a refreshingly
honest view on the policy topics.
Smiling faces across the political divide (l-r): Melissa Price, Di Gilleland, Shane Van Styn, and Daron Keogh.
One year up for Albany HQMaster Builders Great Southern Branch celebrated the first anniversary of the opening of its Graham Street, Albany premises in October. About 70 members descended on the headquarters for a celebratory barbeque (and some birthday candles) to mark the special occasion. The premises provide the Association with modern offices, training facilities and a display centre. They were developed with significant input and involvement of local Master Builder members providing labour, materials, planning and coordination.
Great Southern Branch member, Rob Buegge, of BDI Wall and Ceiling Contractors, lends a hand adding some decoration to the Association’s Albany centre hallway with a display of Building Excellence Awards memorabilia.
WA Master Builder 35
REPORTS: Branches
Sociable Bunbury golfers up to the challenge
The October Master Builders South West Branch Bankwest Golf Day at
the Bunbury Golf Club was an at times challenging, but for the most
part, relaxing day for members and associates according to regional
manager, Geoff Bosustow.
“Teams comprising suppliers, subcontractors, builders and professionals
all took to the course with much gusto and friendly camaraderie,” he
says. “Team Holcim – David Thornton, Russell Lines, Tony Booth and
Rob Hewison – took out the competition with S&J Excavation and
Australind Premix rounding out second and third spots. Last place was
Beyond Bricks representing Midland Brick. I’m pretty sure the Midland
Brick crew were very happy with that result!”
Players were treated to a light lunch on arrival. The sustenance was
maintained on course with a barbecue provided by Kingspan Insulation
before things were wrapped up with dinner presentations at the
clubrooms. Event sponsors were Bankwest, MBA Insurance Services,
S&J Excavation, Australind Premix, Midland Brick, Combined Metal
Industries, Kingspan, Hays Recruiting, WAMS and Holcim.
Out on the course: Master Builders’ Gavan Forster, Charlie Baggetta, Bankwest business development manager, Paul Burnett, and Peter Davies.
The Bankwest team in relaxed mode – Peter Jurgenson, Deon Paoliello, Eddie Nietrzeba and Shane Earl with Master Builders’ regional manager, Geoff Bosustow, in the background.
Friday Thirteenth lucky for Broome golfers
The date – Friday the thirteenth – didn’t deter eager golfers (and
non-golfers) attending September’s Master Builders’ third annual
Broome Golf Day. More than 80 participants came together for the fun
Ambrose event in perfect weather and a light breeze.
The day began with lunch, then out onto the course which bore witness
to some interesting shots and antics including a few young golfers
caught taking a short nap. Along the way, the smell of sausages drew
the golfers to the barbecue tent where Brodie Proctor and Adam
McPherson provided a welcome stop. Afterwards, it was back to the
fairways to complete the round.
Winners on the day were Tim Ford, Mick Smyth, Troy Dahlstrom and
Chris Lane and runners up, Patches Fiorenza, Martin Long, Paul Hope
and Mark Ronwick. Master Builders’ regional manager, Di Gilleland,
thanked the many sponsors and golfers for making the day such a
success. Association staffers, Megan Parker and Crystal Bagley, who
abandoned their regular posts in Geraldton for their first trip to Broome,
said they loved the event with the competitors providing a modicum of
skill and great entertainment and humour.
Broome golf winners, Tim Ford, Mick Smyth, Troy Dahlstrom and Chris Lane.
On course and in charge: Crystal Bagley, Zoe Marsh, Megan Parker and Di Gilleland.
36 WA Master Builder
REPORTS: Branches
“Securing a strong future for the building industry can only be achieved
by making sure that we take on the role of looking after young people
in the industry, to encourage, lead and provide them with the skills
necessary for their future career pathways,” says Master Builders’
regional manager, Di Gilleland. “The very successful Broome evening
was held for the second year to provide all key partners with up to date
information on available initiatives and funding support.”
Speakers at the forum were Broome Senior High School principal,
Saeed Amin, Scott Thomson (Construction Industry Training Fund),
Sharren Holt (Construction and Property Services Industry Skills Council)
and Melissa Hawk (Master Plumbers).
The forum presented awards to successful first, second and third year
apprentices training through Kimberley Training Institute.
Service with a smile: Broome High School Year 11 and 12 students catered at the industry forum. The school is looking forward to continued partnerships in 2014, with Try-a-Trade in April coinciding with the West Kimberley School-on-Board Careers Week.
Broome forum looks at training optionsIndustry providers met at the Broome Trade Training Centre in September with a strong group of Master Builder members, keen to learn about funding and support available in taking on apprentices, funding for up-skilling staff and more.
“It was an extremely appropriate forum for the awards to be
presented,” Ms Gilleland said. “It up-skilled the Department of
Education practitioners on the huge value of these pathways that
commence at school and the partnerships that are created when
working collaboratively with industry.”
The evening also was an opportunity for Master Plumbers to launch
the VET in Schools initiative which starts in 2014 at Broome SHS with a
Certificate II over two years. The program will complement the already
popular Construction Trades Pathway Certificate II program.
Hospitality for the evening was provided by Broome SHS Year 11 and
12 catering students who demonstrated their skills with professionally
presented finger foods.
WA Master Builder 37
REPORTS: Branches
The hazards and risks associated with wall chasing are well
known and outlined in the Concrete and Masonry Cutting
and Drilling Code of Practice. Amongst the most serious
of these hazards are toxic fumes such as carbon monoxide
from petrol-powered saws, hazardous dust by-products of
cutting and chasing such as crystalline silica, and violent
kickback forces from using hand-held saws.
The hazards explained:
Carbon MonoxideCarbon Monoxide (CO) is a colourless and odourless gas
emitted from petrol-powered saws commonly used in
wall chasing. CO exposure results in symptoms such as
headaches, nausea, impaired judgment, heart and lung
damage and, in extreme cases, convulsions, coma and death
can occur. CO also has significant detrimental long-term
health effects. Monitoring domestic worksites has revealed
that CO can quickly build up to dangerous levels, even when
the roof is off. This puts chasing operators directly at risk
if fumes are not evacuated away from the operators’ work
area. In May 2005, Worksafe in Western Australia notified
the industry of the requirement to use exhaust extraction
systems when using petrol-powered saws for wall chasing.
Crystalline SilicaCrystalline Silica is a by-product of cutting bricks and
concrete and is present in the dust generated from the
cutting process. Studies have revealed that repeated
exposure to Crystalline Silica can lead to silicosis, a serious
disease involving scarring and stiffening of the lungs. The
effects are irreversible and can result in death. Short-term
effects of this exposure are throat irritation and bronchitis.
Saw Kick-BackKickback is a potentially violent force that can be difficult to
control and can occur when using hand-held saws, especially
in wall chasing situations. This kickback can result in serious
injury and death to operators.
How does Enviro Chasing Services mitigate these risks?Our purpose-designed wall chasing saws and associated
equipment reduce these key risks in a number of ways:
All carbon monoxide is evacuated from the operator’s work
area through the use of the FUME TUBE and a vacuum
Enviro Chasing Services – serious about
workplace safetyWall chasing operator, Enviro Chasing Services mitigates wall chasing hazards using its unique
range of purpose-designed equipment
system that safely disperses the poisonous gases outside the
building structure. This eliminates the risk associated with
this deadly gas.
Water is supplied to the cutting surface to reduce the amount
of Crystalline Silica dust in the operator’s work area. The
resulting slurry and most remaining dust is safely and powerfully
vacuumed away, through the FUME TUBE from the cutting area,
using a specially designed blade guard and suction system.
The use of purpose-designed blades that are smaller than
standard general purpose blades reduces the kick-back
forces associated with cutting masonry and concrete with
hand-held saws.
We also employ a large blade guard and a longer saw
arm for additional operator protection. Since 2005, Enviro
Chasing Services has made over 1.25 million chasing cuts
with no reported cases of kick-back. This is the equivalent of
chasing over 40,000 homes.
What’s in it for you, the site operator or contractor?The Occupational Safety and Health Act 1984 states that
main contractors, and the people in control of worksites,
are also responsible for workplace safety. As part of this
responsibility, the associated regulations require main
contractors and people in control of workplaces to identify
all hazards, assess the injury risk and take action to control or
reduce this risk. Enviro Chasing Services, through the design
and deployment of its specialist equipment can assist you
with managing this responsibility.
The benefits of using Enviro Chasing Services include:
• Risk mitigation of workplace hazards associated
with wall chasing and concrete cutting on
work sites you are responsible for.
• Peace of mind for you that workplace
hazards are controlled and risks are reduced
as required by the Code of Practice
• Potential cost benefits from reduced financial
risks associated with poor safety practices
• Reputation and brand benefits
What can you do now to ensure you are complying with the OSH regulations and protecting your business?• Ask your contractors how your wall chasing
is currently being conducted
• Compare your current practices with those
outlined above and with the Code of Practice
• Act to protect your workplace and reputation,
especially if you can see non-compliant
practices or better ways to reduce risks
• Call Enviro Chasing Services for additional
information or assistance
For more information contact:Phone: (08) 9399 1644Website: www.envirochase.com
38 WA Master Builder
ADVERTORIAL
The Southside Service and Tyre Centre has been located
in Cannington for over 40 years. The brand new service
department and workshop is newly fitted out with state-
of-the-art equipment and now boasts 28 service bays. With
this immense capacity, Southside Service and Tyre Centre is
able to service all fleet vehicles, passenger and commercial,
quickly and efficiently.
Servicing and repairs Knowing that the technicians at Southside Service and Tyre
Centre are factory trained gives customers peace of mind
that their vehicles are in safe and reliable hands. Along with
conducting log book servicing, Southside Service and Tyre
Centre also offers a free six months AHG Roadside Assist
which is renewed at every scheduled service.
Log booked servicing isn’t where it stops, we can repair and
service all parts of your vehicle including tyres, batteries,
engine rebuilds, timing belt changes, brakes, filter changes,
fluid flushes, air-condition re-gas and 120 point safety check.
The parts department stock all genuine parts which are used
on your vehicle.
With every service at the Southside Service and Tyre Centre
we carry out a 120 point safety check on your vehicle. We
assess over 120 items including all lights and indicators, air
conditioning and heating, load test your battery, check your
tyre tread, seat belts, fluids and filters. This comprehensive
report enables our factory trained mechanics to identify any
problems with your vehicle big or small. If anything that is
cause for concern is identified we call you on the day, advise
you of the issue and offer the option for you to get it fixed
that day.
We make it easyIf you are unable to bring your vehicle into the Service and
Tyre Centre we have a mobile mechanic that is able to come
to your home or work and can perform the service on site.
All costs are upfront so you know how much each service
will cost. If you have a few vehicles we can send the mobile
mechanic out to service your entire fleet on the same day.
This means that your fleet will experience less downtime and
will be more cost effective.
Southside Service and Tyre Centre
The brand new state-of-the-art 28 bay service and tyre centre offers its customers, retail and fleet, the
complete servicing experience.
As a part of our outstanding customer service to you we also
offer loan vehicles that you can hire. There is a huge range
of vehicles for hire which include utility vehicles. There is also
a courtesy shuttle bus that runs daily and is able to take you
back to home or work within the local area. If you would
prefer to wait in the service lounge there are complementary
WIFI facilities and coffee available with TV entertainment.
Competitive pricing The cost of servicing and repairs are very competitive and
if you find a cheaper comparable quote we will beat it by
10%*. That is how confident we are in the services we
provide. Southside Service and Tyre Centre has services
starting from a low $125 and tyres starting from $85.
Make Southside’s you preferred Service and Tyre CentreThe team at the Southside Service and Tyre Centre pride
themselves on offering first class customer service, being
able to meet all your needs and ensuring that we remain
your preferred service and tyre centre for everything
automotive. The friendly team are there to answer any of
your motoring questions.
Book your next service at the Southside Service and Tyre
Centre in Cannington to experience better deals and even
better service.
For more information contact:Phone: 9358 9549Email: [email protected]: www.southside.com*Ask in store for terms and conditions
WA Master Builder 39
ADVERTORIAL
Jungle fever gets awards treatmentWhile elephants, leopards and zebras were on the prowl, big-game hunter Tim Rogers bagged himself a trophy of a different kind at the Master Builders Bankwest Geraldton Midwest Building Excellence Awards in October.
The awards decor set the tone for the night’s theme – jungle fever.
Steve Nanninga (left) and Tim Rogers of Rogers Building Contractors accepted the Best Country Home Award from Master Builders’ president, Robert Shaw (right).
Geraldton Building Services and Cabinets took out the Best Commercial Building Award. Pictured are Master Builders’ president, Robert Shaw (second from right), with (l-r) Angelo Biviano, Steve Biglins and Paul Pollard representing the winners.
40 WA Master Builder
AWARDS: Geraldton Midwest
WITH A JUNGLE FEVER theme,
the 300 guests at the awards
participated by dressing in stripes
and patterns to add to the night’s
highlights which also included
Rogers Building Contractors
continuing its run of wins in the
Mitchell & Brown sponsored
Best Country Home Award.
A decal-liveried Toyota Landcruiser
from the philanthropic African tour
company, Safaris-R-Us, set the scene
for guests arriving at the entrance
to the awards venue, the Geraldton
Grammar School, with its Batavia
Hall decked out in the jungle theme.
In his last trip to the region
as Master Builders’ president,
Robert Shaw opened the night’s
proceedings, commenting on
how much he enjoyed his visits
and the knowledge he gained
along the way. Speaking as a
chief judge of the metropolitan
Housing Excellence Awards, he
also had some handy hints for local
builders on how to put together
their future entry submissions.
Rogers Building Contractors’ award
for the Best Country Home was the
company’s fifth win in succession.
The Parmelia Boulevard, Park Falls
Estate project first was judged the
winner of the $750,000-$1 million
contract homes category before
going on to take the overall gong.
On the non-residential side of
the ledger, Geraldton Building
Services and Cabinets also
continued a winning run, taking
off the Bankwest Best Commercial
Building Award for the third
successive year, this time for the
Nagle Catholic College Gymnasium
in Geraldton. The company also
had wins in a number of other
category and subcontractor awards
including Best Customer Service
(small to medium builder).
Regional awards judges Charlie
Baggetta and Kevin Sale reported
they were impressed by the calibre
of projects in the 2013 awards
with the evenness of entries
making final decisions most
difficult. Master Builders’ Geraldton
regional manager Di Gilleland
commented that it was pleasing
to see a number of new faces
emerging at the awards this year.
Mandosio Homes won both Best
New Builder and the Judges’
Innovation Award. Steele Campbell
Building won the Brian Neil
Award, named after the Geraldton
Branch founding member and
Association life member. Mr
Neil served the Association in a
variety of roles over many years
and the commemorative award
recognises the winning company’s
overall pursuit of excellence.
The Kevin Giudice Apprentice of the
Year Award for the best regional
apprentice was won by carpenter
Jackson McClurg, employed by
ATC Midwest and working for host
employer Port Denison Builders.
Apprentice of the Year was
presented by Mayor Ian Carpenter
representing the award sponsors
City of Greater Geraldton, and the
Durack Institute of Technology. The
award is named in honour of the
late Kevin Giudice, a chairman and
long-serving committee member
of Master Builders’ Geraldton
Branch and a great supporter
of the apprentice system.
The ABBTF Bricklaying Apprentice
Award winner was Mirzap Manap,
employed by A & D Basto and the
Apprentice Encouragement Award
went to painter Andrew Hunter
(Associated Painting Enterprises).
Employer Trainer of the Year was
Glass Co WA, the Best Customer
Service Award for volume builders
went to Plunkett Homes and
Gavin O’Malley from WA Country
Builders was the recipient of the
Supervisor of the Year Award.
City of Greater Geraldton Mayor, Ian Carpenter (right), with Apprentice of the Year, Jackson McClurg, and Matt Silvester (Durack Institute of Technology).
Looking like anything but victims of jungle fever, Geraldton Branch chairwoman, Serena Giudice (right), and Tahnee Smith add some cool glamour to the awards evening.
WA Master Builder 41
AWARDS: Geraldton Midwest
Gym has it allThe Nagle Catholic College gymnasium, which won Geraldton Building Services and Cabinets its third successive Best Commercial Building title at the Geraldton Midwest Building Excellence Awards, is a sophisticated project incorporating multiple sporting areas and additional facilities.
The new gym has an international-sized basketball court, three volleyball courts, three badminton courts and two junior basketball courts. It has seating for 1200 and also includes a teachers’ administration area and five classrooms overlooking the gym. There are separate male and female showers and toilets and an electric fold out stadium.
Fine detail in award winning house
The Geraldton Midwest Best Country Home
winner, built by Rogers Building Contractors,
is a luxurious single-level residence on
acreage in the Park Falls Estate providing
expansive views of Geraldton’s coastline.
It was designed by David O’Meara.
Main features externally are painted, rendered
walls, extensive use of cedar-lined ceilings and
exposed aggregate concrete to the alfresco and
portico areas. Inside, there is open plan living
including the entry, kitchen, living and dining
with polished concrete floors throughout.
The centralised kitchen has Caeserstone
tops, lacquered door-fronts, glass splash-
backs and top-of-the-range white goods.
The main bedroom and walk-in-robe,
with their marri floors, and the associated
ensuite are separated from other bedrooms
and the living areas to provide privacy.
42 WA Master Builder
AWARDS: Geraldton Midwest
BEST COUNTRY HOMESponsor: Mitchell & BrownRogers Building ContractorsParmelia Blvd Park Falls EstateDesign: David O’Meara
BEST COMMERCIAL BUILDINGSponsor: BankwestGeraldton Building Services & CabinetsNagle Catholic College GymnasiumMaitland St Geraldton
BRIAN NEIL AWARDSteele Campbell Building
JUDGES’ INNOVATION AWARDSponsor: CMIMandosio HomesSpindrift Vista GlenfieldDesign: Blend Residential Designs
BEST CUSTOMER SERVICE SMALL TO MEDIUM BUILDERSponsor: BankwestGeraldton Building Services & Cabinets
BEST CUSTOMER SERVICE VOLUME PROJECT BUILDERSponsor: BankwestPlunkett Homes
EXCELLENCE IN BUILDING PRACTICESponsor: Building CommissionSteele Campbell Building
KEVIN GIUDICE APPRENTICE OF THE YEARSponsor: City of Greater Geraldton and Durack Institute of TechnologyJackson McClurgEmployer: ATC MidwestHost Employer: Port Denison Builders
BRICKLAYING APPRENTICE OF THE YEAR Sponsor: ABBTFMirzad ManapEmployer: A & D Basto
APPRENTICE ENCOURAGEMENTSponsor: Ray White Andrew HunterEmployer: Associated Painting Enterprises
EMPLOYER/TRAINER OF THE YEAR Sponsor: Bunnings WarehouseGlass Co WA
BEST NEW BUILDERSponsor: Market CreationsMandosio Homes
SUPERVISOR OF THE YEAR Sponsor: Patience SandlandGavin O’MalleyWA Country Builders
Awards Honours List
CONTRACT HOMES under $200,000Steele Campbell BuildingDesmond Rd Walkaway
CONTRACT HOMES $200,000 - $250,000WA Country BuildersLincoln St Deepdale
CONTRACT HOMES $250,000 - $300,000Kevin Giudice & CoStrathalbyn Rd Strathalbyn
CONTRACT HOMES $300,000 - $350,000Mandosio HomesSpindrift Vista Glenfield
CONTRACT HOMES $350,000 - $400,000Sponsor: Western PowerPlunkett HomesEndeavour Dr Wandina
CONTRACT HOMES $400,000 - $450,000Sponsor: Western PowerShane Crothers HomesChivers Concourse Dongara
CONTRACT HOMES $450,000 - $500,000Sponsor: BrikmakersPlunkett HomesEliza Shaw Dr White Peak
CONTRACT HOMES $500,000 - $750,000Sponsor: BrikmakersRogers Building Contractors Cargeeg Bend Park Falls Estate
CONTRACT HOMES $750,000 - $1,000,000Rogers Building ContractorsParmelia Bvld Park Falls Estate
RESIDENTIAL ALTERATIONS & ADDITIONS under $100,000Coral Coast Homes & ConstructionsBellimos Dr Wandina
RESIDENTIAL ALTERATIONS & ADDITIONS $100,000 - $200,000Geraldton Building Services & CabinetsGlengarry HomesteadGlengarry Rd Moonyoonooka
MULTI-RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENTS under $1,000,000Sponsor: ToyotaWA Country BuildersHill Way Geraldton
MULTI-RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENTS $1,000,000 - $2,500,000 Sponsor: ToyotaPlunkett HomesDerna Pde Wandina
MULTI-RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENTS $2,500,000 - $6,500,000Crothers Construction Pty LtdHillcrest Lodge ExtensionOnslow St Geraldton
MULTI-RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENTS over $6,500,000Crothers Construction Pty LtdBatavia Mixed Use DevelopmentMuseum Pl Geraldton
COMMERCIAL ALTERATIONS & ADDITIONS $1,000,000 - $2,500,000Geraldton Building Services & CabinetsSt John AmbulanceLot 600 Magee Cres Kalbarri
COMMERCIAL ALTERATIONS & ADDITIONS $2,500,000 - $6,500,000Crothers Construction Pty LtdCity of Greater Geraldton Civic Accommodation UpgradeCathedral Ave Geraldton
COMMERCIAL/INDUSTRIAL BUILDING $2,500,000 - $6,500,000Crothers Construction Pty LtdOutback Travel Centre Roadhouse North West Coastal Hwy Carnarvon
COMMERCIAL/INDUSTRIAL BUILDING over $6,500,000Geraldton Building Services & CabinetsNagle Catholic College Gymnasium Maitland St Geraldton
BEST APPOINTED KITCHENSponsor: CbusWA Country BuildersGilmore St Wandina
BEST APPOINTED BATHROOMSponsor: TradelinkSteele Campbell BuildingSeahaven View Drummond Cove
WATERWISE HOMESponsor: Water Corporation Crothers Construction Pty LtdHillcrest Lodge ExtensionsOnslow St Geraldton
MOST AFFORDABLE FAMILY HOUSINGSponsor: Department of Housing Redink Homes MidwestRifle Range Rd Rangeway
LIVEABLE HOMESponsor: Disability Services Commission Shane Crothers HomesSwordfish Vista Sunset Beach
WA Master Builder 43
AWARDS: Geraldton Midwest
SILVER TROWELSponsor: Midland BrickZahnatu Bin Abdul ArnieStrathalbyn Rd Strathalbyn
EXCELLENCE IN CARPENTRY (EXTERNAL/INTERNAL)Sponsor: Jackson McDonaldTerry WatsonDefiance Cnr Wandina
EXCELLENCE IN CABINET MAKINGSponsor: The Laminex GroupGeraldton Building Services & CabinetsGilmore St Wandina
EXCELLENCE IN CEILINGSSponsor: GIBS and CSR GyprockPatten CeilingsParmelia Blvd Park Falls Estate
Awards Honours List
Sponsors
EXCELLENCE IN PLASTERINGSponsor: MBA Insurance ServicesTotal PlasteringParmelia Blvd Park Falls Estate
EXCELLENCE IN CONCRETINGSponsor: HolcimGeraldton City ConcreteBellimos Dr Wandina
EXCELLENCE IN PAINTINGSponsor: ValsparDes FowlerDefiance Cnr Wandina
EXCELLENCE IN WALL & FLOOR TILINGSponsor: Geraldton Ceramic CentreT & M McGinnis Parmelia Blvd Park Falls Estate
EXCELLENCE IN METAL CLADDING/ROOFINGSponsor: HaysGeraldton Carpentry & PatiosDesmond Rd Walkaway
EXCELLENCE IN STEELSponsor: Bluescope Steel Crothers Construction Pty LtdNorth West Coastal Hwy Carnarvon
EXCELLENCE IN BRICK & BLOCK PAVINGSponsor: Geraldton Natural Limestone Batavia Classic Paving Stormking Loop Wandina
EXCELLENCE IN GLAZINGSponsor: Alspec – Aluminium Systems SpecialistsGlass Co WANagle Catholic College GymnasiumMaitland St Geraldton
44 WA Master Builder
AWARDS: Geraldton Midwest
The Training Fund has introduced a range of new incentives
for eligible employers of apprentices in construction trades,
with up to $19,000 in cash now available to help reduce the
costs of adding a new apprentice to your business.
The minimum standard grant available to an eligible
employer is now $4,000 (for a 12 month traineeship), rising
to a maximum of $10,000 for a 48 month apprenticeship in
core construction trade areas. In addition to the standard
grants, the Training Fund can provide a one-off bonus
to an eligible employer of up to $4,000, depending on
trade qualification. Existing allowances for employment
of indigenous and regional trainees/apprentices remain,
bringing the maximum grant available to a total of $19,000.
Construction Training Fund
Members of MBA know how the Construction Training Fund can reduce the costs of
employing apprentices in WA’s building and construction industry.
Employ and register a new apprentice or trainee in a recognised qualification after 1 July 2013 and you may be eligible to claim a grant of up to $19,000 from the Construction Training Fund.
Visit bcitf.org or call 9244 0100 to find out how you can reduce your training costs.
RECEIVE UP TO $19,000 CA$H WHEN YOU
EMPLOY A NEW APPRENTICE
The new grants are available to employers of trainees/
apprentices registered with the Department of Training
& Workforce Development on or after 1 July 2013. Direct
indenture employers receive the grant in three equal
instalments. The first is paid after probation and six months
of employment; the second at the half-way point of the
indenture and the final payment is made after successful
completion of the qualification.
Trade bonus payments – up to $4,000 – are paid to the
employer together with the first instalment.
You’ll also receive the grant from the Training Fund if you
host an apprentice through a group training organisation
(GTO). The GTO claims the grant on your behalf each month
and then passes it on to you in full as a reduction in the
GTO’s hire-out rate. Look for the note on the GTO’s invoice
that says “Less Construction Training Fund subsidy”. The
new one-off trade bonuses will be claimed by GTOs after
the apprentice has completed six months of employment,
and then passed on in full to the host(s) that employed
the apprentice.Visit bcitf.org or call 9244 0100 for more
information about the Construction Training Fund’s
apprenticeship grants and other support programs for the
construction industry.
It’s your training fund.
WA Master Builder 45
ADVERTORIAL
Most of the guests got into the spirit, tailoring their
eveningwear with an eye to Paris fashion of the 1950s
and enjoying the delicious Gallic cuisine. Completing
the atmospherics, a violinist entertained the diners with
French music and song. While Janet Snell and Noel
Mickle were judged the most authentically attired, and
Denise and Steve Amato took the honours as the best
dressed couple, nothing overshadowed the success of
Greg Leeder Homes on the night. For the second year in
a row, the company picked up the night’s major award,
the Laminex Group 2013 Best Country Home.
The Kalgan home was the top entry in the over
$1 million contract home category, but Greg Leeder
Homes projects also topped two other contract home
categories and the under $1 million commercial
alterations and additions division. The company also
took out an energy efficiency award and was named
the winner of the important Excellence in Building
Practice award.
John Holland was this year’s major winner in the
non-residential sector, taking out the Bankwest Best
Commercial/Industrial Building award with its Albany
Health Campus project. It also won the over $6 million
commercial/industrial building category.
Other winners on the night included Skillhire Apprentice
of the Year, Brett Jefferis (Byron Bird Plumbing and
Skillhire), who just pipped fellow plumbing finalist Kirsty
Willis (Active Plumbing and Skillhire) and Corey Hill
(Tectonics Construction Group). Luke Leeder was named
Jackson McDonald Supervisor of the Year.
Two new awards were included in the 2013 judging.
The Judges’ Innovation award was won by Schlager
Homes for its La Perouse Road Goode Beach project and
the Judges’ Special Commendation went to Robinson
Buildtech for Padre White lookout.
The judges reported that the quality of entries in 2013
once again was of a high standard making for a difficult
task to pick the overall winners.
The Dog Rock Convention Centre again was the
venue for the Great Southern industry’s big night
with about 170 guests turning out for the occasion.
And if pulling off awards wasn’t the order of the day
for some, regular updates on a couple of other minor
events – the Dockers’ historic win over Geelong in the
qualifying final, and the Federal election – provided
something for everyone.
Prize winning builder, Greg Leeder (right) celebrates his company’s Best Country Home Award with (l-r) Master Builders’ vice president, John Ripp, Luke Leeder and Mark Weldon.
Where would a French-themed night have been without the can-can?
Great Southern builders can-can do.Can-can dancers opened the night at the September Master Builders Bankwest Great Southern Building Excellence Awards heralding a night of French-themed frivolity and serious celebration of the region’s most accomplished builders.
46 WA Master Builder
AWARDS: Great Southern
Bankwest’s Bronwyn Oreo presented Jason Nelthorpe of John Holland with the award for Best Commercial/Industrial Building.
Brett Jefferis, flanked by finalists Kirsty Willis and Corey Hill, was named the Great Southern Region’s 2013 Apprentice of the Year.
Winning home mixes modern and traditionalThe 2013 Great Southern Building Excellence Awards Best Country Home is a custom built house on the banks of the Kalgan River. It showcases meticulous attention to detail, highest quality materials and skilled workmanship. A cedar lined entry tower allows natural light to filter through the home which includes an opulent kitchen with marble bench tops and European appliances. The kitchen is the heart of the house, surrounded and complemented by entertainment and lifestyle areas integrating indoor and outdoor spaces. A feature of the Greg Leeder Homes project is a hand-crafted, curved timber staircase with rustic wrought iron balustrade blending modern design and traditional eras.
Health Campus sets new standardsThe $171.5 million Albany Health Campus, the Great Southern Building Excellence Awards Best Commercial/Industrial Building winner, is the biggest public health construction project undertaken in regional WA. John Holland was contracted to design and construct the 21,000 square metre state-of-the-art hospital capable of providing secondary care to 55,000 residents and visitors to Albany annually. The result is a contemporary, environmentally sustainable facility able to provide enhanced services to the community. The campus, replacing the ageing Albany Hospital, was built on the existing hospital site with the original facility remaining in operation throughout construction. The project requirements included design and construction of an emergency department, a four-bed short stay observation unit, inpatient mental health ward and secure unit, purpose-built surgical centre, maternity unit, ambulatory care centre, cancer centre and 15-bed rehabilitation ward. The new facility also required 134 beds for patients, up from 117 in the former site, and substantially more car parking. To achieve the complex brief, John Holland entered a collaborative process with the State Government through the Office of Strategic Projects and worked closely with the hospital and other stakeholders to ensure the development could be completed with minimal disruption to hospital operations.
WA Master Builder 47
AWARDS: Great Southern
BEST COUNTRY HOMESponsor: The Laminex GroupGreg Leeder HomesSouth Coast Hwy Kalgan
BEST COMMERCIAL/INDUSTRIAL BUILDINGSponsor: BankwestJohn HollandAlbany Health CampusAlbany
BEST CUSTOMER SERVICESponsor: BankwestRyde Building Company
JUDGES’ INNOVATION AWARDSponsor: Soil SolutionsSchlager HomesLa Perouse Rd Goode Beach
JUDGES’ SPECIAL COMMENDATIONRobinson BuildtechPadre White LookoutMt Clarence
APPRENTICE OF THE YEARSponsor: SkillhireBrett JefferisEmployer: SkillhireHost Employer: Byron Bird Plumbing
SUPERVISOR OF THE YEARSponsor: Jackson McDonaldLuke LeederGreg Leeder Homes
EXCELLENCE IN BUILDING PRACTICESponsor: Building CommissionGreg Leeder HomesSouth Coast Hwy Kalgan
CONTRACT HOMES under $200,000Ryde Building CompanyLancaster Rd McKail
CONTRACT HOMES $200,000 - $275,000Ryde Building CompanyGrevillea Way Yakamia
CONTRACT HOMES $275,000 - $350,000WA Country BuildersMorilla Rd Lower King
CONTRACT HOMES $350,000 - $425,000Schlager HomesLa Perouse Rd Goode Beach
CONTRACT HOMES $425,000 - $500,000Ryde Building CompanyGreenwood Dr Willyung
Awards Honours List
CONTRACT HOMES $500,000 - $575,000Schlager HomesNockolds St Denmark
CONTRACT HOMES $575,000 - $675,000Greg Leeder HomesBushby Rd Lower King
CONTRACT HOMES $675,000 - $850,000Greg Leeder HomesMermaid Ave Emu Point
CONTRACT HOMES over $1,000,000Greg Leeder HomesSouth Coast Hwy Kalgan
MULTI-RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENTS over $1,500,000Daly & ShawQueen St Little Grove
RESIDENTIAL ALTERATIONS & ADDITIONS over $200,000Tectonics Construction GroupHill St Little Grove
COMMERCIAL/INDUSTRIAL BUILDING $1,000,000 - $2,500,000Smith ConstructionsNorth Albany High School Trade Training CentreAlbany
COMMERCIAL/INDUSTRIAL BUILDING $2,500,000 - $6,000,000Smith ConstructionsGreat Southern GrammarKalgan
COMMERCIAL/INDUSTRIAL BUILDING over $6,000,000John HollandAlbany Health CampusAlbany
COMMERCIAL ALTERATIONS & ADDITIONS under $1,000,000Greg Leeder HomesAmaroo Club HouseAlbany
COMMERCIAL ALTERATIONS & ADDITIONS $1,000,000 - $2,500,000Plantagenet Sheds & SteelMt Barker Co-operativeMt Barker
SILVER TROWELSponsor: Austral BrickLombardo’s BricklayingPrideaux Rd Lower King
WATERWISE HOMESponsor: Water CorporationSchlager HomesLa Perouse Rd Goode Beach
POLE HOMETectonics Construction GroupChampion St Albany
TRANSPORTABLE HOMESponsor: ToyotaKent CorporationJade Park Home Denmark
BEST STEEL BUILDINGSponsor: MetroofJohn HollandAlbany Health CampusAlbany
LIVEABLE HOMESponsor: Disabilities Services CommissionReal ForceTrio Cres McKail
MOST AFFORDABLE FAMILY HOMESponsor: Department of HousingReal ForceTrio Cres McKail
EXCELLENCE IN CONSTRUCTION ON A CHALLENGING LOTSponsor: Structerre Consulting EngineersRobinson BuildtechPadre White LookoutMt Clarence
EXCELLENCE IN ENERGY EFFICIENCYGreg Leeder HomesChurchlands Rd Kalgan
EXCELLENCE IN BRICK/BLOCK PAVINGSponsor: BoralSouth City PavingGrevillea Way Yakamia
EXCELLENCE IN CARPENTRY (INTERNAL/EXTERNAL)Coffey CarpentrySouth Coast Hwy Kalgan
EXCELLENCE IN CARPENTRY STRUCTURALSponsor: The Laminex GroupSchlager HomesLa Perouse Rd Goode Beach
EXCELLENCE IN CABINETRYSponsor: The Laminex GroupGreat Southern CabinetsGreenhills Rd Katanning
48 WA Master Builder
AWARDS: Great Southern
EXCELLENCE IN CEILINGSG Taylor CeilingsSouth Coast Hwy Kalgan
EXCELLENCE IN CONCRETINGSponsor: HolcimAlbany FormworkPadre White LookoutMt Clarence
EXCELLENCE IN FLOOR & WALL TILINGSponsor: Bathroom DécorDG Casa ConstructionsGreenwood Dr Willyung
Awards Honours List
Sponsors
EXCELLENCE IN PAINTINGSponsor: Hayme’s Paints (Neville’s Hardware)Chris Liron Painting ServicesSouth Coast Hwy Kalgan
EXCELLENCE IN PLASTERINGSponsor: MBA Insurance Service David Cook Plastering and RenderingSouth Coast Hwy Kalgan
EXCELLENCE IN PLUMBINGSponsor: CbusCooke & DowsettAlbany Health CampusAlbany
EXCELLENCE IN ROOFING METALSponsor: Combined Metal IndustriesDek’s DeckingGreenwood Rd Willyung
WA Master Builder 49
AWARDS: Great Southern
Personal Pars proudly sponsored by Hays
David Tjhung has left Landcorp as one of its youngest ever project managers to work with a private investment group developing an entertainment hub in Malaysia.
Garry Itzstein has taken Peter Tuck’s role as CEO of the National Electrical Contractors Association in Perth. Garry is a former president of NECA in WA and previously worked for Downers.
Condolences to the family and friends of Jack Best who died in August, aged 95. Jack was a foundation member of Master Builders’ South West Branch and a well-known builder in the Bunbury region over many years.
Congratulations to Master Builders Australia chief economist, Peter Jones, who has been rated a Gold Medallist in the annual Fairfax Economist Review for his forecasts for the building industry in 2012-13.
Congratulations to Robert Travers and his team at Addstyle Master Builders on celebrating their twenty-fifth year in business. As a consistent winner of Master Builders’ Housing Excellence Awards, Addstyle has built an enviable reputation as a leading renovation company.
September was a month when several members celebrated milestone wedding anniversaries: Dean and Natalie Wauters (Wauters Enterprises) 20 years, Robert and Penny Shaw (Daly and Shaw) 30, Colin and Terri Emmott (HLB Man Judd) 30. Kelvin Ryan (BGC Residential) celebrated his pearl wedding anniversary (30 years) in August.
Richard Udinga, the president of the Airconditioning and Mechanical Contractors Association, is now working with the MPM Group as its special projects manager. Former AMCA executive director, Alan Layton, is working for the Department of Commerce at WorkSafe WA. Alan had a brief stint at the Pony Club Association before obtaining a job closer to home in West Perth.
Condolences to the family and friends of Brian McCubbing (BMC Properties) on the passing of his father, John, in August. John McCubbing was a former state manager of the ANZ Bank in Perth.
Richard McAllan is now working as a housing consultant with Wilson and Hart after leaving OfficeMax.
Peter Iancov has resigned as CEO of Doric. Vince Mulholland has been appointed as general manager, commercial.
Congratulations to the Brookfield
Multiplex team on being named Overall
Winner at the 2013 WA Engineering
Excellence Awards for their Brookfield
Place project in Perth. At the time
Master Builder was going to print,
Brookfield Multiplex were waiting to see
whether they also would be winners at the Master Builders National Excellence
in Building and Construction Awards
in Canberra.
Retired secretary to a string of Master Builders’ executive directors, Carroll Brown
(centre front), visited the Association recently to catch up with old workmates and to inspect
the refurbished offices. In the 1980s, Carroll worked with EDs John Mander and Harvey McLeod before smoothing the way for the
incumbent Michael McLean (right) in the mid-90s. She is pictured with former colleagues
who survive with the Association even to the present day (l-r), Charles Anderson, Gavan Forster, Veronica Mill and Kim Richardson.
Congratulations to Hays Recruitment’s Mark Lawton and his wife on the birth of their first child, Oliver, in September. On the work front, Mark also was on top of the world, winning a leadership award – one of only four given across Australia and New Zealand – at Hay’s recent National Sales Conference.
50 WA Master Builder
UPDATES: Personal Pars
Personal Pars proudly sponsored by Hays
Congratulations to Denise and Andy Peppercorn (Built Environs) on the safe arrival of their third grandchild, Grace Margaret, in September.
Mahesha De Silva, RSM Bird Cameron marketing manager, is on maternity leave until September 2014. Kellee Crabtree is her maternity cover.
Adam Harry has resigned as general manager of John Holland’s western region. David Marshall, the regional operations manager, building, has been appointed acting GM. Adam Harry also has resigned as president of the Construction Contractors Association. Paul Broome from McConnell Dowell is acting president.
Dean Goodliffe has been appointed CEO of Broad Construction in WA. Dean is from the UK and previously worked for Leighton in NSW. Nick Cater has left Broad to work for ADCO Constructions as its WA manager.
Martin Huber, a traditional master builder working in Perth for many years, passed away peacefully in his home country, Switzerland, in August, aged 87.
Bill Scanlon has left the Economic Regulation Authority after completing a review of WA’s housing indemnity scheme, to become a senior consultant with ACIL Allen Consulting. Bill currently is assisting the Department of Finance with a review of the building and planning approvals process.
Congratulations to Master Builders Bowling Club member, Doug Leicester, who celebrated his eightieth birthday this year.
Glenn Smith has left Daly and Shaw and is now working for Niche Developments.
Congratulations to Master Builders Australia CEO, Wilhelm Harnisch, who married his partner Elaine in Canberra in September after a lengthy apprenticeship.
Former KPMG Partner, Jason Berry, has been appointed chairman of Keystart which is forecast to generate a $45 million dividend to the Department of Housing in 2013-14. John Coles continues as Keystart chief executive.
Peter Haxby has left Silver Trowel Trade Training as its general manager.
Eric Lumsden has been appointed chairman of the WA Planning Commission for a three-year
Condolences to the family and friends of Don Cousens, the founder of Merym (now EMCO) who died in October after a short illness, aged 65. Don was a qualified engineer and builder who was highly respected throughout the building industry. The project he was most proud of was the St Marys Cathedral refurbishment which won a Master Builders’ Construction Excellence Award several years ago. Don, and his business partner, John Ripp shared the construction, financial, technical and administrative responsibilities at EMCO for more than 20 years. The large gathering at Don’s funeral in October reflected the high esteem in which he was held by those who worked with him and knew him well. He also was active in the Australian Institute of Building in pursuing higher professional standards. Don represented WA at baseball and leaves behind wife, Sue, and three children and several grandchildren.
Judge Alton Jackson QC, a former partner of Jackson McDonald Lawyers from 1968-1981, died in October, aged 72. Judge Jackson joined the independent bar in 1981 and took silk in December 1989. He served as a District Court judge from 1992 until retirement in 2004. His Honour was the son of another distinguished partner of Jackson McDonald and former Chief Justice of WA, Sir Lawrence Jackson.
Condolences to family and friends of former Master Builders’ executive member, Peter Ratty, who died in Perth in October after a long illness, aged 65. Peter was born in Birmingham, one of eight siblings. He was a keen guitarist and singer who played in a band called Batman and Wonder Boys. At 19, he left to go to the Mexico Olympics but his travels took him to Perth where he married on his twentieth birthday and subsequently brought up his family. In partnership with John Abrusci, he established commercial building company, Keywest. The company built Queensgate in Fremantle and many other projects, including several restaurants for Umberto Tinelli who became a long-standing friend. Peter was also a judge of Master Builders’ Excellence in Construction Awards and at various times was an Association vice president, chairman of the Contracts Committee and member of the Council of Management. He was a true gentleman and high achiever who will be sadly missed. He is survived by wife, Stella, seven children and seven grandchildren.
Master Builders’ past presidents were entertained by the current Board recently at one of the periodic gatherings put on for the former Association leaders. Pictured (l-r) are Ron Doubikin (president 1988-89), Ray Sputore (1998-99), John Doust (1968-70), Tom Oxley (1981-83) and Max Rivett (1995-97). Immediate past president, George Allingame (2008-10), is in the background.
WA Master Builder 51
UPDATES: Personal Pars
Personal Pars proudly sponsored by Hays
term. Mr. Lumsden has resigned as director general of the Department of Planning, effective from early November, after a five-year term.
The Real Estate Institute of WA has elected David Airey as president for a second year. Other members on the REIWA council of management include Hayden Groves (deputy president), Sarah Kingsey, Joe White, Ian Cornell, Brett Thorpe, Krys Tully and Peter Lawrence.
Mel Congerton has been appointed to chair the Local Government Advisory Board which is responsible for determining the new local government boundaries.
Congratulations to Alwyn Even who celebrated his thirtieth anniversary with the Alcock Brown-Neaves Group in August. Well done Alwyn, you’ve seen a lot of great homes built in 30 years.
Congratulations to Jane Vallance (Building Commission) and her husband Michael, on their pearl wedding anniversary in October. Privately certified no doubt!
Bob Wilkie (Bobrik) has retired from bricklaying and is now a proud grandfather.
Former Victorian Premier, Steve Bracks, has been re-appointed chairman of the Cbus Superannuation Board which now has more than $23 billion in funds for over 700,000 members.
Peter Davis has accepted an appointment with Newcastle University and has relinquished his role as head of the School of Built Environment at Curtin University. A replacement is being recruited.
A big cheerio to Rhonda Roe (True North Energy) who is making good progress in recovering from illness.
Condolences to the family and friends of Ray Sputore (Decmil) on the passing of his father in October – sadly one day before Ray’s birthday.
After 17 years’ service, Andre Gillet has left the City of Stirling to establish his own private certification practice, Fastrack Approvals. Andre still is actively involved in the Australian Institute of Building Surveyors and its annual state conference.
James Pearson has left CCI as its CEO over the last six years to head up Shell’s communications and government relations team.
Pen portrait: Pippa TearneOver the years, the number, size and range
of events and functions Master Builders runs
annually for members and the industry has
boomed. Organising the program calls for
hard work, dedication and professionalism
from the small events team. Heading things
up is events manager, Pippa Tearne.
How long have you been at Master Builders?Approximately two-and-a-half years.
I started as a very green, wide-eyed
assistant and worked my way up
through every events-based role, from
officer to coordinator to manager.
What were you doing before joining Master Builders?I spent three years studying at Curtin
University, and eventually came out with
a Bachelor of Commerce in Marketing
& Business Law. To fund my live music
habit, I worked at Balloon World, creating
and delivering bunches of helium fun to
unsuspecting birthday celebrators. I also
interned at Sunset Events, working on some
of Perth’s major music and arts festivals.
“Never laugh at your own jokes,” they say, not an adage which Master Builders’ events manager, Pippa Tearne subscribes to.
What are you working on now?Time flies when you’re having fun, which is a
fairly regular occurrence in Events HQ. We’re
already knee-deep in entries for the 2014
Master Builders Bankwest Housing Excellence
Awards, and have some pretty exciting ideas
for the awards night in February, so watch
this space. As always, there’s a plethora of
fun, educational and informative functions
coming up before the end of the year for
members, so make sure you’re on the
mailing list for ‘What’s New in Events HQ’!
When you’re not at Master Builders, what keeps you busy?I spend most of my time laughing at
my own jokes and drinking tea. I like
to watch Friends with my friends and
eat soup. It’s superb. (Editor’s note:
suspected pun which doubtless had Pippa
cracking up over her own sublime wit.)
What made you choose an events life?I’m not entirely sure. I started off at university
intending to graduate as an accountant, and
somewhere along the way got distracted and
changed paths. I have an inability to go to
any kind of function without wanting to take
control, or at least hand around drinks; so the
events life is probably a good choice for me.
What’s your favourite event?I’m pretty proud of our events calendar
in general, and get a bit of a kick out of
everything from breakfasts to cocktail
sundowners. My favourite though, would
probably have to be the Housing Awards. It’s
a yearlong process for us, and having all the
data-entry, judging schedules and hair-pulling
moments end in a massive party is pretty fun.
I also love seeing the builders take such great
pride in their projects. The passion they have
for their work gives me passion for mine.
52 WA Master Builder
UPDATES: Personal Pars
Personal Pars proudly sponsored by Hays
Condolences to George Allingame (Pindan) and his family on the passing of his wife Mary’s mother in Adelaide in October.
A big cheerio to Master Builders Northern Territory executive director, Graham Kemp, who is recovering from a period of ill health.
Phil Milne and Don Fowlie have joined Cbus Superannuation as employee coordinators in WA following Alan Hughes’ retirement. James Moore is the employer contact in WA (phone 9463 3934).
As well as her role as ReddiFund business development manager, Jill Dixon recently has been appointed to the WA Chapter council of the National Association of Women in Construction as membership chair. Jill’s aim is to grow NAWIC membership in WA. NAWIC is an international not-for-profit organisation that seeks to support the endeavours, and raise the profile, of women in the construction industry.
Condolences to the family and friends of Peter Eden, a past president of Master Builders South Australia, who has died after a courageous battle with melanoma. He established Galaxy Homes in 1979 and went on to develop the Eden Living brand. Peter was a free thinker who was always ready to challenge tradition and look for an alternative and better way to improve the industry.
When did you start working in the
building and construction industry?
When I was 17 years old in Wagga
Wagga, New South Whales.
When did you decide to become
a builder instead of continuing on
with your carpentry trade? This was
a very natural progression for me, as
I was doing a lot of contracting and
work for a builder over many years.
How did you and Mick Daly join forces
to form Daly and Shaw Building? Mick
and I met when then girlfriend, now wife,
Penny, and I were travelling around Australia
on a working holiday when I was 24.
What inspired you to become a part
of Master Builders? We joined to keep
a Master Builders’ staff member who was
calling on us happy. He was very insistent
membership would add value to our business.
After joining the Association what
encouraged you to become more
actively involved? Master Builders’ staff
member, Veronica Mill, was very persistent
to get me to attend a Housing Council
meeting just for a look. The rest is history.
Who was the President when you joined
the Board of Management? Dan Perkins.
What have been some the greatest
challenges you have faced being Master
Builders’ president? It’s always time
management but that’s one of the challenges.
I love fitting in as much as I can into a day.
What will be your favourite memory as
president? The opening of our first regional
Master Builders’ building in Geraldton.
What has been the biggest challenge
being president and running your own
business? I have had to utilise technology to
make sure I am across things and contactable.
My iPad and I have become very close!
What do you do to relax? Spending time
with my wife and two daughters, travel,
boys’ fishing trips, boating, AFL and netball.
Are you involved with any other
organisations? Yes, I’m current
president of Netball WA.
As president and business owner what
has been the most novel place you have
visited? The Kimberley’s Horizontal Waterfalls
and El Questro Homestead and Niagara Falls.
Who do you admire most in the
industry? Len Buckeridge.
What are the biggest challenges
confronting our industry? Without a
doubt, red tape is my number one, and then
followed by the looming trade shortage.
What have you enjoyed most about
being president? Working with the
Association Board, our CEO and our staff
to improve the future of our industry.
If you could change one thing in the
building and construction industry, what
would it be and why? I would make the
planning and building approval process
After three years: 30 questions
for ShawAt the end of his three-year tour of duty as
Master Builders’ president, we sat down with Robert Shaw and asked him the tough
(and not so tough) questions:
Master Builders’ outgoing president, Robert Shaw,
the passionate West Coast Eagles supporter (and
seafood connoisseur?).
WA Master Builder 53
UPDATES: Personal Pars
Personal Pars proudly sponsored by Hays
totally private. This would remove a lot of
red tape and delays and reduce costs. It
works well in other States so why not here?
Who has been your biggest influence to
get you to where you are today? Without
a doubt, my business partner, Mick Daly.
Who would you say has been
the biggest contributor to the
building and construction industry
over the years? Dale Alcock.
Which football team do you
support? West Coast Eagles.
If you weren’t a builder, what would
be your job? Race car driver.
Which has been your favourite event
to attend at Master Builders? The end-
of-year members’ Christmas functions.
Who has been the most interesting
person you have met since
being President? Joe Hockey.
How much longer do you intend
to keep going in the industry? I am
a big believer in work-life balance so
if I can keep that going, 20 years.
Working in the building and construction
industry, have you experienced
any shocking moments that have
taken you by surprise? No.
Do you have any regrets? Not having the
opportunity to spend more time with my dad.
If you could be the Premier for the
day what would you do? I would make
the resource sector pay the CTF levy.
What has been the best advice anyone
has given you to help you with working
life? When I was 17, a man said to me are
you teachable? I said yes. His reply was,
good, then I can do something with you.
What is your family status? Married
for 30 years to my wife, Penny, with two
daughters, Kalistah (25) and Narissah (22).
What advice do you offer people who
want to start a career in the building
and construction industry? Work hard,
learn as much as you can from your peers,
take your opportunities, always build
relationships and never burn your bridges.
Now that you have completed your
term as president, what are you going
to do with your spare time? Work, family,
fishing trip and a trip to South America.
On holidays, horsing around on the hay wain.
54 WA Master Builder
UPDATES: Personal Pars
When is it a good idea to purchase software?It’s a good time to purchase software:
• As soon as you recognise a need or
disturbance within your day-to-day
operations that begins to question your
processes, your costs and your ability
to forecast a profitable outcome; and
• When the cost of the software
package is less than the benefit your
company will receive from having
the software up and running.
• Simple - or so it seems.
What are the problems with adopting a simplistic approach?Changing software programs can be
very difficult, disruptive and expensive.
A simplistic approach means that your
company cannot adapt as you grow. The
solution to this problem is foresight –
knowing where your company is heading
and by when. You need to know not only
how the software would help you run your
business better by reducing risk, increasing
productivity and profitability through
process improvement, but also how it will
continue to help you well into the future.
Separate programs and systems for
estimating, accounting, service and project
management etc. may be suitable for smaller
companies but create significant room for
error and lower productivity for emergent or
larger established companies.
Who does construction software help and how?Begin with the end in mind; the purpose is
to integrate and streamline all aspects of
your business. Different software packages
impact different areas of your company’s
day-to-day operations and its resource
capabilities. The image accompanying this
article shows some of the key personnel that
make up a medium to large construction
company. It lists the modules/functionality
Why would you spend money on construction software?Construction software can be categorised as anything from a simple estimating package to a full accounting module or even a company-wide fully integrated enterprise resource planning (ERP) solution. Your construction software is a valuable asset and the right software should save you money and increase profits from day one.
that staff would find useful when operating
an ERP system for example. And, because
all the information captured is within one
system, the reporting functionality and levels
of access granted allow decision makers to
make the right choices.
So why would you spend money on construction software?It is worth investing in construction software
when the benefits outweigh the time and
monetary costs of implementing the system
AND, when the implementation will assist
your company to reach its potential. When
looking to purchase software, both of these
are extremely important considerations if you
are to achieve the highest benefit to cost ratio
in the long term.
For more information, contact Master
Builder member Levesys’s business
development consultant, Neil Newman, on
07 3004 6100 or visit www.levesys.com.
Levysys – Smarter Construction Software.
WA Master Builder 55
REPORTS: Building Business
The more we can understand our own
natural preferences and behaviour and that
of others, the more effective we can be in
getting things done through people. After all,
people respond to people they like and the
more they think you are like them, the better
they will respond.
A simple system I use with my clients is the
DISC personal analysis tool. This looks at
human behaviour in two dimensions. Are people more extrovert or
introvert? And are they more task or people focused? There are four
main styles, represented to different degrees in each of us:
Dominant ProfileThe Dominant style refers to extrovert and task focused people. This
style is very driven, focused and ambitious. They like to take charge and
be in control. They often are innovative with lots of ideas. The D style
is very goal oriented, determined and competitive. This style prefers
to lead and often moves up the corporate ladder. They fear loss of
control or being taken advantage of. If you are communicating with
someone with this style, you need to be direct and to the point, provide
choices and never force them into a losing situation. They tend to make
decisions fast so provide them with the facts, let them feel like they are
in control and it is their idea.
Influencer ProfileThe Influencer style refers to extrovert and people focused people. This
style is very social with peo-le who like to be the life of the party. They
tend to be high energy people who attract others and get work done
through people. They are great at building rapport and friendships
and inspire the people around them. They are very persuasive and
optimistic and very open in communicating their feelings. They fear
social rejection or not being accepted. When communicating with an
Influencer style, be social and spend time socialising and being chatty.
Have fun and let them tell stories. Be more open and speak about
people and feelings.
Rueben Taylor
How to communicate effectively in your businessCommunication is a critical skill in business – after all we are communicating with staff, subcontractors, suppliers and clients every day. Problems can arise as we tend to communicate with others in ways we like to be communicated with. This can lead to misunderstanding, arguments and costly errors.
Stability ProfileThe Stability style refers to introvert and people focused people. They
value security and do not like change. This style is very loyal and is
the glue that holds the team together. They resist change and will
bring order to chaos. The S style are very patient, good listeners and
dependable. They like harmony in the workplace. They fear change
and confrontation. Take your time when communicating with an S
style profile. Build trust and present information step by step. Do not
dominate. Be sensitive to their needs. Focus on people and be patient.
Compliance ProfileThe Compliance style refers to introvert and task focused people. They
are detail people with the ability to research, analyse and interpret
information. They tend to be perfectionists and like to dot the I’s and
cross the T’s. They have high standards of themselves and others and do
not like to make mistakes. The C style prefers to work on their own and
is very careful and systematic. They tend to be serious and disciplined.
They fear criticism and confrontation. The Compliance profile likes
detail so be prepared to provide plenty of it. Focus on the facts and not
personal issues. Do not pressure into a decision and be patient and slow
down your approach (they often need to time to analyse and process
any information you provide).
As you can see each style is very different and in some cases opposite.
Some ways of communicating will just not work with different styles.
Take the time to understand your profile and become a more effective
communicator in your business.
For 13 years, Rueben Taylor has helped Perth businesses achieve
sustainable growth, strong cash flow and to run smoothly without
the business owners constantly being there. He is offering a free
DISC Personal Style Analysis to Master Builder members:
email [email protected].
56 WA Master Builder
REPORTS: Building Business
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July marked the beginning of the Federal Government’s Stronger Super
roll-out. Stronger Super aims to improve outcomes for both employers
and employees by introducing two major reforms:
• MySuper – a simple, low-cost super product.
• SuperStream – a package of measures to improve the back office of
super, making super transaction processing easier, cheaper and faster.
What does MySuper mean for employers?From 1 January 2014, employers must pay compulsory Superannuation
Guarantee (SG) contributions into a MySuper product for employees
who haven’t chosen a super fund or made an investment choice. Cbus
officially launched its MySuper product on 1 October. Cbus employers
don’t have to do anything, as our default investment option, Growth
(Cbus MySuper), is MySuper compliant.
What does SuperStream mean for employers?If you have 20 or more employees, from 1 July 2014 you’ll need to
pay their super electronically under the Government’s SuperStream
requirements. For small employers with 19 or fewer employees, the
requirements take effect from 1 July 2015. Using the Cbus Clearing
House will mean you are ready for these changes.
What is the Cbus Clearing House?The Clearing House is an online tool which allows Cbus employers to
pay into multiple super funds. Cbus Clearing House then distributes
employer super payments to all funds (including Cbus) on the
employer’s behalf. If your employees have choice of fund, you’re
probably paying super into several different funds – increasing the time
and complexity of super administration.
Super obligations have changed – are you ready?
Cbus Clearing House lets Cbus employers pay super for all their
employees in one simple payment, so they’ll have more time to spend
on their business and less time doing administration. It is a free service
for registered Cbus employers.
How will you know contributions have been successfully paid?Employers can log onto Cbus Clearing House at any time to confirm
when the super payments have been sent to the relevant super funds.
Those super funds will then use their normal systems to allocate
payments to their members’ accounts.
Who is the Cbus Clearing House provider?Cbus has chosen Westpac Banking Corporation to deliver the Cbus
Clearing House. Both Cbus and Westpac know how important it is to keep
information received for Cbus Clearing House confidential and secure.
For information, call the Cbus Service Centre on 1300 361 784 or go
to www.cbussuper.com.au/registernow and follow the prompts to
join. Cbus’ Trustee: United Super Pty Ltd ABN 46 006 261 623 AFSL
233792 Cbus ABN 75 493 363 262. Read the relevant Cbus Product
Disclosure Statement to decide whether Cbus is right for you. Contact
Cbus for a copy.
457 visa holders can save on school fees
The WA Government recently announced proposed changes that will
result in parents working in the State on 457 visas being forced to pay
up to $4000 per year for each of their children to attend public schools.
The policy change is likely to place a severe financial burden on many
employees. However, there may be an opportunity to reduce the overall
cost to affected employees with the right salary packaging strategy.
Many 457 visa holders would qualify as ‘overseas workers’ under the
Fringe Benefits Assessment Act 1986 and, as such, an opportunity
exists for them to take advantage of an FBT concession for the
education costs of the children of these employees.
An eligible employee might be able to salary sacrifice education costs
such as tuition fees, books and tutoring without triggering an FBT
liability for the employer.
There might be considerable income tax savings for an eligible 457
visa employee in salary packaging these education costs, but also
potential savings for the employer (for example, payroll tax, retaining
experienced employees).
For advice or assistance with salary packaging in general or with
packaging benefits for 457 visa holders, contact RSM Bird Cameron
on 9261 9100.
58 WA Master Builder
REPORTS: Building Business
The data says residential building will continue to grow by 22 percent in
2013-14, 17 percent in 2014-15 and nine percent in 2015-16 while the
non-residential and engineering construction sectors will contract.
What does this mean in terms of how you set your sails? The wind is
changing. It will be up to you to adapt. Get ready to change the set of
your sails.
How to set your sales and marketing sails in this environmentThe good news is that for the first time in years, on the front page of
a recent edition of the West Australian the headline read ‘Business
Confidence Bounces Back after Abbott Election Win’. Inside, the West
reported consumer shopper confidence up by 4.7 percent to a three-
year high.
The challenge for builders and sales and marketing managers is to
harness this sentiment to get as big a slice of the pie as possible.
What we see successful builders doingAs a sales and marketing coach, I see successful builders maximising
their share of market growth by:
• Being very clear about which market sector they are targeting
(new homes, first homes, premium homes etc.).
• Creating powerful campaigns that speak to the needs of
their target markets – not one shot-one off marketing.
• Recruiting, training, incentivising and managing sales teams to
follow proven sales conversion systems to optimise leads.
• Creating a high performance, service based team culture.
Five costly mistakes in building industry sales teams• Sales teams being run like individual ‘lone rangers’
rather than a team of professionals learning, sharing
and competing in a healthy environment.
• Little or no sales training – but left up to the individual’s personality
or experience to close the sale – the ‘sink or swim’ culture.
• Little or no building of team, culture or service
attitude. The ‘prospects as pawns’ culture.
• Ego driven salespeople living on past success.
• Salespeople forgetting that when you’re green
you’re growing and when you’re ripe you rot.
How to set your sails to increase building sales in the current marketThere is an old saying, we cannot change the winds, but we can change the set of our sails. As I look at the stats from a presentation by Master Builders Australia chief economist, Peter Jones, this saying keeps ringing in the my ears.
Six costly facts you can take advantage of• The fact is 90 percent or more sales managers have been good or
very good salespeople then get promoted to sales and/or marketing
manager with little or no training in how to manage a sales team.
• In most cases, the only training they have had is from the
manager they worked under/with for the past 5-10 years.
• In over 70 percent of cases, the last sales training a sales rep
had was a half-day or one-day three or more years ago.
• In over 80 percent of cases, there is no agreed sales system or best
practice system to help reps in taking an interested prospect and
converting them to high margin, highly satisfied customer sale.
• Over 90 percent of sales reps cannot and do not articulate the
uniqueness, benefits or compelling value transfer of their companies.
• When asked ‘why should I buy from you
compared to your competition?’ most undersell
or bumble their way through the answer.
Test it with your team for yourself.
Three powerful tips to set your sails (and sales)• Capture your best practice sales system so reps have clear
guidelines and checklists to help maximise their chances of truly
uncovering needs and closing sales. We have a tool we call the
‘Sales Color Zones – Sales Circle of Life’. This is a Color Zone
system of guiding reps through sales to maximise chances of
converting leads into not just high paying-high margin, satisfied
customers, but referral generating advocates of your business.
• As part of your sales management system, have clear,
documented expectations of what is acceptable and unacceptable
in your team. We call them ‘Red and Green Zones’.
• Even though many builders and sales managers say it’s about the
reps as a group of individuals (not really a team), there is great power
and value in effective sales team meetings and training. Have a
powerful, positive structure to your team meetings – meetings that
engage, enthuse, excite and educate are a critical part of the success
jigsaw puzzle. Never underestimate the power of a champion team.
Leigh Farnell is a Perth-based sales team consultant and coach with over
30 years experience around Australasia coaching over 300 different
sales teams to be more innovative, productive and profitable. He
will be conducting his one day training ‘The Sales RevUP’ and Sales
Management Masterclass days early in 2014. These will be customised
and tailored for the building industry to provide systems, ideas, skills
and strategies that will increase sales for your building business.
Leigh Farnell
WA Master Builder 59
REPORTS: Building Business
This means employees are entitled to redundancy payments if their
employment is terminated or if they resign after one year’s service. All
employers in the construction industry are required to pay redundancy
pay, including small businesses and sole traders employing workers.
Employees are entitled to redundancy pay under the award based on
the amount of time they’ve been working for your business.
The redundancy entitlements in the National Employment Standards
do not apply to employees covered under the modern federal award.
It is important to note that ‘weeks’ pay’ is the ordinary time rate of
pay an employee was receiving when their employment ended. Any
period of service with the employer as a casual employee will not
count towards years of service for calculating redundancy entitlements.
Apprentices aren’t entitled to redundancy pay while they’re under
a training contract. If you keep employees on after they complete
Redundancy payments – employers must be compliantDid you know that employees could be deemed to be redundant if their employment ends for any reason other than misconduct or refusal of duty?
their apprenticeships, however, the period of the apprenticeship will
be counted as service for the purposes of notice of termination and
redundancy. The same applies if they are terminated at the end of their
apprenticeships but re-hired within six months. See the Apprenticeship
clause in the Award for more details.
ReddiFund can help you to meet your
obligation while reducing your tax liability,
easing your administration burden and
avoiding a potential cash flow crisis – and at
no cost to you or your employees. For information, contact ReddiFund
business development manager, Jill Dixon, on 9481 0259, 0437 554330
or email [email protected].
PERIOD OF CONTINUOUS SERVICE REDUNDANCY PAY
Less than 1 year1.75 hours per week of service (doesn’t apply if the employee resigns)
1 year but less than 2 years
2.4 weeks’ pay plus 1.75 hours pay per completed week of service after 1 year Maximum of 4.8 weeks’ pay.
2 years but less than 3 years
4.8 weeks’ pay plus 1.6 hours pay per completed week of service after 2 years Maximum of 7 weeks’ pay.
3 years but less than 4 years
7 weeks’ pay plus 0.73 hours pay per completed week of service after 3 years Maximum of 8 weeks’ pay.
4 years or more 8 weeks’ pay.
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60 WA Master Builder
REPORTS: Building Business
Master Builders’ construction director, Kim Richardson, takes a swipe at a recent Fair Work Commission decision destined to adversely affect building industry skills.
Fair Work Commission lets down apprentices
Kim Richardson
In August, the Fair Work Commission seriously undermined the prospects of
many young people who want to take up trades in the building industry as
apprentices in 2014 and beyond. In essence, FWC awarded to new apprentices
commencing from 1 January 2014, wage increases of between 5-10 percent in
the first year of the apprenticeships. The wage differential set by the FWC is based
on whether or not the new 2014 apprentice has completed year 12. If the answer
is yes, the first-year apprentice will be paid 55 percent of the trades wage rate
increasing to 65 percent in second year. If no, the first-year apprentice wage rate will
be 50 percent of the trades rate increasing to 60 percent.
Notably, no party to the lengthy FWC proceedings which commenced in 2012
proposed this outcome. The FWC asserts the new apprentice wage rates protect the
employment prospects of apprentices while encouraging young people to complete
year 12. This aspect of the decision defies all logic. The parties have been directed to
confer and reach agreement in a report back to the FWC. Given the breadth of the
FWC decision (which also encompasses developing a competency based learning
model founded on the two decades-old metals training system) and other labour
cost increases involving payment of text book costs by employers and training course
costs, the task is not easy.
While the significant increases in new apprentice wages will be hard to swallow
for employers, the fact is the ACTU, along with several unions including the
CFMEU, made ambit claims for much higher increases. Disappointingly, the former
federal Labor Government strongly supported the union claims with significant
legal representation during the hearings but ignored the adverse impact the claim
will have on meeting Australia’s future skills needs. The employer groups in part
succeeded in clawing back the unions’ dangerous claims as well as persuading FWC
to dismiss much of the red tape duplication sought by the unions of existing State
and Territory apprenticeship regulation being inserted in federal awards.
Employer groups, including Master Builders, strongly opposed the extreme wage
claims on the basis of making apprentices simply unemployable and doing little
to add to the skills debate. Regrettably, FWC dismissed much of the employer
opposition to the union-inspired, Labor Government-supported wage increase,
and naively found increasing apprentice wages will magically increase apprentice
numbers. Master Builders will lobby the new Coalition Government to increase
employer support to soften the major blow to those wishing to take on apprentices.
The new wage costs are expected to commence on 1 January 2014 but the proposed
competency based training regime is realistically some way off given the need for
input and agreement as to the end product from many stakeholders. Sadly, the FWC
decision will likely mean fewer building apprentices employed from 2014.
Safety first, notA Victorian CFMEU official was fined $1500 for assaulting a site manager. In an extraordinary defence, the union lawyer said the official “lived for safety” and only assaulted the site manager in frustration. Seems the union has a unique view of work site safety.
FWC did what?A recent Fair Work Commission appeal saw it find a Victorian flight paramedic unfairly dismissed following his delaying an urgent flight by 35 minutes due to his shift ending. The overriding edict of patient care was forgotten. One wonders what the outcome would have been if a FWC commissioner was the patient.
CFMEU shops workersPluto construction workers recently were fined a total of $1 million for unlawfully defying a 2008 Australian Industrial Relations Commission return to work order. They also disregarded directions by the construction unions to return to work. The local CFMEU labelled the fines “vindictive”. This conveniently ignores the union’s own court action that proved it did not organise the stoppage. The construction workers were exposed to their own fate as the union deflected all responsibility. What did the union expect?
MUA misses boatRecent legitimate criticism of the MUA about its excessive wage claims in the local oil and gas industry caused it to prepare a report on the industry’s profitability. Trouble is, that has little to do with escalating labour costs in offshore oil and gas construction and maintenance in WA, declining productivity and the much better return to investors overseas markets are offering. The loss of the Browse mega gas project should have been a wake-up call for the union.
FWC sillinessA FWC Full Bench recently unbelievably allowed a former employee claiming unfair dismissal to present his case in a separate room from the employer’s lawyers. A security guard was put in place to prevent the employee seeing the employer’s lawyers. Why? The employee claimed stress in being in the same courtroom as the employer. A ridiculous, embarrassing decision by FWC.
No strike order extends 12 monthsWith one month remaining to run of a six-month no strike order issued by FWC against the CFMEU on the $1.2 billion Children’s Hospital, the union for its own reasons, ignored the order and again took strike action at the project. The result was FWC extending the order for another 12 months. How the union can argue it was not breaching the initial order remains to be seen. Oddly, the union did not contest the extension order.
WA Master Builder 61
UPDATES: Industrial Relations
Courts highlight ABCC scrapping follyThe misguided decision of the Gillard Government to abolish the Australian Building and Construction Commission in early 2012 again has been brought into sharp relief by recent court decisions around the country and an economic report.
Illustrating the need for, and success of the ABCC, in August the
Federal Court imposed $184,000 in fines and penalties on the
Queensland CFMEU and Queensland CEPU for unlawful industrial
action in 2011. In early October, the Court also imposed $230,000
in fines and penalties on the Victorian CFMEU for unlawful
industrial action in 2010. The charges were filed by the ABCC.
Also in August, the Fair Work Commission in Perth issued an
extended no strike order against the local CFMEU on the new
Children’s Hospital for another 12 months. In February the FWC
had issued a six-month order against the union for the site, an
order which the union breached.
In Victoria, the Supreme Court heard from Grollo Construction in
August on a $5 million damages claim arising from seven contempt
of court breaches by the Victorian CFMEU in connection with the
ugly 2012 Melbourne dispute. Notably, the union did not contest
any of the contempt charges and concedes fines will be imposed.
However, it argues the fines should be only 10 percent of that
claimed or about $500,000 of union members’ funds.
The conclusion is that construction unions have lost just over
$415,000 in members funds for pointless industrial action and this
could increase to almost $5.4 million if the Grollo claim is sustained.
Adding to support for the position of the Coalition Government in
resurrecting the ABCC are the economic benefits that again have
been validated in relation to the ABCC’s impact in the construction
industry. A report commissioned by Master Builders Australia by
Independent Economics shows the ABCC was a major contributor
to the construction industry saving an estimated 9.4 percent per
annum since 2005 and improving the sector’s industrial relations
culture. The savings alone represent about $7.5 billon per year. The
report also indicates the savings generated since 2005 are being
eroded by the previous Government’s 2012 decision.
The new Government has indicated it wants to restore the ABCC
as a priority and as part of its national productivity measures, a
move which Master Builders supports. For vested reasons, the
Labor Opposition and Greens continue to oppose the ABCC
indirectly defending the reckless industrial relations conduct of
construction unions.
Master Builders supports Hadgkiss appointmentMaster Builders has strongly supported the Abbott Government’s appointment of Nigel Hadgkiss as the new head of the Fair Work Building and Construction Inspectorate.
Association construction director, Kim Richardson, says Mr
Hadgkiss has a proven track record in dealing with deeply
embedded problems in the construction industry where
unlawful conduct is considered the norm. His previous
experience as deputy commissioner of the Australian Building
and Construction Commission and other law enforcement
agencies places him well in his new role.
“This appointment is welcomed but the Coalition Government
needs to follow through with its election commitment that
it will restore the former ABCC and its governing laws,” Mr
Richardson said. “Recent months have seen the Courts impose
over $400,000 in fines and penalties on construction unions
for taking unlawful industrial action. One case even cited
the CFMEU choosing not to adopt lawful means to pursue
its grievances but, rather, intentionally taking unprotected
industrial action. Conduct like this clearly shows the CFMEU
and other construction unions continue to see themselves as
above the law, accountable to no-one and unwilling to follow
the industrial relations laws and even their own enterprise
agreement dispute provisions.”
Newly appointed Fair Work Building and Construction Inspectorate head, Nigel Hadgkiss (right), pictured recently at the Master Builders-AIB conference in Fremantle with BGC Residential executive general manager Kelvin Ryan.
62 WA Master Builder
UPDATES: Industrial Relations
Val Gostencnik, the former director of Fair Work Building and Construction, visited Perth in August to meet key industry stakeholders including Master Builders. Mr Gostencnik has 30 years’ workplace relations experience with the Australian Nurses Federation and Corrs Chambers Westgarth where he acted for several major construction companies. He is pictured (second from right) with (l-r) Master Builders’ construction director, Kim Richardson, Madeline Jones (FWBC Perth operations) and Cliff Pettet (FWBC Perth legal team) after the August meeting.
What are they up to?Following his retirement as President of the Fair Work Commission in 2012, former Federal Court Judge, Geoff Giudice has been working as a legal consultant with international law firm, Ashurst.
At an Industrial Relations Society function in Perth earlier this year,
Judge Giudice was the guest speaker. One of his comments was that
Australia needed a more stable IR system with more predictability.
Judge Giudice felt that IR legislative change was extremely costly via
lobbying, advertising and employing additional public servants. Not
surprisingly, he commented that IR had become too politicised and
tended to exaggerate the differences between the parties.
Interestingly, Judge Giudice believed unions exerted more influence than
their percentage of the workforce (less than 20 percent) suggested.
Perhaps their strong financial position and links with the Labor Party
contribute to this. Speaking of the Industrial Relations Society, former
Confederation advocate and Deputy President of the Federal IR
Commission, Jack Gregor, is the organisation’s patron. His daughter,
Melanie, is the current president. Most members of the Society are now
academics and lawyers, with a sprinkling of employer representatives
and very few union officials – a lot different to 20-30 years ago.
WA Master Builder 63
UPDATES: Industrial Relations
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MRL Passenger Lifts from 300kg - 3500kgHANDICAPPED Access Lifts from 225kg - 400kg
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Phone: (+61) 08 6363 5953Fax: (+61) 08 9331 3384Email: [email protected]
www.octagonlifts.com.au
Master Builders’ technical consultant, Romina De Santis, was in Brisbane for the 2013 ABCB Building Australia’s Future Conference.
For the first time, the program included sessions for the new Plumbing
Code (Volume 3 of the National Construction Code), and also covered
discussion on the performance-based approach, access for people with
disabilities and climate change.
Delegates from a cross-section of industry were in attendance from
each State and Territory to hear from local and international speakers
on matters impacting the built environment and its regulation for
healthy, safe and sustainable buildings.
Future demographic and social trends were discussed, taking into
account future needs for the built environment and workplaces where
the different generations – baby boomers, generation X and generation
Y - work together creating challenges for businesses to maintain
productivity through very different motivators for each group.
ABCB Brisbane conference hits the markThe 2013 Australian Building Codes Board Conference, Building Australia’s Future, in Brisbane recently included a number of important topics for the delegates in attendance.
The theme of the first day of the three-day conference was managing
risk and liability. Building commissioner, Peter Gow, spoke on the
implementation of the Building Act in WA. The Victorian bushfires and
Queensland floods also were discussed looking at insurance, life safety
and regulation.
Day two looked at understanding Codes and Standards and focused
on climate change and fire safety and day three covered topics around
trends and the future including sustainability, Building Code trends and
national licensing.
The ABCB holds its conference on the National Construction Code and
related matters every two years. Master Builders’ technical consultant,
Romina De Santis, who also operates a private building surveying and
consultancy business, attended the Brisbane conference.
Plan reading course a WinBaC winnerSince 2010, Master Builders has regularly run a training seminar for residential plan reading and building basics. More than 30 participants attended technical adviser Romina De Santis’ Plan Reading and BCA Basics seminars in September and October.
The three hour seminar in a workshop format is tailored for newcomers to the building industry and support staff who often are expected to read and understand plans, but often are not provided with formal training. Participants work through building plans, take
a walk through the approvals process, and get a basic overview of the Building Code of Australia. The seminar package includes the Master Builders’ Bag of Tricks for the many terms and abbreviations used as industry vernacular – demystifying the shorthand many use without thinking.
Feedback from attendees is always positive, with increased confidence in understanding plans, basic building terminology and WA construction practices. Master Builders will run the seminars in 2014, so keep an eye out for the next course to be plan reading-ready.
OUR RANGEHOME LIFTS from 250kg - 1000kgDUMBWAITERS from 5kg - 450kg
GOODS HOISTS from 500kg - 3000kgPANORAMA Lifts from 450kg - 4500kg
MRL Passenger Lifts from 300kg - 3500kgHANDICAPPED Access Lifts from 225kg - 400kg
HYDRAULIC Passenger Lifts from 250kg - 4500kg
6 Brolo Court, O’Connor, WA 6163PO Box 2065, Palmyra DC, WA 6961abn: 87 712 338 613
Phone: (+61) 08 6363 5953Fax: (+61) 08 9331 3384Email: [email protected]
www.octagonlifts.com.auWA Master Builder 65
UPDATES: Technical
Stair treads and landings, balustrades and handrails and upper level
windows, already restricted by planning requirements, recently have
had added compliance requirements in the Building Code for minimum
safety for occupants - mainly children.
Getting back to basics - stairsThe BCA requires a flight of stairs have a minimum of two and a
maximum of 18 risers. These need to be constant through the flight and
meet a minimum size and slope ratio. This means that you cannot split
a half landing into two quarter landings with a single riser, and winders
need to maintain a constant ratio for safe movement of occupants.
Treads must be slip resistant or provide a non-skip strip at the edge of
the nosing. As the builder, you are required to ensure the stairway is
safe. Discussing the compliance requirements of stairs is essential so
clients can compare surface finishes or provide the necessary edge strip
for safe movement along the stairway. Stairs at a door threshold often
occur between garages and carports and the main dwelling. A landing
is not required where there are not more than three risers (maximum
height of 570mm). Where this is exceeded a minimum 750mm landing
is required from the doorway. Figure 1 below shows the requirements
of the BCA for compliance with Clause 3.9.1.3.
Steps to safe movement in residential buildingsA consequence of smaller lots is the increased demand for two-storey homes. Most builders now build both single and two-storey homes and must be across the construction requirements for stairways, balconies and upper level windows for the safety of occupants.
HandrailsAt least one handrail must be provided where a flight has a change
in level greater than one metre (where a balustrade is provided). It
is no longer sufficient to have the stairway bound by walls and only
a balustrade, there must be a separate handrail, or the top of the
balustrade must provide suitable construction to be used as a handrail.
Construction as per Figure 2 below is no longer compliant with the
new handrail requirements. The handrail must be continuous, and only
be interrupted by a newel post or stanchion. Parts 3.9.1 and 3.9.2 of
the BCA (Housing Provisions) detail the minimum requirements for
stairs, balustrades, handrails and openable windows. However, other
Standards are applicable - as suggested AS1170.1 and AS1288.
Figure 1 - Landing requirements at doorways
BalustradesBalustrades need to be a minimum of one metre high from a floor that
is more than one metre from the level beneath, landing or balcony and
a minimum 865mm along a stairway. A transition is required where
there is a landing to ensure the minimum one metre height is provided
for the balustrade at the intermediate and top landing and floor level.
The BCA does not nominate the load requirements the balustrade
must resist. This is covered by AS1170.1. Builders should obtain design
compliance certification from the installer that the balustrade is
designed and installed to meet the requirements of AS1170.1.
Wire balustrades are not as popular now as they were a few years ago,
but construction requirements for strain or deflection are noted in
the BCA. Again, it is recommended the builder obtain a Certificate of
Design Compliance. It is important to note where a glass balustrade is
installed; the Building Code does not provide compliance requirements.
Builders must refer to AS1288 (Glass in Buildings). Where the balustrade
is protecting an area with a floor level below greater than one metre,
the balustrade must include a handrail in accordance with the Standard.
Enhancing safety in stairwaysWhat the BCA doesn’t cover is illumination in stairways of residential
buildings. Considering stairs are one of the common places for
accidents in the home, it is wise to discuss lighting in stairways with
your client. Consider the installation of handrails or balustrades in areas
that are less than one metre high. Falls from verandahs and on lower
parts of stairways still occur and result in injuries and sometimes death.
Openable windowsOpenable bedroom windows, where the level beneath exceeds two
metres, are required to be suitably protected from falls. A new clause
included in BCA 2013 provides that windows with a sill height greater
than 1.7m require protection. When the finished level beneath is greater
than four metres, the requirements are more stringent for climbable
elements between 150 and 760mm.
Although WA provides a 12-month transition for the implementation
of the BCA, it is recommended the requirements of this clause be
considered in the design and construction of multi-storey residential
buildings prior to its adoption from 1 May 2014.
Figure 2 - Previously acceptable to provide walls as a barrier for a stair without a handrail
66 WA Master Builder
UPDATES: Technical
To make this happen, the pathway to get the services to the premises
is more important than ever. For builders, this means that the choice
to provide the pathway has a direct impact on the lifestyle of the
occupants. To minimise the impact on construction, the conduit is best
put in prior to concrete paths and driveways and before the landscaping.
With the National Broadband Network rollout, builders need to take
into consideration providing for the appropriate ‘lead-in conduit’. This is
the way the cable gets from the street to the home. Whether builders
and developers are dealing with projects that have the new optical
fibre, traditional phone cabling or might have fibre in the future, the
conduit is the method that allows different cables to be used.
Mr Crocket says there are there definite requirements which need to be
maintained. This gets down to making sure the pathway can be used by
the network provider, so it needs to be fit for purpose and undamaged
when the technicians come to connect the premises. The network
providers give guidelines for preparing lead-in conduits. There are some
minor differences between them, but in the main, the concept is common.
One example of a special requirement for NBN Co, is that a pit cannot
be placed in a driveway. Developers take driveways into account in
the telecommunications plans to avoid pits being placed in proposed
driveway locations.
Connecting to the national broadband systemGetting broadband, communications and entertainment into the home is vital for home buyers, says Doug Crocket from Master Builder member Electronic Interiors. Broadband, communications and entertainment are now high on the wish list of the modern home resident.
Below is an example section from a network provider guideline.
This comes from NBN Co Doc NBN-NO-GDE-0011 V8 Residential
Preparation and Installation Guide SDU’s & MDU’s, found at
www.nbnco.com.au.
There can be confusion within the building industry that you need more
than one lead-in, if you were thinking about getting fibre broadband
later. One lead-in is sufficient in the event that copper has been laid and
the NBN will not rollout within the near future in that area. You can use
the guidelines above in new builds and run current services through the
same conduit. When the NBN comes to an existing area, NBN Co will
arrange to use the existing Lead-in Conduit.
New lead-in conduits are required to be physically connected to
the Developers Starter Pipe. Be sure to use solvent cement to bond
the conduit lengths and bends that form part of the pathway to the
premises where the network provider’s utility box will be mounted
on the outside of the premises. This reduces the risk of the pathway
coming apart before the technician arrives, along with other planning
measures like going a bit deeper in the trench under a driveway, are all
good tips for being fit for purpose.
The network provider will fit the utility box at the end of your lead-in. You
may have also aligned an internal conduit for new broadband networks
such as NBN Co fibre. The work you have done to make the broadband
available to your customers will be greatly appreciated, your Lead-in
Conduit, is actuality a great investment, because as a pathway, it can
evolve and allow cables to come and go during the long life of a building.
WA Master Builder 67
UPDATES: Technical
Master Builders welcomes
the following new members
March date for IFAWPCA Jakarta conference
Earlier this year, Master Builders Australia had a 20-person delegation at the IFAWPCA convention in Kochi, India. For 2014, WA membership services manager, Veronica Mill, is looking to put together a WA contingent to visit our closest and important northern neighbour, Indonesia.
The International Federation of Asian and Western Pacific Contractors
Association’s next conference, in Jakarta in March, will offer top speakers and
business opportunities in a great venue, the Grand Hyatt Jakarta Hotel.
“If you’re looking for an industry convention that is close to home, provides
an opportunity to exchange important information with representatives
from across Asia, Australia and New Zealand, hear from professional
speakers and open the door to new business opportunities, you need to be
in Jakarta in March,” says Master Builders’ membership services manager,
Veronica Mill.
“IFAWPCA’s forty-first convention will include discussion on various
infrastructure issues, both technically and financially. It will cover numerous
funding options, as well as providing insights from countries with successful
infrastructure development experience.”
The convention will be held in the plush surroundings of the five-star Grand
Hyatt Jakarta Hotel. Attendees can choose a suitable accommodation
package either at the Hyatt or other designated hotels and can round off their
trip with one of the pre- or post-convention tours. IFAWPCA offers a unique
platform for the building and construction industry across the Asia-Western
Pacific region, fostering shared information, building innovation and business
and social relationships.
“Are you open to the possibilities?” Ms Mill asks. “WA members are invited to
join Master Builders’ representatives and your Australian industry colleagues
at the Jakarta conference hosted by the Indonesian Contractors Association.”
To discuss participation in a WA delegation, contact Veronica Mill by email
[email protected]. Further information is available from the Indonesian
Contractors Association, phone (62-21) 7200794 / 72790672, fax: (62-21)
7206805, website www.aki.or.id/ifawpca2014.
Absolute Painting (WA) 08 9965 4919
Alpha Wall & Floor Tiling 0406 126 854
Andy Pollard Homes 08 9315 9276
ARB Carpentry & Construction 08 9140 1871
Aspireon Homes 08 9361 2622
Associated Shopfitters Pty Ltd 08 9249 3090
Assured Homes Pty Ltd 0412 000 820
Aussie Fencing 08 9242 8555
Bartlett Consulting Engineers 0439 923 045
Beyond Bricklaying Pty Ltd 0416 363 307
Blueprint Building Inspections 0421 665 337
BMT Constructions 08 9192 7906
Carpets By Design 08 9331 4956
Cartman Designs 08 9071 1255
Eclipse Refrigeration 08 9842 1072
Goldmanor Design 08 9295 0005
Instant Roofing 0404 569 859
Jim’s Fencing (Melville) 08 9414 8580
Kullarri Building Pty Ltd 08 9192 7755
Meales WA Concrete Pumping 0433 684 837
Mi Construct (WA) Pty Ltd 08 9228 9699
Next Level Extensions 08 9240 5888
Opes Construction & Building Supplies 0419 855 549
Outdoor World Bunbury 08 9725 6166
Past Investments 0407 980 036
PB Design & Construction 08 9721 5435
Promenade Construction Pty Ltd 08 9349 8004
Protek Total Facility Management 08 9399 8660
Psaros Pty Ltd 08 6380 3030
Q Residential New Homes and Improvements 0424 007 344
Ray White Broome 08 9192 2122
Renew Perfection Pty Ltd 08 9447 5541
RJD Contracting 0439 703 010
Scho Homes 08 9240 5000
Sermac Contracting 0418 811 291
Seymour Roofing Pty Ltd 08 9407 8052
Solar Dwellings 08 9444 4400
South West Roof Painters 08 9725 2525
Swan River Constructions 0421 273 330
Trevor James Grant 08 9448 0001
Trumos Building Services 0418 915 675
Ubuntu Developments Pty Ltd 0439 006 615
WDM Construction 0428 734 343
Wells Building Designers and Consultants 08 9071 5178
West End Fabricators 08 9844 7007
Western Building Pty Ltd 08 9470 9779
Wholts Contracting 08 9758 7645
68 WA Master Builder
UPDATES: Membership
CALL 1300 88 13 72 TO GET CONNECTED
QMBA-17803 09-13
TELSTRA $130 CAPPED
MASTER BUILDERS $90 CAPPED
TELSTRA FOR LESS
QMBA-17803 Telstra capped 190x132 ad 09-13.indd 1 27/09/2013 11:40:50 AM
The story is all too common: builders coming back from overseas and
being hit with a huge bill for global roaming on their mobile phone. In
some cases, the travellers have not even used their phones, but in failing
to change their settings, have been downloading emails or other data
without their knowledge. We all know global roaming can be expensive,
but there are so many valuable uses for Smartphones when travelling,
including airport apps, hotel bookings, restaurant information, checking
emails and staying in touch with family and friends.
Telstra has launched an SMS-alert system to keep customers informed
on how much data they are using while overseas. Travellers will be
automatically sent an alert for every 20 megabytes of data they use
overseas so they can keep track of their usage. (The exception is
Hong Kong, where the 4G phone network is not compatible with
Telstra’s 3G alerts.)
Aside from turning your phone off altogether, an easy way to avoid a
big bill is to turn off data roaming (you will find this under the settings
or options menu in your phone) and only use wi-fi. Free wi-fi hot spots
have become easy to find in most countries, although you do need to
pick and choose which ones you use. Unless you like receiving spam, try
Using a Smartphone or tablet overseas can result in an horrendous bill, but you don’t have to turn it off. Here are some tips for managing your usage.
Beating bill shock of global phoning
to avoid any that ask for your phone number or email address and stick
to more reputable providers such as city councils and libraries. Coffee
shops are one of the best options for getting connected - and many
hotels now offer free wi-fi in guest rooms or at least in public areas.
If you want to have data access at all times, the best option is to buy
a data roaming pack from Master Builders Telco before you leave
Australia. The other key way to manage your data usage is to refer to
maps and other apps that work offline. Simply type ‘free offline maps
USA’ or similar into your online app store and see what you can find.
If you do it before you leave home, you can download a few different
ones at no cost and then try them out when you are there.
Many travel guides and city guides also are available as offline apps, so
you can download them before you go and avoid using any data while
away. The trip planner, Tripomatic, for example, has an iPhone app that
integrates city guides and offline maps so you can update your travel
plans as you go, without needing internet access. The free app includes
more than 30,000 attractions in more than 300 destinations around the
world and is only one of many such apps on offer.
WA Master Builder 69
UPDATES: Membership
BROUGHT TO YOU BY THE MASTER BUILDERS HEALTH ALLIANCEHolyoake (www.holyoake.org.au), Perth Integrated Health Clinics (www.pihc.com.au), Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia (www.prostate.org.au), Conan Fitness (www.conanfitness.com), The Well Men Centre (www.wellmen.com.au), Usana Health Sciences (www.cheeseman.usana.com)
Cheerful tips for a safe and happy festive seasonChristmas is a fun time of holidays and happy family get-togethers, but it also can be stressful for many people. Families do not always get along and some of us will dread having to get together with certain relatives. It also can be a tricky time for estranged members of the family, step families and in-laws.
The pressure to shop at this time of the year can add financial stress on families. A recent study by Roy Morgan revealed that 60 percent of Australians dislike Christmas shopping.
All this build-up and stress can cause people
to over-indulge or turn to alcohol or drugs as
a coping mechanism. This can be particularly
difficult for those who are struggling to deal
with their own, or someone else’s, alcohol/
drug dependency.
Stress and anxiety are not unusual during
the festive season; it would help to try and
manage them as best we can. We can lower
our expectations, be more realistic and decide
what we really want to get out of Christmas
for ourselves and those we care about. Here
are some practical tips for various situations:
Remember you have choices• Decide what is right for you; do
not be influenced by others.
• Remember you have the right to say no.
• Trust your feelings; if it doesn’t
feel right then it usually isn’t.
Keep yourself safe• Set up a plan before leaving home,
organise who will drink and who will drive.
• Do not get into a car with a driver who
is under the influence of alcohol/drugs.
• If someone is acting aggressively,
remove yourself from the
situation if it is safe to do so.
• Have enough money for a taxi
in case the need arises.
• Keep emergency numbers in case you
need assistance (family, friends etc).
Be self-responsible with alcohol• Know the people you are partying
with and look out for one another.
• Space your drinks out, drink
water at regular intervals and be
conscious of eating well.
• Do not mix your drinks and do not
let anyone keep refilling your glass.
Know how much you are drinking.
The office Christmas party• Do not use alcohol as an excuse for bad
behaviour and do not accept this from
anyone else.
• If you are responsible for the party, know
your responsibilities. Provide water, soft
drinks, food, low alcohol beverages, and
talk with guests about how they are going
to get home safely.
• Office parties are well-remembered for
what should not have happened. Be
mindful of your reputation at work.
If you are concerned about your own, or
someone else’s, alcohol/drug use, try talking
to someone about it. Holyoake offers a wide
range of customised programs for people
who are affected by substance misuse –
directly or indirectly. Call 9416 4444, email
visit www.holyoake.org.au for more details.
It is worth noting that drink driving is
responsible for more than 30 percent of the
1400 lives lost due to road accidents across
Australia each year. So please be safe this
festive season.
70 WA Master Builder
UPDATES: Members’ Health
Dr Joe Kosterich MBBS has some good news for smokers…
Quitting is easier than you might think
It is little wonder that people get confused about health. The messages
can be contradictory. Worse than that, the messages might reflect
vested interest which is not declared. Many “news” stories are pushed
by those who might have a product to sell or an agenda to push. So
it was that a survey reported that long-term smokers could take up to
seven goes before successfully quitting. Unless you’ve been living under
a rock for the last 40 years, you will know that smoking is not good for
your health.
Around 75 percent of poll responders reported two unsuccessful
attempts to quit. This prompted an expert to suggest that nicotine
addiction was as powerful as heroin addiction. Strong words and not
likely to inspire smokers that they could quit unaided. The thrust of the
report was to encourage smokers to seek help in quitting. In particular,
it recommended pharmaceutical aids, which could help smokers.
A pharmaceutical company commissioned the survey.
However, an earlier report showed that stopping smoking is not actually
that difficult and that the vast majority did so without any assistance or
‘stop-smoking aid’. This was shown in over 500 studies. Essentially 70
percent of quitters did so unaided. Many reported finding it less hard
than they had expected.
Dr Joe Kosterich. Visit www.drjoe.net.au.
It is also worth noting that the biggest reductions in cigarette smoking
occurred during the 1960s and 70s when there were no stop-smoking
aids. And this is long before plain packaging or even packs with disease
photos, which are designed to (but don’t) turn people off smoking.
The availability of various stop-smoking aids can help some smokers.
However, it comes as a surprise to many smokers that the highest
success rates in quitting come from just doing it - without aids. We
often overlook the most simple and obvious solutions.
One of the problems for people seeking to quit smoking is that if
you believe you can’t do it then it is unlikely you will. There is also the
problem of being seen as a ‘victim’ of tobacco. Seeing yourself as a
victim is disempowering. Hence, if you are led to believe that you cannot
quit by yourself, you are more likely to fail. In the studies on successful
quitters, many remarked that it was easier than they expected. The main
reason they would have thought it hard, is because of messages telling
them that.
Also the fact that it may take a few goes to succeed is not a problem. It
is said that Thomas Edison had 10,000 failures before inventing the light
bulb. There is no issue with not succeeding if you learn the lessons and
apply them next time. Eventually you will succeed.
So to those of you who want to stop smoking, the news is actually
good. You can do it if you want to, even if it takes a few goes. It will
almost certainly be easier than you have been led to believe.
Healthy partnershipMaster Builders’ director, Michael McLean (left), signs the documentation for an alliance agreement between the Association and Medibank Private while the health insurer’s business relationship manager (sales and services alliances), Stephen Lee, looks on. Mr McLean says the alliance is a national partnership which Master Builders is confident will provide members with many benefits, including an 8.3 percent reduction in Medibank Private premiums.
WA Master Builder 71
UPDATES: Members’ Health
Scope of new lawsThe requirement to comply with the new anti-bullying
measures extends to all organisations which are
‘constitutionally covered’. Generally speaking this will
include all Pty Ltd companies. The new laws will allow
‘workers’ who reasonably believe they have been
bullied at work to apply to the Fair Work Commission
(the FWC) for an order to stop the bullying. ‘Workers’
are defined to include not just employees, but also
contractors, subcontractors, work experience students
and volunteers.
The new changes do not create an offence of bullying in
the workplace. Instead, the amendments identify actions
and behaviours that may constitute workplace bullying
and provide for the FWC to make orders directed at
stopping that behaviour.
The Fair Work Act 2009 (Cth) (FW Act) will provide that
a worker is ‘bullied at work’ if an individual (or group of
individuals) ‘repeatedly behaves unreasonably’ towards
the worker and that behaviour creates a risk to the
health and safety of the worker. The definition expressly
excludes reasonable management action carried out in a
reasonable manner. However, ‘reasonable management
behaviour’ is not defined.
The role of the Fair Work CommissionThe new provisions will require the FWC to start dealing
with a bullying complaint within 14 days of receiving an
application. The FWC will have the power to require an
employer to provide it with documents, including any
internal anti-bullying processes, and information about
any management action that may have been taken. The
FWC also will have the power to convene a conference
between the parties or hold a formal hearing.
If the FWC is satisfied that the worker has been bullied,
and there is a risk that the worker will continue to
be bullied, it may make an order preventing bullying.
However, the FWC cannot order reinstatement or the
payment of compensation. Furthermore, an individual
cannot be subject to criminal or civil sanctions as a result
of an application unless that person fails to comply with
an order made by the FWC.
If a person fails to comply with an order, a penalty may
apply. The maximum penalty is $10,200 for an individual
or $51,000 for a corporation, per breach.
Preparing for new anti-bullying lawsBusinesses should start preparing for the new anti-bullying laws due to commence on 1 January 2014.
Preparing for the new laws These provisions are another reason why businesses
ought to review their internal processes for dealing
with bullying. Employers can benefit greatly from
developing and implementing a clear anti-bullying policy
that ensures that any allegation of bullying is promptly
dealt with before it has a chance to negatively impact
on a worker’s health and wellbeing or on the other
individuals within the organisation.
Proposed amendments Although these amendments to the FW Act were
enacted by the previous Labor Government, the current
Coalition Government has said that it will retain them
subject to two proposed variations. The Coalition
proposes that:
• Before applying for an order to stop bullying, a
worker ought to first seek preliminary help, advice
or assistance from an independent regulator; and
• The new anti-bullying laws should be expanded
to include union officials and their conduct
towards managers, employers and workers.
As no Bill has been put before Parliament, there is no
indication of when these proposed changes are likely to
be passed or come in to effect.
This article was prepared by Jackson McDonald Partner Stephen Kemp. For further information, contact the Jackson McDonald Workplace Relations & Safety team: Partner, Stephen Kemp, or Senior Associate, Joanne Alilovic, on 9426 6663 or [email protected] or [email protected].
Stephen Kemp
72 WA Master Builder
UPDATES: Legal
The changes, which took effect from 1 September, now require
additional financial information from all contractors who are applying
for prequalification, renewing prequalification, participating in a tender
process, or at any other time at the request of BMW.
Some of the key changes to the financial information requirements for
prequalification are:
• All levels (1-5) must provide management accounts which
are less than three months old and signed by a director.
• All levels must provide financial reports
prepared by a qualified accountant.
• Level 5 contractors also must have their financial
reports audited by a registered auditor.
The additional financial information is designed to enable BMW to more
accurately assess a contractor’s financial capacity and specifically, allows
BMW to determine the contractor’s ability to meet the following tests:
• Five percent of turnover in net tangible assets (NTA).
• Ten percent of upper band of prequalification
level represented by working capital.
• Tenders limited to maximum aggregate contract value (MACV).
While these financial ratios may appear easy to assess, there may be
some financial traps lurking in their calculation methodology that
contractors should be aware of.
Net Tangible Assets TestContractors are required to have greater than five percent of turnover in
net tangible assets (total assets less intangible assets less total liabilities).
Intangible assets, such as goodwill, are excluded for the purposes of the
NTA test.
Working Capital TestContractors are required to have greater than 10 percent of the upper
band of prequalification level in working capital. It is important to note
that the calculation for working capital (current assets minus current
liabilities) disallows any intangible assets or related party balances.
Related parties are broadly defined as directors and their family
members, and other entities with common ownership.
Maximum Aggregate Contract ValueBuilding contractors will be ineligible to tender for work in excess of
their MACV. The MACV is calculated by taking the average turnover
from the previous three years and adding 30 percent. A trap for
contractors who have experienced significant growth in that three year
period is that their MACV might actually be less than the turnover they
recorded in their most recent financial year.
Take a close look at BMW prequalification changesThe Department of Finance’s Building Management and Works recently made changes to the Builders’ Prequalification Scheme, arising out of the Small Business Commissioner’s Construction Subcontractor Investigation Report.
Twelve tips for improving your application for prequalification or renewal• Account for work-in-progress to recognise percentage of completion.
• Ensure your accounting system records all assets, such as
prepayments, retentions receivable and tax assets.
• Ensure assets and liabilities are correctly classified
between current and non-current amounts.
• Where possible, manage (collect) related party receivables.
• Manage dividends (declared) to maintain adequate financial capacity.
• Source alternative security to supplement your balance
sheet (if you don’t otherwise meet the tests).
• Ensure financing facilities expire in a period greater than 12 months
from year end so they can be classified as non-current liabilities.
• Consider the most appropriate legal structure for
your business, eg company versus trust.
• Consider borrowing against non-current assets
to improve your working capital position.
• Calculate your financial ratios prior to
submitting your application to BMW.
• Ensure all required information is submitted to
BMW in the first instance. It will be an expensive
use of your time re-submitting information.
• Ensure you have appropriate accounting systems
to carry out activities described above.
Project Bank AccountsFinally, it is also worth noting that the Department is about to
commence trials for the use of project bank accounts (PBAs). Briefly,
PBAs are trust accounts that contractors will be required to maintain,
with the aim of ensuring all subcontractors are paid for work
performed. The PBAs will restrict a contractor’s ability to make progress
claims until subcontractor payments have been made. We will provide
further information on PBAs in a future edition.
At the time of writing, RSM Bird Cameron met with and has
subsequently written to representatives of BMW raising a number of
queries about the practical implication of some of the measures for
prequalification assessment. We look forward to being able to obtain
clarity surrounding these issues and communicating our findings with
affected contractors.
RSM Bird Cameron is offering complimentary consultations to contractors to assist in reviewing their submissions for prequalification and to discuss options for improving their financial position. To take advantage of this, contact James Komninos on 9261 9376.
RSM Bird Cameron Perth Managing Partner, James Komninos.
WA Master Builder 73
UPDATES: Legal
She says the Commonwealth Personal
Property Securities Act introduced a new
system drastically affecting the rights of
ownership in property and because of the
WA Construction Contracts Act, the WA
building industry has been left at a major
disadvantage.
In a paper on the issue, Ms Dowley says the
Personal Property Securities Act introduces
the concept of apparent ownership arising
from possession or apparent possession of
property.
“Anyone who places property into the
apparent possession of another is taken to
have a ‘Security Interest’ in the property and
may lose the property if they do not register their interest,” the paper
says. “Actual ownership of the property is irrelevant.”
The paper then introduces two “example victims”:
Contract for the supply and install of roof sheetingRoof Company delivers roof sheeting to a construction site in the
possession of Builder Company. Roof sheeting is on the site wrapped in
protective plastic and not yet installed. Builder Company is taken to have
granted a Security Interest to Roof Company in relation the roof sheeting
that is on the site wrapped in protective plastic. Note: the goods have
not been paid for and so they are still owned by Roof Company.
Contract for the hire of scaffoldAccess Company erects scaffolding on a construction site in the
possession of Builder Company under an arrangement for weekly
hire (for an indefinite period). The scaffolding is being provided under
an arrangement that will constitute a ‘PPS Lease’. Therefore, Builder
Company is taken to have granted a Security Interest to Access
Company in exchange for possession of the goods that are owned by
Access Company.
The paper argues that under the PPSA, unless Roof Company and
Access Company register their Security Interest in their own property,
then regardless of the fact that Builder Company is NOT the owner
of the goods, if it defaults on any finance arrangement secured by
a Security Interest over its property or becomes insolvent, then the
financier or liquidator of Builder Company can take Roof Company’s
and Access Company’s property and sell it to satisfy Builder Company’s
debts leaving the actual owners of the property as unsecured creditors.
WA building industry falls victim to PPS ActLawyer Alana Dowley of Encore Legal Pty Ltd has criticised legislation which she says leads to Government sanctioned stealing.
Security of Payment – State BiasMs Dowley’s paper then turns to the issue of security of payment in
the building industry where, over about a decade, State Governments
have legislated to overcome the problem of slow or non-payment and
problems of businesses failing all the way down the contracting chain as
a result of payment disputes. The paper says:
“The Eastern States legislation is based on a different model to that
adopted in WA and the NT. In WA, the policy was to preserve freedom
in contracting but to imply into any insufficient contracts, certain terms
that would protect businesses from non-payment. Three relevant terms
were provided to cover retention of title in unfixed goods, obligations
on company liquidators to ensure that unfixed goods are preserved and
a term to provide that retention monies are held on trust.
“In the Eastern States model, the legislation provides a statutory right
to payment (apart from any contractual right) and security for that
payment is provided partly by the conferral of a ‘statutory lien’ over
unfixed goods.
“Why does this difference matter? Section 8 of the PPSA provides that
certain interests do not need to be registered including ‘statutory liens’.
Interests arising under statutory liens (and therefore those goods) would
not vest in the liquidator of the person in possession of the goods.
Further, section 73 of the PPSA provides that those statutory liens (if the
legislation conferring those liens so provides) will enjoy super-priority of
other general ‘Security Interests’.
“So, in the case of our example victims:
• If this contract is for works in NSW then the supply is protected
by a statutory lien conferred by section 11 of the Building and
Construction Industry Security of Payment Act 1999 (NSW).
• If this contract is for works in WA then current opinion is
that the goods would be forfeit to a financier of Builder
Company with a general security interest or to a liquidator
of Builder Company in the event of insolvency.”
Dowley’s SolutionMs Dowley says that for the WA building and construction industry,
the answer is a simple amendment to the Construction Contracts Act.
“The CCA currently provides for contractual terms securing payment
obligations that are rendered entirely irrelevant by competing interests
under the PPSA,” her paper says. “If the CCA were to provide a
statutory lien (as the Eastern States model does) then the industry in
WA would be protected.”
Encore Legal has prepared a proposed amendment and is inviting those with an interest to express their support by emailing the firm ([email protected]). Ms Dowley says all emails will be submitted along with the CCA amendment to Shadow Treasurer, Ben Wyatt.
Alana Dowley of Encore Legal is proposing an amendment to the Construction Contracts Act to overcome a disadvantage WA building operators have under the Commonwealth’s Personal Property Securities Act.
74 WA Master Builder
UPDATES: Legal
Mr Hardman received the award for his cool handling of a situation
where, on only the second day of his apprenticeship, his trainer
suffered a seizure on site. Apprentice Awards master of ceremonies,
Karl Langdon, told the audience that Mr Hardman didn’t panic when
confronted with the crisis. “He stayed calm and phoned an ambulance
while comforting his trainer, something which would have been very
difficult [at the best of times], let alone on your second day on the job,”
Mr Langdon said.
“Thanks to John’s quick thinking and ability to stay calm, his trainer was
stabilised and has made a full recovery. Amazingly, John has since had
to prevent two more similar scenarios where his host trainer has gone
into diabetic shock and he has handled each situation in a very calm,
confident manner.”
Mark Allen was a young union organiser tragically killed in a workplace
accident. Nominations for the Mark Allen Memorial Fund Award were
open to all apprentices and trainees who displayed an exceptional
contribution to workplace health and safety either in the workplace or
the community. Mr Hardman received a prize of $500 and a framed
certificate provided by the Mark Allen Memorial Trust. Mr Langdon said
the judging panel for the award also wanted to make special mention
of Zac Caffrey-Kerr who had been an apprentice for only a few months
when he stepped up and volunteered to be site safety officer. “Zac
leads by example when it comes to safety, and takes initiative to ensure
that the workplace is compliant with standards,” Mr Langdon said. “It is
remarkable that someone of Zac’s years has such confidence, pride and
ability in a voluntary role, and does it so well and so passionately.”
Cool-headed apprentice wins recognitionABN Training painting and decorating apprentice, John Hardman, has been named the winner of the inaugural Mark Allen Memorial Fund Occupational, Safety and Health Award at the 2013 Master Builders Apprentice of the Year Awards at the Perth Convention and Entertainment Centre in November.
MC Karl Langdon interviews inaugural Mark Allen Memorial Fund Occupational, Safety and Health Award winner, John Hardman, at the 2013 Master Builders Apprentice of the Year Awards.
The first High Risk Work licences with a five-year expiry date were
issued in October 2007, so licence holders need to check expiry dates
and take action to renew licences or risk being unable to work in their
chosen field. WorkSafe WA Commissioner Lex McCulloch recently
issued a reminder to workers that it was their responsibility to check the
currency of their licences and to keep their contact details up to date.
“WorkSafe sends a renewal letter to every licence holder to remind
them of the need to renew, but obviously this reminder will not reach
someone who has changed their address and failed to notify WorkSafe,”
Mr McCulloch said. “Our best advice is to treat your High Risk Work
licence in the same way as your Driver’s Licence – ensure you know your
renewal date and take action while your licence is still current. WorkSafe
makes it very easy to keep your details up to date by telephoning us or
filling in an online change of address form on our website.
“In agreeing to adopt the national licensing standard back in 2007,
we acknowledged the important role high-quality training plays in
helping provide workers with the skills to perform high risk work safely
and competently. These licences apply to anyone engaged in work
considered to be ‘high risk’, including forklift operation, scaffolding,
dogging and rigging work and the operation of cranes, hoists and
pressure equipment.
“Workers who allow their licences to expire risk not only being banned
from performing tasks classified as high risk, but also having to be re-
trained, an expensive and time-consuming exercise.”
Further information on High Risk Work licences can be obtained
by telephoning WorkSafe on 1300 424091 or on the website at
www.worksafe.wa.gov.au.
High Risk Work licences coming up for renewalWorkSafe has issued a reminder to workers engaged in high risk work that they need to check the renewal dates on their licences and ensure they are renewed.
Workers in high risk tasks such as scaffolding need to be conscious of renewing their licences.
WA Master Builder 75
UPDATES: Safety
As the entity in control of the workplace, Cochrane & Sons Pty Ltd
pleaded guilty to failing to ensure that the workplace was safe for a
person who was not an employee and, by that failure, causing the
death of a worker. It was fined in the Kalgoorlie Magistrates Court.
In March 2011, Cochrane & Sons began construction of a 28 metre
long, 18 metre wide and seven metre tall steel shed at Wye Farm in
Salmon Gums near Esperance. On May 31, the steel frame of the shed
had been erected and the wall cladding and roof sheeting (made up of
zincalume sheets and polycarbonate skylights) was being installed, with
five workers involved in the task.
During the morning, the roof sheets and skylights had been put into
place and ‘tacked’ down with a small number of screws to temporarily
hold them in position. After lunch, the workers proceeded to
permanently fix the sheets in place.
In the mid-afternoon, one of the workers needed to cross the roof to
retrieve the screws for the polycarbonate skylights from the other side
of the roof. In the process, he stepped from a zincalume sheet over
the ridge and onto a polycarbonate sheet. The sheet gave way and the
worker fell around seven metres to the ground, suffering fatal injuries.
The court heard that safety mesh had not been installed under the roof,
despite the requirement on the plans to do so. No edge protection had
been installed on the building, and there were no harnesses available
on the site for workers performing tasks at height.
Construction company fined $65,000 over fall deathA Great Southern construction company has been fined $65,000 in October over the death of a man who fell seven metres through a skylight in the roof of a shed under construction near Esperance.
WorkSafe WA Commissioner, Lex McCulloch, expressed his
disappointment that court cases involving falls from height were still
arising. “It’s really disappointing that employers and persons in control
of workplaces are still neglecting to protect workers against falls from
height when falls are so easily preventable and it need not be difficult
or costly to ensure that safe systems of work are in place,” he said. “In
this case, there was no mesh, no edge protection and no harnesses – it
really was just a tragedy waiting to happen.
“After the incident, the company bought two rolls of safety mesh that
cost $80 a roll, along with two roofer’s kits containing static lines and
harnesses for $450 each. This is not a huge outlay to prevent a fall,
and unfortunately it was made too late for the worker who lost his life
on this job. Falls are a significant cause of workplace death, and 17
Western Australian workers have died as a result of falls in the last four
years. Many others have been seriously and permanently injured as a
result of preventable falls.
“A Code of Practice on fall prevention has existed in WA for more than
20 years. The current code is comprehensive, providing information on
the identification of common fall hazards. I urge any person or entity in
control of a workplace that presents a risk of falls to ensure safe systems
of work are in place and that this code is available in the workplace at
all times.”
Further information on the prevention of falls can be obtained from
WorkSafe on 1300 307877. The Code of Practice on the Prevention of
Falls in Workplaces can be downloaded from the WorkSafe website at
www.worksafe.wa.gov.au.
Crowther Blayne is an Australian leader in business-to-business online and print publications for a variety of industries worldwide.
Crowther Blayne publications provide businesses with the broadest possible audience and target the most relevant decision-makers.
By providing a platform of the highest quality, products and services are presented in the best possible light to the marketplace.
If you have a specific enquiry about our services, or simply want to get in touch, please contact:
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crowtherblayne.com.au
76 WA Master Builder
UPDATES: Safety
Our media is periodically filled with dire reports of traffic congestion,
petrol costs, public transport costs, State Government debt blowouts,
mosquito-borne diseases, growing education costs and unaffordable
housing. A significant contributor to all these community problems is
our current planning system in WA.
Our planning system imposes multilayered restrictions that push
new home buyers to the suburban fringes. Height limits, plot ratio
restrictions, set back requirements, heritage impositions, design
guidelines, zoning laws, local councils and permitted uses conspire to
limit the capacity to develop more homes in popular established areas.
These planning laws ensure that the costs of delivering inner city homes
are a lot higher than should be the case. Meanwhile, our population
continues to boom, demanding more than 20,000 new homes each year.
The most affordable option for most new home buyers, then, is to build
in a new estate on the suburban outskirts. To achieve the Australian
dream of home ownership, families are setting themselves up in new
subdivisions that are often a long way from their employment and
places where they grew up.
While the good news is that these families are being accommodated
in new homes that are often more energy efficient, with modern
amenities and flexible living spaces, all the various factors have made
the Perth metropolitan area one of the lowest density cities in Australia
or indeed the world. You can jump in your car and it will take you more
than an hour and a half to travel along the freeway spine of Perth
through the coastal suburban strip.
Master Builders’ communications director, Geoff Cooper, looks at problems facing the rapidly expanding metropolitan area and regional centres and concludes that...
... higher densities are inevitable in WA
Perth, and our regional centres in WA, inevitably will have to change.
In new subdivisions, the developer and the community are having to
supply new social and economic infrastructure. This includes power,
water, roads, rail, schools, libraries, health services, police and public
open spaces. Further, subdivisions are having to occur on more difficult
to develop land. Challenges include high water tables, restrictions
on clearing, proximity to wetlands, endangered species protection,
conflicting nearby uses, sand limitations and transport availability.
The upshot is that that low density development is becoming more
costly. Unless we want dramatically higher cost homes, we are going to
have to allow for more higher density development.
The WA Government’s rhetoric, under both the Coalition and Labor, has
recognised this for more than a decade. Some commendable steps have
been made to improve the R-Codes, but otherwise the WA Government
has been slow-moving in its attempts to reform the planning system -
I’ve seen faster moving millipedes in the garden.
The heavyweight planning restrictions on development in established
areas remain. They are unnecessarily limiting the market’s ability to
deliver high density homes. WA families deserve more choices, so
planning reform is keenly awaited to accommodate our inevitably
higher density living in the decades ahead. Master Builders is actively
working to push for more flexible planning laws in WA.
Email your thoughts to [email protected].
More than 70 apartments will be built by Georgiou as part of the LandCorp Claremont on the Park project. Development of the site will provide medium to high density apartments and townhouses for more than 1000 people as well as a number of specialty boutiques, cafes and offices on an under-utilised parcel of land in the heart of the sought-after suburb.
WA Master Builder 77
UPDATES: Housing
“Liaising with members of the community about what is significant to
them in their local area and what they would like to see highlighted
through public artwork is ensuring residents connect with, and embrace
the work that will enhance their local streetscape,” LandCorp chief
operating officer Nicholas Wolff says.
A recent consultation process in Craigie provided local artist and Craigie
Senior High School alumni, Trevor Bly, with inspiration for the sculpture
he has been commissioned to create at The Vive, an estate being
developed at the site of his former school.
“Generations of locals have shared their thoughts with me, which I’ll
use in the design, with the end result being a sculpture that represents
Craigie through the eyes of the people who live here,” Mr Bly said.
“Craigie is a great place to live. Having grown up here, I have a strong
attachment to it and the feedback we received highlights why locals
love their suburb, and rightly so.”
Among the top things locals revealed as their favourites were the beach,
the parks, the great schools and the friendly community. In addition to
the sculpture planned for the central park in the development, Mr Bly is
creating an artistic representation of Craigie’s 6025 postcode which will
be positioned at the entrance to The Vive.
Putting art at the heart of new communitiesResidents are having a greater say in the creation of public art in their communities as part of a LandCorp commitment to give people a sense of place and ownership in newly developed neighbourhoods. For LandCorp, significant emphasis is placed on community consultation before public art works are designed and created in key areas of new estates.
Commissioned for Craigie – local artist Trevor Bly’s sculpture will draw on the thoughts of generations of locals in its design.
Mr Wolff said public art played a key role in LandCorp’s place-making
philosophy. “It has become an integral feature of all new residential
communities and commercial developments, creating a point of
interest and a sense of place for new home owners and businesses,”
he said. “It also enables the developer to pay homage to the history
and culture of the area. For example, at Perry Lakes we have paid
respect to the sporting history of the site through the artwork we have
commissioned there, while at Springs Rivervale local artist Lorenna
Grant has used the Swan River as inspiration for a meaningful sculpture
which creates a connection between the land and the river.”
Mr Wolff said LandCorp recognised the importance of creating a sense
of vitality and creativity around its new communities.
“LandCorp has embraced the philosophy of place-making,”
he said. “This is all about using a multi-pronged approach to
planning, designing and managing public spaces. It ensures we
make the most of the public space within our communities to
promote health and wellbeing and to foster a sense of community.
Integrating public art within these spaces is just one way we can
contribute to this philosophy.”
78 WA Master Builder
UPDATES: Housing
Prime Minister Tony Abbott announced the abolition of
the NHSC while launching a range of measures to boost
productivity and deliver more effective and efficient
government. Mr Harnisch says housing affordability is the
elephant in the room and affects, and will affect, millions of
Australians now and in the future. The Abbott Government,
he said, must seriously address supply and affordability
challenges if the next generation is to realise the dream of
home ownership. Mr Harnisch said Master Builders welcomed
the Social Services Minister, Kevin Andrews’ strategic
approach to supply and affordability outlined in a closing
address to the National Housing Conference in November.
“In his speech, Mr Andrews set out the Government’s plan
to energise housing construction and work with the public,
private and community sectors to avert the social crisis we
face if we do not act now to address these challenges,” Mr
Harnisch said. “The important thing is that the Government
is properly and purposefully informed. It must now follow
through on its commitment to receiving advice through
genuine engagement with industry and community
stakeholders.”
Mr Harnisch said the building industry must be a key partner
if the Government’s plans to tackle housing supply and
affordability are to succeed. The NHSC had performed a
valuable role in raising such vital issues and in conducting
research to identify the key factors in undersupply and the
affordability challenge.
“The abolition of the NHSC leaves a gap which the
Government must urgently fill by moving ahead with the
establishment of a building industry Ministerial advisory
council,” he said.
Master Builders Australia CEO, Wilhelm Harnisch, says the Government needs a Ministerial advisory council if it is to properly engage with industry, particularly on the matters of housing supply and affordability.
Master Builders calls for Ministerial advisory councilMaster Builders Australia says the Federal Government must ensure housing supply and affordability issues remain a high priority despite the demise of the National Housing Supply Council. National CEO, Wilhelm Harnisch, has called for a Ministerial advisory council to be formed.
The ERA’s 145-page final report on its Inquiry into Western Australian’s Home
Indemnity Insurance Arrangements has recommended that insurance risk be
restricted to construction period only as part of a package to attract new insurers
to the market. Since the introduction of indemnity insurance in 1997, private
insurers gradually have exited the WA market arguing poor profitability. The
collapse of HIH Insurance in 2000 and the withdrawal of Vero more recently
triggered mini crises in the home building industry with builders unable to
access the mandatory insurance and commence work. Currently, only two
providers operate in the WA market, QBE and Calliden, the latter of which has
a tiny market share. The ERA has recommended that a safety net through the
Building Commission be introduced for builders unable to access insurance in
the private market. Industry associations would be able to offer indemnity cover
for the warranty component which is part of the current policy. Insurers have
suggested that this ‘tail’ of contingent liability is a disincentive for them to offer
the product. Insurance premiums are also likely to be higher under another ERA
recommendation that the full cost of government underwriting of the scheme is
recovered. Under current arrangements, the State Government acts as a reinsurer
to the private insurers for any one event over $10 million. The ERA recommends
that the full cost of this reinsurance should be charged to the insurers.
Readers interested in the ERA’s report should look at www.erawa.com.au.
Stop press: The State Government has announced new transitional arrangements for indemnity insurance while it considers the ERA recommendations. A 40 percent increase in premiums will apply from 1 January 2014, and the Government will provide 100 percent reinsurance to the insurers QBE and Calliden.
Reform home indemnity insurance: ERASweeping changes to the State’s home indemnity insurance arrangements are proposed under recommendations released recently by the Economic Regulation Authority.
Tiered builders’ registration on the way
The WA building reform process continues with the likely introduction of tiered and State-wide registration of builders in
the near future. The Building Commission has initiated a series of discussions with training institutions and industry bodies to establish
the possible tiers of registration and education and experience requirements for each tier. It seems likely (and arguably is well
overdue) that WA will adopt some sort of limited registration for residential construction only. As many industry operators are only interested in residential building, it is logical to create a category
of registration for this sector, with lower benchmark requirements than for an unrestricted ticket. The introduction of State-wide legislation for registration of building practitioners is another overdue part of the reform process. The need arises from an
historical anachronism under the previous Builders’ Registration Act which required registration in only certain areas of the State.
WA Master Builder 79
UPDATES: Housing
Nick Vernon
Builders’ Home Indemnity, Builders’ Home Warranty, Home Indemnity
Insurance…It doesn’t matter what you call it, it’s all the same product
and anyone undertaking domestic works over $20K must have it!
Let’s call it Home Indemnity Insurance (HII) for the purposes of this
article. We know it’s a consumer product that offers protection to the
home owner to repair defects or complete unfinished works if the
builder dies, disappears or becomes insolvent. The builder is responsible
for taking out this insurance each time a contract for domestic building
works is entered into.
So what’s in a name? Well, it’s everything when it comes to HII. Firstly,
it’s the entity name that you, the builder, use to sign your domestic
building contracts, and then, the entity name you use on an HII
application form. If these names don’t match (and we mean EXACTLY)
you are headed for delays, additional documentation requirements and
frustration before your HII certificate will be released.
In the paragraphs following, we’ve provided some guidelines and
information to help you understand the importance of ‘what’s in a
name’ and to help you avoid unnecessary delays.
Firstly, the entity name in which you sign your domestic building
contracts must hold a current HII eligibility facility. The entity may be a
sole trader, a partnership of two or more individuals, an incorporated
company or one of these three as trustee for a trust. This is dictated
by the ABN number attached to the business. Whatever your trading
structure, you must have HII.
Then, whenever you are looking to change your trading structure (for
example, from a sole trader to a company, a company to a trust, and
so on), you will also need to notify your HII broker in advance. This is
to ensure that the HII is not voided when you sign domestic building
contracts with your new entity name.
Once the broker receives the information, it will be passed onto your
insurer, who’ll assess the viability of the new trading entity. Depending
on the annual turnover limit requested, the insurer might take between
8-40 business days to respond (however, the majority of applications
get assessed in between 8-15 business days). Following the completion
of the assessment, eligibility will be held under your new trading entity
name and ABN. (Note: depending on the information supplied there
might be a request for further information at which time your broker
will contact you to discuss this.)
MBA Insurance Services’ WA state manager Nick Vernon and his team are experts in building industry insurance. When it comes to the cover required under the Home Building Contracts Act, he has some tips in response to the question....
What’s in a name?
If there is a change in the entity name, but no change to the ABN,
you are still required to advise your broker and provide them with the
ASIC Name Change Certificate. This ensures the entity name in which
you sign contracts will be identical to the entity name displayed on
your Letter of Eligibility. Depending on the timing of your previous
assessment you might be required to provide updated financial and
business information to support this change.
At all times, the builder’s name and/or its ABN on both the certificate
of insurance and the domestic building contract must match EXACTLY.
Further, the entity being used MUST have an active eligibility facility.
Here are some examples of what’s acceptable and what’s not.
Certificate of Insurance
MA
TCH
Both nam
e of builder and A
CN
or A
BN
match.
Domestic Building Contract
Carried out by the builder:
ACME CONSTRUCTIONS PTY LTD
Builder:
ACME CONSTRUCTIONS PTY LTD
ACN: 12 345 678 ACN: 12 345 678
Certificate of Insurance
NO
MA
TCH
A
BN
or AC
N does not m
atch.
Domestic Building Contract
Carried out by the builder:
ACME CONSTRUCTIONS PTY LTD
Builder:
ACME CONSTRUCTIONS PTY LTD
ABN: 12 345 678 ACN: 87 654 321
Certificate of Insurance
NO
MA
TCH
N
ame of b
uilder does not m
atch.
Domestic Building Contract
Carried out by the builder:
JOHN CITIZEN
Builder:
CITIZEN CONSTRUCTIONS
PTY LTD
ABN: 12 345 678 910 ABN: 12 345 678 910
For further information, contact our office on 9476 9898, or email us at
80 WA Master Builder
UPDATES: Insurance
The Apprentice of the Year Awards were presented at a gala event in
November at the Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre, with a record
crowd of more than 340 guests. The Awards recognise outstanding
apprentices employed directly by builders and by three group training
schemes – Skill Hire, ABN Training and The Apprentice and Traineeship
Company. They include metropolitan and regional apprentices and
there are specialist awards to bricklaying and wall and floor tiling
apprentices. Master Builders’ communications director, Geoff Cooper,
says the awards are a great opportunity to recognise the diversity and
skills of the next generation of the building industry.
Mr Lewis won a cash prize and automatic entry into the Master
Builders Australia national awards, competing against the top
apprentices from all other States. He was described by the WA judges
as a hard working young man producing strong tradesman-quality
work every day and Mr Cooper added that Mr Lewis has leadership
qualities that impress other workers.
Donna Leigh Paull, a painting and decoratorating apprentice from MPA
Skills, won the Best Female Apprentice Award, and Jonathan Falconer, a
carpentery and joinery apprentice from KJ’s Construction in Broome, won
the Most Outstanding Regional Apprentice Award. Along with Mr Lewis,
they were joined as finalists for the Apprentice of the Year Award by:
• Lawrence Adamos (Skill Hire).
• Brodie Douglas (Element Construction).
• Matthew Ilsley (Apprentice and Traineeship Company).
• Mick Ivey (West Wide Tiling Service).
• Dylan Laudehr (ABN Training).
Brickie takes home top apprentice awardBricklaying apprentice, Samuel Lewis, has been announced as the winner of the 2013 Master Builders Apprentice of the Year Award. Mr Lewis is employed by ABN South West and is expected to finish his three-year apprenticeship in January.
Nominations for the Master Builders Apprentice of the Year Award
were assessed on overall standard of achievement in studies and on-
the-job training. Judging criteria include personal skills, trade skills,
relationships with fellow workers and contractors, ability to work
unsupervised, ability to make decisions, level of competency, academic
results and awards, non-academic awards, prizes or achievements and
community work.
Judges in 2013 were Spadaccini Homes managing director, Robert
Spadaccini, who also chairs Master Builders’ Training Committee, the
Association’s training director, Neil Du Rand, and Construction Training
Fund executive director, Ralph Dawson.
The highly successful awards night was supported by major sponsors
Cbus and Department of Finance Building Management and Works.
Other sponsors were ABBTF, Abenra Construction, Aurenda, Apprentice
and Traineeship Company, Austral Bricks, Construction Training Fund,
Department of Training and Workforce Development, Genesis Homes,
Masters Home Improvement, Just Tile and Stone, MEGT, Pindan, Skill
Hire and Steel Blue.
For information on the Master Builders Apprentice of the Year Awards
or to get involved in 2014, contact the Association’s marketing
manager, Kelly Dewar Matusik, on 9476 9800.
Master Builders 2013 Apprentice of the Year, Samuel Lewis, with chairman of the Association’s Training Committee, Robert Spadaccini.
WA Master Builder 81
UPDATES: Training
Training and Workforce Development Minister, Terry Redman, addresses the Apprentice of the Year audience.
Talented Apprentice of the Year lineup (l-r): award judge Robert Spadaccini, major winner Samuel Lewis, Dylan Laudehr, Brodie Douglas, Jonathan Falconer, James Moore of major sponsor Cbus, Lawrence Adamos, Donna Leigh Paull and Matthew Ilsley. (Absent: Mick Ivey.)
Comedian Gary Steele added humour to the celebrations.
Oriental was the theme for the awards night event and guests were entertained by a spectacular lion dance by members of the Chung Way Lion and Dragon Dance Troupe.
Donna Leigh Paull (second left) was named 2013 Best Female Apprentice. She is pictured with Training and Workforce Development Minister, Terry Redman, and award finalists Danealle Geddes and Brooke Pannell (right).
Master Builders Apprentice of the Year Awards 2013 Results
Master Builders Association
Master Builders Apprentice of the Year Samuel Lewis
Outstanding Regional Apprentice Johathan Falconer
Best Female Apprentice Donna Leigh Paull
Outstanding Direct Indentured Apprentice Brodie Douglas
Outstanding Wall & Floor Tiling Apprentice Mick Ivey
Outstanding Brick & Blocklaying Apprentice Samuel Lewis
ABN Training
1st Year Chris Murray
2nd Year Jason Gerritsen
3rd Year Dylan Laudehr
Most Improved Reece Walters
Host Trainer of the Year Colin Healey
Skill Hire
1st Year Jack Jones
2nd Year Jackson Fleay
3rd Year Ky Van Nguyen
4th Year Lawrence Adamos
Safety Award Ross Gibson
The Apprentice and Traineeship Company
1st Year Mathew Murphy
2nd Year Jordan Sibbald
3rd Year Benjamin Hingston
4th Year Matthew Iisley
Host Employer of the Year Geoff Allison Carpentry
Mark Allen Memorial Fund
Safety Award John Hardman
82 WA Master Builder
UPDATES: Training
Johnny Falconer and proud employer, Victor Butera, from KJ’s Construction.
Master Builders Apprentice of the Year Awards 2013 Sponsors
Mr Falconer left school at the end of year 11 to commence a carpentry
and joinery apprenticeship with KJ’s Construction in Broome and
according to Master Builders’ director, Michael McLean, was a stand-
out nominee for the regional award, ticking all the selection criteria.
“He obviously has been trained and mentored well as he is very
resourceful and confident on building sites,” Mr McLean said. “Some
of Johnny’s greatest strengths are his energy, accuracy and ability to
motivate younger apprentices.”
Master Builders’ North West regional manager, Di Gilleland, was thrilled
that for the third time in eight years, an apprentice from the Kimberley
had won Master Builders’ top regional apprentice award.
“Johnny’s win reinforces the quality of training being carried out by
KJ’s Construction and is a fantastic reward for the effort that he has
put into his apprenticeship,” Ms Gilleland said. “In the North West,
Broome carpenter is top regional apprenticeCarpentry and joinery apprentice, Johnny Falconer, was named 2013 Master Builders Regional Apprentice of the Year at the Association’s Apprentice Awards at the Perth Convention and Entertainment Centre in November.
most tradesmen are multi-skilled and Johnny has demonstrated his
capabilities beyond the carpentry and joinery trade.”
The Regional Apprentice of the Year is determined from each of the
best apprentices announced at Master Builders Building Excellence
Awards in the North West, Midwest, South West, Great Southern and
Goldfields-Esperance regions each year.
WA Master Builder 83
UPDATES: Training
Michael McLean
The building industry urgently needs an injection of youth. Employers looking for apprentices could benefit from the new Certificate II in Building and Construction Pathways qualification which gives secondary students the opportunity to begin a career in the building industry as part of their WA Certificate of Education and aims to bring on Year 11 and 12 students to a productive workplace level.
Master Builders’ Board is continually looking at ways to
boost the number of apprentices being trained in our
industry. No one strategy will be enough to ensure we
have enough apprentices to meet the future needs of our
industry. It is both a supply of apprentices and demand for
apprentices issue.
We are concerned that a 30 percent reduction in
apprentice commencements over the last two years will
contribute to serious skill shortages in the foreseeable
future. The Construction Training Fund, which collects
more than $30 million from our industry annually, has an
important role to play in developing and implementing
effective strategies to boost apprenticeship training in WA.
We believe they are on the right track with their careers
promotions initiatives which include a new vocational
education training program in schools. This already is
receiving positive feedback from school principals, parents
and students alike.
Master Builder members are encouraged to show
leadership in finding ways to train more apprentices. It’s
easy to do nothing but the cost of not doing anything will
be horrendous in the future. We are very fortunate in WA
that we have the Construction Training Fund to subsidise
the employment of building apprentices and trainees. For
some of our trades in particularly short supply, such as
bricklayers, plasterers and tilers, these subsidies can be as
high as $19,000.
Master Builders has set our members a target of employing
an additional 100 building apprentices between now
and the end of February. We also intend to promote
each of our members who currently employ and/or train
apprentices or trainees via our website and Master Builder
magazine. The future of the building industry lies in the
hands of builders. Unless we are all prepared to stand up
and be counted, we deserve to cop what lies ahead and it
won’t be good for anyone.
Please give this matter your serious consideration. Within
your own business, please discuss how you might be
able to take on an apprentice or trainee on one of your
construction projects. If you already train an apprentice
or trainee, please let Skye McCartney ([email protected])
know at Master Builders so we can record your details.
Apprentice commencements are falling, the workforce is aging and some sectors of the building industry are on the up and up. It’s a recipe for serious skill shortages in the near and long-term future. Master Builders’ director, Michael McLean, has a plea to industry.
We need more apprentices
84 WA Master Builder
UPDATES: Training
ABN Training Group
A E Hoskins and Sons
Active Plumbing
Advance Formwork
APG Homes
Associated Painting Enterprises
A.T Brine and Sons Pty Ltd
ATC Worksmart
Australian Brick and Blocklaying Foundation (ABBTF)
Australand Property Group Pty Ltd
Aquatic Leisure Technologies
Badge Construction
Baggetta Builders
Batavia Constructions
BGC Residential
Bill Pitt and Sons
Boeing Plumbing
Brolga Developments and Construction
Brown Brothers Furniture
Built Environs
Cachet Homes
Capella Constructions
Carter Roofing and Slating Pty Ltd
Ceiling Solutions
Celebration Homes
Civilcon (WA) Pty Ltd
Coastal Ceilings
Colgan Industries
Concretus
Cooling Bros Glazing Pty Ltd
Cooper and Oxley Builders Pty Ltd
Cottesloe Constructions
CPD Group
Crown Construction Service Pty Ltd
Cuccovia Contractors
Dale Alcock Homes
Dale Alcock Home Improvements
Dale Alcock Homes South West
Designer Building Pty Ltd
Devlyn Constructions Pty Ltd
Diploma Plumbing Services
EMCO
Envar Engineers and Contractors Pty Ltd
Fox United Building
Fremantle Engineering
Gemmill Homes Pty Ltd
Genesis Home Master Builders
Geraldton Natural Limestone
Global Decorating
Grandwood Homes
Green Choice Painting and Decorating
Gregory Gibson Plumbing Pty Ltd
Higgins Coatings Pty Ltd
Highbury Homes (WA) Pty Ltd
Hi Point Roofing
Home Buyers Centre
HS Hyde and Son
Interior Building Solutions
John Holland
Just Tile and Stone
Kimberley Group Training
Longreach Building Services
Majestic Stairs Pty Ltd
Martell Builders Pty Ltd
McGrath Homes Pty Ltd
Mosman Bay Constructions Pty Ltd
MPA Skills
Northcraft Construction
NYFL Housing and Construction
Pendlebury Constructions
Perkins Builders
Perth Tiling and Stone Company
Pindan
Quicklock
Redink Homes Midwest Pty Ltd
Robinson Buildtech
Simply Unique Constructions
Skill Hire
Spadaccini Constructions
Star Plumbing Pty Ltd
Stepnell Carpentry
Summit Home Improvements
Summit Homes
Sun City Plumbing
Tara Constructions and Homes
The Apprentice and Traineeship Company
The Maker
Tooltime Constructions
Top Gun Roofing and Restoration
Total Project Solutions
Trac Building Services
Trasan Contracting Pty Ltd
Troy Leeman Building
T & T Plumbing Air-Cond and Gas
The West Australian Group Training Scheme Inc
Universal Constructions Pty Ltd
WA Ceiling Industries
WA Country Builders (Geraldton)
Warner Bricklaying Services Pty Ltd
Water Corporation (Geraldton)
Webb and Brown-Neaves
Master Builders recognises the role that the following 101 members are playing in employing and/or training apprentices in WA:
If you aren’t on this list and believe you should be, advise Skye McCartney. Phone 9476 9808 or email [email protected].
WA Master Builder 85
UPDATES: Training
Genesis Homes sets an example
Genesis Homes has awarded a scholarship to help train the future
construction workforce, and to promote careers in construction.
The new builder has offered a Homes Building Scholarship to Calvin
DeBruin enabling him to complete his Certificate IV in Residential
Drafting in 2014 with all expenses paid, and also providing him with the
opportunity for some paid work in between his studies.
“We are encouraged by his enthusiasm and wish him the best in his
chosen career,” says Genesis Homes principal, Jack Pleiter. “We hope
colleges and other businesses get behind initiatives like this to provide
our students with alternatives in their career aspirations. The building
industry not only provides great apprenticeship and traineeship schemes
on-site but also para-professional pathways from the office.”
The initiative is commended by Master Builders and complements the
Association’s plans to push to increase apprenticeships and traineeships
in WA.
“We are proud of the members who are recruiting apprentices and
trainees and are joining our Association’s campaign to boost apprentice
and trainee numbers,” says communications director, Geoff Cooper.
“We have reached a total of 272 apprentices, beating our target of 100
before Christmas already.”
Master Builders’ website (mbawa.com) now features an honour roll
of builders who already are taking on apprentices this financial year.
Genesis Homes is one of the members on the honour roll. “It is a credit
to the industry, and we look forward to more builders featuring on the
honour roll,” Mr Cooper said.
Jack Pleiter presents a Homes Building Scholarship to Calvin DeBruin.
The Australian Brick and Blocklaying Training Foundation, which strives to support a strong bricklaying workforce, also has concerns about the apprenticeship system. In the lead up to the September election, the organisation’s CEO, Geoff Noble, issued this media release making some telling observations.
Apprenticeship policies do not create jobs
ABBTF’s efforts to increase training numbers for bricklaying
apprentices are being thwarted by Government policies which
appear to assist young people in their apprenticeship, but not
employers who provide the employment and training.
We welcome support for apprentices, however, with apprentice
numbers falling in the construction sector, more needs to be done to
create jobs and support employers in the residential housing sector.
Bricklaying apprentice numbers have fallen 30 percent in the past
two years and the following policies have only centred on assistance
to apprentices:
• Liberal Party promise of interest free loans to apprentices.
• Labor Party promise of additional Trade Training Centres.
• Pay increased for apprentices – up to 31 percent.
• Apprenticeship Mentoring Program investment of $80 million.
• Increased Tools for Your Trade Payment to $5500 per apprentice.
Government support of employers has been $4000 in subsidies
which has remained unchanged for the past decade. Two temporary
periods of Kickstart bonuses over the past five years have not been
extended and do not provide the ongoing certainty that small
business desperately needs.
Many employers have also had to pay higher training fees for
their apprentices due to State Government cuts to TAFE funding.
The lack of support for employment and training comes at a time
when residential housing is depressed and the small businesses
of contractors cannot cover their costs due to lower rates and
uncertainty of work.
There is now a real risk of a skill shortage in future years when
housing commencements are expected to recover. There is also
the concern that with the ageing workforce, many contractors
are close to retirement or likely to leave the trade to take up less
physical occupations.
The [new] Government... will need to examine their policies in relation
to vocational training and jobs to ensure a serious skill shortage in
bricklaying and other construction trades does not occur.
86 WA Master Builder
UPDATES: Training
Information made possible through MOBILE DEVICESIn the competitive environment that is the Australian construction industry, up to date and accurate information about your business and projects is a must. This is now being made even easier through clever mobile technologies.
Immediate, accurate information is often the source of success in today’s
competitive construction industry . A punter with intelligence on a horse’s
racing history, preferred weather conditions and warm up on race day, will
undoubtedly make a more informed bet than a punter who bases their
flutter on horse name or jockey’s racing colours. A driver armed with a
GPS device will undoubtedly arrive at an unknown destination faster than
someone relying on street signs and instinct. Similarly, the construction
company with timely information on project progress and costs will make
better informed decisions than the construction company running on best
guesses or yesterday’s information.
Within the construction industry, the use of real-time information
revolves around capturing information from the field and getting it
back to Head Office at the time events occur – and vice versa. Having
accurate and timely information available in an easily understood
format, sees head office decisions made faster, significantly reducing
paperwork getting lost or detail being hidden on complex jobs. By
increasing speed of intelligence to and from field operatives, job
effectiveness is improved and job efficiency is markedly improved.
Having a suitable software package in use at your construction company
is the best way to ensure your company runs in a sustainable and
streamlined way. For a smaller construction company, basic payroll,
project or standalone estimating packages can work effectively. Once
your construction company reaches a certain size however, an end-
to-end, industry specific ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) software
solution becomes necessary if you are to reduce your risk and costs,
increase revenue and stay competitive and sustainable for the long-term.
ERP software brings together the financial and the project management
sides of your company. In terms of the data captured into your ERP
package and the information reported to your company’s decision
makers, yes, information is presented to your internal project teams
in real time. The information that lags behind, however, without a
mobile device connecting to your ERP, stems from the time it takes to
get project and job information from the field, back into the software
system at the office.
For example, say one of your contractors is sent to complete a simple
job on a construction site. However, they arrive to find that the job is
far more complicated than first thought. Until this contractor sends the
updated information regarding any variation in hours materials and
requirements for other tradespeople to complete the job, Head Office
(and associated project reports) will continue to show that a routine job
is in progress on a project via the internal job boards with no variations
to the electronic, financial data at that point in time. When a business
takes days or indeed a week for Head Office to learn of the issues
on site and adjust their reports accordingly such timeframes have a
significant impact on projects, maintenance schedules and overall costs
to the business if they cannot be claimed as a variation and otherwise
effectively managed.
What real-time technology exists for construction?The key to value-adding real time technology for construction lies in
mobility. The idea here is that the operative in the field can use their
smart phone or tablet to send immediate, real-time information about
what is going on in the field to Head Office. Further, having this real
time information able to be sent direct from the mobile device to the
associated job within your construction company’s ERP system will
see real time savings and truly real-time information available for the
company’s decision makers.
Examples of functionality that real-time mobile data capture devices
might be able to send back to Head Office includes:
• Time-sheets
• Stock entry
• Purchase order
• A task list
• Photo and video capabilities
• Job notes
• And much more.
Who is currently using this technology?Mobile data capture solutions that link to your ERP software are proving
particularly beneficial for electrical and service contractors. While the
technology is relatively new on popular Android and Apple™ devices, it is
apparent that information captured on site via mobile devices will become
the norm within the next few years for all types of construction businesses.
For more information on real-time
information via mobile technologies,
please contact LEVESYS or visit
www.levesys.com.au.
WA Master Builder 87
IT COMMUNICATIONS
Having scaffolding erected by a licensed scaffolder is one of many steps
required to ensure that scaffolds are erected and maintained in a condition
that is safe for all workers on site, as well as the public. Builders must
remember that there are four key requirements for a safe scaffold:
• The scaffold must be appropriate for the task
• All scaffolding components must be compatible
• There is safe and clear ladder access and
egress to all working platforms
• The scaffold must be complete
This article is designed to assist builders manage the safety of
scaffolding and scaffold users on site, from the time an order for
scaffolding is placed, to the day it is dismantled and taken away.
Procurement of scaffoldingOnce it has been established that scaffolding is required, the type
and configuration of the scaffold needs to be considered, including
determining what the scaffold will be used for, so that a ‘fit for purpose’
scaffold is designed and erected. Different trades will require differing
duty/load ratings. Bricklayers, concreters and demolition workers need
heavy duty scaffolds, which can support up to 675 kg per bay.
Carpenters and general trades may need medium duty scaffolds that
can support up to 450 kg per bay. This information must be specified
to the scaffold supply company so that the load rating, including point
loads, can be determined with consideration to the number of allowable
working platforms per bay. The minimum/ maximum width of platforms
is also critical for material stacking and access. Specific designated
bays or special duty platforms may also need to be factored in to the
design, that might be wider that the standard bay. Such bays might be
required for specific tasks, such as for storage of materials or as a loading
platform for the loading of materials by crane. Note that no materials are
permitted on platforms 450mm wide or less.
The required height and existing ground and/or supporting surface
conditions are also considered in the design process. The main
contractor and the scaffold company should assess the location of
underground drains or pits, or recently filled trenches. Work should be
planned to avoid excavation work under, through or adjacent to areas
scaffolding is likely to be needed. If hoarding, shade cloth or brick
guards are required, the scaffold must be engineered for the different
Safer SCAFFOLDSBoth main contractors and scaffolding companies engaged to erect scaffold have a duty of care to ensure the scaffold is erected in a safe manner. The responsibility to ensure it remains safe and fit for purpose rests with the main contractor and the person who caused the scaffold to be erected.
types of loads that will apply to the scaffold structure. The supplier
should also be informed of any access points for brick and tile elevators
or materials hoists so that appropriate fall prevention measures can be
included adjacent to them.
What the scaffold supply company should be providingWhen engaging a scaffolder or scaffold supply company to supply
and erect scaffolding on your site, it is imperative that you ensure the
workers are suitably qualified to do the task. Anyone constructing,
altering or dismantling any scaffold from which a person or materials
could fall more than 4 metres (including mobile scaffolds), must
have an appropriate class of, and current, high risk work licence for
scaffolding work.
A register of workers’ license numbers (with expiry dates) and
Construction Induction card (Blue or White card) numbers should be kept
as part of the site induction process. An area should be set aside on site
for the set down of scaffold components. The scaffold supply company
should supply a set of design drawings for the erectors on site to build
in accordance with. Scaffolds fitted with containment sheeting have
increased dead loads and are exposed to increased wind and rain loads.
The design of such scaffolds and ties must be approved by a competent
person, such as an engineer experienced in structural design.
Where construction work is performed that involves a risk of a
person falling more than 2 metres, a safe work method statement is
required. This is something that the scaffolder must supply to the main
contractor, describing how the scaffold will be erected in a safe manner.
It should also cover off on any alterations required on the scaffold, and
the dismantling processes.
“Scaffold Incomplete” signs should be displayed around the perimeter
of the scaffold while it is under construction. The WA Code of Practice
AS/NZS 4576:1995, Guidelines for scaffolding, recommends that
the scaffolder should supply a scaffold handover certificate after the
initial erection and each time alterations are made to the scaffold. If
one is not supplied, ask for one. The handover certificate will contain
such important information as the duty rating of the scaffold, type of
scaffold, size, the number of lifts, number of working platforms and
a sign-off that the scaffold has been erected in accordance with the
design specifications. The handover certificate should be kept on site
until the scaffold has been dismantled. If a person or materials could
fall more than 4 metres from the scaffold, the scaffolder must place
scaffold tags at each access point. The scaffold tag is important for a
variety of reasons; it informs the users of the scaffold’s erection date,
the last inspection date and most importantly, the duty or load rating
of the scaffold.
Protection from vehicular trafficIf the scaffold is to be built in an area that is used by vehicles and other
mobile plant, the following precautions are recommended to prevent or
minimise exposure from the hazards of mobile plant and traffic:
• Re-route the traffic away from the location of the scaffold,
• Provide physical barriers, guards and signs to
prevent contact with the scaffold,
• Assign a person to direct the traffic.
• Ensure scaffolding does not have any unnecessary protrusions, such
as over-length transoms, putlogs, tie tubes or over-height standards.
88 WA Master Builder
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reliability and expert advice. Oldfields Advance Scaffold is a
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WA Master Builder 89
ADVERTORIAL
Isolation of the public and unauthorised usersThe public and other workers must be isolated from the work area
and protected from any potential hazard. The following precautions
are recommended:
• Install physical barricades or divert unauthorised
personnel away from the work area
• Obtain advice and the appropriate permits from
the local council and/or power companies.
• If necessary perform the work outside normal work hours.
• Prevent access when the scaffold is left unattended.
Scaffolding used for demolition workScaffolding used for demolition work should be no less than heavy
duty class. Care should be taken to prevent damage to scaffold planks
and components from falling debris. Damaged planks and components
should be removed and replaced by the scaffold supplier or licensed
scaffolder. The scaffold should be dismantled progressively as the
structure is demolished, otherwise what will remain above the structure
will be an unstable scaffold with increased risks of internal falls.
Ongoing maintenanceScaffolds will fail structurally for generally one of three main reasons:
• The supporting surface gives way (backfilling,
flooding, excavations, lack of support), or
• The scaffold is overloaded (too much material
or too many working platforms), or
• Insufficient ties or bracing (which results in distortion of
the standards and general instability of the structure),
• or varying combinations of all three.
Other factors may include mixing different brands or components in
modular scaffolds that are not compatible with each other, or wind
loads on shade cloth that was not factored into the original design.
For these reasons, main contractors and all others involved with its use
need to ensure the scaffold remains safe for the duration of the time
it remains on site. All workers on site need to be made aware of the
requirement and importance of keeping the integrity of the scaffold
intact. Also important is that once erected, the scaffold must only be
used for the purpose for which it was designed.
Training and induction of usersAll persons using the scaffold should have sufficient knowledge and
training to use the scaffold correctly. Users must understand the load
limitations and restrictions relating to the particular scaffold (as per
the scaffold tags). They must be inducted about work practices for
the safe use of the scaffold, including maintaining clear access along
the full length of platforms, not climbing on guardrails to gain extra
height, not altering the scaffold in any way, such as removing planks,
ties, guardrails or signage and the emergency procedures relating to
the scaffold.
Alterations to the scaffoldWhere an alteration to a scaffold is required, the scaffold supply
company or the scaffold designer should be consulted prior to
any alterations made. Ideally the persons that erected the scaffold
should be the ones that alter the scaffold, due to their knowledge
of the original structure. All scaffold users must understand that any
unauthorised modification or alteration to any part of the scaffold
may result in catastrophic collapse. There are times when certain
alterations can be critical to the stability of the scaffold structure (e.g.
the removal of ties or braces, or the addition of bays, lifts or shade
cloth). Procedures therefore need to be put in place to ensure users
understand who, when and how modifications may be permitted.
This information should be passed on to workers as part of their
site induction, but it would also be beneficial to occasionally remind
workers of these procedures as part of a toolbox meeting. Any
alteration without management approval should be strictly forbidden
and also regularly discouraged through toolbox meetings.
All alterations must be coordinated through site management to ensure
that control and management of the scaffold is not haphazard. The
“innocent” removal of the odd tie or handrail for access purposes
may seem innocuous enough. However, a series of small alterations
of individual components can lead to a very dangerous piece of plant.
“Do Not Alter Scaffold” signs should be placed around the scaffold to
reinforce the issues discussed during inductions and toolbox meetings.
Alterations to a scaffold of any height, but particularly scaffolding
from which a person or materials could fall more than 4 metres,
should only be made by a suitably licensed person. Upon completion
of a major alteration such as the addition of an extra bay or lift,
another hand over certificate should be issued to the builder. The
scaffold will need to be inspected by a suitably licensed person and
the scaffold tag updated.
Inspection of scaffoldsVerification that the scaffold has been inspected and complies with the
appropriate sections of AS/NZS 4576 parts 1 to 6 should be obtained for
each of the following events:
• Before first use of the scaffold
• Prior to use following repairs or modifications
• Prior to further use following an incident or dangerous occurrence
or other occurrence that could have affected the integrity,
stability or adequacy of the scaffold, such as severe storm
conditions or being struck by mobile plant or similar, and,
• At regular intervals not exceeding 30 days.
Discuss appropriate intervals for inspection with the supplier when the
scaffold is first installed. The scaffold supply company should be invited
back to conduct inspections of the scaffold on a monthly basis, to make
any repairs or alterations as required and to provide the builder with a
copy of the inspection report. It is prudent to inspect the scaffold more
frequently, especially after adverse weather or climatic conditions.
Any unauthorised alterations or other site hazards are best picked up by
conducting an inspection prior to commencing on-site activities, rather
than only relying on a formal monthly inspection. Weekly inspections
are recommended to ensure the scaffold continues to remain safe and
fit for purpose and it should be combined with the builder’s normal
housekeeping inspection program.
Reproduced with permission. This article is an extract from The Guide to Safer Scaffolds, a publication produced by the Victorian Scaffolding Safety Committee. It has been amended by Master Builders WA to reflect local requirements.
90 WA Master Builder
SCAFFOLDING
Why is shade important?Australia has the highest rate of skin cancer in the world, with Western
Australia second only to Queensland (AIHW, 2008).
At least two in every three Australians will be diagnosed with skin
cancer before the age of 70 (Staples et al 2006). Over 1,800 Australians
die each year from skin cancer (ABS, 2012) and the Australian health
system spends more money on the diagnosis and treatment of skin
cancer than on any other cancer, estimated at over $500 million each
year on non-melanoma skin cancer alone (Fransen et al 2012).
Skin cancer is a serious public health issue but one which could
largely be prevented. Skin cancer is usually caused by overexposure to
ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun. Shade provides good protection
from the sun and it can be easy for people to use. Most forms of shade
can reduce UV exposure by up to 75 percent (Parsons et al. 1998).
When used in conjunction with other protective measures, such as
sun-protective clothing, hats, sunglasses and sunscreen, shade can
be the best route to maximum UV radiation protection.
The provision of shade has also been identified as an important
component in the design and creation of safe and healthy communities
(National Heart Foundation of Australia 2004).
A resource is available to assist individuals, organisations and local
governments who wish to increase the provision of quality shade in a
range of Western Australian community settings, such as playgrounds,
pools, sporting venues, beaches, parks, schools and childcare centres.
The Shade Handbook: A practical guide for shade development
in Western Australia is an updated version of Shade for the public
- Guidelines for local government in Western Australia, written
by Ann Blunden and Jude Comfort and first published in 1999 by
Cancer Council Western Australia (formerly the Cancer Foundation of
Western Australia).
The resource guide will assist you to appreciate the importance of
providing quality shade, to develop an understanding of the issues
associated with sun and shade, to identify your shade needs, including
how to conduct a shade audit, and to plan, implement and evaluate a
shade project.
This extract from The Shade Handbook addresses built shade.
An overview of built shadeBuilt shade can be stand-alone or it can be built onto existing
buildings or structures. All built shade consists of two parts. Firstly, the
The benefits of SHADE STRUCTURES
supporting structure which keeps the shade structure in place and holds
it up. Secondly, the primary shading element, which is the material that
makes up the canopy or roof of the shade device.
Built shade structures have the following advantages over natural shade:
• The shade they cast is more predictable.
• They can provide protection from the rain.
• Some types can be erected quickly.
• They have a range of alternative uses, for example, to collect
rainwater for irrigation or to support a solar power device.
For all built structures, no matter what the size, it is vital to seek
professional advice. Certification from a qualified structural engineer
may be required to ensure structural integrity and safety. Additionally,
to build any permanent shade structure, you will need to gain
approval from your local government to ensure compliance with local
planning requirements.
Different types of built shadeBuilt shade structures are often described using one or more of the
following terms:
• Permanent systems.
• Demountable systems.
• Adjustable systems.
• Tension membrane structures.
• Portable shade.
Permanent systemsPermanent shade systems are those that are designed to last for at
least ten years. It is very important that permanent systems are durable
as they need to withstand the harshest of weather conditions, such
as exposure to the sun, rain and wind. Regular maintenance of these
systems is essential to ensure their long life span. The various parts of a
permanent shade system should be cheap and easy to replace.
Demountable systemsA shade structure is considered demountable if it can easily be
put up and pulled down. Examples include tents, marquees and
lightweight tension membrane structures. A demountable shade
system is ideal when:
• A site only needs shade occasionally.
• Temporary shade is required at different places at the same time.
• A permanent structure would not be suitable, given
the type of activities that take place at the site.
Demountable systems need to be strong enough to withstand frequent
transportation, assembly and dismantling. It is important to have a
strong and easy-to-carry bag to transport it in, as well as a suitable place
to store it. Some demountable systems can be placed on a variety of
ground surfaces, such as grass, sand or concrete. The temporary nature
of demountable systems means they are less likely to be vandalised.
Adjustable systemsAdjustable systems offer a high degree of flexibility as they allow the
way the shade falls to be modified in response to the movement of
the sun during the day and at different times of the year. Adjustable
systems are often attached to buildings or existing structures. Examples
include retractable devices, such as a canvas awning, or a louvered
device on a roof or wall.
WA Master Builder 91
THE BENEFITS OF SHADE STRUCTURES
It is essential that adjustable systems are easy and convenient to
operate. If operating the device becomes time-consuming or difficult
people will be discouraged from using it. To ensure that the adjustable
system remains in good condition it is important to buy stainless steel
parts so that pulleys and cables will not rust or wear out quickly.
Tension membrane structuresTension membrane structures, or shade sails as they are commonly
called, are increasingly being used in shade projects. These often
impressive structures are used to provide shade as well as enhance
the aesthetics of an outdoor area. Tension membrane structures can
be permanent or demountable. They usually require minimal support
structures due to the combined effect of tension and the curved fabric
used in the design. They can be a cost-effective option where shade
is required for large areas that need to be column-free, such as over
playgrounds and swimming pools. However it must be remembered
that UV radiation can still enter the site through the open spaces that
often exist between the sails. The design and construction of tension
membrane structures is a very specialised field and professionals will
need to be engaged if you choose to use this type of shade structure.
Portable shadePortable shade is ideal for places where other shade options are not
available, such as on the beach. These structures provide a quick and
often cheap solution to a shade problem. There is a wide range of
portable shade structures available in many different sizes, shapes
and designs, such as small tents, beach shelters and umbrellas. While
For further information and statistics on skin cancer and sun protection:
SunSmart, Cancer Council Western Australia
15 Bedbrook Place, Shenton Park WA 6008
Phone: (08) 9388 4333, Fax: (08) 9388 4399
www.cancerwa.asn.au
Cancer Council Helpline 13 11 20
Reproduced with permission. This article is an extract from: Cancer Council Western Australia. 2012, The shade handbook: A practical guide for shade development in Western Australia, Cancer Council Western Australia, Perth. ISBN: 1 876628 61 8 November 2012
portable shade can be ideal for individuals or small groups, it generally
offers limited protection from indirect UV radiation.
Selecting the right shade materialFor guidelines to help you select appropriate materials for your shade
project, please refer to the publications section of the Cancer Council
WA website for comprehensive information.
ReferencesAustralian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) & Australian Association of CancerRegistries (ACCR). 2004, Cancer in Australia: an overview 2008, AIHW Cat. no. CAN46, Canberra.Australian Bureau of Statistics. Causes of death 2010. 3303.0. Commonwealth ofAustralia: Canberra, Australia 2012.Fransen, M., Kahalios, E., English, D., Giles, G., Sinclair, R. 2012, ‘Non-melanoma skincancer in Australia’, Medical Journal of Australia, vol 197, no.10, pp 565- 568.National Heart Foundation of Australia (Victorian Division). 2004, Healthy by design: Aplanner’s guide to environments for active living, National Heart Foundation of Australia(Victorian Division), Melbourne.Parsons, P., Neale, R., Wolski, P. & Green, A. 1998, ‘The shady side of solar protection’, Medical Journal of Australia, vol. 168, pp. 327-330.
92 WA Master Builder
THE BENEFITS OF SHADE STRUCTURES
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Colour expressionBecause clay bricks are a natural material, made naturally in a kiln, each
one has a unique character. This allows you to design a home with
a very distinctive character. There are more than 800 different brick
colours, from the lightest of whites and creams to the darkest blues and
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their natural appearance.
Think brick for pavingThe benefits that clay pavers can bring to your outdoor living and other
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strength and longevity. Permeable brick paving is a technique designed
to limit environmental issues caused by water runoff. Permeable
paving can be applied to improve the sustainability of outdoor spaces,
including patios, parking spaces, walkways and roads.
Mortar Generally the mortar represents about 15 percent of the total visible
brickwork area and can dramatically change the look of the brick and
the home. For example, mortar coloured to match the brick will give the
impression of a large area of one colour, whereas a contrasting mortar
colour will highlight the shape and colour of the bricks. The overall
appearance is also determined by the joint, with raked and rolled joints
being most commonly used to achieve the ‘character’ look in a new home.
Types of mortar joints When selecting bricks it’s necessary to also consider the mortar colour
and joint type. This will profoundly affect the end product, as will
the combination of other building materials and colours used in the
building. Three important points when selecting bricks
• Customers should research bricks from a variety of sources:
ie display houses, display centres, display boards and sample
packs, but ultimately it is best for the customer to choose
bricks from an actual building or house to ensure they
understand what the brick looks like in a finished wall.
• Select mortar colour and joint type with reference to the actual brick
being used.
• Select the correct grade of brick.
Typical mortar jointsTip: Order all the bricks, sand and
materials for mortar required at the
start of the job to avoid batching
colour differences.
Choosing BRICKSBricks are available in many textures that can set a home apart. The texture of brick can add contrast or define a feature, such as an alcove or porch, and bring out the natural colours of the bricks. There are many variations in texture from modern and sleek to more traditional quarry styles.
Prevention is the best cureAs a builder, your goal is a straightforward flow of work on the site
to deliver the project in line with your customer’s expectations. For
brickwork, a few important guidelines will help:
• Always discuss mortar colour and bond with the customer at the
time of choosing the bricks, not afterwards. Avoid the term “natural
mortar” as sand supply can vary the mortar colour considerably and
if in doubt, samples should be made up from your sand supplier.
• Be clear about the environment of the project and whether any
special consideration is needed. For instance, if the project is
marine-based then the brick and mortar grades must be suitable.
• Make it as simple as possible for customers to select bricks. Use
display homes and/or actual walls to assist them with their selection.
• Explain to customers examples of incompatible combinations of
brick, mortar colour and joints, and why. Some examples include:
• A rough face brick with flush joints because it is difficult to
clean, especially with a high contrasting mortar colour.
• Rolled edge tumbled bricks with flush joints. These
emphasise the irregularity of the bricks and reduce
the attractiveness of the finished wall.
• Surface coated and glazed bricks with a raked joint. These
can expose the body colour beneath the coating.
Tip: Once the customer has selected their bricks, ask the brick sales rep
for the locations of other houses with the brick so the customer can
confirm their choice, when in a whole wall, is correct.
The four classes of mortarIn Australia, the Masonry Standard AS 3700 specifies the requirements
for mortar in terms of a series of classes from M1 to M4. Class M1
mortar, lime mortar with no cement, is only permitted for use in the
repair of heritage structures. The other three classes, M2, M3 and M4,
can be used in a range of structures depending on the requirements
for strength and durability. The most commonly used mortar is M3,
which typically has a composition of one part cement, one part lime
and six parts sand. While it is the most common type of mortar, it is
a misconception that it is the ‘standard’ mortar ratio. M3 mortar is
only required in marine environments between 100m and 1km from a
non-surf coast, or between 1km and 10 km from a surf coast. Inland of
these areas M2 mortar, which is one part cement, two parts lime, and
nine parts sand, is sufficient. M4 mortar is required for severe marine
environments, which are up to 100m from a non-surf coast and up
to 1km from a surf coast. Brickwork below a DPC or in contact with
the ground may require a different class of mortar (and brick) than
required for brickwork above, eg. M4 with exposure grade bricks are
required in aggressive soil.
Profiles and sizes Although the most common face brick size is 230mm x 76mm x
110mm, you can order square bricks, elongated 50 mm bricks, double
height bricks or modular sized bricks. There are rounded bricks, bricks
for window sills, bricks for lintels, lightweight bricks and accent bricks.
Article by Think Brick reproduced with permission. Think Brick Represents Australia’s clay brick and paver manufacturers. We aim to inspire contemporary brick architecture and building design in all areas of the built environment: commercial, residential and landscape.
For more information go to: www.thinkbrick.com.au
94 WA Master Builder
BRICKS & PAVERS
To discuss the Lloyd Wright Collection’s potential to make your next project stand out, email [email protected] or visit brikmakers.com or simply call 1300 360 344.
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BRIK050_Master Builder WA_A4.indd 1 18/09/13 12:14 PM
The costs of solar to consumers
1 MYTH: Solar panels are very expensive. FACT: Solar panels are an increasingly affordable option that
will save households money in the long run.
The cost of producing and installing solar power systems has fallen
dramatically over recent years, and continues to fall. The solar panels
installed on rooftops today are more than 500 times cheaper to
produce than the first solar cells of the mid-1950s and costs are still
coming down fast. Four years ago a solar system could cost as much as
a small car; now it costs about the same as a big TV.
But how does solar compare to traditional energy, such as coal and gas?If you count the cost of setting up a fossil-fuelled power source by
including the return on investment, operation costs, fuel and maintenance
over its entire life, solar is close to the cost of fossil fuel-based energy and
will be the cheaper option within a few years. Solar is an insurance policy
against the rising costs of fossil fuels like coal and gas.
Solar panels are already affordable and cost-competitive.
The costs of solar panels has been falling by about 45 per cent per year, and in some countries is already competitive with diesel-generated power 1.
Australian Government:
“Strong growth in peak or maximum daily demand over recent years has been a significant contributor to rises in electricity costs... the main drivers of the growth in inefficient peak demand are the increased use of relatively low-cost, energy-intensive domestic appliances, such as air conditioners and large-screen TVs...”Energy White Paper 2012
Australian Energy Regulator (AER):
“The main driver of higher retail energy
prices has been rising charges for using energy
networks - that is, the poles and wires, and gas pipelines that transport
energy to consumers.”AER State of the Energy
Market, January 2013
2 MYTH: Subsidies for solar and ‘green schemes’ are why electricity bills are going up. FACT: Subsidies for
domestic solar power account for only around 6 per cent of the average household electricity bill now and this is forecast to fall by 20202.
The cost of deploying renewables across Australia is just a small
proportion of electricity bills. By far the largest component of electricity
bills is network costs (40 to 50 per cent of bills)3 – that is, upgrading
transmission and distribution infrastructure such as poles and wires to
handle rising peak demand and replace old equipment.
The growth in ‘peak demand’ – those few times a year when demand
for electricity is the highest (usually the hottest few days in summer)
is a major factor driving up costs. More houses, more air conditioners
and other gadgets, all being used at the same time for just a few hours
a year, puts enormous strain on the system. To avoid blackouts during
these few hours we need to build extra power plants – at considerable
cost. This is the real issue that Australia needs to confront if we want to
stop power price rises. The next largest component of electricity bills is
the wholesale price of electricity (20 to 30 per cent of bills)4. Solar is an
insurance policy against rising costs.
Solar PV myths and facts
Household solar power in AustraliaMany myths exist about solar power to do with what it costs, what it can do and whether governments should support households and businesses in going solar. This article by Clean Energy Council sets the record straight.
96 WA Master Builder
SUSTAINABILITY
3 MYTH: Solar panels are often installed badly. FACT: The solar industry is well regulated and safe.
Solar panels and inverters (the component that converts the power
generated by the panels into a form compatible with the electricity
system) have to comply with the relevant Australian Standards, and
every solar installer must first be qualified as an electrician, and then
undergo additional training and accreditation in solar systems.
The Clean Energy Council has a free consumer guide on its website
to help people ask the right questions of their solar installer and get a
quality product and installation 5.
4 MYTH: Household solar is just ‘tinkering round the edges’ of the electricity market. FACT: Household
solar is helping reduce our overall demand for energy.
In mid 2012, the Australian Energy Market Operator revised its annual
forecast for energy demand down by 5 per cent, driven partly by the
increased uptake of rooftop solar power as it acts to reduce overall
demand. This trend of declining demand is suppressing wholesale
electricity prices which, roughly speaking, are around half of what they
were five years ago.
5 MYTH: Solar systems drive the need for expensive grid upgrades. FACT: The need for grid upgrades is driven by rising peak demand and insufficient investment in the electricity network over the last 20 years.
The single largest reason for rising power bills is the cost of upgrades to
transmission and distribution infrastructure (for example, the poles and
wires which in some cases are decades old). This makes up about 40 to
50 per cent of the average household power bill, and would exist with
or without the addition of solar power systems.6
The call on our electricity supplies at peak times during the day and
year (for example, on really hot days when people come home from
work and turn on their air conditioners) is a key driver of power price
increases. This is known as ‘peak demand’ and it’s getting worse thanks
to population growth and the rising use of energy-hungry appliances.7
It is estimated that 25 per cent of retail electricity costs are created
by peak events that occur over less than 40 hours per year.8 Meeting
this demand requires enormous investment in infrastructure that is
sometimes only turned on a few times a year. On rare occasions in
some remote places, network upgrades are needed to handle solar.
But in most areas, solar can be connected to the grid without requiring
network upgrades. It is estimated that the installation of a 2 kilowatt
reverse-cycle air conditioner costs a consumer around (on average)
$1500 yet imposes costs on the energy system as a whole of up to
$7000 when adding to peak demand. The $7000 system-wide cost
must then be spread across all other customers.9
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WA Master Builder 97
SUSTAINABILITY
6 MYTH: Solar panels are an expensive way to cut greenhouse gas emissions. FACT: Cutting emissions
is just one of solar’s benefits.
Solar power helps households offset the impacts of increased electricity
prices resulting from a price on carbon, while many other cheaper forms
of carbon reduction do nothing to help households adjust to the impact
of the carbon price. Compared to the former Government’s $23 per
tonne carbon price, the effective price per tonne of reduced carbon
emissions through small-scale solar power can look expensive. But the
two things are not the same. Solar power does two things: it reduces
emissions and produces electricity, compared to companies purchasing
carbon offsets which reduce global emissions but do not help supply
Australians with electricity.
The solar power industry brings another benefit: it supports a lot of
local jobs. When viewed holistically solar stacks up well as not just a
method of reducing emissions, but of simultaneously providing other
social and economic benefits.
7 MYTH: Solar can only ever make a small contribution to our energy needs because it doesn’t produce
power at night. FACT: Solar already makes a significant contribution and it’s just getting started.
Solar power and energy efficiency schemes are helping cut our overall
demand for electricity. Data released in 2011 by the Australian Energy
Market Operator (AEMO) shows that overall demand for electricity in
Australia actually fell for the first time in decades.10 “It is becoming
apparent that electricity consumers are changing their energy use in
response to rising electricity prices, adopting energy efficiency programs
and the installation of rooftop solar photovoltaic systems,” AEMO
Managing Director Matt Zema has said. 11
The Federal Government’s Energy White Paper, released in November
2012, projects that by 2035 solar PV will provide 17 per cent of
Australia’s energy and 29 per cent by 2050. Already, over one million
Australian households have solar panels installed, a number that will
continue to grow as prices become more and more competitive. This
just goes to show that solar is already a mainstream part of Australia’s
energy mix.
8 MYTH: Renewable energy can’t compete economically with burning coal for power. FACT: The
fossil fuel industry is heavily subsidised.
The energy market in Australia is not a level playing field. The fossil fuel-
based electricity system we have today is built on government subsidies,
and fossil fuels continue to enjoy government assistance. For example,
the Tamberlin Inquiry in NSW revealed that the government-owned
Cobbora coal mine sold coal to power stations ‘at cost price’ (roughly
30 per cent of the price paid by other generators on the open market),
which meant that: ‘...State-owned generators and gentraders [had]
access to coal at a lower price than would have been available to them
had they had to source such coal through a tender process.’ 12
This amounts to a subsidy of around $4 billion over the life of the
contracts, and it is just one example of where taxpayers are footing
the bill. On top of that, fossil fuels have been subsidised by not having
to pay for the greenhouse gases they produce, and for the other
health and environmental impacts they cause. Analysis published in
the American Economic Review calculated that the economic damage
caused by air pollutants from coal burning (in terms of health impacts
and local pollution) exceeds the value of the electricity produced.13
The economics of solar
9 MYTH: All the solar panels are made in China so there are few Australian jobs in solar. FACT:
Thousands of Australians are employed in the solar industry
It is true that most of the solar panels in Australia are produced
overseas. However, there are thousands of Australians employed in
the local solar industry. It is estimated that there are 39 jobs directly
supported in Australia for every 1 megawatt (MW) of solar installed.
In 2011, 500MW were installed, taking the national total to over
1000MW. This equates to around 14,000 jobs.
Jobs in the Australian solar industry:
Research and Development – 3 per cent Manufacturing – 3 per centInstallations and customer service* – 64 per cent Distribution – 6 per centUtilities – 2 per centOther (financial, legal, training etc) – 21 per cent
*includes companies performing installations, though this likely understates the utility staff supporting installations through call centres, billing, system inspection and meter changes.14
Due to rounding figures do not add up to 100 per cent.
10 MYTH: We need big breakthroughs in solar research and development to push the price
down further, so government subsidies in Australia make no difference. FACT: Government subsidies help build local economies of scale, not reduce technology cost.
While there have been some important technology breakthroughs over
recent years, the primary driver for the recent cost reductions in solar
has not been technical, it has been a result of competitive pressures and
economies of scale.
An independent report from the University of Melbourne confirms this
assessment: Photovoltaics (PV) and wind power have historically shown
that a large proportion of cost reductions have come from the increased
knowledge and economies of scale associated with large-scale global
deployment – not just improvements in technical efficiency.15
98 WA Master Builder
SUSTAINABILITY
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WA Master Builder 99
In other words, winding back or shutting
down government assistance in Australia will
not have much impact on the global price
of solar panels, but it will have a substantial
impact on the local installation costs by
affecting the scale of the industry and
therefore levels of competition in the market.
11 MYTH: Green schemes help the rich buy solar, subsidised
by the poor. FACT: Lower and fixed income households are driving the solar boom.
The suburbs with the highest percentage
of solar installations are overwhelmingly
low- to middle-income suburbs and places
with a high proportion of retirees. These are
the households that are the most concerned
about rising electricity prices.
In 2012 the top 10 solar postcodes were: Dubbo, NSW – 28 per cent of houses with solar
Caloundra QLD – 27.3 per cent
Victor Harbor, McCracken, Hindmarsh Valley, SA – 25.9 per cent
Pinjarra, Oakley, Ravenswood, WA – 24.7 per cent
Currency Creek, Goolwa, Hindmarsh Island, SA – 24.7 per cent
Aldinga, Port Willunga, Silver Sands, SA – 24.1 per cent
Jimboomba, North & South Maclean, QLD – 23.9 per cent
Ellenbrook, Brigadoon, The Vines, WA – 23.8 per cent
Hallett Cove, Sheidow Park, SA – 23.6 per cent
Ormeau, Jacobs Well, QLD – 23.2 per cent
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NOTES:1 ‘Re-considering the economics of photovoltaic power’, Bloomberg New Energy Finance, 16/5/122, 3, 4 CEC analysis5 www.cleanenergycouncil.org.au/resourcecentre/Consumer-Info/solarPV-guide6 CEC analysis7 Department of Employment, Economic Development and Innovation, Queensland Energy Management Plan, Queensland Government,Brisbane, 20118, 9 R. Fraser, ‘Demand side management’, paper presented at the Australian Institute of Energy symposium, NSW’s Electricity Future 2020 (and beyond): What will it look like and how do we get there? 24 May 2010, Sydney10 Statement of Opportunities, August 2011, AEMO11 AEMO reports power usage dip, Climate Spectator, 6 March 201212 Special Commission of Inquiry into the Electricity Transactions, p.9.13 Environmental Accounting for Pollution in the United States Economy, American Economic Review, Vol. 101, No. 5, August 201114 Review of the Australian solar PV industry 2011, Clean Energy Council, p.18.15 Renewable Energy Technology Cost Review, Melbourne Energy Institute, March 2011, p.1.The Clean Energy Council (CEC) is the peak body representing Australia’s clean energy sector. It is an industry association made up of more than 550 member companies operating in the fields of renewable energy and energy efficiency.
For more information visit
cleanenergycouncil.org.au
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100 WA Master Builder
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Untitled-7 1 18/11/13 11:05 AM