Master Builder Victoria August September 2018

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MASTER BUILDERS VICTORIA

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A WORD FROM THE EDITOR

The state election is just around the corner

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y the time you read this, we trust there will be a good deal more information to share about what the two primary candidates, Daniel Andrews and Matthew Guy, have in mind for the building and construction industry than we can summarise in these pages. For that, I hope you have relied on faster-moving information streams – perhaps including our website at www.mbav.com.au. But to help us start forming opinions about who will do the most to help protect and promote our sector, we’ve devoted a large portion of this issue to what the leading candidates have indicated so far. On the subject of building promises, it’s more than unfortunate that critical infrastructure projects continue to be used as political game pieces by both major parties. Branding them with names like ‘East West Link’, ‘North East Link’ and ‘Western Distributor’ make them easier to identify, but bypass appreciation of the fact all Victorians lose when infrastructure becomes tired and tangled from neglect while factions do battle. Master Builders works hard to address that bad habit among our elected leaders. Inside, on page 8 and 9, Mr Andrews and Mr Guy state their cases to our industry, addressing the issues they feel are important to our members. CEO Radley de Silva then follows on page 11 with an assessment of what their statements show us (or don’t), and perhaps what we can discern from their actions so far. We’re also pleased to include messages from both Victorian Minister of Planning Richard Wynne MP (page 16) and Brad Battin MP, Shadow Minister for the Building Industry (page 18), on their commitment to shepherding the interests of our sector beyond November. The Excellence in Construction Awards is always a good indicator of how central our industry is to the economic well-being of Victoria, providing a great cross-section of projects that have taken shape recently. We thank our sponsors for their support in helping this event come together every year. You can have your fill of the highlights starting on page 20.

One more thing – we’ve bundled the new annual review with this issue; it will give you a snapshot of what Master Builders has been doing for you and other members over the past year. I always suggest that members keep this within arm’s reach because it can help to remind them of the broad range of services available to them. When you need help, it’s nice to have as a reference.

Peter Sackett Editor



MASTER BUILDERS VICTORIA

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CONTENTS

Contents FOREWORDS

33

LEGAL

01

A WORD FROM THE EDITOR

56

MARKETING

06

PRESIDENT’S FOREWORD

62

TRAINING

REGULARS ELECTION FEATURE 08

GUEST FOREWORD The Hon Daniel Andrews MP Premier of Victoria

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GUEST FOREWORD

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NEWS ROUND-UP

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SOCIAL PAGES

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DIRECTORY

MEMBERSHIP

The Hon Matthew Guy MP Leader of the Opposition

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11

FROM RADLEY DE SILVA

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MEMBER MILESTONES

16

THE HON RICHARD WYNNE MP

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NEW MEMBERS

18

BRAD BATTIN MP

FEATURES EXCELLENCE IN CONSTRUCTION AWARDS 20 25

REGIONAL BUILDING AWARDS

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TECHNICAL

Produced by NewsCorp on behalf of Master Builders Victoria. EDITOR: Peter Sackett EDITORIAL LIASION: Josie Adams DESIGNER: Marlize Duggan

MEMBER PROFILE Steve Peluso, Master Menders


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MASTER BUILDERS VICTORIA

PRESIDENT’S FOREWORD

Giving a voice to industry professionals

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ost of us can think of role models who had an influence on us as we grew up and, perhaps, throughout our careers. Role models inspire us through their behaviour to be our best. They often have their effect through simply ‘walking the walk’ and by demonstrating their quality through the way they work. As the first female president of Master Builders Victoria, I am sometimes asked what it’s like to be a role model for the profession. I guess there’s some truth that being first makes you a role model and I am especially happy if I inspire other women to become involved in running our organisation at whatever level they choose. But just as important for me, the main thing about my involvement with Master Builders is that I chose to get involved in the first place. We have so many people who give their time to Master Builders because they care about professional standards and the value of being part of an organisation that is a voice for high-quality, professional builders throughout Victoria. I want to acknowledge those contributions in this column. So many of the people who come to trade nights, get involved in their sector groups, policy committees or on the board at Master Builders got into it by accident at first. I speak to many people who didn’t seek a role here formally, but knew they wanted to add some value to their professional organisation. I know how busy many of you are, and the extra effort you put in to give back to Master Builders. Recently, I joined Master Builders groups from around Australia in Canberra at our first National Leaders Summit. It’s a real testimony to the influence of Master Builders that our keynote speakers were the Prime Minister, the Hon Scott Morrison MP who was followed by the Hon Anthony Albanese MP, Shadow Minister for Infrastructure. We had 11 politicians and two senior government officials attend the summit. It was a fascinating day and I thank the team at the Master Builders National Office in Canberra for making it a huge success. This edition of the magazine carries some features on the upcoming Victorian election, including the positions that major parties have on key issues that matter to us.

Building and construction is absolutely critical to Victoria’s future prosperity and productivity. Whatever party gets into power in November needs to recognise that less red tape, a common-sense approach to trades registration, a key focus on skills and a better planning system for the industry means that all of us will be more productive and better placed to contribute even more to make Victoria the leading state in building and construction.

Melanie Fasham President, Master Builders Victoria



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MASTER BUILDERS VICTORIA

ELECTION FEATURE

Partnership with building industry leads to strong results

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n 2014, we promised to spend every day fighting to get things done for Victorians. Four years on, the results are clear. More than 340,000 Victorian jobs have been created. We know that governments don’t create every one of those jobs. But, because of our historic investment in roads, rail, schools, and hospitals, there are cranes in the sky and excavators in the ground across the state. We have no intention of slowing down. Because over the last four years, we’ve worked together to build an economic environment where Victorian businesses, just like those the Master Builders Victoria represents, are feeling confident. That confidence is translating into investment. In trend terms, the total value of building done in Victoria has jumped 43 per cent since November 2014. The value of work in the pipeline is up nearly 30 per cent in the year to March. And the latest CommSec State of the States report ranked our economy the strongest in the nation. Results like these are possible only because of our long-standing partnership with the building industry. Take our policy to cut stamp duty for first home buyers. In the first full year these changes were in place, more than 28,000 Victorians paid less stamp duty. In fact, 22,500 of those buyers paid no stamp duty at all. Not a single cent. These policies are helping drive dwelling construction to record highs. In short: it means more first home buyers in the market, and more work for your industry. That critical combination of government policy and business experience is a big part of why Victoria’s building industry leads the nation. Results like these are a great credit to Master Builders. And they’re proof of a partnership that is set to get even stronger. Right now, legislation to introduce mandatory trades registration is before the Parliament. Once passed, this legislation will mandate registration of sub-contractors in the domestic and commercial building industries. This is an important change because, although we lead the way in construction work, much of this work is currently done by those who can’t be held properly accountable. And that means that, on those occasions when something does go

wrong, a lot of the risk – and cost – is borne by registered builders. This bill will change that. As always, we’ll keep working with Master Builders to develop these regulations. Because that’s how good government policy gets made – by seeking expert input and harnessing the knowledge that only you have. When this bill becomes law, it will be yet another result achieved because of our partnership – your industry and our Government working together. The Hon Daniel Andrews MP Premier of Victoria


MASTER BUILDERS VICTORIA

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ELECTION FEATURE

Land release key to a stable building industry

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ousing affordability is not an abstract economic issue. It is real, affects everyone and I will deal with it if elected to government in November this year. The affordability problem affects those young families saving for years to enter the housing market, hoping for a grassy yard for their young kids to play in safely. It affects families trying to help their children enter the housing market for the first time. The new migrants to our city who love the idea of a house with an outdoor patio in a quiet, safe, well-designed suburb. The older single person who is preparing for retirement within a decade, hoping to have the financial security of their own home by that time. It affects the young apprentice looking to build his – or her – skills on building sites and consistently with the same supervising builder. And it affects the tradie who wants to build his business as a long-term enterprise. It affects the volume home builders employing thousands of men and women, who need affordable land prices to maintain sales contracts sustainably over the long-term property cycle. Housing affordability is about supply and demand. For the Melbourne metropolitan area, two things are extremely clear. Firstly, demand is at record levels, because population growth is at record levels – over 130,000 per year. Secondly, supply of new land approved for housing is at record-low levels. When Daniel Andrews was elected, land release was put on a go-slow in a period of record population growth. As a result we have seen a drop in competition in the growth-area land market as projects are completed and few new ones are replacing them. Land prices for homebuyers have skyrocketed as a result. Housing lots that cost $210,000 in 2014 jumped to $270,000 by 2016 and are now routinely priced at $380,000. These high land prices are unsustainable for our society. Mums and dads deserve better than this, to have a secure home to raise their kids in without breaking the budget. High land prices do not benefit new home buyers and they do not benefit the building industry. If elected to government this November, the first step in dealing with housing affordability is that by June 30, 2020, every Precinct Structure

Plan within Melbourne’s Urban Growth Boundary will be completed and approved. This land came into the urban growth boundary in 2010. It is unacceptable that eight years later it is not available for homebuyers to live on, in an affordable home. Secondly, we will rein in the long delays that are delaying subdivision approvals after the structure plan is approved. We will establish reasonable time frames for each authority and we will introduce a clear dispute-resolution process to deal with anything that threatens to throw a spanner in the works. The approval authorities will be accountable for the unreasonable delays they put into the process. We will also look at financial penalties if they exceed reasonable time frames. The result of this will be about 290,000 housing lots approved within two years from today, located in Melbourne’s west, north and southeast. This will be around 12 years of new supply added to the market in time. In contrast, Labor takes a hands-off approach. They have no urgency to fix the broken processes that have led us here. If home buying activity slows, it will be the building industry that has to cope with a drop in housing starts. Slower activity is not good for the building industry, it is not good for the tradies and suppliers who rely on regular work and it is not good for housing affordability. I want a building industry with long-term stability and an industry with long-term employment security for the many thousands of Victorians who work in it. Lastly, I want to congratulate Radley de Silva on his service to the Master Builders Association. He has been a fixture in this industry for many years and has always worked diligently to promote the future of the industry and of builders themselves. The Hon Matthew Guy MP Leader of the Opposition


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MASTER BUILDERS VICTORIA

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ELECTION FEATURE: FROM THE CEO

Master Builders’ priorities:

How closely are they aligned to the governmentto-be? VICTORIAN STATE ELECTION HIGHLIGHTS NEED TO RECOGNISE THE BUILDING INDUSTRY AS AN ECONOMIC PRIORITY, WRITES RADLEY DE SILVA

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he building industry and economic progress go hand in hand in Victoria. The next state government will need to recognise the importance of building as an enduring economic priority. Regardless of the election outcome, building and construction is critical to the future prosperity of the state. In this edition of the magazine we focus on the election. The story of Victoria in recent years has been continued economic and population growth and a government with the advantages of a healthy budget surplus. The building industry is a beneficiary of population growth but has also faced headwinds that need real solutions. Master Builders has been engaging the major political parties on a range of matter leading up to the election on their policy positions. There is more to come. We will continue to work with the parties on their positions and encourage them to be clear about the policies that matter to members. Closer to the election Master Builders plans to release a scorecard assessing the various policy initiatives of the parties and whether they align with Master Builders own position. Let’s take a moment to appreciate the lay of the land… The next government’s attitude to our industry is going to affect every Victorian in some way. Population growth increases the demands on available housing. It also demands high quality infrastructure and services. Economic progress needs to be supported by efficient planning and regulatory systems.

There is no building industry without employers. We need a government that is responsive to employer needs and prepared to tackle long-term issues such as cladding, planning inefficiencies and housing affordability. For these issues there is no easy fix, but the best solutions are crafted in partnership with industry. Modern government must be open to working with us in meaningful consultation processes. Our members’ voices must be heard by the government. Throughout the year we take members’ interests directly to law makers. The advice from our sector committees and direct feedback from members forms the policy positions we hold with government. But I don’t believe we would be doing our job for members without offering solutions as well. We bring advice and technical knowledge to the table in our advocacy work. Progress with law makers can seem slow, but often the outcomes we avoid are just as valuable to our industry as policy successes themselves. Working with government is always a challenge, but we shouldn’t forget some of the policy wins since the last state election. Our appointment to the stakeholder reference group of the Victorian Cladding Taskforce, review of the owner builder legislation, the introduction of trades registration legislation into Parliament, improved payroll tax concessions and the establishment of a cross-border commissioner role are all substantial evidence of progress. This article outlines key priorities for Master Builders as we approach the state election and summarises the current policy

positions of the major parties at time of writing. We have focused on policy positions already released by political parties and we have no doubt there are more to come. Weighing up the building industry’s prospects for the election isn’t just about the track record of the Andrews government. What the opposition plans to do is just as important, and promises made in opposition can be difficult to deliver once in government. Should that happen, we need to hold the government to account.

Cladding Master Builders’ position: The hazard posed by non-compliant cladding is a national, industry-wide and systemic issue. The solution is a whole-of-industry approach to the problem, including government. Consequently, non-compliant cladding is a major issue for Master Builders. We have long held that the cladding problem is a systemic one with government and industry required to partner in developing/discovering the solution. Master Builders’ position is that cladding is a non-partisan issue that cannot be treated as a political football. The government signaled the issue would be managed across party lines by appointing former Liberal Premier Ted Baillieu as co-chair with John Thwaites to the Victorian Cladding Taskforce. Master Builders was appointed to the Stakeholder Reference Group supporting the Taskforce in 2017. We will work closely with the government for solutions that support industry and that ensure member interests are championed.


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MASTER BUILDERS VICTORIA

MASTER BUILDERS VICTORIA

ELECTION FEATURE: FROM THE CEO

ELECTION FEATURE: FROM THE CEO Industrial manslaughter and wage theft Master Builders’ position: We strongly oppose the introduction of industrial manslaughter laws. We believe effective laws are already in place to deal with reckless endangerment to life. The Andrews Government has announced that they intend to legislate for industrial manslaughter under the Victorian OHS Act. Proposed industrial manslaughter offences will provide for penalties of up to 20 years jail or up to $16m in fines. The Victorian Liberal Party has not formally indicated its position regarding industrial manslaughter as at the date of this article.

Trades registration Master Builders’ position: Mandatory trades registration is a crucial step toward addressing high attrition rates for construction trades. Victoria must have the right number of adequately trained, skilled tradespeople to carry out construction work into the future. After a decade of lobbying by Master Builders for mandatory trades registration, the Andrews Government introduced legislation into Parliament in July 2018. Master Builders has welcomed the new laws but cautions that the test of the legislation will be in the detail. Our position is that a model of subcontractor registration based on the existing domestic trades registration categories is the right solution for Victoria. This would include carpentry, bricklaying, waterproofing and concreting—the trades which have yielded the most issues. Registration will improve the industry by ensuring that quality is achieved and minimum skills are obtained as well as allowing trends in work and complaints to be monitored and dealt with. A properly structured mandatory system of registration will also:  protect consumers by improving the accountability and quality of the industry  enhance the careers of tradespeople by ensuring there is a strong reputation and skills level in the industry and is one that creates pride and a path to success  equip trades people with the skills and qualifications to match the jobs for the future of Victoria. There has been no formal policy on trades registration released by the Liberal party to date.

Skills shortages in the sector Master Builders’ position: Government must address skills shortages in the building industry including increased funding for industry RTOs to provide equity with TAFEs, programmes for employers to take on apprentices and a comprehensive public-awareness campaign promoting building careers. There are numerous activities underway across a broad range of departments and ministries

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to address skills and supply gaps across the Victorian economy, but few are focused solely on the building and construction industry. Careers in building and construction need to be promoted and championed by government to make them attractive to young people. Without a change in perception and improved awareness, the number of people entering building careers will continue to decline. We believe the next government needs to fund a comprehensive public-awareness campaign promoting careers in the industry within its first year of office. Not every tradesperson wants to return to full time study. Some look for targeted training opportunities. We have previously highlighted that funding ‘skills sets’ would be beneficial to the industry and enable more quality training to be provided from this already-allocated budget funding. We have identified unmet demand for ‘subject enrolments’ where targeted training is provided to certain important courses, like waterproofing, to be funded as a specific course of training. We have urged the Government to extend the funded courses under the Skills First regime to include certain skills sets in our industry. Both Labor and Liberal parties recognise the risk to Victoria of the skills shortages we are facing. Failure to address the shortage will significantly slow economic progress in our state. We expect to see the major parties announcing more detailed education and skills policies as we get closer to the election.

Establishment of a building ministry for Victoria Master Builders’ position: There is no single government ministry for the major challenges we face. Fragmented responsibilities through numerous departments hamper efficiency and effective outcomes. A building ministry would ensure government brings together disparate functions and has a singular focus on building issues for Victoria. Victoria’s building regulatory system is complex and administered by multiple authorities. Fragmentation of responsibilities through numerous departments allows information gaps, and hampers more effective and efficient outcomes. We are encouraged that the Liberal Party has appointed Brad Battin as Shadow Minister for the Building Industry. A centralised ministerial role with high level responsibility for building issues is an encouraging start. At time of writing, there is no indication from the Andrews Government that they plan to streamline the existing regulatory infrastructure.

Housing affordability and supply Master Builders’ position: Housing affordability and supply remain integral to the continued success of the building industry. Victorians require a strategic approach to housing and rental solutions, as well as adequate transport and infrastructure to accommodate increased inner-city density and to connect outer suburbs with employment hubs. It is good to see that both parties have at least identified housing as a key policy issue for the election. Labor and Liberal parties have committed considerable spending programme to improve Victoria’s current

housing situation and to cater for a growing population. The Liberal Party has announced a broad-ranging policy position and a five-point plan for responding to housing affordability and increasing opportunities for Victorians to own their homes. It has said it will fast-track the release of up to an additional 290,000 residential housing lots to help make more houses affordable, and concurrently fast-track the completion of the planning of all metropolitan Precinct Structure Plans by 30 June 2020. The Liberal party has also said it will introduce timeframes enforced by financial penalties for regulators and authorities for unreasonable delays in the land supply process. The Labor party has announced Homes for Victorians, its comprehensive plan to make

housing more secure and affordable. The government commitment includes the Victorian Social Housing Growth Fund as a $2b investment pipeline of new social housing. Over the next five years, the fund will create up to 2200 new social housing places through the construction of new dwellings and leases. Eligible community housing organisations will have access to $1.1 billion in low-interest loans and governmentguarantees.

Planning Master Builder’s position: Master Builders has long been calling for planning system reform to reduce the long and costly delays and inefficient practices throughout the system. Incentives to increase supply of building stock are required. Social impact

investments such as loan schemes, ‘density bonuses,’ and build-to-rent schemes are examples of incentives that can improve housing affordability. The planning system remains too complex—an ongoing challenge for building businesses. Master Builders has long been calling for planning system reform. We have highlighted the inefficiencies in local council planning decisions and barriers to greater urban densification. These require action to set goals and targets for individual councils and decisions about where planning should be taken out of the hands of councils and adapted into planning hubs or other mechanisms. An option for reform and change as part of the Reforming Victoria Planning Provisions process would be a centralised planning scheme.


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MASTER BUILDERS VICTORIA

ELECTION FEATURE: FROM THE CEO

The Liberal party has pledged to introduce strict new planning rules within its first 100 days in office. These include:  reintroducing the two-dwelling limit on lots in the Neighbourhood Residential Zone  reducing the building height in parts of the Neighbourhood Residential Zone  bringing back the nine-metre discretionary height limit in the General Residential Zone  Reviewing the ‘Garden Area’ rule to make it more sensible and workable. At time of writing, the Labor Party has not made any specific campaign policy promises as regards planning. The Andrews’ government introduced its Smart Planning program to simplifying and improving the operation of the planning system. The Government has undertaken to make the Victorian planning system the most efficient and responsive in the country. Master Builders has been closely involved with the Smart Planning process and we consider that the original principles of the system are at risk of becoming watered-down by providing too much discretion back to councils and other supervisory authorities that were intended to be regulated in a more streamlined way.

Regulatory reform Master Builders’ position: The Victorian Building Authority must be adequately resourced with appropriately skilled people. Pro-active building inspections must be increased and the regulator must be consultative. The industry needs an approach to regulations that facilitates best practice while allowing for ongoing innovation. Our regulator needs to be consultative and engaged with industry. We have experienced a raft of Building Act 1993

changes over the course of the last few years with sweeping changes to the building regulations coming into effect in 2018. That has led to time and cost implications for our members. We would not like to see further change of any significance until new regulatory requirements are allowed time to flow into the system and have their viability assessed. Master Builders agrees with the Government’s response to the Victorian Cladding Taskforce Chairs’ Interim Report in November 2017 to “require the VBA to inspect more of Victoria’s buildings each year – from less than two per cent up to 10 per cent”. We consider that increased inspections by the VBA, conducted in a fair and pragmatic way, is a better means of improving quality outcomes in the industry. For too long, the VBA has taken a reactive and compliance-focused role. We would like to see it adequately resourced and equipped by appropriately skilled, expert practitioners while taking a modern and consultative approach to its role as a regulatory authority. Current complicated administrative procedures such as builder and company registration must have a continuous improvement approach with efficiency as a key goal. Neither political party has taken a specific position on the future of the VBA and Master Builders will continue to encourage political parties across the spectrum to support improvement in the work of this vital agency.

Cross-border commissioner Master Builder’s position: A cross-border commissioner should be appointed to identify inefficiencies and reduce the red-tape burden many building businesses experience when dealing with multiple regulatory regimes.

Making this role a reality has been a key policy focus since our 2015 report on cross borders in the building industry. Victorian builders who operate along the borders of Victoria, South Australia and New South Wales experience many red-tape burdens having to deal with two state governments and at least two local councils. With a commissioner in place, we can focus straight away on opportunities for improving interstate labour mobility and cutting regulation red tape for builders. Master Builders welcomed the announcement in August by the Andrews Government that it has begun recruiting for a cross-border commissioner, but cautions that the role isn’t viable without two key features: independence and clearly established priorities. There are clear policy priorities for the inaugural commissioner to tackle, and building and infrastructure should be top of the list. The Liberal Party has also pledged to create a cross-border commissioner if elected, and it is encouraging to see broad support for the commissioner position across party lines.

Conclusion Though we have some way to go before November 24 a number of the key policies announced to date by major parties relate directly to the building industry. This underscores the importance and breadth of the industry in this state. Regardless of the election outcome, building and construction is critical to the future prosperity of the state.


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MASTER BUILDERS VICTORIA

ELECTION FEATURE

By The Hon Richard Wynne

Ongoing reform needed in planning and building systems

Minister for Planning

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elbourne is a city of growth and prosperity. You need only look at our population growth to see the rate at which people are flocking to our great state to call it home. Part of addressing this present and future growth is about bringing Victoria’s planning and building systems into the 21st Century. The Andrews Labor Government is taking charge of this by updating the Building Act, establishing the Cladding Taskforce, headed by Ted Baillieu and John Thwaites, and ensuring a record investment into building reforms – $25 million – in the recent State Budget. In late July, the Victorian Government introduced the Building Amendment (Registration of Trades) Bill 2018 into Parliament. The Bill amends the Building Act 1993 to introduce trades registration, an issue for which Master Builders Victoria has been campaigning for many years. The Bill also addresses the issue of high-risk cladding products on Victorian buildings, as well as introducing a pool and spa register and requiring mandatory inspections for home owners. As a government, we have a responsibility to keep our state safe, which is why we are implementing the Cladding Taskforce recommendations, to ensure Victorians living in high-rise buildings are protected. We have acted to make the regulator a tougher watchdog with more safety inspections, and dealing with those in the industry who are not following the rules. Building practitioners are now on notice, with the Government directing the VBA to inspect more of Victoria’s buildings, from less than two per cent annually to 10 per cent. Making record investments into the building industry will not only mean more compliance, but will give more people the opportunity to build a safe and secure home. The Victorian Budget 2018/19 also includes $14 million to slash red tape and get new homes and renovations finished faster, by putting an end to protracted permit applications for simple projects. This change encourages those within the industry to commit to new housing projects, with a clear vision of how strategic locations will grow, providing certainty for the private

sector on where to invest. The Victorian Planning Authority is working to develop clearer pathways forward agreed to by state and local governments. Ongoing reform needs to be embedded into the planning and building systems. Over the next year, we will monitor performance and

identify ways to continually improve efficiency. Reforms to planning and building are making it easier to build or renovate a home, prevent deadly cladding fires and ensure Victoria’s apartments are built to the highest standards for the future success of our great state.


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MASTER BUILDERS VICTORIA

ELECTION FEATURE

Dedicated minister vital for industry By Brad Battin MP Shadow Minister for the Building Industry

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his November, for the first time in history, Victorians will have the opportunity to elect a government with a dedicated Minister for the Building Industry. Since this portfolio was created, I have met with many industry groups and sat down with many builders. I have heard from councils, from surveyors, from plumbers and electricians, and from consumers. The issues brought to me differ, but they all have one thing in common – they feel that nobody is representing them. I think it is clear that the industry needs representation at the legislative level and a strong voice in Parliament. The building industry is a key employer and an important driver of Victoria’s economy, yet many builders are faced with a regulatory maze, dwindling supplies, a skills shortage, and red tape. Home ownership itself is becoming an unattainable dream for many Victorians. An elected Liberal Nationals Government will implement a five-point plan to tackle housing affordability – the first point, announced in July, will see the release of an additional 290,000 residential housing lots on Melbourne’s urban fringe. This land was zoned for urban growth in 2010 but has still not been released to home buyers. Greater land supply will drive price competition in the land market. A Liberal Nationals Government will also introduce a priority post-Precinct Structure Planning dispute-resolution process in the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal to reduce the impact of lengthy and costly disputes. We have a vision for Victoria – a state of cities, rather than a city-state. We will have a Minister for Decentralisation for the first time since the 1970s to ensure long-term strategy to reduce the growing pressure on Melbourne’s infrastructure. We will ensure population, infrastructure and services are distributed across Victoria, which presents exciting

opportunities for regional builders. If elected Minister for the Building Industry, I will put an end to bureaucrats in Melbourne making decisions with little or no consultation. I will be working closely with you – the people who actually know the industry – to deliver common-sense and practical solutions to ensure the industry’s

continued growth and prosperity. I look forward to sharing more industry-specific polices as they are announced closer to the election. On November 24, Victorians will have a choice – a dedicated Minister for the Building Industry under a Liberal Nationals Government, or more of the same ineffectiveness under Labor.


ASX

OUTLANDER

PAJERO SPORT

PAJERO

TRITON


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MASTER BUILDERS VICTORIA

EXCELLENCE IN CONSTRUCTION

2 018 M A S T E R B U I L D E R S E X C E L L E N C E I N

CONSTRUCTION

AWARDS


MASTER BUILDERS VICTORIA

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EXCELLENCE IN CONSTRUCTION

VAUGHAN TAKES TOP AWARD FOR AN EXTRAORDINARY WORKPLACE BEFORE A CROWD OF OVER 600 GUESTS, VAUGHAN CONSTRUCTIONS ACCEPTED THE HIGHEST ACCOLADE FOR A COMMERCIAL PROJECT— DULUX MERRIFIELD COATINGS PLANT, WHICH IS NOW THE LARGEST COATINGS FACTORY IN AUSTRALIA AND NEW ZEALAND.

The project answered the call for a complex facility that remains durable in a harsh, chemical- based environment. The factory uses a compressed air system to pump materials required in the paint production process through stainless steel lines throughout the entire facility. Due to the propensity for detection systems to be exposed to high levels of dust, a reflected beam smoke detection system was chosen for the Powders Hall, which utilises mirrors and optical beams for detection. A gas compression system is installed in the power substation and standard smoke and thermal detection systems are used throughout the remainder of the facility. “This extraordinary workplace houses a company that distinguishes itself by the spectrum of vivid colour it makes possible for other buildings,” Master Builders Victoria CEO Radley de Silva says. “This award sends the message that the judges look at broad criteria for who might win, and a building which is a technological success can take out the top honours. The winner doesn’t have to host sporting events, or make a bold public statement to be an industry-leading project. This one wins because it expresses remarkable craftsmanship in the way its components come together and meet program challenges,” Mr de Silva said. Also honoured was Marco Bonadio, named Young Builder of the Year. Marco has been working for Kane Constructions since 2005. With over 17 years of experience in the

building industry, he is an accomplished, confident and professional builder who is driven by complex building challenges. Marco is a natural leader who fosters a collaborative approach and prides himself on delivering on time and to very high-quality standards. “Marco represents the important achievements of younger people in our industry’s workforce, and the pool of talent from which future leaders in Victorian building and construction will continue to emerge,” Mr de Silva said. We also recognised DAS Constructions Pty Ltd as Regional Master Builder of the Year (Commercial) for their work on Newhaven College in Rhyll. The Senior Learning Centre features classrooms, common and locker

areas, a senior student lounge, lecture theatres, a lift and outdoor student areas at the front and the back of the new building. The specialist facility features science laboratories and classrooms including an arts room, storage facilities, staff rooms and special breakout areas. “It’s a project that reveals it many merits on the inside, leaving the exterior to play a supporting role to the sky and landscape, which are so much a part of the experience of living in that part of Victoria” Mr de Silva said. Vaughan Constructions will now go on to compete at the Master Builders Association National Excellence in Building and Construction Awards at the Adelaide Convention Centre on Saturday 24 November.

Sponsors Events such as this are not possible without the continued generous support from our sponsors. Thank you to our sponsors: Major sponsor

Sponsors

Judging Panel Dr Phil Alviano, Russell Bates, David Blanche, Peter Carmody, Robert Conti, Stephen Curnow, James Curtin, John Darcy, Sylvia Hadjiantoniou, Peter Helfer, Reg Hobbs, Efy Karagiannis, Daryl McIlvena, David McMath, Mort Mitchell, Kevin Oldridge, Frank Pavan - Chief Judge, Lawrence Reddaway, Don Wilkinson


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MASTER BUILDERS VICTORIA

EXCELLENCE IN CONSTRUCTION

WINNERS

EXCELLENCE IN HEALTH & SAFETY Grant Watson, Senior Site Manager, Emeile Dawkins, Work Health & Safety Coordinator & Paul Christian, Project Manager, Kane Constructions with Joe Keiper, Southern Region Manager, MBA Insurance Services

EXCELLENCE IN FITOUT Tim Lowrie, Construction Manager & Jason Folino, Construction Manager, Buildcorp Interiors with Donna Teague, Senior Manager Employer Relationship Management, Cbus

EXCELLENCE IN CONSTRUCTION OF INDUSTRIAL BUILDINGS Josef Picone, National Construction Manager, Vaughan Constructions with Donna Teague, Senior Manager Employer Relationship Management, Cbus

Kane Constructions Project: University of Melbourne Western Edge Bioscience Stage 1, Parkville

Buildcorp Interiors Project: Maddocks Office, Melbourne

Vaughan Constructions Project: Dulux Merrifield Coatings Plant, Mickleham

EXCELLENCE IN CIVIL CONSTRUCTION Dustin Lloyd, Director, Lloyd Group with Donna Teague, Senior Manager Employer Relationship Management, Cbus

EXCELLENCE IN LOWRISE APARTMENT BUILDINGS Rob Morton, Director, VCON Pty Ltd with Steve Pearse, General Manager, Multitap

Lloyd Group Project: Melbourne Zoo Predators Precinct Stage 2, Parkville

VCON Pty Ltd Project: Elwood House, Elwood

EXCELLENCE IN HIGHRISE APARTMENT BUILDINGS Steve Pearse, General Manager, Multitap with Peter Devitt, Managing Director & Michael Odicho, Senior Project Manager, L.U Simon Builders Pty Ltd

BEST SUSTAINABLE PROJECT Jason O’Hara, Managing Director & the Atelier Projects Team with Marty Tucker, National Sales Manager, 3AW Atelier Project: Oakleigh South Childcare Centre, Oakleigh South

L.U Simon Builders Pty Ltd Project: Brunswick Heart, Brunswick


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EXCELLENCE IN CONSTRUCTION

WINNERS

BEST SPECIALIST CONTRACTOR John Morris, Relationship Manager, MC Labour with Nicholas Simpson, CEO & Greg Spark, Estimator, HBS Group Pty Ltd HBS Group Pty Ltd Project: Alexandra Fountain, Bendigo

EXCELLENCE IN CONSTRUCTION OF COMMERCIAL BUILDINGS UNDER $3M Aaron Finnigan, Project Manager, Fairbrother Pty Ltd with Kevin Lillie, General Manager, Marketing & Business Development, Incolink Fairbrother Pty Ltd Project: Port Fairy Waterfront Restaurant, Port Fairy

EXCELLENCE IN CONSTRUCTION OF COMMERCIAL BUILDINGS $10M - $15M James Christie, Project Manager, FDC Construction & Fitout (VIC) Pty Ltd with Dan O’Brien, CEO, Incolink FDC Construction & Fitout (VIC) Pty Ltd Project: Jemena, Broadmeadows

EXCELLENCE IN CONSTRUCTION OF COMMERCIAL BUILDINGS $3M - $5M Rick Carson, Project Manager, Mick Josey, General Manager & Marcus Harding, Site Foreman, Fairbrother Pty Ltd with Joe Keiper, Southern Region Manager, MBA Insurance Services

EXCELLENCE IN CONSTRUCTION OF COMMERCIAL BUILDINGS $5M - $10M Brad Gifford, Project Manager, S.J. Weir (Ballarat) Pty Ltd with Joe Keiper, Southern Region Manager, MBA Insurance Services

Fairbrother Pty Ltd Project: One77 View Street, Bendigo

S.J. Weir (Ballarat) Pty Ltd Project: Ballarat & Clarendon College Fitness Centre, Pool & Indoor Rowing Facility, Ballarat

EXCELLENCE IN CONSTRUCTION OF COMMERCIAL BUILDINGS $15M - $20M Andrew Briggs, Managing Director, Buxton Constructions (Vic) Pty Ltd with Dan O’Brien, CEO, Incolink

EXCELLENCE IN CONSTRUCTION OF COMMERCIAL BUILDINGS $20M - $30M Ryan Eagles, Contract Manager, Geoff Purcell, Project Director & David Purcell, Project Manager with Dan O’Brien, CEO, Incolink

Buxton Constructions (Vic) Pty Ltd Project: Bargoonga Nganjin, North Fitzroy Library, North Fitzroy

Kane Constructions Project: The Geoff Handbury Science and Technology Hub, Melbourne Grammar School, Melbourne


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MASTER BUILDERS VICTORIA

EXCELLENCE IN CONSTRUCTION

WINNERS

EXCELLENCE IN CONSTRUCTION OF COMMERCIAL BUILDINGS $30M - $80M Lakshu Adaikalavan, Victorian State Manager, ADCO Constructions (VIC) Pty Ltd with Kingsley Berry, General Manager Company Operations, MC Labour

EXCELLENCE IN CONSTRUCTION OF COMMERCIAL BUILDINGS OVER $80M John Morris, Relationship Manager, MC Labour with Connie King, Project Director/Construction Manager, John Holland

ADCO Constructions (VIC) Pty Ltd Project: South Melbourne Primary School, Southbank

John Holland Project: Ravenhall Correctional Centre

REGIONAL COMMERCIAL BUILDER OF THE YEAR Brad Battin MP, Shadow Minister for the Building Industry with Melissa Sellings & Dale Satori, Director DAS Constructions Pty Ltd

YOUNG BUILDER OF THE YEAR Marco Bonadio, Kane Constructions with Brad Battin MP, Shadow Minister for the Building Industry

MASTER BUILDER OF THE YEAR Josef Picone, National Construction Manager, Vaughan Constructions with Brad Battin MP, Shadow Minister for the Building Industry

DAS Constructions Pty Ltd Project: Newhaven College Stage 1 Senior Learning Centre and Specialist Facility, Rhyll

2018 MASTER BUILDERS EXCELLENCE IN CONSTRUCTION AWARD WINNERS

MASTER BUILDERS RECOGNISES THE FOLLOWING NOMINEES FOR THE 2018 YOUNG BUILDER OF THE YEAR AWARD. • Marco Bonadio, Kane Constructions • Andrew Cory, Foursquare Construction Management Pty Ltd • Aaron Finnigan, Fairbrother Pty Ltd • Ben Cavell, Buxton Constructions (Vic) Pty Ltd • James Christie, FDC Construction & Fitout (VIC) Pty Ltd • Carey Mudge, JLL • Rowan Williams, ADCO Constructions (VIC) Pty Ltd


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REGIONAL BUILDING AWARDS

2018 MASTER BUILDERS REGIONAL BUILDING AWARDS DURING JUNE AND JULY THIS YEAR, REGIONALLY-BASED MEMBERS WERE ACKNOWLEDGED FOR THEIR COMMITMENT TO BUILDING EXCELLENCE THROUGH THE ANNUAL MASTER BUILDERS REGIONAL BUILDING AWARDS. Staged over three separate presentation evenings, Albury (Northern), Geelong (South West), and Traralgon (South East), the Awards acknowledged and celebrated the outstanding achievements of Victoria’s regional Master Builders, providing an opportunity to showcase their work in both the residential and commercial sectors of the industry. Entrants have once again demonstrated their ongoing commitment to delivering projects of the highest standards in quality of construction, quality of design, and choice and use of materials, as well as providing outstanding levels of customer service to their clients. Master Builders congratulates all entrants in this year’s Regional Building Awards and looks forward to your continued support of this program. The overall winners were: Regional Residential Builder of the Year  Northern - Todd Newman Builders Project: Bendigo

South West - Metricon Project: Akuna, Point Lonsdale South East – TS Constructions Pty Ltd Project: Woolamai

Regional Commercial Builder of the Year  Northern - Hansen Yuncken Pty Ltd Project: Bendigo Kangan Institute Health & Community Centre of Excellence, Bendigo  South West - Lyons Construction Project: Star of the Sea Aged Care Facility, Torquay  South East - DAS Constructions Pty Ltd Project: Newhaven College Stage 1 Senior Learning Centre and Specialist Facility, Rhyll Master Builders would like to express its appreciation of the judges and sponsors for their valued contribution. Without their continued support programs such as this would not be possible.

Judges  Northern – Angelo Inguanti, Ian Lee and Chris Morey  South East – Peter Helfer and David McMath  South West – Brian MacSweeney, Bill Miller and Austin Swain Master Builders gratefully acknowledges our sponsors:  AGA Apprenticeships Plus  Australian Gas Networks  Cbus  Colorbond  Dahlsens  Incolink  Origin


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MASTER BUILDERS VICTORIA

REGIONAL BUILDING AWARDS

REGIONAL BUILDING AWARDS MASTER BUILDERS CONGRATULATES ALL OF THE WINNERS

NORTHERN Regional Residential Builder of the Year Todd Newman Builders Project: Bendigo This outstanding home reflects a design inspired by high-class living and superiority in architectural features. Simple, clean lines and bold finishes shape the external streetscape while the keyless entry sets the tone for the quality and innovation within the home. The elegantly proportioned layout offers fantastic outdoor entertaining allowing for easy transition into indoor/outdoor living. The home includes four spacious bedrooms, master suite including wall-to-wall joinery and a spectacular light-filled ensuite. A bespoke study, gym, three-car garage with extensive storage make this design functional and liveable. The soaring ceilings and extensive window walls ensure ambient light and a blissful sense of space throughout.

NORTHERN Regional Commercial Builder of the Year Hansen Yuncken Pty Ltd Project: Bendigo Kangan Institute - Health & Community Centre of Excellence, Bendigo The brief from Bendigo Kangan Institute was to create a health and community centre of excellence'. The result is an outstanding structure for students and staff. The highlight of the facility is the simulation labs that replicate the real-life environment that students will encounter at work. These include areas designed as acute and sub-acute hospital wards with ensuites and clean- and-dirty utilities, aged-care wards, pathology wings, early-childhood centres and a live-in house. These labs provide the best quality training facilities for student learning.

SOUTH WEST Regional Residential Builder of the Year Metricon Project: Akuna, Point Lonsdale The design of “Akuna” has been perfectly executed to enhance the natural surroundings and work within the clients’ brief. Clean lines combined with striking features such as curved walls, sloped ceilings, stained-timber cladding and a helical staircase add to the architectural appeal of this luxuriously appointed home. Every room features bespoke and luxurious inclusions making dynamic spaces that offer outstanding functionality. The seamless transition between indoor and multiple outdoor living spaces provides privacy and year-round comfort, with the generous proportions providing entertaining options. The stunning and fully automated wrap-around pool completes this beautiful home in style.


MASTER BUILDERS VICTORIA

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REGIONAL BUILDING AWARDS

SOUTH WEST Regional Commercial Builder of the Year Lyons Constructions Project: Star of the Sea Aged Care Facility, Torquay Star of the Sea Aged Care is a new, state-of-the-art facility located in Torquay that offers both beauty and function. This project was constructed for Villa Maria Catholic Homes as an extension to the previously completed retirement village consisting of 70 private villas. The facility features a host of amenities, including 96 bedrooms, a commercial kitchen, serveries, a café, reception area, a chapel and a dedicated ward for the special needs of dementia sufferers. Each bedroom is equipped with a cupboard, dresser, television and a private ensuite with a shower, toilet and vanity units. Additionally, six accessible ensuites were constructed for disabled clients to meet the relevant building code requirements.

SOUTH EAST Regional Residential Builder of the Year TS Constructions Pty Ltd Project: Woolamai Making the most of its location and natural surrounds, this home is perfectly designed to the client’s lifestyle. It is constructed of recycled bricks, featured both outside and inside the home. The kitchen finishes include marble benchtops and glass-lined joinery complementing the Art Deco recycled doors, marrying two eras in a sympathetic manner. The main bathroom features a freestanding bath with an unsurpassed view. The intricate tiled floor offsets the simple open timber shelves that serve as a vanity unit. The bedroom is simple and lets the view be the centre of attention.

SOUTH EAST Regional Commercial Builder of the Year DAS Constructions Pty Ltd Project: Newhaven College Stage 1 Senior Learning Centre and Specialist Facility, Rhyll Completed to the highest level of accuracy, within a short timeframe, this extensive project required the coordination of trades to provide the complex fire-safety, data and electrical requirements and services. Both buildings had the same deadline, management and correct implementation of the design was importance. Newhaven College’s Senior Learning Centre and Specialist Facility comprises of two separate buildings each with specialised uses including laboratories and art rooms, casual spaces for staff and students to enjoy. The contemporary exterior is a project highlight with the facade made off-site. The interior of each building features spacious and light-filled areas that will provide students with state-of-the-art functionality and comfortable, contemporary styling.


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MASTER BUILDERS VICTORIA

REGIONAL BUILDING AWARDS

2018 MASTER BUILDERS REGIONAL

BUILDING AWARDS MASTER BUILDERS CONGRATULATES THIS YEAR’S WINNERS

Northern Northern Regional Residential Builder of the Year Todd Newman Builders Project: Bendigo Northern Regional Commercial Builder of the Year Hansen Yuncken Pty Ltd Project: Bendigo Kangan Institute - Health & Community Centre, Bendigo Best Renovation/Addition $300,000- $500,000 Glenn Dempsey Builders Pty Ltd Project: Dookie Best Renovation/Addition over $500,000 DKM Builders Project: Yarrawonga Best Display Home $250,000-$350,000 Superior Living Homes Project: Owen 277, Killara Best Display Home $350,000 - $500,000 B&H Homes Project: Alkira,Wodonga Best Display Home over $500,000 Lekeal Pty Ltd Project: Wangaratta

Best Custom Home $200,000-$300,000 Todd Newman Builders Project: Epsom Best Custom Home $300,000-$400,000 Southern Vale Homes Project: Leneva Best Custom Home $400,000-$500,000 M&L Nardella Home Builders P/L Project: Shepparton Best Custom Home $500,000-$600,000 Peter Brown Building & Carpentry Services Project: Junortoun Best Custom Home $600,000-$800,000 Peter Brown Building & Carpentry Services Project: Strathfieldsaye Best Custom Home $1M-$2M Todd Newman Builders Project: Bendigo

Best Multi Unit Development - up to 3 units J&J Carroll Pty Ltd Project: Albury Best Multi Unit Development - 4 to 12 units Winning Homes Project: Moama Best Sustainable Home VR Builders Project: Maldon Excellence in Construction of Commercial Buildings $1M-$3M Connelly Construction Services Project: Victory Lutheran College Argus Senior Centre, Wodonga Excellence in Construction of Commercial Buildings $3M-$6M AW Nicholson Pty Ltd Project: Bendigo Tennis Centre, Bendigo Excellence in Construction of Commercial Buildings over $6M Hansen Yuncken Pty Ltd Project: Bendigo Kangan Institute Health & Community Centre of Excellence, Bendigo


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REGIONAL BUILDING AWARDS

South West Regional Residential Builder of the Year Metricon Project: Akuna, Point Lonsdale Regional Commercial Builder of the Year Lyons Constructions Project: Star of the Sea Aged Care Facility, Torquay Best Renovation/Addition $300,000-$500,000 Harris Builders P/L Project: Newtown Best Renovation/Addition over $500,000 Larkin and Drought Builders Pty Ltd Project: Newtown Best Display Home over $500,000 Q by Malishev Project: Grovedale Best Volume Builder Display Home under $250,000 Metricon Project: Delta 25, Mount Duneed Best Volume Builder Display Home $250,000-$350,000 Metricon Project: Amira 28BP, Lara Best Volume Builder Display Home $350,000 - $500,000 Simonds Homes Project: Westwood with Oakland, Fyansford Best Volume Builder Display Home over $500,000 Hamlan Project: Sabine 344, Fyansford Best Custom Home $300,000 - $400,000 Sinclairs Building Concepts Project: Torquay Best Custom Home $400,000-$500,000 JM Homes Surf Coast Project: Torquay Best Custom Home $500,000 – $600,000 Signature Homes Geelong Project: Newtown Best Custom Home $600,000 – $800,000 Larkin and Drought Builders Pty Ltd Project: Ocean Grove

Best Multi Unit Development 4 - 12 Units Trevor Homes Project: Rippleside Excellence in Construction of Commercial Buildings under $1M Armistead Homes Project: Geelong Road Signs & Lines / Southern Highway Services, Belmont Excellence in Construction of Commercial Buildings $1M- $3M Rendine Constructions Pty Ltd Project: Bellarine Springs Community Centre, Clifton Springs Excellence in Construction of Commercial Buildings $6M-$10M S.J. Weir (Ballarat) Pty Ltd Project: Ballarat & Clarendon College Fitness Centre Pool & Indoor Rowing Facility, Ballarat Excellence in Construction of Commercial Buildings over $10M Lyons Constructions Project: Star of the Sea Aged Care Facility, Torquay

South East Regional Residential Builder of the Year TS Constructions Pty Ltd Project: Woolamai Regional Commercial Builder of the Year DAS Constructions Pty Ltd Project: Newhaven College Stage 1 Senior Learning Centre and Specialist Facility, Rhyll Best Renovation Addition under $200,000 Latrobe Valley Building Services Project: Trafalgar Best Display Home $350,000 -$500,000 Beach House Constructions Project: Acacia, Inverloch Best Volume Builder Display Home under $250,000 Metricon Project: Tulloch 22, Sale Best Volume Builder Display Home $250,000 - $350,000 Metricon Project: Delta 22, Warragul

Best Custom Home $800,000 – $1M JM Homes Surf Coast Project: Waurn Ponds

Best Volume Builder Display Home $350,000-$500,000 Metricon Project: Fortitude 32, Warragul

Best Custom Home $1M - $2M Special Commendation Pivot Homes Project: Separation Creek

Best Custom Home $300,000 - $400,000 Elemental Properties Pty Ltd Project: Traralgon

Best Custom Home $1M-$2M Metricon Project: Akuna, Point Lonsdale

Best Custom Home $400,000- $500,000 Virtue Homes Project: Traralgon

Best Custom Home $500,000$600,000 Langden Constructions, formerly Waltcon Constructions Project: Traralgon Best Custom Home $600,000 $800,000 Allchin Builders Project: Warragul Best Custom Home $800,000- $1M (Special Commendation) KB Living Project: Traralgon Best Custom Home $800,000- $1M TS Constructions Pty Ltd Project: Woolamai Best Custom Home $1M -$2M Roseleigh Homes Project: Warragul Best Multi-Unit Development up to 3 Units Roseleigh Homes Project: Warragul Best Multi-Unit Development 4-12 units Langden Constructions, formerly Waltcon Constructions Project: Lorikeet Flats, Wilsons Promontory Best Sustainable Home (Special Commendation) Mod House Pty Ltd Project: Wattle Bank Best Sustainable Home TS Constructions Pty Ltd Project: Cape Paterson Excellence in Construction of Commercial Buildings $1M-$3M Langden Constructions, formerly Waltcon Constructions Project: Latrobe Regional Gallery – Latrobe City, Morwell Excellence in Construction of Commercial Buildings $3M- $6M TS Constructions Pty Ltd Project: Yarram Primary School, Yarram Excellence in Construction of Commercial Buildings over $6M DAS Constructions Pty Ltd Project: Newhaven College Stage 1 Senior Learning Centre and Specialist Facility, Rhyll


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MASTER BUILDERS VICTORIA

MASTER BUILDERS VICTORIA

TECHNICAL

TECHNICAL

Waterproofing - it does matter

waterproofing considered this? What substrate materials are proposed and are they suitable for use? Will there be use of timber skirting boards, architraves, etc and have they been considered? Is there a need for additional floor waste?

Further to the above matters, the following are considered important when it comes to installing a waterproof membrane in a wet area:  Ensure the substrate is free of moisture to prevent any likelihood of delamination.  Ensure structural components and substrate are sound and defect-free.  Ensure the use of compatible products, (ie primers, waterproofing system, tile adhesives).  Ensure the substrate is clean.  Maintain the area after the waterproofing has been applied to ensure other trades cause no damage.  Ensure the waterproofing system has been correctly applied to provide appropriate coverage.  Allow the waterproofing to cure as required by the manufacturer’s specifications prior to tiling, which may vary upon various weather conditions.

By Tony Bugeja Technical Building Advisor

WATERPROOFING IS AN EXTREMELY IMPORTANT PROCESS IN THE CONSTRUCTION OF ANY BUILDING AND THERE ARE PRESCRIBED REQUIREMENTS OUTLINED WITHIN THE BUILDING CODE OF AUSTRALIA FOR COMPLIANCE.

W

et areas, as defined within the BCA, are required to be waterproofed to ensure building elements are protected from any potential adverse effects that water or moisture can cause. The BCA defines that a wet area in a building is an area supplied with water from a water supply system, which includes bathrooms, showers, laundries and sanitary compartments. The following are considered as being excluded wet areas – kitchens, bar areas, kitchenettes or domestic food and beverage preparation areas. It has been suggested there have been in excess of 6500 applications made to the Domestic Building Dispute Resolution Victoria (DBDRV) in the past 12 months and, of those, waterproofing has been considered a prominent area of concern. Further to the applications made to the DBDRV, we at Master Builders also receive a number of calls on a regular basis with queries associated to wet areas and waterproofing. Obtaining the

31

right advice and knowing how to comply with the requirements of the legislative framework within which we work are fundamental to the success of any trade contractor and builder. Both the Building Code of Australia 2016 – Volume 1 and Volume 2 (BCA) are performance-based documents and clearly prescribe the minimum requirements for waterproofing. They are slightly different, given they do administer controls for different classes of building, so it is important to use the right BCA when considering the proposed works and their specific requirements when waterproofing is required. Domestic building work is a huge market in the construction industry, so we have chosen to use BCA 2016 – Volume 2 as a

means to explain why we must consider waterproofing in wet areas. The BCA notes that the objective of the BCA with regards to wet areas is to safeguard the occupants from illness or injury and protect the building from damage caused by the accumulation of internal moisture arising from the use of wet areas in a building. The performance requirements to achieve this objective are to protect the structure of the building and to maintain the amenity of the occupants. Therefore water must be prevented from penetrating: (a) behind fittings and linings, or (b) into concealed spaces, of sanitary facilities, bathrooms, laundries and the like. Complying with the acceptable construction practices referenced in Part 3.8.1 of the BCA is considered a deemed to satisfy

solution that complies with the performance requirements of P2.4.1. In order to achieve this, the building elements in any given wet area within a building must: (a) be waterproof or water resistant in accordance with Table 3.8.1.1, and (b) comply with AS 3740. Any proposed variation to the requirements of Table 3.8.1 of the BCA or provisions of AS3740 may be considered for compliance using a performance solution. However, this would need to be assessed as part of the building permit application process by the appointed building surveyor. A common question is: “Do l need a building permit to renovate a bathroom? There are no structural changes.” It is suggested you always refer to

Schedule 3 of the Building Regulations 2018, which defines ‘exemptions for building works and buildings’. It is considered that generally any work associated to a wet area would require a building permit given the proposed works could adversely affect the structural soundness of a building. There are some key triggers that need to be considered prior to the construction or application of waterproofing a wet area, being:  Does the work require a permit?  Does the design for the proposed wet area comply with the provisions of AS3740?  Is the shower an enclosed or unenclosed shower?  Does the floor grade to a waste?  Is the shower fitted with a shower rose fitted to the ceiling and has the

It is suggested and believed important that the use of experienced and, where required, registered trades be used to waterproof a wet area, and that the waterproofing system is maintained so it is not damaged by any subsequent trades, through appropriate supervision. Copies of the following documents are available as described below:  AS 3740 is available to purchase online from SAI Global.  Building Regulations 2018 is available in an electronic form online using www.legislation.vic.gov.au.  Building Regulations 2018 is available to purchase as a hard copy from Master Builders.  Building Code of Australia 2016 – Volume 1 and 2 are available in electronic form from www.abcb.gov.au.  Building Code of Australia 2016 – Volume 1 and 2 are available for purchase as a hard copy from Master Builders. Master Builders would like to advise that we have a number of courses available with regard to waterproofing. Please contact Master Builders’ training department on (03) 9411 4555 to see when the next available course is on offer.


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MASTER BUILDERS VICTORIA

33

LEGAL

By Angelo Simonetto General Counsel / Head of Legal

High Court dismisses appeal of adjudicator’s determination under Security of Payment

T

he High Court in February this year handed down two decisions which has now, at least in NSW and South Australia, established without doubt that the courts do not have the authority to overturn an adjudicator’s determination for non-judicial errors of law in Security of Payment (SOP) determinations.

Facts Probuild Probuild entered into a contract with Shade Systems for the supply and installation of external louvers for an apartment complex. A payment claim was made by Shade Systems and Probuild provided a payment schedule where it sought to apply by offset, liquidated damages (LDs) against the claim. The Adjudicator refused Probuild’s offset and based its determination by reasoning that there was 1) no entitlement for Probuild to claim LDs as these would only arise at practical completion or termination and 2) Probuild needed to show that Shade Systems had caused the delay which it was claiming the LDs. The High Court granted special leave to Probuild to challenge the decision of the Court of Appeal in that it was not open to the Supreme Court (of NSW) to undertake a judicial review for non-jurisdictional errors of law.

Maxcon Maxcon and Vadasz entered into a contract for the design and construction of piling for an apartment development. A payment claim was served by Mr Vadasz, at which Maxcon deducted a retention amount and other administrative charges. The Adjudicator determined that the retention clause in the contract was a ‘paid when paid’ provision which it said was not permitted under the South Australian SOP Act, and accordingly said that Maxcon was not entitled to deduct this retention amount from the payment claim.

Maxcon disagreed with the Adjudicator’s determination and sought special leave to quash this decision on grounds that the Adjudicator had erred in law on the face of the record. Leave to appeal to the High Court was also granted to Maxcon which followed the Court of Appeal decision in Probuild.

The High Court Decisions The full bench of the High Court unanimously agreed (although each giving their own reasons) that the appeal by Probuild and Maxcon, to overturn the adjudicators determination, should be dismissed. In essence the decision of the High Court was all about the reason why the SOP legislation was set up in the first place. It said that it was primarily done so in order to provide a “quick” means by which a party can be paid, even if the time limits can be sometimes “brutally fast”. Further the High Court emphasised that any adjudication should be “determined informally, summarily and quickly, and then summarily enforced without prejudice to the common law rights of both parties which can be determined in the normal manner”. Having said this the High Court recognises that any determination of an Adjudicator is an interim one (ie not final), and that the SOP scheme

preserves the contractual rights of the parties to seek redress and final determination in a court of law, where all facts can be ventilated and determined with finality. In summary, both these states use the ‘East Coast Model’ of Security of Payment, and although they involve their respective Acts, this decision may bring about a similar result in both Queensland and Tasmania. Having said this, although Victoria had adopted the East Coast Model also, its SOP legislation may still have available to it a right of judicial review of an adjudicator’s decision for non-jurisdictional error - which appears consistent with the rights afforded to such a party under s85(5) of the Constitution Act 1975 (Vic) – which has been previously determined by the Supreme Court. The take away here is that these decisions of the High Court are significant as they reset the thinking about appealing determinations by adjudicators, which now brings with it a level of certainty for claimants that once a determination has been made they can be assured they will be paid. Those who use the SOP in Victoria though should be aware that a review of an adjudicator’s determination by an aggrieved party, may still be possible for non-jurisdictional errors of law.


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MASTER BUILDERS VICTORIA

FROM OUR ADVERTISERS

Why external timber cladding remains acceptable for Class 2 and Class 3 low-rise buildings If your building surveyor/certifier or design professional questions the use of external timber cladding for a low-rise project, this article provides you with the reasons why you’re within the requirements of the code.

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recent amendment to the National Construction Code (NCC) regarding the use of external wall claddings has led some people to assume that external timber cladding is no longer acceptable in Class 2 and 3 low-rise buildings. Boris Iskra, national codes and standards manager for Forest and Wood Products Australia and a structural engineer with additional qualifications in building fire safety, argues that a careful reading of the National Construction Code shows this is not the case. Following the recent devastating and tragic building facade fires (eg the Lacrosse building in Melbourne and Grenfell Tower in London), the National Construction Code was amended to address risks associated with the use of external cladding products on high-rise buildings. The amendment, NCC 2016 Volume One Amendment 1, contained changes relating to fire safety in high-rise buildings and the evidence of suitability provisions. However, the existing mandatory provisions of the NCC remain unchanged. There is a major difference in fire safety risk between a 20-storey high-rise tower and a three-storey low-rise building. Although the ban on the use of combustible cladding products on mid- and high-rise buildings is clear, the use of timber cladding products on low-rise buildings is still permitted. That being said, interpretations of the amendment have had unfortunate flow-on effects for low-rise building developments which have caused a great deal of unnecessary concern and uncertainty. Since the introduction of a “concession” for timber-framed construction systems in 1994 (BCA 1990 – Amendment 7) for Class 2 apartment buildings and recently (NCC 2014) for Class 3 buildings (eg hotels, motels, backpacker accommodation etc), the use of timber products has been permitted as external timber cladding for three-storey Class 2 and 3 buildings, and four-storey buildings if the lowest storey is constructed of

concrete or masonry and used for carparking, under the deemed to satisfy provisions in non-sprinkler-protected buildings. Specifically, for Type A construction, the NCC 2016 Amendment 1 Specification C1.1, Clause 3.10(a) states: 3.10 Class 2 and 3 buildings: Concession (a) Class 2 or 3 building having a rise in storeys of not more than three need not comply with Clause 3.1(d) of Specification C1.1 and the requirements of C1.9(a), (b) and C2.6 for non-combustible material, if it is constructed using – (i) timber framing throughout; or (ii) non-combustible material throughout; or (iii) a combination of (i) and (ii), provided – (iv) any insulation installed in the cavity of a wall required to have an FRL is non-combustible; and (v) the building is fitted with an automatic smoke alarm system complying with Specification E2.2a. Therefore, three-storey Class 2 and Class 3 timber-framed buildings fitted with an automatic smoke alarm system need not comply with the following requirements for Type A construction:  Specification C1.1, Clause 3.1(d) – concrete, masonry or fire-protected timber requirements for loadbearing internal walls and loadbearing fire walls,  Clause C1.9(a) – non-combustible external walls and common walls, including all components incorporated in them including the facade covering, framing and insulation; the flooring and floor framing of lift pits; and non-loadbearing internal walls where they are required to be fire-resisting [my note: any installed insulation must be non-combustible as per the Class 2 and Class 3 buildings: Concession – Clause 3.10(a)(v)],  Clause C1.9(b) – non-loadbearing, shafts (eg lift, ventilating, pipe, garbage or similar) to be of non-combustible construction, and  Clause C2.6 – the non-combustible

material requirements for vertical separation of openings in external walls. The concession also applies to three-storey timber construction over a ground floor concrete/masonry carpark (four-storey total construction) – refer Specification C1.1, Clause 3.10(b), as well as for Type B two-storey timber construction or two-storey timber construction over a ground floor concrete/masonry carpark (three-storey total construction) – refer Specification C1.1, Clause 4.3. The WoodSolutions technical design guide “Timber-framed Construction for Multi-residential Buildings Class 2 & 3” provides the technical information and construction detailing in relation to sound and fire-resisting timber construction systems that comply with the NCC DTS provisions. The supporting timber system fire test and assessment reports from an accredited testing laboratory are on the WoodSolutions website at www.woodsolutions.com.au/articles/ -fire-test-reports. While it is understandable there has been some nervousness shown by building professionals in specifying external cladding materials and products, the NCC 2016 Amendment 1 does not change the concession that permits the use of external timber cladding products on low-rise Class 2 and Class 3 buildings (three- or four-storey apartment, hotel, motel developments etc), which has been in the code since the mid-1990s. The WoodSolutions technical design guide “Timber-framed Construction for Multi-residential Buildings Class 2 & 3” is available for free download at www.woodsolutions.com.au/publications. For more information about this article, please contact: Boris Iskra, national codes and standards manager, Forest and Wood Products Australia Ltd, at email: boris.iskra@fwpa.com.au or phone: (03) 9927 3200.



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MASTER BUILDERS VICTORIA

NEWS

Cost blowouts in infrastructure need scrutiny

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aster Builders Victoria has highlighted the risk of massive cost blowouts on public infrastructure projects if site allowances continue to be calculated at current rates. Site allowances on the $11 billion Metro Tunnel and $6.7 billion West Gate Tunnel projects were set recently at $9.20 per hour and $8.90 per hour respectively. Expenditure on public infrastructure projects can differ significantly from estimates if costs overrun on key line items like labour. Site allowances are a well-known payment, included in a vast majority of EBAs and intended generally to compensate for "disabilities" on site such as confined spaces, fumes, wet work and dirty work. The site allowance decisions by the Victorian Building Industry Disputes Panel, however, calculate site allowances on the entire value of the project. This appears to go disproportionately beyond the ordinary reasonable needs to

compensate for difficult circumstances on site. It means that the higher the value of the project, the more potential there is for site allowances to inflate. Master Builders thinks this approach is flawed and pushes site allowances out of reasonable proportion. These sorts of site allowance outcomes, on top of already extraordinarily high EBA wages, are contributing to cost blow-outs that are costing Victorian taxpayers. Deloitte research conducted for Master Builders in 2016 showed that union EBA carpenters and entry-level labourers are paid very well. At that time, unskilled labourers were earning around $144,506 per year and carpenters around $155,961 per year – more than double the salary of the average police officer, fire fighter, soldier, teacher or nurse. Back in 2016, Master Builders expressed considerable concern over the general CFMMEU EBA agreement for annual 5 per cent wage increases, which the Deloitte

research estimated would have cost taxpayers an increase of $806 million to deliver the Government’s 4-year infrastructure plan – representing a lost opportunity to Victorians of ten schools and three hospitals. These new site allowances decisions, which add an extra $9.20 or $8.90 per hour on top of existing wage rates on projects where the Victorian taxpayer is the ultimate client, will further cost the Victorian community. Given the government has committed to more than $10 billion to infrastructure for at least the next four years, if site allowances continue to be calculated based on the whole project value, the costs to Victorian taxpayers will only continue to increase. As a result, site allowance is likely to be a major focal point for any future industry-led negotiations leading to a successor to the current CFMMEU Pattern EBA 2016-2018.


MASTER BUILDERS VICTORIA

37

NEWS

Interest-only loans may be good after all By RICHARD TEGONI Director, Chocolate Money

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HE debate about interest-only loans is both deeply concerning and frustrating at the same time. The regulator has labelled interest-only loans as the new evil in lending; why would the average home owner question their findings? The regulator should know but in this case its decision to curb interest-only loans has handed our banks another profit windfall worth millions of dollars, again at the cost to borrowers. The banks and regulator claim it’s for our own good but some borrowers have been badly disadvantaged and may end up suffering the fallout from a flawed and ill-conceived policy. The banks were told to lower their exposure immediately. The policy has imposed a maximum ratio of interest-only loan exposure for banks. The banks responded and interest-only loans together with property values are now on the decline. For some, interest-only loans represented high-risk lending and news of their decline was welcomed. Others went as far as describing interest-only loans as nothing short of a banking scam and compared them with the notorious "US ninja loans" associated with the 2008 financial crisis. Banks managed to reduce their exposure to interest-only loans by increasing the interest rate they charged and simultaneously tightening their lending standards. How this can be seen to benefit

borrowers is hard to imagine, but there are those who believe these actions are good. The banks argue, and rightfully so, that by increasing the rate on interest-only loans and making these loans harder to obtain, it will reduce the demand for them and thereby reduce their number. The regulator is satisfied and banks make more profit by charging higher interest rates. Most banks introduced new policies which prohibit the refinance of interest-only loans unless the borrower switches to principle and interest repayments. This has prevented millions of borrowers from leaving their bank to secure a lower rate elsewhere. How does charging consumers a higher interest rate retrospectively protect them? It doesn’t. Borrowers have again been left to pay for protection they didn’t ask for and, for many, protection they do not need. What is unique about this policy is that it was the regulator that compelled the banks to charge borrowers more. For a department mandated to protect borrowers and the economy, it’s a huge own-goal and I doubt you will see the banks complaining soon. Contrary to the current thinking, interest-only loans can actually benefit borrowers. Yes, they can be a good thing under the right circumstances and I haven’t seen a shred of evidence that suggests they are being offered to consumers inappropriately. Firstly, banks should assess

loans on the principle and interest repayments even if a borrower chooses interest-only. Therefore, if you cannot afford principle and interest payments, don’t pursue the loan at all. Secondly, why would you commit to repay more in repayments than you are obligated to pay? If you can repay more at your discretion, then why lock yourself in to pay more upfront when you can take interest-only and make extra payments as it suits your circumstances? This is one of the main reasons borrowers use offset accounts which are designed to allow surplus savings to offset interest charges on a loan. Finally, increasing interest-only loan rates retrospectively will make borrowers worse off especially if banks are refusing to refinance your loan to principle and interest because of your current circumstances. The bottom line is that borrowing money is complex, and solutions are often very personal. Charging borrowers higher interest rates isn’t fair and isn’t the answer. This article reflects the views of Chocolate Money and does not necessarily reflect the views of the Master Builders Association of Victoria. The content is general in nature and should not be considered as specific advice as your situation has not been taken in account. Chocolate Money t/a Master Builders Financial Services and Australian Credit License - 387277.

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MASTER BUILDERS VICTORIA

NEWS

Cross-border commissioner role’s success hinges on independence and clear priorities

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aster Builders has welcomed the Andrews Government’s advice that it has begun recruiting for a cross-border commissioner, but cautions that the role isn’t viable without two key features: independence and clear priorities. “Making this role a reality has been a key policy focus since our 2015 report on cross borders in the building industry,” Master Builders Victoria CEO Radley de Silva said. “The reason is simple,” Mr de Silva said. “Victoria’s builders who operate along the borders of Victoria, South Australia and New South Wales experience many red-tape burdens having to deal with two state governments and at least two local councils.” Mr de Silva believes that a commissioner is a priority for Victoria and the inaugural

commissioner should have building front-and-centre in their work program. “There are clear policy priorities for the inaugural commissioner to tackle, and building and infrastructure should be top of the list. With a commissioner in place, we can focus straight away on reducing red tape on insurance, improving interstate labour mobility, streamlining planning and helping businesses in Victoria to be more efficient.” The commissioner role will work with the states on identifying cross-border issues and focus on resolving long-standing challenges where multiple jurisdictions are involved. Mr de Silva said the role was a good outcome for business, and he offered some clear advice for government on the role. “This could be a game-changing role for

interstate efficiency but there are two conditions for success. The commissioner role needs independence to challenge the status quo and bring change. It also needs to make Victoria’s economic priorities like building and construction its own priority. It’s not a viable role unless it’s tasked with working on the big stumbling blocks across borders, and avoids drowning in a sea of small issues.” The concept of a cross-border commissioner has already been adopted by states such as NSW where it was established in 2012. The NSW Commissioner supports businesses and residents in border communities to improve efficiency. NSW has already successfully signed agreements with both Queensland and the ACT to resolve cross-border issues.


MASTER BUILDERS VICTORIA

39

NEWS

VBA implements corporate registration requirement

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N 1 July, 2018, the Victorian Building Authority implemented new corporate registration requirements. From 1 July, a company must be registered as a building practitioner to:  Enter into a major domestic building contract in the company’s name  Be named as the builder on a building permit for major domestic building work, or any other building work costing over (in most cases) $10,000  There must be an appropriate insurance certificate in the company’s name for the company to perform the work. These changes do not affect sole traders, who can continue to carry out work as usual. An individual can continue to enter into major domestic building contracts and building permits in their individual name if they are a registered building practitioner. However, the name of the builder on the contract and the name on the insurance certificate must be identical.

Most existing companies will have been automatically registered on 1 July, 2018, unless they OPTED-OUT before 1 June, 2018, using the “Opt-out of Company Registration” form. The VBA will have sent letters to advise practitioners to access the forms on the website. VBA email correspondence will have also contained links to the forms. A company will have been automatically registered if:  At least one director is a registered domestic builder (Domestic Builder (Unlimited), Domestic Builder (Limited) or Domestic Builder (Manager))  The company was involved in major domestic building work between 1 July, 2017 and 30 June, 2018  There is an appropriate certificate of insurance in the company’s name  All directors meet the fit and proper person requirements

If a company was ineligible for automatic registration, its directors were able to opt in to registration if:  At least one director is registered in any category or class other than Domestic Builder (for example, a Commercial Builder - CBU or CBL).  The VBA was satisfied that each director met the fit-and-proper-person requirements The last day for opting in or opting out was 1 June, 2018. All other companies were required to apply for registration on or after 1 July, 2018. It is also possible in certain circumstances for a company to hold registration in some or all classes of registration, provided its directors hold individually appropriate registration. If you are unsure what this means for you, make sure you seek independent legal and/or financial advice, or call the VBA on 1300 815 127.

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MASTER BUILDERS VICTORIA

NEWS

Keeping your work sites clean and compliant

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ne of the quickest ways people judge a builder – intentionally or not – is by looking at their construction site. Depending on its condition, it can be a builder’s best or worst advertisement. Site signs display your company name and details for all to see. It’s a good idea to take the occasional look at what sort of impression you’re making on your current and potential clients. No one expects spotlessness, but an untidy site with rubbish strewn all around suggests that you don’t really care about what you’re doing, that you may be poorly organised and that this may extend to the quality of your finished work.

An untidy site can also create safety issues by providing trip and slip hazards and can even contravene local and state environmental laws. Most local councils have laws which make it an offence for sand, soil, screenings, litter and paint washout to be discharged from your site. This includes footpaths, laneways and driveways. We may not think of these materials as qualifying as pollution, but the law sees things differently. Fines range from $250-$1000 or more. You may also be charged under the Environment Protection Act which has fines in excess of $5000. Cigarette butts, fast-food waste and empty aluminum cans should be obvious to you, and not be left to blow away

in the wind. Better yet,recycle those cans. While a building site can get untidy from time to time, littering the street and other people’s property is not acceptable. Master Builders occasionally gets feedback from people about poor site management. We take it seriously because we care about how our members and industry are perceived. Play it safe by keeping what happens on your building site on the site. Conduct regular site cleans, provide bins with lids and make sure people use them. Master Builders’ Green Living and Sustainable Construction training courses can help you manage your sites better. For questions, please call us on (03) 9411 4555.


MASTER BUILDERS VICTORIA

41

NEWS

Notice of Annual General Meeting: 27 November 2018

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lease be advised that the Annual General Meeting of Master Builders Victoria will be held on Tuesday, 27 November 2018 at 9am at Master Builders Victoria Council Chambers, Level 1, 332 Albert Street, East Melbourne. A copy of the agenda and business items to be discussed is available online at www.mbav.com.au under ‘About us’.

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MASTER BUILDERS VICTORIA

NEWS

Thinking about registration?

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ne of the benefits of a membership with Master Builders is direct assistance with registration. Registration is a significant achievement for any builder and we want to make sure we can help you through the process as much as possible. Applying for builder registration can be a complex and time consuming process. When you become a member of Master Builders you’ll get immediate access to expert advice that ensures you take the right steps to get registered. Master Builders Building Registration Advisor Victoria Giddens says that some builders spend thousands of dollars paying for help to navigate through the complex registration process. "Using outside help can be a big expense," she says, ‘but Master Builders is set up to partner with our members through the registration process. We give you access to plenty of help and we are always happy to see another member become registered." Victoria says the reward in her job is seeing members get tangible outcomes when they

connect with their industry body. "The registration service is important to me because we are the industry body and advocate for members with the VBA to improve the registration process. I’m also proud of our success rate with our members who have been through it." Assistance with registration typically involves:  Free registration workshops and expert guidance  Help with paperwork  Help with applications, with specific feedback  Study sessions to prepare you for assessment  interview preparation  Lodging your application with the Victorian Building Authority. Master Builders helps with both Commercial and Domestic classes of registration. We can help you avoid non-compliance issues and take your business to the next level. Call (03) 9411 4555 to speak to an expert Builder Registration Adviser today.


MASTER BUILDERS VICTORIA

43

NEWS

Finding your entry level workers: Master Builders and Jobs Victoria

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kills shortages are one of the major issues for our industry today and into the future. Master Builders is working to be part of the solution on multiple fronts. Along with our strong advocacy and awareness program with government, Master Builders is working with Jobs Victoria on a pilot program to encourage young people into the building industry and give them opportunities to develop their skill.

assistants and skilled labourers Employees will receive training in White Card, working safely at heights, customer service and technical skills as well as direct support from field officers.

How can Master Builders’ members and other construction employers help? The program is about developing the kinds of quality work practices that young people can take with them throughout their careers. That’s why training with a Master Builder is such a good opportunity. We’re reaching out to employers seeking staff entry-level, on-site roles who support training for young people and see the value in investing time in job seekers.

Some key facts 

The Youth Employment Program is a joint pilot with Master Builder and Jobs Victoria We have 150 pre-screened and site-ready jobseekers looking to enter our industry Jobs sought include entry-level, on-site roles such as trades assistants, construction

How will employers be supported? You may be eligible for wage subsidies of up to $10,000. To help you coach your new worker, you’ll also receive quality professional

development training at our state-of-the-art Building Leadership Simulation Centre on mentoring and other skill development techniques. Contact Ingrid Mountford, careers manager on (03) 9411 4588 or email imountford@mbav. com.au


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45

LEGAL

By Leanne Edwards, General Manager of Marketing, Policy and Communications ledwards@mbav.com.au

Master Builders monitors progress of mandatory trades registration

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dvocacy on behalf of members can range from quick wins to longer campaigns that take years. The introduction of the Building Amendment (Registration of Building Trades and Other Matters) Bill 2018 into Parliament in August reflected our long term work to improve the quality of certain trades in Victoria. General Manager Leanne Edwards answers some of the key questions around the government’s new trades registration bill and why it might be a win for industry.

What will the legislation mean for Victorian Builders? The Bill’s about requiring certain categories of trades to be registered or licensed. If the Bill passes it will set up two models applicable to the commercial and domestic sectors for prescribed building work:  a registration requirement for subcontractors to be expanded from the current registration requirements to include when a subcontractor contracts directly with builders; and  a broader requirement for the occupational licensing of employees.

What form of registration has Master Builders Victoria been lobbying for? Master Builders Victoria has argued for taking the first step towards subcontractor trades registration based on existing domestic trades registration categories. That means focusing on certain areas like carpentry, bricklaying, waterproofing, plastering and concreting.

Minister Wynne reflected our own view “Priority areas for consideration of restricted building work are likely to include carpenters (and framers), plasterers, footing and foundation workers, bricklayers and waterproofers.”

What problem will broader trades registration solve? There are some common problems being seen across the industry – from the insurance claims through to disputes about issues like waterproofing, concreting, carpentry, plastering and brickwork which have impacts on structure. We’re out of step with other states on the Eastern Seaboard with similar mandatory trades registration models too. Ultimately it is the Victorian consumers who suffer because they endure higher costs of building and renovations and defective work on their houses. The intent of mandatory trades registration is to enable both builders and consumers to look up trades people on a register to see if they have the skills and qualifications they need - similar to electricians and plumbers.

Isn’t introducing trades registration and licensing going to be a costly process? Whilst there is a trades registration system currently in place in Victoria, the issue is that is it not mandatory if the subcontractor is working for a registered builder. However, we consider that since the Victorian Building Authority is already set up to implement trades registrations for the categories we have been lobbying for, that implementing mandatory

trades registration is manageable for subcontractors. Ultimately, a cost-benefit analysis will determine whether a broader system of trades licensing is a manageable one.

How long would registered trades have to get prepared? The Bill provides for a transitional process that would allow time for tradespeople to obtain provisional registration or licenses to develop the appropriate skills and qualifications over a five year period. It will be an offence to carry out prescribed building work if not appropriately registered or licensed, or engage practitioners for prescribed building work if they’re not appropriately licensed or registered. Those offences carry maximum penalties of up to 500 penalty units (over $80,000) for individuals and 2500 penalty units (over $400,000) for a company.

Can we call this a success for Master Builders yet? The introduction of the Bill represents a good first step towards a much needed and called for reform in our industry, and one which Master Builders has been calling for, for more than a decade. But at the time of writing the Bill is progressing through Parliament. Even if it is introduced, the regulatory impact assessment process would be needed and then the transitional process would also begin. There’s a long way to go.



MASTER BUILDERS VICTORIA

47

SOCIALS

OUT & ABOUT IT WAS A GREAT NIGHT OF ENTERTAINMENT AT THE MASTER BUILDERS EXCELLENCE IN CONSTRUCTION AWARDS AND THE REGIONAL BUILDING AWARDS

MC Lawrence Mooney takes the stage.

Winners at the Northern Regional Building of the Year Awards.


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MASTER BUILDERS VICTORIA

SOCIALS

Ladies enjoying the South East Regional Building Awards.

B&H Homes taking out their first award at the Northern Regional Building Awards.

Capturing the moment.

Blue carpet interviews with Brodie Harper at the Excellence in Construction Awards

Congratulations and thank you to our long serving members whom we honoured at a special event.


MASTER BUILDERS VICTORIA

49

SOCIALS

Arriving at the Excellence in Construction Awards.

Guests are seated waiting for the night to begin at Crown Palladium.


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MASTER BUILDERS VICTORIA

SOCIALS

Enjoying The Baker Boys.

Master Builders Victoria Regional Building Awards - South West.


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MASTER BUILDERS VICTORIA

MASTER BUILDERS VICTORIA

NEW MEMBERS

MEMBERSHIP MILESTONES

Member Milestones MASTER BUILDERS VALUES LOYALTY TO OUR ASSOCIATION AND AWARDS CERTIFICATES TO MEMBERS AT MILESTONES OF 10, 15, 20 AND 25 YEARS, AND PLAQUES AT 30, 40 AND 50 YEARS OF CONTINUOUS MEMBERSHIP

W

WELCOME TO OUR NEWEST MEMBERS

e recognise and thank the following members who have achieved these milestones between April 28 and July 17, 2018. We appreciate that many members have continuous years of service that fall between these milestones and hope that you understand that we award certificates and plaques only for the milestones mentioned. If you are a long-term member we thank you for your commitment and look forward to recognising your loyalty when you receive your next milestone certificate or plaque.

MASTER BUILDERS IS PLEASED TO WELCOME THE FOLLOWING NEW MEMBERS WHO JOINED THE ASSOCIATION IN MAY - AUGUST 2018. CONGRATULATIONS ON JOINING MASTER BUILDERS VICTORIA

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General Contractor             

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Dee’s Designs Felmark Constructions G J & K L Collins Builders I Solar Builders Jonny Daniel Building Contractor Lucas Builders Marty Lakey Builder Miroslav Stamenkovic Moda Design Group Pty Ltd Ocean Blue Builders Pty Ltd Pocket Builders Pty Ltd Spot On Reblocking Pty Ltd

  

        

10 Year Certificate  A & R Complete Tiling  Apex Excavations & Demolitions  B H Builds Pty Ltd  Bayline Constructions  Blueprint Property Inspections Pty Ltd  Brad Harrington  Buildko Pty Ltd  Carmelo Silvestro  CGH Property Group  Colin Taylor  Dan Beck  Fenway Constructions Pty Ltd

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Fieschi Property Group Pty Ltd Gerard Mannix Builders Pty Ltd Harvey Norman Commercial Project Division Haydn Major J G King Project Management Pty Ltd James Donaldson Jeffrey Andrew Boulter L & G Creative Projects Pty Ltd Markus Builders Pty Ltd Paul Alan Projects Relic Custom Pty Ltd Renage Constructions Riverlea Australia Pty Ltd Rodine Australia Pty Ltd Salt Homes Pty Ltd SCJowzy Builders Scope Safety Systems Pty Ltd Sienna Building Pty Ltd Starr Quality Homes Pty Ltd Steller Concepts Pty Ltd T D R Property Services TDK Civil Pty Ltd TWT Plumbing Pty Ltd Urban Sensations Pty Ltd W K & M A Ferguson Pty Ltd

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Balcross Pty Ltd Bonanni Construction Group Pty Ltd Buildgroup Constructions Pty Ltd Corellian Victoria Pty Ltd IDXA Pty Ltd KB Building Group Pty Ltd Landbuild Pty Ltd Light Weight Structures

General Contractor Provisional    

David Kwong Donato Piccoli Matthew Paris Zafer Tillem

                     

Housing         

Albert Littlepage Alisons Homes Andrew Bounader Ardien Homes Pty Ltd Arnet Constructions Pty Ltd Bex Group Pty Ltd Biviano Builders Geelong Building Masters Pty Ltd C.A.M Constructions Pty Ltd

          

Cardillo Constructions Pty Ltd Claremont Homes Pty Ltd DKT Building Solutions Domain Maintenance & Construction Frame Works Co Pty Ltd GD Property & Construction Pty Ltd GJ Gardner Homes Melbourne North East Greenform Construction Pty Ltd Greg Xanthakis J. A Mckerlie Pty Ltd Jayson Builders Kinool Construction Pty Ltd L.P Thompson Constructions Pty Ltd Mars House Pty Ltd Mega Homes Melbourne Kitchens & Bathrooms Pty Ltd MiRok Pty Ltd MJ Skinner Building Pty Ltd MJQ Constructions Pty Ltd New Ray Homes Newtown Homes Pty Ltd Novarum Constructions Pty Ltd Paul Odorisio Paul Tighe Peter Damien McEntee Pinnacle Residential Pirelli Building Group Pty Ltd Prorise Constructions Render Construction Pty Ltd Rock Solid Homes Pty Ltd Rowan Constructions Pty Ltd Shane Van Florestein Solcon Developments Pty Ltd

    

Steve Borraccino Pty Ltd Visioneer Pty Ltd W Build Walshe Building Group Yilimi Construction Pty Ltd

Housing Provisional                          

Alarox Property Group Alex Booth Andrew Ruscitti Aricon Construction Pty Ltd AT Constructions AV Carpentry Bavco Construction Pty Ltd BBB Developments Pty Ltd Bodie Hibberson Brett Dale Houston Brett Harvey C.R Iemmolo & M.F Iemmolo CH Carpentry Vic Pty Ltd Craig McGregor Renovations Daljits Sehra Daniel Capaldo David Carfrae DBMuse Dreamtech Pty Ltd Edward Harris Elan Textile Care Group Pty Ltd Ewenson Builders Pty Ltd Fine Line Homes Pty Ltd Geoff Stevens H & M Builders Home Group Victoria Pty Ltd


54

MASTER BUILDERS VICTORIA

NEW MEMBERS

                                      

Image Property Group Jamie Richardson Pty Ltd JC Homes Keshab Khatri L.X Max Pty Ltd Lasting Solutions Loving & Sons Pty Ltd LSKS Developers Lucas Building Lytton Design & Construction Pty Ltd Manoj Vishwakarma Matthew Barlow Matthew Jack Clapperton Melbourne Engineering Pty Ltd Melra Enterprises Pty Ltd Michael Cormack Building Services Michael Pilcher Carpentry Pty Ltd Navdeep Chandi Nicholas Stevenson Octahex Joinery Patrick Brown Patrick Neylan PMC Group Pty Ltd Rayner Constructions (Vic) Pty Ltd RBA Building & Construction Pty Ltd Robertson Carpentry Sam Bridgford Sean Anderson Constructions Pty Ltd Silky Homes Smiths Style Special Works Pty Ltd Square & Triangle Pty Ltd Third Artamin Pty Ltd Thomas Evely TJM Building & Carpentry United (Vic) Developments Pty Ltd Volume One Westend Building Group Pty Ltd Worner Building & Construction

Housing Sub-Contractor                     

AAC Landscapes Pty Ltd Alexander Doig AMG Carpentry Barefoot Grass & Landscaping Pty Ltd Blacks Constructions & Concreting Blake Lightowler Chris Bartlett Climent Tiling Coast 2 Coast Pools Coastal Concept Construction Pty Ltd Craig Marriott Cyrus Malvard Dans Home Improvements Electric Pool Tiling Pty Ltd Elevation A Giorgio Morana Handyman Services Harry Penesis J Crick Building JN & AL Haywood Landart Landscape Design & Construction Pty Ltd Landscape Construction

                 

& Design O Ventures Matthew Gould Matthew Poidevin McGregor Project Services Pty Ltd Michael Hobart Mollard Projects Pty Ltd Mr Kitchens Nick J Construction Outdoor Vision Landscapes Peng Wang Ruby & Gold Projects Skybuilt Constructions Step Right Solutions The Woodpecker Carpentry Services Traralgon Glass & Doors Waterproofing Awareness Webb Concretors Wise I Enterprises P/L Yarra Park Constructions Pty Ltd

       

          

Master Tradesman          

Armstrong Builders Pty Ltd Fan Zhou Hire A Hubby Croydon Inspired Landscapes Pty Ltd Matthew O'Callaghan Millwood Construction Pty Ltd Multicon Group Pty Ltd Sam Home Renovations (Vic) Pty Ltd SS Pool Construction Pty Ltd Underpinning Melbourne Group

  

       

Materials, Manufacturing & Supply    

Buildpro Albury Wodonga SuperGrind Pty Ltd Taranto Windows & Doors Pty Ltd Total Tools Importing Pty Ltd

Specialist Contractor  

                   

Allegra Concrete Pty Ltd Alvand Tiling & Stonemasonary Services Pty Ltd Ceramic Solutions (Aust) Pty Ltd Coleman Rail Pty Ltd Daniel Mulcahy Eco Enhance GA D&C Pty Ltd Goodway Masonry Pty Ltd Horizon Construction Cleaners Pty Ltd Ivanka Kostroman John Beever (Aust.) Pty Ltd Living Colour Landscapes (Aust) Pty Ltd Long Ma Lynx Maintenance Services Pty Ltd M.D. Projects (VIC) Pty Ltd Melbourne Building Technology Vic Pty Ltd Melbourne Commercial Works Pty Ltd Perfect Construction Group Premier Constructions Australia Pty Ltd Project Constructions Pty Ltd Quipsmart Trading Scope Commercial Projects Pty Ltd

   

Shandiz Ghashghaie Solo Projects Pty Ltd Soulco Fitouts Stirlingshire Timbercraft Taishan Construction Pty Ltd Toucon Pty Ltd Allegra Concrete Pty Ltd Alvand Tiling & Stonemasonary Services Pty Ltd Ceramic Solutions (Aust) Pty Ltd Coleman Rail Pty Ltd Daniel Mulcahy Eco Enhance GA D&C Pty Ltd Goodway Masonry Pty Ltd Horizon Construction Cleaners Pty Ltd Ivanka Kostroman John Beever (Aust.) Pty Ltd Living Colour Landscapes (Aust) Pty Ltd Long Ma Lynx Maintenance Services Pty Ltd M.D. Projects (VIC) Pty Ltd Melbourne Building Technology Vic Pty Ltd Melbourne Commercial Works Pty Ltd Perfect Construction Group Premier Constructions Australia Pty Ltd Project Constructions Pty Ltd Quipsmart Trading Scope Commercial Projects Pty Ltd Shandiz Ghashghaie Solo Projects Pty Ltd Soulco Fitouts Stirlingshire Timbercraft Taishan Construction Pty Ltd Toucon Pty Ltd

Student                          

Aaron Nikolopoulos Adam Fedor Adam Rodda Adam Svaljck Aidan Carter Alex Brogden Bayley Thompson Benjamin Firth Blade Lacey Blake Dawson Brayd Davis Brayden Van Orsouw Bryson Linsley Charles Edwards Charlie Carr Charlie White Chelsea Hinds Cordell Moore Corey Lloyd Daniel Scopolliti Daniel Woolliams Deklen Stoffels Drew Garcia Esther Gilchrist Giorgio Nicolaou Grant Harris


MASTER BUILDERS VICTORIA

55

NEW MEMBERS

                         

Hai Le Hamish Heath Hayden Eason Hossein Kelishadi Hunter Nichols Iggy Duke Jack Reid Jack Toose Jackson Taurau Jacob Lawson Jake Parsons Jake Sullivan James Maloney James Sun Jesse Johnstone Jett Stotten Joao Delgahinho Joel Berry John Kenneth Fitzgerald Jordan Gee Joshua Van Gils Kain Cartledge Kieran Maher Kieran Sproule-Carroll Lachlan Bobrawski Lachlan Johnston

                         

Lachlan Whitmore Leigh Jennings Liam Holding Logan Wilson Lucas Giacchi Lucas Kelley Lucas Tafilor Luke Vadala Madeline Chandler Matt Waller Matthew Lane Menzie Harris Michael Booth Mitchell Atkins Mohamed Omar Nathan Bootsman Nathan Goss Peclyn Whitmore Rhys Veale Richard Burke Riley McGregor Roger Allen Ryan Neilson Ryan Polkinghorne Saxon McDonald Sean Naylor

              

Sebastiano Sudano Sohaib Saqib Stephanie Simos Thomas Lauricella Thomas Sullivan Tia Rudge Tom Hendeson Tom Le Lievre Tommy Stoneman Tristan Elsey Tyler Collings Vanro Lian William Macgibbon Yestin Cupido Zachary Cullen

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MASTER BUILDERS VICTORIA

MASTER BUILDERS VICTORIA

I BUILD NEW

I BUILD NEW

Building up your business MASTER BUILDERS’ NEW ONLINE SEARCH PLATFORM CAN HELP YOUR BUSINESS STAND OUT FROM THE CROWD AND ALLOW YOU TO CONNECT WITH NEW CLIENTS

I

T doesn’t matter how large their budget is, a potential client will always be pressed for time and hungry for information to find the best builder for their next project. As a highly skilled builder, you need to be easy to find and have an online listing that quickly and professionally explains what your business is about. Master Builders can help. With our new, enhanced, online search platform, ‘Find a Master Builder’ designed by iBuildNew.com.au, you can stand out from the crowd and connect with new clients in five easy steps.

Step 1 Log on to iBuildNew.com.au to create an account. Fill in your name, email address and membership number. www.ibuildnew.com.au/building-directory/register

Step 2 Select the type of listing you want.  A free listing is included with your membership, with 50 per cent

57

discount on paid listings that showcase even more what you have to offer.  Paid listings give your company more prominent placement, provide an online gallery for displaying your completed projects and client testimonials and give you statistics to show you how well your profile is performing.  There is no need to spend thousands on building a website and seeking traffic when you can create and manage your own through iBuildNew.

Step 3 Create your listing.  Select the type of work you offer, the regions where you offer it and tailor the way your listing appears in client searches. Please note that to be listed on iBuildnew you need to hold the class of registration that is relevant to the work for which you want to be listed.  Personalise your profile with the type of work you like to do and distinguish yourself from other builders.

Step 4 The staff at iBuildNew.com.au will confirm your details and make your profile live on the website and searchable on the Master Builders website. Your listing will be published when membership details have been confirmed with both Master Builders and the Victorian Building Authority (VBA), as the platform is for registered builders, trades and architects only.

Step 5 Review your profile to make sure you have entered the information correctly and make any adjustments to your content. We want to help you get more of the work you’re after and our new ‘Find a Master Builder’ platform bridges the gap between builder and client. Visit iBuildNew.com.au to create a profile for your business today, or go to www.ibuildnew.com.au/building-directory-mba. If you need some assistance, the friendly team at iBuildNew can help you kick-start your profile. Call them on 1300 943 640 or email customerservice@ibuildnew.com.au. For Master Builders membership enquiries call (03) 9411 4555.


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MASTER BUILDERS VICTORIA

MASTER BUILDERS VICTORIA

59

MEMBER PROFILE

MEMBER PROFILE

Steve Peluso, Master Menders HOUSING SECTOR CHAIRPERSON STEVEN PELUSO HAS BEEN PRAGMATIC IN HIS LIFE AND CAREER

A

s managing director of Peluso Woods Group, and Master Menders, Steven Peluso works closely alongside his business partner Peter Woods. Under the Master Menders banner they provide building services to bodies corporate, commercial and industrial facilities, managers and corporate insurers. Master Menders specialises in builder liquidation, defects and incomplete works. They also build new homes, industrial, commercial fit-outs and renovations, small bathrooms to large renovations, land subdivisions, and commercial and domestic unit developments. Steven started working in the building industry at a very young age doing framing but when work dried up, he took a job in car repairs. He later returned to working in the building industry, getting a carpentry apprenticeship working with some of Australia’s largest domestic builders as part of a framing crew for Henley Homes, Simonds and AV Jennings, just to name a few. After a scaffolding accident Steven decided he wanted to “get off the tools” and explore property management and development. Steven has been self employed since 1991 and over the past 22 years has developed both residential and commercial projects, mainly in Melbourne’s south east and broadened to insurance rectification works. “By trying other avenues in my career, it’s given me great broad industry knowledge, and it’s made me who I am,” Steven says. Master Menders have been members of Master Builders since 1994. Steven’s work with Master Builders as a committee and board member has allowed him to make connections and further develop his understanding of all facets of the building industry. “Being on the committee has given me an insight into building legislation changes and now being a board member provides me with an opportunity to be an advocate on the

proposed industry changes on an intermediate level, promoting a more consistent and regulated industry that will continue to prosper,” Steven said. “It has given me a great, broad picture of the industry and allows me to meet builders and personalities I wouldn’t normally get the opportunity to meet.” Steven served as a judge on the Master Builder awards committee for 10 years, resigning from the panel at the end of last year due to work commitments. He is an active member of the Australian Waterproofing Association committee and is on the Board for the St Kilda Community Housing for the Homeless.


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MASTER BUILDERS VICTORIA

CALENDAR

MASTER BUILDERS

EVENTS CALENDAR

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MASTER BUILDERS VICTORIA

61

CALENDAR

SEPTEMBER

NOVEMBER

25 | AGM Geelong Section Meeting Grovedale Hotel, Geelong

| Gippsland Section Breakfast Meeting Cowes

25 | North West AGM Section Meeting Hotel Mildura, Mildura

14 | Ballarat Section Meeting TBC

OCTOBER

14 | Trade Night - Shepparton GV Hotel Shepparton

3 | Trade Night - Moorabbin Yarra Yarra Golf Club, Moorabbin

Legal Seminar Master Builders, East Melbourne

12 | Excellence in Housing Awards Crown Palladium, Southbank (TBC)

20 | Board of Management Meeting Master Builders, East Melbourne

16 | Board of Management Master Builders, East Melbourne

20 | North West Members Meeting Commercial Hotel, Swan Hill

17 | AGM Bendigo Section Meeting The Bridge, Bendigo

21 | Bendigo Section Breakfast Meeting Bendigo

17 | Trade Night - Mornington Mornington Racing Club, Mornington

23 | National Conference TBC

26 | Gippsland Golf Day Traralgon Golf Club

23 | National Awards TBC

EXPERT ADVICE AND ONSITE SUPPORT YOU NEED TO SUCCEED 19 Trade Stores 8 Truss and Frame Manufacturing Plants 1 Metal Roofing Centre

IN VIC AND SOUTHERN NSW

27 | Council of Management/AGM Master Builders, East Melbourne 27 | Geelong Section Meeting Grovedale Hotel, Geelong 27 | President’s Dinner TBC

DECEMBER 5 | Wimmera Section Break up Horsham Mornington Group Meeting Break up Mornington Bendigo Section Break up Bendigo


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MASTER BUILDERS VICTORIA

TRAINING

By Corrie Williams Head of Training

Master Builders Foundation: upskilling for a stronger industry

T

he Master Builders Foundation has been giving financial support to people wanting to upskill in the building and construction industry since 2010. Over that time more than $340,000 has been awarded and 143 people have been provided with support in a field of study of direct relevance to skill development in building, construction or a related industry. Two types of funding are available – a $2200 scholarship, and a $10,000 ‘leadership’ scholarship. Each application is reviewed on its merits and how it aligns to the Foundation guidelines, which are available from Master Builders Victoria upon request.

In the last few years, Foundation funds have made a large variety of tools and courses available to worthy recipients in both metropolitan and regional areas. These resources include:  Certificate III in Carpentry  Certificate IV in Building and Construction (Building)  Basic Scaffold, First Aid  Certificate III in Cabinet Making  Certificate III in Plumbing  Elevated Work Platform training  Traffic control and Management training. Previous scholarship recipients like Devin Grant from Granted Constructions (2013 Foundation Scholarship winner and 2011 Master Builders


63

MASTER BUILDERS VICTORIA

TRAINING

Apprentice of the Year) have enjoyed the support of applying to the Master Builders Foundation for assistance. “The $10,000 went a long way towards getting me my licence,” Grant said. “Otherwise, it would have been hard for me to afford a diploma, and get a good computer and software as an apprentice, let alone get registered.”

Why is this important?

What can you do to help?

Our industry is booming, and there are many unfilled openings for skilled staff. Master Builders Foundation provides an opportunity for people who would not otherwise be able to upskill themselves to train for the career they want. Our goal is to get more experienced and knowledgeable people into our industry.

If you know someone who is looking to undertake training but is not in a financial position to do so, then an application for support from the Master Builders Foundation could be worth their while. Please urge them to email foundation@mbav.com.au for more information, or call (03) 9411 4555.

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