VOLUME 11 | NUMBER 1 | MARCH-APRIL 2014
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2
contents MARCH/APRIL 2014
OUR COVER
WA contractors have a tradition of capturing Master Builders Australia National Excellence in Building and Construction Awards. This year is was APG Homes, Savvy Construction, BGC and Perth Rigging. See pages 28-30 for details.
in this issUe... FORWORDS
UPDATES
FEATURES
President’s File .......................................................4
Building Business .................................................36
Advantages of Double Glazing .............................62
Director’s File ..........................................................6
Personal Pars .......................................................38
Walls & Ceiling ......................................................64
Membership .........................................................44
Termites ................................................................68
Members’ Health ..................................................49 Legal .....................................................................50
Decorative Concrete .............................................73
REPORTS General News .........................................................8 National Awards ...................................................28 Branches ..............................................................32
Security for the home ...........................................71
Industrial Relations ...............................................52 Insurance ..............................................................54
What’s New ..........................................................76
Training .................................................................55
Directory ...............................................................76
Technical ..............................................................56 Safety ...................................................................58 Housing ................................................................59
PUBLISHED BY
Crowther Blayne & Associates Pty Ltd Phone: 1800 222 757 Fax: 1800 063 151 Email: publications@crowtherblayne.com.au National Sales and Marketing Manager: Trish Riley Corporate Sales: Patricia Davey, Dean Wedding, Stuart Tovey Email: sales@crowtherblayne.com.au Graphic Design: Aniko Gaspar Editor: Sue Guilfoyle Production Coordinator: Brooke Travers Printed by Newstyle Printing Master Builder is the official publication of The Master Builders Association of Western Australia. It is produced five times per year and published by Crowther-Blayne & Associates Pty Ltd. Master Builders Association of Western Australia was established in1898 and is the state’s oldest building industry organisation. The MBAWA is part of the Australia-wide Master Builder movement. Master Builder is produced to keep members informed of matters affecting them. Opinions and/ or statements in any editorial and/or advertisements are not necessarily those of the publisher and/or the MBAWA. The publisher reserves the right to reject any material deemed unsuitable for publication. Other than for the purposes of and subject to the conditions prescribed under the copyright Act 1968, no part of Master Builder may in any form or by any means (electronic, mechanical, microcopying, photocopying, recording or otherwise) be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted without prior written permission from the MBAWA or Crowther-Blayne & Associates Pty Ltd.
MBAWA BOARD OF MANAGEMENT: President: John Ripp Senior Vice President: Robert Spadaccini Vice President: David Crothers Treasurer: Chris Lillis Immediate Past President: Robert Shaw Board Members: George Allingame, Simon Birkhead, Jason Kunkler, Andy Peppercorn, Dan Perkins, Jack Pleiter, Michael Vermey. SENIOR STAFF: Director: Michael McLean Special Projects Director: Gavan Forster Contracts & Administration Manager: Charles Anderson Construction Director: Kim Richardson Membership Services Manager: Veronica Mill Housing & Business Development Director: Geoff Cooper Partnerships & Marketing Manager: Kelly Dewar-Matusik Events Manager: Pippa Tearne Technical Advisor: Romina De Santis Training Director: Neil Du Rand Safety Manager: Michael Fitzgerald Regional Operations Manager: Graham Bell Waste Reduction Consultant: Michael Norriss
HEAD OFFICE: 35-37 Havelock Street, West Perth WA 6005 Post: PO Box 167, West Perth WA 6872 Phone: (08) 9476 9800 (Country) 1300 550 262 Fax: (08) 9476 9801 Email: mba@mbawa.com Website: www.mbawa.com MASTER BUILDERS TRAINING CENTRE 594 Hay Street Jolimont WA 6014 Phone: (08) 9441 8000 Fax: (08) 9441 8001 Email: training@mbawa.com REGIONAL BRANCHES: Albany-Great Southern: Linda Gibbs Ph 9841 6232 Bunbury-South West: Geoff Bosustow Ph 9721 6547 Geraldton-North West: Dianne Gilleland Ph 9921 5061 Esperance: Doug Backhouse Ph 0437 184 366 MEMBERSHIP INQUIRIES: Veronica Mill Ph (08) 9476 9800
SUBSCRIPTION ENQUIRIES: Master Builder is available for subscription at a cost of $55/year. Contact Membership Services Manager Veronica Mill via email at veronica@mbawa.com for further information.
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FOREWORDS president’s file
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MARCH/APRIL 2014
engaging with members Being elected President of the Master Builders Association in 2014 is a great honour and it is a role I am very much looking forward to. Robert Shaw did a magnificent job as our President over the last three years and I formally acknowledge his contribution and commitment to our organisation in my first editorial.
Jo hn Rip p
Like the 53 Presidents before me, I am keen to meet and hear from as many members as possible during my term of office. I see my role as being a conduit between the Board and the membership and the staff respectively to develop sound policies, represent members’ interests and oversee the operation of the Association in conjunction with our senior staff. Although we are a not-for-profit organisation, we are a business which needs to function efficiently in terms of the products and services it provides our members, as well as managing our property assets in Perth, Geraldton, Bunbury and Albany. Having been a Board member for the last 14 years, I have observed the evolution of Master Builders into a very professionally run industry association which now offers members a comprehensive range of services to assist their businesses. One of the biggest challenges I believe Master Builders faces is to create an effective engagement with its members. This is going to be one of my major objectives as President – to improve the engagement we have with members. As a membership-based organisation, it is essential that we communicate effectively with our 1700 members, one third of whom are based in regional WA. This communication needs to be user-friendly, timely and accurate. The current modes of communication with members include our
weekly electronic newsletter, our Master Builder magazine which is published 5 times each year, various email alerts, our website, Facebook, the occasional phone call and personal contact at member functions. From my own involvement with Master Builders, I know how active we are in the policy and lobbying areas, in hosting a number of awards and networking functions as well as offering a comprehensive range of products and services. But the question that keeps coming up is, how many of our members really know about all these things? I hear first hand from other Board members things like: • How good MBA Insurance Services policies are. • The value of our safety management plans and site safety audits. • The benefits of Master Builders drafting Enterprise Bargaining Agreements for their businesses. • The amazing discounts their companies have obtained through Master Builders’ alliances with Toyota, Telstra, Caltex and Medibank Private. • The gains that flow to Master Builders from Bankwest providing finance to members and their staff. • The benefits of our online contracts. The list goes on. The point is, if more members were better informed of these services, everyone would be better off. The other advantage of improving our engagement with members is to increase entries in our various awards,
Acknowledging the Support of our 2014 Partners:
boost attendances at member functions and enrolments in training courses. Although emails are a simple, quick and cheap form of communication, we are getting flooded by them. Sometimes the easiest way to manage your Inbox is to delete everything except the most important items. Are emails from Master Builders in this category for you? Because one of our Association’s core services is to provide members with regular information updates, we need to carry out this role extremely well. With so many changes happening on the IT and communications front, we need to review our methods of communicating with members to ensure they are getting the messages in the form they want. I would welcome your feedback on this issue. It is an ongoing challenge to provide the right style and amount of information to our members. Expect some changes in the way in which we deliver some of the key messages to you in the future. John Ripp
You’ll find our new Technical Manual as handy as ever.
Our new edition Technical Manual has arrived. It’s easy to use and full of all the information you need to make the right decisions when designing, planning and specifying bricks and blocks. Download it now at midlandbrick.com.au, talk to your Midland Brick Sales Executive or call 13 15 40 to get your hands on a copy.
FOREWORDS director’s file
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MARCH/APRIL 2014
Crystal ball gazing It doesn’t take long after you return from your festive season break for the work routine to kick in again. I hope all our members had an enjoyable holiday and have returned refreshed and revitalised to tackle new challenges and capitalise on new opportunities in this, the Chinese Year of the Horse.
M ic h a el M c L e
an
As Master Builders enters its one-hundred-andseventeenth year since its formation in 1898, I can foresee another busy year ahead on several fronts. Consider the following examples: Policy and Lobbying With a new Federal Government and a State Government in the first year of a four-year term, we can expect some regulatory changes, most of which should be positive for our industry. We have a particular interest in: • Changes to planning laws which should make the building and planning approvals process more efficient. This reform is long overdue, especially for single detached housing. • The establishment of a new Australian Building and Construction Commission to prosecute unlawful industrial relations practices. The abolition of the previous ABCC by the Gillard Government has resulted in some shocking abuses of power by several renegade union officials and criminal elements in Victoria, New South Wales and Queensland in particular. • The Construction Training Fund is undergoing a five-yearly review to ensure its structure and processes are up to date. This fund will play an increasingly important role if skill shortages were to accompany improved economic conditions.
• A new housing indemnity insurance scheme in WA following a review by the Economic Regulation Authority and a reluctance of the major underwriter, QBE, to remain in the market. Expect a new role for the Insurance Commission of WA. • The Productivity Commission will be commencing a review of the Fair Work Act and our so-called modern awards. Expect a long-awaited overhaul but only in 2015 or 2016. • The TAFE regime is currently being reviewed to enhance the development of skills for the jobs we require. Expect a major shake-up to bring TAFE into the twenty-first century with more industry involvement. Products and Services The range of Master Builders’ products and services continues to grow each year. We expect the following to be the most popular among members: • MBA Insurance Services. • Our comprehensive range of training courses. • Our new online contracts. • The drafting of industrial relations agreements. • Site safety audits and safety management plans. • The Master Builders-AIB State Conference on 24 October. • The special deals offered to members by our growing list of alliance partners such
Acknowledging the Support of our 2014 Partners:
as Bankwest, Toyota, Telstra and Caltex. Some of our new partners include Medibank Private, Cancer Council Sun Smart program and West Coast Fever netball. • A new waste management program. • Our fantastic award and member functions across the State. Notable Master Builders’ Events This year, the following events and milestones will be something special to celebrate: • The fiftieth anniversary of our Geraldton Branch on 8 August. • Our CEO Industry Dinner and Robert Law Presentation at Crown on 28 August which coincides with WA hosting a national Master Builders Board meeting in Perth. • The five-hundredth episode of Home in WA, Master Builders’ television program, which has promoted members to the WA public over the last 15 years. This is a brief glimpse of some of the things on our agenda this year. With a new President, different political dynamics and improving economic conditions, it promises to be an exciting year for our staff. We are looking forward to assisting members as best we can and welcome your ongoing engagement and feedback throughout the year. Michael McLean
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REPORTS general news MARCH/APRIL 2014
An artist’s impression of the new National Anzac Centre currently under construction in Albany.
Challenges for Albany’s National Anzac Centre The Department of Finance, Building Management and Works is managing the construction of the new National Anzac Centre in Albany, a building of national importance, following the awarding of the construction contract to Master Builder member, BGC Construction, late last year. BMW used a two stage tendering process to procure the construction contract. Responses to the first stage expression of interest were evaluated against weighted criteria such as experience in carrying out work of a similar nature, experience of key personnel in the contract team, meeting the Government’s Buy Local Policy and the ability to meet tight delivery timeframes. The shortlisted contractors were subject to a business risk assessment and invited to participate in a limited request for tender. The centre will hit the world stage in November when it is officially opened on the hundredth anniversary of the departure of the first World War One convoys carrying the
Australian Imperial Force and New Zealand Expeditionary Force. Albany was the last Australian port these troops saw before commencing their training in Egypt and, for the majority, ultimately taking part in landings at Gallipoli from 25 April 1915.
The BMW program director and principal project manager who are managing the project are taking every measure to ensure it runs smoothly. The site was cleared early and they have fortnightly meetings with BGC to ensure progress is maintained.
The $12 million centre will be operated by the City of Albany, with curatorial services provided by the Western Australian Museum. The centre is jointly funded by the Commonwealth and State. It will comprise a single 614 square metre building built on columns on sloping ground, so that the forward end of the building will be seven metres above ground level. This will allow for two large windows to maximise the view of King George Sound where the fleet was moored in 1914.
“It’s a very hands on approach with day-today management of progress on the project,” the program director said. “There is a lot of consulting involved and we are working closely with the Returned and Services League, the Department of Veterans’ Affairs, the WA Museum and the City of Albany. They all have a strong interest in the centre.”
The project has clear challenges with a short and non-negotiable timeframe. Failure to meet the 1 November timeframe is not an option, with the opening of the centre being part of three days of commemorative events in Albany for thousands of expected visitors.
Peter Hunt Architect, Thylacine Design and the Gibson Group are the key design consultants on the project which is under the control of a steering committee chaired by the Department of the Premier and Cabinet.
general news REPORTS 9 MARCH/APRIL 2014
Union thuggery, declining productivity linked Master Builders Australia chief economist, Peter Jones, says the economic data points to the need for restoration of the ABCC.
Master Builders Australia chief economist, Peter Jones, says the decline in productivity in the building and construction industry during 2012-13 is surprising and is likely to be the beginning of a worrying trend unless the Australian Building and Construction Commission is restored. He said that declining productivity is the price the community pays for the behaviour of building unions, highlighted by recent allegations of corruption and criminality. “Latest estimates of Industry Multifactor Productivity by the Australian Bureau of Statistics show that on a quality adjusted hours worked basis, gross value added based multifactor productivity in the building and construction industry fell by 0.6 percent in 2012-13,” he said. “The ABS is the most authoritative and trusted source of productivity data, with this release providing further strong evidence of what was a pronounced step-up in building and construction productivity during the period when the ABCC ushered in a time of industrial harmony in combination with workplace reforms. “Not only was there a step-up in productivity, the building and construction industry unequivocally outperformed other industries during the period 2002-03 to 2011-12, the period the ABCC operated prior to its abolition by the previous government,” Mr Jones said. “The average productivity ‘gap’ between the building and construction industry and 12 selected industries closed by 5.5 index points during the Taskforce-ABCC era,” Peter Jones said.
Comment: why the ABCC should be restored
“The superior productivity performance in the building and construction industry during in the ABCC era contrasted with what virtually all commentators accept - productivity performance in the Australian economy during this time was poor.” Mr Jones said that, had it not been for the superior productivity outcome achieved in the building and construction industry over this period, Australia’s productivity performance would have been much worse. “The wider economic benefits flowing from productivity outperformance of the building and construction industry during the ABCC era are in danger of being lost due to changes by the previous Government to constructionspecific workplace arrangements that came into effect on 1 July 2012,” he said. “This concerning development in building and construction productivity comes at a time when the big challenge confronting the Australian economy is to do better on the productivity front over the next decade or else suffer a decline in living standards. As Reserve Bank governor, Glenn Stevens, said in a semi-annual testimony to the House of Representatives in December, ‘It all comes back to productivity’.”
During the recent federal election, Master Builders called on all political parties to re-establish the ABCC. This step would reduce the cost of construction, increase productivity and re-establish the rule of law in the industry. Since the introduction of the Fair Work Act in 2009 and the abolition of the ABCC and its replacement by Fair Work Building and Construction in June 2012, the industry’s productivity has been stifled. The FWBC has fewer powers than the ABCC and concentrates a large number of its resources on enforcing safety instruments. It is a shadow of the prior agency. Greater adherence to the rule of law and improved workplace practices previously boosted productivity in the building and construction industry by close to 10 percent per year and delivered flow-on benefits to every Australian. An independent report commissioned by Master Builders and published in August 2013 shows that industrial relations reforms when the ABCC was in operation led to significant productivity improvement generating consumer welfare gains of $7.5 billion per annum. The report shows that a building industry watchdog backed by strong powers is essential to generating growth and productivity throughout the economy. Since the abolition of the ABCC, there has been a resurgence in unlawful practices by militant building unions such as intimidation of subcontractors and others in the supply chain and across the board ‘sign up of else’ bargaining. The reintroduction of the ABCC should target these practices so that productivity benefits which Master Builders has shown would be generated are reinstalled.
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REPORTS general news MARCH/APRIL 2014
Implementation of WA’s new building laws was the first step in moving the State towards a risk-based system of building regulation. Building Commissioner, Peter Gow, says the changes are building a risk-based regulatory environment and...
.....freeing builders from unnecessary red tape ss
io n
et e r G o e r, P w.
B uilding C o m m
i
Building standards, the registration and licensing of competent people, the building approval process, insurance requirements, inspections and audits – these are all examples of regulatory controls that exist to manage the risk to the community and consumers from buildings and the building process. As the State’s building industry regulator, the challenge for the Building Commission is to set appropriate controls without imposing unnecessary costs and red tape. To achieve this, the Building Commission is moving away from an uncoordinated and often risk-averse approach to building regulation towards an integrated, risk-based system. A risk-based system identifies where the risks are, the likelihood of the risks and the consequences should a failure occur. Controls are then focused on the high-risk areas. At the minor end of the risk rating scale would be a kitchen renovation, which is unlikely to
impact on the structural soundness of a house or cause death or injury. At the extreme end would be a major sports stadium which, in the event of a fire or structural failure due to poor design, workmanship or unsuitable materials, could result in the death or injury of thousands of people.
on re-registration and auditing their work to demonstrate compliance lets the Commission place more trust in registered people and reduce oversight in other areas of the building process. Where audits show poor work and non-compliance the Commission can take disciplinary action when it is warranted.
The implementation of our State’s new building laws was the first step towards risk-based regulation and this already has reduced red tape significantly in some areas. For example, the Building Act exempts buildings that are incidental to mining and processing facilities and infrastructure from the need for building permits because the risks from these facilities are effectively managed through other processes.
By progressively aligning its set of building controls and eliminating unnecessary duplication the Commission hopes to continue cutting red tape. These principles are being applied to home indemnity insurance, where a new system underwritten by the State Government, rather than private insurers, can remove duplication in financial and turnover checks and align the requirement to provide insurance with the risk of catastrophic financial loss for home buyers.
Enhancements to the registration system under the Building Services (Registration) Act, including more comprehensive checks in the renewals process and a structured audit program, are also products of this more focused approach. Confirming that people still meet registration requirements
Dumpers come unstuck Master Builder members report that illegal dumping on their building sites is a year-round problem but that it peaks over the Christmas period. One dumper who didn’t get away with it was recently the subject of a case study by the Dob in a Dumper campaign.
vacated and neighbours were not able to assist with any forwarding address.
A supervisor attending his company’s site in Harrisdale found the site bin contents had been ‘added to’ and included children’s play equipment, beer cartons and other household rubbish. After sifting through the items, a photograph of two young children was located, along with a loan document which provided the full names of those obtaining the loan.
Undeterred, Meridian conducted a Landgate search which revealed the people whose names appeared on the loan had recently purchased a home in Harrisdale, near where the dumping occurred. Armadale Council was alerted and after a brief visit from the local rangers, the dumpers removed from the bin, all of the items belonging to them. Meridian report that at first, the people involved tried to lie about the matter, but when shown photos of the document and the children, became more cooperative.
The document contained an address in a distant suburb. A visit to the house by Meridian Services as part of the Dob in a Dumper initiative revealed that the house had been
To get involved with the Dob in a Dumper and Name and Shame initiatives, contact Nicola Weaver at Meridian on 9225 9999.
But builders will need to do their bit to keep red tape at a minimum. They will need to do the right thing to eliminate the need for further controls and allow for maximum flexibility under the new laws.
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REPORTS general news MARCH/APRIL 2014
aib promotes Cpd and royal Charter benefits The Australian Institute of Building plans to review its voluntary continuing professional development requirements in light of the Australian Government’s work on a National Licensing System for occupations including building and building related disciplines. AIB says one of its primary functions is to support its members and the wider Australian building and construction professions with targeted and topical programs that assist participants to continually develop their knowledge, understanding and skills as Chartered Builders. Through its Chapters and via a nationally coordinated short course program, it provides a variety of seminars, forums and practically focused site visits for members and others. Members are encouraged to maintain a level of involvement in continuing professional development. A minimum of 90 points over three years has been set as a guide with a minimum of 20 points each year. CPD activities fall into five main types: • Formal tertiary study in TAFE, undergraduate or post-graduate courses or individual tertiary course units (20 points per unit of course program). • Short courses, workshops, seminars, conferences, discussion groups and technical meetings (one point per hour). • Private study which extends knowledge and skills (one point per hour). • Service to AIB (one point per hour of service). • Preparation and presentation of material for courses, conferences, seminars, symposia and publications (five points per paper).
Chartered Building Professional logo: all AIB Corporate Members (MAIB) and Fellows (FAIB) are eligible to use the title Chartered Building Professional and the trademarked logo.
AIB also is promoting becoming a Chartered Builder or Chartered Building Professional. It says that as the Institute is incorporated by Royal Charter in can offer exclusive use of the words Chartered Builder and Chartered Building Professional. The titles and trademarked logos provide an excellent opportunity for building practitioners to differentiate themselves in the market place and promote their individual capabilities as having been independently assessed by AIB.
Chartered Builder logo: building practitioners, regardless of whether they are AIB members or not, who are independently assessed through the National Building Professionals Register can use the title Chartered Builder and the trademarked logo. For more information on the NBPR go to www.nbpr.com.au.
For information on CPD requirements contact the AIB National Office or email education@aib.org.au.
visa review wins sUpport Master Builders Australia has expressed support for the independent review of the 457 visa program announced by the Government in February. CEO Wilhelm Harnisch welcomed the announcement as a positive step in the Government’s broad agenda to increase productivity, growth and jobs. “Access to overseas skilled workers where there is a demonstrated shortage is important in lifting productivity in the building and construction industry,” Mr Harnisch said. “In welcoming the review, Master Builders also reinforces its commitment to the training of
Australian workers to enable them to take up rewarding careers in the building and construction industry but the productivity of the industry should not be undermined by unreasonable restrictions in employing suitably qualified workers on 457 visas when immediate need for skilled tradespeople cannot be met by the local labour market. “Master Builders is calling on the Government to ensure that where employment of skilled overseas tradespeople is required, employers are not met with crippling red tape. The need to maintain the
integrity of the 457 visa program is accepted, however, there also needs to be efficient and effective administrative arrangements that do not impose an excessive compliance burden on employers.” Mr Harnisch said Master Builders will be making a comprehensive submission to the review and will work closely with the Immigration Minister and members of the review panel to achieve outcomes which drive increased productivity in both the building industry and wider economy.
general news REPORTS 13 MARCH/APRIL 2014
Winners of the best team score (l-r): Steve Kymantas (Jaxon), Kevin McIntosh and Darryn Stone (Australand Holdings) and Michael Van Dongen (Jaxon).
Hays-Master Builders Gavan Forster Invitational Golf Day The 2014 Hays-Master Builders Gavan Forster invitational golf day in February was an opportunity for 36 keen golfers to swap a day in the office for one in the sunshine at The Vines Golf and Country Club. Toughing it out in their motorised golf buggies, and with plenty of delicious food and refreshments, the players completed their 18-hole Ambrose competition before enjoying the good company and postmatch dinner together with the presentation of a generous array of prizes by Hays WA regional recruitment director, Nik Hardiman.
The underwhelming Whitehouse Award winners (l-r) Peter Skyes and Ian Mitchinson (Dempsey Gillespie), Andrew Whitehouse (Whitehouse Construction Services), Nik Hardiman (Hays Recruitment, making the presentation) and Andrew Farely (Whitehouse Construction Services) appear quite content with their performance.
The best scoring team, consisting of skilled golfers Michael Van Dongen and Steve Kymantas (Jaxon) and Darryn Stone and Kevin McIntosh (Australand Holdings), each took home new golf t-shirts, while the novelty awards were won by BGC players who each received a diary and set of new golf balls. With an eponymous trophy to keep track of, Team 8 from Whitehouse Construction Services and Dempsey Gillespie again accepted the NAGA award. Other winners were Ray Curran (BGC Construction), longest drive, Jeff Brice (BGC Concrete), nearest the pin and straightest drive, Brian Marinovich (BGC Construction). Hays Recruitment once again sponsored the event which bears the name of Master Builders’ keenest golfer, Gavan Forster. Unfortunately Gavan’s team of John Ripp (back on the golf course for the first time in 35 years), Robert Shaw and Michael McLean weren’t able to sink the putts to get him on the winners list – this year.
Out on the course (l-r): team 7’s Matthew Paercichetti (Insight Electrical), David Perlini (Insight Electrical), Mark Parish (Perkins Builders) and Nik Hardiman (Hays Recruitment).
14
REPORTS general news MARCH/APRIL 2014
Restoring confidence key to building industry turnaround Master Builders Australia says the disappointing one percent fall in construction work done in the December quarter confirms that restoring business confidence is the key to a turnaround in the construction industry. February ABS Construction Work Done data shows a one percent fall in the December 2013 quarter while the volume of construction work done was up 0.2 percent from the corresponding quarter a year ago. Peter Jones, chief economist of Master Builders Australia says all three sectors of the industry declined in the quarter with almost zero growth from a year ago across building and engineering construction. “The performance of the bellwether construction industry will be a litmus test for the rebalancing of the broader economy as the mining boom deflates,” he said. “Confidence is fundamental to the wellbeing of the building and construction industry and its capacity to contribute to economic growth and jobs. “Master Builders’ pre-Budget submission focuses on the role the industry can play in strengthening the economy, driving investment and jobs in the non-resources sectors of the economy and the importance of restoring business confidence by setting out a clear and credible strategy for return to sound economic management.” Master Builders forecasts a mixed outlook for building and construction across major sectors of the industry over the next three years to 2015-16. “The Government must also ensure that the supply side constraints do not cruel a recovery in residential building,” Mr Jones said. “The lack of housing supply and its impact on housing affordability continues to be important but is largely missing from the public policy narrative. Master Builders is calling for a reinvigorated and effective COAG and a national ‘competition style’ payment to State and Local Governments to remove regulations in order to improve supply side efficiency of the housing market.”
Peter Kennedy (right) presenting Ross Barrett with national Life Membership at the 2013 National Excellence in Building and Construction Awards in Canberra in November.
Master Builders Aust life membership to Barrett Master Builders Australia has awarded life membership to Ross Barrett for his outstanding contribution and exceptional commitment to the building and construction industry and Master Builder movement at state and national levels. Mr Barrett has a long history of membership and leadership of professional bodies. He has been a Fellow of the Australian Institute of Company Directors since 1990. He was a national Board member of Master Builders Australia from 2001 to 2012 and is a former president of the Civil Contractors Federation of Australia. He is also a current Board member of MBA Group Training in the ACT. He was chair of Community Housing Canberra Ltd (2007-2011) and chair of Regional Development Australia ACT (2009-2010); both positions being ACT Government appointments. Mr Barrett is an engineer by profession. He has been a Fellow of the Institution of Engineers Australia since 1986 and, in 2011 and 2012, was judged by Engineers Australia as one of Australia’s top 100 most influential engineers. Currently, he is the chairman of the Land Development Agency. However, he is best known from his time as president of the Master Builders Association of the ACT. In 2012, he was awarded the OAM for service to the ACT building and construction industry.
LSL contribution comes down Construction industry long service leave scheme, MyLeave, has announced that following its annual actuarial review and analysis by the scheme’s Board, the contribution rate has been reduced to 1.90 percent of the ordinary rate of pay for 2014. Employer returns recording service from 1 January 2014 need to reflect the reduced contribution rate.
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16
REPORTS general news MARCH/APRIL 2014
Kate McCarthy (Brikmakers) and Paul Burnett (Bankwest).
Kirsty Hulston (Hays), Megan Allan (Western Power), John Ripp and Geoff Cooper (Master Builders).
Incoming Master Builders president, John Ripp (EMCO Building) with Paul Goodheart (Universal Constructions), George Allingame (Pindan), Rory Vinnicombe (BGC Construction) and Paul Carter (Mitie Construction).
Home in WA’s Ron Reddingius gets up close and personal with Master Builders’ staff, Kimberley Alexander and Jayne Tuckett.
arena sUndowner ends memorable 2013 More than 200 members gathered in December in the state and national award-winning Perth Arena to network, reminisce, reflect and see off 2013 at Master Builders’ Christmas sundowner.
Association director, Michael McLean, addressed the gathering, acknowledging the challenges faced in 2013 and wishing all a prosperous year ahead. He also paid tribute to retiring president Robert Shaw who reflected on his time at Master Builders, commenting on changes within the industry and saying he was handing over the helm with many fond memories. President-elect, John Ripp, was awarded the prestigious Member of The Year award for his unrivalled commitment to the Association. South
West Branch committee member Rade Ristovic and Craig Johnston from the Midwest Region were announced as joint Regional Members of the Year. The formalities also included the acknowledgement of members which in 2013 celebrated their 10- and 25-year Association memberships. Master Builders acknowledges Alinta Energy, Hanson, Hays, Landgate, Master Builders Insurance Services, Provisual, Toyota, West Australian Mechanical Services and Western Power for support of the Sundowner.
general news REPORTS 17 MARCH/APRIL 2014
Hockey must restore business confidence
The Australian War Memorial was the venue for the Master Builders’ National Conference dinner at which VC winner, Ben Roberts-Smith, was the keynote speaker.
The May Federal Budget must restore business confidence by setting out a credible strategy for a return to sound economic management and to a Budget surplus, says Master Builders Australia CEO, Wilhelm Harnisch. “Confidence is fundamental to the wellbeing of the building and construction industry and its capacity to contribute to economic and jobs growth,” Mr Harnisch, said recently when commenting on Master Builders’ preBudget submission. “The focus of Master Builders’ submission is the role that the building and construction industry can play in strengthening and rebalancing the economy, driving investment and jobs in the non-resources sectors,” he said. “Master Builders is deeply concerned at the very difficult fiscal challenges revealed by the Treasurer when releasing the Mid-year Economic and Fiscal Outlook and against this background restoring confidence is crucial to the building and construction industry. “Master Builders has called for adequate funds to be allocated to properly resource the restored Australian Building and Construction Commission so it can effectively confront the resurgence of unlawful behaviour by building unions, particularly in the first year of its renewed operations.” Mr Harnisch commented on low housing supply and its impact on housing affordability but pointed out the lack of public policy on the issue. He urged a national approach to removing regulation and to improving housing market supply. “The building and construction industry is one of the most regulated industries,” he said. “Master Builders is calling for the Governments to pare back the red and green tape burden stifling industry productivity and, in particular, the requirement for independent contractors to report all payments they make to other independent contractors should be abolished. “As the building industry begins to enter a period of forecast recovery, the lack of skilled tradespeople is a major concern and therefore Master Builders calls on the Government to maintain its investment in post-secondary skills training and deliver effective assistance to employers to allow the industry to provide sufficient young people with a rewarding career path in a trade apprenticeship.” Master Builders’ pre-Budget submission also addresses building industry concerns in the areas of infrastructure, immigration and tax reform.
National conference draws praise Master Builders Australia’s 2013 National Conference ‘Building Australia’ has been hailed an outstanding success, delivering a balanced program with a focus on leadership that incorporated high profile inspirational speakers. Delegates’ feedback was encouraging, describing the conference as very relevant and forward-focused. The conference was well supported by government officials and industry leaders with a welcome to the Canberra Centenary by the Act Chief Minister, Katy Gallagher. Senator Michaelia Cash, representing the Prime Minister, formally opened the conference and provided an inspiring insight into the Abbott Government plans and support for the building and construction industry. Two of Australia’s leading economists, Chris Richardson and Peter Jones, presented on the economic outlook. Australia’s most respected strategist, futurist and forecaster Phil Ruthven, chairman of IBISWorld, spoke on Australia’s changing demographics and the implications for the building industry. John Marasco, from Colliers International, outlined what is driving the Australian property market and where future opportunities lie for both residential and commercial projects. Lisa McInnes Smith’s leadership session ‘Lead Follow or get out of the Way’ proved very popular and one of Australia’s leading marketers, the vibrant and energetic Amanda Stevens, inspired delegates with valuable information on innovative marketing tactics. Corporal Ben Roberts-Smith VC MG joined the conference program as a special keynote speaker on the Friday evening at a dinner hosted by Cbus at the Australian War Memorial. The National Excellence in Building and Construction Awards, held at the Great Hall Parliament House with 480 guests in attendance, provided a spectacular finale to the National Conference.
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Tennis masters hold court Some of Master Builders’ keenest tennis tragics turned up to test their talents against other members at the Association’s corporate tennis afternoon at King’s Park in November. Sponsored by Butler Settineri and Georgiou, the stakes were high and the weather prevailed to provide some fascinating encounters and a few upset results. As usual, Master Builder magazine’s indolent tennis reporter, Harve Vollee, was there to prop up the bar and occasionally venture out into the sun to record the following impressions. On this occasion, tournament director, Michael McLean, changed the format to surprise the players by randomly (well, he claimed it was randomly) selecting teams of two for the afternoon’s games. This created some immediate controversy and more than mere suggestions of draft rigging but, according to McLean at least, these concerns were quickly silenced as the play unfolded. Making his long-awaited debut this season was internationally renowned Stephen Lee from Medibank Private, Master Builders’ new health insurance provider. Did I say long-awaited? Stephen, arriving late does not help your team’s cause. A Rolex and a dedicated coaching regime will be required to move you up the rankings. Lee paired with MBA Insurance Services state manager, Nick
Vernon, who obviously was once a competent tennis player and displayed improvement in every additional encounter. In all, worthy winners of the NATA/encouragement award. Representing long-standing tennis day sponsors Butler Settineri, Joe Gangemi (branded the Italian Stallion by McLean – clearly a reference to Gangemi’s speed around the court) teamed with previous champion, Master Builders’ communications director, Geoff Cooper. Although showing signs of tennis greatness, this team found the going too tough against more seasoned opponents. A lack of communication, perhaps? There is plenty of potential to work with, though.
Rather than earn an honest living, 16 avid tennis enthusiasts registered to play in the Butler Settineri-Georgiou corporate tennis afternoon.
he said you lacked your usual fire-power. Have a chat to the Italian Stallion. Master Builders’ president of the day, Robert Shaw, teamed up with veteran, Ray Kershaw Snr (Mondo Exclusive Homes), the pair finishing a creditable fourth with 37 games between them. Resembling something like an inflatable tube man, the pres hit some amazing winners and troubled several players with his Andy Roddick serve and Boris Becker retrieving ability. Kershaw’s steadiness and consistency were the perfect foil.
The reputable Georgiou combination of Frank Dilizia and Daniel Spies were unlucky to draw some early strong opposition which battered their confidence. As co-sponsors, this Georgiou team improved as the tournament progressed, receiving some sympathy from opponents. But... more practice needed to attract the punters, next outing.
In third place with 38 games were Jackson McDonald partner, Tom Jacobs, and the tournament director himself, McLean. Jacobs’ game continues to improve which will make him a serious threat at the next tennis event. According to McLean, some of his (McLean’s) other partners have let him down (no names, you know who you are) but expect a more competitive spirit next time. (Is the man kidding? Could he possibly be more competitive?)
The pairing of former Italian great, Tony Tarzia (Coastal Tiling), and debutant, James Moore (Cbus), never quite got going but troubled some of the veterans at times. James, the tournament director’s comment was that you preserved your stamina well. Not sure whether that’s code for give it your all next time. Tony,
Runners up with 39 games were debutant Paul Burnett from Bankwest and former schoolboy champion Frankie Cousin from Georgiou. Both played some great tennis and held their own against formidable opponents. Burnett’s height and serve (when it went in) was a powerful weapon while Cousin’s youthful mobility
general news REPORTS 19 MARCH/APRIL 2014
Leading the fashion stakes at the corporate tennis afternoon, Robert Shaw (Daly and Shaw), Ray Kershaw (Mondo Exclusive Homes) and Frank Dilizia from co-sponsor, Georgiou.
around the court was hard to penetrate. Watch out chaps, one or other of you is likely to be ‘randomly’ matched with the tournament director next time. And, indeed, the same might be said of the outstanding winners of the Butler SettineriGeorgiou tournament – Ben Keane (CN Hydraulics) and Andre Petrovic (Georgiou) with a fine score of 44 games between them over four sets. Both chaps played consistent tennis and remembered what their previous
Nick Vernon (MBA Insurance Services), co-sponsor Butler Settineri’s Joe Gangemi and latecomer Stephen Lee (Medibank Private).
coaches had taught them. Afterwards it was said, and I quote verbatim, “the handicappers will ensure this powerful combination is broken at the next corporate tennis day”. Hmm, interesting, Mr tournament director, so much for random selection. After all the grunt on the grass, it was charming to note that prizes were donated by the players themselves and were graciously received by the respective recipients.
The next Butler Settineri-Georgiou tennis afternoon will be held at Kings Park on 2 April. Tournament director McLean encourages other Association members with a passion for tennis to sign up to play (and not to take slurs about his handicapping seriously. Well, not too seriously). Footnote (couldn’t resist): In a generous gesture Petrovic donated his foot spa massager prize to Shaw’s wife, Penny, who was recovering from foot surgery.
Fair Work reforms to boost investment, jobs Master Builders Australia says the Fair Work Amendment Bill introduced in the Parliament late in February makes a good start to the workplace reforms necessary to achieving increased productivity and in helping to restore business confidence vital to investment and job creation. CEO, Wilhelm Harnisch, says the important effect of the reforms will be the opportunity they create to generate more jobs in the building and construction industry which employs more than one million Australians and has the capacity to employ more. “Master Builders supports the common sense changes set out in the Bill to restore balance and flexibility to how the industry operates,” he said. “We see the Bill as the start of workplace relations reform and not the finish. Reflected in the Bill are key recommendations of the previous Government’s Fair Work Review Panel which Master Builders pushed hard for when the review was conducted. Regrettably the previous Labor Government chose not to act on the findings of their own review and we
welcome the Employment Minister’s move to remedy this.” Mr Harnisch said the Bill’s proposed reforms to right of entry provisions to end the abuse by building union officials who seek to use right of entry as an industrial weapon is strongly supported. “The safety of all parties on building sites is too important to be used merely as an industrial tactic,” he said. “The industry therefore welcomes the Bill’s provisions to more effectively balance the rights of employees and employers in right of entry rules. “Master Builders also supports the reforms to greenfields agreements which will accelerate commencement of infrastructure projects but we remain concerned that the Bill does not entirely remove the union’s right of veto over projects. Such entrenched and unwarranted power of unions undermines delivery of community infrastructure projects leading to delays and cost blow outs for which the community ultimately foots the bill.
Master Builders Australia CEO, Wilhelm Harnisch, says industry supports the Fair Work Amendment Bill.
“The Fair Work Amendment Bill 2014 will make sensible and common sense changes to improving flexibility and the job generating capacity of the construction industry. Master Builders urges the Parliament to support this positive step forward in lifting productivity, economic growth and jobs and to pass the Bill without delay.”
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advertorial MARCH/APRIL 2014
ACRS – eliminating breaks in the ‘Chain of Certification’ Quality construction projects require quality materials with demonstrated compliance. Selecting construction materials based on price alone can end up costing significantly more than using materials that are selected on the basis of quality and performance – particularly if it is determined that fault in law could be found.
Quite simply, ACRS certification reduces the risk of buying and using steel which does not meet minimum requirements, and enables feedback and corrective action in case problems arise.
Put simply, it doesn’t matter how well you build if you have built in a high risk of structural failure through using unverified materials from an uncertified supplier.
Major construction clients, designers and contractors worldwide, recognise and even specify ACRS and its product certification scheme to confirm the technical competence of suppliers and gain assurance of consistent product quality.
ACRS certification from the mill to the end supplier gives you the simple tool to manage this risk - the supplier's ACRS certificates. Steel reinforcement, prestressing steel and structural steel are integral parts of any building or structure. While to the casual observer, all steel may look to be created equal, in reality this is far from the case. Whether as a result of inferior raw materials, contamination during manufacturing, incorrect or inappropriate manufacturing processes, or manufacturing to alternative Standards, there are steel reinforcing, prestressing and structural steel products which quite simply do not meet the requirements of the relevant Australian and New Zealand Standards. Notwithstanding the potential safety issues that can result from using sub-standard construction materials, in these days of widespread litigation and strict ‘chain of responsibility’ legislation, the use of noncompliant steels can spell disaster for engineers, certifiers, specifiers, suppliers and builders in more ways than one.
ACRS – expert third party steel assessment With these issues and risks in mind, the Australasian Certification Authority for Reinforcing and Structural Steels (ACRS) provides fully independent, non-biased, expert third party assessment and verification of steel construction materials supplied to the construction industry, to ensure that they meet Australian and New Zealand Standards.
ACRS is the expert, independent, third party product certification scheme for construction steels supplied to AS/NZS Standards. ACRS was created in 2000 as a not-for-profit body to provide a cost effective, but credible means of verifying through direct, factory and in-market assessment, that the construction steels supplied to building sites consistently meet the requirements of engineers, specifiers, builders, building certifiers and customers. Independent of any commercial interests, ACRS assessors, auditors and management are all experienced engineers, certifiers or metallurgists with extensive experience in steel manufacture, supply, design and construction.
ACRS provides a centralised, streamlined certification process for: • • • •
Reinforcing bar, wire and mesh Prestressing bar, wire and strand Cold-formed steel hollow sections Hot-rolled steel plates, bars and sections
ACRS currently certifies over 150 manufacturing locations, in 15 countries around the world, and has undertaken more than 700 technical conformity assessments to AS/NZS steel Standards. These include: • AS/NZS 4671 – Steel reinforcing materials (Manufacturing and processing of materials) • AS/NZS 4672 – Steel prestressing materials • AS/NZS 1163 – Cold formed steel hollow sections • AS/NZS 1594 – Hot-rolled steel flat products • AS/NZS 3678 – Hot-rolled plates, floorplates and slabs • AS/NZS 3679.1 – Hot-rolled bars and sections • AS/NZS 3679.2 – Welded I sections
WARNING Just because the steel originally came from an ACRS certified mill, does not mean the end product is “ACRS certified.” When it comes to ACRS certification, there are only ever two options, either: • The supplier is ACRS certified and all of its materials are declared, assessed and verified to AS/NZS standards; OR • The supplier is not ACRS certified (and therefore the onus is on the customer to verify the supplier’s claims of conformity). It is fraudulent for a supplier to claim that a product is “ACRS certified” simply because the end product used materials from an ACRS certified mill. The full ‘chain’ must be ACRS certified. Failure to verify that the products are from an ACRS certified supplier may result in you using non-compliant materials for which you may be held liable.
ACRS certificates – quick and easy web-based verification ACRS also gives you real choice. ACRS certifies not just domestic suppliers, but also worldclass overseas manufacturers, giving Australian and international customers the widest choice of products complying with Australian & New Zealand Standards. With ACRS it’s easy for your suppliers, easy for your customers and easy for you! For further information about the validity of supplier certification for any materials being supplied into your project contact ACRS.
Be safe – be sure – only use ACRS certified products. For more information contact: Phone (02) 9965 7216 Website www.steelcertification.com Email info@steelcertification.com
Using non-compliant strand can take on a new meaning if something goes wrong.
Warning. (noun.) An act or utterance of one who warns or advises of impending danger or possible harm. To warn of further disasters. • If the integrity of a structure is compromised due to non-compliant post-tensioning strand the project could be a failure. • Because of your choices or oversight you could be implicated resulting in heavy losses and damaged reputations. • It’s important to be confident that structures that are built comply with Australian/New Zealand Standards and the Building Codes. • Understanding how you can protect yourself is critical. You have the power to refuse to use non-compliant steel. • Just because it looks the same doesn’t mean the steel you are using complies. • Don’t leave steel compliance to chance, demand the ACRS Certificate of Product Compliance.
Demand ACRS Certificates of Product Compliance. It’s worth the warning.
Call ACRS on (02) 9965 7216, email info@steelcertification.com or visit www.steelcertification.com ACRS – The Australasian Certification Authority for Reinforcing and Structural Steels Ltd ABN 40 096 692 545
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REPORTS general news MARCH/APRIL 2014
Sought-after commercial land released in Joondalup Eight new lots in The Quadrangle, LandCorp’s highly popular commercial precinct in Joondalup, have been released during February for sale by private treaty. LandCorp acting chief executive, Nicholas Wolff, says The Quadrangle has some of the last commercial land parcels in the Joondalup Southern Business Park – and as a result interest in the new release is expected to be strong. “Previous land releases in The Quadrangle sold fast, so interested buyers should move quickly to secure land in this well-established estate,” Mr Wolff said. Living legend Charlie Baggetta displays his life membership award flanked by Master Builders’ president, John Ripp (right), and immediate past president, Robert Shaw.
Harvey’s Charlie Baggetta awarded life membership Master Builders has conferred its highest honour, life membership, on Harvey builder, Charlie Baggetta. Mr Baggetta received his recognition for his exceptional service to the Association over a long period of time but especially as the senior judge for Master Builders’ regional Building Excellence Awards over the last 12 years. According to Master Builders’ director, Michael McLean, Mr Baggetta is very deserving of his life membership award as he has contributed a lot to the Association as a builder member and judge over many years and in so doing has earned the respect of his peers and Master Builders’ staff. “Charlie epitomises the traditional master builder with his incredible eye for detail and unwavering focus on quality workmanship,” Mr McLean said. “Judging regional award entries from Kununurra to Busselton to Esperance for more than 10 years demonstrates an amazing commitment to the job which Charlie has done with the utmost professionalism. He is passionate and meticulous in the way he goes about his role as a judge and has helped many other builders along the way both as judges and award entrants.”
Master Builders’ immediate past president and chief awards judge, Robert Shaw, presented Mr Baggetta with his framed life membership certificate at this year’s Master BuildersBankwest Housing Excellence Awards at Crown in February in front of nearly 800 of his peers and friends. According to Mr Shaw, Mr Baggetta is one in a million and highly respected among Master Builders’ panel of about 30 judges. “I have always enjoyed judging with Charlie whether it’s regional WA or in the Perth metropolitan area as we are well aligned when it comes to the scoresheet; the finalists always stand out,” Mr Shaw said. “All his fellow building excellence award judges reckon Charlie is a living legend, so for him to receive this life membership award is very fitting.” In responding to the presentation, Mr Baggetta said he was taken by surprise but was extremely humbled and proud. He is only the eighteenth person in the Association’s 116 year history to receive life membership.
The lots range in size from 1367 to 3114 square metres and are zoned for uses such as office space, service industry, retail or showrooms. Mr Wolff said LandCorp was committed to stimulating economic and employment growth by providing commercial and industrial land in areas where it was needed most. “We support economic growth in the State by providing strategically located commercial land in areas where there is rapid population growth and demand for services is high. This release is in addition to the 44.8 hectares of industrial and commercial land that LandCorp currently has on the market, including Meridian Park in Neerabup, Enterprise Park Wangara, Flinders Precinct within Latitude 32 Industry Zone and Rockingham Industry Zone.” Joondalup city is expected to be home to more than 400,000 people in the next 20 years and The Quadrangle will help meet the demands of the city by developing areas where residents can work close to where they live. Located adjacent to the Mitchell Freeway, 27 kilometres north of the Perth Central Business District, The Quadrangle is already home to key businesses including Masters Home Improvements, Bunnings and the Motor Industry Training Association. The 34 hectare commercial centre is accessible via major distributor roads to allow for easy transport and delivery access. The Quadrangle is well served by buses and trains that link the commercial precinct to nearby facilities including Lakeside Shopping Centre, Joondalup Arena and Edith Cowan University, as well as the Joondalup and Edgewater train stations. For more information visit www.landcorp.com.au/thequadrangle.
general news REPORTS 23 MARCH/APRIL 2014
Ripp takes over as Master Builders’ president Master Builders’ annually elected new Board of Management formally took office on 1 January. Association director, Michael McLean, reports that while there are no new faces, responsibilities have changed and the overall continuity will provide a seamless transition to new president John Ripp’s term of office.
Master Builders has welcomed the Federal Government’s establishment of a Royal Commission into union governance and corruption. “Master Builders will fully cooperate with the Royal Commission and its work,” Master Builders Australia CEO, Wilhelm Harnisch, says. “By addressing concerns about unlawful and corrupt behaviour of unions and others, the Royal Commission is an important step in reassuring the public that no party is exempt from the rule of law.
Mr Ripp has been elected the fifty-fourth president of the Association. He takes over from Robert Shaw of Daly and Shaw Building, who had held the top job for the last three years. “The president is elected by the Board members each year to head the Association,” Mr McLean said. “John is the managing director of EMCO Building, a WA-based company which carries out building work in both the commercial and residential sectors. “He has been with EMCO (formerly Merym) for more than 20 years. He has been a Board member of Master Builders for the past 14 years, most recently as the Chairman of the Association’s Construction Council. Last year, John received Master Builders’ Member of the Year award for his outstanding contribution to the Association as one of its many dedicated volunteers.” Mr McLean said the president chairs Board meetings, makes speeches at functions, attends important meetings with politicians, bureaucrats and members, and liaises closely with senior staff in relation to operational matters. “Master Builders was formed in 1898 primarily as a builders’ organisation and has evolved a lot since then to represent the interests of its members in their dealings with governments, statutory authorities, unions and the general public,” he said. “As a membership-based organisation, the Association relies on representative groups of committed members, primarily builders, to guide its direction. These groups form committees and meet regularly, including in major regional centres, to discuss topical issues that are relevant to the industry.” Mr Ripp said that being elected president of a prestigious industry organisation like Master Builders was a great honour. “I’m very much looking forward to the challenge and in helping to make the building and construction industry a better, safer and more prosperous place in which to work,” he said. “One of my major objectives will be to make the building and planning approvals process more streamlined and more efficient. I believe this would benefit everyone involved in the process. “On an industry level, the top priorities are to boost apprentice numbers, improve housing affordability, maintain industrial relations stability, and minimise
Master Builders supports Royal Commission
John Ripp has been elected fifty-fourth president of Master Builders.
additional red tape in carrying out business. With a new Federal Government, it will be a busy year in advocating our policy priorities to Prime Minister Abbott and his team for the betterment of the building industry.” Master Builders’ Board comprises as a minimum, the immediate past president and four representatives elected by each of the Association’s Housing and Construction Councils. In addition, the Board can appoint up to three non-elected members. At its first meeting each year, the Board elects the president, senior vice president and vice president and elects or appoints the treasurer. In addition to immediate past president, Mr Shaw, the 2014 Board consists of Mr Ripp, David Crothers (Crothers Construction, vice president), Jason Kunkler (PACT Constructions) and Andy Peppercorn (Built Environs) elected from the Construction Council, Rob Spadaccini (Spadaccini Homes, senior vice president), Simon Birkhead (Webb and Brown Neaves), Jack Pleiter (Genesis Homes) and Michael Vermey (Affordable Living Homes) from the Housing Council, and appointees George Allingame (Pindan), Dan Perkins (Perkins Builders) and Chris Lillis (Cachet Homes, treasurer). “The Board meets monthly, generally at the Association’s newly fitted out head office in West Perth,” Mr McLean said. “There always are emerging and challenging issues on the agenda which impact on industry. “
“The terms of reference will cover participants in the building and construction industry. Importantly, the Commission provides a new opportunity to expose the scope and extent of unlawful and corrupt behaviour in industrial organisations. The work of the Royal Commission must occur alongside the restored Australian Building and Construction Commission to combat the culture which allows such unlawful and corrupt behaviour to flourish.” Mr Harnisch said the ABCC was extremely successful in suppressing unlawful industrial behaviour and made significant inroads in tackling the culture of industrial thuggery of building unions prior to its abolition by the previous Labor Government. “Master Builders fully supports this Royal Commission despite the discomfort is may cause some employers,” he said. “Master Builders’ focus is on ridding the building and construction industry of the industrial cancer that has lately become more entrenched. We also are looking to the Royal Commission to investigate the increasing incidents of criminality in the industry.”
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REPORTS general news MARCH/APRIL 2014
Maitraya Homestead, venue for the Board’s retreat late in 2013.
Volunteers help keep Master Builders on track Being a membership-based organisation, Master Builders relies heavily on the contribution of hundreds of volunteers to help get things done. So says Association director, Michael McLean, who points to mentoring staff, developing policies, lobbying politicians, sponsoring or helping to organise events, hosting functions and simply attending various meetings as some of the voluntary work. “We tend to co-ordinate the contribution of our volunteers via a range of committees such as our Board of Management, Construction and Housing Councils, Safety, Training, Modular, Master Tradesman committees, our five regional committees and issue specific sub-committees,” he said. “Most committees meet on a monthly basis. Our Board, for example, usually meets on the second Tuesday of each month from 2.006.00 pm. Most of the 12 Board members are also participants on either our Housing or Construction Council or other committees.” Mr McLean said that in recognition of the Board’s efforts throughout the year, the president and director host an annual dinner with wives and partners. “It is always a memorable experience and enhances the camaraderie between the Board members and their partners,” he said. “Late last year, the Board held its President’s Dinner at Maitraya in Albany. It was a fitting
tribute to the end of Robert Shaw’s threeyear term as president. “The Board is Master Builders’ peak decision making body. It is important that individual Board members get to know each other and gain a better understanding of their respective roles in the Association. The twoday retreat to Maitraya helped achieve this.”
McLean said the Association is indebted to Mr Shaw for his leadership over the last three years. Maitraya is a homestead situated in idyllic surrounds on the rugged Great Southern coastline. Built by Master Builder member, Cooper and Oxley, it was the original homestead of Paul Terry and his family, well known to the Albany community.
According to Mr Shaw, the Maitraya weekend was “sensational” and “the best President’s Dinner I have attended.” Mr
Michael and Sharlyn Vermey, Simon and Jane Birkhead and Dan and Daina Perkins enjoying the President’s Dinner.
general news REPORTS 25 MARCH/APRIL 2014
Inspiring Siddique wows WinBaC lunch Former British Army officer and terrorism and war crimes prosecutor, Rabia Siddique, shared her incredible story with guests at the Master Builders-run WinBaC End of Year Luncheon in November. More than 150 guests attended the lunch at the Royal Perth Yacht Club with the Perth-born and raised Ms Siddique telling of her terrifying ordeal, while serving with the British Army as the first female legal advisor to Iraq. In 2005, with a fellow colleague, she risked her life negotiating with Islamic terrorists for the release of two SAS soldiers. When she returned to camp, she was shocked by the treatment she received. “While my colleague went off to be debriefed and counselled, I received a hug,” she told the enthralled audience at the lunch. “My part in the crisis was not acknowledged.” In 2007, Ms Siddique submitted a formal grievance with the Army Board which later saw the Ministry of Defence decide to settle out of
Master Builders’ staff members, Siobhan Harvey, Kimberley Alexander, Kelly Dewar-Matusik, Monique Milne, Veronica Mill and Pippa Tearne took the opportunity to have a photo with the inspiring Rabia Siddique (centre).
court. She has recently returned to Perth from London with her family and is the legal counsel for the WA Police Commissioner. Ms Siddique describes Australia as “a better place for our kids to grow up in.”
The motivational event was made possible by main sponsor Cbus and sponsors Brikmakers, Hays, Landgate, Levesys, ReddiFund and Steel Blue.
MASTER
BUILDERS
WESTERN AUSTRALIA
building a better industry
EARLY Call for Nominations Ric New Medal for Excellence Selection Criteria • Entrepreneurial flair, examples of lateral or creative thinking, outstanding potential and achievements of a young person (35 years and under) to the building industry in WA. • Practical applied achievements, rather than academic performance. Prize In addition to the Ric New Medal, a return economy class airfare from Perth to London and $2,000 expenses.
Ric New “Rising Star” Award Selection Criteria • Outstanding potential, work ethic and commitment of a young person (25 years and under, other than apprentices) to the building industry in WA. • Achievements (rather than academic performance), overcoming adversity and potential contribution to the building industry. Prize $2,000 plus unique trophy
Nomination Forms, to be completed by third parties, can be obtained from Master Builders (ph: 9476 9800 or email: skye@mbawa.com). The closing date for nominations is 31 August 2014.
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REPORTS general news MARCH/APRIL 2014
Master Builders launch waste management site visit service Master Builders’ and MBA Insurance Services’ staff have undertaken MIC training in the importance of suicide prevention.
Master Builders’ staff are Mates Progressively over the last couple of years, Master Builders’ and MBA Insurance Services’ staff have undertaken MATES in Construction general awareness training and some recently went on to complete the next level, known as connector training. Feedback has been extremely positive on learning more about the high incidence of suicide in the building industry and how to prevent it. Master Builders’ director, Michael McLean, says more and more Association members are engaging the team at MIC to deliver a one-hour complimentary awareness presentation to staff and construction workers. “MIC provides support to workers through its program of suicide awareness and prevention and other initiatives that support workers with mental health problems and to prevent such problems developing,” he said. “This has been creating a much more resilient building and construction workforce.” The MATES in Construction program was developed in consultation with industry and with reference to best practice in suicide prevention from the Australian Government’s national suicide prevention LIFE (Living Is For Everyone) framework
and the International Living Works model which is widely used by Lifeline. Both models are globally recognised. MIC is widely recognised and annually from 2009 to 2012 has won Suicide Prevention Australia’s LIFE Award for best business/industry suicide prevention program. An Australian Institute for Suicide Research and Prevention study of 167,103 building industry workers between 1995 and 2001 concluded that on average, 40 out of 100,000 workers might commit suicide in a year. Figures were higher for young workers aged between 15 and 24, where suicide rates were 60 in 100,000 workers. According to these statistics, construction industry workers are six times more likely to commit suicide than to die from industrial accidents. Studies have shown that suicidal thoughts are more common and may be an early warning sign. According to these studies, up to one in 20 workers in the construction industry will consider suicide during a year. For information about MATES in Construction or to arrange a training program, phone 1300 642 111.
Master Builders is coordinating free waste management consultant visits for its members to help commercial and residential builders and subcontractors better manage onsite waste. Association housing director, Geoff Cooper, says the new waste management consultant will provide practical and current information to assist contractors benefit from improved waste management. “We are finalising a waste management guide that includes a directory of Perth recyclers, including what materials they accept and what services they provide,” he said. “Even better, funding assistance provided by the Waste Authority will help us provide a new service for members – a waste management consultant has been recruited who is available to visit interested members on their sites to talk to relevant managers and trades. “Members can contact Kimberley Alexander or me at Master Builders on 9476 9800 to find out more about this free opportunity for support with waste management.” Mr Cooper said 71 percent of construction and demolition waste goes to landfill each year in WA according to the Western Australian Waste Strategy 2012. WA’s rate of construction and demolition recycling of 310 tonnes per capita is below the national average of 460 tonnes. “This is 3,135,777 tonnes per year going to the tip,” he said. “Given that members have expressed interest in getting more information on reuse and recycling options, we are putting together some great resources for members.”
Michael Norriss is Master Builders’ new waste reduction consultant, recruited from Association member, Jon Challen Construction.
Mr Cooper said there are real benefits to contractors from better waste management. Avoiding waste reduced disposal costs and reusing cut purchasing costs. Contractors could maintain safer workplaces if there was less waste, reducing onsite risks and meeting WorkSafe requirements. “You lower the risk of local government fines for rubbish escaping your sites,” he said, “and you may be able to assist some clients to achieve better green star ratings or meet government tendering obligations. You can promote waste reduction successes to current and potential clients and there are also environmental benefits such as reducing the amount of pollution and carbon emissions created by conserving raw materials. “Master Builders acknowledges the funding from the Waste Authority through the Waste Avoidance and Resource Recovery Account to help commercial and residential builders and subcontractors to better manage their onsite waste.”
general news REPORTS 27 MARCH/APRIL 2014
Taxman’s hand in builders’ pockets for a payroll tax grab G e of f Co o pe
r
Housing affordability is supposedly a concern of our politicians, yet they keep hitting the building industry with more costs. One of these costs is payroll tax. Large There’s no equity builders, subcontractors in payroll tax, says Master Builders’ and suppliers all have to housing director, Geoff pay it once they hit the Cooper, who looks at how the tax is holding threshold of $750,000 back business. on the payroll. Then the business owners must pay 5.5 percent of the salary bill to the WA Government. A quick inspection of the WA Budget Papers reveals the breathtaking magnitude of the tax grab over the last 13 years. The 200001 payroll tax revenue was $832 million. This year the WA Government will pocket $3730 million in payroll tax from employers. So every year, for 13 years, an average $222 million more has been taken out of WA employers’ pockets and put onto the costs of businesses. Sure, WA Government expenses have gone up, but the payroll tax take has grown way more quickly than wages or inflation. It grows at more than 12 percent each year on average. This beats inflation, wage cost increases, and is way above the Government’s own cost increases. What a tax! Part of the reason has been the crafty design of the tax which takes more as salaries increase. Its threshold is fixed. So each year, more employers with growing businesses get caught in the tax net. There is no indexation
of the threshold. This threshold amount has not changed since 2003. As wages go up, so too do the tax collections. What else is so wrong with this annual payroll tax grab from the pockets of businesses? In essence, payroll tax is a tax on jobs. Businesses with around 12 employees averaging $65,000 in wages are caught by the payroll tax net. Growing businesses nearing the threshold face higher costs that they might not be able to pass onto customers, if they decide to grow further. So the tax operates as a disincentive to employ more people in WA. The tax also creates an uneven playing field for small and large businesses that face different labour costs in the same industries. The cost of the tax has a particular impact on the construction industry because of relatively low profit margins and high labour costs in our businesses. The tax fails to account for the ability of the taxpayer to pay. A construction subcontractor on tight margins with few profits, but lots of employees, can pay much more payroll tax than a very profitable mining company with a few employees. The true ultimate cost of the tax grab is shared between businesses, employees and consumers. Next, WA is not isolated from international competition. By pushing up costs of production in WA, we make investment in jobs in WA less competitive. We cannot afford to stick our heads in the sandy beaches of WA and ignore the global
economic markets that have a direct impact on us each day. Any politician’s argument that our rate is competitive versus other states is simply naïve in a global context. Maybe our politicians should remember that the tax was originally introduced as a federal tax to finance the building of arms during the Second World War. It was handed to the states in 1971. Now it remains as a politically safe tax grab that is hidden from many voters through higher costs for goods and services and through lower employment levels. Apart from lowering the payroll tax rate, the WA Government should immediately commit to indexing the threshold level to wage levels. At least this will protect many growing small businesses from the compliance costs associated with payroll tax. There are no smiles as a result of the payroll taxman having his hands in the pockets of WA businesses. In the lead up to our State Budget, Master Builders is highlighting the need for the WA Government to do something about it.
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national awards MARCH/APRIL 2014
Construction Control took out the award for National Commercial Master Builder of the Year for the Canberra Airport Multiuser Terminal Redevelopment project. The other 2 WA winners were: BGC for the Best Public Building Over $50million category for Perth Arena; and Perth Rigging for Specialist Contractor of the Year award for the third time in 8 years for its structural steel work on Perth Arena.
WA builders big winners at national awards Master Builders Australia held its annual National Excellence in Building and Construction Awards in Canberra in November with WA builders winning four awards, two in the housing sector. The awards bring together the best builders throughout Australia who have won state and territory housing and construction competitions to have their projects assessed at the national level by an independent panel of six judges. The organisers say that while a state award is a great achievement, winning a national award is the ultimate accolade to building prowess. The competition is fierce and the choice of winners is not always unanimous. WA’s successes at the awards came from APG Homes, Savvy Construction managing director, Ryan Cole, BGC and Perth Rigging. A list of all national winners can be viewed at www.masterbuilders. com.au/Events/national-awards.
Two of Australia’s leading economists, Chris Richardson and Peter Jones, spoke at the Awards, analysing the building industry’s and the nation’s economic outlook.
national awards 29
MARCH/APRIL 2014
APG’s winning Opus.
APG claims National Display Home Award Osborne Park building firm, APG Homes, won the Coates Hire National Display Home at the Master Builders Australia National Excellence in Building and Construction Awards. The win recognised the company’s Opus display home.
Wilhelm Harnisch, CEO of Master Builders Australia, said the Opus featured a stunning floor plan designed to suit growing families including a beautifully appointed kitchen with direct access to a well-placed meals and family area. “A smooth transition between indoor and outdoor spaces forms the perfect backdrop for rear living and entertaining,” he said. “An enviable master bedroom at the front of the home complements the design, while three bedrooms, a sitting room and computer nook form the children’s wing upstairs. APG are deserving winners of their National Display Home award. Their highest quality workmanship, materials and attention to detail embody the excellent outcomes that Master Builders provide to their clients.” This award winning home can be viewed at http://www.apghomes.com.au/home-design/opus.
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national awards MARCH/APRIL 2014
The now familiar Perth Arena, award winning project for BGC Construction.
National Young Builder of the Year Award winner, Ryan Cole.
Savvy Cole to the fore again Savvy Construction owner and managing director, Ryan Cole, won the title of Wood Solutions Young Builder of the Year at the Canberra awards. National CEO, Wilhelm Harnisch, said Mr Cole is the embodiment of a Master Builder. “He provides a positive building experience for his clients comprising his top quality workmanship, project management, attention to detail and approach to workplace safety,” Mr Harnisch said. “Ryan is a leader in the building industry’s growing recognition that the client or consumer experience of a building project is not exclusively about quality workmanship or the finished product. While these remain paramount, the client’s positive experience from project commencement and through all stages of the build is essential. “Mr Cole is also a role model and advertisement for building apprenticeships. His top quality skills and workmanship were developed and refined during his apprenticeship when he won numerous awards. Unlike a university degree, a building industry apprenticeship offers much more than a qualification – it’s an opportunity and a pathway to rewarding careers in one of the Australia largest industries.” It was the second year in a row that a WA builder won the Young Master Builder award, the 2012 winner having been Cachet Homes’ Chris Lillis. Savvy Construction specialises in custom designed homes and high end renovations in the Perth metropolitan area. Although Mr Cole has been running his own business for less than five years, he is fast building an enviable reputation in the housing industry for the quality of his workmanship, attention to detail and exemplary customer service. In 2011, he won the WA Master Builders Ric New Medal for his entrepreneurial flair and innovation. He is now on the judging panel for Master Builders’ WA housing awards.
Arena, BGC, Perth Rigging come up trumps BGC Construction and Perth Rigging Co both took home major awards from the National Excellence in Building and Construction Awards.
BGC won the Over $50 million Public Buildings Award for Perth Arena with Perth Rigging Co’s work on the project earning it the Cbus National Specialist Contractor of the Year accolade, the third time in eight years it has picked up the prize. “Truly an excellent feat of engineering,” the awards citation states. “[Perth Arena] rivals similar facilities in the Eastern States as a hub for sport, entertainment and culture. The facility features both breathtaking design and worldleading technology with a main auditorium which has the capacity to transform into a diverse banquet space for up to 2000, or special event space for up to 15,500 people. “Apart from the planning problems inherent in a fast-track design process, the structure and finishes involved in this project are easily the most complex ever constructed in WA, with intricate steel works requiring that BGC and Perth Rigging Co work collaboratively with each other and multiple steel suppliers to achieve both the quality and finesse required for the complex steel fabrication. “The innovation from Perth Rigging, with an integrated use of the CAD model in an onsite environment, and the achievements of the whole project team in delivering the highest quality installed steelwork was outstanding.”
An example of the complex Arena steelwork which won Perth Rigging Co the Subcontractor of the Year Award.
Master Builders Australia CEO, Wilhelm Harnisch, said that without the outstanding quality, skill, innovation and excellence of the two Master Builder construction firms, the Perth community would not now enjoy the ornament that is the Perth Arena. “Both BGC Construction and Perth Rigging Co are among the best of the best in Australia’s building and construction industry,” he said. “They saw off stiff competition to take home their respective awards. The WA building and construction industry has again demonstrated that it provides the highest quality outcomes for its clients. BGC Construction’s work has resulted in a landmark building for the Perth and WA community.”
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REPORTS branches MARCH/APRIL 2014
South West regional manager, Geoff Bosustow, presents Rade Ristovic with the Regional Member of the Year Award.
Gordon Golby (left) and Rade Ristovic cut the ribbon to officially opening the new premises.
Third major Master Builders’ regional centre opens Master Builders’ South West Branch premises in Bunbury were opened in December, marking the arrival of the Association’s third comprehensive regional training, business and function centre. In one of his last official duties as president, Robert Shaw performed the opening honours. It was a fitting end to Mr Shaw’s term in office. Among his first official duties on becoming president three years ago was to open the Association’s celebrated Midwest premises in Geraldton and more recently he presided over the launch of the Albany training, business, function and display centre. Local Master Builders’ regional manager, Geoff Bosustow, says the opening of the South West office was the culmination of a concentrated, concerted and driven effort to deliver the facility on budget. “This was achieved while at the same time integrating much higher specifications,” he said. “We have to applaud the effort of all of the region’s members who were involved and who voluntarily gave their time and resources during the redevelopment. Without a strong membership supporting our Association in the South West the journey might have turned out very differently.”
Master Builders’ director, Michael McLean, started the opening ceremony by welcoming guests who included members involved in the Association’s regional activities over the last 44 years. Master Builders Australia national treasurer and Bunbury builder, Dan Perkins, also made mention of the concerted efforts of the region to deliver the facility.
Master Builders Australia national treasurer, Dan Perkins (left), and local Branch stalwart, Trevor Smith, pose in front of the opening plaque.
Master Builders Insurance Services WA state manager, Nick Vernon, and account executive, Kathryn Heremia, made the trip from Perth to celebrate the Bunbury opening.
Regional chairman, Graham Davis, congratulated the South West Branch Committee and the region’s members on their involvement and also struck a positive note with mention of the future use of the facility and the support and opportunities that the region has before it. The occasion also was an opportunity to present long-serving local committee member Rade Ristovic with the Association’s Regional Member of the Year Award. “Guests were served light refreshments including wood-fired pizzas straight from the facility’s alfresco area throughout the afternoon combining great company and important networking with a casual celebratory mood,” Mr Bosustow said. “The event was a great showcase of the possibilities for the centre in the future.”
Socialising: Christine Pidgeon, Charlie Baggetta and Michael McLean enjoy the opening function.
branches REPORTS 33 MARCH/APRIL 2014
Overall regional apprentice award winner, Johnny Falconer and Bev Schubert (Pindan).
Great Southern Branch Master Builder members were keen participants in a lunch meeting looking at strategies to employ more apprentices.
Kimberley apprentice is overall winner
Albany meeting looks at boosting apprenticeships
Broome carpentry and joinery apprentice, Johnny Falconer, is this year’s Master Builders Regional Apprentice of the Year. The award was announced at the Master Builders Apprentice of the Year Awards in Perth in November.
A Great Southern Branch lunch late in 2013 has been described as successfully bringing together Master Builder members and leaders in the apprentice employment field to develop strategies to boost apprentice numbers. The Construction Training Fund sponsored the lunch with the aim of informing builders and trade contractors about the benefits of employing apprentices. Attendees came from industry, TAFE and schools in the region.
Great Southern Branch regional manager, Linda Gibbs, said the lunch had been very successful. “Feedback from the members attending was that it was very informative,” she said. “With many small businesses in the region finding the going tough, employing apprentices is not something which is front and centre. Hearing from the experts on the need for apprentice training to secure future skills was enlightening for all the attendees.
Mr Falconer left school at the end of year 11 to start his apprenticeship with KJ’s Construction in Broome. From the outset, he was determined to succeed in order to start a career in the building industry.
Master Builders’ director, Michael McLean, chaired proceedings, introducing guest speakers, Jerome Vann (Apprenticentre), Braden Lang (CTF) and Sharren Holt (Construction and Property Services Industry Skills Council).
“From this, a committee has been formed comprising builders, subcontractors, educational personnel and representatives from the Great Southern Aboriginal Land and Sea Corporation.” Then president, Robert Shaw, concluded the lunch with a summary of the discussions.
Some of the 70-strong Great Southern Branch Christmas celebration crowd get into the festive spirit at the Branch’s impressive Albany headquarters. The informal gathering was sponsored by The Laminex Group with other local businesses such as Bathroom Decor, Wignells Wines and Holcim chipping in with door prizes and contributing to the successful evening. Regional Manager, Linda Gibbs, says the crowd relished the baked pink snapper, crisp salads and chilled drinks on offer while enjoying the benefits of the recently refurbished Association premises which have become a hub for member activities.
According to Master Builders’ director, Michael McLean, Mr Falconer was a stand-out nominee who ticked all the selection criteria such as work and trade skills, personal attributes, ability to work unsupervised, a good relationship with other workers and competency in decision-making. “Johnny has obviously been trained and mentored well as he is very resourceful and confident on building sites,” Mr. McLean said. “Some of his greatest strengths are his energy, accuracy and ability to motivate younger apprentices.” The Master Builders Regional Apprentice of the Year is determined from each of the best apprentices in the North West, Midwest, South West, Great Southern and GoldfieldsEsperance regions. The Association’s Midwest regional manager, Di Gilleland, whose beat takes in the North and North West, noted it is the third time in eight years an apprentice from the Kimberley region has won the top regional apprentice award. “Mr Falconer’s win reinforces the quality of training being carried out by KJ’s Construction and is a fantastic reward for the effort that he has put into his apprenticeship,” she said. “In the North West, most tradesman are multi-skilled and Johnny has demonstrated his capabilities beyond the carpentry and joinery trade.”
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REPORTS branches MARCH/APRIL 2014
Wide-ranging Geraldton forum Master Builders’ Midwest Branch members joined representatives of the Building Commission and City of Greater Geraldton in a round table dinner late last year to review relevant new topics for the building industry. The Commission’s industry development director, Jane Vallance, spoke on the new audit and compliance program and compliance director, Sandy Randall, covered policy issues, tiered builders’ registration, expansion of coverage for building laws and home indemnity insurance. Murray Connell, urban and regional development manager from the City of Greater Geraldton, spoke on building and planning approvals and Master Builders’ Gavan Forster looked at a number of new and upcoming issues facing the industry. Tim Carson from Bluescope Steel introduced the new Colorbond colour samples and presented a humourous video on the company’s new promotion.
Hub Mainwaring and Craig Johnston of Stateside Maintenance.
Craig Johnston, co-winner of the 2013 Regional Member of the Year Award, in a less serious pose with Master Builders’ Midwest Branch chairwoman, Serena Giudice, at a members’ Christmas function in Geraldton.
Anely and Sophie Conti, Jane Vallance and Tim Carson
Master Builders’ special projects director, Gavan Forster, regional branch manager, Di Gilleland and Phill Melling.
Wait over for Craig Stateside Maintenance managing director, Craig Johnston, has emerged as a full-fledged Midwest builder. He is the first new registered builder of the 2013 graduates of the Master Builders-Central Institute of Technology initiative to attract more ‘home grown’ builders in the region. While passing Builder’s Registration exams more than 10 years ago, Mr Johnston was unable to formalise his qualifications due to a supervision hiccup. Another local builder, Hub Mainwaring (HF & LD Mainwaring), came to Craig’s assistance and was employed as a building supervisor for Stateside Maintenance. Mr Johnston then put in hours of study to finally complete his Diploma in Building & Construction, graduating in November. Under Mr Mainwaring’s supervision, Mr Johnston finally completed the necessary supervision hours. “Apart from no more study, the best part is the personal satisfaction and recognition of being the registered builder for your own company and putting all the study and hard work to use,” Mr Johnston said. And to cap off his personal achievements, Mr Johnston was a joint winner of the 2013 Master Builders Regional Member of the Year Award for his contribution to the Geraldton Branch.
branches REPORTS 35 MARCH/APRIL 2014
new goldfields/esperanCe branCh Committee Michael Young has been re-elected chairman of Master Builders’ Goldfields-Esperance Branch for 2014-15. Mr Young, sales and project manager for Westralia Homes, was re-elected unopposed at the Branch’s recent annual general meeting. The AGM, held at the Quality Inn Railway Hotel in Kalgoorlie in February, was well attended by members from both Kalgoorlie and Esperance and was a great opportunity for those present to meet Master Builders’ regional operations manager, Graham Bell, and discuss relevant local topics. Mr Young is looking forward to working with the committee and the Association’s Kalgoorlie and Esperance regional liaison officers to strengthen the Master Builders’ presence in the region. Mr Bell said that having a diverse mix of members form the committee will ensure a wide range of ideas and suggestions for the regional liaison officers to work with. “We also welcome first-time committee members, Dan Bell (DB Constructions) and Colleen Horton,” he said. “Dan brings enthusiasm and youth to the committee and Colleen was our Goldfields-Esperance Branch
Michael Young (centre) has been re-elected chairman of the Goldfields-Esperance Branch. He is pictured with regional operations manager, Graham Bell, and financial controller, Tony Taverner. during a short visit to Master Builders’ West Perth headquarters last year.
regional manager a while ago and we welcome her back, albeit in this new role.” Others elected for 2014 were vice chairman, Brett Partington (BD Partington Building Contractor), secretary, Douglas Backhouse
(Master Builders) and committee members Gary Ramm (Ramm’s Building Design), Glenn Briers (Westralia Homes), Trevor Lightfoot (RTL Property Developments), Ken and Bobbi Norton (KJ Norton Building Co), Steve Drake (Golden Hind Homes) and Ryan Dixon (Dixon Constructions).
Apple treat for Midwest members Strong Geraldton Branch supporter, electrical and computer outlet Mitchell & Brown, recently gave members an opportunity to review their IT thinking with a one-hour seminar on Apple technology including the many uses for iPads and iPhones in the business environment. Local Branch members Enjie Whyatt and David Power attended the seminar which proved to be such a success that similar events already are planned for remainder of the year.
All washed up Master Builders’ director, Michael McLean, patiently observed by president, John Ripp, hams it up during a recent tour of the Association’s refurbished Albany premises, opened in late 2012 and incorporating popular product display and training facilities.
UPDATES building business
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MARCH/APRIL 2014
ActionCOACH’s Rueben Taylor looks at a problem that many of us face every day.
How to take control of your inbox – four key actions to save time and get things done you need for the task in one place. You might need to review a proposal: schedule it in your diary for half an hour on Thursday. With most email programs you can put a copy of that email directly into the appointment, so you can manage it from there. If you receive reference material, move the email into a folder for reference materials within your email system, flagging it for attention at your scheduled time.
The first thing you need to do before applying this formula is to set a time to check your emails. Checking emails can be a big time waster. Don’t do it whenever they pop-up – it distracts you and interferes with the tasks you are trying to accomplish. If you have a pop-up message, switch it off as this reminder to check your email can be a big distraction. Set email checking times that fit your role. Some people need to check email once or twice a day; others only need to check their email twice a week. The key is to set a scheduled time, and stick to it.
Delegate Are you getting emails that someone else can handle? Who else could be doing that email for you? Delegate these immediately to ensure that the task gets done in time, and your workload is reduced.
R u e b e n Ta y l o
r
Do you ever feel that your inbox is neverending? Is important work slipping through the cracks because it is lost in all your emails? Here is a simple formula to manage your inbox so that you can stop emails piling up and get things done.
Don’t just use your inbox as a repository for information and unwanted emails. Stop losing things in the clutter. Take action: follow these 4Ds for effective inbox management and free up your time and get things done.
There are actually only four things you can do with an email. When it is time to check your email apply the following principles and deal with every email in your inbox within the time you have. Delete If the email is irrelevant, delete it. This is just like putting something that is not important into the bin. For many people, if their inboxes were physical in-trays, we wouldn’t be able to see their desks! Clear away the junk mail, the things you don’t need. Minimise the volume going through your inbox by unsubscribing to stop similar, unwanted emails and newsletters coming in next time. Eliminate them from coming into your inbox in the first place. Get good at deleting: do it quickly. Do It Now! These are things that are going to take five minutes max. It’s actually quicker to deal with them now than to delay. Don’t say you’ll get around to it later. If it’s a meeting request, check your diary, and accept or decline immediately. If someone needs a document, get it off to them. Do it right away. Defer (Do It Later) These are things that are going to take a lot longer, from ten minutes to a couple of hours. Schedule these tasks for another time – but do it in an organised way that keeps everything
Rueben Taylor helps Perth businesses achieve sustainable growth, strong cash flow and to run smoothly. For information, email bwe@actioncoach.com.
building business UPDATES 37 MARCH/APRIL 2014
Hay’s regional marketing manager, Lucy Sharp, says employers in 2014 want to hire people with a demonstrated ability to learn.
Desperately seeking: job seekers who can learn become increasingly clear which parts of the organisation will need a greater affinity for acquiring new skills, and which will remain consistent. Recruiting for learning aptitude also demands a well managed commitment to learning and development, with systematic opportunities for employees to develop themselves. This is a tough requirement in less hierarchical organisations, and presents a challenge around attrition, as employees hired for their desire to grow and adapt expect continual growth opportunities, and become increasingly desirable to competitors.
According to the recruiter, jobseekers need to be aware of this year’s changing profile of the ideal candidate, with learning aptitude – or the ability to learn – the next battleground in the war for talent. Employers are starting to prioritise learning aptitude, in some cases over the technical skills and experience required in suitable candidates. It’s not just about finding the right skills and experience and matching cultural fit anymore. Today the ideal candidate also has a desire to learn and the aptitude to do so. The world is changing rapidly. Globalisation, the shift towards a knowledge economy and the sheer pace of technological changes are among the factors radically shifting how organisations operate. This places a premium on an employee’s ability to learn and respond to their employer’s and the market’s changing demands. As such, employers want people on their team who can adapt and learn new skills. With this in mind, Hays says a traditional and rigid skills-based approach to assessment and recruitment is no longer good enough. Aptitude testing has a long history in HR and recruitment, but while tests have a part to play in many recruitment processes, they are not enough to target an aptitude for learning. Recruitment strategies targeting learning aptitude will need to evolve incrementally for most businesses, and will likely begin with existing roles. As businesses adapt to the changing demands of the market, it will
HR will need to be on hand to guide the recruitment strategy. When it comes to candidates, educational and career background remain relevant but they are far from the only factors by which employers will measure your suitability for a role. At all stages of the recruitment process, from cover letter to interview, promote your ability and willingness to continuously develop and update your skills as the business and market demands. Be prepared to be tested for learning aptitude, just as you might expect to be tested for attention to detail or other relevant aptitudes. Also expect to be asked specific questions about your ability to adapt and learn new skills. Prepare examples of how you have updated your skills in the past to the benefit of your previous employer. Link your learning back to the success it brought the business. Examples could include learning a new technology or language, working in an overseas office or any situation where you have learnt and experienced something new. This issue is explored further in the latest Hays Journal, the recruiter’s biannual magazine on the world of HR and recruitment. To access the Hays Journal please visit: www.hays-journal.com For further information, contact Lucy Sharp, regional marketing manager of Hays, on 02 8226 9885 or lucy.sharp@ hays.com.au.
Listen - silent It may not be totally coincidental. Effective communication is only possible if all parties to the discourse listen. A restructuring of those six letters can produce a word, a setting and framework for enhanced listening, improved comprehension and optimal communication. Try it. Convert, listen to... silent. Some people are silent when listening. Many aren’t. Others filter messages through mindsets, past experiences, inattention, distractions and endeavours to justify or rationalise one’s actions, attitudes, perceptions and intent. Recent personal experiences in facilitating a series of market research focus groups and participating in the deliberations of a company board of directors’ meeting highlighted how often questions are not answered and how parallel conversations consume so much time, with little positive and consensual outcomes. Interestingly some participants were offended when confronted with the reality. Perhaps I failed again in my endeavours to embrace and deploy the principles of ‘Emotional Intelligence’. I have committed myself to be more silent and to better listen. Now ponder, is anyone listening? Barry Urquhart Mr Urquhart, of Marketing Focus, is an internationally recognised and respected business strategist, consumer behaviour analyst and conference keynote speaker. He is author of Business Imperatives, Marketing Magic and From Black Hole to Blue Sky. Mobile: 041 983 5555. Email: Urquhart@marketingfocus.net.au. Web: www.marketingfocus.net.au.
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UPDATES personal pars MARCH/APRIL 2014
Victorian Trevor Evans has taken over from Peter Kennedy (South Australia) as president of Master Builders Australia. Mr Evans is the founding director of Becon which commenced building commercial projects in Melbourne in 1985. He has been involved in all three sectors of the building and construction industry over the past 45 years and becomes the eighty-first Master Builders Australia president.
Congratulations to our Master Builders Health Alliance member, Holyoake, on winning a Child Safety Award for its Drumbeat program. For more information about Holyoake’s drug and alcohol programs, phone Angie Paskevicuis on 9416 4444. Holyoake’s Fit 4 Work program had a record 5000 plus clients in 2013!
Mates in Construction has won the inaugural Australian Men’s Health Forum Award for a significant contribution to men’s health, social and emotional wellbeing by an organisation. Members who would like information about suicide prevention or to arrange some general awareness training can call 1300 642 111.
Congratulations to Neil Fernando and his team at the Central Institute of Technology on winning the WA International Training Provider of the Year Award at the 2013 WA Training Industry Awards.
Master Builders would like to congratulate Ray Kershaw from Mondo Exclusive Homes on the money his company raised for Skye’s Christmas Fundraiser. They managed to raise a total of $6000 which went to putting a sail up outside for little Skye to play outside again.
Congratulation to Maggie Rose from Broome Builders who recently wed her high school sweetheart Dylan McCrum in a beautiful Broome wedding.
The Australian Constructors Association has re-elected Glen Polin, the managing director of John Holland Group, as president. John Flecker (Brookfi eld Multiplex) and David Saxelby (Lend Lease) were elected vice presidents.
Congratulations to Len Buckeridge on winning the inaugural Mining and Related Industries Day Award presented by the National Mining Day board. Mr Buckeridge won the award for his contribution to the mining industry and received a $50,000 prize. He intends to use his prize to establish an award for builders who introduce cost-saving building methods. Interestingly in 1958 Mr Buckeridge won an award from UWA as an architectural student for his thesis entitled The Economical House.
Perth-based Peter Hood has been elected president of the Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry for 2014.
Anthony Rowbottom has been appointed general manager for communities business with Lend Lease in WA.
Geoff Warn is the new WA Government Architect.
A big cheerio to ReddiFund (formerly the WA Construction Industry Redundancy Fund) CEO Murray Rzepecki who is making good progress from shoulder surgery. No more playing squash, Muzza.
Congratulations to two Master Builder members on being fi nalists in the inaugural AIM WA West Business Pinnacle Awards announced in November: Brookfield Multiplex in the green business excellence category and Webb & Brown Neaves in the highly competitive marketing excellence category.
Richard Mickle has stepped down as a director of the VDM Group.
Rory Vinnicombe has left Doric as its tenders and proposals director after more than 12 years in two stints, eight-and-a-half in the second. Most of his responsibilities have been taken over by Kevin Thompson (commercial manager) and Justin Taylor (pre-contracts manager). Mr Vinnicombe is now working for BGC Construction as a project director.
Caillin Howard has been appointed managing director of Hames Sharley following the retirement of Paul Drechsler.
Jack Penkin has been appointed chief fi nancial officer at Pindan.
Former chief adviser to Labour Relations Minister Graham Kierath and Deputy President of the Australian Industrial Relations Commission, Nick Blain is now working as a workplace relations strategist in Cottesloe. Nick can be contacted on 9385 2135.
Congratulations to Classic Contractors who won the best painting company award at the 2013 Master Painters and Decorators Association Awards. The award was sponsored by ReddiFund. Classic Contractors also won the Sustainable Business of the Year Award in recognition of its environmentally friendly practices. Well done to Mark Stewart and his team. AJ Cochrane and Son again won the Professional Business of the Year for its professionalism, workmanship, staff developments, customer service, OHS standards, sales and marketing.
personal pars UPDATES 39 MARCH/APRIL 2014
Master Builders’ director Michael McLean (left) recently met Australian Institute of Building Surveyors CEO, Brett Mace (centre), on one of Mr Mace’s visits to Perth. They are pictured with AIBS president, Gary Fitzgerald. Mr Mace is based in Sydney and currently is overseeing the restructuring of AIBS operations across all states and territories – ranging from advocacy, finances and membership services. Master Builders enjoys an excellent working relationship with AIBS and with private certification of building approvals growing in popularity in WA, the links are likely to increase.
Formas has rebranded to Pindan Modular coinciding with its move to new premises in Maddington. Paul Rintoul has been appointed operations manager, reporting to general manager Paul Tweedale. The Pindan Group of companies is now operating in the former Western Mining Company Building at 191 Great Eastern Highway in Belmont. The fi ve-level office building houses Pindan’s Construction, Contracting, Development Management, Design, Realty and Corporate Services Divisions as well as the company’s residential home building arm, Switch Homes for Living.
Master Electricians Australia (MEA) has established an office in Perth. Tony Mancini is the WA state manager and Alan McCallum and Ross Arnold have been employed as safety and technical officers. Skill Hire is providing MEA members apprentice mentoring services. WA electrical contractors now have a choice of whether to join MEA or NECA.
Congratulations to Greg and Marion Di Bucci (A Di Bucci and Son) on becoming grand-parents for the fi rst time in December, with the arrival of their granddaughter.
Congratulations to John Haskin (formerly Walpave and Multiplex) and Laurie Dore who have been awarded life membership of Queensland Master Builders. Both men have contributed significantly to the wellbeing of QMBA and the building industry generally in Queensland.
Rob Wallwork (Leightons) has been elected president of the Construction Contractors Association in WA. Adam Harry was the previous president.
Ray Smith is now working for Australian Catholic Superannuation in a similar capacity to his time with Cbus. He is still a Carlton Football Club fanatic.
Sincere condolences to our honorary member, Hub Mainwaring, on the passing of his wife, Leah in December after a short illness.
Former Doric CEO, Peter Iancov, has joined the board of Alliance Power and Data, an engineering consulting business.
Geoff Kelly has been re-elected president of the Master Plumbers and Gasfi tters Association in 2014. Tim Swift has resigned from the MPA Executive Committee but is continuing his role on the Plumbers Licensing Board.
Congratulations to the team at Master Builder member, Sanwell, on winning two awards at the 2013 Master Plumbing Awards for Excellence, the Plumbers Licensing Board Commercial Construction Plumbing Business of the Year and the ReddiFund Best Workplace Health and Safety Practice in Business.
Ashlee Marcon (nee Phur) has vacated her events manager position at Master Plumbers to go on maternity leave. Good luck with motherhood Ashlee.
Simon Amos has been appointed CEO of BPi, a newly incorporated company between BGC and POSCO E&C. Mr Amos will be responsible for overseeing BGC’s major construction projects.
Master Builders director, Michael McLean, represented Crothers Constructions at this year’s Hopman Cup Pro-Am at the State Tennis Centre. Michael was fortunate to play a set with Radek Stepanek from the Czech Republic who was impressed with the director’s lob, referring to Michael as “the lob master”. Enough said.
Mike Della-Posta, the former owner of Active Plumbing, has been made a life member of the Master Plumbers Association. Active Plumbing is one of the largest plumbing companies in the housing industry with outlets in Perth, Mandurah and Albany. Mike is a former MPA president and now assists his son-in-law with Estuary Plumbing in Mandurah.
40
UPDATES personal pars MARCH/APRIL 2014
PEN PORTRAIT: kimberley alexander There’s always a lot of unheralded work which has to go on behind the scenes at Master Builders. Communications and housing officer, Kimberley Alexander, is a key member of the team making sure all facets of the organisation and its services run smoothly. What does your role involve? It’s quite diverse, which I love! I assist Geoff Cooper and Kelly Dewar-Matusik with the Master Builders’ partnership agreements, ensuring that each of our partner’s entitlements are achieved. I’m responsible for our social media accounts, Facebook, Twitter and Linkedin. I coordinate our nine annual Home in WA television segments. I’ve also just taken on a new role in assisting Geoff in his capacity as our housing director and this mainly involves policy research and assisting members with housing related enquiries. What project are you most excited about? I’m really enjoying my time spent working on the new Waste Management Guide that is being developed for commercial and residential builders and subcontractors. The amount of C&D waste that’s going to landfill is a big issue for our industry and one that needs to be addressed. The guide is all about helping builders to reduce the amount of waste being produced on site and ending up in landfill. How are you finding working in a male dominated industry? I’ve been involved in the construction industry since a young age. My dad has a company in Melbourne that manufactures roof trusses and wall frames and supplies timber to the residential industry. A few weeks of most summer holidays were spent working in the (male dominated) office. Having said that, the Master Builders’ office is filled with female staff members, which I think is representative of the industry as a whole. What were you doing before joining Master Builders? I completed a Bachelor of Arts (Communications), majoring in history, at the University of Western Australia. How do you feel you’ve settled into working life? Very well! People told me to enjoy the university lifestyle, as it’s much more enjoyable than working full time, but I don’t feel that way. I really enjoy coming to work every day. I also enjoy having my nights and weekends free from assignments. So you grew up in Melbourne, what brought you to Perth? I moved to Perth for my boyfriend. He had been living in Melbourne for a few years but wanted to head back home. I also thought it would be good to get out of my comfort zone for a year or so. Five years later I’m still here! When you’re not at Master Builders, what keeps you busy? I love being outside! I go to the beach most weekends in summer and I try to get down south as often as possible. I also enjoy finding new hikes to walk. I enjoy watching sport. The majority of my winter weekends are taken up going to my boyfriend’s football games and I try to get to the one (or two at most) Bombers’ games that are played in Perth.
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42
UPDATES personal pars MARCH/APRIL 2014
Everyone loves awards and Master Builders inadvertently found itself among them late in December in the Sydney Morning Herald’s awards for 2013. The Master Builders Medal for whacking the nail on the head went to Therese Rein with the citation: noone could have said it better than the prime ministerial spouse when she introduced Kevin Rudd at the Labor campaign launch in September.
Congratulations to Master Builders’ past president and 2012 Robert Law winner, John Doust and his wife Jeanette, on their sixtieth wedding anniversary in February.
Congratulations to past president, Steven Peck and bride Dong Mei, on their marriage in January.
Eric Maroni has been appointed regional sales manager for Bankwest in WA. He takes over from Stephen Dargan and will be Master Builders’ senior Bankwest contact to enhance our eight-year strategic alliance.
“I want to introduce a husband who, when sent to Bunnings for a mozzie candle...comes back with Roman fl ares, Blu-tack, an extension cord, potting mix, a stepladder, secateurs – but no mozzie candle.”
Kevin Luttrell and Adrian Ridderhof have teamed up to establish Focus Building Company. Their fi rst project is in West Leederville. Just when we thought the two former Built Environs directors had retired.
The Australian Institute of Architects has appointed Michael Woodhams as its state manager to take over from Meino Mirkva in WA.
Congratulations to Richard and Claire McAllan (Wilson and Hart) on the birth of their first child, Isabella Rose McAllan. Welcome to parenthood!
AIB president, Graham Teede, has started his own construction consulting business. He can be contacted on 0418 931 490 or via grahamteede@bigpond.com.
Robyn Powell (Powell Security) married Marcel Minnee on the beach at Emu Point in Albany late in December. Best wishes for your future together.
Former Silver Trowel training manager, Peter Haxby, has relocated to Melbourne to work in the vocational training area.
Paul Fyfe has retired as a partner in Jackson McDonald’s construction law team. Experienced partner, Basil Georgiou, now heads up the construction law team to assist Master Builder members.
Sincere condolences to former Governor Ken Michael on the passing of his beloved wife, Julie in January after a long illness. Julie Michael was a charming ambassador for WA and was always a pleasure to host at Master Builders’ housing and construction award functions. She will be greatly missed by many community groups and those that knew her.
Eddy Ciciriello, who previously managed the marketing functions of a number of leading WA housing brands, has established his own marketing business, The SWOT Team.
Phil Griffiths has been appointed president-elect of the Australian Institute of Architects in WA. He will take over from David Karotkin in May when Mr Karotkin becomes AIA national president.
A cheerio to life member, Darryll Retallack, who hasn’t been enjoying the best of health recently. We wish you a speedy recovery, Darryll.
Condolences to the family and friends of former Master Builders NSW president, Col Rogers, who died in January following a battle with asbestosis.
Congratulations to Master Builders member, TADWA, which was announced the winner of Category 1: Best Workplace Safety and Health Management System (Private sector) in the 2013 WA Work Safety Awards. The not-for-profi t organisation has an able bodied workforce combined with those with a disability, presenting a challenge to provide a safe work environment accommodating different physical requirements.
Thank you! Special thanks to the many members who sent Christmas cards and gifts to Master Builders staff members prior to the festive season break. Your kind gestures were much appreciated by us all. Most of the chocolates and hampers were shared equitably!
Members who would like to share special milestones or achievements with other Master Builder members are encouraged to advise Skye by emailing skye@mbawa.com.
advertorial 43
MARCH/APRIL 2014
Construction Training Fund Members of MBA know how the Construction Training Fund can reduce the costs of employing apprentices in WA’s building and construction industry. The Training Fund has introduced a range of new incentives for eligible employers of apprentices in construction trades, with up to $19,000 in cash now available to help reduce the costs of adding a new apprentice to your business. The minimum standard grant available to an eligible employer is now $4,000 (for a 12 month traineeship), rising to a maximum of $10,000 for a 48 month apprenticeship in core construction trade areas. In addition to the standard grants, the Training Fund can provide a one-off bonus to an eligible employer of up to $4,000, depending on trade qualification. Existing allowances for employment of indigenous and regional trainees/apprentices remain, bringing the maximum grant available to a total of $19,000.
The new grants are available to employers of trainees/ apprentices registered with the Department of Training & Workforce Development on or after 1 July 2013. Direct indenture employers receive the grant in three equal instalments. The first is paid after probation and six months of employment; the second at the half-way point of the indenture and the final payment is made after successful completion of the qualification. Trade bonus payments – up to $4,000 – are paid to the employer together with the first instalment. You’ll also receive the grant from the Training Fund if you host an apprentice through a group training organisation (GTO). The GTO claims the grant on your behalf each month and then passes it on to you in full as a reduction in the GTO’s hire-out rate. Look for the note on the GTO’s invoice that says “Less Construction Training Fund subsidy”. The new one-off trade bonuses will be claimed by GTOs after the apprentice has completed six months of employment, and then passed on in full to the host(s) that employed the apprentice.Visit bcitf.org or call 9244 0100 for more information about the Construction Training Fund’s apprenticeship grants and other support programs for the construction industry. It’s your training fund.
RECEIVE UP TO $19,000 CA$H WHEN YOU EMPLOY A NEW APPRENTICE
Employ and register a new apprentice or trainee in a recognised qualification after 1 July 2013 and you may be eligible to claim a grant of up to $19,000 from the Construction Training Fund. Visit bcitf.org or call 9244 0100 to find out how you can reduce your training costs.
44
UPDATES membership MARCH/APRIL 2014
Master Builders and Medibank team up on health cover Master Builders has partnered with Medibank to create a special corporate arrangement on health cover and bring its employees and members a great deal on health insurance. With Medibank Corporate health cover benefits include: • An ongoing 8.3 percent discount – roughly equal to one month’s free cover each year*. • Tailored packages for every stage of life. • No hospital excess for children on family memberships+. • Up to 100 percent back on optical items at optical retailers, up to annual limits#. • Access under Medibank hospital cover to a range of health support services, including a 24/7 health advice line. • Earning rewards by linking Medibank and flybuys accounts. See medibank. com.au/flybuys for details. Why should Master Builder members take up Medibank Corporate cover? Choose cover that’s best for you It’s easy to choose cover that’s just right for your needs. You can mix and match from Medibank’s range of hospital and extras covers (also available individually) so you have the cover that is best suited for you – whether you’re single, a couple or a family. Or select a package conveniently put together to suit different lifestyles. Either way, you’ll know what you’re covered for.
Mi Health is good for your health Mi Health is a range of health support services that are part of Medibank’s hospital covers. These services include being able to speak to Medibank nurses on a 24/7 health advice line, in addition to online health information and tools, mobile health apps and hospital support. Avoid paying more tax or a loading on your premium By taking out one of Medibank’s hospital covers, you can avoid or minimise paying the Medicare Levy Surcharge which varies from 1-1.5 percent depending on annual income. Also, you won’t have to pay the Lifetime Health Cover loading if you take out and maintain hospital cover before 1 July following your thirty-first birthday. Get a rebate on health cover You could be rewarded by the Government if you have private hospital insurance. You may be eligible for a rebate on your premium, which varies from 10-40 percent depending on your income and age, through the Australian Government Rebate on private health insurance. To find out more, read the Membership Guide at medibank.com.au or visit ato.gov.au.
More protection that saves you 10 percent As a Medibank member, you also can get a 10 percent discount on already competitively priced pet, travel, income protection and life insurance. To join or switch to Medibank Corporate health cover, call 131 680, ask in store, email wacorporate@medibank.com.au or visit medibank.com.au/mbawa. When getting a quote or joining remember to mention you are an employee or member of Master Builders WA.
Note: Waiting periods apply including 12 months for preexisting conditions. * Discount based on premiums of equivalent and eligible Medibank retail covers and applies for the life of your corporate cover. Over 12 months, the 8.3 percent discount is worth approximately 1 month of equivalent retail cover. + With Corporate hospital cover. Other out-of-pocket expenses may apply. # With Corporate extras and package cover excluding For Everyday Starter package. This information is correct at time of issue, 1 Feb 2014. Medibank Private Limited ABN 47 080 890 259.
How much is your driver’s license worth? Mobile phones are an important means of communication, especially for people in the busy building and construction industry. With limited downtime, it’s tempting to catch up on things when you’re driving, but doing so can increase the risk of an accident. Research conducted by the Australian Government shows that making a voice call on a mobile phone while driving increases the risk of being involved in a motor vehicle accident by as much as four times. Shockingly, sending a text message while behind the wheel can increase this risk to 23 times.
So, there is little wonder why all Australian states and territories have outlawed the use of a mobile phone while driving. But, did you know that ‘using a device’ includes holding a mobile phone or resting one in your lap, resting it in the cup holder of your car, even if you’re at traffic lights or not even engaged in a phone call? Smart drivers are preparing themselves by installing a car kit for their mobile phone. As a member of Master Builders, you have access to a great range of car kit and install options for most handsets.
Don’t risk a fine, or worse an accident. Keep your license and stay safe by installing a car kit for your mobile phone. Call the Master Builders Telecommunications helpdesk on 1300 88 13 72 for details.
membership UPDATES 45 MARCH/APRIL 2014
DriveUHome-Perth to get you there safely Master Builders has formed a new alliance with Associate Member, DriveUhome-Perth. DriveUhome-Perth is an initiative of Mike and Joyce Oldakowski and Joyce’s daughter, Julie Morrissey, to combat drink driving convictions and death and injury on Perth roads. “Currently, if you find yourself in a restaurant or similar venue with your car parked outside and you know you are over the limit you probably consider you have two options,” says Mr Oldakowski. “You can take the risk and drive home and hope to avoid the booze bus or worse, an accident causing injury or death; or sensibly, call a taxi to take you home then another taxi in the morning to pick up your car. “However, there is a third option – phone DriveUhome-Perth to take you and your car home safely. This means that you can drive to an event in your own car (maybe take some guests as well), enjoy the evening without one of your party having to abstain from alcohol, avoid having to wait for a taxi, get driven home dropping off your guests along the way and finally arriving home safely.”
DriveUhome-Perth offers Private Key Memberships for $100 per year and then each driving service is paid by credit card based on the kilometres from the event to home. “Corporate Key Memberships cost $300 per year for a business of 3-9 employees and your company receives four membership cards to be used by executive managers,” Mr Oldakowski said. “For your next event, tell your staff to leave their cars at home that day and if four managers take three staff each, DriveUhome-Perth will deliver 16 people home safely.” Mr Oldakowski (who was on Master Builders’ membership team until 2012) and the partners of DriveUhome-Perth are keen to get the message out that there is a third option that can help reduce the injury and death toll on our roads.
DriveUhome-Perth founders (l-r) Mike and Joyce Oldakowski and Julie Morrissey.
of your key personnel retaining their driving licences or avoiding injury to themselves or even death?
“Master Builder members could consider the impact they could have on these statistics by taking out membership of DriveUhomePerth to protect not only themselves, but their families and employees on the roads,” he said. “What would be the value to your business
“DriveUhome-Perth is offering a 10 percent discount on annual membership for Master Builder members. A brochure and membership form can be downloaded off the website www.driveuhomeperth.com.au.”
Don’t Risk Drink Driving We’ll get you and your car home safely Now you can enjoy business lunches and social outings. Take your own car to the event then DriveUhome Perth will pick you up and take you and your car home safely instead of you making the fatal decision to drive yourself.
Visit our website for more information
Keep your licence and call
0451 784 663
driveuhomeperth.com.au
10
%
Discount
off your annual membership as a Master Builder member for your first year!
46
UPDATES membership MARCH/APRIL 2014
Master Builders welcomes new members 1st Dibbs
0417 875 025
Pro Living Design & Construction
Abbey Cabinets Pty Ltd
9399 3011
Property & Insurance Work
Alan V Riley Pty Ltd
9332 5500
Quest Developments
9842 8448
RHG Contractors
Albany Plasterboard Co Alfred Implicciatore All Amps Electrical All Aspects Residential
0451 511 132
0418 213 429 9927 1443 0488 947 976 9240 6353
Rhombus BCA Pty Ltd
9193 5136
9192 2338
Rod Court Carpentry
9754 3740
9437 4726
Rusty’s Carpentry
9851 1300
Andrew Azevedo
0423 814 566
Smartsteel
9468 2888
Asher Business Fundamentals
0410 456 060
Smash It Demolition
B1 Homes Bayview Paining
9261 3131 0419 042 311
0414 557 809
Steve Lydeamore General Building
9193 7875
Steve Maslen Building Co
9846 4042
Big Ben Homes
9314 3044
Stiebel Eltron
9467 7505
Blue Manna Commercial & Mining Services
9584 2100
StratX Pty Ltd
0408 940 544
Bouvell Breezway Australia
0419 477 688
Sunsmart
9388 4364
9458 4884
Superior Homes
0403 353 398
Bpi-BGC Pos International
9261 1970
Swan Corporation Pty Ltd
0466 808 001
Carimor Sheds
9964 3344
Trilogy Homes and Constructions
Choice Flooring Esperance
9071 1200
West Coast Fixing Pty Ltd
9443 8552 0413 726 330
Concept Smart Developments Pty Ltd
0419 129 234
West Coast Residential
0402 884 948
DA & LJ Pratt Builders
0428 332 460
Whitehouse Construction Services
0448 399 004
Danlaid Contracting Perth
0433 111 015
Yallappa Kitchen
0432 069 383
DS & CM Capelli General Build
0419 966 396
Yallingup Painting
0429 811 688
Zinfinity Projects Pty Ltd
0412 626 466
Dunkeld Construction Echelon Construction Group Ecostruct Homes
9841 1336 0448 330 510 9493 110
Esperance Turf & Landscape
0417 989 128
Focus Building Company
0411 028 272
Encore Legal Pty Ltd Gerry and Kim D Harp GJ Gardner Homes Perth Gleeson Linings Go 2 Building Solutions Pty Ltd
6103 1620 0418 954 832 8266 6506 0417 959 407 9331 8300
Habit Building Inspections
0439 295 979
Hanna Construction Co. Pty Ltd
0409 299 047
Hedland Home Hardware and Garden
9172 2035
Honter Building & Construction
9455 2132
Hoskins Contracting Insulation Extract Jaguar Cabling
9444 1445 0411 132 250 9842 6296
JBW Building Services Pty Ltd
0408 099 589
Jim’s Building Inspections (Riverton)
0429 500 522
Jim’s Fencing (Cottesloe)
13 15 46
Kununurra Chamber of Commerce and Industry
9168 2217
Max Construction (Australia) Pty Ltd
9300 2100
MCB Constructions Pty Ltd
9842 6271
Midas Bookkeeping Services
1300 367 332
Modular Development Services P/L
9293 4259
Modus Compliance Pty Ltd
9444 5922
Monford Group Pty Ltd
6365 4507
Netball Western Australia
9380 3700
Oppein Home Group Inc.
86 20 36733813
Pascoes Software Engineering Perkins Total Project Delivery P/L Phillipe Seneque Pilbara Institute
It’s your business to register.
9221 8243 9381 4966 0499 173 017 9158 5622
If you employ workers in the construction industry you may be required by law to register in the Construction Industry Long Service Leave Scheme. Find out by visiting www.myleave.wa.gov.au or by calling 08 9476 5400.
membership UPDATES 47 MARCH/APRIL 2014
Safety and technology are to the fore in updates to Toyota’s Double Cab HiLux.
Toyota means business with HiLux Toyota has enhanced its best-selling HiLux workhorse by decking out popular Double Cab variants with new safety and convenience technologies. The latest updates to the Double Cabs are particularly significant because all 4x4 HiLux variants now attract the maximum fivestar ANCAP safety rating. Alongside this, a new five-speed automatic transmission improves fuel economy and emissions on the 4x4 turbo-diesel HiLux by more than six percent to 8.7 litres/100km and 230 grams/ km 1.. HiLux Double Cabs also benefit from a host of other improvements including new display audio systems and fresh interior colours and materials. Top-of-the-line SR5 versions gain a reversing camera and a satellite navigation system 2. with SUNA™ Live Traffic updates as standard - all viewed on the display audio screen. The five-star safety rating for 4x4 HiLux is achieved with enhancements including standard stability and traction control, brake assist and electronic brakeforce distribution. A front passenger seat-belt reminder is also part of the package on 4x4 vehicles and, for Double Cabs, a three-point seatbelt for the centre-rear seating position.
The display audios feature a 6.1-inch screen, auxiliary and USB inputs 3., iPod® 4. and Bluetooth® connectivity, plus audio control switches on the steering wheel hub. For HiLux SR and SR5, the steering-wheel controls operate a multi-information display (MID), telephone and voice recognition. Every new HiLux is also covered by the capped-price Toyota Service Advantage at a maximum of $170 per service 5.. The updates follow another podium position for HiLux in 2013 as the third best-selling vehicle of any type in Australia. It has topped the monthly national sales charts on many occasions, including May and June last year a feat never achieved by any other commercial vehicle. HiLux has been the country’s bestselling four-wheel drive vehicle since 2005 and number one in commercial vehicle sales since 1998, taking the mantle from LandCruiser. Contact the Fleet Manager at your nearest Toyota Dealer to find out how your business can obtain Gold Fleet pricing as a Master Builder WA member, across the entire Toyota passenger and commercial range.
1. Fuel consumption and emissions will vary depending on driving conditions/style, vehicle conditions and options/accessories. Source of fuel consumption data: ADR81/02 combined cycle. 2. Current navigation mapping database encompasses major capital and primary national road networks and offers some coverage in regional areas. 3. Not all devices will be compatible. Functionality varies depending on device. 4. iPod® is a trademark of Apple Inc. 3.5mm AUX input for portable audio players, USB input for some iPod/ USB memory sticks. Not all devices will be compatible and functionality will vary depending on the device. 5. Maximum payable for standard scheduled servicing (normal operating conditions) until first of 3 years or 60,000km (up to the first 6 services). Excludes government and rental vehicles. For full details of eligibility and exclusions, go to toyota.com.au/advantage.
BE
#SEENINGREEN
and
JOIN THE
$100 discount on West Coast Fever Business Club Memberships
TEAM West Coast Fever, WA’s ANZ Championship netball team, are proud to partner with Master Builders WA for the 2014 season and want YOU to get behind the team by becoming a valued Business Club Member.
With new recruit and Australian Diamond Natalie Medhurst taking the helm as Captain, 2014 is set to be West Coast Fever’s most exciting season yet! Business Club is an exclusive corporate network that includes premium courtside seating to all of Fever’s six home games, pre-game hospitality and catering in West Coast Fever’s Green Room and exclusive behind-the-scenes access to WA’s leading female sporting team. Normally $950, you can get a Business Club membership for only $850 - simply by mentioning that you’re a Master Builders WA member! Contact Mia Glavinas for more information: (08) 9380 3708 or visit
www.westcoastfever.com.au Principal Partner
members’ health UPDATES 49 MARCH/APRIL 2014
might currently and silently be battling with issues that if left unaddressed could destroy lives, families and also damage our industry and its reputation. “As MIC WA is a registered charity, our training program is free. It is evidence-based, best practice and often provides the catalyst for a new beginning. Workers relate to the information because the information is relevant to the industry and presented by industryexperienced field officers. Workers listening to the training will often take this opportunity and request assistance immediately, the start of a new beginning for them and their loved ones. Master Builders’ then president, Robert Shaw (left), Godfrey Baronie from MATES in Construction and Master Builders’ director, Michael McLean, at the recent opening of the Association’ redeveloped Bunbury premises.
new beginnings for mates in ConstrUCtion The new year means new beginning for MATES in Construction in WA with inaugural MIC WA Ltd CEO, Sergio Del Borrello, moving on Godfrey Baronie assuming the role. Mr Baronie has been with MIC WA from its early days and has shared the MIC journey closely with Mr Del Borrello.
Baronie is well qualified to fill the role of CEO for MIC WA.
He brings to the CEO position, many years of experience working in government, mining and the construction industry in the North West. He has worked as an engineer for BHP Billiton (Mt Newman Mining Co), Multiplex and Transfield. With this understanding of the needs of the construction industry and skills, knowledge and experience as a counsellor, Mr
“We want the benefits of the MIC program to be shared by all in the industry from project managers to Peggies to make our industry a safe place to work,” he said. “This can only be done with the partnership and cooperation of the industry and industry leaders. We are looking to create new beginnings for construction workers and their families who
Mr Baronie says MIC WA wants 2014 to be a year of new beginnings – new beginnings in partnerships with building and construction organisations, contractors and builders.
“All workers who contact us are made aware that they talk to us in confidence; we are not aligned to either the unions or the contractors. They also know that we will break confidentiality if we have information that they or anyone else may come to any harm. We will protect them.” Mr Baronie cites an example of a true new beginning. “A worker called our 1300 642 111, 24-7 phone line. He was connected to us and we worked with him. He was angry at the construction company and the HSE supervisor because they did not listen to him and his methodology to resolve an issue. With gentle work he got to see that the issue lay with him. The projection put on the employer and supervisor was retracted and he walked out of the office committed to come back and resolve his issues.” For more information about MATES in Construction WA Ltd and how to implement the MIC program for all of your workers, contact Godfrey Baronie on 9463 6664.
mediBAnk hAs mAster Builders’ stAff Covered Medibank Private has invited all Master Builders’ staff to join the country’s largest private health provider with an ongoing discount of 8.3 percent in premiums. A presentation was recently made to the Association’s regional staff when they visited Perth for a meeting. As was to be expected with the reduction in premiums, the response was fantastic.
Pictured with Medibank business relationship manager, Stephen Lee (right), are (l-r) Michael McLean, Geoff Bosustow (Bunbury); Di Gilleland (Geraldton); Doug Backhouse (Esperance), Dorothee Chaussenerg and Graham Bell.
Master Builder members who would like to also take advantage of the special deal with Medibank Private should phone 131 680.
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UPDATES legal MARCH/APRIL 2014
Dr David Cox, partner, Jackson McDonald.
Jackson McDonald special counsel, Rachel Webber.
Jackson McDonald solicitor, Blanche Lusty.
March start for new privacy regime The new Australian Privacy Principles (APPs) and a number of important amendments to the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth) (Privacy Act) come into effect on 12 March.
These changes will introduce more rigorous requirements for management of personal information obtained about individuals, as well as hefty penalties for non-compliance. To quote Privacy Commissioner, Timothy Pilgrim, “The new laws require Australian Government agencies and private sector organisations to be more open and transparent about their management of personal information.” Does the new Privacy regime affect my organisation? From 12 March, privacy law will be relevant to ‘APP entities’ (as defined in the Privacy Act), including: • Individuals, companies, partnerships and unincorporated associations with an annual turnover of $3 million or more; and • Agencies, for example, a Department of State or bodies established or appointed for a purpose under Commonwealth legislation. Another regime to comply with… why bother? Failure to comply with the APPs may result in a court order against an entity, including an individual, for a “serious and repeated interference with the privacy of an individual” and a fine of up to $1.7 million for an APP entity or up to $340,000 for individuals. How does your organisation comply? Compliance with the APPs requires more than just preparing and publishing a privacy policy. Your organisation must have documented policies and procedures in place to manage personal information about individuals. Privacy policies and procedures must be compliant with the APPs and must be embedded within the organisation so that compliance happens on a day-today basis. A privacy policy is simply your
organisation’s way of telling the world that it complies with the APPs and how it does so. Some points to note Use of overseas cloud service providers and compliance with the APPs Organisations should review their information management practices to ensure that these do not breach the APPs. This includes the requirement that before an organisation discloses personal information about an individual to an overseas recipient, the organisation must take reasonable steps to ensure that the overseas recipient does not breach the APPs in relation to the personal information disclosed. This requirement is particularly relevant as more organisations move toward using overseas cloud service providers to store and manage information. There are, however, some circumstances set out in the APPs where this requirement will not apply. In line with guidance on the APPs provided by the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC), if drafted correctly, contracts with overseas cloud service providers may result in your organisation’s provision of personal information to the service provider being a ‘use’ of personal information rather than a disclosure of personal information under the APPs, as the information is still in effect held by the organisation. Contractual provisions which may indicate that the personal information is ‘used’ rather than disclosed in an arrangement with an overseas cloud service provider include provisions that: Ensure that control of the information stored with the overseas cloud service provider remains with the organisation; and
Prohibit the overseas cloud service provider (and any of its subcontractors) from using or disclosing personal information obtained from the organisation for purposes other than storing and managing that information. Complying with ‘audit clauses’ in contracts It is not uncommon for some building contracts, particularly those incorporating provisional sum or costs plus elements, to include a right of access to books and records in order that the client (or in the case of subcontracts, the contractor) may “audit” compliance with contractual obligations relating to charging. Caution needs to be exercised when entering into such obligations. The provision of access to books and records in order to comply with a contractual audit requirement could lead to an inadvertent breach of the APPs where personal information (for example, wages information) is disclosed. The ‘employee records exemption’ applies only if the employee records are used within the context of a current or former employment relationship. The exemption would not apply to provision of personal information to a client in order to comply with an audit clause in a contract. Such conduct may constitute a breach of the APPs, particularly if adequate provision for this has not been made in the contract of employment or the employee’s consent is not otherwise obtained. The problem is magnified where the client is based overseas. Additional obligations arise under the APPs where personal information is disclosed to an overseas recipient. A contractor disclosing personal information to an overseas client would be in breach of the APPs if it has not complied with the requirement to take reasonable
legal UPDATES 51
MARCH/APRIL 2014
steps to ensure that the overseas client does not breach the APPs in relation to the personal information disclosed (APP 8.1), unless certain exceptions apply. To avoid being caught in a similar situation, your organisation needs to plan ahead to ensure it is in a position to release the personal information in compliance with the audit requirements. Alternative approaches, such as for example, de-identification of the personal information, could also be adopted in some circumstances when providing personal information to comply with an audit clause. Careful negotiation of the scope of any audit obligation is required. Collection of unsolicited information To be APP compliant, your organisation should implement a policy for dealing with unsolicited personal information received, such as CVs. A procedure should be in place to ensure that unsolicited information collected that is not necessary for your organisation’s functions or activities is deidentified and destroyed if it is lawful to do so.
Master Builders issues revised Period Trade Contract Master Builders Australia has updated its Period Trade Contract with a 2014 version. The contract is designed for situations where builders need Master Builders Australia legal counsel, the ongoing, but Richard Calver, has intermittent, services of overseen the 2014 revision of the Period subcontractors. Trade Contract. The Period Trade Contract permits the engagement of subcontractors on known terms and conditions.
Privacy policies should be free A privacy policy must be freely available to those individuals from whom your organisation collects personal information. The OAIC recommends that privacy policies be accessible on your organisation’s website – accessible means that firstly, the privacy policy can be found on the organisation’s website and secondly, that the privacy policy is in a format that can be downloaded by those who wish to read it. Help! My organisation doesn’t have a privacy policy! Jackson McDonald can help you prepare an APP compliant privacy policy as well as advise on implementing APP compliant policies and procedures. We can also assist in reviewing existing privacy policies for compliance with the new privacy regime.
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Privacy policies: Keep it simple, stupid In a ‘privacy sweep’ conducted by the OAIC, the results of which were released in August 2013, the privacy policies of approximately 50 of the most commonly used websites in Australia were assessed for readability. The average reading age of each privacy policy was also assessed. The OAIC reported that of the privacy policies assessed, “nearly 50 percent were difficult to read” due to complexity, length and difficulties with accessing privacy policies. The average reading age of the policies assessed was 16, instead of the OAIC’s preferred reading age of 14.
Richard Calver, legal counsel for Master Builders Australia says that in the case of the Period Trade Contract, the subcontractor is engaged for a defined period and the particular jobs are agreed on as the need arises. “This process prevents allegations of sham contracting being made and protects all parties by providing clear terms and conditions for intermittent work,” he said. “PTC 2014
establishes the legal rights and obligations of each party, along with their powers and duties, on the basis of a quotation provided by the subcontractor and accepted by the contractor through a work order. This simple process formalises work arrangements. “In 2014, we have abandoned the notion of printing an accompanying quotation form and work order. Instead, these forms now will be available free of charge electronically when a PTC 2014 is purchased in hard copy.” Master Builders also has prepared a comprehensive User Guide that accompanies the contract. It explains the administrative procedures to give effect to the arrangements under PTC 2014. Highlights of the update in 2014 are communications by email and new provisions which take into account changes to work health and safety rules. PTC 2014 is on sale through at Master Builders’ West Perth headquarters, through regional Branch offices and online at www.mbawa.com.
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UPDATES industrial relations MARCH/APRIL 2014
What’s in store for 2014? The start of 2014 kicked off much as 2013 came to an end on the industrial relations front – hectic. As at 1 January, there were several new federal industrial relations obligations which took effect: • The federal Fair Work Commission anti-bullying powers. FWC reports four applications were filed on 1 January. • Employer obligations to consult first with employees about making changes to regular work hours. Some unions already have signalled their intent to rely on these new powers to frustrate change to work hours, disrupting employer operations and productivity output. • New union right of entry powers. • New first year apprentice wage rates for apprentices on four-year terms employed on or after 1 January. The Abbott Government is pushing ahead with its intentions to restore the Australian Building and Construction Commission and revise the federal Code of Practice for the Construction Industry in the face of stiff opposition from the Labor Opposition and Greens. The ABCC and Code are expected to be in place after July, with commercial builders and subcontractors
needing to comply with the Code to work on construction projects with federal funding. As a requirement under the Fair Work Act, the FWC is about to commence a major review of the federal Modern Awards that took effect in January 2010. The so-called 2012 interim review of Modern Awards which only ended in late 2013 saw few meaningful changes. The 2014 review hopefully will deliver better outcomes but FWC’s reluctance to make any needed changes in the 2012 review is of concern. Tight commercial sector market conditions see commercial builders and subcontractors assessing their need for more flexible workplace arrangements that offers them a more competitive position. Many are taking up enterprise agreements direct with their employees with no third party such as a union involved.
At the State level, the WA Government is expected to introduce a Bill in 2014 to substantially amend the Industrial Relations Act which sets out union right of entry on safety. Master Builders has strongly argued for stronger entry criteria on this very contentious matter. WorkCover WA issued a Discussion Paper in late 2013 looking at a major rewrite of the State workers’ compensation system. The paper canvassed taking many individual subcontractors out of the current workers’ compensation system. The CFMEU will start negotiations on its next pattern EBA for 2014 but it faces a stiff challenge as few commercial builders sign up to the union EBA these days. Likewise, commercial subcontractors simply cannot compete with the burden of the very generous union EBA in competition with the much wider non-union EBA sector.
A new appeal body within the FWC has been flagged by the Abbott Government to review the, at times, curious and inconsistent decisions being issued by some FWC Commissioners in recent years.
ABCC returns The Abbott Government has made a strong start to restoring the Australian Building and Construction Commission with legislation passed in December but opposed in the Senate by the Labor Opposition and Greens. The Opposition parties argue there simply is no need for the return of the ABCC as a strong construction industry cop with necessary enforcement powers and financial backing. The arguments fall down, however, with a short look at the recent past of the construction industry and some conduct. For example: • In December, the CFMEU in WA had fines of $233,600 imposed for the unlawful conduct of its assistant secretary, Joe McDonald, on construction sites in 2012 and 2013. In each case, the courts were scathing in their criticism of his conduct. • The Fair Work Commission in SA, of its own motion, conducted an inquiry on alleged breaches of union right of entry on Adelaide
construction sites by several CFMEU officials in 2013. It revealed a co-ordinated campaign of union right of entry breaches and the upshot, pending suspension of those rights. • The FWC issued an order in 2013 suspending CFMEU union right of entry on the new $1.2 billion children’s hospital in Nedlands for the life of the project. This followed ongoing breaches of right of entry by union officials on that site and abuse of site management. • Disruption to other Perth construction sites without any attempt by the CFMEU to use the Fair Work Act dispute settlement procedures. • Lengthy disputes involving picket lines at major construction sites in Queensland in defiance of return to work orders issued by the FWC. • The ugly 2012 Grocon dispute. • Union picket lines at other Victorian construction sites stopping construction
workers from entering. This was based on employing local labour as opposed to specialist employees from a WA metal fabrication shop. These examples are a sample of recurring construction industry conduct resulting from the former Labor Government’s decision to scrap the ABCC and replace it with a weaker body. For reasons of their own, the now Labor Opposition and Greens turn a blind eye to the conduct as somehow “acceptable” in the construction industry, though it would be unacceptable in any other industry. Master Builders has been a strong supporter of the ABCC and remains so given the clear evidence of improved productivity and culture in the construction industry after its inception in 2005, improvements lost in recent years due to the Labor Government’s ill-advised actions.
industrial relations UPDATES 53 MARCH/APRIL 2014
Hadgkiss heads up building industry regulator Recently appointed director of Fair Work Building and Construction, Nigel Hadgkiss, has a long history of dealing with workplace regulation in the building and construction industry. Fair Work Building and Construction is the industry’s national workplace relations regulator. Before taking up his current role with FWBC, Mr Hadgkiss was the director of Construction Code compliance at the Victorian Department of Treasury and Finance. He also was previously the Deputy Commissioner of the Australian Building and Construction Commission and director of the Building Industry Taskforce. He has signalled a renewed focus for FWBC on stamping out unlawful, intimidating and coercive behaviour on Australian building sites.
Questions about workplace rights and responsibilities can be directed to FWBC on 1800 003 338. Some of the areas where assistance can be provided are: • What to do if employees walk off site because of an industrial dispute. • Rules about union representatives having right of entry to site. • The right to join, or not join, a union. • Rules governing the negotiation of Enterprise Agreements. • Rights and responsibilities in relation to safety complaints. • Independent contractor rights and responsibilities. FWBC not only provides advice but also has teams of inspectors and lawyers in State capitals which investigate and prosecute breaches of the law in a variety of forms. These matters include unlawful industrial action, coercion, right of entry, freedom of association and discrimination.
The 1800 003 338 FWBC hotline can be called anonymously to report on-site incidents or to seek advice and assistance. Anything reported is treated in confidence. For further information, to seek advice, to make a complaint, or to make an appointment to visit one of their offices, contact FWBC at www.fwbc.gov.au.
CFMEU is so giving Just prior to Christmas, the CFMEU and its assistant secretary, Joe McDonald, were fined $233,000 for unlawful conduct in 2012 and 2013. Both admitted guilt in each case with Joe McDonald saying outside the court that he did not apologise for doing his job and that union members did not complain about their monies being used to pay for his unlawful actions. As if they get a say?
Belt tightening January saw reports of the CFMEU making staff redundant in the face of heavy fines and refurbishment costs associated with the union’s purchase of the old Trades Hall in Beaufort Street in 2013. Like all businesses, the union is doing it tough in the current market.
And they’re off! The new federal Fair Work Commission powers dealing with anti-bullying provisions took effect on 1 January and, wasting no time getting out of the blocks, four applications were filed that day despite it being a public holiday. The FWC has emphasised it will not look to financial compensation in matters of this type. Some may not have got that message.
FWC orders costs Two recent cases involving unfair dismissal have seen the FWC award costs against former employees with costs of $10,000 in one case and $27,000 in another. Such outcomes are rare in the unfair dismissal regime but much needed to stop disaffected employees making claims for vexatious reasons and with little hope of success.
National licensing dead All State Governments and the Federal Government have scrapped the National Occupational Licensing Scheme with mutual recognition now applying. NOLS was a Kevin Rudd grand plan that ran off the rails offering few benefits but much red tape and additional cost to all stakeholders. Few will mourn its loss.
Union membership up
Nigel Hadgkiss (centre) is pictured with (l-r) Master Builders’ director, Michael McLean, Construction Council chairman, Jason Kunkler, construction director, Kim Richardson and Association president, John Ripp, following a meeting discussing the role of the Fair Work Building and Construction.
WA unions are claiming they are clawing back lost members with increasing membership overall. Oddly, the CFMEU claims a 50 percent increase in numbers over 18 months when construction activity has been down for the past 2-3 years. Needless to say some questions hang over the accuracy of those numbers.
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UPDATES insurance MARCH/APRIL 2014
Public Liability – essential for all businesses All businesses must carry a current Public Liability policy, no matter what their size and no matter what their occupation. It doesn’t even matter whether or not you are directly exposed to the public. When third parties suffer personal injury (a term that is extremely broadly interpreted by courts) or have their property damaged, they inevitably will seek some type of compensation from anyone and everyone who could have been remotely involved in the incident that gave rise to that personal injury or damaged property. With so many different parties involved in the construction of a building, the requirement for a builder to hold a current Public Liability policy is therefore ‘not negotiable’. Despite your best intentions and best laid plans, and no matter how careful your workers are, accidents can and do happen on building sites, resulting in other workers getting injured and other people’s property getting damaged. In terms of personal injury, if the severity is high, the cost of compensation could be very significant. This is exacerbated even further if the person incurring the injury is of a young age. From a property perspective, these costs also can be significant, particularly if the incident gives rise to resultant damage to other aspects of the construction. Aside from the costs (or the damages), the associated legal costs that will be incurred are often also significant, hence if you are not insured, your business could be crippled overnight by one incident. While there are contractual obligations on all parties within a standard building contract to hold a current Public Liability policy (of normally not less than $5 million), how can you be sure that the contractors you’re engaging throughout the job also are maintaining such a policy? There are ways to monitor this risk, for instance, by insisting that contractors produce a Certificate of Currency from their broker or insurer before you allow them onto your site. However, if your ongoing monitoring fails and someone is injured by one of your contractors who inadvertently has let their Public Liability policy lapse, then your own insurance policy ultimately will be asked to ‘kick in’ for the damages incurred. This is another reason why you must always have a current Public Liability policy in force. But how much cover should you buy? Insurers these days will generally consider $5 million as the minimum amount of cover that you should purchase. If you consider a worst case scenario, such as a healthy child getting severely injured on your work site by
MBA Insurance Services’ WA state manager, Nick Vernon, and his team are building industry experts able to help contractors with all insurance needs, including vital Public Liability cover.
falling debris or something of that nature, then the ultimate damages being awarded by the Courts to that child could easily run into millions of dollars, by the time you take into consideration issues such as the costs of ongoing personal care, a lifetime of lost earnings, mental anguish and loss of normal bodily functions. How much you purchase also will be influenced by geographical considerations (such as how built up the area you are working in is), the height at which you might be working or the complexity of the job you are undertaking. Of course, certain contracts also may specify a particular amount of cover (for example, $10 million, $20 million or even $50 million) in which case you have no choice as to the extent of the cover you need to purchase if you wish to win the work. I’m a subcontractor. The contractor’s insurance covers me Does it? Are you sure? Have you read the contractors policy wording? The contractor’s policy protects the contractor for damage or injury that you may cause. Sure, on face value, the contractor’s Public Liability policy looks great and may include “all contractors, subcontractors, principals” and so on as insured parties. That’s great right? Well no, not necessarily. What this means is that the contractor is protected for property damage or injury occurring on his site, even if you the subcontractor, are legally liable for the incident occurring. But does that stop the
contractor’s insurer pursuing you for the cost of the damage? Is there a “waiver of subrogation” clause in the policy that will stop the contractor’s insurer from recovering from you? What about once you leave the worksite, is there any cover then? What if it’s a large contractor which carries a large excess, say $50,000? Think they’ll happily pay that while you walk away? You must always retain your own current Public Liability insurance. It’s too expensive. I can’t afford it Is it really too expensive? Think about what you are getting for your money. No doubt if you own a home, you have home and contents insurance, you most likely have car insurance and you might even insure your tools. Public Liability insurance protects your livelihood, your way of living, your business. You can’t see it or touch it or buy it off a shelf. But when you receive that summons because someone has been seriously injured or had property damaged, and the finger is being pointed at you, Public Liability insurance will be the best investment your business has ever made.
training UPDATES 55 MARCH/APRIL 2014
drop in apprentiCe nUmbers Confronts bUilders The recent decline in apprentice numbers is a worrying trend for the building and construction industry according to Master Builders Australia CEO, Wilhelm Harnisch. “We are concerned that the latest drop in apprentice commencements will have an impact on the industry over the next five to ten years,” he said. “New data released by the National Centre for Vocational Education Research shows that new apprentice commencements fell from 27,500 to 26,400 in the December quarter of 2013. “The adequate supply of skilled tradespeople is essential to meet the projected $2.8 trillion in building and infrastructure investment over the next decade.” Mr Harnisch said the latest Master Builders Survey of Building and Construction found firms are experiencing persistent difficulty
in accessing skilled tradespeople and professionals across all stages of the economic cycle and that the situation is likely to worsen as demand will far outstrip supply in coming years as the residential and civil construction sectors continue to strengthen. “A review of measures to restore business confidence and initiatives to enhance the attractiveness of the apprenticeship system to both apprentices and employers are urgently required,” he said. “The Government should cut the red tape and complex and inconsistent rules which discourage builders wishing to take on an apprentice. For example, the training plans which builders must agree with the state and territory training authorities every time they take on a new apprentice could be nationally harmonised to eliminate inconsistencies across jurisdictions. “Master Builders also welcomes the commitment by Sussan Ley, Assistant Minister
for Education, to review the role of vocational education and training in schools and to increase apprenticeship commencements in the future.” In its pre-Budget submission, Master Builders has called on the Government to take action to address declining apprentice numbers including measures such as: • Maintaining investment in post-secondary education (particularly skills training). • Providing effective assistance to employers to take on and train apprentices. • Re-allocating half the $5500 Tools for your Trade payments to employers to spend in support of their apprentices. • Amending the timing of the standard employer incentive so employers can access funds earlier in the apprenticeship. • Working with industry to strengthen the Group Training model as a way to increase apprentice completions.
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UPDATES technical MARCH/APRIL 2014
Care needed in transition to Updated nCC The Building Regulations 2012 in WA enable a 12 month transition period for the implementation of the National Construction Code – of which volumes 1 and 2 are the Building Code of Australia and Volume 3 is the National Plumbing Code (not yet adopted in WA, but is likely to be adopted later this year… watch this space). Until 30 April this year, the referenced BCA for compliance of plans and specifications are BCA 2012 and BCA 2013. This enables industry to become familiar with the new requirements and make necessary amendments to their design and construction standards for any new BCA requirements. Referenced BCA for WA from May From 1 May this year, BCA 2012 will no longer be available as a referenced document for applications made. You still may use BCA 2013 until 1 May 2015, or chose to adopt BCA 2014. If you use a private certifier, it is important that the Certificate of Design Compliance for Building Permits lodged on or after 1 May 2014 references BCA 2013 or BCA 2014. The following list summarises the main changes to BCA 2012 for the 2013 edition of the BCA: • There are additional requirements for window barriers for openable windows in early childhood centres and bedrooms in residential buildings (that is, houses, apartments, hotels and the like), where the
floor beneath the window is more than two metres above the surface below. • New provisions for the quantification of stormwater drainage. Criteria for external waterproofing now exist with the adoption of AS 4654 Waterproofing membranes for external above ground use. • New provisions for emergency egress for people with a disability have been included. The provisions apply to door handles, handrails, thresholds as well as Braille and tactile signage. Note that exit signage must now include Braille. • Changes to the Performance Requirements for emergency egress have been made to facilitate alternative solutions incorporating the use of lifts in addition to the normal egress provisions currently required by the BCA. • New provisions have been introduced for the building-related requirements for lifts that were previously located in the AS 1735 suite of standards. A number of new or amended referenced documents have been included in volumes 1 and 2: • A new standard, AS 4505 Garage and large access doors, has been referenced. This Standard introduces controls to minimise the observed damage to garage doors from cyclones in cyclonic areas. • A new amendment 1 to AS 1170.2 Structural design actions, Wind actions. • New edition of Part 4 (Accommodation buildings not exceeding four storeys) and
Part 6 (Multi-storey buildings) of AS 2118.4 Automatic fire sprinkler systems. • New edition of AS 1668.2 Mechanical ventilation in buildings. • New edition of AS 4505 Wind loads for housing. Updates to BCA 2014 A few updates to BCA 2014 include: • Slip resistance included for safe movement and access in both residential and commercial buildings. • Interconnection of smoke alarms where more than one is provided in domestic buildings. (NB: this new requirement will be applicable to any application submitted on or after 1 May, 2014 as the Building Commission has determined that the 12-month transition period is not applicable in this instance.) • The requirement for hose reels in Class 2 and 3 buildings has been deleted. Fire extinguisher requirements have been updated to provide suitable active suppression for these types of buildings. • Section I Maintenance section has been deleted. It is now a matter for the Building Commission to address for buildings in WA. Every year, the Australian Building Codes Board provides seminars on the BCA updates. If you missed this year’s presentation, visit the website for information on the updates, and to order your new copy of the BCA. www.abcb.gov.au. Source: ABCB Website
technical UPDATES 57 MARCH/APRIL 2014
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Fitting requirements for fitouts?
Master Builders’ technical consultant, Romina De Santis, reports on compliance challenges in fitout projects.
Prior to April 2012, fitouts within existing buildings and tenancies often were done without building or planning approvals. They were considered by many local authorities to not require any approvals because the work generally was not structural.
Since the commencement of the Building Act, builders and contractors involved in fitting out existing and new buildings seem to be faced with some of the highest requirements to comply with, often complex application requirements and grey areas of applicable building standards. The new Act has had a big impact on builders, designers and contractors that work in this sector, and is contributing to vacancy rates of existing building stock. Although the new requirements force building owners to consider upgrading their buildings, which might be viewed as a positive to attract tenants, it has an overall impact on rising costs for products and services. When do fitouts require approval? The new Building Regulations 2012 include Schedule 4 that provides a number of exemptions from obtaining a building permit for certain building work. But how does one determine if the work qualifies for the exemption? A registered Building Surveyor is probably the best person to determine whether building work requires a building permit. This still would require an assessment of plans, specification and/or scope of work. And like most things, opinions might differ between practitioners. The Regulations note a permit is not required where the building work does not affect the compliance of a building with a building standard. When an existing building is modified for a new tenant, it involves the demolition and construction of new walls, modifications or upgrades to existing lighting or mechanical ventilation layouts, new glazing, and general tidying up. All of this work is governed by the BCA and Standards – so most likely requires a building permit under the new legislative framework.
So how have fitouts become so complex? It is due to a few issues: • The implementation of the Disability (Access to Premises – Buildings) Standards 2010. • The introduction of the Building Act, where most local authorities (Permit Authorities) are not providing an assessment service for Class 2-9 buildings, forcing applicants to use the services of private Building Surveyors or Certifiers to undertake the assessment of non-residential building work. • Seemingly simple shop fitouts in buildings greater than 2000 square metres (most shopping centres would exceed this floor area), require the Certificate of Design Compliance to be provided by a Level 1 Certifier, as Level 2 Certifiers are restricted to buildings less than 2000 square metres and less than three storeys, regardless of the simplicity of the building work. • The assessment of the work under current Standards (particularly for change of use or change of classification). Owner versus tenant The tenant of an existing building might be responsible for certain upgrades to the building depending on the extent of the proposed building work. This might include a new entrance door and access path to the principal entrance which previously included steps or a non-wheelchair accessible threshold. If the occupant is undertaking substantial building work in a multi-storey building in which they are the sole occupant, access to upper levels might become an issue, and upgrades be required to existing access – that is, floor areas greater than 200 square metres require lift or ramp access. Where a lessee occupies only part of the building, the Act is less stringent, as it cannot mandate upgrades to areas not the responsibility of the applicant for the proposed new work. The building permit application must be signed by the building owner. Alternatively, evidence of consent to undertake building work must be provided when submitting the building permit application to the Permit Authority. This can be time consuming to obtain, and frustrating when Permit Authority records do not match owner details provided by the applicant. Upgrades and access Generally, access is required for the new work, and access from the principal entrance to the ‘affected part’ must be provided. Where work is proposed to existing sanitary facilities,
The tenant of an existing building might be responsible for certain upgrades to the building depending on the extent of the proposed building work. a new accessible facility and/or ambulant facility is required. Complications arise where existing site and building constraints prevent the building from being suitably upgraded. This then requires resolution of compliance issues through the performance criteria of the BCA. Energy efficiency is another consideration for fitouts where lighting and mechanical systems are upgraded or modified. The new installations must meet current Standards for input power for artificial lighting, air conditioning and ventilation installations, and time switches. Where there is a change in the classification of the building or part, the building must be upgraded to meet the current Standards. A registered Building Surveyor can advise on what Standards are applicable for the building where it is changing use or classification. Heritage buildings may not be able to provide suitable access and compliance with other BCA requirements. Documentation for heritage buildings is complicated by planning and heritage considerations and access consultants are often necessary to address compliance issues – adding to the cost and timeframe for building work to and within these buildings. Previous approvals Since the introduction of a performance-based building code, the popularity of addressing design challenges with alternative solutions has increased. Often it was only the design team that was aware of the alternative solutions included in the building (fire engineer, architect,
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UPDATES technical / safety MARCH/APRIL 2014
DFES and local authority Building Surveyor). Future work to the building must consider the original design to ensure the compliance of the base building is maintained. For example, many large shopping centres are approved with extended evacuation distances. When a tenancy is refurbished, it is necessary the alternative solution is available for the private certifier to check compliance of the new tenancy fitout with the original assessment. It is not enough that installations are checked and maintained compliant (for example, sprinkler locations, detection system).
Company fined $40,000 over serious injury to worker A company that manufactures plasterboard products has been fined $40,000 (plus more than $1800 in costs) over a serious injury to the arm of an employee.
As he did so, the lower board went into the perforator, knocking his right arm and drawing it into the blades of the perforator through the gap in the guard. It continued to rotate, drawing his arm further into the machine. On hearing the trapped worker call out, another worker stopped the machine and the area’s supervisor then isolated and locked out the machine. Fellow employees were not able to free the man from the machine, and paramedics and an emergency crew freed him after around 40 minutes.
For example, a new business will occupy a third floor office tenancy. The previous office was open-plan, but there was an approval in place to extend the evacuation path to 45 metres to the closest available exit (two exits available on each floor). The new office layout included more office cubicles and corridors. The design was checked and found to increase the travel distance to 48 metres. This did not meet the BCA or the alternative solution that was part of the base building approval. The design needed to be changed to avoid having to address this non-compliance that would have required the fire engineer to revisit the design parameters of his or her alternative solution to allow the additional distance, or formulate another alternative solution to address the issue (DFES referral, additional time and costs to the applicant). Sourcing the necessary documentation for assessment to determine compliance requirements can take time and add costs to the project. Previously the assessments were undertaken by the approval authority with all the original documentation readily available. Only the owner can undertake a plan and document search, and sometimes this is for plans only. It does not include other documentation like the alternative solution applicable to the project. What can be done now? Master Builders wants to hear from fitout contractors and builders. How can we ‘reduce the red tape’ for fitouts? The Occupancy Permit should list any applicable alternative solution and the building owner or manager should have a copy readily available. A register of all existing commercial buildings with alternative solutions would assist industry and prospective purchasers or lessees with design parameters of a building. If you have further comments, or are interested in attending a roundtable discussion regarding fitouts please email Romina@mbawa.com. Acknowledgement: thanks to Greg Nichol of Network Interiors for his input and feedback.
The worker suffered serious injuries to his arm, and has required several surgeries and extensive medical treatment since the incident. WorkSafe Director Joe Attard says that the case illustrates the importance of having safe work procedures in place at all times.
BGC (Australia) Pty Ltd – trading as BGC Plasterboard - pleaded guilty to failing to provide a safe work environment and, by that failure, causing serious harm to an employee and was fined in the Midland Magistrates Court recently. In June 2010, a machinery operator was operating a complex of machines that included a component known as a perforator when he noticed that two plasterboard sheets were stationary, one on top of the other, on the perforator feed conveyor and neither was going into the perforator. He had earlier lifted a guard to clear jammed sheets from the perforator roller and the guard was left sitting at an angle, creating a larger than usual aperture from the infeed. Without stopping the machine, the operator reached across and around with his right arm to pick up the top board on the edge closest to the infeed.
“The incident that led to this court case is a stark reminder of the need for effective guarding, safe systems of work and ongoing training of workers,” Mr Attard said. “This severe injury would not have been possible if the guarding on this machine had been fixed in place at the minimum aperture required for sheets of plasterboard to pass through. “Guarding of the dangerous moving parts of machinery is such a basic and easy precaution to take, and it really is time for employers to take a good hard look at the guarding situation and stop exposing employees to the risk of injury or death. “In addition, the risk of the perforator jamming had arisen due to a recent change in the way it was used. Any change in systems of work should be accompanied by a thorough risk assessment, a crucial requirement in a workplace with machinery of this nature.” Further information on machinery guarding and safe systems of work can be obtained by telephoning WorkSafe on 1300 307877 or on the website at www.worksafe.wa.gov.au.
housing UPDATES 59 MARCH/APRIL 2014
Planning to reform planning Financing Australian residential development: new report A new report has found that restrictions on property finance have had a negative impact on housing supply, especially since the Global Financial Crisis. The peer reviewed Australian Housing and Urban Research Institute report reviewed the complexity of property finance, its role in the supply of all housing types and tenures, and the impact of the Global Financial Crisis on property lending. The researchers interviewed property developers and financiers in WA, New South Wales and Victoria who were involved in high density, medium density in-fill and affordable housing developments. They reported that while some larger developers (for example, Australian Real Estate Investment Trusts) have adequate access to finance, small to medium sized developers have faced difficulties especially since the GFC. This has had a negative impact on housing supply, especially in-fill development. The researchers said financing affordable housing for the not-for-profit sector is materially assisted through the National Rental Affordability Scheme, although it does take time for lenders to understand such schemes. Master Builders’ housing director, Geoff Cooper, said the report confirmed what industry had been saying for several years. “Master Builder members have reported that lenders’ conditions had restricted their ability to deliver product into the market,” he said. “The good news is that the market has moved and that financiers appear much more willing to lend now than at any time in recent years.”
The Department of Finance has engaged ACIL Economics consultant, Bill Scanlon, to assist it to carry out a much needed review of the State’s planning provisions. Transforming a parcel of urban zoned land into a titled lot on which construction can commence can take between three and four years. The navigation of the State’s planning approvals processes accounts for the majority of this time. The building approvals processes typically take about six months within the 3-4 year timeframe. Developers incur land holding costs for each month that land sits idle while approvals processes are being navigated. These costs are inevitably passed on to consumers. Indicative holding costs have been estimated at $18,000 per lot for a development approval time of three years and rising to $26,000 per lot for an approval time of four years. These costs would account for 8-12 percent of the median lot price in WA of $225, 000. An approximate rule of thumb is that each additional month of the planning approvals process increases holding costs by $500 per lot. The Department of Finance review is focussing primarily on inefficiencies and duplication in processes, functions and accountabilities. Substantial improvements in efficiency have been identified in the following eight areas of the approvals process: • Communication and information – navigation of the approvals processes is currently difficult and could be improved by better communicating the approvals processes to the public. • Complexity in structure planning – requirements for a high level of detail from developers at an early stage of the approvals process could be reduced
without loss of effectiveness of ‘high-level’ planning decisions. • Local government scheme amendments – local planning schemes could be required to be consistent with State schemes and requirements for amendment should be seldom activated, and if activated, should be relatively easy to undertake. • Infrastructure coordination – better coordination of basic infrastructure provision to the ‘urban front’ could prevent the need for developers to negotiate with service providers on a case-by-case basis. • Subdivision conditions – conditions attached to subdivision approvals could be subject to greater review and scrutiny to ensure that the imposition of conditions on subdivision applications is in the public interest. • Proof of land ownership for planning approval – a small regulatory change could enable a greater degree of simultaneous processing by removing the need for applicants to have to wait until formal settlement of land transaction before commencing the local government approvals process. • Use of development assessment panels – a greater role for development assessment panels could reduce approvals time for large residential projects, and might be particularly useful to facilitate the achievement of urban infill objectives. • Incentives for faster approvals – greater flexibility in processing applications by local governments could be enabled by changes to the regulation of local government fees and charges. Master Builders consulted with the review team from the Dept. of Finance in January. A spokesman says the Association is looking forward to the final report and recommendations later in the year.
Bankwest, Master Builders’ Principal Partner, is available to assist Association members with home and business loans. Conditionally, it also pays a referral fee to Master Builders on all business, retail and private banking lending. Mr Cooper said the Association would put such funds towards the promotion of careers to students, job opportunities and information for construction employers in WA. Contact Bankwest business development manager, Christine Hutchins, on 0457 541 200 for more information. Visit www.ahuri.edu.au/ publications to view the AHURI report.
Planning to the fore (l-r): Master Builders’ director, Michael McLean, ACIL consultant, Bill Scanlon, Kerri Watson and Tim Butcher (Department of Finance) and Master Builders’ housing director, Geoff Cooper, following a useful meeting to discuss planning reforms.
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UPDATES housing MARCH/APRIL 2014
Home owners are turning to builders for help to prepare their new homes for the National Broadband Network. Telstra explains what you need to consider when talking to clients.
Wired for the future: preparing homes for the NBN
The NBN is a Government initiative designed to roll out high-speed broadband technology across Australia. The NBN rollout is in full swing. Once complete, it will provide highspeed broadband to all Australian homes and businesses. It’s not a moment too soon. Internet use in the home is soaring. Australians are streaming internet-delivered video and TV channels in record numbers. And, they’re accessing the internet in the home through a fast-growing range of games consoles and Wi-Fi enabled tablets, Smartphone’s and laptops. In fact, ask a typical family what service they couldn’t live without and broadband probably would come a close third to water and electricity. Retail service providers like Telstra then sell services on the NBN to consumers. With speeds of up to 100 Mbps for downloads and 40 Mbps for uploads, the NBN offers high-speed internet even if you live a long way from an exchange or have multiple devices connected. With broadband now viewed as an essential service, home owners are asking builders for help getting their homes NBN ready. And while there’s a high awareness that the NBN is coming, there’s low understanding among consumers as to how to position telecommunications equipment in the home and design wiring to get the best performance
out of the new network. A little pre-planning can help future-proof a new home and boost customer satisfaction. Here’s what to consider. Have a discussion up front Talking to the home owner before the walls go up can save a lot of hassle down the track. Just like electrical cabling, broadband and phone cabling should be factored in at the blueprint phase. Ask the home owner to decide where they want to use internetconnected services in the home. This will help you locate Wi-Fi and wired access points. Include comment on data ports for all the TVs, gaming consoles, kitchen and office. Decide where NBN Co equipment should be installed To connect a building to the fibre network, NBN Co will install equipment both outside and inside the premises. In most cases, as a part of a standard installation, NBN Co will install up to 60 metres of fibre cabling from the boundary of the property to the NBN Premises Connection Device (PCD) and up to 40 metres of cabling from the NBN PCD to the NBN Network Termination Device (NTD) inside the house. You should work with the owner to agree the location of the internal NTD. It provides both the internet and phone connection. Make sure it is easily accessible to people with restricted mobility, but out of normal reach of children and pets. Home owners will need easy access
to the NTD so they can check the indicator lights and alarms if there’s a problem. Wired versus wireless These days, households use a mix of wireless and fixed connections in the home. Wireless coverage – via a Wi-Fi gateway – ensures portable devices like laptops, Smartphone and tablets can access the NBN throughout the home. To maximise Wi-Fi coverage, gateways should be located centrally. Wi-Fi is a flexible connectivity option. However, like all wireless technology it is subject to interference and generally provides slower broadband throughput than cabling. If home owners want to stream internet content to their TVs (Telstra predicts one in five Australian households will have internet connected televisions by 2015), they should consider installing structured cabling to a port behind their TV cabinets (with Ethernet cabling installed back to the NBN Co NTD or patch panel). Home owners also might consider a wired port next to their home PC. This will ensure they can enjoy optimum NBN performance when transferring files, using video chat and when working from home. Telstra recommends the use of Category 6 cable as a minimum. For more information, contact Belinda Meyer at your Master Builders’ helpdesk on 1300 88 13 72.
housing UPDATES 61 MARCH/APRIL 2014
Liveable Homes: accessing new housing designs Designing and building accessible homes is the way of the future, due to Australia’s ageing population, the number of families with small children and the number of people with temporary and permanent disability. Incorporating accessible design at the planning and design stage can save thousands in retrofitting down the track – but where can you find the necessary information? The State Government has partnered with the WA building industry to develop the Liveable Homes initiative to provide the tools and resources required to build accessible homes without compromising on style. Liveable Homes are open plan, easy to use and move around in and designed to maximise space in key areas. They ensure people of all ages and abilities can live in or visit the home from the day they are born through to retirement.
A range of support materials is available at www.liveablehomes. net.au to help builders, designers, architects and home owners incorporate accessible (or universal) design into their homes. Fact sheets provide detailed technical specifications and perspectives for each Liveable Homes guideline and CAD and jpeg images are free to download and use. Examples of house plans for a range of block sizes and shapes, using all essential and some desirable Liveable Homes criteria, have been developed with WA builders and are available as PDFs and in CAD format. A photo gallery highlights houses built using the Liveable Homes guidelines and checklists are on hand to provide a quick overview of essential and desirable criteria. Modern interior design already lends itself to accessibility with open plan living, spacious kitchens, wide entry doors and slung bathroom basins all helping to make homes more accessible. Incorporating accessible design features in new homes, such as wider doorways, level entrances and reinforced bathroom walls make homes more adaptable and give people greater independence as the years go by. An Australian Housing and Urban Research Institute survey on dwelling, land and neighbourhood use by older home owners suggests a market demand for more accessible designs in the general housing market rather than age-segregated retirement villages. There is a high level of concern and uncertainty among older home owners about their ability to afford possible future modifications, such as retrofitting hand rails or ramps so they can gain access to their houses. By designing WA homes to meet the changing needs of occupants across their lifetime, it will eliminate, minimise or reduce this financial burden in retirement.
Some of the materials available on the Liveable Homes website.
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FEATURE advantages of double glazing MARCH/APRIL 2014
If you double the glazing is it twice as good? To answer this vexing question for yourself, experience double glazing in action. Go to a modern supermarket and feel the difference of temperature on the inside and outside pane of the fridge or freezer doors. Before you open the door to make your selection you are comfortable and then you receive that blast of chilled air reminding you just how cold it is in there. Why do you think that supermarkets have upgraded to these modern thermally efficient products? We may like to think that they know the products will be kept at a constant temperature increasing food safety as they stop the cold air inside from migrating through the glass where it is drawn to the warm air. It may, however, have more to do with the fact that they know it will save them money long term through the reduction in energy costs to keep goods cold and customers comfortable. The same principle applies to buildings. If there is a difference in temperature between the inside and outside of a building you have heat flow. The greater the difference between the outside and inside temperatures the greater the heat flow; especially through windows and doors using standard clear single glazing. In cool weather, valuable heat is lost to the outside, so your heating system will use more energy to keep the inside at a comfortable temperature. Equally, in hot conditions, air cooling systems need to be larger and work harder to combat undesired heat flowing into your building. A single clear glass pane of any thickness and in any window or door frame is an extremely good conductor of heat and light, effectively making it an extremely poor choice for energy efficiency and comfort.
If you stand close to a window or glazed door your comfort is also affected by the temperature of the glass. With double glazing it’s more difficult for the unwanted outside temperature to transfer through, leaving the inside pane close to room temperature. Double glazing also reduces condensation which can result in the unhealthy formation of mould.
As with many of the features of windows and glazed doors, energy performance can be hard to sell as a tangible asset. This is an area where customers may not always comprehend the full effects that performance glazing can have on their building over the full life of the product.
Properly sealed double glazing offers an effective means to reducing medium to high frequency noise such as the human voice. A difference in glass thickness and types between the inner and outer panes will improve sound reduction even further.
For designers, builders and consumers to fully understand the importance of this they must understand that the windows and doors they select can have a huge impact on the way they live, from the amount of energy they use to the level of comfort experienced on an everyday basis.
Double glazed windows and doors are also considered a safer option when compared to those with standard single panes. Two sheets of glass are a lot harder to break than one and for even greater security or to meet Building Code requirements for human impact you can specify toughened or laminated glass.
In Australia, the most common form of high performance glazing is double glazing. This refers to the use of two sheets of glazing material, usually constructed into a sealed insulating glass unit (IGU). Double glazing is used primarily to reduce heat loss and heat gain through windows. In simple terms, double glazing utilises a layer of air or other gas, which has a low thermal conductivity, to reduce the thermal conduction losses through the glazed area of the window or door. This may be combined with a low-e coating to reduce radiative heat transfer between the panes of glass.
It is often wrongly assumed that double glazing is only for cold climates. In fact, the best performance levels in both U‐value and SHGC can only be achieved by double‐glazing. This facilitates higher performance for all climates, especially in heated and air‐conditioned homes. Using combinations of standard and low‐e glass allows IGU to be tailored to have extremely low U-values ranging from 3.5 to as low as 1. Using clear, toned, reflective or low‐e glass can deliver a wide range of SHGC values from 0.2 to 0.7.
advantages of double glazing FEATURE 63 MARCH/APRIL 2014
In housing, good daylighting is invariably required and in this situation only a double‐glazed configuration will simultaneously achieve very low SHGC values coupled with high visible light transfer. The performance of the cavity in IGUs impacts on the U‐value and serviceability of the glazing. Cavities must be sealed to minimise convective heat transfer. If the cavity is not properly sealed or contains inadequate desiccant it may contain moisture which, under cold conditions, will condense on the colder glass surface. The spacer (metal or polymer strip) that separates the two glass layers contains a desiccant to absorb any moisture. IGU cavities may also be filled with an inert, low conductivity gas such as argon. Cavity thickness is usually in the range 6 to 18mm. Wider cavities provide lower (better) U‐values with 12mm normally accepted as the preferred gap for optimal energy efficiency performance. Popular Australian selections for use include: 1. Double Clear Glazing which offers some thermal insulation. It is made of two clear glass panes separated by an air gap. The air gap acts as an insulating barrier between the window panes and is
an effective way of reduce conductive heat transfer. Compared to single glazing, it can cut heat loss in half due to the insulating air space between the glass layers. In addition to reducing the heat flow, a doubleglazed unit with clear glass will allow the transmission of high visible light and high solar heat gain. 2. Low E Double Glazing which is made from coated glass panes separated by air or, increasingly, argon/ crypton gas. The latter type of low-e glazing, sometimes called spectrally selective low-e glass, reduces heat loss in winter but also reduces heat gain in summer. Compared to most tinted and reflective glazing, this low-e glass provides a higher level of visible light transmission for a given amount of solar heat reduction. There is a lot of speculation regarding the future of energy prices in Australia and how we will see large increases in price. Even a non-economist knows these increases will be a major driver in the promotion and usage of high performance energy efficient windows. When considering the use of double glazing to address this don’t forget to consider the many other benefits you also achieve.
Article by Tracey Gramlick, Executive Director, Australian Window Association (AWA) www.awa.org.au.
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FEATURE walls and ceilings MARCH/APRIL 2014
Touching on texture, colour and design If we accept the fact that ceramic tile will last longer than any other hard or soft surface finish, we must recognise the importance of choosing a safe product with an appealing texture and an appropriate colour and design that will remain fashionable.
Texture and Slip Resistance Tile is a very tactile material, its appeal often relates to its surface texture as much as its colour and shape – by touching the surface of a hard or soft surface we make assumptions about its hardness, flexibility, porosity and safety under foot. Texture is a compelling factor in the sales equation. From a specifier’s perspective the abrasion resistance, slip resistance and porosity values of any floor tile they specify are their prime considerations. Tile is primarily produced in glazed, polished or natural (matt) surface finishes. The quality of the surface of a glazed floor tile is measured using the Porcelain Enamel Institute (PEI) test method which grades glazes from
1 to 5. The lower number (I) implies that a tile with that rating is only suitable for residential environments subjected to very light traffic. At the other end of the scale a product rated as a V will be suitable for any residential environment and many commercial projects. The vast majority of glazed ceramic and glazed porcelain tiles sold in Australia are grade IV or V. Grade IV or V glazed tiles usually provide excellent abrasion resistance. However, wear on unglazed tiles which are homogenous throughout, that is caused by foot traffic or abrasion will only reveal underlying layers of the tile that are effectively the same as the original surface. For this reason unglazed porcelain (natural) can be said to provide excellent resistance to wear and
Taiga by Rex is available in 4 warm colours which present the warmth and irregularity of timber. Formats are; 15cm x 60cm and 15 x 90 cm. (courtesy Di Lorenzo, NSW) ceramic tiles
Nr.21 Cemento Cassaforma An Italian glazed porcelain tile range, simulating natural timber and cast concrete. Available in 4 colours. The perfect solution for tiling both rustic and modern wall and floor settings. Tile size: 300 x 1200mm (image courtesy Everstone)
Pitrizzia by Cerasarda illustrates how interesting designs can be created by combining two compatible formats and several colours. Formats: 10 x10 and 20 x 20cm.
exposed suspended ceiling systems
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FEATURE walls and ceilings MARCH/APRIL 2014
Colour and Design Trends From the homeowners perspective tiles laid in private residences are usually exposed to low levels of wear and tear by comparison with products destined to be laid in public spaces. So one might expect enterprising property owners to take the plunge by creating some truly stunning designs in their living spaces and outdoor entertaining areas. Ironically, one is more likely to find an architect or designer who is prepared to be adventurous in their colour selection and overall design theme. Minimalism has headed the honours board for a number of years although there is some evidence that bolder use of colour is becoming more prevalent.
Hexagon by market leader Everstone depicts how use of an interesting format and texture combine to produce an appealing aesthetic.
abrasion. By contrast a glazed surface which wears will reveal the underlying clay pressed to form the body of the tile before the glaze was applied. Rapid advances in the art of High Definition Inkjet (HDI) printing techniques provide global manufacturers of tile with an opportunity to produce surface finishes that closely resemble the materials they imitate in appearance and occasionally tactility. During the past ten years polished porcelain products which usually mimic the appearance of natural materials like limestone, marble and granite have become enormously popular. Polished porcelain is produced by intense mechanical polishing of the body of an unglazed tile. In their natural state porcelain stoneware tiles are virtually impervious providing low levels of porosity (0.5 per cent). The polishing process can create micro pores in the surface of a polished porcelain tile which may become a harbour for grime and dirt. Nevertheless, the vast majority of polished and natural finish porcelain products represent the very finest ceramic materials in regards to abrasion resistance and porosity. In general terms light coloured glazed products may become more difficult to clean, while darker glazes may show signs of wear earlier than light coloured products. Matt, or textured surface finishes should provide greater slip resistance. The majority of floor tiles sold in Australia have a slip resistance rating of R9 or R10, which is adequate for most residential projects and use in many public spaces. Cleaning heavily textured or structured surfaces is generally more difficult than cleaning glazed surfaces. The only ceramic tiles which may require sealing are terracotta and some polished porcelain tiles. For this reason glazed porcelain products have become the most popular ceramic tiles in our market place because they merge the strength and durability of porcelain with the low maintenance, easy to clean advantages associated with glazed ceramic tiles.
Whichever way readers decide to go there is no shortage of available formats ranging from tiny mosaic tesserae to giant panels of porcelain, in a vast array of colours and textures. The prevailing minimalist trend reverberates around white, beige, cream, brown and grey, safe colours that will not discourage prospective purchasers of property. This is surprising given that around 7 out of every 10 homes in Australia are owner occupied and according to an Australian Bureau of Statistics survey conducted in 2007/08 less than 28 per cent of people who owned their home were recent movers.
“The availability of tile ranges which are produced in a variety of colours, formats and textures for internal and external use increases end users opportunities to be creative.� The group which move the most are couples with young children. It would appear that many homeowners choose their tiles because of issues related to functionality in preference to aspects of design, in other words performance may be more important than appearance. A visit to a local tile store will reflect the current popularity of minimalism. In some instances the vibrant colourful products appear to be there for show.
walls and ceilings FEATURE 67 MARCH/APRIL 2014
The influential Dulux colour charts for 2012 confirmed that Antique White, Natural White and Hog Bristle are current favourites, so it would appear that light colour tones will continue to dominate; with bolder colour tones used as an element of decoration. Tile is an ideal medium in regard to creation on an impervious, durable surface finish that can be embellished by insertion of a band of decoration, a feature panel or whole wall of colour. The availability of tile ranges which are produced in a variety of colours, formats and textures for internal and external use increases end users opportunities to be creative. The prime aesthetic considerations are: • The format: The size, shape and thickness. • The colours (of plain and feature tiles) • The laying pattern.
Top: Azulej by Mutina is a new range of 20 x 20cm tiles inspired by traditional majolica patterns. (Courtesy urban Edge Ceramics, Victoria). (Left) Materia By Imola has a brushed finish for interior use and a natural surface for outdoor application. (Right) Frost resistant Cristalli by Vogue comes in three compatible formats and 18 colours which provide incredible design opportunities.
In terms of format one can mix and match sizes to create modular patterns using tiles of varying but compatible dimensions eg 100 x 100, 200 x 200, 400 x 400 mm. Interesting aesthetics can be produced by mixing matt (natural) and glazed (polished) materials. Tiles with different surface finishes can be employed according to expected levels of foot traffic, exposure to impact and abrasion or accidental spills of potential liquid contaminants. For example a polished or glazed porcelain tile could be used inside, with a matching unglazed tile laid externally on the entertainment area where the potential for surface wear and tear and spills of
oil, wine and other liquids might be expected and could potentially go unnoticed. During recent times demand from architects, designers and discerning consumers for large size ceramic tiles and panels has grown as the thickness of some of these materials has decreased. Use of 300 x 600 mm wall tiles and 600 x 600 mm floor tiles is common place. Unfortunately some specifiers have taken a dislike to grout joints. However, the presence of grout is a necessity. In fact current application of the right grout can enhance the aesthetics of any project, providing the correct joint width is employed and an appropriate grout is used. During the last 12 months we have witnessed a return to some formats which were popular 30 years ago, including hexagonal, octagonal and provencal shapes. Interest in rectangular formats was rekindled several years ago. A wall or floor tiled in a small format with a corresponding increase in the number of tile joints will often look dense and relatively busy by comparison with a space that is tiled with a large format, which produces a reduction in the width and number of grout joints. The grout joints can be made more prominent by deliberate use of a contrasting colour, or less conspicuous by choosing a grout that matches the colour of the tile. Grout is now available in myriad colours. In the past, porcelain stoneware was basically a hard wearing bland product, that designers specified for use in airports and hospitals where foot traffic was intense. Today, the range of available colours and finishes is virtually limitless, thanks to development of granular textures used to imitate stone. By modifying the surface of the tile body and experimenting with the application of initial powders, blending colours and applying HDI glazes tile makers can produce a wealth of colour solutions and surface finishes. Currently manufacturers are content to use the technological advances that have been made to largely imitate. This may seem inappropriate to lovers of stone or timber, and those who favour applying these techniques to create something totally original. However, from the manufacturers’ perspective they are saying we can make tiles that closely resemble stone, timber and concrete which out perform the original materials in every performance criterion that counts. This represents no mean feat and it provides the end user with options to play safe or be creative. This article appears with kind permission of the author Anthony Stock. It first appeared in Tile Today magazine. It can be downloaded from the Archived Articles section of Infotile.com.
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FEATURE termites and pest control MARCH/APRIL 2014
‘Build-out’ termites by ‘building-in’ protection Do you remember when it was routine to spray for termites before pouring a slab? It was only 20 years ago, but how things have changed.
Probably the biggest change of all was the acceptance in the termite Standard that a concrete slab itself could form part of a termite barrier. At the same time, the long lasting ‘organo-chlorine’ chemicals being used were withdrawn and replaced with the safer termiticides that we have today, but these are registered with a service life of about 10 years only. This raised concerns about the lack of termite protection beyond 10 years in non-accessible building parts such as under slabs. An additional concern has been the indication that the traditional system of ‘free-hand spraying’ of termiticide had a poor track record of performance. Where was the evidence? In 2005 the CSIRO produced a termite risk map of Melbourne, based on a limited survey by Termite Action Victoria. The map and tables clearly showed that the council areas where pre-construction termite protection was mandatory were also those that suffered the highest rates of termite infestation. In fact 25 percent of all termite infestations occurred within four council areas, all of which required pre-construction termite protection. Perhaps the protection helped, but it certainly did not bring home the bacon.
These products have some common features: • They often integrate with part of the building structure such as a concrete slab, which together with the product, form a ‘termite management system.’ • These systems are ‘built-in’ and can at some stage be inspected, confirmed to be complete, signed off and certified. In an imperfect world, this is a big advantage over the invisible ‘spray’ method. • A ‘built-in’ system is generally not as easily compromised when a new home owner makes new garden beds or lays new paving around the home. • They provide longer-term protection, often with an expectation of 50 years of service. • They typically come with a warranty, which is subject to the building being inspected annually by a termite specialist. This is in line with the termite Standard, and apart from inspecting for termites, it provides an excellent opportunity for home owners to be informed by the inspector about maintenance of things such as landscaping levels, ventilation and replenishment of chemical in reticulation systems (where fitted).
What was behind this poor performance is not clear, but most experienced termite specialists will tell you that the chemicals used are effective when applied fully and correctly. The blame is more likely to be the invisible nature of sprays, and the difficulty in inspecting and certifying that an application has been made to all stages of an often-complex building. Parts of buildings were probably not treated. Furthermore, treated areas such as garden beds and pathways, were liable to be compromised by the subsequent landscaping and paving works that often follow the termiticide application.
Generally, ‘built-in’ products are applied so as to integrate with building parts to form a single termite barrier. It would be unusual today to underlay a termite protection product under the entire building. Instead, the design of the building must be understood, building plans provided, and the qualities of structures such as a concrete slabs and sub-floor clearances must be specified prior to planning a termite protection system that will utilise the building components as part of the termite barrier. For example:
We are fortunate that the dismal landscape painted above has been brightened by a new way of doing things. There is a growing range of termite protection products that can be seen, touched and inspected and the builder is spoilt for choice in picking a method that suits the building.
Concrete slabs Concrete slabs must be designed and constructed so as not to have a 1mm crack through the slab. AS 2870 and AS 3600 are ‘deemed to satisfy.’ Concrete slabs with abutments to other structure, such
termites and pest control FEATURE 69 MARCH/APRIL 2014
as ‘in-fill slabs’, require protection at those margins. Potential holes/ joins/and gaps in the slab should be independently protected. The external perimeter, typically at the edge rebate, should be independently protected. Suspended floors Suspended floors must be 400mm clear of the ground to permit local barriers such as stump capping to comply. Concrete/steel stumps require no further protection. Masonry footings and timber stumps require protection, such as with capping/strip shielding. Examples of product types
Impregnated membranes These are typically plastic strips that have been loaded in some way with an insecticide. Brands vary in technology, some membranes sandwich a treated textile material between two thin plastic sheets, and another brand actually includes insecticide within the plastic itself during manufacture. The result is a range of products that are generally expected to last the lifetime of a building, can be readily inspected and can be installed into buildings in a range of convenient ways. They are cost effective to supply and once installed they tend to be left undisturbed to do their job for the long haul without any service requirements. Impregnated membranes are repellent to termites, which cannot contact or explore the membrane. This provides a feeling of confidence that if a membrane is inadvertently damaged during the building process, termites may not be able to find the breach. An additional security is the range of adhesives and sealants that come with most brands. These are mostly today ‘active,’ meaning that they
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Non chemical These were the first of the new wave of ‘built-in’ products after the old chemicals were withdrawn, and include the well established stainless steel mesh and graded stone methods. The companies providing these products did not just supply the material, but they established for the first time a comprehensive system behind the product, and trained their people to install it, inspect it and warranty it. They undertook extensive research and testing and developed a range of adhesives, sealants and fixing methods that became part of their ‘systems.’ They also had to coax the building industry away from treating termite protection as an afterthought and ‘quick spray,’ and into a scheduled stage of the building process, and they provided industry training and seminars accordingly. These methods remain available today, and have the advantage of being well known as being chemical free.
Reticulation This is a method of convenient re-application or termiticide via an irrigation system similar to water irrigation. Some of these products were developed as the old chemicals were going and have become very well established. They are cost effective and simple to install and simple for the builder to schedule-in. They are an improvement on hand spraying chemical, and are particularly useful to enable re-application where concrete/tiled paths/patios surround a building. They require replenishment every few years, typically by the supplier, who may also provide an on-going warranty.
Wespine roof frames are now even tougher because they’re available in a timber naturally treated to be extremely termite resistant. In fact, Wespine Blue™ is so tough on termites, it’s guaranteed for 25 years. Look for the distinctive blue framework or ask your builder about Wespine Blue.
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FEATURE termites and pest control MARCH/APRIL 2014
also contain insecticide, and increase the flexibility and security of these systems. There are many other methods available, and the number of methods is increasing continually. So what should a builder do? • Provide proper building plans including those for elevations and footings. • Include termite work into the building schedule and give plenty of notice of your requirements. • Respect the specialist’s work, and ensure that following trades do the same. • Once the termite system is installed, ensure that the provider fixes a ‘durable notice’ in the SEC box (or sub-floor frame) and that you pass on the certificate of installation with your hand-over pack to your purchaser. This will allow the new owner to contact the termite company and register for annual inspections and warranty. Once this is done, you can sleep easy knowing that someone else’s phone will ring if termites rear their ugly heads over the long years ahead. Article by Alex Fayers, Termite Specialist alex@termitespecialist.com.au.
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security for the home FEATURE 71 MARCH/APRIL 2014
home seCUrity gUide The Australian Security Industry Association Limited (ASIAL) is the largest security industry Association representing the security industry in Australia.
From small, medium and large sized operations through to major users of security ASIAL represents all sectors of the security industry. ASIAL plays a key role in driving Australian Standards, developing codes of conduct and raising the level of professionalism within the industry. As the voice of the industry, ASIAL performs a key role in representing the interests of the industry at a Federal and State/Territory government level. The following is an overview of security products available for home and business use and a guide to the products and services offered by ASIAL members.
When installing locking devices the issue of security versus egress must be considered. Insurance companies often insist on doublesided key locks and window locks before they will insure a property. However, Fire Departments, Councils and the Building Code of Australia require us to allow emergency egress with a single handed pushing action or a downward motion with a lever handle. There are a number of devices available that meet with existing egress laws and secure property to an acceptable insurance level for both domestic and commercial environments.
Physical devices Physical security equipment comprises an extremely wide range of product types, these include: • Security doors/screens – External doors should be solid and able to withstand brute force. If you like to keep your door open, consider installing security screens on your doors and windows but make sure they meet Australian standards for security use. A peephole in the front door is also useful as it allows you to see who is calling without opening the door. • Security fencing – Fencing can act as a deterrent to thieves and vandals so choose a high fence rather than a low one and it should be of solid construction. It is essential all gates are locked and you could also employ an intercom system to screen entry. • Shutters and grilles – They offer excellent protection from intruders, particularly for houses and lower floor apartments. Ensure they meet Australian standards for security and fire safety as they must also allow occupants to easily exit the property in case of emergency. • Safes – Safes are an excellent way of protecting valuable items like jewellery, laptops and other small devices, depending on the size of the safe you have installed. Police recommend engraving valuable goods with your driver’s licence number so the goods can be traced and are harder for thieves to sell.
The average house will have a number of potential entry points for an intruder. These include front and back doors, windows, garage doors and patio doors. Generally the front and back doors are comprised of timber doors and frames. There are two types of deadlocks that can be used in this situation, the deadlatch and the deadbolt. Both styles of locks can be key operated from the inside or operated by a turn knob or snib. Emergency egress laws at this stage do not apply to houses.
Locking devices Devices such as deadlocks, multi point locking bars, safes, padlocks, window locks etc. are in most cases the first and last barriers encountered by an intruder.
Locks are available for most types of windows, garages and patio doors. The general devices used for this application are locks that use a pin or bolt to lock them. The pins or bolts are locked into position by a press action or by a key.
The deadlatch is a self-latching device. As the lock is closed a deadlatching trigger is activated allowing the lock to engage its deadlocking function meaning the latch is now in a fixed position until released by the key or inside turn knob. This function prevents an intruder slipping a credit card or similar object between the door and the jamb to push the latch back and gain access. Home units must use a deadlatch that features automatic unlocking of the inside knob when opened by the key from the outside. Deadbolts have a similar deadlocking feature as the deadlatch, the difference being that they are not self-latching and require the use of the key or the turn to throw them into the locked position. Please note, in accordance with Australian standards, these locks cannot be used on home units.
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FEATURE security for the home MARCH/APRIL 2014
Security systems Typically a home security system consists of a number of components that work together to provide 24/7 coverage. The main components are: • The Control Panel This is the heart of the system that gathers the information from components such as the code pad, movement detectors and magnetic reed switches. In the event of an alarm the control panel sends the alarm signal to the monitoring centre and activates the sirens and strobe light. • The Code Pad This is the component that you use to arm and disarm the control panel with your unique PIN number. It is also used to program different features available in the control panel. • Movement Detectors Typically Passive Infra Red detectors are used in homes to detect movement in areas such as lounge rooms, bedrooms and garages. Once the detector has been activated it is then processed by the control panel and an alarm signal will be sent to the monitoring centre. We recommend that the system be installed by an appropriately licenced technician and that you test the system on a monthly basis and have a yearly maintenance check by your chosen security company. Smoke/Fire detectors Smoke detectors are the most sensitive method of detecting a fire and should be used wherever conditions allow in areas such as bedrooms and lounge rooms. Smoke detectors are, however, vulnerable to false alarms caused by dust, steam or smoke from cooking. Where there is a likelihood of false alarms caused by any of these effects a thermal detector should be used instead. It is important to choose a smoke detector, which is approved to Australian Standards or to a recognised overseas body such as UL or LPC. Heat detectors are normally used in environments where a smoke detector would generate false alarms - such as kitchens or shower rooms. Rate-of-rise heat detectors will alarm if the temperature goes above a fixed threshold or if the temperature is rising very quickly. This type of detector would be the first choice in an environment where a smoke detector could not be used. However, detectors are not enough. It is recommended that every home have a fire escape plan that is known by all members of the family. More information is provided by the NSW Fire Brigade on their Fire Escape Plan Website. Remember to check the batteries at least once a year. Lighting - internal/external Well placed external lighting can act as a good deterrent for intruders. Sensor lights are the most effective as they don’t need to be on all the time but are activated by movement. Lighting should be mounted well out of reach of tampering and, if possible, placed on all sides of your home. Internal lighting can be connected to an electronic timer to switch on at given intervals to give the impression that someone is home when you are away for the evening or an extended period of time. Video intercom A Video intercom system allows you to see exactly who it is knocking at your door and is particularly effective for screening entrants to your property when combined with automatic controls for locks and doors. When installing a Video intercom system it is important to choose the correct system for your purpose. Here are some things you need to consider when installing CCTV: • Object size/camera angle of view - Camera angle of view determines how clear details can be seen on the monitor. • Lens quality - Do not take lenses for granted, they are vitally
important in ensuring a usable image is produced. Optical quality differs among different manufacturers, and among different models of the same manufacturer so shop around. Home automation Home automation devices can be activated using a range of different interfaces. These include touch screens, panic buttons, TV screens, keypads, hand-held remotes, computers or mobile phones. Some of the devices or appliances that can be automated include: • Computers • Audio and video entertainment systems • Telephone and intercom systems • Security and monitoring systems • Electrical appliances • Lighting • Pool and spa devices • Irrigation systems • Air conditioning systems • Auto gate and door systems • Locks and doors can be fitted with automatic controls and combined with a video intercom system and CCTV monitoring to allow you to see exactly who it is knocking at your door and screen entrants to your property. Article by the Australian Security Industry Association Limited (ASIAL). Reproduced with permission. For more information visit: www.asial.com.au.
SECURITY DOORS AND SCREEN SPECIALIST
• Manufacture and installation of superior quality Security Doors and Windows throughout the Perth metropolitan area • Onsite repair service • Full range of Amplimesh 316 marine grade woven stainless steel mesh security products
12 Canham Way GREENWOOD, WA 6024 Phone: (08) 9343 1666 Fax: (08) 9343 1814 Email: louies.flyscreens@bigpond.com
www.louiesflyscreens.com.au
decorative concrete FEATURE 73 MARCH/APRIL 2014
Polished Concrete Polished concrete is versatile enough to realise any vision for indoor and outdoor residential, commercial or industrial floors.
The perfect option for industrial buildings where extreme strength is required, industrial polished concrete can be used almost anywhere including in warehouses, manufacturing facilities, automotive shops, showroom and garages.
Ideally suited to contemporary lofts, modern homes and apartments, polished concrete is also moving outside of these applications into a much broader range of home styles. The process of Mechanical Polished Concrete utilises and transforms a centuries old material that continues to be on the leading edge of architectural design. In most Western Australian residences, a concrete foundation already exists, making it a highly economical and ecological opportunity. Polished concrete specialists can transform concrete floors into a marble-like finish that is virtually maintenance free. In the case of building a new residence, diverse decorative concrete mixes are available in the market. The beauty, reflectivity and unparalleled durability of Mechanical Polished Concrete have made it a leading flooring selection for retail and commercial facilities in Australia and internationally. The seamless look and increased ambient lighting produced from the reflectivity of the floor help store owners to better showcase their product and give commercial buildings a great contemporary and professional look. While terrazzo, vinyl and carpet were once a most popular flooring choice for retail and commercial spaces,
the prohibitive price of terrazzo installation and the maintenance of vinyl and carpet have made polished concrete the modern and practical choice. In the case of a new project, diverse decorative concrete mixes are available in the market. Mechanical Polished Concrete Mechanical Polished Concrete is the process by which concrete is chemically hardened and mechanically polished. Mechanical Polished Concrete differs from the topical sealed polished concrete process in that the “sheen� is not obtained by any kind of sealer, but by the concrete itself being mechanically polished to a flat and smooth reflective surface. This surface is still protected, but with a high quality penetrating sealer, designed to stop or delay any penetration. This process gives the polished concrete floor a far greater appeal and durability than if coated with a topical sealer. Grinding Concrete grinding is the process by which the concrete floor is flattened and/or aggregates are exposed. A 6 to 80 grit diamond coarse abrasive tool is applied to the concrete with the purpose of either exposing diverse levels of aggregates, or simply flattening the surface. A deeper grind will result in greater aggregate exposure.
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FEATURE decorative concrete MARCH/APRIL 2014
With stones fully exposed and highly polished, polished concrete’s premium finish is ideal for indoor showrooms, where high light reflection and a sense of great ambience is a priority.
Honing and Polishing Concrete honing is the process in between grinding and polishing. An increment process ranging from 100 to 200 grit diamond medium abrasive tool is applied to the concrete with the purpose of either transitioning the deep grinding scratches into finer abrasions, ready for polishing, or, to be left honed, where a lower sheen and/ or a non slip surface is required. Concrete honing can also be applied without previous grinding, when none or only some exposure of stones is requested. Concrete polishing is the process following honing. An increment process ranging from 400 to 3000 or higher grit diamond fine abrasive tool is applied to the concrete after honing. The purpose is to create smaller scratches and therefore a smoother surface so enabling light to reflect. The higher/finer the polish/grit, the greater the light and sheen. Honed concrete is ideal in the residential application as it beautifies the outdoor area as well as being durable, practical and not as dangerously abrasive as pavers and washed concrete.
COMPLETE CONCRETE POLISHING, GRINDING & HONING SERVICES FOR PERTH & SURROUNDING AREAS INTERNAL POLISHED CONCRETE EXTERNAL HONED CONCRETE POLISHING/HONING EXISTING CONCRETE FLOOR PREPARATION – CONCRETE GRINDING RESIDENTIAL – COMMERCIAL
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Grouting Concrete grouting is the process by which the concrete surface porosity is minimised. Concrete is by nature a porous product. When poured, concrete contains water particles that become trapped in the concrete and evaporate during curing time, leaving small pockets of air. During the grinding process these pockets create small holes creating a porous surface on the concrete. Grouting is the process by which these holes are closed. Hardening Concrete hardening is the process by which the concrete surface is solidified. Concrete hardening, also known as “densifying,” is obtained by a chemical reaction between a liquid concrete hardener and the concrete surface. The porosity formed by the concrete water evaporation, as well as causing holes (as explained in the grouting process), compromises the concrete uniformity and therefore causes the surface to be more susceptible to scratching and staining. The additional cementitious material formed by the reaction between the concrete hardener and the free lime in the concrete, creates a tightening to minuscule pores, giving the concrete a greater density and hardness. Once the hardener is applied, the performance from this reaction can continue to improve for up to two months. The outcome of this process results in diverse benefits: it hardens the surface,
decorative concrete FEATURE 75 MARCH/APRIL 2014
it minimises pulverisation and reduces penetration. Additionally, it enables the concrete surface to be polished at higher grits. Sealing and Buffing Concrete sealing is the process by which the concrete surface is protected with sealers, enhanced and/or darkened. There are many types of concrete sealers that generally fall under two categories: topical and penetrating. The type of sealer will be determined by the area in which it is being applied – outdoor verses indoor, surface preparation, floor usage and desired look. A true Mechanical Polished Concrete floor is always sealed with a penetrating sealer. Concrete buffing is the final process. When the polished concrete floor is sealed with a penetrating sealer, the purpose of buffing is to remove any excess sealer. When sealed topically the purpose is to exfoliate and/or burnish the surface of the topcoat sealer. Article kindly provided by Polished Concrete Specialists (PCS). For more information visit: www. polishedconcrete.com.au.
Many modern buildings are built on a concrete slab; polishing the exposed concrete eliminates the energy and material consumed by applying a floor covering. It is something to consider when building or modernising towards a more green solution.
• ExposEd AggrEgAtE • polishEd
And
honEd
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PCS service the Perth metropolitan and regional area catering to the residential, commercial and industrial sectors and was the first to introduce the Mechanical Polished Concrete system (MPC) to Western Australia.
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what’s new / directory MARCH/APRIL 2014
douBle glAZed windows
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We offer a variety of styles to suit every home with different frame colours, glazing and opening options: • UPVC Double Glazing Windows & Doors • New Build & Replacement • Residential & Commercial • Double Glazed Office Partition
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Specialists in the Installation of Alarm Systems, Intercoms, Access Control & CCTV.
URBAN (WA)PTY LTD
QUALITY CONCRETE CONTRACTORS Specialise in supply and lay of housing, unit and semi commercial developments: • Ground slabs • Suspended slabs • Retaining walls and cavities • Hard stands
Contact Daryl M | 04 2222 6865 P | 08 9246 7808 F | 08 9246 0113 E | urbanconcrete@westnet.com.au ABN 54 114 712 122 | ACN 114 712 122
Phone: (08) 9309 9500 Fax: (08) 9309 9055 Mobile: 0408 033 044 5/1 Irwin Rd, Wangara WA 6065 Email: service@restasured.com.au
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Beams Prospects focuses on presales where the relationship between a company and the customer is managed. This includes capturing leads from the website, emails and other correspondence, and tracking them until they are closed. Beams Administration is where the backend office work can be managed, allocated and tracked. The system will enable you to put in prescribed practices, procedures and requirements to ensure clients are managed in a consistent manner. Beams Customer Portal is where all the web based communication between a customer and the company is managed. Customers are given a username and password so that they can check their job status and request more information via the internet. ESTIMATING from Beams allows you to estimate an entire job in minutes, produce a quote, create variations and a fully detailed addenda, maintain a full diary on all comunications and track all tasks leading up to contract. CAD Image takeoff allows you to simply load a plan, whether it be PDF, BMP, PNG or a JPEG file directly into Beams and begin doing the take off of all the required items directly from your screen. It is as simple as click and build.
CONTRACTS in Beams refers to jobs that you have estimated and have been awarded the job. You can automatically
create a construction time line to keep track of all on site activities, prepare contract variations, raise purchase orders and monitor construction costs.
BeamS Mobile is an app for iPhone or iPad that connects the office to the site. You can access the plans, orders and
construction time lines on your remote device from the office in real time. Plan changes now only need to be in one location at the office. You can even upload photos from site directly into the works folder back at the office. How’s that for convenience.
ACCOUNTS completes the package with full accounting funcionality. Process all creditor and debtor transactions, issues progress claims, maintain and track all your BAS, GST and PAYG obligations. Beams Payroll with timesheets allows you to allocate your employees pay directly to jobs. You can maintain an asset register and produce full accounting reports plus Work in progress, Cashflow and Profitability reports automatically created from Beams.
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BEAMS - it’s the better way to manage your building business.