VOLUME 12 | NUMBER 3 | JULY – AUGUST 2015
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contents JUL/AUG 2015
JUL/AUG 2015
OUR COVER Regional builders at the top of their game were celebrated at Building Excellence Awards in Broome and Bunbury recently. See pages 32-45 for all the details.
IN THIS ISSUE... FOREWORDS
UPDATES
FEATURES
President’s File ......................................................4
Comment .............................................................46
Building Software/Communications ....................86
Director’s File .........................................................6
Building Business ................................................48
Windows and Doors ............................................90
Word from the Hill ..................................................8
Housing ...............................................................52 Industrial Relations ..............................................54
REPORTS
Insurance .............................................................57
General News ......................................................10
Legal ....................................................................58
Branches .............................................................27
Members’ Health .................................................61 Membership ........................................................66
AWARDS
Personal Pars ......................................................70
South West Awards .............................................32
Safety ..................................................................76
Excellence in Construction Awards .....................40
Technical .............................................................79
Kimberley Pilbara Awards ....................................41
Training ................................................................82 Utilities .................................................................84
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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 Sales Manager: Rose Delosreyes Executive Sales: Craig Flenley, Daniel Rutland Email: sales@crowtherblayne.com.au Graphic Design Team: Michelle Triana and Andrew Crabb Editor: Samantha Regan Production Coordinator: Yvonne Okseniuk 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, Philip Kemp, Jason Kunkler, Andy Peppercorn, Dan Perkins, Jack Pleiter, Michael Vermey. SENIOR STAFF: Director: Michael McLean 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 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 Kalgoorlie: Amy Bell Ph 0412 487 970 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 JUL/AUG 2015
THE ONGOING POLICY CHALLENGE
John Ripp
One of the things that always changes in the building and construction industry is government policy. How Master Builders responds to this moving legislative agenda can vary a great deal depending on the impact of the policy and the type of consultation, if any. With both State and Federal Governments mid-way through their terms of office, it is not surprising that there is currently a long list of policies up for consideration. These can be categorised as follows: State Commerce Minister • Review of housing indemnity insurance. • State-wide registration of builders. • Revamped/harmonised safety laws. • Refresher safety awareness training. • Mandatory drug and alcohol testing. • Licensing of building trades. • Tiered licensing of builders. • Trading hours for Masters hardware stores. • Licensing of building inspectors. • Code of Practice. • Review of Construction Contracts Act. • Review of the Industrial Relations Act.
State Finance Minister • Infrastructure policy. • Examples of red tape. • Project bank accounts.
Environment. This alliance will enable us to identify relevant research projects which either Curtin staff or students can undertake in the course of their studies or tenure.
State Planning Minister • Planning approvals process. • Private certification of planning approvals. • Bushfire zones. • Review of residential design codes.
Research is an important and often undervalued part of policy development. It helps to justify objectives, minimise philosophical agendas and interrogate possible options. Curtin University is well placed and keen to work with us on our agreed research projects.
State Training and Workforce Development • Modernised apprenticeship regime. • Priority start apprentice policy. Federal Employment Minister • Heydon Royal Commission. • Award modernisation. • Reintroduction of the ABCC. • Productivity Commission Review of Workplace Relations. • Independent directors on superannuation boards. You can appreciate some of these policy issues are complex and will require political skills and perseverance to progress through Parliaments and/or the Senate, as the case may be. Given the composition and performance of the Senate, especially the so-called ‘independents’, any legislation that is introduced has, at best, an uncertain outcome. Some say this is the price we pay for democracy while I believe the price is way too high when the elected government of the day can’t pursue its own legislative reform mandate. To assist us in our development of sound policy, we have formed a collaborative alliance with Curtin University’s School of the Built
Acknowledging the Support of our 2015 Partners:
With the list of policy issues rather lengthy and the economy weakening, the time has come for Ministers to start getting some runs on the board. Master Builders is currently involved in a number of government consultative committees that are considering some of the above policies. I hope that by the end of the year I can report some good outcomes to you. Rest assured that we are doing our best in developing practical policies through our internal committee structure which involves a crosssection of our members. If you have a particular interest or points of view in relation to any of the policies mentioned, please let me or a member of our staff know. We are always keen to listen to different points of view in formulating our policy positions for the betterment of the building and construction industry as a whole. John Ripp President
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FOREWORDS director’s file JUL/AUG 2015
REDDIFUND READY TO HELP BUILDERS AND CONTRACTORS
Michael McLean
With unemployment on the rise, employers need to make provision for the possibility of having to make redundancy payments to their displaced workers. ReddiFund can assist employers when these circumstances arise. The awards that govern the conditions of employment of most building workers entitle them to 1.75 hours of wages per week of service should they be made ‘redundant’. What many employers don’t realise is that the definition of redundancy in the construction awards is very different to the definition in the Tax Act. It takes into account termination for any reason other than dismissal for misconduct or refusing duty. It also includes employee resignations after 12 months’ service. The redundancy pay formula in the awards is: Period of Service
Redundancy Pay Entitlement
Less than 1 year
1.75 hours per week
1 year
2.4 weeks
2 years
4.8 weeks
3 years
6 weeks
4 years or more
8 weeks
Casuals are excluded from this benefit but service as an apprentice counts towards a redundancy pay entitlement.
ReddiFund has been in existence since 1989 and has paid out redundancy payments to more than 54,000 workers in the building industry.
A tax effective way for employers to make provision for these redundancy payments is to make monthly contributions to ReddiFund (which used to be known as WACIRF, the WA Construction Industry Redundancy Fund).
The Fund is the major sponsor of MATES in Construction (WA) Ltd which is working to reduce the rate of suicide in our industry. Since its inception in WA only three years ago, MATES in Construction WA has raised the awareness of suicide risks to more than10,000 builders and construction workers across the State.
Although there is a separate redundancy fund in each state, the benefits are very similar, such as: • The employer’s contributions can be offset against the award obligations. • The employer avoids accruing significant liabilities in their financial records and statements. • Employer contributions are tax deductible in the financial year they are made. • Employers avoid the stress of worrying about not being able to make a redundancy payment at the time of termination. • There are no administration fees charged to either employers or employees. Joining ReddiFund is easy. It only requires the completion of a Contribution Agreement by the employer. The minimum weekly contribution is $40 per week per employee. For an additional $5 per week per worker, that employee receives a range of benefits such as ambulance cover, workers compensation for journeys to and from work, funeral cover, child care benefits following a parent’s death and leisure travel insurance via a Mutual Benefit Fund. An added bonus for employers is that two additional memberships to the MBF are provided to managerial staff at no additional charge.
Acknowledging the Support of our 2015 Partners:
With the building and construction industry having a disproportionately high incidence of suicide in the 20-35 year age cohort, MATES in Construction WA has an important role to play. Master Builders dedicated its motorcycle Ride Against Suicide early in May to raise funds in support of MATES. We hope to make this an annual fund raising event. As a board member of ReddiFund for the last 20 years, I have seen first hand the good work that the Fund does for both employers and building workers. Although it is not mandatory for employers to contribute to ReddiFund, I believe it is in your interests to do so if you have workers employed under one of the construction awards. More information about ReddiFund can be obtained from the CEO Murray Rzepecki on 9481 0259. Michael McLean Director
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word from the hill FOREWORDS JUL/AUG 2015
From time to time, Master Builder invites government members to contribute on current topics and developments. With the recent release of planning blueprint Perth and Peel@3.5 million, Minister for Planning John Day comments on reforming the planning system to create certainty.
PLANNING FOR THE FUTURE OF THE STATE HAS NEVER BEEN SO IMPORTANT. The issues associated with endless urban sprawl are now becoming well-known and have been discussed in the media a lot. These plans respond directly to these issues. They prescribe that 47 per cent of the additional housing needed will be provided through infill in established suburbs, specifically around public transport corridors and activity centres, while 53 per cent will be provided through greenfield development.
John Day
By 2050, an additional 800,000 new homes will be needed in Perth and Peel to accommodate a population of 3.5 million people – almost double the current figure of 2 million. This presents the challenge of accommodating a population increase of this size without impacting our valued way of life and natural environment. The planning system in WA is undergoing one of the most comprehensive reform agendas in the nation and I believe it is in good shape to cope with the growing, complex nature of future development across the State. I recently released the Perth and Peel@3.5 million suite of strategic land-use planning documents that define the future shape of our city and more specifically, identify where future homes and jobs should be located. Consideration has been given to key issues such as achieving a connected city; increasing housing diversity and affordability; reducing car dependency; achieving efficient use of water sources in a drying climate; ensuring environmental assets are protected; and maintaining liveability. At the core, the documents provide choice, in the type of house we want to live in as well as the suburb we would like to buy this home in.
By utilising existing infrastructure, identifying where urban consolidation should occur, and by encouraging greater density and mixeduse development, we can accommodate our population growth while protecting our natural environment. Both options will create opportunities for the building industry. New builds will always be in demand and there is enough zoned land in Perth and Peel with more than 60,000 conditionally approved residential lots. There will also be a rise in the design and build of multi-unit dwellings in established suburbs and a rise in apartment living. Recent reforms to the planning system will assist in the successful implementation of Perth and Peel@3.5 million. The two-phase agenda is streamlining the system to ensure quality planning outcomes with shorter assessment timeframes and quicker decision-making. The first stage in 2009 ushered in innovations such as Development Assessment Panels to include professionals in the determination of substantial developments; new residential design codes (R-codes) to encourage a range housing options; and operational changes to consolidate and strengthen State and regional planning mechanisms. The primary focus of the second phase is statutory decision-making processes and land-use planning and supply. A number of tangible reforms will have a direct community
benefit, both in time and money. These include exempting single houses that comply with the R-codes from the planning approval process and the introduction of an online system to make it easier and faster for developers to lodge planning applications and track their progress. The reforms will also result in the consistent processing of development applications across local governments; more flexibility around Development Assessment Panels; and a focus on quality design in complex urban infill and highdensity developments. Planning rules related to the construction of new homes in bushfire-prone areas are also being strengthened in response to the increasing number of bushfires in the State. By the end of 2015, all local planning schemes will include mandatory provisions for the construction of new homes built in areas identified on a bushfireprone area map. The Department of Fire and Emergency Services is currently finalising the bushfire-prone area maps for public release. The associated planning rules will take effect four months after the maps are released to provide industry with ample time to implement necessary changes. As a Government, we fully recognise that having the right planning policy settings in place is critical to managing the pressures we will face in the next 35 years. The planning system in WA is evolving to provide government and developers with greater certainty while creating a dynamic, vibrant and liveable State. John Day Minister for Planning
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REPORTS general news JUL/AUG 2015
PRIVATE CERTIFICATION PUT TO MINISTER
ROYAL COMMISSION IR REFORM PAPER ON TARGET Master Builders Australia CEO Wilhelm Harnisch
Master Builders Australia has welcomed identification of areas for possible reform by the Royal Commission into Trade Union Governance and Corruption in the Commission’s Discussion Paper released in May. Planning Minister John Day with RSM Bird Cameron’s James Komninos (left) and Master Builders’ director Michael McLean (right).
Master Builder members met Planning Minister John Day in late May at a lunch hosted by RSM Bird Cameron and put forward a strong case for private certification of planning approvals. Numerous case studies were presented of slow response times in many local government areas. Master Builders’ housing director Geoff Cooper said that the experience with building approval process reforms in 2012 was, overall, a positive one. “We’ve seen real reductions in building approval times with the introduction of private certification in WA for code compliance,” he said. “Unfortunately, it has made it very clear that there are substantial holdups being experienced in many local government planning departments that are pushing up the cost of building in WA. There is an immediate need to allow for private certification for as much of the planning approvals process as possible.” Pindan’s Nick Allingame reported that the advent of private certification for building had lifted the performance of local government officers who realised that builders had an option to go elsewhere if they wished. Mr Cooper said there were some positive commitments from the WA Government to tackle planning delays. “The Government has promised to exempt the need for planning approvals for R-Code compliant single dwellings and other ancillary
building work, work such as granny flats, patios, carports or garages,” he said. “This, combined with Instant Start, should help unplug some bottlenecks in the approvals system. “The Government is also committed to introducing a consistent planning approvals process across the State, which should save a lot of time for builders and their clients. So much time is wasted trying to complete variable forms to meet variable requirements under variable local planning rules. It just ends up costing more and creating delays.” A number of other required key reforms were discussed at the lunch: • The immediate release of the proposed State Bushfire Prone Area Map. • Deemed approvals if non-responses from approval agencies. • Electronic lodgements of planning applications with a single system across local government areas to achieve consistency. • Removal of unnecessary zoning restrictions. • Integration of planning schemes with infrastructure provisions by transport, social services (for example, education), Western Power, Water Corporation and so on. • Ongoing rationalisation and streamlining of outdated R-Code provisions. Mr Cooper thanked RSM Bird Cameron’s James Komninos, Craig Ridley and Tony Ince for hosting the forum.
“The Royal Commission has correctly focussed on a number of well documented practices that need to be carefully examined,” Master Builders’ CEO Wilhelm Harnisch said. “We support the proposition that registered organisations be held to higher governance standards similar to those imposed on company directors under the Corporations Act.” Mr Harnisch said Master Builders has consistently called for a higher fit and proper person test for officers in control of registered organisations. “Imposing higher penalties on companies who enter into industrial arrangements with unions to buy industrial peace is controversial but was highly successful under the Australian Building and Construction Commission in discouraging such behaviours,” he said. “The Commission’s focus on this potential reform should highlight the insufficient powers of Fair Work Building and Construction in this area.”
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REPORTS general news JUL/AUG 2015
BURNING ISSUES BUT BOUNTIFUL BREAKFAST
Sporting their Ride Against Suicide ‘colours’, the construction bikers move off through Kings Park.
CONTRACTORS CRUISE FOR A CAUSE Lisa Hutchins of Bankwest presented Master Builders’ director Michael McLean with a cheque for the Association, proceeds from the Bankwest Referral Program.
Master Builders’ Burning Issues breakfast at the Duxton Hotel in May brought together six industry experts dealing with major matters facing the building industry.
MATES in Construction field officer Shannon Barnes with Ride Against Suicide Master Builders’ president John Ripp (left) and immediate past president Robert Shaw.
Master Builders hosted the second annual Ride Against Suicide in May, supporting MATES in Construction, the organisation aiming to improve construction workers’ mental health and wellbeing and reduce suicide in the industry. More than 30 Master Builder members participated in the motorbike ride from Kings Park to Dwellingup via Jarrahdale Dam Cafe. They raised just over $10,000 for the MATES in Construction program. Suicide levels in construction are up to two times higher than in other industries and building workers are six times more likely to die through suicide than through workplace accidents. MIC field officer Shannon Barnes spoke to the riders and said that every day field officers and case managers talk with building workers who have thoughts of suicide. Master Builders’ past president Robert Shaw was part of the team which came up with the idea of a motorbike ride to raise awareness about suicide and reduce the incidence. “Bloody brilliant,” he said when asked how he thought the day’s ride went. “It’s a fun day for a cause that is very hard for a lot of us to talk about.”
Jane Vallance from the Building Commission provided the 115-strong audience with an update on Instant Start. She explained that the aim is to shave time at the start of construction by allowing builders to commence work as soon as they lodge a certified application. This would give greater certainty about starting dates, so builders would be able to lock in subcontractors and order materials. Telstra’s Nadia Catterall discussed the unparalleled new opportunities to increase productivity, creativity, efficiency and connectivity that the NBN can provide to both building industry participants and the community generally. Greg Penney, CEO of RUIC Fire, spoke about new requirements relating to conducting bushfire attack level assessments under AS 3959 Construction of buildings in bushfire prone areas. The requirements are expected to add substantial cost to the building of new homes. Matthew Adams from Landgate introduced the audience to MyFireWatch which provides bushfire location information in a quickly accessible form, designed for general public use. Nicola Weaver of Meridian Services discussed ways to cut theft from building sites including using trackers, cameras, mobile patrols, surveillance, stickers and investigations, and Master Builders’ waste reduction consultant Michael Norriss spoke on how to improve the bottom line by reducing the impact of the waste levy, up by 500 per cent in January. The breakfast was sponsored by Bankwest, Landgate, MBA Insurance Services, ReddiFund and Telstra.
Money raised on the day came from the participating riders and donations from a number of building companies including Niche Living, Goodland Building Company, Daly & Shaw Building, EMCO, Spadaccini Homes, Smeck Concrete Pumping, Zorzi Builders, Perkins Building, Pindan, Brian Burke Homes and Cachet Homes. Master Builders’ waste reduction consultant Michael Norriss addresses the Burning Issues breakfast.
general news REPORTS 13 JUL/AUG 2015
LANDGATE LEADS LEGISLATIVE REFORM WA land information authority Landgate is leading a number of legislative reforms aimed at ensuring the State is better equipped to meet the expectations and needs of its growing population.
and include research on the relevant legislation in WA and other Australian states and territories. The results of the consultation will be available publicly in the near future.
Strata Titles Act reform The State Government has given Landgate the task of delivering reforms to the Strata Titles Act. The proposed reforms aim to provide more flexible and sustainable housing options to benefit strata developers, strata owners, investors, residents and tenants.
Electronic conveyancing A National Electronic Conveyancing System (NECS) is in the process of being implemented in WA by Property Exchange Australia Ltd. The system extends on the current paper channel, providing a more efficient and convenient way of settling property transactions and lodging documents at Landgate. This reform was enabled by the passing of the Electronic Conveyancing Act 2014.
A consultation paper was released publicly in October last year to gain feedback on the proposed amendments. A project team collated and analysed the comments and a summary of the findings was presented to the Lands Minister for approval. Landgate says the information now has been shared publicly and reports feedback on the consultation paper was very positive for the majority of the proposals. Sale of Land Act A consultation paper with proposed changes to the Sale of Land Act closed for public comment in June. Amendments are intended to protect consumers from the risks of purchasing property from someone who is not the registered owner of a lot, while delivering certainty to developers around the enforceability of sale contracts.
Mortgages and mortgage discharges have been eligible for electronic lodgement since June last year. The second stage of NECS was implemented in late May and made land transfers, caveats and caveat withdrawals suitable for the process. For more information on these topics, visit Landgate’s website (www. landgate.wa.gov.au) and use the top right Search function to find the ‘Legislation & reform’ page. Topics also can be searched directly by typing in ‘Strata Titles Act Reform’, ‘Sale of Land Act 1970’ or ‘Electronic conveyancing’.
Targeted consultation with representatives of industry, professional bodies and government agencies was conducted in 2014. The proposals in the consultation paper are the outcome of the discussions
MASTER BUILDERS, TRAINING BOARD CHAIRMAN MEET State Training Board chairman Jim Walker met recently with Master Builders’ president John Ripp, senior vice president and chairman of the Association’s Training Committee Rob Spadaccini and director Michael McLean. “We appreciated the opportunity to meet Mr Walker and to discuss a range of topical training issues with him,” Mr McLean says. “These included the role of the State Training Board and its current focus, Master Builders’ ‘Towards 2020 Policy for Australian Apprenticeship Reforms’ and the important role that the Construction Training Fund plays.” Mr McLean said the talks also covered the need for more research to tackle complex issues like trade licensing, how to get more females into the industry, the future of Industry Training Councils and careers promotion for young people. State Training Board chairman Jim Walker (second from right) with (l-r) Rob Spadaccini, John Ripp and Michael McLean.
“The discussions also covered the relationship between TAFE and institutes of technology and industry and ongoing communication between Master Builders and the State Training Board,” Mr McLean said. Mr Walker, who took over as chairman of the State Training Board from Keith Spence last year, was formerly employed by Westrack and is currently a non-executive director and chairman of MacMahon. Master Builders has invited him to attend the Association’s important Apprentice Awards in November.
14
REPORTS general news JUL/AUG 2015
FAST 4 TENNIS TRIUMPHS AND TRIBULATIONS The scorers couldn’t separate sixth and seventh place with pairings James Moore (Cbus) and Robert Connolly (Georgiou) and Chris Kent and Mel Hughes each with 33 games. The players showed glimpses of grandeur despite inexperience at this level of corporate competition. It was an impressive debut by Chris and Mel who teamed well despite never meeting each other previously and James could be one to watch with more court time. Last year’s co-winner Aaron Dark (Master Builders’ web administrator) and Sara Salamone proved that fitness and youth weren’t critical points but pushed some of the veterans hard. Sadly, Aaron’s serve let him down a few times but he is definitely one for the bookies to watch later in the year. This pair finished fifth with 35 games, Sara providing 20 of these to be the best female player on the day.
Players who stayed for a few refreshments after tennis included (l-r) Aaron Dark, Tony Tarzia, Michael McLean, Grant Rodoreda, Sara Salamone, Joe Gangemi, Robert Shaw, James Moore, Chris Kent, Tim Mapstone and Ray Kershaw.
Greetings tennis tragics. Master Builder magazine’s renowned tennis correspondent Harve Vollee here. Yet again, it is my privilege to write for you about the biennial Master Builders Butler Settineri Georgiou corporate tennis from the hallowed courts of Royal Kings Park. They were at it again in March, a near record number (with some much needed female participation, I might add) and your humble scribe was there. Regrettably, the consumption of Pimms at, and the effluxion of time since, March’s little sojourn have dimmed my recollections of the event. Those factors, combined with my current immersion in Wimbledon, mean that again I must resort to relying on the report of the infamous Master Builders’ tournament director Michael McLean. Read on for his somewhat prolix and possibly defamatory report. In perfect weather conditions, 19 keen tennis enthusiasts were happy to leave their desks and workplaces to take on some of the big guns of corporate tennis. Once again, players were paired somewhat randomly for five doubles encounters throughout the afternoon. Several debutantes made impressive starts to the event – Grant Rodoreda (Jackson McDonald), Andy Bray (Medibank Private), Mel Hughes (Eco Outdoor), Sara Salamone (Finesse Consulting), Chris Kent (Hays Recruitment) and Tim Mapstone (Structerre). Competition was tight in most of the blockbuster games featuring Master Builders’ immediate past president Robert Shaw and director, Michael McLean. (Such modesty, Michael. – HV) The ‘fast 4’ format was popular and enabled the less primed players to go all out for a quick victory. Bringing up the rear of the field were Italian Stallion Joe Gangemi (Butler Settineri) and veteran drop shotter Ray Kershaw (Mondo Exclusive Homes) with a combined total of 29 games. With Joe likely to receive some coaching and serving practice before the next Master Builders ‘slam’, a more competitive result looms large. Ray’s adept touch at the net will continue to be a strong weapon. In eighth position was the pairing of Virginia Burke (Brian Burke Homes) and Nick Vernon (MBA Insurance Services) with 31 games. Coming off a surprise loss in ladies’ pennant tennis at Wembley (Surely, she doesn’t need reminding, Michael? – HV), Ginny recovered well from an early 6-1 loss. Nick was forced to remove his non-tennis shoes from game 1 and showed lots of potential with the bare feet. Stamina and skill waned in the final match to upset Nick’s chances of a podium finish.
Fourth spot with 37 games over five matches were Robert Shaw (Daly and Shaw) and Tony Tarzia (Coastal Tiling). Both players experienced moments of glory but a few near misses and deficient partners let them down at times. Robert’s first serve failed to live up to expectations but his mobility compensated to some degree. More court time instead of jet skiing might be needed to go to the next level but being so busy will be a challenge. Antonio’s recent retirement hasn’t impeded his tenacity although his sledging has subsided considerably. In third position with 40 games were Grant Rodoreda and Tim Mapstone. This was a steady combination with Grant obviously keen to play well on the last day of his twenty-eighth year. Tim made a spectacular debut with the highest individual score of 23 games over five matches. The handicappers (Read the Machiavellian McLean, himself. – HV) have taken note of Tim’s stellar performance for the next tournament. The Butler Settineri-Georgiou judges couldn’t separate first and second place so awarded a joint first prize to Matt Felton (Eco Outdoor) and Stephen Lee (Medibank Private) together with Andy Bray and Michael McLean with 41 games. It was one of the tightest finishes in the history of this grand event. Matt proved beyond doubt that you can combine golf and tennis whereas Stephen’s rise from oblivion only two years owes a lot to coaching and practice. Debutante Andy Bray enjoyed the freedom of playing in his socks but will no doubt improve with appropriate tennis shoes. Wily veteran Michael McLean once again ensured his success with some favourable draws and capable partners. The handicappers have promised to take a harder line next time. (Oh, the dissemblance, Michael! – HV) With Barry Cottom (Brikmakers) missing in action, past winner Andrej Petrovic (Georgiou) was effectively prevented from competing with other doubles combinations but finished with a creditable 17 games. All commented on the success of the afternoon and were keen to return for the next Butler Settineri Georgiou ‘grand slam’ at the same location. It is anticipated that some of the big names might return in November; names like Ripp, Spadaccini, Amos and Dilizia, who always keep the crowd entertained and other players on their toes. The final corporate tennis afternoon for 2015 will be held at Kings Park on Wednesday 18 November.
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REPORTS general news JUL/AUG 2015
MASTER BUILDERS KEEN TO MASTER TRADING HOURS
CHARITY HOME UNDER WAY
The finished look of the Charity Home – expected to be completed in September.
Work has commenced on the 2015 Pindan Master Builders Charity Home at Rivers Edge in South Guildford. The double storey three bedroom (plus study), two bathroom home, being built by Pindan’s residential arm Switch Homes, is expected to be complete by September and be available for sale late in the year.
Sydney Woolworths’ representatives Andrew Thomas (left) and Michael Samaris (right) met Master Builders’ director Michael McLean to discuss WA’s trading hours.
Master Builders’ director Michael McLean recently met corporate affairs representatives of Woolworths Ltd, owners of the Masters hardware chain. The Woolworths’ delegation highlighted the company’s frustration with trading hours for WA hardware stores. “It must be hard for people in the Eastern States to comprehend why WA has the complicated regime of trading hours that it does,” says Mr McLean. “The Master Builders’ board discussed this issue and agreed that we should again correspond with the Premier to pursue a commonsense outcome. “Out letter acknowledged the Government’s commitment to address outstanding anomalies in WA’s retail trading hours. In particular, we welcomed the commitment to create more equitable and flexible trading hours for hardware retail stores.” The letter continues: “Hardware stores are key suppliers to the building and construction industry and any legislative action that promotes competition and improves choice in the retailing of hardware and building materials will be of direct and practical benefit to our builder and contractor members.
Net proceeds of the sale will go to Pindan’s charity for 2014-15, Parkerville Children and Youth Care. The first concrete pour for the home took place late in March. The home will embrace cutting edge innovations to optimise water use and energy efficiency, along with the utilisation of a ‘pod’ construction technique for the top level. Progress will be showcased across the State on Master Builders’ television program HOME in WA on Channel 7 and GWN. The following suppliers are acknowledged for their generosity in providing products and services to the Charity Home: ABC Blinds, Absolute Balustrades, Ariston Appliances, Austwest Clotheslines, Budget Woodcraft, Bunnings Warehouse, Canterbury Built-In Robes, CB Fencing, Centurion Garage Doors, Cockburn Cement, Corinthian Doors, European Ceramics, Fielders, Ford & Doonan, GCS Group, Guest Furniture, GWA Group Limited, Harvey Norman, Hind’s Sand Supplies & Earthmoving, HPM, Imperial Plasterboard Solutions, Instant Waste, Iron Design Roofing, Jason Windows, Kingspan Insulation, Kwik Transport & Crane Hire, LCMG Electrical Contractors, LD Total, Master Cabinets, Masterwall, Metwest Steel, Midas Plumbing, Midland Brick, MySolar, Pindan Modular, Pure Digital, RG Lester & Associates, SSP Stones, Stegbar, Structerre, Taubmans, Termico Group, Trevors Carpets, USG Boral Australia, Westend Concrete and Western Australian Building Certifiers & Assessors.
“The current law is inequitable as it prevents Masters Home Improvement stores from opening before 8.00 am on Monday-Saturday. In its practical effect, this restriction deprives builders and contractors of the opportunity to shop at Masters as they will want to be already on site and working by 8.00 am. Allowing Masters to open before 8.00 am, just like other hardware outlets, means that their stores will be available to compete for the custom and service the needs of the various building trades. “Stronger competition among retailers, with all retailers able to compete for the business of the building trades with equitable trading hours applying, can only benefit the thousands of builders and building trades in WA and is therefore an important micro-economic reform.” Pindan director David Pringle (right) with Master Builders’ director Michael McLean (centre) and Parkerville Children and Youth Care CEO Basil Hanna at the first concrete pad pour of the Pindan Master Builders Charity Home in South Guildford.
advertorial 17
JUL/AUG 2015
CONSTRUCTION TRAINING FUND CASH INCENTIVES FOR EMPLOYERS 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 a range of incentives for eligible employers of apprentices in construction trades, with up to $17,000 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 $4,000 (for a 12 month traineeship), rising to a maximum of $10,000 for a 48 month apprenticeship in core construction trade areas.
MBA members will also receive the benefits of the grant from the Training Fund if hosting an apprentice through a group training organisation (GTO). The GTO claims the grant on your behalf and uses this funding to reduce the cost of employing and training the apprentice. This will result in a reduction in your net costs of hiring the apprentice through the GTO. Look for the note on the GTO’s invoice that shows your apprentice is being supported by the Construction Training Fund.
In addition to the standard grants, the Training Fund can provide a bonus of up to $2,000 to an employer of an apprentice that has successfully completed a recognised Certificate II VET-in Schools or preapprenticeship qualification. Additional supplements for employment of indigenous and regional trainees/apprentices bring the maximum grant available to a total of $17,000.
In addition, the Construction Training Fund is providing up to 30 $3,000 scholarships in partnership with the Department of Training and Workforce Development for the employment of women in nontraditional trades. The scholarship is awarded by the Training Fund after the new apprentice has successfully completed her probation period, with $2,000 paid to the employer and $1,000 to the apprentice.
The grants are available to employers of trainees/apprentices registered with the Department of Training & Workforce Development on or after 1 July 2015. 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.
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REPORTS general news JUL/AUG 2015
E A R LY C A L L F O R N O M I N AT I O N S Australian Steel Institute state manager James England (right) with Master Builders’ director Michael McLean.
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.
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
N O M I N AT I O N F O R M S , T O B E C O M P L E T E D B Y T H I R D P A R T I E S , C A N B E O B TA I N E D FROM MASTER BUILDERS (PH: 9476 9800 OR EMAIL: SKYE@MBAWA.COM).
STEEL INSTITUTE PROMOTES COMPLIANCE AUDITING The Australian Steel Institute is keen to work more closely with Master Builders, especially in delivering training programs to Association members. This was the conclusion from a recent meeting between the Institute’s state manager James England and Master Builders’ director Michael McLean. Mr England reported that a number of audits of steel fabricators in accordance with the ASI National Structural Steelwork Certification Scheme had been completed. Steelwork Compliance Australia was overseeing the audit process. ASI continues to engage with government agencies, builders, owners, developers and other stakeholders to develop awareness and support for the audit scheme. It says there are clear benefits for fabricators to become involved in the scheme but also benefits for builders, purchasers and engineers, particularly in being able to define a standard of workmanship with some certainty of compliance and demonstrating appropriate risk management for what are safety critical procurement activities.
T H E C L O S I N G D AT E F O R N O M I N AT I O N S I S 1 1 S E P T E M B E R 2 0 1 5 . P R O U D LY S P O N S O R E D B Y M I D L A N D B R I C K
Mr McLean says that the government agencies’ Australasian Procurement and Construction Council’s Guide to Achieving Compliance states in part that: “Evidence suggests that the market penetration of non-conforming products in several key construction product sectors in Australia may be up to 50 per cent.” “This is a sobering and alarming statistic,” Mr McLean said, “particularly in light of the recent highly publicised non-compliance issues surrounding cabling and cladding.”
general news REPORTS 19 JUL/AUG 2015
FAR NORTH QUEENSLAND: A DIFFERENT PLACE TO BUILD Master Builders’ director Michael McLean recently was in far north Queensland and while there visited the Queensland Master Builders’ ‘FNQ’ office in Cairns. “Being able to fly direct from Perth to Cairns is certainly more convenient than the previous route where the plane would land at either Ayers Rock or Alice Springs,” says Mr McLean. “As soon as you step out of the plane at Cairns International Airport you immediately realise from the warmth and humidity you are in a different place. “Once you are on the road to your accommodation you quickly appreciate either the lush green tropical rain forests or healthy sugar cane fields. “The housing north of Cairns is very much a mixture of single detached residential homes, farm cottages, resort style apartments and short stay accommodation units. There are very few double brick and tile houses compared to Perth. Steel and timber framed homes with metal deck roofs and concrete floors are the norm.” Mr McLean said that with Cairns receiving more than 1900 millilitres of rain over 154 days
per year on average, efficient water drainage and strong roofing are imperative. Many homes do not have gutters, allowing the heavy rains to drain more quickly. As it is a cyclone region, all housing needs to be cyclone rated and built to withstand strong winds and rain. Most of the homes are built up on slopes or raised off the ground by either stilts or a suspended slab. “Multi-storey and medium density apartments are popular along the ocean coastline but haven’t taken off like in Perth,” Mr McLean said. “Evaporative air conditioning is ineffective in north Queensland but refrigerated cooling systems and fans are required to survive the warmer months. “The hilly terrain around Cairns and the opportunities to build in elevated locations contrast to the sandy soils and flatness of Perth. Although the bush is more dense in FNQ the risk of fire in most areas is a lot less than around the Perth hills areas due to the heavier rainfall. “The private certification of the building and planning approvals process in FNQ has resulted in a more efficient building approvals process. The licensing of about 90 tradetype occupations in Queensland also is very different to WA.”
IT’S A MICHAELS DOUBLE-SPEAK Master Builders’ director Michael McLean met Legislative Assembly Speaker Michael Sutherland at Parliament House in March. “Part of my role as director is to meet with politicians from all political parties,” Mr McLean says. “Engaging with Members of Parliament is important to make them aware of the economic health of our industry and some of the obstacles that are impeding our prosperity. Association members are well aware of these issues but politicians need constant reminding.” It wasn’t all business at the meeting, however, the director finding that he and the Speaker, as keen tennis players, are most compatible in their leisure pursuits. Mr McLean is pictured demonstrating his racquet grip on the Speaker’s mace.
GBSC’s new premises in Karratha.
NEW KARRATHA OFFICE FOR GBSC Master Builder member GBSC (Geraldton Building Services & Cabinets) opened new office and showroom premises in Karratha in May. Association regional manager Di Gilleland reports the official opening was well attended and enthusiastically received by local business people and dignitaries. The premises provide Karratha builders, renovators and commercial clients with a stateof-the-art showroom to view quality display kitchens and to select colours and products with help from professional staff. GBSC is not new to the Pilbara market. The company has been operating in the region for more than a decade and previously had offices in Point Samson and Roebourne. The launch of the new premises highlights a dedication to the region and represents an increased presence for the company. GBSC carry out kitchen and bathroom upgrades, house extensions and renovations, new commercial construction and building maintenance in the Pilbara, Gascoyne, Midwest and Wheatbelt.
Celebrating the opening (l-r): Ray Rignall (Caesarstone), Steve Biglin (GBSC), Andrew Evans (Caesarstone) and Peter Fleay and Carlo Cuzzola (GBSC).
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REPORTS general news JUL/AUG 2015
EFIC: NEW LENDING FLEXIBILITY OPENS DOORS FOR SMES Keith Stubbs, Master Builders Australia’s national manager, international division, says there are some good funding opportunities for WA firms involved in exporting products or as part of export supply chains. He says Australia’s export credit agency Efic (the Export Finance and Insurance Corporation) is focusing on SMEs, leading to the increase in opportunities. Efic says Australian SME exporters have three things in common – they are creative, confident and optimistic. But while they continue to win contracts against global competitors, many find it difficult to access the finance they need to secure opportunities. “It’s a topic that often comes up in Efic’s conversations with SMEs and is something that consistently holds these SMEs back from competing internationally,” Efic says. “The good news is that recent legislative changes have improved this situation and will allow Efic to help more SME exporters access the finance they need to succeed overseas.” In response to the legislative changes, Efic has introduced the Export Contract Loan, a flexible loan product with a streamlined application and approval process. It will make it easier for SME exporters, and those in export supply chains, to access the finance they need when banks are unable to help. A number of clients already have benefited, one of the first being a Victorian technology advisory and research firm. The company’s loan was approved just a few days after the product was launched, providing it with the additional working capital it needed to fulfil two significant export contracts to UK-based companies. The first contract sees the company designing a
waste treatment process that could be used to clean up toxic and hazardous waste storage sites by treating, and then disposing of, the contaminated waste material. The second contract involves providing an ‘at scale’ demonstration of the chemical process technology for treating and packaging toxic and hazardous wastes. Once the company has designed the waste treatment processes, it has a strong chance of using the technology to secure a significant pipeline of supply contracts in the UK and the US. Efic says that while the Victorian company’s bank was supportive of the contracts, it required further tangible security before it would approve the additional funding needed to meet the significant upfront research and material costs. According to Efic, this lack of tangible security, such as ‘bricks and mortar’ collateral or inventory, is something that holds back many exporters from receiving the finance they need to fulfil important contracts. This is especially the case where an SME’s competitive advantage is intangible intellectual property, something banks often find difficult to value, and therefore lend against. Efic was able to support the Victorian business with a $300,000 Export Contract Loan, allowing it to pay its upfront costs and fulfil the high profile research and development contract. Efic is committed to unlocking finance for export success. To learn more about how Efic can help, phone 1800 093 724 or email info@efic.gov.au.
ATO ISSUES ADVICE ON $20,000 ASSET DEDUCTIBILITY The ATO moved quickly after the Federal Budget to publish guidance on the Government’s proposal to allow small business to immediately deduct each asset that costs less than $20,000. Deputy commissioner Steve Vesperman said shortly after the Budget that while legislation to give effect to the proposal had not yet been enacted, it would apply to all small businesses with a turnover of less than $2 million. The legislation will backdate eligibility to Budget night, 12 May, so that assets acquired on or after 7.30 pm (AEST) on that night will be eligible for the concession. Small businesses taking advantage of the new measure will need to pool other assets over $20,000 or more and depreciate these assets at a rate 15 per cent in the first year and 30 per cent each year thereafter. “It is also important that small businesses keep records of their purchases to claim their deduction,” Mr Vesperman said. “The ATO will be working with small businesses looking to use the immediate deduction to ensure they are appropriately claiming it. We will be monitoring claims of this nature and following up on high risk cases.” Guidance on the asset deductibility proposal is available on the ATO website https://www.ato. gov.au/general/new-legislation/in-detail/directtaxes/income-tax-for-businesses/small-business--expanding-accelerated-depreciation/?page=1. Mr Vesperman also said small businesses can get the latest tax updates and information via the ATO’s new small business newsroom service. “This online tax and super news service tells you what you need to know, when you need to know it,” Mr Vesperman said. “Subscribers receive email updates on the latest news every three to four weeks. Small business owners tell us the articles are easy to read and understand, and the modern style is easy on the eye.” Subscribers can choose to stop receiving general tax information by mail and read it in the newsroom instead. Small businesses also can check key dates and download them to their own calendars. Subscription is at ato.gov.au/sbnews.
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REPORTS general news JUL/AUG 2015
SEARCH FOR NON-COMPLIANT CLADDING IN WA AIB’s 2015 WA Building Professional winner Jon Stone (second from left) with (l-r) AIB national president Norman Faifer and Brookfield Multiplex’s Jason Thomson and Stuart Hutchinson.
AIB RAISES PROFILE IN SOUTH AFRICA The Australian Institute of Building held its WA Professional Excellence in Building Awards in April with a significant part of proceedings being the formalising of a Memorandum of Understanding between AIB and the University of Pretoria. The MoU stems from meetings held in 2012 between AIB national vice president Graham Teede and representatives of a number of leading South African universities in South Africa including the University of Pretoria which delivers a strong program in construction economics and management. Subsequently, the university’s department head Professor Tinus Maritz and program leader Derick Booyens applied for AIB International Membership as Fellow and Member respectively. The relationship between the organisations has grown and earlier this year steps were taken to draft a MoU to promote building industry construction management education and a focus on creating stronger engagement with students through the AIB ‘s Young Builders Alliance and the South African Building Youth Forum. Formalising the MoU took place when Prof Maritz travelled to Perth as a guest of the WA AIB Chapter to attend the awards and to sign the Memorandum with AIB national president Norman Faifer. While in Perth, Prof Maritz visited Curtin University, putting plans in place for student exchanges and joint participation in various academic projects.
Master Builders’ housing director Geoff Cooper says liability for non-compliant building products is unclear.
Following the fire at the Lacrosse Building in Melbourne’s Docklands, WA’s Master Builders and the Building Commission have sought industry assistance on the local use of aluminium composite panels and noncompliant cladding. An investigation is underway into the Victorian fire where non-compliant cladding was found. A result of the incident is that the WA Building Commission has issued an industry alert to contractors, building owners and permit authorities about the importance of ensuring any proposed external cladding, including any aluminium composite panels, is compliant with the fire performance requirements of the Building Code of Australia. The Commission has been trying to determine the extent of the use in WA of Alucobest, the product under investigation in Melbourne. While it is understood that Alucobest manufactures both fire-rated and non-fire-rated claddings, Master Builders says that safety concerns must be addressed and the building industry’s reputation protected. In conjunction with the Building Commission, it has sought industry assistance to identifying the use of non-compliant external cladding, in particular the use of non-compliant aluminium composite panels which do not meet fire safety requirements. The Building Commission asked for information identifying: Suppliers and distributors of Alucobest in WA. • Any multi-storey buildings that might have Alucobest external cladding. • Any multi-storey buildings that might have any other non-compliant aluminium composite panels. Relevant information can be communicated to jane.vallance@ commerce.wa.gov.au or by phone 6251 1334.
At the black tie awards dinner, Brookfield Multiplex project director Jon Stone was named 2015 WA Building Professional. Mr Stone received the award for ‘outstanding work and leadership on the construction of the $2 billion Fiona Stanley Hospital’.
Master Builders’ housing director Geoff Cooper says the Docklands fire again highlights difficulties surrounding non-conforming building products, especially imported products which might not comply with Australian Standards.
More than 250 industry professionals and leaders attended the dinner at which various award category winners were recognised. Adeline Zhu Teng Tan from Curtin University won the 2015 AIB Medal and the award for Outstanding Building Diploma Course Student went to Christopher Brook (Central Institute of Technology).
“Builders obviously have some responsibility, but so do the other parties in the construction process including the developers, architects, designers, suppliers, installers and the authorities who give final approval to the building,” he said. “So the issue of liability is not clear-cut. It is often a complex legal issue.
A highlight of the evening was the guest speaker, former AFL coach John Worsfold. Winners of WA Professional Excellence Awards go forward to the AIB national awards in Sydney in September.
“Master Builders has referred our concerns to the ACCC and ABCB. We have requested a review of the certification process of overseas products to protect the reputation of our industry and public safety generally.”
Further information on AIB is available at www.aib.org.au.
general news REPORTS 23 JUL/AUG 2015
WA PROJECTS TOP NATIONAL URBAN AWARDS Shooting at Homebuyers Centre’s Poseidon home for the first HOME in WA episode of the year.
FEEL AT HOME WITH 2015’S HOME IN WA The HOME in WA television program has started again for 2015 and Master Builders, the longstanding partner of the show, is convinced this year is going to be better than ever. “We are preparing to produce 16 Master Builders’ segments that will go to air throughout the year,” says Association communications officer Emily Stone. “Early in the series you’ll see highlights and winners of the prestigious 2015 Master Builders Bankwest Housing Excellence Awards.” Ms Stone said other segments planned for the year include highlighting the training courses offered by Master Builders, how first home buyers can enter the market, the Association’s apprenticeship program and annual Apprentice Awards, plus Master Tradesman and Master Builders Online – the digital platforms the Association uses to reach its members. “In 2015, Master Builders has also partnered with the Waste Authority to produce further segments focused on waste in the building industry,” she said. “Topics will include the tools available to builders for better waste management, the waste training courses available, defining what is illegal dumping and the partnered Master Builders-Pindan Switch Charity Home and its recycling methods.” Now in its sixteenth year, HOME in WA is a locally produced television show created to
Richard Noble development Cygnia Cove Estate at Waterford has been named the Best Residential Development in Australia at this year’s Urban Development Institute of Australia Awards. The project also won the Environmental Excellence Award. The WA entry previously had been awarded WA’s top UDIA gong for 2014, the President’s Award and other State awards for environmental excellence and residential developments under 250 lots.
HOME in WA presenters Steve Sharp and Karin Pearson at the Master Builders Bankwest Housing Excellence Awards earlier this year.
entertain, inform and educate viewers on all things home in Western Australia. It provides a unique platform for market exposure and raising brand awareness, with the added bonus that segments are uploaded to YouTube for website use. HOME in WA executive producer Ron Reddingius says that in 2014 more than 63,000 videos were re-watched on the program’s website with 10,000 unique visits each month with more than a million pages read. “We are really excited to be partnering with Master Builders again for another successful year,” he said. “The Association has been a great supporter of the show over the years and has always come up with interesting stories for the industry.” HOME in WA is telecast on Saturday afternoons on Channel 7 and regional GWN7. New segments are available to watch on Master Builders’ website, along with previous segments. They can be viewed at www.mbawa.com/home-in-wa.
BGC and Peet Limited were awarded the national competition’s Best Affordable Development Award for Invita Apartments (pictured) in Wellard.
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REPORTS general news JUL/AUG 2015
REGISTRATION RENEWAL: A BUILDER’S GUIDE The Building Commission has made changes to improve registration procedures for building service providers. The Commission says that traditionally, the whole industry renewed on 1 February. This meant that thousands of renewal applications had to be assessed before new certificates could be issued. Lengthy delays were causing major problems for the industry, so the Commission has made the changes to improve the way it delivers its services. The changes include spreading the due date for renewal applications across the year, meaning that: • Renewal might no longer be due on 1 February. • The next renewal period will be between 18 months and three years. The Commission will be able to match resources to the steady stream of renewals coming in through the year and says it is seeing a vast improvement already. “In 2013, the 1 February renewals took several months to finalise,” it says. “Now, with these changes in place, more than 80 per cent of builder and painter renewals are finalised within 10 days. “The registration renewal process ensures building service providers continue to meet the requirements of registration and also provides a mechanism for those no longer wishing to be registered to allow their registrations to expire. “To maintain registration, renewal must be on time. The date a registration expires is located on the building registration certificate and on the register on the Commission website www.commerce.wa.gov.au/ building-commission.” The Commission has provided the following practical information to assist with renewal. When will you be notified your renewal is due? All renewal forms are posted to you 6-8 weeks before your registration expiry date at the address we have listed for you and/or your partnership/company. If your address and contact details change, you will need to notify the Building Commission in writing as soon as possible. However, it is your responsibility to be aware of your renewal’s expiry date and you should not simply rely on the notification from the Building Commission to remind you.
What happens if the renewal application is not submitted on time? If the Building Commission does not receive your application by the expiry date your registration will automatically expire. You will then not be registered. If your registration expires and you are a: • Contractor – you must immediately cease providing building services, stop work on site and any building permits issued for relevant building projects will be automatically suspended. Your insurances will also be invalid; as a pre-requisite for insurance is that you are registered. • Practitioner – you will cease to be a nominated supervisor for any contractor. If the contractor does not have a current Nominated Supervisor, the contractor can’t trade and all work must cease immediately. What if I submit my renewal application after my expiry date? If you are late with your renewal but wish to remain registered, you can submit a late application form to the Building Services Board. It is unlikely the Board will approve late applications based on reasons such as: • Failure of mail delivery. • Being away from the office or on holiday. • Not receiving the renewal advice. The Board has a policy and form available on the Building Commission website to help you. It is recommended you read the policy if you intend to submit a late reason. What if my late reason is refused by the Board? If you submitted a late renewal application and the Board did not accept your reasons, the Board will not consider your renewal application and your registration remains expired. If you want to re-instate your practitioner and/or contractor registration you will need to lodge a new application for registration. If you are a practitioner you may apply for reregistration, providing you are applying within three years of your expiry date. If you are a contractor you will need to lodge an initial registration application form. You may choose to do this as soon as you become aware you have expired and avoid the late process – it can be the quickest way to get your registration back. What if I need to submit extra information? You must lodge the forms and payment before the expiry date. If you do not have required attachments such as financial information, you must still lodge the application before the expiry date and submit this information later. If you wait until you have received the additional information to submit your renewal application and it is after the expiry date, your registration will automatically expire. For further information, contact the Building Commission on 1300 489 099 or bcinfo@commerce.wa.gov.au.
general news REPORTS 25 JUL/AUG 2015
STUDENTS WADE INTO WASTE
Homes building sites throughout Perth. They are researching how waste currently is disposed of from construction sites, what materials can be recycled and possible best practices in construction site recycling. At a recent shoot of a segment of Master Builders’ television program HOME in WA covering waste reduction, the Association’s marketing manager Kelly Dewar-Matusik caught up with two of the university students and Right Homes managing director Gary Wright to ask a couple of questions to find out how they were going. Damien Arnaud, a fourth year student, said that there were definite differences between Australia and Jakarta where he had similar involvement. “It’s been really good to be involved with this project,” he said. “Things are done here really differently and that’s been good to see. But there’s still a lot of waste being sent to landfill, something we hope we can change eventually.” Asked about what the best part of the study has been, both students agreed that visiting the sites, sometimes up to twice a week, has been exciting. The worst part? Counting brick straps.
Pictured at the filming of the waste reduction segment for HOME in WA are Right Homes’ Gary Wright (centre), program presenter Haley Thompson and Murdoch University student Damien Arnaud.
Murdoch University environmental students are voluntarily getting knee deep in builders’ construction and demolition waste. The 500 per cent increase in the waste levy on 1 January confronted contractors with what the cost of sending construction and demolition waste to landfill would be and the flow-on effect on building costs. Waste reduction consultant Michael Norriss says that as part of Master Builders’ Smart Waste initiative with the Waste Authority, the Association is looking to go out to members to educate them about the best waste practices available. “This is where the students come in,” he said. For the past three months, six third and fourth year Murdoch environmental engineering students have been placed at various Right
Gary Wright, whose company is a leader in waste management practices, said he is happy to make changes to limit waste to landfill, even if, for example, it means putting in the extra labour to sort brick straps separately from other waste. Ms Dewar-Matusik said Master Builders is grateful to Right Homes for access to their sites for the students to conduct the research. “On completion of the study, the students’ findings will be presented at a boardroom morning tea scheduled for June,” she said. “We await with interest, their recommendations into better waste recycling practices.” To learn how to better manage construction and demolition waste, builders are encouraged to visit the mbawa.com/smartwaste section of Master Builders’ website or contact Michael Norriss 0412 295 147.
INSPIRATIONAL SPEAKERS AT NATIONAL CONFERENCE The biennial Master Builders National Conference will be held on the Gold Coast in November with high profile speakers including leading economist Chris Richardson and Olympic gold medallist Alisa Camplin. Organisers say it is unlike many traditional industry conferences which concentrate simply on technical sessions. The Master Builders National Conference ‘Building Australia’ has a focus on leadership. It aims to assist members to make informed decisions in continuing to grow their businesses while also developing and maintaining an ethos of strong leadership attributes.
Among the speakers, Mr Richardson will be presenting on the economic outlook and future of the building industry. Conference delegates also will learn firsthand from Master Builder members who are delivering the Commonwealth Games infrastructure about the complexities involved in projects of that magnitude. Nigel Watts will speak on the topic ‘gearing up for the next growth phase’. The Master Builders Excellence in Building and Construction Awards will be presented as part of the National Conference on the Saturday evening as the grand finale. For more information, visit www.masterbuilders.com.au/Events/national-conference.
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REPORTS general news JUL/AUG 2015
MASTER BUILDERS TAKING OFF ON TOKYO NETWORKING TOUR Master Builders Australia national manager, international division, Keith Stubbs.
Master Builders is planning a Tokyo networking and study tour taking in the forty-second IFAWPCA Convention from 16-20 November.
convention, Master Builders will introduce you to the key construction industry players in the Asia Pacific region and delegates from 15 nations.
IFAWPCA is the International Federation of Asian and Western Pacific Contractors’ Association with member organisations stretching from South Korea and Japan to Australia and New Zealand.
“IFAWPCA Tokyo 2015 gives you the opportunity to get ahead of the competition with first hand access to the latest technology, trends and insights about products and services.
Keith Stubbs, Master Builders Australia national manager, international division, says the tour and Tokyo convention could open the door to opportunities for contractors and companies in relation to the billions of dollars in Asian investment flowing to Australia each year.
“Join Master Builders in Tokyo this November at the premier Asia Pacific construction event and be introduced to the movers and shakers driving investment and construction in the region. The networking and study tour has Platinum, Gold and Silver Tour Packages tailored to your business needs and designed to offer amazing value to small and large builders and contractors.”
He said building relationships is the key to doing business in Asia and urged Master Builder members not to waste an invaluable opportunity to meet the region’s leading building and construction experts and practitioners. “Master Builders has been intimately connected to Asia for more than 60 years,” he said. “As the host of a business forum at the Tokyo
Contact Keith Stubbs on 03 9411 4553 or register interest at: tokyotour@masterbuilders.com.au.
branches REPORTS 27 JUL/AUG 2015
REWARD FOR ALBANY WATER WISE GARDEN
URQUHART ENTHUSES ALBANY CONTRACTORS Author and business strategist Barry Urquhart was the key note speaker at a Great Southern Branch breakfast seminar in April. More than 30 people attended the seminar titled Challenge of Change.
Judge Alice Rule and Albany-Great Southern Branch office administrator Janet Snell in Master Builders’ regional HQ garden, awarded Business Garden of the Month in March.
The garden at Master Builders’ Great Southern Branch premises has won a City of Albany garden of the month award. The city runs a monthly competition with categories for best private garden, best business garden, water wise garden and best street. Competition judge Alice Rule was impressed with the texture and colour of Master Builders’ garden and its water wise nature.
The garden was designed and planted by Branch member Creative Landscapes Great Southern. The Water Corporation donated all the plants. The garden was one result of the many member donations received when Master Builders developed the Graham Street regional headquarters.
Regional manager Linda Gibbs says that as well as enjoying the sit down breakfast, attendees learnt much from Mr Urquhart’s address covering elements of successful marketing and understanding client and consumer expectations and demands. Ms Gibbs said feedback from attendees was positive and enthusiastic.
The City of Albany’s competition is judged each month with best garden of the year awards in October from among the monthly winners.
NO DRAGGING THE CHAIN IN ALBANY New chain of responsibility regulations were the subject of a seminar held by Master Builders’ Great Southern Branch in May. The new legislation, which came into force at the end of April, aims to ensure a uniform approach to compliance and enforcement of road transport laws, specifically those relating to mass, dimension and load restraint. Chain of responsibility refers to how those in control in the transport chain – including the consignor, loader and receiver – can be held legally accountable if, by their actions, inactions or decisions, they cause or contribute to a breach of the road laws.
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REPORTS branches JUL/AUG 2015
SOUTHERN COMMITTEES MEET FOR ACCORD Representatives of Master Builders’ South West and Great Southern Branch committees met recently at Manjimup contractor Karamfiles Builders’ showrooms. The joint meeting was a first, bringing the neighbouring regions’ industry issues to the table in an open forum. High on the agenda were items that affect both regions including red tape, tiered registration, indemnity insurance and the need for Building Commission site visits rather than desk top resolutions. The meeting noted that, in line with an increase in the building levy, the Commission is looking to provide resources for more site visits.
Pictured at the joint Branches’ meeting are (l-r) Andrew Holmes, Justin Trewren, Shane Stirling, John Hovey, Sam Karamfiles, John Buckingham, Luke Leeder and Anton Smith.
COOL WEATHER BUT HOT TOPICS
Bunbury South West regional manager Geoff Bosustow says it is envisaged that an annual ‘meeting of the minds’ will take place in the future to share ideas and encourage development in both regions.
Manjimup district members of Master Builder’ South West Branch recently attended the first in a planned series of updates on industry topics. Builders, suppliers, professionals and subcontractors from Manjimup and surrounds met at the town’s Gateway Motel for presentations from RSM Bird Cameron and RUIC Fire. RSM Bird Cameron’s Nathan Walter focused on the introduction of ‘cloud accounting’ as an industry go-to accounting package. He highlighted the benefits for, and streamlining of, accounts and the ease of generating and processing accounts on the spot. In addition, a review of fuel tax credits was presented, highlighting numerous changes to the scheme over the last few years. Greg Penney from RUIC Fire updated attendees on new fire mapping with indications being that many property owners will need to comply with higher standards. Research has shown the improvements required to comply will increase the region’s building costs substantially. Regional manager Geoff Bosustow reports that while the topics were hot, the mercury battled to reach double digits meaning that the good old country hospitality of the event’s three-course lunch went down a treat.
RUIC Fire’s Greg Penney (left) and Luke Leeder at the recent industry update meeting.
RECOGNITION FOR STALWARTS Two members of Master Builders’ Great Southern Branch were recognised for their contribution at the Branch’s well-attended quarterly dinner meeting in April. A small presentation was made to Steve Amato from Bathroom Decor and Murray Philip (Kartell Contracting) acknowledging the strong support they have provided by way of continuous assistance to regional manager Linda Gibbs and her staff.
Branch chairman Luke Leeder (left ) is pictured with Mr Philip and Mr Amato.
branches REPORTS 29 JUL/AUG 2015
Pictured after the South West Branch meeting aiming to clean up thefts from building sites are (l-r) Nicola Sapsford, Roger Piggott, Dean Baker, Ian Prosser, Geoff Bosustow, Justin Trewren, Daryl Brough, Rade Ristovic, John Buckingham, David Hunt and Jeff Hayres.
SOUTH WEST TACKLES SITE THEFTS Master Builders’ South West regional manager Geoff Bosustow reports that in recent months, the issues of thefts from, and dumping of rubbish on sites have been raised by a number of South West Branch members. He said that as a result, the Association has looked to provide members with a financially viable solution. Master Builders convened a meeting involving Burswood based member Meridian Services, the WA Police Department and South West members including major residential and commercial builders from throughout the region.
“After consultation, it was clear that a fee per start control method was not plausible and that a low cost membership with a ‘pay as you go’ fee structure was a better outcome,” Mr Bosustow said. “We’re looking forward to reporting in future Master Builder magazine articles on the campaign’s official launch and ongoing success but, in the meantime, I’m pleased to report that following the initial meeting, we already have had some success in tackling the costs and hassles associated with building site crime.”
BOWLERS ROLL UP FOR A CAUSE Master Builders’ Geraldton Branch held its annual ‘barefoot bowls’ event in April, raising awareness about suicide in the building industry. Funds raised at the event at the Wonthella Bowling Club went to MATES in Construction and Yellow Ribbon.
The GCo Electrical Bright Sparks team, judged best dressed at the Geraldton Branch bowls event.
Master Builders’ regional manager Di Gilleland says that a most disturbing fact about the building industry over the years has been the rise in the number of suicides. “Building workers are six times more likely to die by suicide then by a workplace accident,” she said. “This annual bowls event not only raises funds for a worthy cause, but it can assist to bring down barriers and raise awareness about suicide in the industry. MATES are a Master Builders’ Health Alliance partner and play an important role in our industry in combating suicide.” Yellow Ribbon regional coordinator Kate Rickerby joined in the bowls and later briefed guests on her role with Yellow Ribbon and the strong support team the organisation has in the Midwest.
Winning barefoot bowlers: the Geraldton Building Services & Cabinets Number 1 team of (l-r) Greg Harris, Jon Ward, Zac Naninga and Tammy Harris.
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REPORTS branches JUL/AUG 2015
BROOME CONTRACTORS IN JAWS REMAKE Master Builders held a successful lunch forum for regional members in Broome in May with developments in the law, an insurance update and the Building Commission on the agenda. Jackson McDonald Lawyers partner Basil Georgiou and MBA Insurance Services state manager Nick Vernon opened the first part of the proceedings, innovatively titled Managing the Sharks. They were joined by John Cole from Keystart and Master Builders’ president John Ripp while the Association’s director Michael McLean facilitated. Claims and disputes, agreement on scope of works, compliance and the Civil Liability Act were discussed at length. Mr Vernon explained the high importance of home indemnity insurance, professional indemnity insurance and workers’ compensation requirements.
Master Builders’ Facing and Managing Sharks forum in Broome was a great success. Pictured at the forum are one of the shark wranglers, Nick Vernon (right), with Steve Thompson and Greg Taylor (H&M Tracey Construction) and Kathryn Scovell (MBA Insurance Services).
The forum’s second segment, ‘Facing the Sharks’, was conducted by Building Commission panellists Jane Vallance (director industry development) and Sandy Randall (director compliance) with Broome Shire building services manager Mark Dudley and Mr Ripp contributing.
Association regional manager Di Gilleland, closing proceedings, continued the briny theme saying the building industry was similar to a huge ocean, with strong currents, stormy waters, undertows and a few stingers along the way.
Mr McLean said that industry Q & A forums provide an important opportunity for Association members to have a voice and to share information.
She thanked Mr Georgiou, Mr Dudley, Mr Vernon and their respective organisations together with Tim Carson (Colorbond) for assistance with the forum. “Thankfully, we have strong support from industry to make sure our waters remain calm,” she said.
PAR-FECT DAY FOR GERALDTON GOLF The Master Builders’ Geraldton Branch Midland Brick annual corporate golf day has again proved to be a great success. Regional manager Di Gilleland reports that the May event, a tradition now stretching back 16 years, once again was blessed with superb weather and not a flutter of breeze. The nine-hole Ambrose competition attracted 70 competitors to the Geraldton Golf Club to display varying degrees of skill and exuberance. “The golfers were treated to on-course Bowen massages and sausages cooked to perfection by R and R, Rory and Roy from Kingspan,” Ms Gilleland said. “The day provided a perfect opportunity for the building industry to meet up and share a few laughs over an enjoyable game of golf. It was great to have a team from Chapman Valley Shire attending and joining us again.
Enjoying a breather out on the course: Steve Sutton, Craig Johnston, Stu Watson and Paul Kerr.
“The event continues to be a popular day with builders, trades and industry partners. Winners on the day were Ashley Cooper, Paul Walton, Craig Lucas and Kim Clarkson and runners up Hagan Keeting, Glen Coombs and Dean Pascoe.” The day’s best gross came from Paul McFarlane, Trevor Greenaway, Peter Wilson and Craig O’Neill. Failing to distinguish themselves, Adam Searle, Danny Park, Wayne Gregory and Jason Raymond took out the NAGA award.
Geraldton winning golfers Kim Clarkson, Ashley Cooper and Paul Walton with their spoils.
branches REPORTS 31 JUL/AUG 2015
PEARLER BREAKFAST AN OMEN FOR PENDANT WINNER Oaks Hotels, Fire and Safety Services Company, The Laminex Group and Cygnet Bay Pearls combined to put on champagne and breakfast for Broome’s building industry women in May in a prelude to the evening’s Kimberley Pilbara Building Excellence Awards.
details, of the pearl pendant to be given away to a lucky builder at the evening’s awards. Master Builders’ regional manager Di Gilleland reports that breakfast participant Lisa Sweet was adamant it was her time and she definitely would win the pendant.
The early risers were rewarded with a glass of bubbly and a superb poolside breakfast provided by the sponsors.
“She had a feeling,” said Ms Gilleland, “and how right she was when her name was called later that night cheered on by all the ladies from the breakfast.”
Oaks Hotels and Resorts business development manager Zoe Marsh said it was important for women involved in the building industry and in business to catch up each year prior to the big awards event. She reflected on her time working for Oaks which had provided long-time friends and business acquaintances, many starting as clients but now part of her ‘extended family’. “Sharing ideas and stories is a great way to learn and realise we can all achieve,” she said.
The Laminex Group regional marketing manager Karen Turner was guest speaker at the breakfast. “Karen was exhilarating and passionate when speaking of the many changes she has endured in her working life,” Ms Gilleland said. “Like many in attendance, she has a passion for working in the building industry and, during her long journey, she has witnessed many changes and many involving the successes of women in industry.”
Cygnet Bay Pearls marketing manager Marten Matthews explained the designing, and finer
AP9000+
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AWARDS south west awards JUL/AUG 2015
PERKINS AT HOME ON WINNERS’ DAIS
Adam Zorzi (centre) accepted the Bankwest Master Builders South West Building Excellence Awards Best Country Home plaque from Kathryn Scovell and Nick Vernon of sponsor MBA Insurance Services.
Perkins Builders’ Best Commercial Project winner site manager Peter Leaman (centre) is flanked by (l-r) Master Builders’ president John Ripp, Chris Gray (of award sponsor Bankwest), Darryl Lathwell (Perkins’ group general manager) and John Reilly (Bankwest).
Housing Minister Colin Holt addresses the 2015 South West Building Excellence Awards audience at the Lighthouse Beach Resort.
Alex McGeoch won the South West Regional Apprentice of the Year award. He is pictured with (l-r) Smith Constructions colleagues Shane Jackson and Brad Leaman, The Apprentice & Traineeship Company’s Andrew White, Hayden and Rikki Smith (Smith Constructions) and Warren Cluff (The Apprentice & Traineeship Company).
Images: courtesy Gold Coast Tourism
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Early Bird now open — Save $200 The Master Builders biennial National Conference is heading to the Gold Coast in November, for what will undoubtedly be the industry event of the year once again. Unlike many traditional industry conferences that have a program full of just technical sessions the Building Australia conference stands out amongst the rest. The Master Builders National Conference ‘Building Australia’ focuses on leadership and assisting members to make informed decisions in continuing to grow their business whilst developing and maintaining strong leadership attributes within their business ethos. With high profile speakers that will examine the building industry outlook and topics relevant to today’s building and construction industry. Early Bird registration now open — Save $200 on the Standard rate by registering early! www.masterbuilders.com.au/Events/national-conference The Master Builders Excellence in Building and Construction Awards will be presented as part of the National Conference on the Saturday evening as the grand finale to an exciting conference on the Gold Coast…………We look forward to seeing you there!
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AWARDS south west awards JUL/AUG 2015
For the second year, the Lighthouse Beach Resort provided the classy venue for the Master Builders Bankwest South West Building Excellence Awards.
Perkins Builders has won the 2015 Master Builders Bankwest South West Building Excellence Awards Best Commercial Project with its new head office in Hales Street Bunbury. The $4.75 million office building, completed over 18 months interspersed with Perkins’ other building contract commitments, received the accolade at the awards in March. On the residential front, the Awards’ Best Country Home was won by Zorzi South for the second year in a row. The firm’s winning entry, described as a South American-style home, also took out a number of trade awards. The home will represent the South West region in next year’s Master Builders Housing Excellence Awards, competing against the winners of the other 2015 regional Building Excellence Awards and possibly the best the metropolitan market has to offer. The South West Awards were held at Bunbury’s Lighthouse Beach Resort. The venue was a success for last year’s event and again proved popular in 2015. Master Builders’ Bunbury South West Branch staff say the Awards are keenly anticipated each year by the district’s builders, suppliers and industry professionals and the Resort’s capacity was quickly reached when tickets went on sale. Claudia Bertorello-Kell was a familiar face on the night, hosting the Awards for the ninth year. Guests enjoyed a magnificent night out and danced to music by The Cutaboves.
Along with Zorzi South and Perkins Builders, other important winners on the night included Rural Building Company which won Display Home of the Year for The Quedjinup in Dunsborough. The Best New Builder Award for the region went to Pro Living Pty Ltd. Awards sponsored by Hanson and the Australian Brick and Blocklaying Training Foundation recognised up-and-coming youth in the South West building and construction industry. ABBTF’s Ian Fitzgerald presented Aaron March with the Bricklaying Apprentice of the Year and Kurt Hislop, representing Hanson, announced Alex McGeoch as the South West Apprentice of the Year. Master Builders’ South West regional manager Geoff Bosustow said that the five entrants for Apprentice of the Year all displayed exceptional qualities and have strong futures ahead of them. “The dedication and professionalism that they have all displayed in their studies and the quality of their workmanship to date is a credit to them,” Mr Bosustow said. “The building and construction industry will be in safe hands in the future given the quality of these fine apprentice tradesmen.” Mr McGeoch, employed by The Apprentice & Traineeship Company and engaged by host employer Smith Constructions, will compete against other Building Excellence Awards winning apprentices later this year for the title
of the State’s overall best regional apprentice and the opportunity to be judged along with metropolitan winners in the search for Master Builders’ 2015 Apprentice of the Year. “The South West region will be well represented at both the Master Builders Housing Excellence Awards and the Apprentice of the Year Awards with quality projects and people,” Mr Bosustow said. Customer service awards, which set the benchmark for delivery of quality services and products to the building industry’s clients, again were keenly contested as part of the South West Awards. Bluewater Building Company won the gong for small to medium volume builders with the medium to large volume award going to Home Group WA South West. The award for best supplier customer service went to Structerre Consulting Engineers. Commenting on another successful South West Building Awards program, Mr Bosustow said that each year the quality of entrants continues to climb. “Master Builders applauds all who took part in the process from start to finish,” he said. “The winners in the end are the consumers.”
south west awards AWARDS 35 JUL/AUG 2015
HEAD OFFICE A WINNER A company entering its own head office in Master Builders Building Excellence Awards program can expect to come under pretty close scrutiny but Perkins Builders passed the examination in winning this year’s South West Awards Best Commercial Project. The company’s new building is the culmination of years of planning, construction experience and intuitive design. It showcases high quality work and the latest construction process innovations and technology. Each level of the three-storey building was designed with a specific function in mind and to allow for future expansion. The ground floor features a spacious reception area, meeting room and dedicated print, mail and IT server rooms. The first floor has an open plan work station layout with library space and staff room. The second floor showcases the stunning ceiling centerpiece, contains a spacious boardroom and large balcony and has a combination of open plan work stations and private office spaces. The impressive external finish features a curtain wall system with double glazed spandrel units to the full height on three sides of the building. This offers not only reduced glare but extensive views. Full height pre-cast blade columns with sandblasted feature bands provide a significant civil and structural identity to the theme of the building.
BACK-TO-BACK WINS FOR ZORZI Zorzi South’s 2015 South West Building Excellence Awards Best Country Home backed up similar success in last year’s competition. It was also the third time the company has won the accolade since its breakthrough year, 2010. This year’s winning project, situated in Wickham Road Witchcliffe, is a Southern American style home showcasing the best craftsmanship of the South West’s skilled trades. The highly detailed construction includes curved decorative plasterglass cornices and custom-stained American oak floors. The project also was awarded Excellence in Cabinetmaking (New Age Cabinets), Excellence in Finishing Carpentry (Kim Lumsdaine and Johann Pistorius), Excellence in Painting (Shamiss Painting Services) and Excellence in Floor and Wall Tiling (Cape to Cape Tiling). Christian Bridson also was named Supervisor of the Year for his work on the home.
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AWARDS south west awards JUL/AUG 2015
AWARDS HONOURS LIST BEST COUNTRY HOME Sponsor: MBA Insurance Services Zorzi South Wickham Road, Witchcliffe BEST COMMERCIAL PROJECT Sponsor: Bankwest Perkins Builders Hales Street, Bunbury PROJECT BUILDER OF THE YEAR Rural Building Company DISPLAY HOME OF THE YEAR Sponsor: Satterley Property Group, Dalyellup Beach & Department of Housing Rural Building Company Cornerstone Way, Biddles Common Dunsborough BEST CUSTOMER SERVICE – SMALL MEDIUM VOLUME BUILDER Sponsor: Bankwest Bluewater Building Co (SW) BEST CUSTOMER SERVICE – MEDIUM LARGE VOLUME BUILDER Sponsor: Bankwest Home Group WA Southwest BEST CUSTOMER SERVICE – SUPPLIER Sponsor: Bankwest Structerre Consulting Engineers APPRENTICE OF THE YEAR Sponsor: Hanson Host Employer: Smith Constructions Alex McGeoch BRICKLAYING APPRENTICE OF THE YEAR Sponsor: ABBTF Host Employer: Rhys Carn Bricklaying Aaron Marsh EMPLOYER TRAINER Sponsor: Holcim Perkins Builders
DISPLAY HOMES $200,000 - $300,000 Smart Homes Almond Parkway, Yalyalup DISPLAY HOMES $300,000 - $350,000 Venture Homes Egyptian Street, Kealy DISPLAY HOMES $350,000 - $400,000 The Plunkett Group Barker Boulevard, Riverlea DISPLAY HOMES OVER $400,000 Rural Building Company Cornerstone Way, Biddles Common Dunsborough CONTRACT HOMES UNDER $200,000 Aussie Living Homes Aquamarine Terrace, Australind CONTRACT HOMES $200,000 - $225,000 Ventura Homes Henderson Crescent, Australind CONTRACT HOMES $225,000 - $250,000 Ventura Homes Meadow View, Busselton CONTRACT HOMES $250,000 - $275,000 WA Country Builders Whitton Way, Donnybrook CONTRACT HOMES $275,000 - $300,000 Activa Developments Pty Ltd Gifford Road, Dunsborough CONTRACT HOMES $300,000 - $350,000 WA Country Builders Eckersley Way, Australind CONTRACT HOMES $350,000 - $400,000 Farnell Constructions Pty Ltd Kendle Close, Pelican Point CONTRACT HOMES $400,000 - $500,000 WA Country Builders Keel Retreat, Geographe
SUPERVISOR OF THE YEAR Sponsor: Scope Business Imaging Christian Bridson Zorzi South
CONTRACT HOMES $500,000 - $750,000 Zorzi South Spindrift Cove, Quindalup
BEST NEW BUILDER Sponsor: RSM Bird Cameron Pro Living Pty Ltd
CONTRACT HOMES $750,000 - $1,000,000 Bluewater Building Co (SW) Blackbutt Close, Yallingup Siding
DISPLAY HOMES UNDER $200,000 Aussie Living Homes Almond Parkway, Yalyalup
CONTRACT HOMES $1,000,000 - $1,500,000 JF Clark Constructions Caves Road, Siesta Park
CONTRACT HOMES $1,500,000 - $2,000,000 Bunbury Building Company Jones Way, Abbey CONTRACT HOMES OVER $2,000,000 Zorzi South Wickham Road, Witchcliffe RESIDENTIAL ALTERATIONS & ADDITIONS UNDER $250,000 Challis Builders Banksia Street, Bunbury RESIDENTIAL ALTERATIONS & ADDITIONS OVER $250,000 BG Grieve Builder Crowd Road, Gelorup FRAMED CONSTRUCTION UNDER $400,000 Farnell Constructions Pty Ltd Kendle Close, Pelican Point FRAMED CONSTRUCTION $400,000 - $600,000 Bluewater Building Co (SW) Gibson Drive, Dunsborough FRAMED CONSTRUCTION $600,000 - $800,000 Bluewater Building Co (SW) Whatman Street, Quindalup FRAMED CONSTRUCTION OVER $800,000 JF Clark Constructions Caves Road, Siesta Park MULTI RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENTS UNDER $500,000 Home Group WA Southwest Bennett Residence Charles Street, Bunbury MULTI RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENTS $500,000 - $750,000 BGC Construction Department of Housing - 3 Units Airley Street, Manjimup MULTI RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENTS OVER $750,000 BGC Construction Department of Housing - 9 Units Tiffany Centre, Dalyellup COMMERCIAL INDUSTRIAL BUILDINGS UNDER $1,000,000 Challis Builders South West Express Palmer Crescent, Davenport
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AWARDS south west awards JUL/AUG 2015
COMMERCIAL INDUSTRIAL BUILDINGS $1,000,000 - $2,000,000 Innovest Construction Georgiana Molloy Anglican School Early Childhood Centre Joseph Drive, Yalyalup COMMERCIAL INDUSTRIAL BUILDINGS $2,000,000 - $3,000,000 BGC Construction Cape Naturaliste College Year 7 Block Cnr Kenwyn Drive & Vasse Yallingup Road, Vasse COMMERCIAL INDUSTRIAL BUILDINGS $3,000,000 - $4,500,000 Perkins Builders Bunbury Senior High School Year 7 Relocation Haig Crescent, Bunbury COMMERCIAL INDUSTRIAL BUILDINGS $4,500,000 - $6,000,000 Perkins Builders Perkins Head Office Building Hales Street, Bunbury COMMERCIAL INDUSTRIAL BUILDINGS OVER $6,000,000 BGC Construction Dalyellup College Stage 2 Wake Drive, Dalyellup COMMERCIAL ALTERATIONS & ADDITIONS UNDER $5,000,000 Cape Constructions Aravina Estate & Winery Thornton Road, Yallingup COMMERCIAL ALTERATIONS & ADDITIONS $5,000,000 - $10,000,000 Perkins Builders South West Health Campus Sub-acute Care Unit & Day Therapy Unit Cnr Robertson Drive & Bussell Highway, Bunbury COMMERCIAL ALTERATIONS & ADDITIONS OVER $10,000,000 Perkins Builders Bunbury Regional Entertainment Centre Blair Street, Bunbury CIVIL WORKS OPEN CATEGORY CPD Group Pty Ltd Augusta Boat Harbour & Landscape Works Leeuwin Road, Augusta LIVEABLE HOMES AWARD Sponsor: Disability Services Commission BGC Construction Department of Housing - 3 Units Airley Street, Manjimup
MOST AFFORDABLE FAMILY HOME Sponsor: Keystart Home Loans Smart Homes The Fusion Almond Parkway, Yalyalup SILVER TROWEL Sponsor: Department of Housing CAM Bricklaying Margaret River Senior High School Year 7 Block, Margaret River WATER WISE HOME OF THE YEAR Sponsor: Water Corporation Rural Building Company The Quedjinup Cornerstone Way, Biddles Common Dunsborough BEST FRAMED CONSTRUCTION Sponsor: Kingspan Insulation JF Clark Constructions Caves Road, Siesta Park BEST STEEL BUILDING Sponsor: Stramit IMG Constructions Craigie Street, Davenport EXCELLENCE IN BRICK & BLOCK PAVING Sponsor: Midland Brick The Paving People Peppermint Grove Terrace, Peppermint Grove Beach EXCELLENCE IN BUILDING PRACTICE Sponsor: Structerre Consulting Engineers Bluewater Building Co (SW) Blackbutt Close, Yallingup Siding EXCELLENCE IN CABINET MAKING Sponsor: The Laminex Group New Age Cabinets Wickham Road, Witchcliffe EXCELLENCE IN CARPENTRY (EXTERNAL) Sponsor: Building Commission Tilbanup Timbers Caves Road, Siesta Park EXCELLENCE IN CARPENTRY (FINISHING) Sponsor: South Western Times Kim Lumsdaine & Johann Pistorius Wickham Road, Witchcliffe EXCELLENCE IN CEILINGS Sponsor: True North Energy assessors Yallingup Ceilings Blackbutt Close, Yallingup Siding
EXCELLENCE IN CONCRETE Sponsor: Australind Premix CJM Concrete & Bumblebee Concrete Augusta Boat Harbour Buildings & Landscape Works Leeuwin Road, Augusta EXCELLENCE IN CONSTRUCTION ON A CHALLENGING SITE Sponsor: Bunbury Holden Bluewater Building Co (SW) Blackbutt Close, Yallingup Siding EXCELLENCE IN ENERGY EFFICIENCY Sponsor: Solahart JF Clark Constructions Caves Road, Siesta Park EXCELLENCE IN FLOOR & WALL TILING Sponsor: Jackson McDonald Cape to Cape Tiling Wickham Road, Witchcliffe EXCELLENCE IN GLAZING Sponsor: MBA President’s Award Leschenault Glass & Aluminium Bunbury Regional Entertainment Centre Blair Street, Bunbury EXCELLENCE IN PAINTING Sponsor: Cbus Shamiss Painting Services Wickham Road, Witchcliffe EXCELLENCE IN PLASTERING / DRYWALL Sponsor: TPS Yallingup Ceilings Gibson Drive, Dunsborough EXCELLENCE IN RECYCLING Sponsor: Waste Authority CPD Group Pty Ltd Augusta Boat Harbour Buildings & Landscape Works Leeuwin Road, Augusta EXCELLENCE IN ROOFING (METAL & OTHER CLADDING) Sponsor: Combined Metal Industries Leeuwin Ridge Roof Plumbing Cornerstone Way, Biddles Common Dunsborough
south west awards AWARDS 39 JUL/AUG 2015
AWARDS SPONSORS Housing
OPENING DOORS To Affordable Housing
Crowther Blayne is an Australian leader in business-to-business online and print publications for a variety of industries worldwide. Crowther Blayne publications provide businesses with the broadest possible audience and target the most relevant decision-makers. By providing a platform of the highest quality, products and services are presented in the best possible light to the marketplace. If you have a specific enquiry about our services, or simply want to get in touch, please contact: Trish Riley | Business Development Manager | P: 1800 222 757 | trish@crowtherblayne.com.au | crowtherblayne.com.au
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AWARDS excellence in construction awards JUL/AUG 2015
ACCOMPLISHED JUDGES PROVIDE WEALTH OF CONSTRUCTION KNOWLEDGE
ECA 2015 judges (l-r) Rod Mollett, Rod Sproule, Andy Peppercorn, Peter Bruechle and Adrian Ridderhof. (Absent: Kevin Sale.)
Brookfield Multiplex Constructions’ Fiona Stanley Hospital project was last year’s top winner at the Excellence in Construction Awards.
As the July-August edition of Master Builder was going to print, final preparations were in hand for the building industry commercial sector’s big night, the Master Builders Bankwest Excellence in Construction Awards on 25 July.
weeks, our panel of building industry experts had the demanding task of inspecting 70 of Perth’s newest commercial projects. All our judges volunteer time out of their busy schedules and we are lucky enough to have them assist year after year.”
Award judging was completed in May by the combination of highly experienced builders, Adrian Ridderhof, Andy Peppercorn, Kevin Sale and Rod Sproule and respected engineer and Robert Law Award recipient Peter Bruechle.
Ms Tearne also thanked City Motors Holden for lending a Holden Colorado and Nuford a Ford Ranger to get judges from A to B on their inspections.
“In addition, this years architect Rod Mollett made his judging debut after being nominated by the Australian Institute of Architects,” says Master Builders’ events manager Pippa Tearne. “Over just three
“Make sure you keep an eye out for the September-October edition of Master Builder magazine for the results of the 2015 Master Builders Bankwest Excellence in Construction Awards and a report on what promises to be a spectacular presentation night,” she said.
kimberley pilbara awards AWARDS 41 JUL/AUG 2015
Quiet station: setting up for the Orient Express-themed Kimberley Pilbara Building Excellence Awards in Broome.
COOL SUCCESS FOR KARRATHA HOME A house described as ‘an esky with an umbrella on top’ has won the Master Builders Bankwest Kimberley Pilbara Building Excellence Awards Overall Best Country Home title. The Eaton Building project in Karratha was named Best Pilbara Home before being announced as the overall region’s housing winner at the awards night in Broome in May. A unique roof system and 8-star energy rating are features of the home, said to provide efficiency and comfort at a reasonable price. The presentations also proved surprisingly successful for first-time entrant Buildmore Constructions. As well as winning the $650,000-850,000 Contract Homes category and being named Best New Builder, the company topped its other successes when named winner of the Best Kimberley Home. Cooper & Oxley Builders won the Best Commercial Building title for the Kununurra Replacement Courthouse. The theme for the awards evening was the Orient Express and, dressed for the journey, a crowd of 260 industry representatives gathered under the stars at Zanders on Cable Beach Broome to celebrate the successes of Northwest builders and trades.
Master Builders’ regional manager Di Gilleland says Broome’s weather was at its finest for the evening. “Guests embraced the classy dress code, with the ladies adorned with blue feather boas,” she said. “The evening was kept to schedule and on track by master of ceremonies, ABC radio personality George Manning, appropriately kitted out in full conductor’s uniform. George always brings many a laugh with his sense of humour and knowledge of the event’s theme. Commerce Minister Michael Mischin was a most welcome guest and seemed to thoroughly enjoying the surroundings of Broome at its best.”
It wasn’t Broome Builders only success on the night with the company winning the Best Customer Service award for the third year running. The Employer Trainer of the Year winner was H & M Tracey and Supervisor of the Year was Glenn Schluter from Norbuilt. The year’s regional Apprentice winner was Isaac Cork, an electrician with Zapped Electrical in Broome. Regional judge Charlie Baggetta awarded the Judges’ Innovation prize to Cooper & Oxley for the Kununurra Replacement Courthouse project, citing the range of different building materials which complemented the structure, design and aesthetics of the building.
Ms Gilleland said Cygnet Bay Pearls once again provided a stunning pearl lariat valued at more than $5000 as a prize for a lucky entrant in the awards.
In addition to the Overall Best Country Home award, Paul and Brydon Eaton from Eaton Building made nine trips to the podium. The company’s outstanding work was evident in the top home and a number of trade awards.
“This is the third year that Cygnet Bay Pearls have generously designed a special piece of jewellery for the awards evening,” she said. “The beautiful prize is on the wish list of all builders who enter the awards – or perhaps their wives! The winner, drawn by Cygnet Bay CEO James Brown, was a more than excited Lisa Sweet, wife of Broome Builders’ Bob Sweet.”
Karratha also had a winner in TJR Building Pty Ltd in the $1-2.5 million Commercial Alterations and Additions category. Pindan Contracting picked up the Over $25 million CommercialIndustrial Building and the Excellence in Structural Steel prizes for the Karratha Leisureplex and Diploma Construction took out three awards for Wickham Lodge.
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AWARDS kimberley pilbara awards JUL/AUG 2015
Paul Eaton of Eaton Building holds the Kimberley Pilbara Overall Best Country Home plaque flanked by fellow Orient Express travellers John Ripp (Master Builders’ president, left) and Rob Menzies of award sponsor Roebuck Estate Developments.
Buildmore Constructions won the Best Kimberley Home with Roslyn Butcher accepting the award from Simon Proud of sponsor LandCorp.
Cooper & Oxley’s Kununurra Replacement Courthouse project was crowned Best Commercial Building. The firm’s Jason Stripp received the award from Neale Woodroffe of sponsor Bankwest (right) and Master Builders’ president John Ripp.
Isaac Cook (centre) was named Kimberley Pilbara Apprentice of the Year. He is pictured with (l-r) Master Builders’ president John Ripp, award finalist Timothy Chambers, Luke Sharland of award sponsor Kimberley Roof Design and finalist Derek Rose.
kimberley pilbara awards AWARDS 43 JUL/AUG 2015
WINNING HOME SPEAKS OF PILBARA Master Builders’ 2015 awards overall top regional home, designed by Gresley Abas Architects Perth and built by Eaton Building, showcases LandCorp’s ‘Pilbara Vernacular’ principles. The primary objective of the project was to develop a concept design that demonstrated a dwelling contributing to the character and sense of place of Karratha while providing functional efficiency and comfort at a reasonable market price. LandCorp selected Madigan Estate as the first project to demonstrate the Pilbara Vernacular principles. It organised a demonstration home design competition to show the application of the principles. Three invited architects and nominated builders explored and showcased the Pilbara Vernacular demonstration homes. The primary objective was to develop a concept design contributing to the character and sense of place of Karratha while providing functional efficiency and comfort at a reasonable market price.
The construction of the winning home was possible due to Eaton Building’s unique roof system. In short, the design of the home is ‘an esky with an umbrella on top’. The 8-star energy rated home has been designed with integrated water and energy monitoring systems
and a five kilowatt solar panel array to produce 6980 units of free electricity annually. Materials feature steel construction, MasterWall cladding and composite and natural timbers. Combined with the executive standard interior, the home gives a glimpse into the future of Karratha.
WINNING COURTHOUSE AN INNOVATIVE REPLACEMENT Cooper & Oxley Builders were named winners of the Best Commercial Building at the 2015 Kimberley Pilbara Building Excellence Awards in Broome in May. The company’s award entry, the Kununurra Replacement Courthouse, is a two-storey structure designed to reflect the local landscape by way of both its internal and external elements and to interface with the adjacent police complex via a secure link. The concrete and steel structure also features a roof consisting of various pitches and irregular shapes. External louvres feature natural timber frames. Ample glazing to the spacious waiting area provides a strong sense of connection to the external surroundings. Exposed aggregate pavers and coloured concrete to the courtyard are highlighted by generous use of natural veneer in local timber colour. Art pieces chosen from East Kimberley artists are used in the foyer and public area to great effect. The building also won the Judges’ Innovation Award with judge Charlie Baggetta impressed by the innovative and aesthetic use of materials in the project.
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AWARDS kimberley pilbara awards JUL/AUG 2015
AWARDS HONOURS LIST BEST COUNTRY HOME Sponsor: Roebuck Estate Developments Eaton Building Prancing Avenue, Karratha BEST COMMERCIAL BUILDING Sponsor: Bankwest Cooper & Oxley Builders Pty Ltd Kununurra Replacement Courthouse Cnr Coolibah Drive & Messmate Way, Kununurra BEST KIMBERLEY HOME Sponsor: Landcorp Buildmore Constructions Walcott Street, Broome BEST PILBARA HOME Sponsor: Landcorp Eaton Building Prancing Avenue, Karratha DISPLAY HOMES OPEN CATEGORY Sponsor: REV Design Eaton Building Prancing Avenue, Karratha BEST CUSTOMER SERVICE VOLUME PROJECT BUILDERS Sponsor: Bankwest Broome Builders APPRENTICE OF THE YEAR Sponsor: Kimberley Roof Design Isaac Cork Host Employer: Zapped Electrical Employer: Skill Hire EMPLOYER TRAINER OF THE YEAR Sponsor: Regal Transport H&M Tracey Construction Pty Ltd SUPERVISOR OF THE YEAR Sponsor: Allpest Glenn Schluter Employer: Norbuilt Pty Ltd BEST NEW BUILDERS Sponsor: Meridian Services Buildmore Constructions CONTRACT HOMES UNDER $250,000 Broome Builders Palmer Road, Broome CONTRACT HOMES $250,000 - $300,000 Brolga Developments & Construction Pty Ltd Povah Road, Broome
CONTRACT HOMES $300,000 - $350,000 H&M Tracey Construction Pty Ltd Povah Road, Broome CONTRACT HOMES $350,000 - $400,000 Broome Builders Hussen Way, Broome CONTRACT HOMES $400,000 - $450,000 Brolga Developments & Construction Pty Ltd Lapwing Loop, Djugun CONTRACT HOMES $450,000 - $500,000 Broome Builders Spoonbill Avenue, Broome CONTRACT HOMES $500,000 - $650,000 Eaton Building Prancing Avenue, Karratha
COMMERCIAL/INDUSTRIALBUILDING UNDER $1,000,000 Tjallara Building Company APT Mitchell Plateau kitchen and alfresco deck COMMERCIAL/INDUSTRIALBUILDING $1,000,000 - $2,500,000 Sponsor: McKeno Blocks & Pavers Mitie Constructions Pty Ltd Boonderoo Road, Tom Price COMMERCIAL/INDUSTRIALBUILDING $2,500,000-$6,500,000 Sponsor: McKeno Blocks & Pavers H&M Tracey Construction Pty Ltd Gwendoline Crossing, Broome
CONTRACT HOMES $650,000- $850,000 Buildmore Constructions Walcott Street, Broome
COMMERCIAL/INDUSTRIALBUILDING $6,500,000 - $25,000,000 Cooper & Oxley Builders Pty Ltd Kununurra Replacement Courthouse Cnr Coolibah Drive & Messmate Way, Kununurra
CONTRACT HOMES OVER $1,000,000 Sponsor: The Laminex Group DLR Building Co. Kestrel Place, Exmouth
COMMERCIAL/INDUSTRIALBUILDING OVER $25,000,000 Pindan Contracting Pty Ltd Karratha Leisureplex, Karratha
RESIDENTIAL ALTERATIONS & ADDITIONS UNDer $100,000 Custom Lifestyle Homes Glenister Loop, Cable Beach
COMMERCIAL ALTERATIONS & ADDITIONS $1,000,000 - $2,500,000 TJR Building Pty Ltd Pemberton Way, Karratha
RESIDENTIAL ALTERATIONS & ADDITIONS $100,000 - $200,000 Custom Lifestyle Homes Ignatious Court, Cable Beach
COMMERCIAL ALTERATIONS & ADDITIONS $2,500,000 - $6,500,000 Westruct Pty Ltd Dome Port Hedland The Esplanade, Port Hedland
MULTI RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENTS UNDER $1,000,000 H&M Tracey Construction Pty Ltd Pryor Drive, Broome MULTI RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENTS $1,000,000 - $2,500,000 Eaton Building Withnell Way, Karratha MULTI RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENTS $2,500,000 - $6,500,000 Mitie Construction Pty Ltd Demarchi Road, South Hedland MULTI RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENTS OVER $6,500,000 Jaxon Pty Ltd Cottier Drive, South Hedland
COMMERCIAL ALTERATIONS & ADDITIONS OVER $6,500,000 Colin Wilkinson Developments Pty Ltd Kimberley Training Institute – Broome Trade Training Centre, Broome MOST LIVEABLE HOME Sponsor: Liveable Homes H&M Tracey Construction Pty Ltd Povah Road, Broome MOST AFFORDABLE FAMILY HOME Sponsor: Keystart Broome Builders Palmer Road, Broome TRANSPORTABLE HOMES OPEN CATEGORY Fleetwood Pty Ltd Parker Street, South Hedland
kimberley pilbara awards AWARDS 45 JUL/AUG 2015
LYSAGHT JUDGES INNOVATION AWARD Sponsor: Lysaght Cooper & Oxley Builders Pty Ltd Kununurra Replacement Courthouse Cnr Coolibah Drive & Messmate Way, Kununurra INNOVATIVE USE OF BUILDING MATERIALS Sponsor: Ray White Broome Diploma Construction Wickham Lodge Wickham Drive, Wickham BEST APPOINTED BATHROOM Sponsor: MBA Insurance Services Broome Builders Sanctuary Drive, Broome BEST APPOINTED KITCHEN Sponsor: Bosch Hot Water Broome Builders Spoonbill Avenue, Broome BEST STEEL BUILDING Sponsor: Colorbond Diploma Construction Wickham Lodge Wickham Drive, Wickham EXCELLENCE IN BUILDING PRACTICE Sponsor: Building Commission Eaton Building
EXCELLENCE IN RECYCLING Sponsor: Waste Authority Diploma Construction Wickham Lodge Wickham Drive, Wickham EXCELLENCE IN CARPENTRY Sponsor: Qantas Link Ashley Peaker Prancing Avenue, Karratha EXCELLENCE IN CABINET MAKING Sponsor: Jackson McDonald North West Builders Challenor Drive, Cable Beach EXCELLENCE IN CEILINGS Sponsor: Cbus Gibson Plastering Wudarr Bend, Cable Beach
EXCELLENCE IN WALL & FLOOR TILING Sponsor: Carpet Tile & Paint Centre Carpet Paint & Tile Centre Povah Road, Broome EXCELLENCE IN ENERGY EFFICIENCY Sponsor: Stiebel Eaton Building Prancing Avenue, Karratha EXCELLENCE IN ROOFING (TILE, METAL & OTHER CLADDING) Sponsor: Kimberley Truss/James Hardie Frank Nock Sultan Way, Broome EXCELLENCE IN GLAZING Cooper & Oxley Builders Pty Ltd Kununurra Replacement Courthouse Cnr Coolibah Drive & Messmate Way, Kununurra
EXCELLENCE IN CONCRETING Sponsor: McCorry Brown & Holcim Exmouth Concrete & Earthmoving; Exmouth Quarries Concreting Kestrel Place, Exmouth
EXCELLENCE IN INNOVATIVE CLADDING Sponsor: Oaks Hotels & Resorts Eaton Building Withnell Way, Karratha
EXCELLENCE IN PAINTING Sponsor: Valspar Lachlan Birch Painting Services Povah Road, Broome
EXCELLENCE IN STRUCTURAL STEEL Sponsor: Easifleet Pindan Contracting Pty Ltd Karratha Leisureplex, Karratha
AWARDS SPONSORS
Kimberley Truss
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UPDATES comment JUL/AUG 2015
Master Builder’ housing director Geoff Cooper found himself cloistered away with dozens of other lobbyists and scribes for the annual State Budget lockup immediately preceding the Treasurer’s formal Budget reading in Parliament on 14 May.
BUDGETING BLUES CAN BE DEFEATED The Government is left to hit people and businesses with above CPI increases in taxes, fees and charges to balance the budget as best it can. Master Builders’ housing director Geoff Cooper.
Sitting in the WA State Budget lockup for four hours is quite deflating. It’s not just because they take your mobile phone from you. It’s because the budget reveals just how short sighted policy decision making has become in our country. Nowhere does the Budget reveal decision making in the context of long term strategic planning for the growth of our State. Taxation policy is simply a debacle in WA. There is no long term plan for a fair, broad based taxation base to underpin government expenditure. Instead, we have a Government addicted to revenues from highly volatile, narrowly based taxes with substantial distorting effects. Imagine being addicted to a punitive stamp duty regime that forces people to remain in unsuitable accommodation. What if you relied on tax that hits a narrowing group of major employers to underpin a $4 billion tax on employment in the State that discourages expansion of the workforce? It is growing to reap another 9.4 per cent next year. Imagine being reliant on iron ore prices for $3 billion in royalties, royalties that are almost impossible to predict a month from now. Well, don’t bother, it’s what’s happening now in our State. It’s enough to give a treasurer the sweats. Let’s not even add in the GST rip-off where an unbudgeted $499 million makes little overall difference to the unfairness of the redistribution formula. Why should WA be punished for not having pokies or for having a strong but volatile resources sector?
The result of all this is that the Budget simply has become a predictable yearly reaction to fluctuations in political or market volatility. Each year we get served up a diet of short term plugs to balance the books. Tax payers are the frogs being slowly boiled each year. Our State politicians are well aware of the problem; there is simply just no political leadership to tackle tax reform in a meaningful way. The management of expenses is no better. The major Budget expense is government salaries. Public sector wages have grown at 6.5 per cent per annum during the term of Barnett’s Government, well above inflation. The Government has failed to set, and adhere to, a firm wages policy. It belatedly has recognised the problem, well after the horse has bolted. Wage hikes not linked to productivity gains previously entered into by the Premier during the last state election have returned to haunt the Government. And once again we have seen an ad hoc approach to infrastructure funding. Yes, we do see marque projects like the new Perth Stadium or Elizabeth Quay. But the public sector investment revealed was not apparently aligned to a long term infrastructure plan for our State. Instead, major projects are announced on an ad hoc basis after closed door politicking, without published cost benefit analysis. There is no long term infrastructure funding plan in place, therefore costing the State more. Asset sales, possibly at the behest of the Commonwealth, were announced without timeframes for sales or properly budgeted realisation values. It wasn’t clear what or where sale proceeds would be reinvested. Where are the funds from the sale of the TAB going? It’s hard to decide on the benefits of a sale when you don’t know what the cash will be used for!
One obvious step to inspire confidence would be for the Budget at least to have included: • Spending under a 15-20 year plan for major infrastructure so that investors can support growth centres for our growing population. The certainty of public infrastructure provision would attract and invite wealth creating private sector investment. • A wages policy that kept public sector wages linked to inflation unless productivity gains can be achieved. • A tax review to move us towards broader based taxes, pursuing untaxed financial transactions and consumption, with changes being phased in over 10 years. • Ongoing economic infrastructure investment to underpin growth sectors of our economy, for example, aquaculture, renewables or other identified areas for co-investment. • An explicit commitment to use the increase in the building services levy, raising around $4 million, to improve approvals processes with electronic lodgements and faster dispute resolution. • A long term plan to regain our AAA credit rating to cut our ballooning interest rate bill. The Government also should toughen up its response to the GST disaster. This could be by evaluating the repeal of our enabling GST legislation (that in reality currently subsidises Queensland, as our Premier himself has pointed out). Or perhaps the WA Government should exempt itself and its authorities from paying GST to the Commonwealth. Let’s hope the next State Budget raises its sights to tackle revenue shortcomings and the costly ad hoc approach to infrastructure (and other spending). That would defeat a case of annual budget blues for politicians and our community alike.
comment UPDATES 47 JUL/AUG 2015
Building Management and Works boss Bill Sullivan provides an update for industry on...
... CHANGES AT BUILDING MANAGEMENT AND WORKS Department of Finance, Building Management and Works Deputy Director General Bill Sullivan.
In 2014, I took on the role of Deputy Director General, Building Management and Works (BMW) in the Department of Finance. Having been in the position for just over 12 months now, I can say that it remains an exciting and challenging opportunity, particularly in the context of a tight fiscal environment for Government. I am fortunate to be supported by a dedicated and talented team, and I look forward to working closely with our stakeholders, clients and suppliers – including those in the construction industry – as we deliver quality outcomes for Government and the WA community in 2015/16. In a time of budget stringency, not surprisingly the Government is looking for its agencies to improve the efficiency of their operations and find new ways to extract greater value from every taxpayer dollar, without compromising on the quality of core services. In my view, this can only be achieved through ongoing business improvement, greater innovation and a strong collaborative relationship with industry. The Government is also keen to prioritise its red tape reduction program to remove the unnecessary and burdensome processes that are adding to the cost of doing business in WA. In this regard, the Minister for Finance, the Hon Bill Marmion MLA, recently announced a Plan to Reinvigorate Regulatory Reform. The Plan promotes a whole-of-government approach to drive innovation, and reduces barriers to entrepreneurial activity, productivity, investment and employment. As a central government agency, the Department of Finance has an important role to play in this initiative and BMW is currently examining a number of opportunities
to streamline its existing processes. I would welcome suggestions from industry participants who have real and practical ideas to help reduce red tape in the delivery of the non-residential building program, and invite them to email BMWindustryliaison@finance. wa.gov.au. While I cannot guarantee that every idea will be implemented, they will be given careful consideration.
approaches to procurement – where benefits exist for both Government and industry. In recent years, the majority of tenders issued by BMW have been ‘construct only’ and we will be looking to progressively increase the use of ‘design and construct’, construction management and early contractor involvement forms of contracting into the future (where it makes sense to do so).
I would also like to take this opportunity to share a number of recent changes to the way we go about our business. At the request of Master Builders, the Department of Finance now publishes a list of upcoming capital works projects. The list is updated quarterly and is intended to provide industry with an indication of what capital works projects are in the pipeline. It includes all publicly announced capital works projects (valued at over $300,000), which will be tendered by BMW in the following 18 months (visit www.finance. wa.gov.au/cms/upcoming-projects).
The trial of project bank accounts on select BMW projects is also progressing. For those of you that are not familiar with ‘PBAs’, they are ring-fenced bank accounts that allow payments from the principal of a contract to be made directly and simultaneously to the head contactor and its subcontractors. The objective of PBAs is to provide greater security of payment for members in the supply chain and while they will not prevent head contractors from entering into insolvency, they are progressively being trialled in other Australian jurisdictions as one mechanism to mitigate some of the financial risks.
Effective 1 July 2014, BMW also changed the way its construction contracts are tendered and awarded. The change is aimed at improving communication, clarifying expectations and addressing a number of the Small Business Commissioner’s recommendations regarding subcontractor non-payment.
Seven trial projects are now underway, but it is too early to say whether the use of project bank accounts should be adopted more broadly. It is acknowledged that their operation involves an overhead for industry and this needs to be weighed up carefully against the potential benefits (when the outcomes become more clear at the beginning of 2016).
In summary, a two-stage tender process will now be used for all contracts valued at over $5 million, tenderers will receive more updates on the status of their bids during the tender process, prices will be published within 10 days of tender closing for contracts valued at over $150,000 (unless there are commercial reasons for withholding prices), and contractor performance assessments will be undertaken on contracts valued at over $300,000.
To find out more about BMW policies and processes, please visit the BMW page on the Department of Finance website (www.finance. wa.gov.au) or email our industry liaison team.
BMW is also continuing to examine ways in which it can deliver better value for money outcomes, for example, by adopting alternative
I look forward to continuing to work with Master Builders and its members on these important initiatives and in particular, would welcome your feedback on ways in which we can work together to help reduce unnecessary red tape.
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UPDATES building business JUL/AUG 2015
As construction across Australia ramps up and building firms become busier, they are doing all they can to hold on to highly-valued staff, according to recruiting experts Hays Construction. Here David Irvine of Hays Construction shares his insights on how to retain key employees.
STAFF RETENTION CRITICAL AMID CONSTRUCTION BOOM
Hays’ state business director David Irvine.
The Perth construction industry is facing a shortage of highly-skilled professionals as work shifts up a gear from commercial builds to new high rise residential developments and refurbishment projects. That’s why it’s more important than ever to retain existing staff. Staff retention is a critical issue for building firms as they become more dependent on a contracting workforce to assist them in meeting the demands of their heavier workloads. Permanent employees are doing more overtime that often involves weekend work, and this has resulted in more people leaving salaried positions for contract roles that offer more attractive pay and a better work/life balance. Some employers are now increasing salaries and offering project bonuses to prevent quality permanent staff from being poached by competitors. But it’s not just more money that employers should be offering to their staff in order to retain them.
A trend we have noticed is for companies to upskill their workforce. Training and development doesn’t necessarily mean formal courses, although it can. One-on-one training and taking on additional duties can be just as effective. Investing in your employees’ skills development allows them to be the best they can be, which has obvious rewards for both them and you. Mentorships are also a useful retention tool and can be used to retain and pass on company insight to other employees. Another way to keep your staff happy is to engage them. Engagement refers to the extent to which employers understand, communicate and build a good relationship with their employees. Ask for your employees’ opinions on key engagement factors such as career progression and performance feedback through employee opinion surveys, online forums or regular performance reviews. Lack of career progression is often the primary reason that candidates look for a new job, so don’t let them become stale or bored. Obviously every organisation has different parameters within which they must work, but career development does not necessarily mean promotion, although it certainly can. Can you instead offer additional responsibility, or the opportunity to supervise other employees?
Could an employee coach and train others, manage projects or chair meetings? Finally, there is a strong case for flexible working. There are many people who require flexible working options to remain in employment. Flexibility also demonstrates to employees that they are valued. Individual job functions of course need to be considered, and certain duties may naturally preclude the ability to offer certain options, but perhaps you could consider job share or flexible working hours so the employee starts two hours later? Despite your best efforts, some staff may still go. Making leaving a positive experience can be a challenge but it is very powerful for leavers to speak highly of an employer even though they no longer work there. Even an exit interview can have a silver lining. For more information on the skills in demand or recruitment trends, see the latest Hays Quarterly Report, or contact David Irvine, state business director of Hays in WA, on 9254 4505 or david.irvine@hays.com.au Hays, the world’s leading recruiting experts in qualified, professional and skilled people.
building business UPDATES 49 JUL/AUG 2015
INVESTMENT VEHICLES MINIMISE TAXES Your choice of investment structure can save you a lot on taxes. Available structures include Self Managed Superannuation Funds (SMSFs), family or unit trusts and companies, as well as holding property individually or in joint names. When a rental property is purchased in your own name, you can take advantage of negative gearing which effectively lowers your taxable income and reduces tax. If the property is held for longer than 12 months, individuals are eligible for the 50 per cent general discount on capital gains, effectively halving the amount of capital gain you will pay tax on. Holding a rental property jointly with your spouse has the same advantages and disadvantages as owning the property individually. However, any assessable income and deductions and therefore any tax benefits or tax payable is shared in the same proportions as the ownership of the property. SMSFs are useful for holding investments as they have a maximum tax rate of 15 per cent on income and 10 per cent tax on capital gains for assets held for more than 12 months. The money available to invest is limited to the
balance of the fund although borrowing money may be a viable option. Investors should be aware that once contributions are made to the SMSF, the money cannot be accessed until the conditions of release have been met (normally on retirement). SMSFs which are funding pensions pay no tax at all on investments or capital gains. When a rental property is held by a trust the net income can be streamed to the beneficiaries in a tax effective manner. Losses from a negatively geared property though are trapped in the trust and can only be used to reduce future trust profits. These losses may not be available to the individual beneficiaries unless they have other income they can pass on to the trust. The ability to claim the 50 per cent general discount on capital gains will be determined by the type of beneficiary or trustee as trusts are not taxed directly. If a rental property is owned by a company, tax is payable at a rate of 30 per cent. However, any losses on the property, as a result of negative gearing, are trapped in the company and are used to reduce future profits.
Companies are not entitled to the 50 per cent general discount on capital gains, and therefore pay tax on the full capital gain at 30 per cent in the year it is sold. Generally the purchase of one residential rental property does not constitute carrying on an enterprise and therefore GST registration and reporting is not required. There is no GST applicable to rent on residential properties. GST on property is very detailed and specific to each individual case. Anyone considering the purchase of an investment property should contact their investment advisor or accountant for advice which is specific to their needs and circumstances. The information above is only general in nature. The cost of getting the purchase structure wrong can be significant! Acknowledgement: Master Builders’ accounting partner RSM Bird Cameron assisted with the content of this article.
CONSTRUCTION SOFTWARE CAN DRIVE EFFICIENCY
Construction success and efficiency go hand in hand in today’s competitive environment. Contracts are won and repeat business is granted when a construction business can bring together consistent quality, project efficiency and competitive pricing. One of the key factors that can set businesses apart from one another is the adoption and utilisation of efficiency-driving construction software. Construction software is an umbrella term but essentially is any software program designed to improve the efficiency of a construction business. Large construction companies, for
example, often have ERP (enterprise resource planning) software systems in place. These enable projects to be tracked throughout their whole lifecycle. Estimating, cost forecasting, cash flow tracking, job budgets measurement, committed costs, actual costs, forecasts, a range of reports and more are available at the click of a button, resulting in better informed decisions that result in exceeding client expectations. ERP software systems also link in the financial side so that aspects of accounts receivable, accounts payable and your general ledger are made more efficient. Money comes in faster than what goes out in the most beneficial way for your business. Numerous other types of construction software exist. Design software, smaller accounting packages, mobile technologies for use on site and much more. In fact, there are more than 200 construction software products currently available in the market. Therefore, once you determine how you will use construction software to improve you business’ efficiency, the next important step is choosing the right package.
Software advice websites, consultants or your own search will leave you with a good shortlist of products to drive efficiency in your chosen area. On top of the software’s functionality capabilities, cost, ease of implementation, smoothness of transition and much more will need to be considered. Also, depending on the software required, whether the product is Australian made can be particularly important. Australian construction businesses have different requirements compared to American or European companies. Regulations and legislation are constantly changing and implementing software that stays up to date with these changes is obviously important.
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UPDATES building business JUL/AUG 2015
BUSINESS INNOVATION NOT JUST FOR HIGH TECH COMPANIES what will work best for you in the future. The business world is constantly changing and you need to continually innovate and adapt your business model to be successful. RSM Bird Cameron director of business solutions Craig Ridley.
A common thought is that innovation is something that high tech companies like Apple, Amazon and Google do – it has little application in normal industries like building and construction. Most business owners seem to think that innovation requires amazing ideas that no one has thought of before, that it requires big resources in time and money to make it work and that it is based on technology advancements. If that is the way you think, I’m sorry to say you are wrong! We all know the stories of industry leading companies like Kodak and Nokia that became almost irrelevant to their customers overnight despite employing great minds, having massive budgets and large R&D departments looking for the next great tech idea. What these business failure stories have in common is that the company leaders all missed the moment when they should have left their successful path to rethink their business model. What works for you today is not necessarily
Apple did not invent computers, Amazon did not invent digital books and Google did not invent the internet. What they did, and continue to do, is to adapt their business model to take someone else’s new idea and make it relevant to their customer base. What we are seeing in the mining services industry at the moment is a classic local lesson in how quickly successful business models can become unattractive to their customers. Business model innovation is a key element in achieving sustainable, long term business success in any industry. Successful business model innovation requires you to constantly ask: • Who is your target customer? • What do you offer your customer? • How do you create the value proposition? • How do you generate revenue? • How do you make profit? You and your team need to challenge the status quo and look to see what others in your industry are doing and whether there are things you can adapt from other industries. If you are focused on residential new build
customers, what would it take to develop new niches in renovation or commercial? Are there other ancillary services you can provide to your customers or are your current services appealing to other customer targets? Do you compete on price or quality or service or range or brand or location? Can you find other ways to create a sustainable value proposition to your current and target customers? Can you enhance your current revenue streams? Is revenue diversification the next challenge you need to meet? Can you improve margins by driving operational efficiency and profits by controlling overheads? There is no end to the opportunities you have as a business leader to innovate your business model and achieve sustained, long term success. Your challenge, then, is to build a culture of innovation into your team, to constantly look for business improvement opportunities and to watch, learn and adapt from those around you – and of course the time to start this innovation process is today! For further advice and assistance, contact Craig Ridley at Master Builders’ accounting partner RSM Bird Cameron – craig.ridley@rsmi.com.au.
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UPDATES housing JUL/AUG 2015
Housing director Geoff Cooper is calling for government action to address metal theft from building sites.
SCRAP METAL DEALERS NEED TIGHTER CLAMPS LandCorp CEO Frank Marra (second from left) with (l-r) James Komninos (RSM Bird Cameron), Michael McLean (Master Builders),Jane Vallance (Building Commission) and Geoff Cooper (Master Builders).
LANDCORP PROMOTES ADAPTIVE HOUSING INITIATIVES LandCorp chief executive Frank Marra was guest speaker at a boardroom lunch hosted by RSM Bird Cameron in April to discuss the agency’s latest adaptive and innovative housing initiatives. Modular construction Master Builder members heard how LandCorp is endeavouring to house the State’s increasing population, with ever changing demographics from single dwellers to aging residents. Mr Marra spoke about LandCorp’s focus on accessible housing, liveable housing and adaptable housing. Master Builders’ housing director Geoff Cooper says the lunch was an excellent round table discussion with LandCorp. “They have some great initiatives in the pipeline that will look to the future for adaptable housing,” he said. “We need to house our ever increasing population, with its changing demographics, while maintaining affordability in the long run.” One of LandCorp’s initiatives is in White Gum Valley developing a winning design by ‘Gen Y’ architect David Barr. It is a demonstration home, adjustable either to form three one bedroom residences or a three bedroom family home. The design might be more expensive initially but will result in fewer future adaptive changes being needed and thus save on cost. Mr Cooper thanked RSM Bird Cameron for hosting what he described as an important and thought-provoking discussion with the new LandCorp CEO. RSM Bird Cameron has been a supporter of Master Builders for five years and recently was appointed as the Association’s audit and business advisory partner for the next three years.
Master Builders is calling for the State Government to tighten up the regulation of scrap metal dealers to help tackle construction site crime. Currently the dealers are exempt from the requirements of the Pawnbrokers and Second-hand Dealers legislation. Master Builders’ housing director Geoff Cooper says the exemption means that scrap metal dealers don’t have to provide the same information to police as other second-hand dealers. “We need to see the WA Government take immediate action to help deter metal thefts from building sites,” he said. “Copper wiring, hot water systems and water pipes have been popular targets for thieves. “Water meters are also a hot item, and are a vulnerable target for theft. One member told me recently that he had replaced eight water meters on one site alone! “This theft is both very costly and disruptive to builders, subcontractors and clients. Not only does the metal product itself have to be replaced, but secondary damage to plastering, painting, tiling or wiring usually requires many trades to have to return to site to rectify the building work.” Construction site theft and vandalism is adding significantly to the cost of construction in WA through loss of building products and rectification work. “There are also significant indirect costs that result from delays in building projects, which usually costs home owners or commercial clients additional interest or rental payments that quickly mount up,” Mr Cooper said. “The costs to the builder are also significant, with hidden costs for the builders’ time to schedule and follow up repairs and replacements. “It might be overly conservative, but we are looking at at least $30 million a year in WA in additional building costs due to construction site theft.” Master Builders also sees merit in banning the sale of scrap for cash. “The paper trail created by the abolition of cash transactions by scrap metal dealers will also make life harder for thieves trying to monetise the proceeds of their crime,” Mr Cooper said. “We have been told that this measure has been a successful reform in the UK and it should also be implemented in WA to tackle metal theft.” Members with examples of metal theft are encouraged to contact Geoff Cooper via Geoff@mbawa.com.
housing UPDATES 53 JUL/AUG 2015
23,000 NEW HOMES PREDICTED FOR 2015/16 The Housing Industry Forecasting Group’s latest report is predicting that the new housing sector in WA will slow down over the next two years after another record year in 2014/15. Stewart Darby, the Group’s chairman, says that with the strong carryover of building approvals into 2014/15 and a very high number of dwelling starts in the first half of the year, it is predicted that dwelling commencements in 2014/15 will top last year’s record. HIFG is predicting total dwelling commencements for the year will be 30,000, a three per cent increase on 2013/14. “However, with building approvals on a downward trend since October 2014 and home loan commitments along with a number of other indicators also on a downward path, dwelling starts are expected to fall to 23,000 in 2015/16,” Mr Darby said. “While this represents a fall of 23 per cent on 2014/15, the number still represents a healthy level of activity and is above the long-term annual average of 22,000 dwelling starts since 2000/01.”
HIFG does not foresee any overall shortage of serviced residential lots in the forecast period. It is estimated WA will need more than 23,000 serviced lots in 2014/15, falling to 17,700 next year and 15,000 in the outer-years. Some lots will be sourced from demolitions and vacant land listings. Housing affordability continues to be a significant issue for WA households on low or moderate incomes. “In the December quarter 2014, a Perth household on the estimated median income of $86,700 would have been able to afford a property valued at just over $400,000 if they were to pay no more than 30 per cent of their income in repayments,” Mr Darby said. “This was well below the median house price of $550,000 or even the lower quartile price of $440,000.” The Housing Industry Forecasting Group is a joint housing industry and government body re-established in February 2008 to provide independent forecasts and commentary on the WA housing sector.
HIFG is predicting the number of dwelling starts will bottom out at 20,000 in 2016/17 and in 2017/18 will start to move up slowly to be within a range of 20-22,000 dwellings. Mr Darby noted there are some downside risks to the outlook for 2015/16 and beyond which are linked to the State’s population growth and economic outlook. Slowing population growth already is being felt in the established and rental markets and should population growth turn out to be lower than projected, this will have an impact on housing demand.
HOUSING AFFORDABILITY DEMANDS BIPARTISAN APPROACH
One of the principal reforms must be more efficient and streamlined state and local government planning and approvals processes and the cutting of excessive infrastructure charges.” Mr Harnisch said Master Builders was calling for the return of federal national competition policy payments to state and territory governments for targeted and permanent structural reforms that remove unnecessary regulatory blockages holding back and inflating the cost of housing supply.
Master Builders Australia CEO Wilhelm Harnisch says a bi-partisan, multi-government approach is needed to address housing affordability.
Master Builders Australia says heightened debate in Federal Parliament about housing affordability is welcome but a bi-partisan, rational approach also involving state and territory governments is needed. CEO Wilhelm Harnisch said that Treasury and the Reserve Bank had properly identified that lack of supply in meeting the demands of a growing population and changing demographic housing needs are at the core of the housing affordability challenge. “Policy makers at all levels need to implement structural reforms to boost housing supply if they are serious about improving housing affordability,” Mr Harnisch said. “The recent establishment of various inquiries is very welcome, but to be effective they need to tackle the nub of the problem. “Increasing the housing supply is the only effective way to exert downward pressure on house prices by making sure supply can keep up with demand.
“The recent Harper Review of Competition Policy recognised that there is a proper role for competition payments and Master Builders has put the case to both the Harper Review and the Federal Government that they should be used for accelerating structural reform especially at local government level,” he said. “Master Builders also reinforced the need for this reform to Victorian Treasurer Tim Pallas as chair of the housing affordability working party announced by the Federal Treasurer Joe Hockey at the Council on Federal Financial Relations.” Mr Harnisch said home ownership was a cornerstone of wellbeing for Australian households and the major vehicle to grow wealth and sense of independence. “This cornerstone policy is a fundamental underpinning of Australia’s way of life,” he said. “Boosting the supply of both private and public housing is essential to ensure more Australians can have access to appropriate and affordable housing. Structural reform is the answer and not removing negative gearing.”
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UPDATES industrial relations JUL/AUG 2015
Master Builders’ construction director Kim Richardson comments on a scathing Federal Court judgment, including fines of $109,000, against the Victorian CFMEU for taking deliberate and prolonged unlawful industrial action on a $40 million Victorian wind farm construction project in early 2014.
COURT BLASTS CFMEU Master Builders’ construction director Kim Richardson.
The independent cross bench Senators who block the restoration of the Australian Building and Construction Commission need to look at this Federal Court decision in May as it sets out a serious issue that goes beyond the CFMEU’s unlawful conduct. Notably, the union did not contest the weighty evidence bought against it. The dispute occurred over seven days in three months. The CFMEU claim? The union was not happy the builder signed up to an EBA with the AWU and the CFMEU-preferred safety delegate was not elected as safety representative on site by the workers. This is one more case against the CFMEU in which the courts are showing an increasing intolerance towards the union’s contempt for the rule of law and willingness to pay heavy fines. In essence, the CFMEU leadership is thumbing its nose at the courts and is happy to pay millions of dollars in fines out of union members’ funds as a show of it being accountable to no one but itself. A major concern in this matter for the public is that the evidence revealed that when called to site a number of times to prevent the union from acting unlawfully by deliberately blockading the site and preventing workers
and materials entering, Victoria Police “did nothing”. Arguably, the police inaction condoned and supported the unlawful conduct of the CFMEU and this only proves to the union it is above the law. Regrettably, this is not isolated as police in other states often adopt a similar response towards unlawful conduct by construction unions. That fact was highlighted in the 2002 Cole Royal Commission into the construction industry. The WA Police Service takes a more proactive approach towards unlawful behaviour by the likes of the CFMEU and commendably applies the law without fear or favour. The irony is that the CFMEU, ACTU and Federal Labor Opposition, in opposing the return of the ABCC, say unlawful conduct in the construction sector must be referred to the police to be dealt with. There is no need for the ABCC. Sadly, the Federal Court case demonstrates the police in several states are unable, or unwilling or both, to deal with the unlawful conduct of the CFMEU. As a result, there is a real need for the ABCC and it would hold the union accountable for its unlawful and irresponsible behaviour. While some will argue this is an expected call by Master Builders, in a very conspicuous move, former federal Labor heavyweight, Martin Fergusson, also has called for the return of the ABCC to provide effective and meaningful checks and balances against the likes of the CFMEU. It appears the police in some states are missing in action.
Master Builders Australia CEO Wilhelm Harnisch.
EXTENSION OF FWBC POWERS A WIN FOR THE COMMUNITY In response to the Senate passing legislation in May extending Fair Work Building and Construction coercive powers, Master Builders Australia welcomed the development but called for further reform in the form of restoration of the ABCC and its powers. CEO Wilhelm Harnisch said the Senate vote was a win for the community. “Master Builders would like to thank the cross bench Senators for their support of this commonsense measure,” he said. “The need to protect witnesses and whistle-blowers from coercion and intimidation has been highlighted by the [Heydon] Royal Commission into union governance and corruption. The passage of this legislation will ensure FWBC can continue to do its job while consideration is given to restoring the powers of the ABCC. “The FWBC is already constrained by a number of provisions that hamper its work. The continuance of the current ability to compel witnesses to give evidence does not make up for those deficiencies. For example, the FWBC is unable to commence or continue litigation where the litigation on the same subject matter has been discontinued because the building industry parties settled their differences.” Mr Harnisch said this meant that deals could be done that protected unions and others from the consequences of their unlawful actions. “Only the restoration of the ABCC and its powers will provide an adequate response to the urgent need to apply the rule of law to the benefit of the building and construction industry and the community,” he said.
industrial relations UPDATES 55 JUL/AUG 2015
EMPLOYERS MUST CHECK RIGHT TO WORK Recent media reports have highlighted the exploitation of Australian non-citizens working in several industries including building, fruit picking and chicken processing. The focus has been on the non-citizens having a visa that does not allow them to work, having an expired visa or having no visa at all.
obligation to ensure the worker, if a non-citizen, has a right to work on site. The builder or subcontractor cannot simply rely on the defence that the labour hire agency has to meet that test.
Since 2007, employers have had a positive duty to check that noncitizens have a right to work in Australia. A breach can carry fines of up to $51,000 for an individual or up to five years jail, or up to $255,000 for a body corporate in the most severe cases of exploitation.
Immigration laws require employers to take ‘reasonable steps’ to ensure a non-citizen employee has a right to work. This obligation can be satisfied by accessing the free Federal Government Visa Entitlement Verification Online (VEVO) service for employers, available 24 hours a day. Employers need to be registered to access VEVO. See www.immi.gov.au/VEVOregister.
The obligation to check the right to work covers workers engaged via labour hire supply agencies and subcontractors and has a major impact in the building industry given the heavy reliance on these forms of site labour by both building and subcontracting companies. A builder or subcontractor engaging a worker via a labour hire outlet has an
The Department if Immigration and Border Protection advises that to meet the test, employers can include a clause in any engagement contract with a labour hire agency or subcontractor supplying labour to site, a clause that the employees provided are legally allowed to work in Australia under a visa. Employers should take professional advice on this point.
EMPLOYEE OR SUBCONTRACTOR: TELLING THE DIFFERENCE Master Builders’ construction director Kim Richardson and Jackson McDonald Lawyers special counsel Joanne Alilovic led the May workshop examining the differences between employee and subcontractor against the backdrop of the different legislation. Jackson McDonald special counsel Joanne Alilovic helps unravel the mysteries of employee versus subcontractor at Master Builders’ workshops.
Master Builders has held another of its popular workshops assisting employers navigate the distinction between employee and subcontractor. The grey area is a constant and vexed issue in the building and construction industry. Various Federal and State laws such as superannuation, income tax, payroll tax and long service leave blur the issue by applying differing tests and differing outcomes. The Federal Fair Work Act and Independent Contractors Act also include penalties of up to $33,000 for corporations that coerce employees to shift to sham subcontract arrangements. Other financial costs can be imposed such as making good any underpayment under a relevant award or industrial instrument.
Feedback from workshop attendees was positive indicating that not only were the risks outlined, but workable options to manage the risk also were delivered. Master Builders will continue to run the workshop from time to time. Contact the Association on 9476 9800 to register interest in future workshops. Footnote: Ms Alilovic writes on some recent developments in labour hire arrangements in the Legal section of this edition of Master Builder magazine.
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UPDATES industrial relations JUL/AUG 2015
MASTER BUILDERS OFFERS WAGE ASSESSMENT SERVICE Master Builders has launched a new risk management tool for commercial builder members to verify subcontractors are paying correct Award/EBA wage rates and other employment conditions. The Association has engaged the independent Raykon Group to undertake the service. Master Builders’ construction director Kim Richardson says builders need to be sure subcontractors meet legal obligations including paying employees minimum award or EBA wage rates and employment conditions.
ORF WITH THEIR HEADS In April, Windsor Castle staff in the UK voted to take industrial action over a wage claim. This is the first time strike action has been taken in about 900 years at the castle. Previous monarchs likely had things easier with their staff.
BOYS BEING BOYS DEFENCE REJECTED A mine worker who held a smashed beer bottle to the neck of a fellow employee in a wet mess and argued this was the ‘norm’ in the resources sector, just boys being boys, had his unfair dismissal claim rejected by the Fair Work Commission. No surprises at that outcome.
FEDERAL COURT MISFIRE “This is a cost effective service that shows subcontractors are meeting these contractual and legal obligations, allowing builders to redirect staff to perform core business,” Mr Richardson said. “Builders can ask the Association to undertake an assessment of a subcontractor prior to contract award or a subcontractor already on site or the builder might ask for regular random assessments for a nominated site or sites.” Mr Richardson said the service also will look at superannuation and long service leave contributions, confirmation of current workers’ compensation insurance and redundancy contributions where applicable. “The service has a capped fee of $594 per individual subcontractor assessment,” Mr Richardson said. “Lower costs can be negotiated for regular or bulk assessments if required. Where an assessment is to be made before award of contract, the subcontractor would be required to pay. The builder pays if the subcontractor is already working on site. “The assessment is performed quickly as a desk top exercise and causes minimal disruption to subcontractors. The service does not breach the new Australian Privacy Principles.” To arrange an assessment or to discuss the service, call Kim Richardson on 9476 9800.
A recent Federal Court appeal decision saw the Court find a union official can make application for a federal union right of entry permit despite being found not to be a ‘fit and proper person’ under the Fair Work Act to hold such a permit. This decision undermines the basic tenet of issuing such permits to union officials. Justice is blind but this is ridiculous.
AFL HOLIDAY COSTS The new Victorian Government’s decision to declare Friday before the AFL Grand Final a public holiday is causing waves. Employer groups say it will cost about $500 million in wages and lost productivity. Criticism also has come from football groups saying many traditional events like the Grand Final parade that day will have to be changed as many people will be on a holiday. Oops.
DISMISSAL CLAIM FIVE YEARS OLD An employee’s unfair dismissal claim filed almost five years out of time was dismissed by the Fair Work Commission. The question is why the application was accepted in the first place requiring employer representation and costs being incurred.
URINE TESTING GETS UP The Fair Work Commission again has confirmed urine testing as an acceptable testing method denying union attempts to argue it is an invasion of employee privacy. The Commissioner, an ex-AWU official, commented the need to protect employee safety at the workplace was a high duty and testing, including urine testing, could not be discounted as the unions prefer.
REALITY BITES The construction unions on the mega Gorgon gas plant site recently have been brought back to earth on their new exorbitant EBA wage claim following Chevron announcing a reduction in on-site labour as construction nears 90 per cent complete. Bizarrely, the unions claim a three per cent wage increase offered by site contractors for the last 12 months of work on top of what are already very generous employment conditions was a ‘pay cut’. Amazing.
ACTU SAYS ALL IS FORGIVEN! ACTU secretary Dave Oliver, at an industry function, called on employers to sit down with unions and work to improve workplace productivity and leave behind the old adversarial approach. As the ACTU continues to demand unions be placed at the centre of the national IR framework while private sector union numbers are about 15 per cent of the private sector workforce, the ACTU call seems more about its future than seeking real workplace productivity.
insurance UPDATES 57 JUL/AUG 2015
CONTRACT WORKS AND LIABILITY INSURANCE – NOT ALL POLICIES ARE THE SAME State manager Nick Vernon heads the WA office of MBA Insurance Services where the experienced brokers can provide invaluable help on construction works insurance cover.
A common issue that arises for the MBA Insurance Services team is that many Master Builder members have been unaware that policy coverage for construction works insurance can vary considerably depending on the broker and the insurer. Often the different words used in policies can be very subtle, but crucially can mean that some very costly and common incidents will be covered under some policies, covered to a lesser degree with others, and even not covered at all in some circumstances. One very important variation in cover is in the exclusion for defective materials and/or faulty workmanship. This exclusion can vary from excluding just the smallest defective component part of an individual item to a larger overall structure being deemed to be ‘defective’ due to containing smaller defective components. In plain English, some insurers will exclude just the cost of replacing/repairing a bolt/bracket deemed to be defective (or whatever is the smallest defective component part) while others might exclude the cost of replacing/repairing an entire roof/wall held together with smaller parts deemed to be defective. This variation will often go unnoticed by non-construction brokers and unsuspecting builders, but in the event of a claim, the implications and cost to your business can be significant. For this reason, it is crucial for all parties holding an interest in a construction contract to fully comprehend how their policy will respond in the event of a defect in the construction or a defect in a simple part that’s incorporated into the construction. The period of insurance cover provided is another significant variation of coverage between insurers. The intent behind construction works
insurance is to cover builders until the works are completed, when other forms of insurance would be required, for example, home building insurance for residential builds. Many insurers limit the cover period at the inception of the policy by only commencing cover at the later of site possession or works commencement – meaning you potentially have an uninsured public liability exposure once you’ve taken control of the site, as cover might not commence until works begin. Insurers also have different criteria for classifying a build as ‘completed’ with cover under most policies ceasing prior to practical completion if a home is partially occupied, or ‘put in use’. If you are going to grant the principal permission to occupy or put into use a portion or part of the contract, you should check the implications of this on your policy via your broker. In many cases you can ensure there is ongoing cover on the remaining works yet to be completed by having a separable portion as defined in your contract or by variation, but some policies will not automatically provide this cover, even with this contract variation, and your broker will need to obtain specific approval for this from the insurer. Your insurance should cover you once you take possession of the site, right up to when the works under contract have been formally accepted by the owner as completed. It is crucial that your policy remains active until you are no longer liable under contract. Your insurance broker should be able to provide you with the necessary detail of the cover arranged, to ensure you’re aware of any gaps between the coverage provided, and your obligations as set out in your construction contracts. MBA Insurance Services is a specialist construction broker, and provides a free service to all WA Master Builder members to review your insurance program and provide alternate pricing and guidance on coverage. The broader cover isn’t necessarily more expensive, and in many instances can make a huge difference to you and your business when something goes wrong.
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UPDATES legal JUL/AUG 2015
STATUTORY DEMANDS: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
Thomas Jacobs
Matthew Lang
As a principal or a contractor in the construction sector you should be aware of the purpose, requirements and limitations of statutory demands. Whether you are issuing a statutory demand or have been served with one, a key consideration will be whether there are grounds to have that statutory demand set aside, because that might either affect your decision to issue, or your obligation to comply. Purpose Where a debt of more than $2000 is owing, a creditor may serve a statutory demand on the company that owes that debt.1 That company either must pay the debt in full within 21 days or a presumption of insolvency arises. While issuing a statutory demand can provide a powerful motive for a company to pay the debt, it is important that a statutory demand is not used as a debt recovery tool when the debt is in fact disputed. To issue a statutory demand purely to recover a debt owing, and when there is no possibility of insolvency, may amount to an abuse of process and costs being awarded against the issuing party.2 Requirements The key requirements of a statutory demand are as follows3: a. The debt must be due and payable by the company; b. The demand must specify the amount due; c. The demand must require the company to pay the debt within 21 days after the demand is served; d. The demand must be in writing in the prescribed form4; e. The demand must be signed by or on behalf of the creditor; and f. The demand must be accompanied by an affidavit verifying the debt.
Grounds for setting aside a statutory demand If your company receives a statutory demand, consider whether there are grounds to have that demand set aside. Alternatively, if you are planning on issuing a statutory demand, you should ensure that there is no obvious ground to set it aside, because a successful set aside could result in costs being awarded against you. A statutory demand can be set aside by the Court if one of the following grounds is established5: a. Formal defects in the demand The statutory demand strictly should follow the form prescribed by the Corporations Regulations, being Form 509H. The Court will only set aside a demand on the basis of formal defects if they result in a ‘substantial injustice’ to the company. Examples of what might be considered a substantial injustice include: i. The incorrect amount being claimed in the statutory demand; ii. The parties being incorrectly identified; or iii. Ineffective service of the demand. It is recommended that an affidavit of service be prepared when serving a statutory demand, and that close attention be paid to the formal details of the statutory demand. b. Genuine dispute between the parties about the existence or amount of the debt A genuine dispute between the parties is a dispute about the existence or amount of the debt claimed in the statutory demand. A genuine dispute has been described as a ‘bona fide dispute that truly exists in fact where the grounds are real and not spurious, hypothetical, illusory or misconceived’.6 It has been held that the Courts should not attempt to determine the merits of any dispute, but instead should determine whether there is one. The existence of a genuine dispute is a matter for evidence and therefore the affidavit accompanying the statutory demand should set out the facts on which the dispute is raised and why the deponent does not believe there is a dispute between the parties and the basis for that belief. That is, the facts and supporting evidence of correspondence between the parties should be documented and included
in the affidavit. For example, the affidavit could set out that an invoice was issued, that invoice was not paid and that there was no query raised about the payment of that invoice. c. Offsetting claim An offsetting claim arises when the debtor company who is served with the statutory demand has a monetary claim against the issuing party. The offsetting claim must be a genuine claim by way of counterclaim, set-off or cross-demand but does not have to relate to the same transaction or circumstances as the demand debt. The offsetting claim should be clearly quantified in the supporting affidavit and should not be a nominal value. As with a genuine dispute claim, the Court will not assess the merits of the offsetting claim, meaning the threshold for establishing an offsetting claim is relatively low. Remember! If you are considering issuing a statutory demand or have been served with a demand you should seek legal advice. The consequences of having a statutory demand set aside or failing to comply with or respond to a statutory demand can be significant. Notably, failure to comply or respond could result in your company being wound up. s459E of the Corporations Act 2001(Cth). s459G of the Corporations Act 2001(Cth). 3 See Part 5.4 Division 2 of the Corporations Act 2001 (Cth) for the full legislative requirements for a statutory demand. 4 See Form 509H of the Corporations Regulations. 5 See Part 5.4 Division 3 of the Corporations Act 2001 (Cth). 6 Spencer Constructions v G&M Eldridge (1997) 76 FCR 452 at 464. 1 2
This article was prepared by Jackson McDonald partner Thomas Jacobs and special counsel Matthew Lang. For more information, they can be contacted on 9426 6611.
legal UPDATES 59 JUL/AUG 2015
Jackson McDonald special counsel Joanne Alilovic looks at two recent decisions having a bearing on developments in labour hire arrangements in WA.
CONTRACTOR OR EMPLOYEE? A labour hire arrangement widely used in WA recently has had limitations exposed by a full Federal Court in Fair Work Ombudsman v Quest South Perth Holdings Pty Ltd [2015] FCAFC 37. The facts of the case are that Quest dismissed some of its cleaning staff who then were engaged by Contracting Solutions (the labour hire provider) as independent contractors. Contracting Solutions then entered into a labour hire agreement with Quest in which it was agreed that Contracting Solutions would provide independent contractors to Quest (being Quest’s ex-employees). Alleged breach of sham contracting provisions The Fair Work Ombudsman prosecuted Quest on the basis that it had breached sham contracting provisions in the Fair Work Act 2009 (FW Act). The relevant provisions prohibit misrepresenting an employment relationship as an independent contractor relationship (sections 357 and 359) and dismissing an employee in order to re-engage that person as a contractor (section 358). At first instance the Federal Court found that Quest had threatened one of the employees with dismissal if the employee did not enter into an independent contractor arrangement with Contracting Solutions. This was a contravention of section 358. The Court found that Quest did not breach sections 357 or 359 because it was Contracting Solutions that held the discussions with workers about their contractual relationship, not Quest. This means that Quest did not misrepresent its direct relationship with the workers. The Full Federal Court upheld the decision at first instance, but importantly, went on to consider the true nature of the relationship between Quest, the workers and Contracting Solutions. Finding of employment relationship The Court held that there was no independent contracting relationship between the workers and Contracting Solutions. It found that in order for there to be such a relationship, the workers must be carrying on their own
business, including the pursuit of profit. There was no evidence on this. To the contrary, the only difference between the old working arrangement with Quest and the new was the fact that the workers had public liability insurance costs deducted from their wages by Contracting Solutions. As a result, the Court found that the services agreement between Quest and Contracting Solutions was invalid as it only applied to the provision of independent contractors – which the workers were not. The question therefore became: what contractual relationship provided for the provision of the workers’ services to Quest? The Court found that the workers had a direct employment relationship with Quest based on a multi-factorial approach. That is, the workers worked exclusively for Quest, under the direction and control of Quest, wore Quest uniforms, had no capacity to delegate and their remuneration was consistent with that of an employee. Conclusion This case clearly demonstrates that it is not enough for a company to use labour hire workers in order to avoid industrial relations laws. There remains a risk that the workers will be found to be direct employees of the company. Arguably, such a situation could also arise where a company contracts with an independent contractor through his or her company entity. The courts may find that the company is solely an agent for making payment to the ‘employee’. The case also reinforces the current emphasis in the test of whether a worker is an employee or contractor. That is, is the worker running his or her own business and seeking to make a profit? This means that whether engaging workers directly or indirectly, it is important to ensure that the workers are indeed what they say they are. It is not enough to rely on the title applied to the worker. If a company gets it wrong, it may not only risk having to back pay monetary entitlements, but there is also a risk of being prosecuted under the sham contracting laws.
LABOUR HIRE WORKER IN TRANSFER OF BUSINESS Joanne Alilovic
In a recent decision of the Fair Work Commission, Deputy President Gooley found that an employee’s service with a labour hire company, Hays, prior to being employed directly by the host employer, ERGT Australia Pty Ltd, was counted as being service with ERGT. The basis of the decision was that ERGT had ‘outsourced’ its work to Hays and then brought the work back in house. As a result, there was a transfer of business for the purposes of the FW Act.
The effect of this reasoning was that, although the employee had only been employed directly by ERGT for three months, her prior service with Hays meant that she had met the minimum period of employment in order to bring an unfair dismissal claim against ERGT following termination of her employment. Subject to this decision being overturned if ERGT appeals, when deciding whether to directly employ workers who have been previously supplied by a labour hire company, it is important to consider whether to ‘recognise’ the previous service for the purposes of unfair dismissal laws. It is open to employers to specifically state that previous service is not counted for the purposes of the minimum period of employment. Employers should also determine whether there is any enterprise agreement that might transfer with the employee on commencement of employment.
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QLD SUPREME COURT SAYS LDS NOT A PENALTY In Grocon Constructions (Qld) Pty Ltd v Juniper Developer No. 2 Pty Ltd v Anor [2015] QSC 102, the Queensland Supreme Court recently held that a liquidated damages clause in a design and construct contract was not deemed a penalty and was therefore enforceable. The case involved the development of a residential apartment complex in Surfers Paradise by Juniper Development Group (Juniper). The company engaged Grocon Constructions under a design and construct contract, based on a modified AS4300-1995, to build the development. The contract was divided into four separable portions, each with its own date for Practical Completion. In the event that PC was not achieved at each of these milestones LDs, not exceeding 10 per cent of the contract sum, would apply. Grocon sued Juniper for monies owed under the contract and Juniper then counterclaimed for LDs for delay. The contract also barred Juniper from accessing the site in the event that PC was not achieved at any of the four stages. Grocon argued that the clause allowing for Juniper to claim LDs was a penalty and therefore unenforceable.
In making its decision, the court considered the penalty test as upheld in the leading case Andrews v ANZ. Grocon argued that the contract imposed an additional detriment and liability on Grocon and that the provision unfairly favoured Juniper. In Andrews v ANZ, the court held that for a provision to be deemed to be a penalty, it would need to be demonstrated that the amount payable was extravagant and not a genuine pre-estimate of loss. In its decision, the court held that the clause providing for the imposition of LDs by Juniper was not a penalty on the basis that Grocon’s delay in achieving PC, along with Juniper’s inability to access the site when PC was not achieved, caused significant loss to Juniper and that the preestimate for LDs was not extravagant. The case is a reminder to contractors that, providing the amount attributed to LDs is reasonable and a genuine pre-estimate of loss, LDs will be enforceable against the contractor for any delays under the contract. Source: Master Builders Australia CEO Update
member’s health UPDATES 61 JUL/AUG 2015
BUSINESS LEADERS FACE BURNOUT THREAT Leadership burnout has been identified as a major risk to Australia’s substantial mid-sized business sector, as leaders struggle under increasingly heavy workloads. The Bankwest Business Leadership Report from Bankwest’s Future of Business Series, reveals the majority of the nation’s mid-sized business leaders are at risk of burnout. A quarter admit ‘most’ leaders in their business are at risk, while 44.4 per cent fear ‘some’ of their leaders are exposed to the risk. Bankwest executive general manager of business banking Sinead Taylor says the magnitude of the problem should not be underestimated, considering the report has found more than twothirds of the sector is affected. “When you consider that the mid-sized business sector employs almost a quarter of working Australians and therefore contributes enormously to the economy, it is important that this issue be addressed,” Ms Taylor said. “The cost of burnout is significant. There’s the cost of recruiting, training and developing replacement leaders and, importantly, there’s great cost to the affected individual – their mental health, their physical health and their family’s wellbeing. “There can be substantial cost savings for businesses which invest in the mental health of their key employees.”
The Bankwest Business Leadership Report found a number of factors contributed to the problem of leadership fatigue. “Through advances in technology, customers have come to expect instant service,” Ms Taylor said. “I believe many leaders are grappling with a market and competitive environment they have never experienced before and that can put enormous pressure on them. “Aggravating the issue can be an expectation that leaders take their technology home with them each night and even on holidays, so they never really get completely away from their work. This leads to conflicting priorities and being spread too thin. It’s hard to achieve a good worklife balance when your phone never stops ringing and the email flood constantly flows.” The report also found that businesses were more focussed on building future leaders internally through upskilling (63.2 per cent), than on importing future leaders through recruitment (10.1 per cent). Consistent with that, almost half (48.8 per cent) mid-sized businesses offered leadership education to staff, while more than a quarter (27.4 per cent) cited they proposed to offer this down the track.
“Succession planning is critical to ensuring continuity in leadership and all businesses should have a plan in place,” Ms Taylor said. “Disturbingly, our survey found that just over a third (36 per cent) have a succession plan, with more than a quarter (26.1 per cent) intending to address this issue. “The lack of a solid succession plan can see a business in a very vulnerable position if an unforseen circumstance leaves it without a leader.” To gain further insight into what motivates Australian mid-sized business leaders, including how businesses identify, compete for and develop talent, download the full report at bankwest.com.au/connect. The Bankwest Future of Business Series is a collection of insights taken from research commissioned by Bankwest on the future of business for medium-sized companies in Australia.
Despite this approach, many businesses lacked a clear succession plan.
Approximately how many hours per week do you spend working outside of business hours (i.e. 9 - 5pm) ? Smaller mid-sized business
Largermid-sized business
10.7
Overall
9.3
Average (hours)
Full-time
Part-time
10.1
10.7
Average (hours)
10.2
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UPDATES member’s health JUL/AUG 2015
DRUG USE AND MENTAL HEALTH – DOUBLE TROUBLE? The link between drug use and mental health is common and has been highlighted in recent times through the media, particularly in relation to the use of crystal methamphetamine or ‘ice’. However, other widely used substances such as alcohol and cannabis also can be associated with significant mental health problems. Compared with the general population, people who use substances are more likely to experience issues with their mental health. Likewise, people who are experiencing mental health problems have a higher rate of substance use and associated harms. The impact on the individual, families and society as a whole is significant and it is important to increase awareness around some of these complex but very common cooccurring issues. How common are co-occurring drug use and mental health problems? According to the National Drug Strategy Household Survey (2013), alcohol continues to be the most widely used drug in Australia, with cannabis and methamphetamine being the most commonly used illicit substances. In addition it has been estimated that one in five people have experienced a mental health disorder in the last 12 months with the most common disorders being anxiety disorders (for example, panic disorder, obsessive compulsive disorder) and mood disorders such as depression. There also has been a reported increase in the incidence of psychosis which appears to be in relation to the increased use of ‘ice’. Some other common co-occurring issues are alcohol and depression, and cannabis and anxiety. What comes first? It can be difficult to figure out whether mental health issues lead to substance use or vice versa. What we do know is that if you are experiencing one, you are more likely to
experience the other. However, the interaction will be different for different people. In some cases the use of substances or withdrawal from substances can induce symptoms of a mental health problem. For example, alcohol use can induce symptoms of depression, or use of cannabis or methamphetamine can increase the likelihood of experiencing psychosis. In other cases it might be that people who have a mental health issue often use drugs or alcohol to cope with their symptoms. Mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, schizophrenia or bi-polar can be very distressing or confusing and it is common for people to turn to alcohol or other drugs to help manage or cope with these symptoms. Despite whether or not substance use or mental health problems arise first, a cycle forms where the impact of one issue affects the other and can increase the severity of both. What can you do about it? There are many things that you can do to help address substance use and/or mental health issues but it can be hard to know where to start. Often the best thing is to reach out and talk to someone about it. GPs, counsellors and psychologists can all help explore your issues and suggest treatment options. If you are concerned about your own or someone else’s problematic use of alcohol and/or drugs, talk to someone about it. Holyoake offers a range of customised programs for people who are affected by substance use – directly or indirectly. Call 9416 4444, or email clientservices@holyoake.org.au or visit www.holyoake.org.au for more details.
member’s health UPDATES 63 JUL/AUG 2015
HEALTHIER WORKPLACE WA HELPING WORKPLACES GET IN SHAPE! With most Australians spending about one-third of their lives at work, the workplace is the ideal setting for promoting positive health and wellbeing. A WA program, Healthier Workplace WA HWWA) is leading the way in getting workplaces in shape. Workers who make healthy choices are less at risk of developing lifestyle risk factors which contribute to chronic diseases such as type 2 diabetes, heart disease and some cancers. They are also more likely to enjoy life – at work and at home. Healthier Workplace WA can support workplaces to plan, design, implement and evaluate a workplace health and wellbeing program that focuses on helping their workers to: • Achieve a healthy weight. • Eat more fruit and vegetables. • Participle in 30 minutes of physical activity on five or more days of the week. • Reduce sitting time. • Quit or reduce smoking. • Reduce level of harmful alcohol consumption. Healthier Workplace WA has made its services free and easily accessible. These include online training, webinars and lunch ‘n’ learns; telephone and email support; online tools and resources; expert advice, information and support on workplace catering, active commuting, quit smoking courses and alcohol-related issues in the workplace; and face to face training sessions. Achieving a healthier workplace doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. These simple steps can get you started on your workplace health journey. 1. Free Health and Well-being Coordinator Training The Online Health and Wellbeing Coordinator Training covers the basics of workplace health promotion. The self-paced online training consists of four modules with each module taking about 20 minutes to complete: • Module one: Introduction to workplace health. • Module two: Motivating your staff to be healthy. • Module three: Best practice workplace health promotion. • Module four: Planning your program.
2. Workplace Health Check Taking the online Workplace Health Check will allow you to identify gaps and priorities in your workplace in relation to the risk factors of smoking, unhealthy eating, alcohol and physical inactivity and sedentary behaviour. The Workplace Health Check should take you about 10 minutes to complete and will assess your workplace on healthy policy, supportive infrastructure, activities and information and provide you with a tailored report. 3. Follow the Plan-Do-Review Guide Plan-Do-Review is a three-step process that will provide you with guidance and direct you to free tools and resources. It’s a cyclical process, so it means that you can continually change things and improve. In summary, a workplace health and wellbeing program involves: • Developing health-related policies. • Creating a work environment that supports good health. • Encouraging active participation in activities. • Developing healthy attitudes and behaviours in workers through education. If you already have a Health and Wellbeing program in the workplace then why not get recognised for it. Apply to Healthier Workplace WA to be a leader in your field and show your competitors you care about the health and wellbeing of your staff. Delivered by the Heart Foundation WA in conjunction with Cancer Council WA and the University of Western Australia, Healthier Workplace WA supports workplaces across WA to make positive lifestyle changes that benefit everyone. For more information about the Healthier Workplace WA program, visit www.healthierworkplacewa.com.au or call 1300 550 271.
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CHANGE OF SEASONS BUT UV REMAINS AT DAMAGING LEVELS Each change of season in Australia brings about a change in our activities – how we enjoy our leisure time, what clothes we wear and what challenges we have to face. Summer can bring searing heat during the day, but evenings perfect for enjoying alfresco dinners. On the other hand, winters can be cold and dark in the morning, making it hard to get out of bed, but during the middle of the day the sun can provide some much needed warmth and relief from the chill. UV levels also change with the seasons, reaching much higher levels during the peak of summer than are reached during the middle of winter. The level of UV determines the level of skin damage that you could receive, and whether sun protection is required or not. The levels of solar UV in Australia are very high, up to 2-3 times higher than those levels reached in much of Europe, particularly Northern Europe where many of the people who first migrated to Australia came from. If fact, in most parts of WA, sun protection is required for some of the day all year round. In Perth is it estimated that there is an average of only 30 days per year where sun protection is not required. The UV radiation level across Australia varies according to geographical location. In summer most of Australia experiences extreme levels of UV. This is due to the distance the sun light travels through the atmosphere being shortened because the sun travels directly overhead. Less UV radiation is filtered by the atmosphere because of this.
More UV radiation is filtered out during winter because the sun is lower in the sky and so the light must travel through more atmosphere to reach us, yet enough UV radiation still reaches the earth on most days to cause skin damage. As the level of UV gets stronger, skin damage and sunburn occurs more quickly. When the UV index reaches 3 or above, sun protection is required. At UV index 3 it would take the average person about 26 minutes before skin damage occurs. However, when the UV index reaches 10 it would take only eight minutes before skin damage occurs, and at UV index 16 that time is reduced to only four minutes. In Perth during summer the UV index frequently reaches 10 or above, at times peaking at 14. In towns and cities north of Perth these levels are even higher, with the highest recorded UV level reaching 17. Living and working in WA means that we need to be vigilant all year round when it comes to sun protection to reduce our risk of skin cancer. Be aware of the UV Index forecast each day, even during the middle of winter, and when it is 3 or above, make sure you use good sun protection measures. This means Slip, Slop, Slap, Seek and Slide whenever the UV is 3 or above to reduce your risk of skin cancer. To find the latest UV forecast for you location, go to www.myuv.com.au or download the free SunSmart app.
member’s health UPDATES 65 JUL/AUG 2015
MEDIBANK HEALTH HUB, A WEALTH OF HEALTH INFORMATION A journey to better health not only requires motivation, it requires information and a plan. The Medibank Health Hub provides health action plans to follow to help you understand your health and make positive steps to improve it. Medibank member John, whose Health Hub wellness record we documented, was recommended to try a smoking cessation health action plan to help lower his health age. Here John describes his progress on the plan and what he is learning by following its steps and advice. What health action plan are you following? I am following the Smoking Cessation program that is part of the Health Hub’s Lung Health program. What is involved with the plan? The Smoking Cessation plan is a 12-week plan broken down into 12 modules to support members in quitting smoking. While there is plenty of information outlining the negative health consequences of smoking, the plan isn’t just designed to illustrate why smoking is a danger to your health. It really is focused on the quitting process and helping smokers understand why they will suffer withdrawal symptoms, how to keep motivated and what strategies to employ to deal with temptations. What have you learnt along the way? I have been a heavy smoker all my life and to be honest, the decision to quit has crossed my mind plenty of times but I just didn’t have the strength to really snap out of the habit. The program has been a real help because its structure reflects the process you go through when you’re quitting. Module one looks at effective quitting tips – things like making sure everyone around you knows you have quit so they can support you and throwing away any traces of your old smoking habit such as ashtrays, lighters, empty packets. Outlining the withdrawal symptoms was really helpful as it went through hour-by-hour what your body would be going through. Things like possibly feeling dizzy because of the extra oxygen, a boost in circulation and improvements in sense of smell were really motivating to follow and track in my body.
What actions are you taking to improve your health? After you’ve decided to quit smoking, which is part of module one, the rest of the program is heavily focused on actually sticking to that decision. It’s really tough and a lot of the program deals with crushing cravings, avoiding things that will derail your attempts to stay smoke free and watching your waistline. This last point has been an issue with a lot of people who have quit smoking and I’ve had to focus a lot of attention on it. With the newfound taste and smell sensations after quitting, there is a strong urge to eat. Also, replacing the need for a smoke with something to eat is all too easy and I found I was quickly gaining weight. I’ve had to look at boosting my exercise – going for a long morning walk when I’d previously have a cigarette and a coffee and walking to the bank instead of driving from my office. Also, eating the right kinds of food is something I’ve had to learn. It’s not great to replace a cigarette with a packet of chips or a chocolate bar several times a day. Instead, making sure there’s lots of fruit, cut up vegetables, sugar-free lollies and gum around is something I’ve had to be conscious of. I’ve also started cooking more. Whether it’s the new taste sensations or just the spotlight on health that I’ve now shone, I’m really enjoying preparing meals at home. For more articles like this, visit bemagazine.com.au.
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CBUS SUPER CAN HELP As the industry super fund for workers and employers in construction and building, Cbus understands the industry’s needs. This means that Cbus is not only working hard to deliver good returns for members, but is supporting employers, their businesses and investing in the industry as well. Here are five benefits that Cbus Super can offer. Expert advice and support services Having Cbus as your super fund means having readily available expert advice. Cbus has a dedicated team to assist employers and a range of advice services available for members. To get in contact: • Call Cbus on: 1300 361 784 Monday to Friday from 6.00 am-6.00 pm. • Email questions to: cbusenq@cbusmail.com.au. • Meet face-to-face: local WA Cbus reps are available to visit homes or workplaces. Investing in the building industry Cbus invests directly in residential and commercial property developments around
Australia through its wholly owned property development company, Cbus Property. This not only helps to boost the local economy, but it also creates thousands of new jobs for the building and construction industry plus it delivers investment returns. Keep up to date and informed It is important to keep up with changes in super. Cbus regularly provides email updates on the latest changes to help make it easy to understand and comply with super obligations. Members and employers also will find useful information on the Cbus Super website. Being a strong Industry Super Fund Industry funds were set up solely to provide Australian workers with better retirement outcomes. As they are run only to benefit members, they don’t pay commissions to financial advisors and they generally have low fees.
Tailored insurance cover The building and construction industry can be dangerous, so it is important to make sure your family is looked after if you can’t work. With Cbus Super death, terminal illness, disability and income protection insurance, cover can be accessed tailored to particular needs. Read the relevant Cbus Product Disclosure Statement to decide whether Cbus is right for you. Contact 1300 361 784 or visit www. cbussuper.com.au for a copy. Cbus’ Trustee: United Super Pty Ltd ABN 46 006 261 623 AFSL 233792 Cbus ABN 75 493 363 262.
Cbus is an industry fund with a proud 30-year history. From humble beginnings in 1984, it now has grown to manage more than $30 billion in member funds.
EVEN BIGGER BANG FOR BUCK WITH YOUR CALTEX STARCARD Master Builders’ members can now save 3.5¢ p/ltr off unleaded fuel and 4¢ p/ltr off diesel fuel with their Caltex StarCard. Further benets include: • Reduced paperwork with easy to read ATO approved invoices
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• Access to over 2,000 participating fuel outlets Australia-wide
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Apply today, call 08 9476 9800 or email mba@mbawa.com Caltex StarCard. Perhaps the best trade tool you can own! MB-18589 Caltex 180x130 Ad - WA 06-14.indd 1
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membership UPDATES 67 JUL/AUG 2015
BRANDING A BUSINESS IS A NO-BRAINER The WA building and construction industry is highly competitive with new companies spawned at a surprising rate. Branding a company is an important process to stand out from the crowd of businesses in a highly contested industry. Having a memorable logo provides a face for your business. From a designer looking into the building and construction industry, there are quick wins to be made. Marketing experts explain that: “Branding has emerged as a top management priority in the last decade due to the growing realisation that brands are one of the most valuable intangible assets that companies have.” (Lehmann, 2004). Currently, many building and construction companies are undervaluing a logo’s importance, which is a mistake that can be quickly fixed. Companies cater to slightly different niches and provide services in a different fashion. But how do they distinguish themselves as individuals?
Ask yourself a few things about your company: • What service do you provide and how does it differ from other similar companies? • Do you achieve these services differently? For example, are your materials recycled? Do you focus on customer service? Is your product the strongest on the market? Your logo – in the three seconds a customer will look at it – should be able to communicate this clearly.
is a Master Builder member service that for $500 will create an individual and creative logo that communicates the core values of your business. Master Design also can take the logo one step further and create a branding presence with business cards, letterheads and other applications. Book in with Aaron at aaron@mbawa.com, call 9476 9800 or visit mbawa.com/masterdesign.
Do you want to show that your business is professional and reliable? Use a darker shade of blue combined with a sans-serif typeface to communicate this. Or is your business saving the environment? In this case use earth tones with circle/round visual imagery to promote your allegiance with the preservation of the Earth. Of course these ideas are clichés so it is important to use a professional designer to create an original logo concept. Master Design
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UPDATES membership JUL/AUG 2015
Member * Savings Scheme
ACCOUNTI NG AND TAXATION
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10% off daily accommodation rate
Level 3, 35-37 Havelock Street West Perth WA 6005 p (08) 9476 9800 f (08) 9476 9801 w www.mbawa.com e mba@mbawa.com
Evaluate your current business model, receive a business improvement strategy valued at $990
Hyatt Regency Hotel Perth is offering Master Builders members 10% off its Daily Accommodation Rate. To make a reservation phone 13 12 34 and ask for the ‘Master Builders Rate’ subject to availability. Join Club Hyatt for yearly membership at a discount of 10% for Master Builder members.
Members have access to an exclusive discount on accommodation at Oaks Broome and Oaks Cable Beach Sanctuary. Visit Master Builders website for details.
RSM Bird Cameron offers members a free Business Assessment to evaluate your current business model and provide a business improvement strategy valued at $990. Members can also access free assessments of either your current tax planning strategies (valued at $400), the benefits of self managed superannuation funds and the potential to use gearing strategies to invest in property within the fund (valued at $800), a free subscription to the SME Pathways electronic newsletter or a free initial financial services consultation to discuss your financial and retirement planning requirements (valued at $400). There is also a free business advice hotline - call 1800 154 245.
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Bankwest business banking has lots of choices for business finance for members. For every home or business loan through Bankwest a % will be put back in to the Apprentiship and career promotion. Contact Gary Murphy, Business Development Manager for Commercial, Business and Private Banking on 0407 879 684 for more information. For discount home loan rates and product features, speak to Bankwest representative, Lisa Hutchins on 0467 807 662.
Master Design is a Master Builders graphic design service. New members* save 50% on a $500 Brand Basics Package which includes a custom made logo to make your company stand out from the crowd. Master Design also covers both digital and print mediums, for a full price list, visit the link below. Get in contact with Aaron today on (08) 9476 9800 or aaron@mbawa.com
You might not care how long it takes to record your fuel receipts, but someone in your business does! Do them a favour - get a fuel card that gives you one easy to read, ATO approved monthly invoice. Plus, if you sign up under Master Builders’ account you’ll save 55% on your monthly fees, and receive a 3.5c/ litre discount on unleaded petrol and 4c/ litre discount on diesel petrol. Whether you have two vehicles or 200, there’s a Caltex StarCard to suit your needs. Visit our website for more information.
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membership UPDATES 69 L E G A L H O TL IN E
Secure competitive insurances with a construction sector specialist
Members can receive an ongoing 8.3% discount when you join Medibank Corporate cover. You also have access to a 24/7 health advice line, cover for ambulance, and no hospital excess for children. This offer extends to employees of member companies.
Secure competitive insurances with a construction sector specialist, MBA Insurance Services. Using its construction market leverage, benefit from attractive premium pricing and better policy terms for your business and personal insurances. A strong service is part of this broker’s commitment to Master Builders members. Contact MBAIS now on 1800 150 888 to discuss your premiums and insurance needs.
Jackson McDonald/Master Builders Legal Hotline offer up to 15 minutes of immediate, free legal advice. The Hotline complements Master Builders’ ongoing services of standard form contracts, insurance products and safety training and auditing. When legal issues arise, the Hotline will offer quick and knowledgeable initial guidance. A 7% reduction on normal fee schedules also applies for members.
http://www.mbawa.com/member-savings
www.mbais.com.au
www.jacmac.com.au
7% reduction on normal fee schedules
STATION E RY
R E CR UITME N T
Employees of members receive an ongoing 8.3% discount
10% discount from their standard terms of business
10% - 25% off the standard price of popular items
easifleet is the expert in private and corporate vehicle solutions. Their extensive buying power allows them to purchase vehicles at the lowest fleet prices. While these fleet discount prices are usually reserved for private salary packaging customers, easifleet is partnering with Master Builders to offer access to huge savings when purchasing or leasing your next vehicle. They can also offer an ongoing discounted finance rate if finance is required. Better yet, they can source your vehicle, liaise with the dealer and organise settlement and delivery free of charge.
For all your recruitment needs, talk to the world leading specialist recruitment company and enjoy a 10% discount from their standard terms of business. Contact Mark Pitt (Labour hire) (08) 9259 4513, Danielle Middleton (Commercial Building) (08) 9486 9553 or Bronnie Cave (Office Support) on (08) 9322 5383.
OfficeMax is offering Master Builders members 1025% off the standard price of many popular office and stationery items. By buying through Master Builders, you will enjoy the benefits of combined purchasing pricing for the extensive range offered by OfficeMax. For further information please phone Bronwyn Nicolaas-Ponder on mobile 0488 625 234 or email bronwyn.nicolaas-ponder@officemax. com.au
www.easifleet.com.au
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Save thousands on Fleet pricing
Exclusive range of products with genuine discounts
TV P RO M OT IO N
TE L E CO MMUN ICAT IO N
M OTOR V E H IC LE S
IN S URA N C E
H E A LTH
JUL/AUG 2015
$400 discount when purchasing a 3 minute advertorial production
Master Builders has partnered with Telstra and Insight Communications to offer market leading telecommunication products and services. Speak to Master Builders Telco about our exclusive range of telecommunications products with genuine discounts. Master Builders also has a dedicated help desk to ensure you save money and time. Call us now on 1300 881 372 or email phonesales@ masterbuilders.asn.au.
Home in WA is the Master Builders’ very own TV series and is into its 15th series! Members can receive a $400 discount when they purchase a 3 minute advertorial production. Your business will get state-wide TV coverage, on both GWN7 regional and Channel 7 in the metro area. This year, you will also be supplied with a free advertorial production YouTube link to post on your website! Phone Ron (Dingo) Reddingius on 0417 279 103 or (08) 9246 5442 or watch the show on the website.
www.mbawa.com/member-savings
www.homeinwa.com.au
* Scheme participants will generally require proof of membership through our membership card or other verification. We remind members that all benefits are subject to terms and conditions specified by the service provider and may be withdrawn at any time. It is recommended that you contact the service provider advertised to confirm the most recent offer available. * A new member is anyone who has joined Master Builders through the period of 1 July 2014 – June 30 2015.
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Jason Ferris has been appointed as a non-executive director with the Diploma Group following the resignation of chairman Ian Olson. Nick Di Latte is assuming the role of CEO and executive chairman.
Leighton Holdings has changed its name to CIMIC Group, standing for Construction, Infrastructure, Mining and Concessions.
Andrew Thomas has taken over from Michael Samaras as head of government relations and industry, corporate and public affairs with Woolworths Limited. Master Builders has been assisting Woolworths lobby to obtain equitable trading hours (compared to other retail hardware outlets) for Masters.
Condolences to James Bertram and his family on the death of James’ mother in March.
Simon Amos has left BPi and is now consulting for AAIG Pty Ltd for the new Woodside Tower.
Tom Quaid is working with Addstyle as its construction manager and registered builder.
Maria Butera has left Cbus Superannuation in Melbourne. Maria was responsible for managing Cbus sponsorships with key industry partners like Master Builders.
Congratulations to Shane Hannah, the managing director of Master Builder member Scho Homes, on winning a 40 Under 40 Award from WA Business News this year. Liz Ritchie, the state director of the Committee for Economic Development of Australia, was also a recipient of a 40 Under 40 Award.
Stewart Hart has been appointed executive general manager, fi nance and strategy, with BGC Contracting.
Congratulations to Master Builders’ life member Rob Torrance and his wife Chris on their fi fty-fi fth wedding anniversary. Rob and Chris celebrated the emerald anniversary in April.
Mark Kepplinger (Jaxon) and his wife celebrated their tenth wedding anniversary in April.
Peter Constable has been ppointed chairman of Nomad Building Solutions.
Condolences to Vic Andrijasevich and family on the death of Vic’s mother in April.
A cheerio to Chris Atkins, the CEO of the Portable Long Service Leave scheme in Tasmania who hasn’t been enjoying the best of health this year. Chris was formerly the executive director of Master Builders Tasmania.
Andrew Schroth has been appointed general manager of Lend Lease’s building business in WA. David Ockenden has taken on the role of development director with Lend Lease as well as project director for the Waterbank Project.
Condolences to the family and friends of Steve McCherrin who died in late April. Steve was previously employed with SECWA in their electrical inspection team before taking on a senior marketing role with Alinta Gas. Steve concluded his vocational involvement by chairing the Electrical Licensing Board at Energy Safety. He was a bonza bloke and avid Dockers fan.
Congratulations to Frank Marra on celebrating his twenty-fi rst anniversary with LandCorp. Frank took on the authority’s CEO role from Ross Holt in March 2014.
Paul Smedley has left Perkins Builders. Kathleen McGurk fi lls the role as HSEQ manager and Rebecca O’Brien as HR manager.
Former Master Builders’ regional operations manager Graham Bell has been appointed operations manager with Active Plumbing.
Paul Serra (Averna Homes) has partnered with Gennaro and Lorenzo Di Tonto to form LPG Construction to specialise in the building of apartment complexes.
A cheerio to the director general of the Department of Housing Grahame Searle who is making an excellent recovery from hip replacement surgery. Paul White was relieving Grahame while he was on sick leave.
Farewell to Jerry Howard who has resigned from Master Builders ACT as the deputy executive director after two decades. Jerry’s knowledge of technical building issues was fi rst class and he will be greatly missed.
A big cheerio to Sheryl Davies in our Bunbury office who is making good progress following surgery to her leg.
Silver Trowel Trade Training has appointed Daniel Kemp as project manager. Tanja Conners is the director, based in Sydney. She is also a director of Tm2 Consulting. Master Builders’ director Michael McLean (left) is pictured with Ms Conners and Mr Kemp after a recent introductory meeting at Master Builders. Jon and Anne Skerrett are no longer involved in Silver Trowel Trade Training, having sold the business. Jon is living in England.
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Multiplex founder John Roberts has been posthumously inducted into the Property Council’s Hall of Fame. The citation states: John Roberts was instrumental in building our industry’s international reputation for excellence, innovation, quality and an ability to get the job done.
Caitlin Iustini, national managing consultant at Technical Resources, recently was awarded the Recruitment and Consulting Services Association PEARL Professional Recruiter Award for 2015 at the Association’s gala ball held at Hyde Park Dontone House in Sydney. Caitlin is the first woman to take out her industry’s highest accolade in a field where women are very much in the minority. Her award is, however, doubly noteworthy in that she is also the youngest ever recipient of the award.
Rob Ferrari (right) a project manager with CSR Limited based in Sydney met with Master Builders’ director Michael Mclean while in Perth in March. Rob was very interested to find out the state of WA’s commercial construction sector and the range of products being used to clad multi-storey buildings in Perth.
Nick Vernon chalked up five years with MBA Insurance Services in May. Nick started with the team in Melbourne but is now firmly entrenched in Perth as the company’s WA state manager.
VALE GEORGE GIUDICE Master Builders’ Geraldton members have farewelled another stalwart of the local building industry. Pietra Georgio Giudice, fondly known to all as George, joined the Association in March 1966. He and his family have an extraordinarily proud tradition in the Association’s Geraldton branch with son Kevin (who pre-deceased him) having been a committee member and long-time Branch supporter. Granddaughter Serena currently is chairwoman of the Branch. Regional manager Di Gilleland said Mr Giudice was a true gentleman who will be sadly missed. He died in March aged 86.
George Giudice with daughter Maria.
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MESOTHELIOMA SURVIVOR BARRY SHARES HIS JOURNEY
Barry Knowles (left) at the launch of his book Reflections Through Reality with (l-r) Professor Bruce Robinson, Mr Knowles’ daughter Jo Morris and Dale Alcock.
Diagnosed with mesothelioma in February 2010 and given 6-9 months to live, Barry Knowles has defied the odds and, with the support of his wife, lives on determined to help in the battle against the insidious asbestos-related disease. His skills and his honest, hardworking approach made Mr Knowles a respected and valued member of the WA building industry until his retirement in 2007 – but he will pay the ultimate price. In his new book, Reflections Through Reality, launched at the end of May, Mr Knowles shares his family’s darkest hours – the shock of his diagnosis, his subsequent battle with ill health, his fight for compensation and his hope as he faces an unknown future. “It was through breaking some ribs in a fall in early 2010 that a shadow was seen on my left lung,” Mr Knowles said. “Upon further investigation, I was told it was mesothelioma and was given 6-9 months. I was devastated! My wife and I packed up our retirement home in Tasmania and moved back to Perth to be with our daughters and their families.” Mr Knowles said the following months were horrendous to say the least. The progress of the illness was rapid. By September that year he was on morphine for the pain, facing what he thought were his final days. “Through nothing short of a miracle, I am still here today and don’t want to waste the time I have been given,” he said. During the inaugural Asbestos Diseases Society of Australia walk from Kalgoorlie to Perth to raise funds for medical research, Mr Knowles was approached by Slater and Gordon Lawyers general manager Siri Siriwardene to write his story. Exceptional in the fact that most victims don’t live long enough to do so, Mr Knowles wants to be able to provide hope and support for other victims. So putting pen to paper he took up the challenge.
“I feel that my remaining time is valuable and I want to do what I can to help others in the fight against this insidious disease,” he said. “My wife and I have set up a support network for fellow sufferers. Mesothelioma is a relatively unknown cancer and we have found it to be poorly understood in the community.” “It’s wonderful, very supportive,” says Norma, a member of the network. “I feel very elated that some couples in the group who have found it hard to talk about ‘it’, have now really opened up. We didn’t want to come initially, but wouldn’t miss it now. Not only are we fellow sufferers but we have become good friends.” ABN Group managing director Dale Alcock said the book would be of great significance to those who share Mr Knowles’ journey. “My father passed away from mesothelioma in 2010, having survived less than four months after diagnosis. I remain acutely aware of the sentence and suffering this disease imposes on our community,” Mr Alcock said. “Whilst the dark cloud of asbestos disease will hang over our industry for many years to come, I applaud and recommend this book to you as a body of work that will prove to be of immense value to those who will ultimately share Barry’s journey.” Mr Knowles explained, “The book has been the start of bigger things as we have gone on to established a not-for-profit charity to raise further awareness of, and funds for, this worthy cause.” Reflections Through Reality was officially launched at an event hosted by Slater and Gordon Lawyers. Proceeds of the book sales will go towards research into finding a cure for asbestos diseases, in particular, mesothelioma. Reflections Through Reality can be purchased at www.reflections.org.au.
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Membership consultant Karl Millard enjoys the fresh air so we took him out to the Constitution Centre’s lawns for this photo.
PEN PORTRAIT: KARL MILLARD For many recently joined Master Builder members, Karl Millard is the face of the Association. As membership consultant, he’s on the frontline spreading the word among the uninitiated about the virtues of belonging to a strong industry organisation – representation, information, networking and plenty more. Here’s a brief look behind the official persona, revealing some background and a touch of quirkiness. When did you start with Master Builders? On the first day back at work in twenty fourteen. What were you doing before joining Master Builders? Before joining the team here I completed a graduate program in sales and marketing with Colgate Palmolive. While this gave me great experience in the environment of a big corporate, building and construction is much more my style. Why did you move? As soon as I heard about this role, and the opportunity to work for a significant not-forprofit within this industry I was sold. What lies ahead for you? My second child is due soon. So I would guess baby vomit lies ahead in the short term.
When you’re not at Master Builders, what keeps you busy? Getting out in the fresh air when I can. Like they say, nature is cheaper than therapy. My first daughter also keeps me quite busy. On top of this I like to be involved with my community, and I’m involved with some local charities as a board member. How do you feel you’ve settled in your role? Coming into my second year with Master Builders I’m realising that I possibly knew less than I thought at the start. I’m getting a much better understanding of who is who across the industry, and the issues that matter to people.
What is one thing you learned about yourself from working at Master Builders? I have been overrating my coffee making skills all my life. I’m just below average… it was a sad realisation. I buy coffee rather than face this crushing realisation daily. What interests you about the construction industry? Never a dull moment, and with a raft of changes ahead for the industry, it looks like it will remain vibrant. While this gives the industry character, I would also say that a part of the resilience springs from these characteristics, and this is fascinating to me. What public personality/celebrity have you been likened to and why? Jean Claude Van Damme. My flexibility is only second to his.
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Dorrington Homes managing director Chris Dorrington.
MEMBER PROFILE: CHRIS DORRINGTON Dorrington Homes won the $1-1.5 million contract homes category and was a finalist for Top WA Home at this year’s Master Builders Bankwest Housing Excellence Awards in February. With its quality work on display, it was not surprising that the company was named Best New Builder at the awards. Managing director Chris Dorrington gives some insights into his background and successful business. How long have you been in the building industry? I have been in the industry since 1999. I am the managing director of Dorrington Homes Pty Ltd and am responsible for everything in my company – from sales, design and construction through to the running of the office and paying all my subcontractors and suppliers. I work alongside all of my clients during their whole build from start to finish. What were you doing before you became a builder? I have been in the building industry ever since I left school. Even during my time in high school I was completing work experience in the building industry. Was there anything in your background that had an influence on the career path you took? I have always enjoyed anything to do with building. Ever since I can remember I wanted to become a builder. My dad is not a builder, but he always worked for himself. I remember how hard he worked but also how much he enjoyed working for himself. So I think that my love for the building industry and the fact that I could work for myself definitely influenced the career path I took.
Where and how did you learn your skills? During high school I completed work experience in the building industry and also completed Career Link which allowed me to work one day a week and undertake the Certificate IV in Building while completing year 12. When I finished school I completed an apprenticeship in carpentry and joinery. During my apprenticeship I began my studies for the Builders’ Registration Diploma. This took several years. When I finished my apprenticeship I worked for myself as a roof carpenter for a few years. I then got a job as a building supervisor for Ross North Homes, where I worked for just on seven years. During this time I completed a Degree in Project Management and learnt a lot about the building industry. My time as a building supervisor exposed me to all aspects of the building industry which really allowed me to learn a broad range of skills. What most motivates you – what are you most excited or passionate about in this industry? The challenge of the building industry really motivates me. I have a passion to be able to build my clients their dream homes, and to ensure that they have an enjoyable experience.
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What are the goals you most want to accomplish in your work? My main goal is to run a successful building company. I want all my clients to be completely satisfied with their experience with Dorrington Homes. Did you have any key mentors or people who deeply influenced you and your commitment to your work and life? My dad has influenced my life more than anyone – his commitment to his work for such a long period of time, the way he enjoys work and most importantly his positive outlook on life; the way in which he makes every day a good day regardless of the challenges that may arise. If I can take his outlook to work and life and use it in my life, than I have no doubt that I will be a better person for that. What are some of the memorable experiences you have had in this business? There is one thing that I have found to be consistent in the building industry, and that is people’s willingness to help out. I don’t know if I have just been lucky, but I have found that whenever I have had a problem I have been lucky enough to have great people around me to give me good advice. Most of the people that I have met in the building industry have been very genuine people. I stay in constant contact with nearly all of them, which is very helpful when you need some advice. What has been the most difficult or challenging aspect in your work? The most challenging aspect has been starting my building company from scratch. So much work goes into starting any business. It also takes time to forge relationships with clients. Starting a building company doesn’t happen overnight. What has been the most rewarding thing? The completion of Dorrington Homes first home. It was such a rewarding experience standing back at the completion of the project with the clients and knowing that I had done everything that I could to ensure they were satisfied with the end product. What achievements are you most proud of? I am most proud of completing my studies for the Builders’ Registration Diploma and, more recently, winning the 2015 Master Builders’ awards for best Contract Home $1-1.5 million and Best New Builder. What advice would you give someone embarking on a similar career in building? My advice would be that when you are undertaking the study component of your Builders’ Registration, and you think that you will never finish, stick at it because once you have done it you have got it forever. Also listen to everything that everyone tells you. In the building industry you are constantly learning, and the longer you have been in the industry the more you learn. So if someone gives you some advice, take it on board, because it may save you from learning the hard way.
Chris Dorrington with his 2015 Best New Builder plaque presented by Ashley Walker of award sponsor Hays.
When you think of the industry’s future; what gives you a sense of hope and what makes you concerned? I look forward to the future of the building industry in WA because I am only at the beginning of my career. I have everything in front of me and it is up to me what I make of it. One thing that I would like to see is lots of younger people coming out of high school and completing apprenticeships. The building industry is a great and very important industry and it would be a shame if the younger generation of tradesmen and women were lost to other industries. What’s next for you in your work? What are you looking forward to? When looking forward I want to grow Dorrington Homes into a reputable high end building company. I am looking to grow my company over the next few years to build between 5-10 luxury homes a year while still achieving a very personal relationship with our clients. As managing director I always want to work very closely with my clients in a one-on-one relationship to build them a quality home that they will find nowhere else.
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The findings of a mandatory site safety inspection report by Master Builders in March on various residential housing sites in the metropolitan area led to this article being compiled to highlight the current perceived safety risk on site.
RESIDENTIAL SECTOR SAFETY PERCEPTION – DOES ANYONE CARE? This concise article based on inspections undertaken by experienced Master Builders’ representatives is not to preach safety, but to give the reader food for thought when next visiting site and to perhaps encourage action in relation to potential safety hazards. Overall, 29 inspections were carried out in the metropolitan area in March and the report encompassed the most commonly observed issues both positive and negative. The following table, established from data collected by the Association, indicates the subject matter headings utilised during the inspection for the first three months of 2015 against visits undertaken in late 2014. It should be made clear that during site inspections, where items were perceived to be a risk or hazard to the site team or individual, all suggested recommendations made by Master Builders were positively received and rectified in good time.
Accident waiting to happen: poor housekeeping on this site coupled with various trip hazards.
% of Subject Area Non-Compliant or found to be a Hazard to the Working Environment Subject Area Inspected
2014
1st January to date 2015
Site Access
0.0%
3.4%
Public Safety
24.0%
47.0%
Ladders
5.0%
1.2%
Electrical Tools and Equipment
17.0%
33.0%
Overhead Wire
0.0%
7.4%
House keeping
9.5%
26.0%
Work at Heights
9.5%
20.0%
Tools and Plant
2.3%
8.6%
Site Signage
16.0%
29.0%
Scaffolding
2.3%
12.0%
Access to Work Areas
4.7%
5.0%
Manual Handling
0.0%
0.0%
PPE
7.0%
7.4%
Welding
0.0%
1.2%
Nail Guns/Signage
12.0%
8.6%
First Aid
5.0%
10.0%
Excavations
0.0%
1.2%
Site Fence
0.0%
3.7%
The data highlights a decline in safety from 2014 to date within the areas of public safety, site signage, tools and plant, housekeeping, working within proximity to overhead wires and site fencing. While it is acknowledged there are possible variances in the data collected from the number of field inspections over a relatively short period of time, the figures when reviewed with photographs taken over the monthly period (some of which are included in this article) only further highlight the current perception that site safety within the residential sector is being sacrificed and neglected rather than being rectified and amended.
Another matter not addressed within the table but found on residential sites across the metropolitan area is the issue of site amenities where large numbers of trades on numerous sites utilise shared facilities, facilities which were not being cleaned often enough. The site inspections also found Safety Management Plans, while being readily available on site, often were not referred to prior to entering the working site. In some cases Safety Management Plans did not have site specific details on them.
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With bricklaying activities clearly due to start on this site near exposed reinforcement, simply capping the bars, or marking them with spray paint and bending them over could prevent possible serious injury to a worker or member of the public.
Site debris strewn along a public path is not only a hazard to construction workers, but potential visitors to site such as clients.
Overall, the information presents an image that safety on residential sites is an area for significant improvement. A simple internet search engine investigation into academic research on safety culture in the construction industry leads to some interesting conclusions and possible solutions. A paper by Dr Don Dingsdag of the University of Western Sydney entitled ‘Safety Culture in the Construction Industry: Changing behaviour through enforcement and education?’ (http://eprints.qut. edu.au/3802/1/3802.pdf) reached the conclusion that “safety culture must be created by senior management, supported by policies, procedures, the necessary resources and communicated throughout the organisation.... Not only is visible leadership highly significant, but the way in which safety is communicated is important, so that the message is perceived as being meaningful and representative of the organisation’s policies and procedures.” The paper also established that there is a far greater requirement for education than currently exists, both in terms of promoting understanding of the function of safety culture in producing the desired behaviours as well as in improving the quality of training.
A separate Mexican study on the perception of safety from a construction industry worker’s view reached the following findings: • Authorities should monitor more effectively the compliance with the legal framework. • Construction companies should improve their organisational culture. • Labour unions should be more energetic when demanding safe working conditions. • Construction clients should influence the safety of workers by including safety clauses within their contracts. The study also found that workers had received very little training to improve their competency for the job to allow them to learn how to prevent risks, which is generally accepted as the norm with the building trade. However, the workers’ view was that training programs could positively improve their understanding of safety risk. To conclude, there are many factors affecting the perception of safety, health and the environment. It is clear that the main influencing factor relies heavily on organisational commitment and communication. As an industry, we have a duty of care to both ourselves and fellow work colleagues to improve the current perception of safety culture. It pays to talk. Master Builders offers site safety inspections. For information, contact the Safety Department on 9476 9800 or email safety@mbawa.com.
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CLAMP DOWN ON FALSIFIED TILT-UP TRAINING WorkSafe has issued a warning to check Statements of Attainment for tilt-up construction work after being alerted to created copies of the document. WorkSafe acting executive director Ian Munns says the authority has been alerted to SOAs being electronically created. “We’ve recently been made aware that SOAs are being electronically created for workers who have not undertaken the necessary training to work in the tilt-up construction area,” he said. “It’s vital that anyone involved in tilt-up construction is appropriately trained to work in this high-risk area. “Our advice to employers or anyone in control of a workplace is to satisfy yourself that anyone you are thinking of employing for tilt-up work has the experience claimed. Always sight the original SOA document and verify that the date on the SOA is in the proper format.” Mr Munns said that if there was any doubt about the SOA, the training provider should be contacted to verify that the worker had completed the approved course. “It’s important to note that the cases of fraud in relation to SOAs for tilt-up construction we have discovered have been referred to WA Police,” he said. Master Builders’ training department advises that it can verify relevant workers’ training claims. “If anyone claims to have completed the tilt-up construction training through Master Builders, we can verify if the person did actually fully complete his or her training with us,” says Association training director Neil Du Rand. “All you need to do is provide us with the person’s full name and date of birth. We can assist with verification of any training you wish to confirm a person has completed with us.” Further information on tilt-up construction can be obtained by telephoning WorkSafe on 1300 307877.
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TECH NOTE TACKLES VENTILATION IN BUILDINGS The purpose of this technical note is to alert building designers and practitioners to the requirement of adequately controlling the accumulation of harmful contamination of micro-organisms, pathogens and toxins when installing a mechanical air-handling system to provide ventilation in a residential building. The Building Commission has investigated several occurrences of condensation and mould in residential apartments due to insufficient ventilation in spaces where there is no natural ventilation available and mechanical ventilation is provided. The investigations found that installed ventilation systems and the nature and size of openings in external walls failed to maintain adequate air quality. When is mechanical ventilation required? Provisions for ventilation in residential apartments are contained in the Building Code of Australia Volume 1. Performance Requirement FP4.3 of the BCA states that a space in a building used by occupants must be provided with means of ventilation with outdoor air which will maintain adequate air quality. BCA Volume 2 contains a similar Performance Requirement for houses. BCA clause F4.5 specifies deemed-to-satisfy provisions to comply with the ventilation Performance Requirement of rooms in residential apartments (sole occupancy units), which requires ventilation to be provided to a habitable room, sanitary compartment, bathroom, shower room, laundry and any other room occupied by a person for any purpose by either: • Natural ventilation complying with F4.6 (permanent openings, windows, doors or other devices which can be opened); or • Mechanical ventilation or an air conditioning system complying with AS 1668.2 and AS/NZS 3666.1. The objective of the BCA is to safeguard occupants from illness or loss of amenity due to lack of air freshness. Therefore, when a space (that is, room) within a building does not have access to direct natural ventilation, the space must be provided with mechanical ventilation and make-up air in accordance with AS 1668.2. Ventilation of enclosures When a mechanical ventilation system is installed in a building, AS1668.2 requires that air exhausted from enclosures shall be continuously replenished by outdoor air, transfer air or by make-up air of an acceptable quality from outside or the adjacent enclosure. Often make-up air is insufficient when the room providing the ventilation is likely to produce large amounts of condensation, for example, laundry, bathroom, kitchen. Make-up air cannot be drawn from an adjoining enclosure if that enclosure requires mechanical ventilation, that is, sanitary compartment. From our investigations, it appears that in apartment-style buildings laundry enclosures are being designed and constructed within the sanitary compartments and therefore the exhaust fan servicing the laundry obtains make up air from the sanitary compartment. Although AS 1668.2 allows the use of common exhaust systems for certain enclosures, including a laundry enclosure and a sanitary compartment, problems can still arise from this type of design as it relies on action by the occupant to enable make-up air. In cases where a sanitary compartment has no natural ventilation, replacement air or make-up air is obtained from the adjoining room. The adjoining room should comply with the provision for natural ventilation (BCA Part F4.6).
When exhausting air from a well-sealed building, designers, building surveyors and builders must also think about where the replenishment or make-up air will come from. The buildings in older style construction were less airtight which allowed an easy make-up airflow path for exhaust systems. New buildings have well-sealed facades to enable savings from energy efficiency performance of the building and occupants often keep windows closed for reasons of security and weather, particularly in apartment buildings. However, this can lead to the following problems: • Make-up air drawn through gaps and service penetrations does not meet acceptable qualities or is to a level significantly below that of the outdoor air in the locality. • Restricted make-up air paths reduce exhaust airflow rates. The fan just does not work – there is no way for fresh air to come back into the house or apartment. • Inadequate supply or exhaust ventilation reduces the amenity of the indoor environment. Explanatory notes at clause C3.8.1 in AS1668.2 highlight that there are issues with the effectiveness of ventilation systems in sole occupancy units within apartment buildings due to the factors listed above and that permanent natural ventilation, ducted outdoor air ventilation or even a tempered mechanical supply ventilation system may be required to fulfil the objective of the Standard and/or local regulations. Issues to consider with regard to air movement/ventilation • Design of the space in relation to occupant use • Occupant use. • Production of water vapour (consider ways of reducing condensation. For example, condensing clothes dryers). • Cold surfaces, that is, material fabric of the building. • Methods of replenishment air. Contamination through condensation A number of occupants of apartment buildings who have made complaints to the Building Commission have remarked that it was common for condensation to run down the external walls and windows inside the building. In these cases, heated water vapour appeared to escape from the laundry/ bathroom as the draw capacity of the mechanical ventilation appeared to be insufficient/restricted for the use that was required. Water vapour escaped into adjoining rooms travelling on warmer air until reaching wall surfaces with a lower temperature. The heated water vapour condenses and either soaks into the wall or runs down the wall surface. In some locations, such as inside cupboards and in stored clothing and shoes, mould had begun to grow. When heated water vapour meets cooler objects, dew point is reached; condensation begins and over time mould begins to grow. The mould will continue until these conditions are changed. Who is responsible for controlling condensation? Ultimately there is a shared responsibility by the designer, the building surveyor, the builder and the occupants of the building to control ventilation within the building. Builders, however, will be the ones that complaints will most likely be made against by occupants and where the primary objective of the BCA is not met, builders may be required to address the cause of the contamination occurring. This publication is published with permission of the Building Commission – Department of Commerce. A copy of this Industry bulletin is available on the Building Commission website wwww.buildingcommission.wa.gov.au.
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UPDATES technical JUL/AUG 2015
FOCUS ON APARTMENTS AT RESIDENTIAL ROUND TABLE
Romina De Santis
Master Builders’ second Technical Round Table for the year saw construction of BCA Class 2 buildings and a number of other topics raised and discussed. The Round Table was facilitated by Association technical adviser Romina De Santis and a number of members took the opportunity to raise and provide their views on some of the burning issues facing the residential sector. Building Commission audit manager Allan Shiell Commission was also in attendance and provided valuable feedback on the discussions. The main topic was Class 2 (apartment) buildings. Construction of Class 2 buildings is on the rise in WA, tackling housing affordability. The higher densities permitted under the Residential Design Codes enable the construction of small apartment buildings typically consisting of eight to twelve apartments over two storeys. These buildings do not appear to be complex and often are documented to standard domestic specifications. Builders reviewing documentation for apartment developments are strongly advised to obtain preliminary advice on minimum structural, fire, acoustic and access requirements for people with disabilities. Apartments have a much higher level of compliance requirements and this often is not considered until certification of the development. Master Builders will be running seminars on the main compliance requirements of Class 2 buildings. Register your interest with Romina De Santis via email romina@mbawa.com.
PERMIT DELAYS MEAN FEES CAN BE REFUNDED Permit Authorities – local councils – have obligations to process Building Permit Applications in a timely way or face having to refund fees. Under the Building Act 2011, a Permit Authority must determine a Building Permit Application in accordance with the statutory timeframes noted in the Building Regulations 2012. For a certified Application the timeframe is 10 business days. For an uncertified application (applicable to Class 1 and 10 buildings/structures) the timeframe is 25 business days. The time starts the day after the application is received, that is, if the application is lodged on a Friday, Monday counts as the first day of the time for determining that application. Under the Building Regulations, a longer period may be agreed in writing between the applicant and the Permit Authority. This must be in place for the refund to not be applicable. The Permit Authority may request additional information and this stops the clock. The applicant has 21 days to respond. When the requested information is received, the clock starts again for the balance of the Permit Authority’s time. If the applicant does not provide the required information, the Application may be refused, and a new Application and fees are required. If the Permit Authority does not issue the permit within the statutory period, the application fees must be refunded. The Permit Authority then has five days to provide a reason for refusal, or issue the Building Permit. The builder may request the fees be refunded or the fee paid is recoverable through the courts as a debt due to the applicant.
technical UPDATES 81 JUL/AUG 2015
Fit outs in existing buildings (like that of Master Builders’ offices at Construction House in 2013) can raise complex compliance challenges.
CONTRACTORS MEET TO DISCUSS FIT OUTS A number of interested builders and contractors and a representative of the Building Commission took part in a forum at Master Builders in May looking at the requirements for fit out work. The Association’s technical adviser Romina De Santis hosted the forum and says that understanding what building standards are applicable to building work, maintaining base-building compliance and providing required access and facilities for people with disabilities remain the main issues for the fit out sector. “The Building Commission’s Kishor Dabasia attended the forum and provided valuable insight into requirements for fit outs in existing buildings,” she said. “Master Builders is looking to create a checklist for the builder here to ensure documentation and construction meet relevant legislation.
“This would include historical information on the building, the main installations of the building, contractual inclusions between the building owner and the lessee and the obligations of each stakeholder for the compliance of the proposed building work.” Ms De Santis said contractors should refer to two Building Commission Industry Bulletins published in respect of fit outs of existing buildings. IB 015/2013 is entitled Occupancy Permits for Renovation, Fit Out or Other Minor Building Work and IB 023/2013 is Building Permits for Fit Outs. Both publications are available from the Building Commission website. “Master Builders will continue to work with the Building Commission and industry to facilitate the sometimes complex and confusing compliance requirements experienced by contractors,” Ms De Santis said.
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UPDATES training JUL/AUG 2015
Apprentice Engagement Officer Nathan Szkoruda explains the attractions of a career in the building industry.
CAMS THREE YEARS ON In May 2012, the Commonwealth agreed to fund CAMS, the Construction Apprenticeship Mentoring Scheme. CAMS is a comprehensive, nationally coordinated approach to supporting apprentices and trainees in the building and construction industry. It integrated an online engagement strategy with access to one-on-one mentoring support and an innovative approach to supporting ‘outof-trade’ apprentices. It was one of the first Master Builders’ projects operated on a national basis with all states and territories working on the same project. The primary objective of the project is to increase the apprenticeship completion rate by at least one per cent per annum to 62 per cent over the initial three-year period. A secondary objective of the project is to increase significantly the number of employers who report apprentices are well prepared for a career in the building and construction industry. The CAMS project is a nationally coordinated and delivered through Master Builders’ network of 33 offices around Australia including major regional centres. What has been achieved CAMS in WA trained 32 volunteer mentors in Perth, Bunbury and Geraldton. The mentors undertook an intense two-day training course around apprenticeships and traineeships and how to deal with Generation Y. MATES in Construction training covering suicide prevention also was included. Those who completed the additional assessment were awarded three nationally accredited units of competency. Many of the volunteer mentors have moved on to other employment or were unable to mentor apprentices mainly due to work pressures and not having sufficient time to devote to the mentoring. Nevertheless, they gained valuable knowledge and experience which still can be passed on within the industry. In the first round, a total of 839 apprentices were mentored nationally with 86 being mentored in WA. In the second round, with reduced funding, a total of 28 WA apprentices currently were being mentored with most scheduled to complete their one-year mentoring agreement by June. The 28 were from the Perth and Bunbury regions and were taken from various construction trades.
Fifteen fact sheets have been developed to provide young people and their parents with information about apprenticeships which lead to rewarding careers in construction. These fact sheets are available at www.alinkwa.org.au/factsheets. The web page was established as part of the CAMS project and has been of assistance to both prospective apprentices and employers. Two booklets have been developed to provide information about a career in the construction industry. The first, Your guide to becoming an apprentice in the building and construction industry, is aimed at young people. The second is A guide for builders and subcontractors on how to employ an Australian apprentice. Both are available from Master Builders. Consulting firm Courage Partners completed an extensive audit at the end of the first phase and provided a detailed breakdown of the CAMS survey results for both the mentor and apprentice surveys. Overall the results are really pleasing, and reflect well on the work done over the previous two years: • Eighty-four per cent of apprentices and 81 per cent of mentors believe the program is making a difference to apprenticeship completions. • Eighty-two per cent of apprentices and 92 per cent of mentors said they would recommend taking part in the program to others. • Overall satisfaction with the program was 77 per cent for apprentices and 91 per cent for mentors. • Seventy-one per cent of mentors and 69 per cent of apprentices said they would be more likely to get involved with Master Builders in the future as a result of being involved in CAMS. The future of mentoring will largely be dependent on funding. At the time of writing there is a Commonwealth Government tender out for Apprenticeship Services which will include mentoring and advice to youth on becoming apprentices. In the meantime, many of the CAMS-mentored apprentices have received a solid foundation to their careers and will go on to be very successful.
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MATTHEW TAKES UP THE REINS Recent appointment Matthew Cresswell.
Matthew Cresswell has joined Master Builders’ staff as a training officer and continues mentoring support for apprentices across all trades as part of the Construction Apprenticeship Mentoring Scheme. Originally from the North East of England and with a carpentry and joinery background, Mr Cresswell arrived in Australia in 2010. Following a six-month period travelling around the country visiting most of the major landmarks, Mr Cresswell was employed in the civil engineeringcommercial sector as a project engineer working on civil infrastructure projects in the Pilbara. With the downturn in the resource sector in 2014, he retrained to gain employment as a learning facilitator at Central TAFE prior to joining the Master Builders in March. As a former carpentry apprentice and having been on various construction projects throughout the world for well over 10 years, Mr Cresswell is well versed in the challenges apprentices can face and the hurdles that have to be overcome to achieve success. Mr Cresswell also has a degree in construction management from Nottingham Trent University and is currently in the process of obtaining his WA builder’s registration. He obtained Australian citizenship in 2014.
BGC TAKING FIRST AID SERIOUSLY BGC Residential Group work health and safety manager Rob van Grootel has shown a commitment to safety by having supervisors from all the Group’s residential businesses trained in the Basic Safety course through Master Builders. Master Builders Training contracted St John Ambulance to present the one-day first aid course at the Jolimont Training Centre. Pictured are supervisors from Impressions – The Home Builder supervisors busy with the CPR practical assessment. Participants have found the training to be very hands-on and are confident they have gained skills that could save lives in the future.
MASTER BUILDERS BACKS VET REFORMS Master Builders has supported changes announced by Assistant Education and Training Minister Simon Birmingham to the Vocational Education and Training System that will put industry front and centre of training product development. “Master Builders welcomes Minister Birmingham’s recognition of the need for the VET system to be more responsive to the skills needs of industry and those that work in it,” Wilhelm Harnisch, CEO of Master Builders Australia says. “Skill requirements in the building and construction industry have changed significantly over the past two decades and the need for new skills is accelerating as the industry adopts new techniques in response to new technologies, building design and materials,” Mr Harnisch said. “However, industry training packages have struggled to keep up with the different and additional skill sets required to match these requirements which undermines the productive potential of these technologies. It has also meant that employers have been frustrated in having to develop skill sets for their own workers that are not formally recognised.” Mr Harnisch said that Master Builders has actively contributed to the Government’s reform efforts to ensure that the development of training packages are industry driven and deliver industry outcomes relevant to industry needs. “Master Builders therefore backs the reforms announced by Senator Birmingham that will see industry at the centre of driving and delivering modern and relevant industry skill sets,” he said. “This is a win for employers and a win for existing and new entrants to the building and construction industry. We support the proposed new structures. It is important they deliver on the reforms and ensure that the industry is at the centre of designing and delivering training outcomes that meet the actual needs of the building and construction industry.”
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UPDATES utilities JUL/AUG 2015
REMINDER: WINTER SPRINKLER BAN IN PLACE FROM 1 JUNE TO 31 AUGUST Water Corporation has reminded builders the winter sprinkler ban is in place from 1 June to 31 August for all households in Perth, Mandurah and parts of the South West. The winter sprinkler ban has been a permanent water saving initiative in place since 2010 and saves about 5 billion litres of drinking water each year. The winter sprinkler ban puts into practice the common sense that most people have to turn their sprinklers off when it rains. It is important to switch off sprinkler systems throughout the winter sprinkler ban. Hand watering is permitted during the ban and customers can apply for an exemption for the establishment of new lawns. The winter sprinkler ban also applies to more than ground and surface water licensees that have winter sprinkler restrictions as a condition of their licence.
Watering rosters and the daytime sprinkler ban still apply to all other regions of the State. The winter sprinkler ban forms part of Water Corporation’s Water Forever plans to further secure water supplies in a drying climate. Water Forever is based on a three pronged approach, which includes working with the community to reduce water use, increasing the amount of water recycled and developing new water sources. Over the last decade water saving efforts of residential, business and industrial customers have contributed about 105 billion litres of water saved each year – roughly equivalent to the entire capacity of the Southern Seawater Desalination Plant. For more information about the winter sprinkler ban, visit watercorporation.com.au.
utilities UPDATES 85 JUL/AUG 2015
CLEAN UP SITES TO AVOID POWER LINE DAMAGE Western Power says that with winter having arrived now is the time to make sure homes and worksites are storm ready. The authority says that debris, building materials and tarpaulins at worksites can become airborne during strong winds and blow into powerlines. Western Power’s head of operational maintenance Gair Landsborough says he has seen electricity network damage which has caused power interruptions during storms that could have easily been avoided. “During the winter storm season, make sure any loose items around your home and worksite are safely secure to prevent them blowing into powerlines, which can cause safety hazards and power interruptions,” Mr Landsborough said. Western Power’s vegetation team has been preparing for wintry weather by trimming trees on public land that have grown too close to powerlines, but the trees on private land are the responsibility of property owners he said.
“If you see a fallen power line or network hazard, stay well away and make the safe call to Western Power’s 24/7 emergency line on 13 13 51.” There is a simple checklist available at www.westernpower.com.au that will help everyone to be storm ready this winter. Storm ready checklist: • CHECK branches from trees on your property are at least 2.5 metres away from powerlines. • HIRE a qualified tree pruner to safely remove branches from trees on your property that are too close to powerlines. • REMOVE debris and secure loose items around your home and worksite. • DOWNLOAD the Western Power outage notification app. • PREPARE a storm kit with torches, spare batteries and first aid supplies. • SAFETY FIRST – if you see a fallen power line, stay well away and make the safe call to the Western Power 24/7 emergency line on 13 13 51.
“Check the plants on your property and make sure the foliage is at least 2.5 metres away from powerlines. If you do need to trim branches near powerlines we recommend you hire a professional tree pruner to do the job as safely as possible,” Mr Landsborough said. “Western Power crews are on call 24 hours, seven days a week to respond to network related incidents. Last year we received almost 75,000 callouts, which included reports of fallen powerlines during storms and vehicle accidents.
2.5m
Regrowth
2m Space
Owner / Occupier responsible for trees on private property Safety guide for trees and powerlines
Local council and Western Power responsible for trees on public spaces
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FEATURE JUL/AUG 2015
UNLOCKING HIDDEN CAPACITY BY
CLOSING THE GAPS
FEATURE 87
JUL/AUG 2015
It is vital to understand all aspects of a construction business and its processes, to track the work being carried out and to close gaps to increase your capacity without increasing your workforce. The gaps include but are not limited to the deep disconnect between the office and onsite activities, consistent execution of policies and procedures, poor communication and separate silos of information.
Internal Team
Offering the same consistent and efficient experience to all clients every single time is extremely important but it is difficult. Each client is unique, and there are many factors that influence a client’s experience, such as communication, efficiency and consistency. Successful businesses understand how important it is to identify what those factors are, and develop ways to manage or moderate their impacts. Managing these influences requires consistent policies and procedures and the systems or tools to implement and maintain them. Due to its intricate nature the building and construction industry operates in a difficult communication environment with a number of stakeholders including your clients, in-office and on-site staff as well as trades/subcontractors and regulatory bodies. The intricacies of project management creates the challenge for effective and efficient communication that is faced by every construction company big or small. With all the complexity, challenges and various stakeholders within the construction industry, it is impossible to monitor every aspect of the business fully without the correct systems and processes in place. The construction industry can be disjointed and as a dynamic sector with a project based nature, communication efficiency is essential to the success of each project. Miscommunication or a lack of effective communication processes can cause expensive mistakes. Well-organized communication results in fewer delays, lower expenses and can increase capacity. Removing the disconnection between in-office and on-site staff, disjointed client communication and subcontractors results in increased satisfaction about the job process/experience and the quality of the build. Not knowing exactly where each job is up to, or who is responsible for ensuring that activities are completed on time can result in financial loss, brand damage and unsatisfied clients. There are solutions available to help reduce the challenges the construction industry faces, Workflow Management Software is the solution. Workflow Management Software (WMS) are fully integrated business management systems, which provide a single location for internal communication, resource and project management information for your business. Workflow Management Software gives you total control of your construction processes in an easy to use streamlined approach which helps you maximise productivity and supports you to make informed leadership and management decisions. The best systems are customisable to meet the needs across all levels of the construction industry from custom home to production and commercial builders. By using Onsite Companion, a workflow management software, Tania Beckton at QA Developments has experienced that “everybody across the company whether it be internal office or guys out on-site, knows exactly where each job is at, at any given time.”
Drafting Software
Workflow Management Software
Suppliers
Accounting Estimating Software
Clients
Workflow Management Software provides you the tools to manage the entire process: • Communications – Sharing information between all the departments removes the separate silos of information and provides all staff members a location to communicate with the relevant parties on projects or activities. • Customer Relationship Management (CRM) – from initial enquiries through to the completion of their construction process and ongoing communication with existing customers. • Preconstruction & Administration Processes – managing all preconstruction and administration tasks and activities to ensure that the correct process and procedures are followed for each and every job. • Construction Scheduling – during the construction phase the schedule is crucial to keep the build on track. WMS provide the ability to have a clear view of the schedule of each project down to daily activities and tasks. • Employees and Contractors – Assign work to employees and contractors with ease reducing the need for constant meetings, reduce confusion and provides accountability across the entire process. • Document Management – Generate, Store and Track all documents & communications in the office & on site. With Workflow Management Software you have a one stop shop that helps increase efficiency, reduce complexity, increase capacity, insure effective communication and connect all stakeholders with the process. “OnSite Companion increases capacity by 30 to 50 percent by closing the gaps” – Matthew Camenzuli Managing Director Companion Systems If you would like to discuss your Workflow Management requirements, contact Companion Systems on 02 9365 0000, our WA Representative Aaron on 0400 097 833 or, via email at sales@companionsystems.com.au
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advertorial JUL/AUG 2015
SOFTWARE TO SUIT EVERY BUSINESS Behind every good business is outstanding computer software! To run a successful business the financial position of the company is imperative.
BEAMS is designed as a true network application with user permissions so your staff can only work where they are permitted.
If cost over-runs are eating into your profits then it’s time to change to a computer software system that will eventually save you money in estimating time, contract management & maintaining accurate financial records for your business.
Estimating - Provide accurate, cost-effective estimates.
BEAMS Software is designed for any business that: 1. Begins with a customer that asks for a quote for any service or product. 2. Accepts your quote and wants to proceed. 3. Track and maintain all the income and expenses for the service. This could be a Builder, Developer, Plumber, Contractor, Subcontractor or any industry. Designed by professional people who understand the processes and importance of providing good customer service and need to adopt effective business management through seamless integration. Purchasing software to run your business is not a new concept but the selection process is as important as selecting the best tools for the job. From the initial contact with the Client to the handover of their new home, BEAMS is there, not only making the process easier but also making sure you keep the expected profits in your account. Quotations in estimation stage are handled with ease. The contract stage which is more involved and deals with issues of purchase orders, variations and time line scheduling so you can see how things are going. Variations to Client are dealt with easily and update your construction quantities once approved and confirmed by Client. Invoices are processed quickly and without fuss by using the BEAMS generated order number which lets your accounts staff know which job, supplier, how much & if there have already been any draws. Progress Claims to your Client are easily prepared. Your financial information is at the touch of a button with your taxation requirements processed from already entered data. BAS & PAYG paperwork is completed in 5 minutes not 3 hours! Financial reports are also available whether for you to keep an eye on how things are going or for your accountant to prepare your returns.
Contracts - Variations, Purchase orders and track all your onsite activities. Add BEAMS Mobile for your Supervisor and you’ll never suffer scheduling nightmares again. Accounts - Full accounting functions with Taxation processing and Payroll with job allocation to timesheets. 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 correspondence. Beams Administration - Track the job as it progresses to contract or conversion. Customise as many processes as necessary to cover all your requirements. Beams Customer Portal - Communication between your customer and your company is managed. They are given a username and password so that they can check their job status and request more information. BEAMS Software has over 100 reports within the software. Below are a few on each section: Estimation Reports: Bill of Quants, Addenda-Specification, Quotation Letter, Summary Quants, Job Cashflow, Client Contact Sheet, Variation Request Sheet. Contract Reports: Job Diary, Purchase Orders, Contract Variations, Order Analysis, Call Forward, Schedule 10 Days, Record Type Analysis, Invoice Analysis. Accounts Reports: Progress Claim, BAS Report, Profit & Loss Report, Profitability Report, WIP & Pre Paid Income, Trial Balance, Balance Sheet Report. For more information contact: Phone: (08) 9454 7760 Website: www.beamsbuild.com.au
Scott Cam - To do a good job, it is so important to have the right tools. To run a successful business, it is just as important to have the right software. Beams has all of the features and functions in one software package and it just works. Beams has been around for over 20 years and they know what is needed.
ESTIMATION The Estimation module of BEAMS with CAD Image, provides all the necessary tools to complete and produce accurate, cost-effective and personalized estimates for your clients before contract.
CONTRACTS Including all the features of the Estimates module, plus create variations and purchase orders. Time Line Scheduling allows you to track all onsite activities. With BEAMS Mobile for your Supervisor, the office and site is connected and you’ll never suffer scheduling nightmares again.
JOB TRACKING - From Sales leads – this is now integrated with Beams. 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. Beams Administration - Once a lead is won, the administration work begins on that lead and it is tracked as the job progresses to contract or conversion. The software allows you to customise as many processes as necessary to cover all your different business requirements. Beams Customer Portal - All communication between your customer and your company is managed. Customers are given a username and password so that they can check their job status and request more information. BEAMSBuild Software | ph. (08)9454 7760 | fax. (08)9454 7782 web. www.beamsbuild.com.au | email. enquiries@beamsbuild.com.au
ACCOUNTS Full accounting functions allowing you to enter all invoices, make payments, issue progress claims and receipts effortlessly. Progress Automated Taxation processing. Payroll with job allocation timesheet. Detailed financial reporting including Cashflow projections, Work In Progress and Profitability Reports.
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FEATURE windows and doors JUL/AUG 2015
Window Standard Republished The 1999 version of Australian Standard 2047 has recently been superseded by a new 2014 version which has a new title AS 2047:2014 Windows and external glazed doors in buildings. This new version is referenced in the 2015 National Construction Code which took effect on 1st May, 2015
AS 2047 is the primary standard for the selection and installation of windows and glazed doors in buildings. The standard is referenced in the National Construction Code (NCC), within the BCA, as the acceptable construction manual for glazed assemblies to meet minimum Deemed-to Satisfy (DTS) requirements. Since the 1999 revision the loading and glass codes have been updated at least twice leaving inconsistencies between the Standards. The 2014 revision is not intended to be more stringent than the previous version, just an alignment with the loading and glass standards, inclusion of swinging doors and a general tidy up. I must note here that existing test reports will remain valid, so there is no need to re-test all windows. The Australian Window Association was instrumental in the development of the new standard and this article will provide an explanation of the requirements of the standard and explore the differences between the old and new versions. The Standard was prepared by the Joint Standards Australia/Standards New Zealand Committee BD-021, Doors and Windows, to supersede, AS 2047:1999, Windows in buildings. After allowing sufficient time for adjustment (nominally 12 months from publication), the superseded document will be withdrawn. After consultation with stakeholders in both countries, Standards Australia and Standards New Zealand decided to develop this Standard as an Australian Standard rather than an Australian/New Zealand Standard.
The objective of the Standard is to provide window designers and manufacturers with a generic requirement for windows in buildings, setting out the performance requirements and specifications in the design and manufacture of all windows, regardless of materials. The 1999 standard, specified requirements, materials, construction, installation and glazing for windows, sliding glazed doors, louvres, shopfronts and window walls with one piece framing. The standard covers structural performance (serviceability and ultimate strength), operating force, air infiltration and water penetration resistance for housing, residential and commercial buildings. It provides information on framing and finishes for aluminium, timber, uPVC and windows of other materials. Further sections cover glazing and components such as hardware, fasteners, adhesives, weatherproofing and security. Construction and installation are also covered in the standard however with minimal information. The standard specifies requirements for labelling and certificates, there are informative appendixes covering design wind pressure, the nomination of wind pressure ratings, surface finish for aluminium, onsite care and generic windows test results. There is also a normative appendix covering generic timber windows.
windows and doors FEATURE 91 JUL/AUG 2015
The new edition includes all of the areas as described above however it differs from the previous edition as follows: 1. Hinged, pivot and bi-fold doors have been added to the scope of the Standard, this means for the first time that fully constructed doors as will be subject to the same tests as windows and sliding doors. The only variance will be the reduced deflection factor of span/100 for these doors. 2. Wind pressures for housing, including cyclonic regions and corner conditions, have been updated to ensure alignment with AS 4055 Wind loads for housing. The significant difference with this change will be the requirement to use higher performing windows in some corner situations. Suppliers of systems or purchasers will be required to specify the requirements from construction plans. 3. The deflection/span ratio for housing and residential buildings has been changed to align with the new lower serviceability limit state wind pressures. The 1999 version had three different deflection/ span ratios being span/150, span/180 and span/250, all windows and sliding doors will now be span/250. 4. Additional guidance is given for the extrapolation of test results to larger size windows and the substitution of structural members and components. The 1999 version did not include this guidance which ultimately allowed significant extrapolation, which in some cases would not be a true reflection of the performance for the extrapolated product. 5. Updated requirements for windows made from unplasticized PVC (uPVC). There have been significant changes in formulas of uPVC and an increase in the use of these products in Australia, the updated requirements give a level of protection for users of these products and ensure compatibility to our climate. 6. The guide to wind pressures (Appendix A) has been revised to ensure alignment with AS/NZS 1170.2. This will eliminate current confusion within the industry. 7. Appendix B (Environmental considerations) has been included to ensure alignment with current Standards. This inclusion gives extra guidance to ensure that these factors are taken into consideration when specifying or supplying product ensuring durability of windows and doors. In this Standard, statements expressed in mandatory terms in notes to tables and figures are deemed to be an integral part of the Standard. The terms ‘normative’ and ‘informative’ have been used in this Standard to define the application of the appendix to which they apply. A ‘normative’ appendix is an integral part of a Standard, whereas an ‘informative’ appendix is only for information and guidance. The window industry began implementing the changes from the superseded document when it was published and were ready to meet regulation on the 1st May 2015 when the new National Construction Code took effect. The Australian Window Association has an online training course covering all aspects of AS 2047:2014. Anyone is welcome to complete the course; visit www.awa.org.au for further information. Kindly provided by Gary Smith
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WHAT’S NEW JUL/AUG 2015
BOSCH BLUE’S POWER READY WIRELESS CHARGING THE FUTURE OF CHARGING TODAY • Charge batteries while still connected to the tool – making charging your tool as simple as putting it down • Allows you to work continuously without interruption • Save time and money, working with only one battery • 100% compatible with all existing Bosch Blue Li-Ion Power Tools* It’s hard to imagine a single product redefining an entire industry, but every now and then a game changer comes along. This year Bosch Blue is changing the game and leading the charge, both literally and figuratively with its world first Power Ready Wireless Charging Technology. Due to hit the Australian market mid May, this new technology is compatible with the entire 18V Bosch Blue Li-Ion power tool range* and will revolutionise the way tradies work on site or in the shop, giving them the flexibility to charge their batteries in between tasks without disconnecting it from the tool – making charging their tools as simple as putting them down. Bosch Blue Power Ready Wireless Charging Technology not only eliminates the need to have a heap of partially charged batteries, in many instances it eliminates the need for multiple batteries at all; the days of worrying about whether a battery will get you through the task at hand are gone. Whilst all Bosch batteries feature an LED charge indicator, the need to check it will be a thing of the past. Tradies Australia wide will be able to pick up a tool with confidence, knowing it’s always charged and power ready. This industry revolutionising technology is based upon the concept of ‘inductive charging’ and is similar to the technology being integrated into smart watches, stovetops
and even electric toothbrushes. When the charging station is plugged in and a compatible wireless battery is placed on it, the charger detects the presence of the battery in under a second and starts emitting a magnetic field. The wireless charging battery also comes equipped with CoolPack technology (standard with all new Bosch Blue 18V Li-Ion batteries), which protects your battery from overheating, overdraw and deep discharge – extending your battery’s lifetime by up to 100 per cent^. The Power Ready Wireless Charging system will not only make tradies more efficient, but it’s compact, and saves them both time and money. The applications are nearly endless; today’s trade professional can now use their Bosch Blue power tools with ease and confidence that they are “Always Power Ready.” There are also further enhancements yet to come. Launching later in 2015, Bosch Blue’s Wireless Charging Technology will give tradies the ability to conveniently charge the new wireless batteries on the go; while driving in between job sites. Watch this space. For more information check out www. bosch-pt.com.au/professional *Excluding GML 18 V-LI Soundboxx ^Comparison of batteries with/without CoolPack cooling technology
SAVE TIME AND MONEY WITH HANG-LOCK COLLAPSIBLESHEDS Onsite secure storage for materials and tools is always a problem. The cost of delivery and hire for a secure onsite shed is always very expensive and the cost of purchasing a suitable secure shed is prohibitive, with ongoing storage and transport problems eliminating any perceived benefit. However, the good news is ‘Hang-Lock’ CollapsibleSheds enables the builder to own your shed and dissemble and relocate the shed as many times as you like. It takes only minutes to erect and dissemble and stores flat requiring very little storage space. The CollapsibleShed is easily transported on a one ton Ute or trailer. There are only seven panels no bolts and no screws, and it takes only minutes to erect using their patented ‘HangLock’ system, which is unique and secure. The sheds come in two sizes: • Full size 2.5m x 1.4m x 1.9m: Two pallet-wide storage • Half size 1.2m x 1.4m x 1.9m: One pallet-wide storage
For more information contact Bob Wissink: Phone: 0428 927 954 Email: bob@collapsiblesheds.com.au Website: www.collapsiblesheds.com.au
Working safely around the Western Power network
Free Information Sessions
When trees or branches come into contact with powerlines, it can cause power failures, bush fires and serious accidents.
Designed to help you and your business to stay safe when working around network assets. Sessions can be tailored to your business and are held at your place of work. Discussion topics can include: • How to plan for works near underground and overhead electricity network assets • Danger zones and clearances • Authorisations / permits • Requests for asset information • High/wide load movements • Case studies • Due diligence and duty of care obligations • What to do in case of an emergency For bookings: communityenquiries@westernpower.com.au
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