Business

HAVE YOUR SAY ON BUILDING REFORMS

The NSW Government is seeking industry and community input on proposed changes to building sector legislation to better protect consumers, support businesses and their workers and to restore confdence in the NSW construction industry.

NSW Fair Trading Commissioner, Natasha Mann, said the NSW Government is conducting public consultations focusing on ensuring compliant design and building work in shared accommodation and residential care facilities, and enhancing fre safety measures across all buildings.

“The feedback here will refne proposals to improve building regulatory standards across the State that have been co-designed through our ongoing engagement with key industry and community stakeholders,” Ms Mann said.

“A second consultation will propose comprehensive reforms to the NSW building regulatory framework, including enhanced consumer protections and changes to strata.

“We want those who work in the industry and members of the community to help us to improve rules around the design, construction, certifcation, and ongoing safety of NSW buildings.

“We will also be seeking feedback in relation to building products and ft-for-purpose regulatory framework for prefabricated building work.

“The consultation will also seek comment on expanded compliance and enforcement powers, clear licensing rules across the industry, upskilling industry practitioners and securing payments for those doing building work.

“Whether you work in the building industry as a tradie, designer, supplier, or if you’re building or renovating your home, if you have an opinion on the building industry in NSW - we want to hear from you,” Ms Mann said.

To have your say on more compliant and fre-safe buildings, visit: www.haveyoursay.nsw. gov.au/more-compliantand-fre-safe-buildings

The consultation is open until Friday 7 October 2022.

Invercauld House, Goonellabah on Friday 16 September GETTING DOWN TO BUSINESS – WITH MARK BOURIS

A business lunch event being hosted at Invercauld House, Goonellabah on Friday 16 September will have well known entrepreneur Mark Bouris as the guest speaker. Mark will also lead a conversation with Trip a Deal CoFounder, and Northern Rivers local, Norm Black along with other regional business leaders on bouncing back and moving forward.

“Business leaders are looking for ideas and insights that can help them to reshape their businesses and strengthen what they are taking to market with a future focused vision”, says event organiser and Regional Director Business NSW, Jane Laverty.

“Mark Bouris has a knack for getting to the heart of an issue and the passion and tenacity to generate solutions alongside those he works with. We are really excited to have someone of Mark’s calibre join us and share his knowledge.

“Norm Black who lives locally and is the co-founder of one of Australia’s fastest growing companies, Trip A Deal, will also be joining Mark and taking us through the ups and downs of an industry that was literally grounded and how they have turned this around.

“It’s going to be a big conversation with our regional business leaders at a time when they have had everything thrown at them and I can’t think of anyone better than Mark for our businesses to tap into right now”. Said Jane Laverty.

Mark Bouris, Executive Chairman of the publicly-listed Yellow Brick Road Group, has built a reputation as a fnance specialist in the top echelon of corporate life and has always been willing to share his boardroom of knowledge with everyday Australians. In 2019, he did a three-city speaking tour which brought together over 9,000 small business owners and entrepreneurs keen to hear his advice. He is also the host of The Mentor Podcast which has attracted fve million downloads.

“I can’t wait to share our experiences, especially around the challenges both Norm and I have been faced with and give our audience a chance to share and ask questions.” Said Mark Bouris.

“We are delighted to have Mark in the Northern Rivers, sitting down with our business leaders and taking the opportunity to enjoy a lunch together and be part of the conversation.” Said Jane Laverty. Tickets can be booked through Sticky Tickets www. stickytickets.com. au/6j0co (or search Sticky Tickets, Getting down to business with Mark Bouris or text Jane Laverty on 0419260220 and an event link will be sent to you.)

Mark Bouris

NEW TRIAL TO ENCOURAGE MORE WOMEN TO ENTER CONSTRUCTION

An Australian-frst Culture Standard will be piloted at NSW construction sites to improve facilities, working conditions and boost the number of women in construction.

New ways of working will be tested at the new Wentworth Point High School and Mulgoa Road upgrade stage 1 construction sites to address cultural issues that can lead to poor mental health, high rates of family breakdown and a lack of diversity in the industry.

NSW Treasurer Matt Kean said piloting the Culture Standard is an additional measure to the $20.2 million funding allocation in this years’ budget, to attract more women into the construction industry.

“With a recordbreaking $112.7 billion infrastructure pipeline, it’s critical that we are doing everything we can to make our worksites work for everyone,” Mr Kean said.

“The NSW Government is committed to trialing new ways of doing things to boost productivity and secure brighter futures for the 369,500 construction workers across NSW.”

Minister for Infrastructure Rob Stokes said the pilot was focused on improving wellbeing and work-life balance, boosting construction effciency and productivity all without impacting project timeframes.

“Construction sites will be happier, healthier and more productive places to work when there is better work-life balance and diversity, and more access to wellbeing and mental health support,” Mr Stokes said.

“The industry has one of the worst gender pay gaps in the country at around 30 per cent so we’re going to trial the publication of that data so we can work towards women being fairly paid for their equal contribution.”

Minister for Metropolitan Roads Natalie Ward said this is the frst of many initiatives aimed at boosting the number of women in construction to 15 per cent by 2030.

“The sad reality is that women on construction sites can be subject to sexist slurs, offensive graffti and second-rate amenities that don’t accommodate their needs, including a lack of sanitary bins or private spaces,” Mrs Ward said.

“The Culture Standard sets out a basic roadmap to making sites more inclusive because when sites work better for women, they work better for everyone.

“We also know another key barrier is construction work is typically a six day, 50 plus hour a week job, which is why this program will seek to improve fexible working conditions for women who are juggling family commitments.”

The program is led by the Construction Industry Culture Taskforce - a collaboration between the NSW and Victorian governments, the Australian Constructors Association and industry leaders. The pilots will include measures such as:  No offensive material on site  Ensuring appropriate amenities are provided, including toilets for women, sanitary bins and safe changerooms  Identifying and disclosing of gender pay gaps across roles, as well as implementing plans to reduce gender pay gaps • Providing mental health frst aiders on site • Setting clear targets for the appointment of women • A Monday to

Friday working program, or when this is not viable ensure all workers are working a 5 in 7 program to give workers adequate rest and recovery time.

Outcomes of the pilot will bolster research and the contemporary evidence base of how to best generate cultural change on site and across the construction sector.

The NSW Government involvement in the program is being led by Infrastructure NSW and will support its ongoing collaboration with industry, construction frms, sub-contractors, and trade unions to make the construction sector a more inclusive workplace for everyone.