6 minute read
A message from the Member Services Director
A MESSAGE FROM MEMBER SERVICES DIRECTOR, ASHLEE BERRY
The MBA ACT Membership Team is Continuing to Adapt to Member’s Needs
As I reflected in Canberra Builder earlier this year, the start of 2020 was intense, tragic and traumatic for most Canberrans and Australians. The Member Services team at Master Builders ACT recognises that the last few months have been incredibly difficult for our members for a variety of reasons: whether it be the catastrophic collapse of builders that put immense pressure on the cash-flow of our subcontractors or the increase in red tape and regulation – and this is on top of a global pandemic!
The reason that Master Builders ACT exists is to provide services to our members. This includes not only the traditional industrial relations and work health and safety advice, but also a broad range of training in both short courses and of apprentices, as well as being a trusted advocate at both a territory and federal government level. This year, a jam-packed year of face to face events was planned, including our very first International Women’s Day Lunch in March and more workshops had been scheduled than we had ever delivered before. Instead, and with incredible support from a number of our members, we have been able to release a schedule of Member Workshops in our “Survive & Thrive Series” that have been held virtually throughout May and June.
Member Workshops on upcoming changes to the On-Site Award, managing your own mental health and that of your team, preparing for the end of financial year and learning how to manage your cash-flow and business during an economic crisis are in the planning stages. I encourage you to get in contact with us if there are specific topics you would like to learn more about. We will also continue to hold our sector meetings virtually for the foreseeable future. I would like to encourage all our members to attend, as these are a great opportunity to hear about what the MBA has been doing, what policy announcements may be coming, and provide a unique platform for you to give us direct feedback about what keeps you awake at night. You can register for the upcoming sector meetings via our website here.
I encourage all our members to reach out and utilise the services we offer – whether it be industrial relations advice, work health and safety guidance, training courses as well as vehicle and other special discounts. As the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic continues to be felt over the next few months, it is more important than ever that you get in contact if you need assistance. Please don’t hesitate to provide us with feedback directly about what you need in order to continue to thrive in your business.
Membership renewals have been sent out and we hope that you have found a tremendous amount of value in being a member of the MBA. Over the next 12 months we will continue to provide outstanding service through our training, IR advice, WHS advice, advocacy efforts and events.
To find out more about renewing your membership, please contact our MBA ACT Membership Manager Kalli Leister at kleister@mba.org.au or on (02) 6175 5900.
With Cbus, you’re not alone
Cbus is focused on the needs of our members and employers.
We know that across the country people are feeling anxious, particularly when it comes to finances.
We encourage you to visit cbussuper.com.au and search ‘COVID 19’ for regular updates and information.
Contact Tim for your business super needs
Tim Waterson –Business Development Manager, ACT
This information is about Cbus. It doesn’t take into account your specific needs, so you should look at your own financial position, objectives and requirements before making any financial decisions. Read the relevant Cbus Product Disclosure Statement and related documents to decide whether Cbus is right for you. Call 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
COVID-19 has had a dramatic economic impact in Australia and globally which will take years to recover from.
It’s acknowledged the construction industry will play a leading role in Australia’s economic recovery.
And it’s Cbus, the $52 billion super fund representing the construction industry, which’ll contribute to this recovery at many points along the way.
The fund sees opportunities in keeping current projects going and ensuring a decent pipeline of work over the next few years.
Cbus believes its investments are likely to contribute to the creation of around 100,000 Australian jobs through this recovery.
INVESTING IN THE RECOVERY
Cbus has a strong history of job creation through Cbus Property*. We will focus on more than just large-scale property projects to achieve a similar number of jobs through the recovery.
The fund will play a leading role in industry and government forums, identifying ways the super industry can assist in the recovery. Through a close relationship with sponsoring organisations, such as the MBA, Cbus will use industry insights to help prioritise ‘shovel ready’ and future projects.
Cbus can invest capital in different ways to contribute to job creation, including:
Direct debt and corporate opportunities
Looking for direct investments in recapitalisation opportunities with Australian listed companies and direct lending.
Cbus is already a provider of debt facilities for smaller to medium tier construction projects, offering more flexible time horizons than traditional bank financing. In this space Cbus may also consider opportunities that provide funding for social and affordable housing. We support MBA’s leadership in advocating for an affordable housing stimulus package to drive new residential construction which will help sustain the wider building industry and create jobs.
New developments
Cbus Property recently announced an anchor tenant for its Pirie Street development that’s about to commence in Adelaide and will create 2,000 jobs. Cbus will continue to provide capital towards Cbus Property’s pipeline of highly sustainable, quality developments across Australia.
In our infrastructure portfolio, we’re investing in the construction of the 180MW Warradarge Wind Farm in WA through Bright Energy Investments. This project will create 200 jobs.
Expansion of existing assets
An effective way to increase the value of existing assets is to upgrade existing facilities or undertake further development.
Many of Cbus’ infrastructure assets have future development pipelines in their business plans and the fund will provide capital towards these when they’re approved as priority projects.
CBUS CONTRIBUTES TO A STRONGER ECONOMY
Cbus builds members’ retirement savings while also creating jobs in the industry and as a result provides decent work. This all contributes to the recovery and a stronger economy.
* Cbus Property Pty Ltd is a wholly-owned subsidiary of United Super Pty Ltd and has responsibility for the development and management of Cbus’ direct property investments.
This information is about Cbus and figures are correct as at 5 May 2020. It does not take into account your specific needs. You should look at your own financial position, objectives and requirements before making any financial decisions. Read the relevant Cbus Product Disclosure Statement to decide if Cbus is right for you. Call 1300 361 784 or visit cbussuper.com.au for a copy.
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