Motor Trader magazine, June 2016

JUNE 2016

THE THUNDER FROM DOWN UNDER

MICK DOOHAN

LEGEND OF THE TRACK

OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE MOTOR TRADES ASSOCIATION OF QUEENSLAND

MEMBERS CLASSIC: 1978 FORD XC COBRA

The benchmark of industry standards.

Contents Official Publication of the Motor Trades Association of Queensland

Follow us on Facebook www.facebook.com/MTAQueensland

HEAD OFFICE Building 8, 2728 Logan Road, Eight Mile Plains, Qld 4113 P.O. Box 4530, Eight Mile Plains, Qld 4113 Tel: 07 3237 8777 Fax: 07 3844 4488 Toll Free: 1800 177 951 Email: publications@mtaq.com.au Website: www.mtaq.com.au EDITOR Jonathan Nash ART DIRECTOR Marco Ilinic INDUSTRIAL RELATIONS Ted Kowalski Paul Murray POLICY Kellie Dewar, General Manager MTA Queensland ADVERTISING ENQUIRIES Barry Browne 03 9807 9154 Email: barry@barrybrownemedia.com.au EDITORIAL Editorial submissions are welcomed but cannot be guaranteed placement.

For more information telephone the Editor 07 3237 8777 SUBSCRIPTION RATES (including GST) Australia: $72.60 annually Overseas: $110 annually

16 16 19

16 10 10

MOTOR TRADER PUBLISHING POLICY Motor Trader is the official publication of the Motor Trades Association of Queensland.

The role of Motor Trader is to inform members of current issues and legislation affecting the industry. As such it can be regarded as the business magazine for the Queensland motor industry. The role of Motor Trader is not to be in competition with the technical magazines already on the market. It will advise of new vehicles being released and of the latest technology incorporated into them; it will advise of latest technology affecting members in each of the MTA Queensland Divisions; it will keep members abreast of the latest in motor industry training and industrial affairs; and it will keep members informed of the latest technical aids available through MTA Queensland Member Services, which will assist members in staying ahead of the technological revolution presently being encountered within the motor industry.

The publisher reserves the right to omit or alter any advertisement and the advertiser agrees to indemnify the publisher for all damages or liabilities arising from the published material.

30

10

MTA QUEENSLAND ABN: 74 028 933 848

02 From the editor

CORPORATE PARTNERS

30

04 From the desk of the CEO 05 Policy/Viewpoint 06 GM's Professional Circle perspective 08 MTA Q&A

ADVANCED WINDSCREENS AND SERVICE CENTRE: LOUIS GREYVENSTEYN

20160377

Feature 10 THE THUNDER FROM DOWN UNDER: MICK DOOHAN 16 Members Classic KING COBRA: 1978 FORD XC COBRA

MEMBERS ESSENTIALS 19 Training GM's Professional Circle perspective 21 Professional Circle training 24 Members matters 27 Member profiles 28 Industrial relations 30 The hit list ICONIC MOTORCYCLES 33 Industry insight

HOW MANAGING HR CAN POSITIVELY IMPACT PROFIT June 2016 Motor Trader | 1

From the editor

JONATHAN NASH EDITOR

H

SAVE THE DATE

ELLO AND WELCOME to the June 2016 edition of Motor Trader.

In our main feature this month we catch up with arguably the greatest motorcycle racer of all time, Queensland's Mick Doohan.

To say Doohan's racing career was extraordinary is something of an understatement. After recording his first road race in 1984 at Surfers Paradise it would take only ten years for him to conquer tracks across the world and pick up his first 500cc World Championhip title in 1994.

What followed made Doohan a real legend of the track. He would defend his title in 1995, won again in '96, and would dominate the '97 and '98 seasons as well (in 1997, he won a record 12 of the 15 races). Those five world titles confirmed Doohan as the greatest rider of his generation and perhaps of all time.

Today, Doohan is a successful

businessman, but he keeps a close eye on MotoGP and motor racing in general, and is Chairman of Karting Australia. Karting plays something of a big role in Doohan's life currently.

His 13-year-old son Jack is an outstanding prospect in the sport having already picked up a national title in the KA Junior category in 2015.

A fascinating individual, Doohan has some interesting insights into the current state of motor racing and MotoGP. Read more on pages 10-13.

In our MTA Q&A feature this month we talk to Louis Greyvensteyn from Advanced Windscreens and Service Centre in Proserpine. Originally from Zimbabwe, Louis, and his wife Lee, settled in the small north Queensland town in 2003 and bought the Advanced Windscreens business in 2009. Having expanded the company's services to include mechanical servicing, all was going well until a devastating fire destroyed their premises in early 2014.

Thanks to plenty of hard work, and plenty of support from the Prosperine community, Louis and Lee were back in business, in a new and improved facility, by the end of 2014. It's a fascinating story and you can read more on pages 8 and 9.

In our Member's Classic feature this month, we catch up with Marisa and Max Carpenter to chat about Marisa's incredible Falcon XC Cobra.

One of only 400 of these brilliant Australian muscle cars, Marisa's Cobra is a wonderful machine to look at and is just as wonderful to listen to as its 4.9-litre V8 rumbles into life. A true

THE ANNUAL PRESIDENT’S BALL IS THE HIGHLIGHT ON THE AUTOMOTIVE INDUSTRY’S SOCIAL CALENDAR. THIS PRESTIGIOUS BLACK-TIE event will be marketed to all MTA Queensland members, clients and stakeholders and is expected to sell out.

The evening will feature dinner, entertainment and dancing and will include an awards ceremony recognising the best and brightest trainees and apprentices at the MTA Institute.

Date: Saturday 19th November 2016 Time: 6:30pm - 11pm Venue: Hilton Brisbane

2 | Motor Trader June 2016

classic, you can check out the pics of Cobra number 339 on pages 16 and 17.

In Professional Circle training news this month, we have news of a rare Tesla Roadster Sport taking up residence at the MTAQ head office.

Owned by Tony Bonanno - who has been involved with the MTAQ for many years - the Tesla is currently hamstrung by a fault in its battery and is being used as a training tool for members of the MTA Institute's Advanced Hybrid Electric Vehicle course. It's a rare opportunity to work on a vehicle that's at the cutting edge of tehcnology.

Read more on page 23.

Also in this edition of Motor Trader, we have a summary of the federal budget and how it may affect your business, industrial relations news, business advice focusing on human resources and, in our Hit List this edition, we change our focus from four wheels to two as we take a look at some of history's most iconic motorcycles.

As always, we will endeavour to bring you news and insight into the industry, information on the latest training opportunities, and highlight members’ interests. If you have a story worth telling, want to appear in Member Profiles, or have a classic car, bike or truck you would like to see featured, then please contact me.

Cheers, Jonathan Nash jonathann@mtaq.com.au

Make buying parts easier.

Join over 16,000 Members and get your share of the benefits.

Consolidated monthly billing, instant credit, access to many preferred suppliers and an exclusive reward program, all via the Capricorn Account. We offer an easier way to buy parts plus a broad range of services.

Find out how Capricorn can help you.

1800 560 554 | join@capricorn.coop | www.capricorn.coop For the best interests of our members

Shares are issued by Capricorn Society Limited (ACN 008 347 313). No offer of shares is made in this advertisement. An offer of shares will only made in, or accompanied by, Capricorn’s Prospectus and any supplementary prospectus which is available on request or may be viewed at www.capricorn.coop under “Corporate Documents.” Before making any decision to apply for shares you should consider the Prospectus and any supplementary prospectus. Any application for shares must be made on the application form in or accompanying the Prospectus.

From the desk of the CEO

The Commissioner of Taxation has provided a public ruling for the LCT threshold and the fuel efficient car limit for the 2016-17 financial year.

The LCT for the coming financial year is $64,132 whilst the fuel-efficient car limit is $75,526.

The MTAQ has consistently advocated the LCT be abolished. It is inequitable and discriminates against the automotive industry compared with other ‘luxury’ goods. In the words of the former Secretary to the Treasury Dr Ken Henry at the 2010 Tax Forum, ‘it is truly absurd.’ We agree.

lower inflation rate was a surprise.

The RBB minutes reveal the decision was weighed between adjusting the policy immediately or awaiting further information before acting. The RBB was persuaded that ‘prospect for sustainable growth . . . would be improved’ with the immediate action to lower the cash rate.

The recently released ANZ Roy Morgan Consumer Confidence Research indicated that, over the past four weeks, consumer confidence was increasing and above the long run average. Contributing factors included optimism around household finances, probably reflecting the RRB’s cut in the cash rate, and the Australian Bureau of Statistics Labour Force report which showed the unemployment rate steady at 5.7 per cent (seasonally adjusted) the lowest since September 2013.

On the other hand, consumer confidence in the economy was less optimistic for the next 12 months.

An interesting observation from the analysis was that, at this point of time, the election had not dampened consumer confidence despite the fact the polls remain close.

The outlook for economic activity is gloomy. The Westpac-Melbourne Institute Leading Index has been in ‘negative territory for the last 12 months and continues to point to below trend growth in the economy throughout 2016.’ Critical for the economy will be the election result with Australians having to choose from two different policy settings - the Coalition parties with an economic agenda for growth and productivity and the Australian Labor Party with a ‘putting people first’ agenda with significant investments that include education and health. In this long election campaign it is important when casting a vote to be informed on the different policies that drive the economy forward.

ECONOMY

NEW MOTOR VEHICLE SALES

The Reserve Bank Board’s (RBB) decision to cut the cash rate by 0.25 percentage points to the historic low of 1.75 per cent due to the unexpected

The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) reveal that new motor vehicle sales plummeted in April 2016 compared with the previous

SCAMS

BRETT DALE CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER MTA QUEENSLAND

I

T IS A great pleasure and a true honour to return to the Motor Trades Association of Queensland as Chief Executive Officer.

One of the tasks that the MTAQ Board has entrusted to me as CEO is to implement its 2016-18 Strategic Plan. This, coupled with the Objects of the MTA Queensland, will be my ‘light on the hill’ - the parameters within which I will work with the MTAQ team to achieve the outcomes for the Board and members.

I appreciate the warmth of the welcome from staff and members, and the friendly operational environment from which to work. Looking into the future, there will be challenges. Fast changing technology and innovations are pervasive, requiring us to be ‘nimble’ with our policies and strategic actions to ensure long-term relevancy in service delivery and as an advocate to all levels of Government.

INDUSTRY Members are alerted to an increase in imports of counterfeit and pirated goods that includes fake car parts from Asia. The escalation in the trade in non-genuine parts means members of our Auto Collision Alliance must be vigilant. Investigations by the Australian Department of Immigration and Border Protection over the past two years resulted in more than 6000 items being seized with an estimated value in excess of $550,000. The seized items were branded Ford, Holden and Toyota among many others.

4 | Motor Trader June 2016

As I prepare this From the CEO’s Desk, it is ‘National Consumer Fraud Week’. To coincide with it, the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) released its Targeting Scams Report. ‘Scamming’, it appears, is emerging as a business and is one that genuine businesses must guard against. The ACCC reported that in 2015, Australians lost more than $229 million to scams.

This comprised $85 million reported lost to the ACCC's Scamwatch with 105,200 scam complaints; reports to the Australian Cybercrime Online Reporting Networking revealed losses of more than $127 million from 25,600 complaints, while unreported scam activity was estimated at $17.1 million.

In addition, Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand have advised that tax systems across the world are being targeted by sophisticated tax scammers. It is vital that there be vigilance. Increasingly, both citizens and enterprises are being asked to deal with government or undertake business transactions online, and it appears critical that there be on-going improvement in the methods of identity authentication.

LUXURY CAR TAX (LCT)

month and with the same month in 2015. The ABS data (seasonally adjusted) indicated there were 18,843 new motor vehicle sales across Queensland - a decrease of 1,568 or -7.7 per cent compared with March 2016. The decline was the highest of all Australian jurisdictions and almost three times the national decline.

Compared with April 2015, the decrease was 720 or -3.7 per cent when there were 19,563 new motor vehicle sales. Nationally an increase of +2.4 per cent was recorded.

The respected VFacts data is more upbeat. In April 2016, new motor vehicle sales were 17,753 which, when compared with April 2015 resulted in an improvement of 418 or +5.4 per cent in new motor vehicle sales. On a national basis, there was an increase of +7.2 per cent. On a year-to-date basis, 75,127 new vehicles were sold, an increase of 511 +0.7 per cent for the same period 2015. Nationally there

was a rise of +3.8 per cent.

According to VFacts analysis, sales of passenger cars, SUV and commercial vehicles across Australia reached a new April record of 87,571, up 2.9 per cent.

The small passenger sector (up 6.9 per cent) and medium passenger sector (up 6.8 per cent) were both busy parts of the market at the expense of large cars (down 6.2 per cent) and upper large (down 23.2 per cent).

Business purchases of motor vehicles in April 2016 were strong, with passenger vehicles up 15.6 per cent, SUVs up 15.2 per cent and light commercials up 32.6 per cent compared with April 2015. The measures announced in the Federal Budget will encourage business purchases of new motor vehicles.

The Queensland Government has indicated that from July 1, motor vehicle registration, including licence fees, will rise by 3.5 per cent, twice

the CPI of 1.7 per cent. The cost of registering a four-cylinder vehicle will increase from $340.40 to $352.30; a five or six-cylinder vehicle will increase to $527.30 and a seven or eight-cylinder vehicle will rise to $717.50. The cost of a five-year licence will go from $159.40 to $165.00. In addition, incorporated into the Compulsory Third Party premium from July 1 will be $32 per vehicle per year for the national injury insurance scheme.

AT THE END I haven’t asked General Manager Kellie Dewar yet, but I would like to ‘tag along’ to the regional meetings.

I would very much like to be there to meet, listen and interact with members so that I too have an understanding of the local and regional issues.

Until July, execute ideas with enthusiasm as it is the bottom of all progress.

Policy/Viewpoint

KELLIE DEWAR GENERAL MANAGER MTA QUEENSLAND

A

DVOCACY HAS BEEN my main preoccupation, in between the routine matters and Member’s issues that arise. One such matter is the revised MTAQ Strategic Plan. It initiates a new outlook for the MTAQ and a holistic Corporate Office approach to its policies, procedures and processes.

The revised Strategic Plan is an initiative of the MTAQ Board, and our new Chief Executive Officer Dr Brett Dale is overseeing its finalisation and implementation. The Vision sets the

pathway forward - ‘to be Queensland’s most influential, desired and respected industry peak body.’

There are six goals enshrined in the plan. These are that the MTAQ will: • build a reputation that is recognised for excellence • provide outstanding support and services to our members • grow our brand through marketing and communications • provide world class skilling and workforce solutions • Lead growth and remain agile • promote and lead creativity and innovation Each goal is underpinned by the associated strategic actions that align with key performance indicators to be delivered by each of the MTAQ Officers. For Membership Services, this has required a thorough examination of every element of service delivery so that we meet the goals of the Vision and, importantly, members’ expectations.

The team in Membership Services welcome Dr Dale and look forward to working with him on delivering the Strategic Plan, and all other matters, in the best interests of members.

ADVOCACY In previous Viewpoints I’ve emphasised that we have an excellent consultative dialogue with the Office of Fair Trading. Likewise, it has been my objective to improve our stakeholder engagements with the key Department of Transport and Main Roads (DTMR) divisions on matters relevant to members. To be fair, I’ve had a sound working relationship with the Director General’s Office but it is in members’ interest that that we consult and discuss policy issues either in the development phase, or other matters that concern members directly, with Departmental Officers.

Together with Paul Peterson, the Chair of the Motorcycle Industry Division, I met DTMR officers in May. The agenda was full to the extent that another meeting has been scheduled.

At the outset, we used the meeting as an opportunity to highlight low stakeholder engagement as an issue. We stressed policy or issue confusion could be avoided through collaboration and the sharing of information with MTA Queensland.

The key issues discussed included June 2016 Motor Trader | 5

Policy/Viewpoint modifications to vehicles with Electronic Stability Control (ESC) and Brake Testing for Motorcycles for Approved Inspection Stations (AIS).

Confirmation was sought on tyre and suspension modification to vehicles fitted with ESC so that these could be done without certification. The outcome of our discussion will be issued as a bulletin to members.

We advised DTMR Officers we would be positive about participating in Industry forums where issues such as ESC and Brake Testing for Motorcycles for AIS would normally be discussed - which had not occurred over the previous twelve months.

An issue of long standing for specific members is safety inspection fees. We have consistently advocated the deregulation of fees for safety inspections in Queensland to ensure vehicle checks are comprehensive and that a one-size fits all approach does not encourage safety shortcuts.

It appears this will not happen any time soon. The current regulated fee to purchase a safety certificate e.g. for a motor vehicle up to 4,500 kg GVM is $74.75. This is inadequate compensation for a comprehensive check that typically takes more than one hour. Typical rates for mechanical repairs are now around $100 per hour.

The Minister for Energy, Biofuels and Water Supply the Hon Mark Bailey, in a follow-up letter on the Fuel Price Summit, advised that the the ACCC had taken the summit’s views into account and decided to conduct a petrol market study in Cairns. In addition, the Minister updated us on recent developments with the

Biofuels Mandate, advising that a consumer awarness campaign has been developed. We will be attending a presentation at the end of May. Congratulatory letters were written to the new Queensland Opposition - comprising Mr Tim Nicholls and M/s Frecklington and the Shadow Ministers with responsibilities in which we are stakeholders.

SUBMISSIONS The major task has been to finalise the response to the Australian Consumer Law Review Issues Paper March 2016. From MTAQ’s perspective, it dealt with five consumer protection issues of importance to the automotive value chain: Raising awareness of the ACL, Equity, Lemon Laws, Intellectual Property, and Online purchasing. It is on the website for you to peruse. In addition, the pre-budget views of the Membership were forwarded to the State Treasurer Hon Curtis Pitt for consideration in the preparation of the 2016-17 State Budget.

Pending are a steady schedule of submissions to be completed which I will mention in July’s Viewpoint.

VISITS The customer relationship program is still on the agenda and I am liaising with both District Representatives and our Corporate Partners on a timetable for visits.

SURVEY I’m following through on the undertaking to share some of the

findings from the January 2016 Survey.

My intention in following Viewpoints is to provide members with a brief overview of the collated responses from lapsed members, non members, non-member clients and members.

Looking at the profile of members, the age distribution was 2 per cent were under 25 years, 8 per cent between 25-34 years, 20 per cent between 35-44 years, and 35 per cent for both the 45-54 and 55+ age groupings. Encouragingly, 36 per cent of responses were from women active in the motor trades.

The majority of members are small business operators with 39 per cent employing up to 5 employees; 30 per cent employing between 6-11 employees; 16 per cent employing between 12-24 employees; 9 per cent employing between 25-74 employees; 2 per cent employing between 75 -99 employees; and 4 per cent employing 100+ employees.

The predominant segment of the auto industry were mechanical engineers at 32 per cent; collision repair at 16 per cent; service station and convenience store operators at 8 per cent; new car dealer and tyre and undercar businesses at 7 per cent each; engine re-conditioners at 6 per cent; automotive electrical service businesses at 6 per cent, motorcycle dealers at 5 per cent; used car dealers at 4 per cent; farm and industrial machinery dealers at 3 per cent; heavy vehicle at 2 per cent; auto parts recycler at 2 per cent; and car rentals and towing operators at 1 per cent each.

More information will be given in July’s Viewpoint.

As always, take care and stay safe.

GM's Professional Circle perspective

I

T IS MEMBERSHIP renewal time and, for the first time, renewals are being distributed through our new Customer Relationship Management (CRM) system.

Your renewal is in your Inbox and ensures inclusion in the MTAQ Professional Circle, meaning you receive all the benefits of membership and the marketing advantage it offers from the perspective of the consumer.

6 | Motor Trader June 2016

I know much is happening and you have many matters competing for your attention so I take this opportunity to bring it to your focus and also ask for any feedback regarding the CRM process.

A strong MTAQ is vital to the health of our industry. The Association has been representing your interests successfully for more than 80 years and has been able to do so through

the support of members like you – the Queensland automotive industry’s business owners, innovators and entrepreneurs.

It’s an exciting time to be a part of the motor trades, and the MTAQ, with your support, will continue to play a critical role in shaping the automotive industry for the benefit of all.

MTAQ is pleased to announce that nominations are now open for the Innovation Award and the Community Award - to be presented at this year’s President’s Ball on November 19.

These awards have been created to recognise the business creativity of MTAQ members and their involvement within the communities they serve.

From business methods that benefit the environment or improve productivity, to relationships with local communities through charitable works, the award judges - including MTA Queensland Chairman David Fraser and the Executive team - want to look at any and all initiatives.

Representatives of the winning businesses are

required to attend the event and will, if needed, be flown to Brisbane and provided accommodation at the Hilton Brisbane. But staying at the Hilton is not the only reward. Recipients will also receive a trophy, a $1500 travel voucher and exposure through MTAQ’s website, social media presence and Motor Trader magazine. So get involved and nominate either your own business or the business of another member who you think has excelled in either of these areas.

Let us know, via email and in 500 words or less, which business has been nominated, why they have been nominated and include either photographic or documentary evidence to support the nomination, and away we go!

INNOVATION AWARD We often think of innovation in terms of technology, but innovation comes in many forms. From engaging employees with unique incentive programs to methodologies that streamline workflows and increase production; from waste management to quality control; from new product lines to changes to old ones; from customer service programs to unique building, planning and environmental projects.

‘Innovation’ can cover any improvement or adjustment to your business.

COMMUNITY AWARD MTA Queensland knows many members are involved with their community beyond the boundary of their business - be it via charitable works, fundraising, volunteering or direct work in the community.

The Community Award recognises a member business which has identified how important their role can be within the community they serve and which has responded with projects, programs and initiatives reflecting that importance.

The nomination process is open now and closes at Noon on Monday, October 31

The winners will be notified by Friday, November 4

Email your nomination to info@mtaq.com.au

WINNERS RECEIVE Return flights to Brisbane A night at the Hilton Brisbane Free entry to The President’s Ball $1,500 travel voucher

2015 WINNER

Steve Hayes accepted the award on behalf of Chip Tyre

Awarded to Chip Tyre. The company is involved in the recycling of end-of-life tyres, breaking down the tyres to create rubber crumb that can be used in a wide range of applications, from tile adhesive glue to children’s playground matting. Using equipment that is capable of shredding 25 tonnes of tyres per hour, Chip Tyre is the only producer of rubber crumb in Queensland, processing in excess of 2000 tonnes per month.

2015 WINNER

Bruce Keown accepted the award on behalf of the Bruce Lynton Automotive Group

Presented to the Bruce Lynton Automotive Group, recognising the generous and ongoing support from the Group to a wide range of charities and community initiatives. Included amongst the charities the Group supports are 4 ASD Kids (a charity founded by Chloe and Mat Rogers, which focuses on caring for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)), Guide Dogs Queensland and Cancer Council Queensland.

20140186

IT’S TIME TO NOMINATE FOR THE MTAQ AWARDS

MTA

QA &

What products and services does Advanced Windscreen and Service Centre provide?

Lee and Louis Greyvensteyn The new premises for Advanced Windscreens and Service Centre

LG: We started off with windscreen fitment and replacement, and repair of windscreens and auto glass.

Subsequently, we added tinting as a service and we now do window tinting for the automotive industry as well as commercial and domestic buildings.

Glass tinting for buildings was a natural extension of our auto service and it has worked out well for us.

We have also had a couple of contracts to install safety film on glass at schools to protect them during cyclone season.

Also, within six months of starting up, we installed a hoist and other equipment to establish our service department.

Who are your customers?

LG: We provide our range of services to private individuals and to businesses for company vehicles, fleet vehicles and so on. We are almost a one-stop shop.

Our motto is ‘Great service.

Great price.’ And we do offer great service - it’s why we get so many referrals. We go out of our way to accommodate our customers’ needs.

What’s your background?

The fire in February 2014 totally destroyed the business premises Advanced Windscreens and Service Centre before the fire

LG: I am from Zimbabwe, which was once known as Rhodesia.

The changeover to Zimbabwe happened just as I was leaving school at 17 and there was a bit of turmoil there at the time. So I left for Johannesburg in South Africa and found an apprenticeship with a Toyota dealership. I did my apprenticeship with them and eventually went into the managerial side of things. I did

In 2003, Louis and Lee Greyvensteyn moved from a tense and sometimes violent Zimbabwe to the calm surrounds of Proserpine in Queensland’s north. Having bought the ‘Advanced Windscreens’ business a few years later, they converted the autoglass repair business into a one-stop shop offering windscreen repair, tinting and mechanical servicing. After suffering a catastrophic fire in 2014, the couple have rebuilt the business and continue to offer great service to their loyal and supportive community. that for a while, got married, had children and went back to Zimbabwe in about 1996. We were doing well but then things turned quite bad again. There was a lot of unrest in the country and I got shot up a few times, hijacked – the normal stuff you might have heard about in Zimbabwe! After that, we’d had enough.

Our friends were moving to Australia and I came along to visit and have a look. We started in Brisbane before working our way up to Townsville. I really liked Proserpine and approached FIlby’s Toyota here saying I was a mechanic looking for work. They offered me a job and so I started the immigration process.

That was in July 2003 and we were here by November 2003.

What’s the background to the business, and why auto glass?

LG: I worked at Filby’s Toyota for about six years, starting as a mechanic and ending up as a foreman. At the time, everyone seemed to be heading off to the mines and making heaps of money but I didn’t want to leave the family so I decided to try something on my own. I came across the Advanced Windscreens business in 2009 and the owner wanted out.

We took over, installed all the equipment we needed – the hoist and so on - and things took off from there.

Once people realised we had opened and what services we provided, things picked up pretty quickly. It was going really really well until 2014!

Tell me about 2014. Your premises were completely destroyed by a fire at the beginning of that year.

LG: It was February and we actually had a cyclone coming past us at the

time - the night of the fire we actually had 5 inches of rain. We were leasing this old servo and the roof started leaking and water got onto the wiring and shorted it all out - that is what started the fire. It took 20 minutes for the whole building to burn down.

The fire was devastating for you personally.

How did you keep the business running?

LG: It was a huge shock to the system.

The fire happened on a Friday night and on the Saturday my wife and I came and sat outside with our employees and had a meeting where we decided to carry on.

We have a mobile unit so we were able to do a couple of jobs on the following Monday, and it only took a couple of days to find alternative premises. It wasn’t particularly suitable but it meant we could get some stock of windscreens and glass and get going again.

So, within a few days we had found another shed, established communications again and we were basically up and running. Two weeks after the fire we were up and running at about 70 per cent.

It was a great effort from everyone.

And the community got behind you too?

LG: They were excellent. The Monday after the fire we were working out of the back of a ute and people were stopping and bringing us coffee, tea and cakes. One couple came in their station wagon and they had laid out sandwiches! The community here is amazing and many people came to give us encouragement to carry on.

How long did it take to get back in the rebuilt premises?

LG: After the fire, the people from whom

we were leasing the property wanted to sell. That sort of forced our hand and we bought it – basically we bought a broken-up block. It felt like it took ages to get back here and working, but we rebuilt and were back in at the beginning of December 2014. I was able to build a new shed exactly how I wanted it and now we have our service area on one side of the shed and our glass side on the other.

How many staff do you have?

LG: I have two staff. Ron Fry is a qualified mechanic and automotive glazier who is my right hand man, and Louis Leo is our full-time tinter and glazier and helps out Lee in the office. My wife Lee is the accountant, bookkeeper, receptionist and customer liaison officer. My role is to do a bit of everything – from vehicle maintenance, fitting windscreens to customer relations . Everyone works together as a team and gets involved in a multi-tasking role!

What are your plans for the business?

LG: At this stage I don’t have plans to expand. We own two sheds on this block and the tenant in the shed next door to us has moved on. We are just deliberating what to do with it.

What do you do with your spare time, if you have any?

LG: I’m working on an HX ute onetonner Kingswood that I have fitted with a 350 Chevy. We’re always busy so I don’t get a chance to work on it too much - it’s a long-term project.

Also, Lee and I have a property outside of town and, whenever we can, we are there fixing things up. Hopefully, one day, we will be able to put a couple of bed and breakfast cabins there.

June 2016 Motor Trader | 9

THE THUNDER FROM DOWN UNDER

10 | Motor Trader June 2016

The Gold Coast’s own Mick Doohan may have won the MotoGP World Championship five times running, but it all could have been so different.

Now, nearly twenty-five years later, the riding star looks back on his career and comments on the current crop of riders and his hope that one day the MotoGP title will be returning to Australia.

“IT WAS GREAT TO BE

RECOGNISED. TO BE INDUCTED IS FANTASTIC – IT’S PART AND PARCEL OF DOING WHAT YOU LOVE FOR SO LONG, REALLY . . . AT THE END OF THE DAY I PREFERRED THE RACING, RATHER THAN THE BEING INDUCTED!” Mick Doohan onstage during the 2015 Laureus World Sports Awards show at the Shanghai Grand Theatre on April 15, 2015

Mick Doohan, in Japanese Grand Prix 1990 by Rikita Wikimedia Commons

I

N 1992, AT the Assen circuit in the Netherlands, Mick Doohan’s glittering MotoGP career was very nearly over before it began. A huge crash left the promising young rider skidding across the track under his bike, breaking his right leg, and further complications in the aftermath of the incident led to him nearly losing his leg altogether.

Doohan’s return to the sport on a modified Honda was the point at which the apparent champion-elect overcame his near-death experience to fill the void left by Giancomo Agostini as MotoGP’s greatest rider.

“I couldn’t use my right ankle after the accident at Assen, and I didn’t have any movement and I couldn’t use the rear brake without it,” explains Doohan, who turned 50 last year.

“I thought about a jet-ski or a quad bike with a thumboperated accelerator. If I could use that as a system of rear braking then I could still use my fingers independently. I went back into the pit after that race and started speaking with the engineers and they managed to adapt that in time for the next race and I was able to get back on the podium.”

From the year of his return, Doohan swiftly moved up to top gear, grabbing five consecutive World Championship titles and a place in the Australian Motorsport Hall of Fame.

Doohan aboard the Rothmans Honda NSR500, 1990

“It was great to be recognised. To be inducted is fantastic – it’s part and parcel of doing what you love for so long, really,” Doohan remarks. But, in a true sign of his laid back attitude, he adds: “At the end of the day I preferred the racing, rather than the being inducted!”

Doohan’s career on the track, though occasionally marred by injury, has put him among the elite of the sport’s history.

He rose to prominence at Honda in the wake of Wayne Gardner’s retirement, only to stay with the team until his retirement nearly a decade later. During this time he competed against some of the most capable riders ever to grace the circuits of MotoGP – men like Alex Criville, Max Biaggi and Kevin Schwantz – before witnessing the rise of the young Italian rider who would go on to beat his own impressive record of five Championship triumphs: Valentino Rossi.

“Rossi’s been around for a long time, and I’m continuously amazed about how he keeps finding the energy and pushing himself as much as he does, and it’s great to see,” says Doohan of his fellow racing legend. “He, Lorenzo and Marquez are the stand-outs at the moment.”

But the spectacle of sport comes with the double-edged sword of sponsorship, and Doohan says he is wary about the impact of business deals on the opportunities being afforded to young riders looking to break into racing.

Indeed, as the sport’s popularity increases globally, bigger money means bigger sponsors while simultaneously limiting young drivers’ chances to compete at the elite level.

“It’s a bit of a shame, to be honest, that there aren’t the numbers of drivers as there were when I was racing,” he says. “Certainly, we’ve got the talent out there; June 2016 Motor Trader | 11

Japanese Motorcycle Grand Prix 1991 by Rikita Wikimedia Commons

we just need to identify it, and then give those guys the opportunities.

I think getting those opportunities, no matter what country you are from, is getting harder. It’s a bit like car racing – you need to find a good backer in terms of sponsorship, and then you’ve got to convince the team that you’re good enough to ride as well, so it is a bit more difficult to break into teams these days.”

Despite this, he remains upbeat – and hopeful that the future champion can emulate himself, and Casey Stoner after him, in bringing the trophy back to Australia.

“The sport is very well-received in places like Italy and Spain – it’s the second favourite sport Doohan leads Kevin Schwantz, Wayne Rainey and John Kocinski at the 1991 Japanese Grand Prix behind football in Spain, I think – so it’s the dream in these countries to get someone competing at the highest levels,” he explains. “The big European companies, the Spanish oil companies, the energy drinks…

I’M HAPPILY RETIRED, THAT’S FOR the market they are in is a bit more appealing. No doubt SURE. I DON’T FEEL LIKE I NEED TO we’ll find somebody though. Australia’s got a good history of it, and the USA is the same at the moment. Back in my BE OUT THERE COMPETING IN ANY era there was a whole bunch of Americans, Australians SHAPE OR FORM ON THE CIRCUIT. and South Africans and now it’s being dominated by the I STILL ENJOY THE SPORT AS MUCH Europeans. Hopefully, Australia will come back around again soon.”

AS I EVER DID, BUT I’M GLAD I’M There’s one future competitor, however, whose potential ON THE OTHER SIDE OF THE FENCE to drive in any motorsport event would be justified by his THESE DAYS. surname alone: Mick’s 13-year-old son, Jack. As one of the greatest MotoGP competitors ever, what does the father make of his son’s apparent desire to follow a career in What of Mick’s own involvement in the sport – is there Formula One? any chance of a competitive return to the track? “I have “I’d prefer him on four wheels to be honest,” laughs no plans to get involved with MotoGP again,” he laughs. the senior Doohan. “As a father, running around on two “I’m happily retired, that’s for sure. I don’t feel like I need to wheels can be a bit daunting. It’s really what he wants to do be out there competing in any shape or form on the circuit. though – he does love his karting at the moment, and I’ll I still enjoy the sport as much as I ever did, but I’m glad I’m support him for sure.” now on the other side of the fence these days.”

It’s not as if Doohan is slacking, however. “I’m currently a board member of the Australian motorsport committee ROSSI’S BEEN AROUND FOR A that promotes MotoGP and F1 in Australia, and I’m the LONG TIME, AND I’M CONTINUOUSLY chairman of Karting Australia, so that’s probably enough for me in terms of motorsport!”

AMAZED ABOUT HOW HE KEEPS One persistent rumour surrounding Doohan’s off-track FINDING THE ENERGY AND PUSHING antics is that of a possible documentary in the works, HIMSELF AS MUCH AS HE DOES, involving Doohan’s long-term friend and occasional lodger, Johnny Depp.

AND IT’S GREAT TO SEE. “He was leasing a property out here while he was doing one of his movies, and then he had the issue with the dogs,” explains Doohan, briefly touching upon Depp’s canine Valentino Rossi at the 2015 MotoGP of Spain confrontation with the Ministry of Agriculture. “But yeah, there is talk of doing a documentary. We don’t know anything like when it would start, but we’re certainly talking about it and I guess at some point in time it will become a reality.”

He continues, “No doubt he’s busy and I’m busy so we’re just trying to work out dates and make a start. A lot of these movie stars and what-not are into their bikes, and the popularity of MotoGP in the last few years has increased.

People are even preferring to watch this over Formula One.” For now, however, Doohan’s more than happy to sit back, enjoy his retirement, and continue to watch the action as it unfolds on the track: “It was a good fight last year,” he smiles, “and I hope we’ll see more of the same.”

“

”

“

Image: Rainer Herhaus / Shutterstock.com

”

Make the most of your MTA Queensland member benefits.

Commonwealth Bank provides MTA Queensland members with a wide range of market leading business banking solutions.

• Competitive rates: If you open a new merchant

• Asset Finance: Equipment, car or technology

• Business insights: With a simple iPad app, Daily IQ

• Commercial finance: Find a product that meets your

facility that settles into a Commonwealth Bank Business Transaction Account, Commonwealth Bank will waive the $10 monthly account fee and give you six months free terminal rental*. powered by CommBiz, you can get valuable free data from Commonwealth Bank issued credit and debit cards. Plus, for new CommBiz customers, the Bank will waive the establishment fee and give you your first two tokens free^.

finance helps you buy equipment or vehicles and offers a customised repayment plan, so you can manage your cash flow and improve your working capital. financial needs, including bank guarantees, flexible loans, business lines of credit, business credit cards and overdraft facilities.

To take advantage of our special rates and fees, please call Sara at MTA Queensland on 07 3237 8777 and start saving today.

Important Information: Offers available to referrals made via MTA Queensland between 31/12/2015 and 30/06/2016. *This offer is applicable to existing and eligible new merchant facilities excluding the Albert EFTPOS device. To maintain the fee waiver, you must retain the required products contained in this offer. (Offer includes settling your merchant facility to your linked Commonwealth Bank Business Transaction Account, with a monthly account maintenance fee of currently $10.) Otherwise the offer may be withdrawn. ^Establishment fee waiver and two free tokens are available to new CommBiz customers only. This offer may be extended beyond the specified end date at the discretion of the Commonwealth Bank. Applications for finance are subject to the Bank’s normal lending criteria. Fees and charges are payable. MTA Queensland may receive a fee from the Commonwealth Bank of Australia for each successful referral. Referral Fees are not payable on referrals from existing relationship managed Commonwealth This June 2016 Bank Motorcustomers.

Trader | 13 has been prepared without considering your objectives, financial situation or needs, so you should consider its appropriateness to your circumstances before you act on it. Terms and conditions are available from commbank.com.au. Commonwealth Bank of Australia ABN 48 123 123 124. Australian credit licence 234945.

News

FEDERAL BUDGET 2016-17: SM T HE 2016 FEDERAL Budget included many changes, some quite substantial, in areas such as tax, superannuation and training to encourage youth employment. Here is a summary of some of those critical elements that will impact on small and medium enterprises and businesses working within the automotive industry.

BUSINESS PACKAGE: TEN-YEAR ENTERPRISE TAX PLAN From July 1 this year, the small business tax rate will be lowered to 27.5 per cent and the turnover threshold for small businesses able to access it will be increased from $2 million to $10 million. This will effect up to 60,000 businesses which employ some 1.5 million Australians.

Including the reduction from 28.5 per cent to 27.5 per cent) for businesses with turnover of less than $2 million, more than 870,000 businesses, employing 3.4 million Australians, will have their tax reduced.

The turnover threshold for access to the lower company tax rate of 27.5 per cent will be increased over four years, from $10 million to $25 million in 2017-18, to $50 million in 2018-19 and $100 million in 2019-20.

The government says that by 2020, more than half of all employees in Australia – around 4.9 million people - will be working at companies paying the lower tax rate of 27.5 per cent.

The unincorporated small business tax discount is to be increased from 5 per cent to 8 per cent and the turnover threshold extended from $2 million to less than $5 million.

From July 1, 2016, access to instant write-off for equipment purchases of up to $20,000 will be extended to businesses with a turnover of less than $10 million. The tax break is due to expire on June 30, 2017.

Phase two of the ten-year 14 | Motor Trader June 2016

enterprise tax plan will extend the lower tax rate of 27.5 per cent to all businesses by continuing to step up the threshold each year until 2023-24.

The Government says the tax rate will then fall to 25 per cent in 2026-27.

TAXATION From July 1, this year, the upper limit for the middle income tax bracket rises from $80,000 to $87,000 per year.

The Government will establish a tax avoidance taskforce of more than 1,000 specialist staff within the ATO to police and ensure companies, multinationals and high wealth individuals pay the correct amount of tax. These measures are expected to raise an additional $3.9 billion in revenue over four years.

The tobacco excise will have four annual 12.5 per cent increases, with the first to take effect on September 1, 2017. The luxury car tax is expected to return $580 million in 2016-17.

SUPERANNUATION From July 1, 2017, access to superannuation tax concessions for the wealthiest will be reduced by: • introducing a transfer balance cap of $1.6 million on amounts moving into the tax-free retirement phase, with balances able to increase above this cap, on account of tax free earnings, once transferred; • extending the 30 per cent tax on concessional contributions to those earning over $250,000; • reducing the annual cap on concessional superannuation

contributions to $25,000; and • establishing a lifetime nonconcessional contributions cap of $500,000.

A Low Income Superannuation Tax Offset from 1 July 2017 will be introduced to ensure that people earning less than $37,000 are not paying more tax on their superannuation than they are on their income. Flexibility and choice in superannuation will be increased to support how people work and save.

INFRASTRUCTURE $50 billion national infrastructure plan • $594 million in additional equity to the Australian Rail Track Corporation for land acquisition and the continuation of pre-construction works and due diligence activities • $2 billion Water Infrastructure Loan Facility for new investment in dams and pipelines across Australia, building on the existing National Water Infrastructure Development Fund and the Northern Australia Infrastructure Facility.

• Funding for 180 other major projects under construction or in the pre-construction stage, including upgrades to the Bruce Highway and Ipswich Motorway.

TRAINING The Government is to introduce an $840 million Youth Employment Package called Young Jobs PaTH (Prepare, Trial, Hire) to assist jobseekers gain new skills and experience that will help them join the workforce.

Commencing in April 2017, young job seekers will be able to undertake comprehensive skills training to prepare them for the workplace. Job seekers will have to register with jobactive - the government body designed to connect employers and

SMES AND THE MOTOR TRADES job seekers – and training will take place within five months of signing up.

In stage two, the Government says it will introduce an internship program with up to 120,000 placements over four years to help young job seekers, who have been in employment services for six months or more, to gain work experience with an operating business.

Job seekers and businesses, with the help of their jobactive providers, will be able to work together to design an internship placement of 4 to 12 weeks’ duration, during which the job seeker will work 15 to 25 hours per week.

Job seekers will receive $200 per fortnight, on top of their regular income support payment, while participating in the 1 to 3-month internship.

Businesses that take on interns will receive an upfront payment of $1,000.

In stage three, Australian employers will be eligible for a Youth Bonus wage subsidy of between $6,500 and $10,000, depending on the young person’s job readiness, while existing wage subsidies - including those for parents, Indigenous, mature age, and the long-term unemployed - will be streamlined, making them easier for employers to access.

From December 1, 2016, eligibility for the New Enterprise Incentive Scheme (NEIS) will be broadened to allow access to self-employment training and mentoring for job seekers who are not in employment, education or training and those not on income support. A total of 8,600 places will be available annually and the NEIS will provide eligible job seekers with small business accredited training,

mentoring and business advice for up to 52 weeks.

Also part of the package aimed at young people is the ‘Exploring Being My Own Boss’ workshop, designed to engage job seekers to explore self employment, and Self Employment Starter Packs aimed at helping young people develop their ideas into successful businesses.

The Government says it will achieve a saving of $247 million over 5 years from 2015-16 by reducing the annual funding available under the Industry Skills Fund. Funding of $206.9 million over five years will continue to be provided to support the training needs of small and medium enterprises which cannot be readily met by the national training system.

Mean, Lean, Green Machine SmartWasher . The Power to Clean Safely TM

Mean Effective heavy duty cleaning, 100% of the time.

The SmartWasher uses Bio Remediation technology and a proprietary blend of micro-organisms to break down oil and grease into water and CO2.

SmartWasher’s self-cleaning process ensures it work at full effectiveness, every time.

Green SmartWasher is as environmentally friendly as it gets. Non toxic, non flammable and solvent free, waste removal is a thing of the past. Meaning it’s better for the environment and better for you.

Lean Significant operating cost reductions over traditional solvent based cleaning systems are realised through elimination of toxic waste removal and solvent replacement. Safe and simple maintenance that any operator can do; a weekly filter change and monthly fluid top up.

Learn more about how the SmartWasherTM can work for you

This revolutionary technology is brought to you by CRC Industries. Visit crcindustries.com.au/smartwasher for more information.

June 2016 Motor Trader | 15

KING

COBRA 1

977 WAS A pretty good year for Ford's motor racing fans. Motorsport legend Allan Moffat had a monster year in the Australian Touring Car Championship, winning seven out of 11 races driving for his Ford Dealer Team, as well as notching his fourth victory at the Bathurst 1000.

That Bathurst victory, considered one of the most dominant performances on the great mountain track, is fondly remembered by fans of the Blue Oval.

Driving a Ford XC Falcon, Moffat and co-driver Jacky Ickx took the win, with Moffat nursing a wounded car across the finish line in tandem with the second of his team’s XC Falcons, driven by Colin Bond.

The image of the two cars taking the chequered flag would be enough for most Ford fans to have a soft spot in their heart for the XC. But there is another reason for them to be thankful for that winning performance. For it was this victory, at least in part, that proved critical to the creation of one of Australia’s most iconic muscle cars – the Falcon XC Cobra.

Off the track, the XC model was due to be phased out in 1978, and sales of the Hardtop version had been poor enough that Ford was expecting to be left with a surplus of 400 body shells once production had shifted over to the new XD model.

The bodies could have been crushed, but in a decision dipped in genius (attributed by some to the input of Edsel Ford II – Henry’s great-grandson and an executive with Ford Australia at the time), the company decided they would create a car inspired by Moffat’s Bathurst win – a car that would be a street-legal beast for the discerning Ford petrol-head.

And what Ford delivered was an absolute corker.

16 | Motor Trader June 2016

The XC Cobra is a behemoth of a car.

It’s huge and aggressive and its inspired paintwork of white body with thick blue stripes looks fantastic. And with only 400 of them in existence – each individually numbered - it is one of THE most iconic Australian muscle cars.

The first 200 Cobras came with a 5.8-litre 351 Cleveland V8, while the second batch received the 4.9-litre Cleveland V8, and it is a 4.9-litre Cleveland that powers this stunning Cobra, number 339, owned by Marisa Carpenter.

Marisa and husband Max have a keen eye for classic motors. Between them they own several, including a Chrysler Valiant coupe, an XP Falcon Ute, a 1982 ESP, a Falcon XY GT and a 1975 XB John Goss Special. They also own a Falcon AU drag car with which Max competes in the Super Sedan category of the Qld Drag Racing Championships.

One avenue the couple use to find their classic cars is the online sales site eBay and it was there they found the Cobra. Being involved in an eBay auction is, said Marisa, a competitive and nail-biting experience.

“The auction was ending at 1am and there was someone hot on our trail,” she says. “We were going along at small increments and then, with about 5 seconds to go, I decided to go with a big jump. There was a pause and then the message came up saying we had got it! It was a real thrill!”

Having secured the Cobra, Max traveled to NSW to pick it up from its lady owner. She had owned the Cobra since the late ‘90s and had picked it up in what must be one of the

MAKE: FORD MODEL: XC COBRA YEAR: 1978 ENGINE: 4.9-LITRE CLEVELAND V8 OWNER: MARISA CARPENTER OWNED: 2014

deals of the century.

“She traded in her Suzuki Vitara for it back in 1999,” says Marisa. “Can you believe that! The yard where she got it couldn’t have been aware of what they really had.”

The Cobra had been off the road for three years and was in a fairly dusty state, so Max needed to do bit of work to get it ready for the road again. However, as with their other cars, Max and Marisa made the decision to keep the Cobra as original as possible and keep any restoration restricted only to what was absolutely necessary.

“It’s a part of Australia’s automotive history, and we want to keep everything as original as possible” says Marisa.

“A car as prestigious as this one carries more value if it is as it was when it came out of the factory.”

“One of the Welch plugs had gone in the engine and it was leaking water so I replaced that plug and some hoses,” says Max. “Then I did lots of cleaning, put in new plugs and gave it a service.

“There are a couple of other things I want to do to it,” he adds. “It doesn’t have a front spoiler at the moment because the original was damaged and hadn’t been repaired properly. You can find replacements, but it does take time.

The Cobra’s front spoiler and rear wing are unique and there weren’t many of them made.”

Even if it is currently missing a spoiler, there’s no denying the sheer presence of the Cobra on the road. Four decades after it first appeared, it’s still as big a head-turner as any modern sports cars, although it isn’t, of course, an

DO YOU HAVE A PRIDE AND JOY IN THE GARAGE THAT YOU WOULD LOVE TO SEE IN THE PAGES OF MOTOR TRADER?

everyday driver.

“We are quite Contact Jonathan Nash at jonathann@ selective of when mtaq.com.au or 07 3237 8721 and let’s and where we take see if we can share your classic the older cars,” says with other members.

Marisa. “And we are very careful. You become hyper-sensitive to what’s going on around you.

“But people of all ages get a lot of joy from seeing these older cars,” she adds. “The Cobra is pretty striking on the road and it doesn’t matter where we go, people take photos and give us the thumbs-up when they pass.”

For some classic cars, this interest can manifest in unsolicited offers for the car. And with such a striking and rare beast, it comes as something of a surprise that such an event hasn’t happened to Marisa and Max. That could be because people recognise the rarity and value of the Cobra – you’d have to expect to part with more than $100,000 for one now. However, if you don’t have that sort of money spare, and you find yourself in the vicinity of Toowoomba in the State’s south-east, then keep your eyes, and your ears, peeled, because there’s nothing quite like the sight and sound of a Cobra cruising the highway.

Thank goodness for Allan Moffat and Edsel Ford II. June 2016 Motor Trader | 17

ESSENTIALS ESSENTIALS

PAUL KULPA GENERAL MANAGER MTA INSTITUTE

Contents 19 Training GM's Professional Circle perspective 21 Professional Circle training 24 Member matters 27 Member profiles

SPRAY TECH TIMBER CITY MEMBERS

28 Industrial relations

DOES RECRUITING THE RIGHT APPRENTICE SEEM HOPELESS?

A

S BUSINESSES DEVELOP to find their competitive edge through a variety of value propositions, one question will always be constant - Have I got the right human capital to ensure the business succeeds?

I have heard time and time again that finding the right person for the job is next to impossible. Now define this as 'finding the right apprentice' and some employers tell me straight out this is a myth!

Yes, we have our struggles with some apprentices but the majority are eager to learn and make the most of the opportunity afforded to them . . . we should know, we look after 1500 of them!

Unfortunately, we don’t celebrate the good ones enough. We do through our Student of the Month award, and the nominations we receive are of a very high standard. I also have the pleasure of interviewing these candidates for our Apprentice of the

June 2016 Motor Trader | 19

E S S E N T I A L S

MEMBERS MEMBERS

Year award, and each year I’m excited about the calibre of apprentices we have in our industry.

All these apprentices started with an opportunity that was given to them from an employer that wants the best for their business. Sometimes, putting on an apprentice is a bit of pot luck.

Employers stress over the applicants, going through various process to get the supposed ‘right’ one.

The one thing I have found, is that the employer wants a good apprentice and the apprentice wants a good employer. It’s a simple equation, but finding the right match can be very difficult. MTA Queensland, through its Auto Initiation program, take this equation and makes it easier for both parties.

The program not only provides an opportunity for employers to assess potential apprentices, but also provides learners the insight into what it takes to work in the automotive industry.

The practical training teaches learners about safe work practices, the use and maintenance of workplace tools and equipment, and increases their knowledge of automotive mechanical and electrical system fundamentals.

In addition, learners also focus on attributes that would make them appealing to automotive employers (i.e. automotive aptitude and the right attitude). These skills are essential to create job-ready participant’s that employers are looking for in potential work applicants.

So if you want to put on a good apprentice, or are just looking at a suitable employee for work experience in your business, give us a call or drop us an email at auto@mtaq.com.au to help you find the right person, and we can all share good apprentice stories.

M E M B E R S

Training GM's Professional Circle perspective

Hybrid Electric Vehicle Introductory Course Right training.

Right place.

Right way.

Course Overview Lucrative opportunities exist for businesses willing to adapt to new market trends.

Hybrid Electric Vehicles (HEVs) have arrived and new models are on the way.

In just a few years, HEVs will become one of the biggest automotive growth areas in Australia. Mastering the latest technology takes time; it’s complicated and dangerous.

Therefore ‘learning on the job’ isn’t an option - leave it to the experts.

Delivered by industry professionals, the Hybrid Electric Vehicle Course is designed specifically for automotive repairers wanting to familiarise themselves on HEVs. All the information you need to understand hybrid technology and associated safe working practices will be covered in this basic introductory session.

1. Understand principles of HEV vehicle technology 2. Tools, usage and safety requirements 3. Component identification and location 4. S kills and knowledge required to deactivate and isolate the high voltage supply system in HEV Time:

6:00pm to 9:00pm (light refreshments provided from 5:30pm)

Location: MTA Institute, Building 8, 2728 Logan Road, Eight Mile Plains QLD Cost:

$330 per person (Inc GST)

Learner Requirements Automotive trade knowledge is desirable but not mandatory. Tools and relevent equipment will be provided. Standard workshop attire required.

Enrol Should you wish to enrol, or require further information, please contact one of our friendly staff on 3722 3000.

Address Freeway Office Park, Building 8, 2728 Logan Road, Eight Mile Plains, Queensland, Australia 4113 Tel (07) 3722 3000 Toll Free 1800 884 137 Email courses@mtai.edu.au Website mtai.edu.au Postal PO Box 4530 Eight Mile Plains, Queensland, Australia 4113

20150292

MTA Institute Sir Jack Brabham Automotive Centre of Excellence

MTAIT TRAINER PROFILE

HE MOTOR TRADES Association of Queensland (MTAQ) and the Sunshine Coast and Caboolture Youth Justice Centres recently held a day of presentations and workshops focused on giving troubled youth a taste of training and employment opportunities within the automotive industry.

The Sunshine Coast Youth Justice Centre, which facilitates the supervision of young people up to 17 years of age who are under court orders, approached the MTAQ to co-organise and host the community-focused initiative.

MTA Institute’s Operations Manager, Marcello Riotto said the aim of the workshop was to introduce the young adults to the wide scope of career and training opportunities available within the automotive industry.

“What we have done is showcased automotive trades, and all the different training and employment outcomes available,” he said. “We discussed opportunities around certain trades, introduced them to the auto

STEVEN ADAMS

SOME OF THESE GUYS ARE ON YOUTH JUSTICE ORDERS AND ARE INTERESTED IN GETTING BACK INTO SOME SORT OF TRAINING, EDUCATION OR EMPLOYMENT. WE TRY TO GUIDE THEM ALONG THE PATHWAY WHEREVER THEY MIGHT HAVE AN INTEREST.” workshop, and highlighted some of those trades. The paint and panel guys displayed their work, and I had them talking to some existing apprentices within their peer group about what it’s like working for a day in their trade.

They were also able to see the insides of an engine, use some tools, rattle guns, remove and replace wheels.”

Mrs Jeanette Harvey, an Education and Employment Project Officer at

European trucks and trailers, including 8 years working on Japanese makes.

When did you become a trainer for MTA Institute of Technology?

January 2015.

What geographical area do you service?

Brisbane metro.

What is the most satisfying aspect of your role as a trainer for MTA Institute of Technology?

What is your specialised area?

Heavy commercial vehicles.

Watching and helping the apprentice develop their skills.

What is your background in the automotive industry?

What do you believe is the most important aspect of training?

25 years of working on most makes of

To make sure the student is receiving

the Caboolture and Sunshine Coast Youth Justice Centres, is responsible for mentoring these young people into realising learning and employment opportunities.

“Some of these guys are on Youth Justice Orders and are interested in getting back into some sort of training, education or employment. We try to guide them along the pathway wherever they might have an interest,” she said.

“Some of these young men don’t have effective male role models around them, or don’t have any inspirations about what they would like to do for a career. We work really hard to provide opportunities for these kids to experience different careers to help them make that choice.

“Young offenders, especially young males, are always keen on the automotive industry or some sort of trade, and it’s always work they are keen to do. Today has really been about showing them what opportunities are available to them.”

up-to-date training, that they understand what is being taught, and that they are enjoying their course.

Why should someone consider a career in the automotive industry?

Because the job is different every day, with new technology being developed all the time.

What is the best piece of advice you can give to an apprentice starting out in the industry?

Always ask questions, but above all else enjoy what you do.

When you’re not training, what do you like to do?

Spend time with my family, watch sport and socialise with friends.

June 2016 Motor Trader | 21

E S S E N T I A L S

TROUBLED YOUTH GET A TASTE OF AUTO INDUSTRY “ T

M E M B E R S

Professional Circle training

Paintless Dent Repair Introductory Course Right training.

Course Overview

Right place.

Paintless Dent Repair, or PDR, is the method by which dents can be removed from the bodywork of a vehicle leaving the original finish and paintwork intact.

Right way.

A wide range of imperfections can be corrected using PDR techniques, though it is most famously used for the repair of hail damaged vehicles.

MTA Institute is running a two-day Fundamentals of Paintless Dent Repair course.

The PDR technician uses special tools, glues and tabs to either push out dents from the underside of the bodywork or pull them out from the exterior of the panel. Specialist lighting and reflection boards and ‘tapping down’ techniques are used to ensure a perfect finish.

The PDR industry is experiencing a massive upturn. It is a fast and efficient method for the repair of many imperfections, and skilled technicians are much sought-after in the body repair industry.

MTA Institute has partnered with industry-leading company PDR President to offer this course in the fundamentals of Paintless Dent Repair.

In this course you will be taught the basic tips and techniques behind the successful practice of paintless dent repair. These include: 1. Metal movements and theory 2. Lighting (fog and line boards) 3. Tool selection 4. Access and leverage 5. Glue pulling Time:

9am to 4pm, lunch included

Location: MTA Institute, Eight Mile Plains Cost:

$1650 per person (Inc GST)

Enrol Should you wish to enrol, or require further information, please contact one of our friendly staff on 3722 3000.

Address Freeway Office Park, Building 8, 2728 Logan Road, Eight Mile Plains, Queensland, Australia 4113 Tel (07) 3722 3000 Toll Free 1800 884 137 Email courses@mtai.edu.au Website mtai.edu.au Postal PO Box 4530 Eight Mile Plains, Queensland, Australia 4113

20150268

MTA Institute Sir Jack Brabham Automotive Centre of Excellence

HE TESLA ROADSTER Sport is a beautiful car. The allelectric, two-door speedster is quick too. Capable of 0-100km/h in under 4 seconds on the way to a top speed of 210km/h, the power generated from its monstrous battery pack and three-phase four pole AC induction motor is extraordinary.

The Roadster was Tesla’s first production car and, when it was launched in 2008, it set the standard for the all-electric cars that would follow.

With interest in these cars now gathering pace (when Tesla revealed its affordable Model 3 in March this year, more than 400,000 orders were placed within a month) it’s not just those who enjoy jaw-dropping speed with an environmentally-friendly twist who have taken note of the technology that powers them.

Proactive in the training of automotive professionals and apprentices, the MTA Institute is a leader in the delivery of courses that focus on developing technologies and, at the beginning of May, a glorious, orange 2010 Tesla Roadster Sport rolled into the MTA Institute workshop to be a part of one such program.

The Roadster is currently hamstrung by a fault within its powertrain and is being used as a training tool for tradequalified participants of the MTAI’s Advanced Hybrid Electric Vehicle course. Participants in the course, under the guidance of experienced trainer Paul Tugwell, are part of the team tasked with getting the Roadster back on the road.

“It has no power at the moment,” said Paul. “We have to find out why that is and then decide what to do to fix it. The Advanced Hybrid Electric Vehicle course runs over the next month and the students, who are all

Tony Bonanno and Paul Tugwell with the Tesla Roadster Sport

qualified tradesmen, will be involved in this project. We have a lot to do in four weeks!”

The Tesla is owned by Tony Bonanno, who sourced the car from Japan. Formerly the owner of the Valley Car Clinic business in Brisbane, and now the owner of interlockshop.com - which supplies and installs devices that prevent a vehicle from starting should the driver record an over-the-limit alcohol reading - Tony has been involved with the MTA Queensland for many years.

Now taking a number of courses with MTAI - including a trade recognition for Certificate III in Automotive Electrical Technology and the Advanced Hybrid Electric Vehicle course - Tony is excited about the future of electric cars and happy for the Tesla to be used as a training device.

“It’s basically why I got the car, and I have plans to bring in other electric cars from Japan just for educational

use too,” he said. “I believe we need to start igniting the passion in our youngsters for this technology. The industry is changing and they have an opportunity now to get in on the ground floor as it changes.”

A keen racing driver and fan of petrol power, Tony was drawn to the possibilities of the all-electric car after taking Tesla’s Model S for a spin.

“I was taken aback by the Model S,” he said. “Being a petrol-head for years, I never thought of electric cars as a viable alternative. I think our understanding of them has to be revisited because they are not what people think they are. They are not slow or ugly. In fact, there are a lot of great characteristics about them.

“And after driving the Model S and becoming involved with MTAI’s training with Paul, I can see that electric cars are the future. Whether we like it or not, they are here to stay.”

June 2016 Motor Trader | 23

E S S E N T I A L S

TESLA ROADSTER OFFERS POSITIVE TRAINING EXPERIENCE T

M E M B E R S

Professional Circle training

E S S E N T I A L S M E M B E R S

Member matters

Peter Mueller from Bay Auto Marine Electrical

SEA CHANGE THE SPARK FOR SUCCESS AT BAY AUTO MARINE ELECTRICAL “ H ERVEY BAY ON Queensland’s Fraser Coast is the undisputed hub for all the great recreational opportunities the region has to offer. Boasting excellent fishing that draws anglers in from far and wide, as well as a thriving whale watching and boating industry, the region has been touted as ‘Australia’s leading nature-based destination’.

For Peter Mueller, the attraction of the Fraser Coast and the small town of Hervey Bay was tough to resist.

Living in Brisbane but lacking inspiration, and determined to get back to basics, Peter decided to say goodbye to the big city lights in 2009 and head north in search of a sea change.

The result of that sea change turned out to be much more than a view uncluttered by high-rise office blocks and apartment buildings.

Unable to find work after arriving in Hervey Bay, Peter took a risk and established Bay Auto Marine Electrical - a venture 24 | Motor Trader June 2016

I MOVED UP FROM BRISBANE BUT WAS UNABLE TO FIND A JOB HERE . . . SO I DID MY OWN THING AND DECIDED TO RUN WITH WHAT I ENJOYED.”

which drew on his skills as an autoelectrician and his life-long passion for cars, boating and fishing.

“I moved up from Brisbane but was unable to find a job here,” said Peter.

“So I did my own thing and decided to run with what I enjoyed. The marine side of the business came to mind because fishing is a hobby, the same with boating, and I have always been into automotive with performance racing, drag racing and speedway.”

Bay Auto Marine Electrical has come a long way in its seven years and now has six employees, a mobile service unit, is an active sponsor of clubs and societies in the Hervey Bay community and offers services to owners of vehicles ranging from four-wheel drives to caravans, from recreational fishing boats to ROPAX Ferry’s, to commercial fishing trawlers and even super yachts.

Peter and his team also work on restoring classic cars, and are currently re-wiring a classic 1970 Chrysler Valiant.

Dane Turnbull

STUDENT OF THE MONTH DANE TURNBULL IS the MTAQ Student of the Month for May. The 28-year-old third-year mechanical technician, working with Pedders Suspension in Slacks Creek, south of Brisbane, is progressing well with the theoretical and practical aspects of his apprenticeship.

“The interest and enthusiasm that Dane shows is very pleasing,” said MTA Institute trainer Andrew Bellars.

“Dane has undertaken a personal project to turbocharge his own V6 3.8-litre Holden Commodore. This project has involved extensive design work and application of his theoretical and practical knowledge, such as remapping of the ECU and engine management system.”

Previously a forklift driver, before enrolling in a Certificate I in Vehicle Mechanical Engineering and then taking on an apprenticeship, Dane is putting his knowledge and skills - and a passion for speed and drag racing - to good use.

“My VT Commodore job is a pet project,” he said. “I have added a 70mm turbocharger, redone the wiring, fabricated the manifolds, pulled the engine apart and completely re-built it. I’m going to take it out to the drag races at Willowbank and compete in some circuit racing.”

Dane is also working with his boss at Pedders Suspension, Brian Harley, on preparing a dragster for an upcoming ‘nostalgia’ meet while also building a new engine for it.

“It is something we’re working on together," he said. "And it’s really enjoyable stuff.”

With his studies also running at full speed, Dane’s plan for life after he completes his apprenticeship are simple.

“I want to keep working with cars, continue learning, and never stop,” he said. “Cars are a real passion and I’d like my own workshop one day, or even head up one of the big franchises.

That would be fantastic.”

June 2016 Motor Trader | 25

E S S E N T I A L S

I trained through the MTAI, and I really like the whole idea of our trainer, Terry Palfrey, coming out here and conducting workshop assessments. We are really setting these guys up for a career in the industry.”

When asked about changing business conditions and some of the most prominent changes he has witnessed over the course of his career, Peter highlighted the internet, and its status as a resource for quick but not always totally reliable information, as a concern.

“A lot of ‘pop-up’ auto electricians and mechanics have appeared – people who are ‘just ask google’ types,” he said. “Seven times out of ten that information is probably right, but attempting a quick fix found on the net can also lead to digging a bigger hole and it is not going to give you the knowledge to fix it properly. When they get the electrics wrong, it can cost a lot of money to fix, it can be extremely dangerous and, in some cases, be fatal.

“It is just so important to the industry that standards are respected and maintained. There are a lot of backyarders out and they are damaging the reputation of the industry, and it’s definitely something the average consumer lacks the knowledge to avoid.”

Clearly passionate about the industry, proud of both the business he has built over the years and the business and training principles he employs, Peter gets a lot of satisfaction from being a businessman and employer, and is looking forward to seeing what the future holds.

And with an owner who recognises the importance of delivering the very best service, of developing employees to be true craftsmen, and who has a dedicated and skilled team working with him, the future for Bay Auto Marine Electrical looks as good as the views across the Fraser Coast.

“I’d say being confident in owning a business and knowing you have it under control, comes off the back of having good staff,” said Peter. “Having a solid team and two awesome apprentices who take pride in their work and complete it to a high standard is something that makes me very proud.”

M E M B E R S

“We’re doing a custom fit-out,” he said. “The owner restores all his cars from scratch, inside and out, and he has sent the last three our way. This one is a standard rewiring with a few tweaks. We are essentially making it look brand new.”

Peter came a little late to the auto electrical trade. Taking the advice of a friend who tipped that the auto electrical industry was about to lift off, he signed up to an auto-electrical apprenticeship with the MTA Institute (MTAI) at the age of 22 and worked at several shops throughout his training to gain as much experience as he could.

It was a decision that paid off handsomely. Now running his own successful business, Peter says he has gained a thorough understanding of all aspects of his craft.

And training remains crucial to Peter, who acknowledges its importance to the industry, his business and the opportunities it offers to young people. And that philosophy means he takes a very active role in the professional development of his staff and the two mature-age apprentices who work alongside him and his four tradesmen.

“Both apprentices are mature-age,” he said. “One of them focuses on automotive, and helps with the marine side of the business, the other focuses on marine electrics, but also helps in automotive too. I’ve set it up that way to mould them towards their individual strengths, and the strengths of the business.

“Building an apprentice is like building a block of units, and you always get a lot of pride giving these young guys a solid foundation through something that you’ve learnt. In this industry, you’re learning something new everyday and its constantly changing, and that’s why I think the auto industry and marine electrical industry are great to be in!

“All the work we have them conducting is supervised, and every circuit we go through is explained.

I get them to nut it out for themselves first, get them to explain it to me, and of course, give them a pat on the back when it’s done right. I also explain the way I’d do it, I direct them, and this is the best way to get them to learn.

“Our training is done through the MTAI because they are the only dedicated training provider up here.

E S S E N T I A L S M E M B E R S

Members matters

INNOVATION AND COLLABORATION KEY TO 20 YEARS OF SUCCESS S TEVE SORENSEN MECHANICAL in Brisbane’s south is a true blue family-owned and operated business. Having recently celebrated their 20th year in operation, and having collected an extensive list of business accolades along the way, owners Steve and Robyn are happy to discuss the secrets to business longevity in today’s digital age.

Robyn Sorensen (2nd left), Steve Sorensen (centre) and their team The couple have operated the workshop from the Brisbane suburb of Brown’s we were forced into making turned out Plains since they took the risk of to be the best decisions. They got us branching out on their own and out of that little place and into a bigger establishing the business in 1996. workshop around the corner, and then For Steve, who completed his into the bigger space we’re in today.” mechanical apprenticeship, and worked The couple now have eight full-time his way through several roles within the staff, including two of their sons, industry – including workshop foreman and they are constantly innovating, and Assistant Manager of multiple recognising the importance of keeping stores for Goodyear Tyre and Brake ahead of the technological advances service – the decision that he and Robyn within the automotive industry. took was the only option.

“Diagnostics is a whole industry “It got to the point where I had to we’ve branched into,” said Robyn. “And wait too long to move on,” he said. we feel really confident about it. Our “Robyn and I realised the only way we eldest son Brendan is very enthusiastic were going to get ahead was by doing about diagnostics and we are aiming something for ourselves, and that was to specialise in this area. There is only going to happen by opening our going to be an increase in demand for own business.” this expertise as electronics becomes Originally a two-person operation, more common in new vehicles.” with Steve in the workshop and Embracing change and Robyn running the administration continuously reinvigorating their side of things, the couple set up their business model has been key to the business in a small garage at a busy couple's success. Steve and Robyn have intersection, and the modest two-bay invested in a professional business workshop served the couple well as website, connected with a loyal they built their customer network. community on Facebook, and have “The space served its initial attended overseas conferences on how purpose,” said Robyn. “Then we took to market their business digitally. on our first employee, then added “We’ve invested a lot in the digital another two mechanics to the books side of things and found that being and, as the business grew, the changes active online is just as important to our 26 | Motor Trader June 2016

customers as word-of-mouth,” said Robyn. “It’s important to understand what they are looking for online and optimise it. And our investment in this has converted into a lot more customers.”

When the Sorensen’s aren’t all together as a family in their workshop, they’re flying around the country attending Karting championships. Their youngest son, and employee, Scott is part of the Harrington Doyle Racing Arrow Kart team and is currently placed second in his class in the Australian National Sprint Kart Championships KA1 division. For Steve, working and preparing karts for competition is an enjoyable way to spend his spare time.

“When you spend all week working on cars it just feels nice to take the control and work together on the Karts,” he said. “It’s sort of relaxing.”

Relaxing, and maintaining a healthy work-life balance, has, said Robyn, helped the family propel the business to where it is today.

“We actually still all like each other, although sometimes when we’re at home we’ll spend time apart in different rooms. We used to hold all of our business meetings in the spa, which was fun. We’d always make the best decisions, and solve all the world’s problems, in the spa.”

After 20 years of growth and success, the future for Steve Sorensen Mechanical, at least for the moment, is one of consolidation and cementing their reputation for excellence.

“For now, we’re happy doing what we’re doing here,” said Steve. “We work to live, not live to work. And it’s not about size, it’s reputation and workmanship that matters.”

Industry information and Industrial Relations service.

Expanding the business to build new premises.

What is the best thing about working in your industry?

Good job satisfaction - a different job every day.

What is the best piece of business advice you have ever given or been given?

Treat customers as you like to be treated yourself.

Spray Tech Location: Gympie Type of business: Motor body repairs Number of employees: 8 Trading since: 1994 MTAQ member since: 1994

How did you hear about the Motor Trades Association of Queensland (MTAQ)?

What would you say to someone thinking about joining MTAQ? Do it - good value for money.

Through industry and previous employers.

How has being an MTAQ member benefited your business?

General business advice - particularly Industrial Relations information.

What has been your proudest business achievement to date?

Growing the business over a long period of time through variable business conditions and fully training 12 apprentices.

What is the best thing about working in your industry?

Helping customers sort out issues and turning them into repeat customers.

It is also good to work with good staff.

What is the best piece of business advice you have ever given or been given?

Timber City Members Location: Maryborough Type of business: Mechanical workshop Number of employees: 11 Trading since: 1982 MTAQ member since: 1992

How did you hear about the Motor Trades Association of Queensland (MTAQ)?

MTAQ representative called on business.

How has being an MTAQ member benefited your business?

It is all about the customer relationship, more than the vehicle.

What would you say to someone thinking about joining MTAQ? The advice and support is essential for running your business. MTAI training is very comprehensive and professional.

June 2016 Motor Trader | 27

E S S E N T I A L S

What has been your proudest business achievement to date?

M E M B E R S

Member profiles

E S S E N T I A L S M E M B E R S

Industrial relations PERSONAL/CARER’S LEAVE AND COMPASSIONATE LEAVE

U TED KOWALSKI INDUSTRIAL RELATIONS MANAGER

NDER THE FAIR Work legislation all employees have access to personal/carer’s leave and compassionate leave. Personal leave is what was previously known as sick leave, and this provision allows a full time permanent employee ten paid days of personal leave per year. Personal leave accrues progressively through the year at the rate of 1.461 hours per week for a full-time employee. The entitlement is cumulative, so that any accrual not accessed in one year carries on into the next –indefinitely, but there is no payout of unused accrual at time of termination. Permanent part time employees also accrue personal leave based on their actual hours of work but casuals do not. The rate of accrual for a part-time employee is 1/26th of the ordinary hours worked each week.

Carer’s leave allows an employee to use their accrued personal leave to provide care or support to a member of the employee’s immediate family or household when that person requires care or support due to personal illness, personal injury or an unexpected emergency affecting the member.

An employer can require the employee to provide proof of their claim for carer’s leave and the employee can access whatever personal leave they have accrued as carer’s leave.

Immediate family is an employee’s: • spouse • de facto partner • child • parent • grandparent • grandchild • sibling, or a

“AN EMPLOYER CAN

REQUIRE THE EMPLOYEE TO PROVIDE PROOF OF THEIR CLAIM FOR CARER’S LEAVE AND THE EMPLOYEE CAN ACCESS WHATEVER PERSONAL LEAVE THEY HAVE ACCRUED AS CARER’S LEAVE.”

• child, parent, grandparent, grandchild or sibling of the employee’s spouse or de facto partner.

The compassionate leave provisions allow an employee up to two paid days absence for each occasion when a member of the employee’s immediate family or household either contracts or develops a personal illness or injury which poses a serious threat to his or her life or dies. It can happen that an employee has an immediate family member who has a life-threatening illness or injury, claims compassionate leave, and then subsequently the family member dies. The employee would also be able to claim compassionate leave for the death of the family member. An employee claiming compassionate leave can be asked to provide evidence in support of their claim. A casual can claim compassionate leave but has no entitlement to be paid for the absence.

MTA QUEENSLAND WELCOMES THE FOLLOWING NEW MEMBERS Business Name

Principal/s

Address

Email

Division

Bridgestone Noosaville Caloundra West Customs J C Automotives Kreuzen Automotive Southside Diesel Repairs

Stephen Thorn Michael Reeve Kerryann Fishpool Michael Kreuzen Ron Guilk

132 Eumundi Road, NOOSAVILLE, Q 4566 13 Latcham Drive, CALOUNDRA WEST, Q 4551 12 Love Street, BULIMBA, Q 4171 Shed 3, 5 Thomas Lane, MORANBAH Q 4744 24 Rowland Street, SLACKS CREEK, Q 4127

Stephenthorn68@hotmail.com caloundrawestcustoms@gmail.com info@jcautomotives.com.au office@kreuzenautomotive.com.au ronski@live.com.au

TUDQ NACA AED NACA AED

28 | Motor Trader June 2016

Investment matters

MARKET WRAP

S

TRONG PERFORMANCES FROM mining and energy stocks pushed equity markets up in April. The ASX 200 Accumulation Index returned +3.4% for the month with Materials (+14.2%), Energy (+7.7%) and Healthcare (+3.3%) being the best performing sectors.

The market has now risen around 10% from its low in mid-February.

Tighter lending by the banks and a drop in the rate of inflation has allowed the RBA to lower interest rates by 0.25%. This helped pull back the climbing Australian dollar which will benefit the Australian economy.

We were a little concerned about the impact the rising dollar would have on the tourism, education, agriculture and service sectors which had benefited from a low Australian dollar.

The lower interest rate should support equity earnings and increase equities returns comparatively.

The date for the federal election has been set for the first weekend of July and the political campaigning kicked off into full swing with the major parties doing their rounds.

The budget was delivered with no real surprises, which was to be expected given the upcoming federal election. The main items were increased tax thresholds, tax cuts for small companies and $50bn of infrastructure spending over the next few years if the government maintains its seat in the forthcoming elections.

Other key highlights for the month included: • Strong economic data from the US with positive gains in the labour force and better-than-expected manufacturing surveys.

• Manufacturing is picking up in China which reported its first positive reading since mid-2015.

Economic data also suggests its

TIGHTER LENDING

BY THE BANKS AND A DROP IN THE RATE OF INFLATION HAS ALLOWED THE RBA TO LOWER INTEREST RATES BY 0.25%. THIS HELPED PULL BACK THE CLIMBING AUSTRALIAN DOLLAR WHICH WILL BENEFIT THE AUSTRALIAN ECONOMY. economy is beginning to respond to monetary and fiscal stimulus with business confidence and housing starts on the rise.

• The oil price reached its highest level since November 2015. This was despite a meeting of oil producers failing to reach an agreement to limit supply.

The outlook is for an improving Australian market with an environment of lower rates, lower

taxes, greater infrastructure spending, lower currency and better commodity prices all supportive of earnings.

Sentiment however remains soft and confidence low.

Global growth is still positive but continues to be flat. A setting of negative interest rates on top of low confidence levels is not delivering the reinvestment necessary to initiate a maintainable growth boom. In order for the US market to continue to expand they will need to accelerate sales growth which we believe is possible given our expectations for the economy.

DISCLAIMER This document provides general information only and is not intended to be a recommendation to invest in any product or financial service mentioned above. Investment in a DNR Capital individually managed account can only be made on completion of all the required documentation.

Whilst DNR Capital has used its best endeavours to ensure the information within this document is accurate it cannot be relied upon in any way and recipients must make their own enquiries concerning the accuracy of the information within.

June 2016 Motor Trader | 29

The hit list Kawasaki H1 Mach III

Kawasaki H1 Mach III by r reeve https://flic.kr/p/jwLJS7

IF THE EARLY Seventies were a motorcycle, that motorcycle would be the H1 two-stroke triple.

It's impossible to imagine anyone now tolerating the H1's abysmal handling, the frame flex, the feeble drum brakes, or the fact that it gulped through a litre of fuel every ten kilometres, all while spewing out smoke and noise. But how could you resist 60 horsepower in a 175kg bike, a quarter-mile time of under twelve and a half seconds, a top speed over 200 km/h, and a rear heavy centre of balance that was guaranteed to keep the front wheel in the air and a big grin on your face?

ICONIC MOTORCYCLES S

OMETIMES A MOTORCYCLE comes along that forces us to rethink what a bike is or should be. Other bikes are so familiar, so tied up in our idea of what a bike is, that it's hard to imagine life on two wheels without them. Some manage to distil the essence of what motorcycling means

to the point where they are almost works of art. Here are some of the bikes we think are iconic.

Of course, any list will always be too short and what is there will be very subjective. What do you think, have we missed any classics? Email us at publications@mtaq.com.au or hit us up on twitter @mtaqueensland or facebook.

Ducati Desmo 750SS by Howardsaunders Wikimedia Commons

Ducati Desmo 750SS THE ORIGINAL GREEN Frame 750, with a production run of 401, is now as rare as you would expect, but it was the first in a long line of production L-twins that have come to define the Italian marque. With its bevel-driven camshaft and desmodromic valves, the 90-degree V-twin engine set the standard for all of the "square case" models that were to follow.

Suzuki GSX1100S Katana by r reeve https://flic.kr/p/jwJGw6

Suzuki GSX1100S Katana Kawasaki Z1

Kawasaki Z1 by Steve Glover https://flic.kr/p/pMGPBL

WHEN HONDA BEAT Kawasaki to market with a four-cylinder 750, Kawasaki quietly tore up their drawings and got to work on something bigger and better. Five years later they had it. But really, it was just like the Honda except bigger, faster, smoother, more comfortable and, arguably, better handling. Of course, any one of those would be enough to make for a superlative bike. In getting them all right, Kawasaki really hit it out of the park. The Z1 might not have introduced any revolutionary features, but it did everything a muscle bike should do and did them exceptionally well. It didn't hurt that it did it all while looking so good.

30 | Motor Trader June 2016

ALTHOUGH UNDENIABLY Eighties in its styling, the Katana wouldn't look out of place on a modern showroom floor. The angular design, the twotone seat, the fairing that was, what? Upside down? Inside out? It wasn't like anything we'd seen before, but it looked great. The Kiwis and South Africans got a wire-spoked model with hot cams, oval bore, round slide Mikuni carbs, bigger pipes, and beefed up brakes to slow everything back down again when necessary.

In Australia we got the wire wheels.

Honda CB750K NOW SO CONVENTIONAL that similar bikes are derisively known as UJMs (for Universal Japanese Motorcycle), the 750 Four was groundbreaking in every way when it first exploded onto the market. It was the first large-scale production bike with four cylinders and a four into four exhaust that showed them off beautifully, if impractically.

It also had an overhead camshaft, five speed gearbox, electric start, and a disk brake on the front, and all at a much more affordable price than the British bikes they would soon replace. Motorcycles would never be the same again.

Honda CB750K by Andrew Duthie https://flic.kr/p/bX4qj8

BMW R90S by Stahlkocher Wikimedia Commons

BMW R90S

WE COULD HAVE chosen almost any air-cooled boxer from the 1923 R32 through to one of the last airheads to roll off the Spandau production line in 1993. Even the oil-cooled models and this year's liquid-cooled R1200RT are clearly products of a gradual, measured evolution of the boxer twin.

So why the R90S? Perhaps because it's a little sportier than other boxers, or because it's more comfortable to tour on than a Jota or a Z1, but really it just did everything really, really well, and it looks fantastic too.

Suzuki RG500 by @artnabart https://flic.kr/p/fMbNav

Suzuki RG500 WHEN YAMAHA AND Suzuki brought out 500cc GP race replicas, Yamaha should, with their RZ500, have left the RG500 in the dust as firmly as their two-cylinder 250 did its equivalent. They didn't. There wasn't anything especially wrong with the Yamaha, but the RG was about as close to a road going version of their Grand Prix bike as anyone could get. This was a real glimpse into the world of racing without having to unbolt the number plate and indicators or re mortgage the house.

FLAT TRACKER, FULL dress Glide, Fat Boy, or Sportster? V-Rod? Flathead, Shovelhead, or Knucklehead? Springer, Hardtail, or Softail? Perhaps because they haven’t really changed in over a century, the differences between Harleys can be profound. Which one you think sums them up says more about you than it does about them. Which change was the biggest depends on what you think makes Harleys special. But if you start with a Sportster, you can make it into whatever you want and, to our mind, that’s what a Harley is all about.

Harley Davidson XL Sportster by RL GNZLZ https://flic.kr/p/q1RRuS

Triumph Bonneville IT MIGHT BE tempting to name the T140W TSS as the iconic Bonnie. With its twin disks, electric start, and a smooth eight valve engine, the last gasp effort to save Meriden was certainly a modern bike in every way. But we prefer to remember it in its late Sixties 650cc form. The new for 1968 twin-leading-shoe front brake, upgraded engine and frame, and new Amal carbs gave us the iconic British bike at its peak. British was best, and Japanese bikes were just not in the same league. Yet.

June 2016 Motor Trader | 31

Triumph Bonneville by Carter Brown https://flic.kr/p/tFfkVg

Harley Davidson XL Sportster

Industry insight

HOW MANAGING HR CAN POSITIVELY IMPACT PROFIT W HETHER YOU’RE NEW to business or a seasoned operator, it can sometimes be difficult to know what to focus on. Business owners/managers are expected to be in control of: • Product/service development • Marketing and Sales • Operations and Finance • Customer Service • Human Resources I’ve put them in the above order because firstly you have to have a viable product/service to offer to the market.

Then you need to convey a compelling marketing message to customers and be able to convert their interest into sales.

You then need an effective method of delivering your product/service to customers as well as finance to fund the business.

You need to focus attention on customer service to ensure they come back and give good testimonials.

Probably the number one for established businesses is Human Resources. It can be summed up into one sentence: “Happy staff – deliver great service – to happy customers – who are happy to pay you!”

It may be surprising to some that HR can have such a big impact on your bottom line.

When your business is small you can afford the time to focus attention on customers and ensure they are being well looked after and happy.

When your business grows, you can become distanced from customers due to all the other things you have to focus on. One thing I’ve learned about employing people is that they aren’t there just to make your life easier!

They have their own motivations and desires and you need to understand this and nurture them if you hope to successfully employ

people and grow your business.

The best way to nurture staff is to take this area of your business seriously. It’s surprising how many big businesses don’t take this area seriously, let alone small businesses.

It’s not rocket science though. We’ve been employing people in our business for about 20 plus years and it hasn’t all been ‘plain sailing’, but due to our proactive approach we’ve had a lot less hassle than other employers I know.

It pays to have regular reviews with staff and work with them to develop their skills. Try to create a consultative culture in your business and really listen to staff and what they have to offer, in terms of feedback and suggestions for what might work best for the organisation.

They are generally the ones interfacing with customers and hear what they say, so often have the best handle on reality. If you listen to them and incorporate their suggestions, it can be very worthwhile to your bottom line.

If you work with staff to develop their skills and help them to be more productive, you will also win as a business owner. On top of all this you get great loyalty from staff if they feel valued and listened to.

It can save you much money and headaches if you keep working with great people who are committed to your business and its success.

The very best place to start with HR Management is with an ‘Organisational Chart’. This sets out everything that gets done in the business and who does it. It’s a great way to ensure that all aspects of business operations are covered and there aren’t any gaps or overlaps.

Once you have the ‘Organisation Chart’ you can then come up with accurate Job Descriptions for everyone.

It’s vital for everyone to understand what they’re responsible for.

Having people running around without clear understanding of what they should be focusing on is very detrimental to business productivity and profitability.

Once you have these tools in place it’s much easier to regularly review the situation and creates an easier environment for HR realignment.

This means constantly reviewing who is doing what and if some people are overloaded where you can shift tasks to others who aren’t fully utilised.

If you’re in a service-based business, your most valuable income earning asset is your service staff. You want to ensure they are spending the maximum time on billable activity.

If, for example, they’re spending 5 hours a week on non-billable admin and being charged out at say $100 per hour … if you can move that work onto a cheaper resource e.g. admin person … you could create an extra $20,000 of revenue per person.

That’s if you take into account a 40week working year allowing for annual leave, sick leave, public holidays etc. And that’s just one person – imagine if you could do that with 5 or 6 people!

It would more than cover the wage of someone else to do the admin or better utilise someone already employed.

One very important question to ask in a service-based business is: “Am I selling all the hours I’m paying for?”

The best way to be more productive with service staff is to have great systems for managing people’s time and travel and scheduling. There are some fantastic systems available nowadays to make this process easy and cost effective.

Cloud commerce has made systems more affordable and accessible to small businesses. Check them out to see how much you could save – not just in money, but headaches too.

Go to www.businessnumbersmadeeasy.com for more information.

June 2016 Motor Trader | 33

FINALIST 2016

MTAA SUPER – the preferred choice of over 40,000 businesses Simplified super administration Support of local business development managers 2016 Finalist for Medium Fund of the Year

SuperRatings does not issue, sell, guarantee or underwrite this product.

Go to superratings.com.au for details of its ratings criteria.

mtaasuper.com.au This document is issued by Motor Trades Association of Australia Superannuation Fund Pty Limited (ABN 14 008 650 628, AFSL 238 718) of Level 3, 39 Brisbane Avenue Barton ACT 2600, Trustee of the MTAA Superannuation Fund (ABN 74 559 365 913). Motor Trades Association of Australia Superannuation Fund Pty Limited has ownership interests in Industry Super Holdings Pty Ltd and Members Equity Bank Limited.

The information provided is of a general nature and does not take into account your specific needs or personal situation. You should assess your financial position and personal objectives before making any decision based on this information. We also recommend that you seek advice from a licensed financial adviser. The MTAA Super Product Disclosure Statement (PDS), an important document containing all the information you need to make a decision about MTAA Super, can be obtained by calling MTAA Super on 1300 362 415 or visiting mtaasuper.com.au/handbooks. You should consider the PDS in making a decision.