Aussie Painting Contractor June 2015

Hire Slower, Fire Quicker!

Tips to avoid the pitfalls in hiring staff

Making your home Glamorous! …for sale, or just for you!

The Budget Breakdown … for the Building & Construction Sector

Graffiti Solution? …make murals!

Business Branding …stand out from the crowd

Winter Painting *Using enamel in the cold *can a paint job fix the blues?

And much more!

www.aussiepaintersnetwork.com.au

From the Editor Hi all, Just 1 month till the end of another financial year. So, what has happened in the last 12 months at Aussie Painters Network?

Our Membership has grown to almost to 600 fully paid Members, this magazine is averaging well over 100,000 opens per month, and by the end of this month we are expecting to be training about 100 apprentices using the online and onsite model.

Together with the National Institute of Painting and Decorating, we are talking to state governments in both NSW and VIC about Painters’ Licensing. We need to represent, with strong Membership, so we can voice your opinions directly to the government.

We strive to bring you the most up to date information as it comes to hand, state by state. If anyone in the industry has something that you would like us to follow up or has a story that they would like to share please let us know.

EDITOR Nigel Gorman EXECUTIVE EDITOR Caroline Miall CONTRIBUTORS • Anne-Maree Russell • Caroline Miall • Daniel Wurm • Jack Josephsen • Jim Baker

And the next twelve months? We will seek to consolidate our rapid growth, continue to keep you up to date and share our experiences, forward your causes to the policy makers, and strengthen training, while making it work BETTER!

• Justin Barlow

We will also consult with painters around the country to update our online guides and WHS docs etc. If you have any suggestions for pro-formas to develop for your business, let us know and we will see what we can do.

• Mike Feizpour

Thank goodness we have a great staff now all of whom are across our ‘missions’, enjoying their jobs and ready to move forward.

I’d like to thank Clive, Justin, Jenny, Mandy, Caroline, Peter, and Anne for their tireless work, and commitment.

Happy Painting,

Nigel Gorman

nigel@aussiepaintersnetwork.com.au

07 3555 8010

• Leo Babauta

• Monroe Porter • Nigel Gorman • Robert Bauman • Scott Robertson • Simon Clayer

GRAPHIC DESIGNER J. Anne Delgado

Contents Page 06

Licensing in NSW & VIC

Page 09

Hire Slower, Fire Quicker

Page 12

The Case for CARING about your work...

Page 19

Can a Good Paint Job Cure the Winter Blues?

Page 20

Heating Enamel in Colder Months

Page 23

Surface Preparation To Over-Coat or NOT to Over-Coat

Page 24

Andrew Collins Returns to NZ

Page 28

Building and Construction Sector After Budget

Page 31

Accountability for Subcontractor Defects Policy

Page 32

Surviving the run up to June 30

Page 35

Drug and Alcohol Policy Why you need it for your workplace

Page 37

Graffiti Solution

Page 38

12 Simple Ways to Make Your Home Look More Glamorous

Page 43

Branding your Business

Page 52

Industry Idiots

Page 53

Important Contacts

Opinions and viewpoints expressed in the Aussie Painting Contractor Magazine do not necessarily represent those of the editor, staff or publisher or any Aussie Painters Network’s staff or related parties. The publisher, Aussie Painters Network and Aussie Painting Contractor Magazine personnel are not liable for any mistake, misprint or omission. Information contained in the Aussie Painting Contractor Magazine is intended to inform and illustrate and should not be taken as financial, legal or accounting advice. You should seek professional advice before making business related decisions. We are not liable for any losses you may incur directly or indirectly as a result of reading Aussie Painting Contractor Magazine. Reproduction of any material or contents of the magazine without written permission from the publisher is strictly prohibited.

Just-In Hi Good People, Recognised Prior Learning – RPL. What is it, and what are the benefits to employers and employees? RPL is recognising skills and knowledge of an employee who has been working in a particular field. If an apprentice or brush hand wishes to apply for RPL they can ask their Trainer for an assessment to identify any competencies of RPL they might be eligible for.

A trainer or assessor’s responsibility when requested to carry out RPL, is to collect evidence against relevant areas of the competency.

Key areas to the competency include the Performance Criteria, Required Skills, Required Knowledge and Critical Aspects. In summary, to achieve competency you have to know the underpinning knowledge and you must be able to transfer the skills into the workplace or in a simulated workplace environment.

The trainer or assessor can collect the evidence in many of the following ways; by competency conversation, observing the student apply the skills, video evidence, documentary evidence, Third Party Reports, references or portfolios representing previously work history.

There is no doubt that new computing technologies has provided an incredible platform to perform this.

Once the evidence has been collected using chosen methods, the trainer and assessor will also identify competencies where the student is unable to provide sufficient or no evidence for. The trainer will make arrangements for the student to complete necessary training in these areas. This can be known as gap training. Once the assessment and gap training is completed, then the student will be issued with their qualification.

As we all know, there are a lot of brush hands in the painting and decorating industry who have never been giving the opportunity to gain formal recognition of their skills. Obtaining your Cert III paves the way to a Painting and Decorating license, and work requiring formal qualifications such as EBA sites, earning more money on higher pay rates. With it, you’ll have more freedom and opportunity in the industry. Businesses are strengthened with formal upskilling of staff, producing the better outcomes of a more educated and more professional approach. Think about the possibilities; investing in your staff can reward your business greatly.

Justin Barlow 07 3555 8010 / 0433 724 794 justin@aussiepaintersnetwork.com.au

Licensing

in NSW & VIC The National Institute of Painting and Decorating and Aussie Painters Network have continued their campaign to amend Home Building Regulations in NSW to re-install painters licensing for interior paintwork, and to introduce painters licensing in Victoria.

After the recent state elections in NSW, the government appointed a new Minister for the Fair Trading portfolio.

This has meant that negotiations with the government have had to start afresh, but it also means we are more likely to obtain a response from the government. The new Minister for Innovation and Better Regulation is the Hon. Victor Michael Dominello MP and his responsibilities include administrating the Department of Fair Trading.

The National Institute of Painting and Decorating has requested meetings with the Minister, and has received written responses from the Fair Trading Commissioner that the painter’s licensing issue is being re-considered.

However, without any time-line, or commitments, this response is pretty meaningless.

On May 20th, the Shadow Minister for Innovation and Better Regulation, the Hon. Peter Primrose, MP, met with representatives from the National Institute of Painting and Decorating on behalf of Aussie Painters Network and GreenPainters. The meeting took place at parliament house, and the Shadow Minister outlined the steps needed to put painters licensing back on the parliament’s agenda. NIPD brought painting contractors from the Sydney area to explain how the new legislation was affecting their business. The Shadow Minister was very helpful and practical in his approach, and we thank him for taking our concerns seriously. His office will be working very closely with us to conduct an investigation of why the legislation was amended with seemingly no consultation with the industry.

An application will be made under the Government Information (Public Access) Act 2009 (“GIPA Act”) to investigate what consultation was made during the legislative process, and whether adequate advice was given

6 | Aussie Painters Network

by the Department. The Minister will have 30 days to respond, and the Shadow Minister will be able to question the government in parliament.

We would like to thank Marcin Antosz from GreenPainters for assisting with the meeting, and Taubmans for their advice and support thus far. Over the coming weeks we will starting a massive media blitz to educate the public about the issue.

In Victoria, the National Institute of Painting and Decorating has surveyed over 550 members of the painting industry, with support from Aussie Painters Network.

The survey responses thus far reveal that: • 74% of Victorian painters believe licensing is ‘very important’ • 74% of Victorian painters believe licensing should be limited to qualified painters • 85% believe Certificate III Painting and Decorating (or equivalent) should be the minimum qualification • 55% believe licensing should be required for any work over $1000 • 96% believe licensing should be required for companies, and 93% for sole traders • 55% believe interstate licenses should be recognised in Victoria • The majority believe licensing should cost less than $200 per year The above results will form the basis for our submission to the Victorian Building Authority. Informal discussions with VBA have been positive so far, as the Building Regulations are up for review this year.

Please sign the PETITION here: Victorian Building Authority: Start Painter’s Licensing in Victoria

As you can see, by working together the National Institute of Painting and Decorating, and Aussie Painters Network are getting things done! How can you help?

1. Firstly, by contacting your local member of parliament and either emailing them, or dropping into their office. Wearing your painting whites while explaining how the regulations affect your business will make them remember you. Write a letter if you can.

4. If you are a manufacturer, become a sponsor of the National Institute of Painting and Decorating, and work with us to improve the industry. Our work is supported by sponsorship and government subsidised training and grants.

2. Sign our petitions. It only takes 2 minutes, but may improve your industry and your business over the years ahead.

Thank-you for your support,

3. Become a member of Aussie Painters Network. Part of the membership fee goes into the work they do for the industry.

Daniel Wurm VIBER: +61 402312234 SKYPE: daniel-wurm

8 | Aussie Painters Network

Hire Slower, Fire Quicker Finding good employees is a never ending battle facing contractors. As frustrating as it can be to find and keep good people, having professional employees is the heart and soul of every contracting business.

Contractors tend to keep bad employees too long.

This can be caused by many competing emotions and rationales. Possibly, you are thinking the devil you know is better than the devil you don’t. Maybe you are busy and just hope the problem employee will miraculously straighten up. Possibly you have gotten emotionally attached to the employee and have bought into their never ending stream of problems. Regardless, having employees who are underperforming drags down the entire organization. Rarely does the employee you terminated keep you up at night.

If you have someone in your organization who is about to lose his or her job, one big question; does he or she know it? Frequently, we have discussions with tenured employees but they tend to be more like nagging sessions. If we do it long enough, the underperforming employee sees you as a dog with no teeth. You must give problem employees a clear ultimatum, if the behavior continues they will be terminated. As a consultant, I don’t fire people, I merely layout the criteria required for them to continue employment. He or she must choose to either conform to the behaviour or leave.

We recently surveyed our customers to determine the profile of a long term employee who had gone south.

First, almost everyone wished they had terminated the employee years before. In hindsight, they felt that it was in both the employee and their best interest to move on. What was interesting is that well over half of these enabled employees had the capacity to do good work but there was simply too much drama in their life.

You name it, from drug addict kids to crazy spouses, the drama never ended. Since the employer could not control these outside influences, it was nearly impossible to have the employee generate consistent performance.

No matter how much sympathy you show for people, you cannot wish them into compliance or wish away their poor judgment.

Let’s focus on the more positive aspect of hiring good people. Too often contractors wait until they are desperate to hire someone and then they have to accept a less than spectacular applicant. Contractors should always be hiring the same way they are always looking for more work. Finding good people is not easy. If you see someone working hard in a fast food restaurant, consider offering them a job. Let everyone you know that you are always looking for good people.

What do I mean by hire slow? First, make sure you take the time to ask the appropriate questions. Make sure what the applicant is telling you makes sense. If it seems too good to be true, then it probably is.

Try taking a phone interview cut. Call the applicants and do an interview over the phone. Tell them a little about your company and then ask some broad questions to see if his or her employment with your company would be a good fit. Good questions to ask are: Tell me a little about your last job and what caused you to leave?

If I was to call your former employer, what would they save positive about you? What would your past employees say you need to improve?

If you had the perfect job, what would that look like?

(Listen and probe into what they are saying.)

What was the first job you ever had that you were paid to perform duties? (This question shows work ethic and how the person grew up.)

Continue to Page 10...

2015 June Issue | 9

When interviewing field employees, ask what tools they own? What specific type of work do they enjoy the most? Would they rather have an experienced person to work with or would they mind training someone?

Give them a simple task to perform such as painting a window, flashing a chimney, leveling some pavers. See what the person’s skill level looks like. If you are hiring an office manager, have them take a Quickbooks test or some other type of office efficiency profile.

Trust your gut feeling. What’s the person’s story? If the story makes sense, consider hiring them. If it doesn’t, ask more questions and beware. Consider having the person work a few days as a test application. If they have a job, have them work on Saturday. That way both of you are protected. Do your due diligence.

Hiring people is never easy but you can’t give up. Also, remember that if were easy everyone would be able to hire. Your competitors have the same hiring issues you do. You out market and sell your competitor every day in order to win jobs. You have to take that same attitude towards recruiting and whip up on them. There are lots of bad employers out there. Be a good place to work and beat your competition on the playing field.

Monroe Porter is president of PROOF Management a firm that teaches seminars and runs networking groups for painting contractors. Several Aussie painting contractors travel to the US each year to participate in his programs.

www.proofman.com

Employment Page Advertisements are placed

FOR FREE!

10 | Aussie Painters Network

2015 June Issue | 11

The Case for CARING about your work...

Less than a decade ago, it become a trend to create “passive” income and outsource everything and go live on a beach while the money piled up in your bank account.

The idea seemed to be that doing less work is good, and automation is the way to go.

I too became lured by that dream for a little while, so I don’t judge anyone who goes down that path.

But I’m here to say that there’s another way: doing things yourself, and really caring about the work you do.

This is the way of the old craftsman who spends days, even weeks, working on a single piece because he wants to create something useful, beautiful, and meaningful. Not mass produced, not factory made, not mindlessly manufactured and consumed. Something to enrich your life.

chanic, or painter… who puts more effort than is required into the work, because from that effort is created meaning.

Why waste your time creating something you don’t care about, aren’t invested in? Life is too short.

Perhaps it would be better to spend the little life you have on something that matters to you, that will matter to those you are creating for.

My Care-filled Work I’m not perfect in this regard — I’ve produced substandard work, I’ve phoned it in, and I aimed at growth rather than quality in different times in my life. But lately, I’ve been trying the approach of caring, and it makes a huge difference.

This is the way of the writer who pours her soul into a novel, not to crank out a best-seller every year but to change the way someone sees the world.

I decided to spend a year creating a book, not just cranking out the words but working with a group of people to see if the book resonated, made a difference to them. I rewrote it several times. I published it the old fashioned way, with my own company, paying well above the normal cost so that it would be of high quality.

This is the way of anyone who works at a company not just to clock in and get a paycheck, but to make a contribution, to do work he’s proud of, to create something powerful in the world.

When freelancers did a poor job with the ebook versions, I tossed out their work and did it myself, hand coding every little tag and metafile in the ebook, so that it would be a good experience for my readers.

This is the work of any artist or creator, any entrepreneur, any coach or athlete, any parent or auto me-

When the cover of the print book was flimsy, I had them replaced (at double the cost) with higher quality

12 | Aussie Painters Network

covers, so that it would be a good experience for my readers.

While I could grow my Sea Change membership program to many more members than I have now, I have eschewed growth for trying to make the program better, working with the community to see where they’re frustrated and committing myself to constantly improving the experience.

I do all of this work the hard way, by hand and collaborating with others who will work hard, because I care.

And the simple act of caring has transformed the experience for me, and I hope for the people who receive the work as well.

There’s no doubt that with a skill like painting, it is a more enjoyable task if you take pride in your work, and do it well. You’re not simply slapping some paint on a wall, but making someone’s home their castle. Making your trade not only your bread and butter, but your master craft, will ensure that your customer is stunned with the finish, and you enjoy delivering it too.

Leo Babauta, a successful ‘

simplicity’ blogger & author from California, is the creator of top 25 Blog, Zen Habits, chronicling his insights from acting significant changes in his personal and working life.

www.consolidatedi .com.au Phone: +61 7 3292 1100 | Fax: +61 7 3292 1110 Email: contactus@consolidatedi.com.au I just wanted to say a BIG THANK YOU for referring me to Consolidated Insurance Pty Ltd. I spoke to Scott about our Business Insurance and with little time, Scott emailed me back a comprehensive package for our Business and we saved over $1,000.00. Thanks again Aussie Painters Network for the great referral and all your ongoing help.

Sonya Baker www.bakerbrosmasterpainters.com.au

2015 June Issue | 15

The videos show how the new method of online learning for the theory component of the Painting and Decorating Trade can give employers more exibility when it comes to training.

16 | Aussie Painters Network

2015 June Issue | 17

Looking for improvements in your business? “How To Become AReally Successful Painter� can really help you.

A copy of my book is available online jimbaker@notjustapainter.com.au

Watch Business Management for Painters http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OczJfZH8M4I

www.mytools4business.com/howtobecome

18 | Aussie Painters Network

Can a Good Paint Job Cure the Winter Blues?

It’s that time of year again. Time to get out the parkas, blankets and hot soup.

While cranking the thermostat at least a little is unavoidable during the coldest winter months, did you know that your paint color can actually help to counteract the falling temperatures outside?

Finding the right paint colors to bring a little summer to your home won’t only make you feel better, but they could save you money in the long run.

Here are three paint colors that will make your life a little better this winter season.

The Power of Red Red is a physically stimulating color. Its effects go beyond the merely psychological to those that can alter how our body is operating.

Most notably, seeing the color red - and particularly vibrant shades of it - can cause respiration and heart rate to rise in humans.

This feature not only makes you feel more alive during a dreary season, but a faster heart rate means that your body will be producing more heat, keeping you a little warmer on cold days.

Red is also the most vital color perceptible to man.

And shade of red can breathe life into any room during any season. Because red is the color of fire, it awakens our senses to a force that has brought heat and the wonders of cooking to our lives for thousands of years.

It makes us feel alert and ready to be productive.

Brown Makes Us Feel Cozy Is there anything nicer on a chilly winter day than curling up under a throw by the fire, with a cup of hot chocolate and feeling cozy.

A dark espresso accent can give us the psychological impression of being enveloped - much like in a cave. It taps into old instincts deep within our psyche, and reminds us of warm, insulating materials and consequently causes us to feel as if the cold is being kept at bay.

Much like the placebo effect encountered in medicine, in our everyday lives, simply thinking we’re warmer will, in fact, make us warmer.

Continue to Page 20...

2015 June Issue | 19

Orange is Uplifting Orange might not be your favorite color, but whether it pleases your eye or offends it, it will still have an antidepressant effect on your mood.

Most oranges will naturally brighten any room without having to add more lighting to the area. Studies have shown that a lack of adequate light, particularly during the winter months, can people to feel run down and unhappy.

same mood effects as a dark tan - not necessarily bad, but also not the most powerful color to combat those winter blues.

Mike Feizpour Director | Orange Painting M: 0469 085 999 | T: (08) 6311 2815 | F: (08) 6210 1105 W: www.Orangepainting.com.au

Adding orange is an easy and effective way to counteract this negative characteristic of winter.

Orange can also make us feel more energetic, making it more likely that we will want to get up and do something - an activity that both warms the body and puts us in a better mood.

One caveat is that oranges that are too burnt might not provide the same cheery elements as its brighter counterparts. Instead, a highly burnt orange can have the

Info sourced from:

http://www.hgtv.com/design/decorating/color/the-psychologyof-color-choose-the-right-shade-pictures http://www.diynetwork.com/how-to/skills-and-know-how/painting/the-psychology-of-col http://www.hgtv.com/remodel/interior-remodel/the-psychologyof-color http://www.diynetwork.com/how-to/skills-and-know-how/painting/the-psychology-of-color

How much does your business need to earn to cover its expenses?

20 | Aussie Painters Network

www.mytools4business.com/myhourlyratecalculator

4 /1311 Ipswich Rd, Rocklea, Queensland, Australia 4106 1800 355 344 info@aussiepaintersnetwork.com.au

2015 June Issue | 21

Independent Distributor

Successful Weight Loss Improved Nutrition Enhanced Personal Care Opportunity for Financial Reward

Download our app HerbalifeAu

22 | Aussie Painters Network

Tricks of the Trade

Heating Enamel IN COLDER MONTHS

With winter on its way, here is an idea that will help you get an extra hour or so of external work done when you are working with enamel paints. In the colder months, there are fewer working hours available due to the light and temperature. I was taught a trick from an older Pomme painter to help them get around the elements when painting with enamel.

How to make enamel paint dry faster and spread better without adding anything to the paint?

In colder weather, heat your enamel!

Start by boiling a kettle. Make yourself a cuppa then pour the rest of the boiling water into a 10 litre paint pot. Then get a 4 litre pot and put a couple of inches of enamel paint in it, place the 4 litre pot into the 10 litre pot and let it sit while you drink your cuppa.

Once you have finished your cuppa the enamel should be warm enough for you to start. You will find that it will be a little runnier, will flow easier and spread further than usual. It will also be touch dry quicker, and will keep the high gloss that the client is looking for.

You will find that the paint should flow well for an hour or two, depending on how cold it is. When it starts to get claggy or thick again it time for you to have another cuppa and repeat the process.

Because it dries faster, you can work a bit longer than you are used to in the colder weather. By not needing to add anything to the enamel it will also save your warranty if you have any problems.

Hopefully this winter tip will boost productivity a bit through the colder months!

SURFACE PREPARATION

To Over-Coat or NOT To Over-Coat

There’s a job coming up with an existing floor coating and the client would prefer to over-coat rather than remove to save money. What do you do?

There’s no right or wrong answer to the question, just risks you need to weigh up in deciding to over-coat or not.

5. Is the new floor coating subject to harsh conditions, either through chemical exposure or temperature fluctuations? If so then I’d want to ensure it had the best possible chance of withstanding the conditions by bonding it directly to the substrate.

6. Does the new coating wet out the existing coating?

For example, if you do a small test patch does the coating flow nicely, or does it crawl and cause surface defects? Obviously this sort of incompatibility means the existing coating would need to be removed.

7. If it’s a large project and you’re completely unsure on over-coating, can you do a small trial? That is, apply the coating as you intend to on a larger scale to see if it all works.

The over-coat risk checklist Here’s the checklist I use when deciding to over-coat 1. Do you know what the existing coating is? Is it a two-pack or single-pack coating? If you put a little bit of solvent on it does it bubble or wrinkle? If it doesn’t handle solvent well then it’s probably a single-pack coating, which means you shouldn’t waste your time over-coating with the much stronger two-pack.

2. Is the existing floor coating stuck down well or flaky?

If it’s flaky then remove it. Over-coating a flaky coating could end up with both peeling off.

3. Is the existing coating stained, meaning that contamination has absorbed into the coating? This is not a good sign and if the stain is oil based then I’d remove the coating.

4. Is the existing coating bonded well, but badly worn?

This is one of those 50/50 scenarios where some will err on the side of caution and just remove it while others will over-coat.

24 | Aussie Painters Network

8. A practical consideration is: can you even remove the existing coating within the shutdown period? Not every coating grinds off easily and this may override all other considerations.

Involve the client If you choose to over-coat at the end of the day, be sure to educate the client on what you are doing and any risks that might be involved. Be open and honest so they can participate in the decision-making process. I’d much prefer the client tell me they’re prepared to take the risk than wear all the responsibility myself. Overall, if there’s too much doubt around over-coating then you’re much better off to remove the existing floor coating regardless of what the client says. If you lose the job because you’re now too expensive then so be it. You never make money when you have to re-do a job anyway!

Jack Josephsen +61 408 877 256

‘My Costing Guide’ is a fully automated program where all you have to do is add or change the variables and the total price will appear in an instant. It is simple to use and can be personalised to your own business.

2015 June Issue | 25

The portable, inexpensive method to prevent paint waste-water polluting the environment.

The Mobile PaintWash can also be used for storage when empty, and has no moving parts or expensive filters. It's ideal for the professional painter who cares about the environment and the health of our planet.

Protect your client's garden, and the environment by using the Mobile PaintWash!

Contact GreenPainters for more information: Ph: 1300 319 790

• • • • • • • for more details, visit our website!

www.paintershrpolicies.com

26 | Aussie Painters Network

Andrew Collins Returns to NZ Au Revoir, Andrew! And Thanks.

In our Painting and Decorating industry, there are many who are dedicated and passionate about making a positive difference. Who are these people? It could be an apprentice who is starting to learn their trade and sets out to be the best possible trades person they can be.

Maybe it’s a salesperson or shop assistant for an industry company who is providing professional advice on paint systems or products that will ensure best possible outcomes for customers and clients. It could also be a trades person, employer or trainer who prides themselves to pass on their skills and knowledge to fellow workers.

One person who falls into this category is Andrew Collins.

Andrew has been a Painting and Decorating trainer working with a couple of different Registered Training Organisations for a number of years. As a Painting and Decorating trainer he has been involved with teaching hundreds of apprentices and Recognised Prior Learning students.

Andrew’s dedication became known to me last year when we were both involved in training Queensland Worldskills representatives, Molly Close and Rachael Anderson, in a voluntary capacity. Andrew’s experience as Painter and Decorator combined with his Graphic Arts degree equipped him with a wide range of skills and knowledge, making Andrew an excellent Trainer.

Andrew loved sharing knowledge and was always interested in learning from others.

Andrew has recently resigned from position as a trainer to relocate to his home land New Zealand. Andrew intends to spend more time with his family and to pursue his own business in Painting and Decorating specialising in decorative finishes. Andrew has been well respected by his apprentices and work colleagues. We would like to thank Andrew for his services to our industry and we wish him all the best for the future.

Justin Barlow justin@aussiepaintersnetwork.com.au 2015 June Issue | 27

ABIS Abbott Government Makes Friends with

Building and Construction Sector After Budget • Federal Treasurer announces $5.5b growth package aimed at stimulating small business and entrepreneurship • MBA welcomes the package and cites the need for a reboot after fall back to building sector in March quarter.

• Budget also unveils a new $5b facility to issue concessional loans for the construction of ports, pipelines, electricity and water to projects in Queensland, Western Australia and the Northern Territory.

• The budget proposes deficit to fall from 2 per cent of GDP to .6 per cent of GDP by 2019.

With the inclusion of a $5.5b Jobs and Small Business Package, the 2015 Federal Budget wins the support of the building and construction industry, which boasts more than 300,000 small businesses.

The stimulus package is welcome news after the latest Master Builders (MBA) National Survey which reported a fall in the building sector’s business conditions for the March quarter. Peter Jones, MBA’s Chief Economist, points to the softening of hiring intentions as the index measuring building firms’ intention to employ tradespeople and apprentices declined in the first quarter of 2015. The Jobs and Small Business Package includes: • A 1.5 per cent cut in company tax rate (from 30 per cent to 28.5 per cent) for incorporated businesses with a turnover of less than $2m; • A 5 per cent tax discount on tax payable on business income to unincorporated businesses, which include

28 | Aussie Painters Network

the majority of tradespeople and many sole trader within the construction sector; • For the next two years, all small businesses will receive a full and immediate tax deduction for purchase of individual assets (new tools, machinery, etc.) up to a value of $20,000.

The Federal Budget also reveals the government’s ongoing commitment to investing on infrastructure projects with major road upgrades, including the $5.6b Pacific Highway Duplication, the $6.7b upgrade to the Bruce Highway, the $500m Ballarat to Stawell Western Highway duplication, the $925m Perth Freight Link, the $500m Darlington Interchange and the $400m Midland Highway. Another major component towards infrastructure development is a the unveiling of a new $5b Northern Infrastructure Facility to provide concessional loans for the construction of ports, rail, pipes and power stations for a range of projects throughout Queensland, Western Australia and the Northern Territory.

Perhaps most importantly the budget also appears to deliver a sustainable path towards fiscal responsibility with a the deficit set to fall from $35.1b in 2014/15 to $6.9b in 2018/19.

Phone: 1300 887 959

www.aubis.com.au

Trace MY Business Written and Developed by Jim Baker

Trace My Business will keep a record of ALL your clients.

It collects the basic information like their contact details, job description and client notes but the beauty of this program is that it also tracks

• Where the referral came from • The quote success and failure rates • Suburb comparisons • The different advertising campaigns (what works and what doesn’t)

• First projects vs repeat business • New vs existing revenue and projects • Yearly and overall client revenue • Growth analysis • Projects, who referred them, and the referrals they subsequently provided

This is a brand new online product and like my other programmes, it is accessible on any computer or smart phone just by using your email address and password.

I am offering this to you on a 90 day ‘Trial Before You Commit’ price of $1.00. After the trial period and you like the product, the cost on a monthly subscription will only be $16.90.

So for the low cost of $16.90 a month, you will be able to access all your clients and where they found you, monitor what advertising campaigns are working and what are not, but best of all, have these records available to a new purchaser when you want to sell your business.

www.mytools4business.com/tracemybusiness

from $45.00 30 | Aussie Painters Network

Accountability for Subcontractor Defects Policy

Following extensive consultation with building industry associations, QBCC will ensure subcontractors are held accountable for defective building work they perform.

While the Commission has always had the power to direct subcontractors to rectify defective work, principal contractors have largely been held responsible for ensuring rectification of defective work performed under their supervision.

The Accountability for Subcontractor Defects Policy will ensure all licensees are accountable for their performance.

This will reduce the burden of responsibility on principal contractors and provide consumers with peace of mind that work complies with the National Construction Code, applicable Australian Standards and manufacturer specifications.

From 1 June 2015, a subcontractor responsible for defective work must rectify it or face disciplinary action which could result in the suspension or cancellation of their licence.

However, this policy does not alter or negate a principal contractor’s responsibility to properly supervise all building work completed under a contract. Principal contractors who are found not to have adequately supervised work will be subject to disciplinary action.

A direction to rectify defective work will only be issued if the contractor responsible for the work is unwilling to fix it.

Process •Where a complaint is made by a consumer or a contractor to the Commission about defective building work, the Commission will assess and deal with the complaint in line with the QBC Board’s Rectification of Building Work Policy.

•The Commission will attend a site as part of its processes to establish whether there is in fact defective building work requiring rectification by the principal contractor and/or subcontractor(s). In the event that the subcontractor is found responsible for the defects then the following process occurs: • Where the subcontractor agrees to rectify the defective work the Commission will monitor the case to ensure the defective work is satisfactorily rectified.

• Where a principal contractor agrees with the Commission that there is defective building work, and the principal contractor is having difficulty getting the relevant subcontractor(s) back to rectify, then the Commission will issue a Direction to Rectify to the relevant subcontractor(s), as well as the principal contractor, requiring them to return and rectify the defects.

• If the subcontractor(s) and/or principal contractor complies with the Direction to Rectify, the Direction to Rectify will not appear on their public record.

• Should the subcontractor(s) fail to comply with the Direction issued to them, the Commission will undertake disciplinary action against the subcontractor(s) which may lead to suspension or cancellation of their licence.

• Where the subcontractor(s) fails to comply with the Direction issued to them to rectify defects, the principal contractor will be required to either rectify the defect themselves or have another subcontractor do that work at the principal contractor’s cost.

2015 June Issue | 31

SURVIVING

the run up to June 30 Effective planning and preparation is critical for all taxpayers as the end of financial year approaches.

Every small business owner knows the stress that comes with the end of financial year.

A lot of valuable time and energy gets poured into getting your paperwork in order and making sure that you’re minimising your tax bill as much as possible.

Taking advantage of the Budget There has been some great news for small business owners in this year’s Federal Budget with a number of small business tax breaks that you want to be aware of as the end of financial year approaches. You should definitely take advantage of the ‘simplified depreciation’ changes for small business, which we’ve outlined for you here.

Simplified depreciation - Changes effective Budget Night, 7.30pm (AEST) 12 May 2015 Expanding accelerated depreciation for small business – immediate write-off and small business pool The government will significantly expand accelerated depreciation for small businesses. It will do this by allowing small businesses with aggregate annual turnover of less than $2 million to immediately deduct assets they start to use or install ready for use, provided the asset costs less than $20,000 (currently, an immediate write-off is generally available for assets costing less than $1,000). This will apply for assets acquired and installed ready for use between 7.30pm (AEST) 12 May 2015 and 30 June 2017.

Assets valued at $20,000 or more (which cannot be immediately deducted) can continue to be placed in the small business simplified depreciation pool (‘the pool’) and depreciated at 15% in the first income year and 30% each income year thereafter. The pool can also be immediately deducted if the balance is less than $20,000 over this period (including existing pools).

32 | Aussie Painters Network

The government will also suspend the current ‘lock out’ laws for the simplified depreciation rules until 30 June 2017. Currently, these ‘lock out’ rules prevent small businesses from re-entering the simplified depreciation regime for five years, if they opt out.

From 1 July 2017, the thresholds for the immediate depreciation of assets and the value of the pool will revert back to existing arrangements (which are currently based on a ‘less than $1,000’ threshold).

Making the most of small business tax breaks 1. Defer income - (e.g. invoices, investments) If at all possible you should defer issuing invoices for services until 1 July. This way that income will be included in the next tax year rather than the current tax year, deferring tax on the income for a year.

2. Bring forward expenses – If at all possible, you should incur any expenses for business use prior to 30 June. This way that expense will be included in the current tax year rather than the next tax year, reducing your tax payable in this financial year. (Examples include: consumables, repairs, and office supplies).

3. Prepayment of expenses (Small Business only) If your cash flow allows you should consider making advance payments for expenses over the next 12 months (e.g. Rent, Interest, insurance). If you are eligible for the small business concessions, you can claim an immediate deduction for such prepayments.

4. Get the ball rolling on stocktake Retailers and wholesalers are required to undertake a stocktake at the end of each financial year.

However, if your annual turnover is less than $2 million and the difference in value between your opening and closing stock can reasonably be estimated to be less than $5000 then you are exempt from this requirement.

5. Write off bad debts Unfortunately, there will be times that a client does not pay you for work that has been completed. This is known as having a bad debt and it is an extremely frustrating situation for any business owner.

A small consolation can be found in the fact that bad debts are tax deductible. In the event that you have a bad debt, it should be formally written off in your financial records. You will then be able to claim it as a deduction against your taxable income.

tax penalties. If a member of your SMSF has recently reached pension phase or you are at all unsure as to what your minimum pension amount is, please do not hesitate to contact our office.

2. Depositing contributions All of the contributions that have been recorded for your SMSF need to be deposited in the SMSF’s bank account by no later than 30 June 2015. This is especially important where members have reported concessional or non-concessional contributions.

3. Spouse contributions If you are eligible to split your superannuation contributions then you may be able to make some savings on your tax bill come June 30.

Do you have any outstanding debtors that are unlikely to pay? If so, you should consider writing these off prior to 30 June. A minute should be made declaring this as a bad debt prior to 30 June.

It may also be necessary for you to provide the ATO with proof that you have taken reasonable steps to recover the amount.

6. Defer Investment Income & Capital Gains If it is possible, you should arrange for the receipt of Investment Income (e.g. Term Deposits) and realisation of capital gains (contract date) to occur after 30 June.

7. Pay Employee Superannuation To secure a tax deduction for your June quarter superannuation owing, you must pay this prior to 30 June.

NOTE: This payment MUST clear your bank account prior to 30 June for it to be considered a tax deduction in the next tax year.

End of financial year: SMSFs

The compliance requirements for SMSFs are extremely stringent, and it is important for trustees to be acutely aware of their responsibilities.

1. Withdrawing minimum pension SMSFs that do not distribute minimum pensions to members who are in pension phase may face hefty

This is especially true where your spouse is a low-income earner. However, even if your spouse is not a lowincome earner, there are other advantages to splitting income between accounts, for example, increased income flexibility in retirement.

Get on top of your records

If you’ve been organised this year then you deserve to give yourself a big pat on the back!

However, taxpayers who have fallen behind on any record keeping, are advised to take any necessary steps to get up to date, including seeking external assistance.

Record keeping is critical and it is imperative to stay on top of your responsibilities.

The good news is that there is still time to sort things out, and with this checklist you can feel confident that you are on top of your tax.

A D Hamilton & Associates www.adhamilton.com.au Copyright © 2015 Robert Bauman.

2015 June Issue | 33

34 | Aussie Painters Network

Why you need a

DRUG AND ALCOHOL POLICY

for your workplace In Australia, alcohol use is a daily part of many people’s lives. Although the use of illicit (illegal) drugs is not as common, the effects of both drug and alcohol use during and outside of work hours can have a significant negative impact on workplace health, safety and productivity.

Workers who are impaired by drugs or alcohol present a substantial safety risk to themselves and others as it may affect their ability to exercise judgment, coordination, motor control, concentration and alertness may be impaired, leading to increased risk of injury or accidents to themselves or others and damage to plant or equipment.

To illustrate this point, the Australian Drug Foundation estimates alcohol in the workplace costs businesses approximately $6 billion annually through lost productivity, absenteeism, injuries and workplace deaths.

Drugs and alcohol in the workplace can cause a range of problems for employers who have a general ‘duty of care’ obligation under health and safety laws to ensure that, as far as practicable, workers are not exposed to hazards and risks.

As such, an employer may be held liable for any negligent or wrongful acts committed by a drug- or alcoholimpaired worker unless the employer takes all reasonably practicable steps to prevent the behaviour.

For these reasons it is important for employers to implement a drug and alcohol policy for the workplace.

How to draft a drug and alcohol policy We recommend any employer considering drafting a drug and alcohol in the workplace policy follow these guidelines: • develop the policy in consultation with all stakeholders in the workplace such as unions, workers, and health and safety representatives; • apply the policy equally to all workers across levels of the business; • clearly state what is acceptable behaviour and the consequences of any unacceptable behaviour; • if the policy includes testing, describe the testing protocols and procedures; and • ensure the policy is clearly communicated to all members of the workforce.

Is testing justified?

Subjecting workers to drug and alcohol testing may be considered to be an unreasonable invasion of their privacy. Therefore before any decision to conduct testing is made as part of the policy, it is recommended the employer consult with the workers about the safety reasons why testing is important and the proposed testing procedure.

Any decision to conduct testing should be based on the effect impairment could have on health and safety in the workplace.

For example, testing would be far more appropriate on a mine site or in a factory where heavy machinery is operated than an office as the impairment from alcohol or drugs is likely to have far more significant consequences.

Even where testing is considered to be necessary, employers must get a worker’s consent before implementing testing. It is important to note that forcing an employee to be tested may expose an employer to criminal and civil liability.

Once testing has been conducted, it is imperative that the test results are stored securely and workers’ privacy is protected.

Assistance Developing a drug and alcohol policy is a very sensitive issue as it covers two competing workplace interests: private behaviour by an employee versus taking all available measures to ensure a safe working environment.

Any employers require assistance to develop their policy, please contact Simon Clayer from Dundas Lawyers on 07 3221 0013 or you can email sclayer@dundaslawyers.com.au

2015 June Issue | 35

36 | Aussie Painters Network

Graffiti Solution A few years ago I was invited by Dulux and The Master Painters Association to give a talk in Wellington, New Zealand to a group of painters on the ‘True Costings in Business’. I was one of many speakers over a five day course. In the two days I was there I was fortunate enough to have a bit of spare time to look around the capital city. It brought back many fond memories as I lived and worked there as a painter for eleven months in 1975. Although a very pretty city, the one thing that unfortunately stood out to me this time was the graffiti or ‘tagging’ on many of the buildings. I know kids want to make their ‘mark’ and think it is ‘cool’ to do this, but to me I just can’t understand the logic. It’s unsightly and has no artistic merit to it at all.

When the lands’ natural resources failed to provide all the necessities of life in the early 1980’s, a new vision for the future evolved with inventive people of Chemainus.

That vision was to encompass the idea of giant outdoor wall murals in a revitalization strategy. This vision has earned Chemainus worldwide fame through the hands of artists as a memorable tourist venue. The 39 murals which have been painted on the sides of buildings has given birth to many businesses including a theatre, antique dealers and eateries. You may notice as I have, that people who like to ‘tag’ will never paint over top of someone else’s artwork as they respect what has been achieved (at least they have some sort of conscience!).

This is why the town is free from graffiti.

My wife and I have travelled to many countries around the world and regretfully, graffiti is everywhere, but the one town we couldn’t see any sign of it was a little place called Chamainus. It is situated between a mountain range and the ocean, about 90 kilometres north of Victoria on Vancouver Island, Canada. Founded as a logging industry in 1858 and then later mining and fishing, it gave work to many Chinese who worked in “bull gangs” moving huge lumber planks to the ships and later worked on the Trans Canada Railroad. Japanese and east Indians blended their cultures with Scots and Germans looking for riches in the mines and staying to work in the forests and on fishing boats. The beautiful Cowichan Valley has been the home of The Original First Nations peoples and their ancestors for countless generations, whose history and lives have been interwoven since those first white settlers came to the area.

Painting over, or graffiti removal is a huge cost to Government and private enterprise.

Maybe murals are the answer to some of the problems. If a factory wall is constantly ‘tagged’, why not employ an artist to create a picture or even use it as an advertising ‘billboard’. I’m quite sure, Coke, Pepsi, McDonald’s or a paint company would jump at the chance and pay for the work. Could this be a profitable sideline business for someone?

Jim Baker www.mytools4business.com 2015 June Issue | 37

12 Simple Ways to Make Your Home

Look More Glamorous I’m always looking for affordable ways to add that little bit of glamour to spaces I create.

Little luxe touches need not be expensive.

You can still get that designer look with some of these easy and inexpensive ideas.

It’s always good to shop your home first!

You often forget what you have tucked away … something that you might have tired of a few months back, combined with something that you already have on show, might just be the perfect final touch to a space that you are looking at glamming up!

1. Mixing up your lighting is always a good place to start.

You can change the mood of a space, and add that hint of glamour so easily, by adding or changing your lighting sources: floor lamps, to create cosy corners; table lamps, to add soft accent lighting; candles, to create ambience … …. and don’t forget fairy lights! …

38 | Aussie Painters Network

2. Create a focal point ‌with a mirror, art, fireplace or a view.

Make it bold to achieve maximum impact!

A room with a focal point draw eyes to your pretties and suggests the room’s purpose.

It also gives the room a sense of order. Structure is glamorous in itself!

3. Speaking of creating focal points, add a mirror!

Not only do mirrors reflect more light around your room, they reflect the decor you place in front of them and give the illusion of more space.

4. Add some bold fabrics and art

5. Add in some sparkly metallic accents

Silver, gold or bronze, the addition of something shiny always takes the glam up a notch!

If you are a bit of a fraidy cat, like me, when it comes to using lots of bold patterns and colours, often an addition of a bold pattern/ colour in a cushion, piece of artwork or a lamp shade is enough to do the trick and make a statement, hinting at the chic self that you are.

Continue to Page 40...

2015 June Issue | 39

6. Add living things …. flowers/plants/greenery.

All you need is a beautiful statement vase and something that grows … and you have instant glam! … even ‘not so living’ works.

I embrace ‘faux’ where I can, as faux does not die between open homes!

7. Add cushions … lots of them!

Cushions are a great way to add colour, varied textures and layers … creating a resplendent space that all your friends will admire!

For me, give me any style or colour sofa in a project … as long as I have heaps of cushions to choose from, I can create the look that I am after.

And if you can, overfill your cushions so they look lush and plump.

8. Add a bar!

A bar with lots of glass and shiny things adds instant glamour and hints at an sumptuous lifestyle.

In moderation of course. Or even for just for show only.

9. Mix eras …

… a Louis chair with modern furniture … a French chandelier in a modern apartment.

40 | Aussie Painters Network

10. Let in the light

… maximise natural light … maximise any view beyond your space.

12. And to top it all off, glam up with your accessories.

11. Keep things minimal Remove the clutter.

Less clutter, more glamour!

Your accessories define your personality and make your space stand out.

A glamorous space is one that is focussed on the details.

It’s all in the details!

Anne-Maree Russell is the Principal/Owner of Cape Cod Residential - a bespoke approach to presentation & marketing of premium properties throughout Brisbane, as well as author of popular home design blog

www.thehousethatambuilt.com

2015 June Issue | 41

50 + buy on white t-shirts with your logo on the left chest embroidered including freight and free logo digitizing

50 + buy on JB’s Hi Vis short sleeve shirts with logo on the left chest embroidered including freight and free logo digitising

$9.99 + GST only!

$13.99 + GST only!

42 | Aussie Painters Network

Branding

your Business Many small trades oriented businesses may not think a lot about Branding, and strategically marketing their business. But even in the simplest of small businesses, your brand is important and is made up of a myriad of tangible and intangible factors. Building it leads to solid ‘Brand Equity’, which is the value intrinsic in what your business represents. Put simply, your brand is your promise to your customer. It communicates an expectation to your customer of what they will get from your products and services, and it distinguishes you from your competitors. Your particular brand is who you are, who you aspire to be and who people identify you as.

At the centre of your branding is of course your logo, appearing on everything you do in print or electronic form. For easy recognition, next to your competitor, it should communicate your brand. Then, you need to consider where and how it appears.

As a Painter, what does branding mean for your business?

Keeping it simple and consistent, you might consider investing in a professionally designed logo and display it with phone/email/web address on business cards, vehicle signage, signage for jobs, and promo items caps, coasters, stubby coolers etc (see our ad for this service on page 42!). Seek advice on getting a simple, well-designed website as a place to tie it all together.

Taglines

When you think of any large, successful business, you will usually be able to remember the message they’re peddling, by their tagline or slogan. Some are timeless, others get replaced every decade, or so, sooner if it’s just not resonating with the public. They attempt to define or identify a product or a company in as few words as possible. As the list below shows, they can be very specific or even apparently random phrases, but linked to the advertising.

• We’re happy little Vegemites – Vegemite • Not happy Jan – Yellow Pages • Aussie kids are Weetbix kids – Weetbix • Matter of fact, I’ve got it now – VB • Slip Slop Slap – Cancer Council Victoria • Oils ain’t oils – Castrol And some painting ones you’ll no doubt be familiar with…

• Worth doing, worth Dulux.

• Trust British Paints – Sure can! (Although I’m sure they haven’t enjoyed the recent publicity drawn to their former representative, Rolph Harris in these ads!)

• Resene. The paint the professional use.

There are some amazing resources to help in navigating what is now a real marketing minefield. With so many avenues both digital and old school, many of the underlying concepts are still the same. There are pages with heap of suggestions for painters taglines for example, like: A professional painter for your remodelling project.

A trustworthy painting company.

A world of new colour that will transform yours.

Blending quality, craftsmanship, and customer care.

Caring in full colour.

Tough as nails and not afraid to break one. (for our lady tradies out there!)

Bringing innovation to the surface. (thanks to http://brandongaille.com/37-catchy-paintingcompany-slogans-and-taglines/) The possibilities are literally endless. Make yours relate to what you value most, and let it be customer driven to suit your target market, explaining what it is your business is known for.

Caroline Miall caroline@aussiepaintersnetwork.com.au 2015 June Issue | 43

The Industry

Idiots

44 | Aussie Painters Network

Important Contacts Aussie Painters Network www.aussiepaintersnetwork.com.au Ph. 0430 399 800 National Institute for Painting and Decorating www.painters.edu.au Ph. 1300 319 790 Australian Tax Office www.ato.gov.au Ph. 13 72 26 / Ph. 13 28 65 Award Rates www.fairwork.gov.au Ph. 13 13 94 Fair Work Building & Construction www.fwbc.gov.au Ph. 1800 003 338 Mates In Construction www.matesinconstruction.com.au

Ph. 1300 642 111

Workplace Health and Safety Contacts Comcare WorkSafe ACT Workplace Health and Safety QLD Victorian WorkCover Authority WorkCover NSW SafeWork SA WorkSafe WA NT WorkSafe WorkSafe Tasmania

www.comcare.gov.au www.worksafe.act.gov.au www.worksafe.qld.gov.au www.vwa.vic.gov.au www.workcover.nsw.gov.au www.safework.sa.gov.au www.commerce.wa.gov.au/WorkSafe/ www.worksafe.nt.gov.au www.worksafe.tas.gov.au

1300 366 979 02 6207 3000 1300 362 128 1800 136 089 13 10 50 1300 365 255 1300 307 877 1800 019 115 1300 366 322

www.actcancer.org www.cancercouncil.com.au www.cancercouncilnt.com.au www.cancerqld.org.au www.cancersa.org.au www.cancervic.org.au www.cancerwa.asn.au

(02) 6257 9999 (02) 9334 1900 (08) 8927 4888 (07) 3634 5100 (08) 8291 4111 (03) 9635 5000 (08) 9212 4333

Cancer Council Australia ACT NSW NT QLD SA VIC WA

2015 May Issue | 45

OUR MEMBERSHIP Standard Membership • Five postcode listings in our online directory • Work, Health and Safety Plan • Risk Assessment and Safe Work Method Statements • Incident Investigation Forms and Incident Investigation Form Register • Instant access to our pricing and estimating guides • Quotation guide to assist you when quoting • Personal service and phone advice • Web Listing for prospective customers to find you easily • Free targeted online marketing & advertising • Back-links to assist you in SEO rankings • Assistance with Debt Collection and Discounted Terms of Trade • Discounts on Courses • Painter Help section if you are looking for work or looking for painters to help