Business Operating Costs What are yours really?
Rags to Riches to Rags Avoid the pitfalls of starting your own painting business
Tradies Go Pink To support the McGrath & National Breast Cancer Foundations U.S. Paint Producers to Pay $1.15B for Lead in Homes Professional Development for Painters Have you planned for
Valentines Day? www.aussiepaintersnetwork.com.au
From the Editor Hopefully you’ve enjoyed a good start to the year... I’m still getting used to signing off ‘2014’, and it’s suddenly February already! The busier we get, the quicker it seems the months fly by. As work and families go back to routine, hopefully you’ve been able to review what did and didn’t work for your business last year and find the energy and time to change a few things for a great new year. There are some eye-opening articles inside this month’s edition. Our guest contributor from the U.S., Monroe Porter, shines some light on why successful contractors often fail when they go it alone in business. We take a closer look at Queensland’s new ‘Vicious Lawless Association Disestablishment Act’ (anti bikie laws) and the serious impact they could have on some tradies in the near future. And don’t miss the article about the $1.15 Billion law suit successfully won against paint producers in the US.
EDITOR Nigel Gorman EXECUTIVE EDITOR Caroline Miall CONTRIBUTORS • Amanda Dawes • Anne-Maree Russell • Brian Miller • Caroline Miall • Colin Thompson
Also within this edition are a diverse range of articles on painters’ professional development, contractor business failures, operating costs and insurance. Don’t miss out on anything – you might just stumble on the bit of info you need right now!
• Daniel Wurm
Make sure you go and join our Facebook Group and have your details in our Find a Painter area. Doing both is free and hopefully it will assist you in either getting some work or helping you with a question you may have on a product or finding an easier way to do the job.
• Jennie Gorman
• Debra Jarvis • Graeme Franklin
• Jim Baker • Monroe Porter • Nigel Gorman
Happy Painting!
• Scott Robertson
Nigel Gorman nigel@aussiepaintersnetwork.com.au
07 3555 8010
GRAPHIC DESIGNER J. Anne Delgado
Contents Page 6 Page 11 Page 12 Page 14
Back Injuries U.S. Paint companies to pay $1.15 Billion for selling Lead Paint Business Operating Costs Master Painters & Decorators Australia
are off to a fantastic start to the year
Page 15 Page 17 Page 20 Page 22 Page 24 Page 30 Page 32 Page 34 Page 37 Page 38 Page 39 Page 41
Turn your office into a Powerhouse of Success Rags to Riches to Rags Professional Development for Painters Tradies Go Pink Cyberspace Safety Keeping your kids safe online Mindmapping Buying Or Selling Your Home? Colour Selections for the New Year What is Products & Public Liability Insurance? Valentines Day Master Painters NZ on Lead Licenses on the line
Queensland Tradies to face stringent checks
Page 42 Page 43 Page 44 Page 45
Registration offences cost painter a record fine Training Schedule (MPDA) The Industry Idiots Important Contacts
In the Chair Welcome to your February Edition! We have hit the ground running this year and are already holding pilot programs in response to some of the feedback gathered from across the industry. You’ll now be able to attend sessions like Business Refresher Courses and Interpreting Plans and Specifications. As we’re considering taking our courses on tour, we’re calling for Expressions of Interest from all parts of the country. If there is other courses of interest; Managing Business & Finances, Estimating, Texture Coatings and Membranes, for example, we’d like to know whose keen. As we’re considering taking our courses on tour, we’re calling for Expressions of Interest from all parts of the country. Also, as we know a lot of small businesses are run by husband/ wife partnerships, we hope both will attend. If we can help with other courses please let us know your suggestions. Over the latter part of last year it came to light that some painting contractors were clearly not taking the correct precautions when removing or working around lead based paints. Please read the article in this issue from New Zealand Painters & Decorator; One board member has had to resign due to health problems relating to Lead. The laws and regulations have been implemented to protect YOUR health and
wellbeing as well as that of your customers. Please don’t ignore them as you may end up very sick. If OHS Inspectors become involved you may well end up with massive fines and or even imprisonment if you are found to be negligent. If you are unsure about the dangers and what is required, please contact us or obtain a copy of the Australian Standards Guide to Lead Paint Management. www.infostore.saiglobal.com/store/PreviewDoc. aspx?saleItemID=380937 This is a free 8 page sample. Access to the full version online. On a brighter note, this year I plan to get out and about around the country, and meet and greet some of you face to face.
Colin Thompson colin@aussiepaintersnetwork.com.au Aussie Painters Network Your Partners in Painting 0433 274 794 07 3555 8010 1800 355 344
Opinions and viewpoints expressed in Aussie Painting Contractor Magazine do not necessarily represent those of the editor, staff or publisher or any Home Painters Info staff or related parties. The publisher, Home Painters In fo and Aussie Painting Contractor Magazine personnel are not liable for any mistake, misprint or omission. Information contained in 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 any 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.
Back Injuries by Graeme Franklin
A number of recent observations, investigations and discussions with clients we have conducted have prompted this article. In particular, two workers who advised their Christmas holiday will be spent at home doing little, due to back muscular injuries from lifting heavy or awkward items. Large amounts of long term workers compensation injuries and resulting costs are related to back strains from workers lifting too heavy an item or not lifting and moving correctly. Common injuries caused by poor manual handling include sprains and strains, back pain and hernias. These injuries are the result of damage to the intervertebral discs and muscles of the back, which are often strained during manual handling. The abdominal muscles make the most contribution to preventing back injury. To enable this muscle to assist you properly when lifting, you must contract it as you lift. If this muscle is relaxed, the load typically shifts to the lower back muscles and overloads them. As such general good health, fitness and not being overweight not only contributes to a healthy lifestyle, but assists in preventing back injuries.
Injury to the back may result from either: • gradual wear and tear caused by frequent manual handling over a period of time • sudden damaged caused by one strenuous lift • sudden damage caused by an unplanned twist or fall.
The back is not designed to frequently bend, lift, move, push or carry anything that puts added pressure on the vertebrae, or requires you to exert force to do so. Injuries caused by incorrect manual handling are often easily preventable. There is no safe weight to lift, you must assess each job using some simple rules. • Assess the load and plan the job - consider how far the load must be moved and if the path is clear. • Always consider mechanical assistance to assist - a trolley or multiple person lift. • The risk of back injury increases significantly when lifting weights heavier than 15 kg. • Do not lift loads greater than you are comfortable with. • If it is not practical to eliminate lifting from a job or activity, employees should be instructed to lift in accordance with safe lifting techniques.
Continue to Page 9...
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Aussie App Store
Why go mobile? • Over 8.5 million smartphones are in use in Australia today • 98% of them are used at home, 85% on the go and 73% at work • 94% have been used to research products or services • 78% visit social networks • 74% never leave home without it. • 63% have performed a search on their mobile after seeing an offline ad • 59% make mobile purchases at least once a month • 58% access the Internet every day on their smartphone • 48% look for local info at least once a week, 18% look daily. 43% search Restaurants, Pubs, Bars
1300 494 188 • info@aussieappstore.com.au
2014 February Issue | 7 www.AussieAppStore.com.au
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8 | Aussie Painters Network
Back Injuries Safe lifting 1. Think the job through: • how far must it be carried • are all the doors open • can a mechanical assistance be used • how can I hold the load • is help needed • where does the load have to be placed. 2. Correctly position your body: • stomach muscles contracted • bend your knees • place feet on either side of the load • grip the load firmly • keep your back and shoulders straight • keep your body balanced • lift the load smoothly, using your legs – not your back. 3. Handle the load correctly: • use your full body weight to move the load • face the direction in which the load is to be moved
• • • •
hold the load close to your body move your feet – do not twist your body look where you are going move slowly and steadily
4. Place the load down: • place load at waist height if possible • squat down using the same principles as the lift • Never lift a load if you have to exert yourself to do so. If you must move the object during a lift, do so by pivoting on your feet and leaving your hips and back straight. For more information on manual handling techniques, manual handing training sessions/presentations, or any other OSH inquiry, please do not hesitate to contact Safety Solutions WA at info@sswa.net.au
Telephone: 0466 821 474 Email: info@sswa.net.au
www.safetysolutionswa.com.au
• • • • • • • for more details, visit our website!
www.paintershrpolicies.com
2014 February Issue | 9
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10 | Aussie Painters Network
2014 January Issue | 10
U.S. Paint companies to pay $1.15 Billion for selling Lead Paint Just as Australia is frequently dealing with the issue of lead paint contamination, the United States is tackling the long drawn out issue of Lead Paint in old homes as well. In California, late December 2013, it was tentatively ruled that three paint companies were to pay $1.1 BILLION for the removal of lead paint in homes, due to allegations they were aware of the dangers and yet continued to sell the products. This represents a successful case among many law suits in America that have failed to bring similar producers to account. Ten cities and counties argued that the paint and pigment companies - producers and distributors - sold and promoted lead-based paints knowing that it exposed the public to lead poisoning. Involving around 5 million homes in the state, it is an astounding ruling given the companies’ claim that they sold lead based paint only at a time when the toxic effects were not known, and not yet banned in the U.S. The court case had dragged on for a staggering thirteen years, and despite the case referring to a time when lead paint had not yet been banned, (banning occurred in 1978), Sherwin-Williams, ConAgra and NL Industries have been ordered to pay the amount to a state administered fund, for the inspection, removal and safe handling of lead based paint as well as for compensation. The homes are mainly in low socio economic areas, and so maintenance can be scant; meaning paint deterioration poses even more of a risk. Until January 8 2014 the ruling remained ‘tentative’ and the companies had the opportunity to oppose it. However, Judge James Kleinberg in San Jose then confirmed the tentative ruling, and increased the amount to be paid by another $50 million! A spokes-person for the companies claimed this ruling is ‘judicial overreach’ that is in conflict with public policy recommendations and regulations on lead paint, and ignores other sources of the harmful substance in their communities. An appeal will now be launched. Caroline Miall caroline@aussiepaintersnetwork.com.au
2014 February Issue | 11
Business Operating Costs Have you ever looked at your bank statements and thought ‘Why isn’t there a lot more money in my account? I work hard and don’t have many days off. I should be rich!” Many business people are in the same situation and cannot understand why this is happening. Their answer is, ‘work harder, work longer hours and take less days off’. This is not the solution. It may temporarily fix the problem but you won’t have a happy family life. You’ll be tired, you’ll be grumpy and stress will set in and this is not good for your health. Aussie Painters Network ran a Business Refresher course recently, at which I was one of the speakers. One role of mine was to explain the true cost of running a business. I went through in detail all costs associatedwith a painting company. Results were quite surprising. Let’s break it down and take for example, a single operator’s costs to run a vehicle per hour. For a one-person operator. It doesn’t matter if you own, lease or hire your vehicle, you virtually have to allow approximately $5,000 a year on repayments alone. This amount allows for the interest you pay on the purchase and depreciation of the vehicle that will incur. Registration and insurance should set you back around $1,400 for the year and on average, maintenance and tyres another $1,000 depending on how much running about you do during the week, the fuel costs could amount to over $2,800 over a twelve month period. Adding all that up, the total running cost of a vehicle is approximately $10,200 for the year. To work out what this relates to as an hourly cost to your business, you have to divide this amount into your actual working days.
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If you exclude weekends, there are 260 working days in a year. Subtract holidays, public days off, sick days, time quoting and some time put aside for long service leave, it could work out that you are only physically working for 208 days of the year. Now divide the 208 days into $10,200 and it will calculate to $6.13 per hour that it will cost you to run a vehicle for a single person operator. If you have people working for you, then this amount will reduce because the cost is distributed.
The owner of this painting business, definitely hasn’t calculated their vehicle expenses! If it costs this amount just to run a vehicle, imagine what your Break-Even expense per hour would be if you totalled up all your other business expenses! So! Is the hourly rate you charge covering all your out-going expenses and leaving you with money in the bank at the end of the year? Don’t be afraid to increase your rates. Get paid for what you are worth and survive in this market, otherwise you will be one of those statistics as a failed business owner. If you would like to work out your Break-Even hourly rate, go to www.mytools4business.com/myhourlyratecalculator/
Jim Baker www.mytools4business.com
Quotes Direct to You!!
rough Aussie Painters Network, consumers can now...
Request-a-Quote Testimonial I had 8 quote inquiry’s last year through the Find a Painter area of Aussie Painters Network. It has been helpful also by using some of those advertised in themagazine and I have received great service and competitive prices. Thanks Ash Andrew Brushboys Painting
www.aussiepaintersnetwork.com.au 07 30401234 or 0430 399 800 info@aussiepaintersnetwork.com.au 2014 February Issue | 13
Master Painters & Decorators Australia
are off to a fantastic start to the year. Always a busy time as we encourage a variety of manufacturers and service providers to involve themselves with association members by participating in promotions and events that will not only benefit themselves, but offer value for money to the membership. Our members are telling us that work is picking up and in a lot of instances they are looking to increase their employees and subcontractors to cater for the increase. This has been a long time coming it feels in WA. We are excited to be introducing our very own Work Force Solutions in the next few weeks. If you have any Work Force issues, want to employ sub contractors but aren’t sure if you’re doing it legally or simply want to find out how to manage your staff effectively, you need to call Master Painters & Decorators Australia, a one stop shop for all your employment needs. Our first event for members in 2014 is being held on the 23 February 2014 at Adventure World. After selling out last year’s event, we are looking forward to a day of fun at the water park with over 55 members and their families. Our sponsors EBM Insurance and MPA Skills will ensure that everyone has a fantastic time. EBM Insurance make sure our members have the best possible service for all of their Insurance needs and tailor policies to best suit the needs of
painters. Doesn’t matter what size business you are EBM will make your insurance experience as easy as sliding down the slide at Adventure World. For those of you across the country who like what we do, please consider a “Gold membership” with Aussie Painters Network as we provide benefits and support to their membership to ensure that all painters across the country have the benefits and services they need to run their businesses in a profitable and professional manner. Last call for painters wishing to attend our “Estimating for Painters” next week on the 6 & 7 February at our Maylands training campus. Make sure you give your business the best possible chance to grow, but ensuring you know exactly what you need to do to make that profit. Contact the association on 08 9471 6614.
Best wishes from
Master Painters & Decorators Australia
Phone : (08) 9471 6662 • Fax : (08) 9471 6663 Email: painters@mpawa.asn.au 14 | Aussie Painters Network
Turn your office into a
Powerhouse of Success Feng Shui may help improve your business prospects by attracting more customers who are well-heeled and ready to spend. A few simple changes can add $$$ to your bottom line. It is important that the office presents a professional image, even if you are the only one who sees it. It is a reflection of your commitment to your occupation and your personal self-worth. Step 1. Designate the office. It may be an area in a larger room, or it could be a whole room. Remove stored and non-relevant items. When you go here you are going to do work. Is everything in this area relevant to the function and purpose of the office? We work best in clean, organ ised, uncluttered areas. Move everything out, especially what’s stored in cupboards and up on shelves. There is no place to hide from Feng Shui eyes. Bring back only relevant items. Evaluate the rest, do you love it, is it useful, find another home for it, if not get rid of it.
Step 2. A place for everything and everything in its place. Designate place for all items to which they are returned after use. Put things used frequently in the most assessable spots. Time spent working is much more pleasant when we can easily locate and access items when required. Step 3. Setting up. Place yourself in the power position. This is the position where you have a view of every entryway and you have a wall behind you. Where there is a choice of places or direction, put your chair in each and sit quietly for a few minutes getting an idea of what it would be like to spend time there. The one that immediately feels right is your power position. (I’m immune to arguments about the desk taking up the whole room and untidy computer cables.) When you set yourself up in the power position you have control in the space, your self-esteem goes up and you accomplish more. Try it for 28 days and if you don’t find any benefits (including increased business) then change it back.
Debra Jarvis Suite 301, 4/58 High Street, Toowong QLD 4066 www.DebraJarvisFengShui.com Next Issue: Office Feng Shui 2
2014 February Issue | 15
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Rags to Riches to Rags By Monroe Porter Contractors have always been notorious for having financial problems. How many times have you heard a contractor say, “I grew too large too fast.” or “Everything was ok until the economy turned?” For years I have been talking about new contractors moving from wonder to blunder, and successful contractors moving from thunder and to plunder. Let’s look at some of the fundamental scenarios that can drive a contractor from rags to riches to rags. The story of a start up contractor: For most of his career, Dan worked as a craftsman for a local contractor. Dan was a hard worker who strived to get ahead and provide for his young family. Unbeknown to his boss he did side work and brought in quite a bit of extra income. He used his own personal tools and truck, so he had little overhead. His lead source was family, friends and totally word of mouth. Soon his “side jobs” grew to the point where it just made sense to start a business. Dan’s business grew rapidly because not only did he have little overhead, he was a very productive worker and quality craftsman. When you do good work, at low prices, your business quickly expands. Soon he has hired others to help him; borrowed money from his savings or home to buy another truck and off the business grows. Suddenly, he can no longer work in the field himself as he is too busy
estimating jobs, picking up material and running errands. He has no job costing because he never used it before. He may even rent a small shop, do advertising and possibly a friend makes an inexpensive webpage. The next thing you know, he has two or three jobs going on at once and is so proud and happy. Things begin to change. His business excitement and wonder begins to turn into blunder and confusion. Cash is tight but he mistakenly thinks that is because customers owe him jobs recently completed. All of a sudden his credit card balances start to grow. The next thing you know, he misses a credit card payment and the cards interest rate goes to 20-30% interest. He is COD at the supplier and creditors are calling. Dan’s business is on the brink of failure. Sadly, all of this might have been prevented with some simple math and a better understanding of overhead and what prices needed to charge. In the beginning, when Dan was doing the work himself as a field employee, he was earning wages. The harder he worked, the more money he made but as his role shifted from tradesman to non-working owner, all the numbers changed. In addition, employees did not work quite as fast as he did. He had no system for communicating the estimate to the field and ensuring what he sold
was exactly what was done. His salary went from earning $40,000$50,000 more a year as a top rate craftsman in his own company to an overhead expense of a nonworking owner. When he started his business, Dan probably charged a little less than his former boss and all was ok. That worked fine as long as he was earning wages as a field craftsperson. Instead of having one boss, he now has a bunch of bosses called customers. When he stopped working in the field, the numbers changed and he failed to adjust his pricing. Take a $50,000 salary, two trucks with payments, gas and insurance for another $15,000, add $4000 a year rent, $2000 for phone, $4000 for advertising, $3000 for a bookkeeper and an accountant plus $2000 for tools and suddenly you have $80,000 or more in overhead. Oh, I forget to mention, not having Dan on the jobs means it will take 15-20% more time to get the jobs done. The math all adds up quickly and Dan is in real trouble. Welcome to the world of a start up contractor going from rags to riches to rags.
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Rags to Riches to Rags The dumb, fat and happy contractor for the last 20 years: The last major recession was in 1991 with a little blip in the early 2000’s. That’s a lot of years of getting work by merely raising your prices and meeting production demand. This entire era was about getting the work done. As volume grew, so did unit prices. Too many contractors were simply charging what the market would bear and suddenly there is less work in an enabled mature organization. Some owners became less active and spend time dabbling in real estate or on the golf course. Family members or younger managers take charge. Siblings who have never dealt with a slow market find themselves operating in new territory. Suddenly, price cutting becomes the norm. Anxiety sets in as you are afraid you will run out of work. The customer who paid you on time in the past is now a slow pay. You see other large companies turn in silly bids with material and labor costs less than your direct cost as absentee owners push for more sales. The market goes to pieces but your business is slow to react. Congratulations, your business has officially moved from thunder to plunder. For older more established companies, overhead is the issue. No matter how painful it is, if your sales have dropped 30% and margins are tighter, you are going to have to cut overhead, there is no other way to make it. You must react to the market place, cut overhead, hold enabled employees accountable and refocus your business for today’s market. Not everyone is losing money. By the way, we keep accurate financial statistics on benchmarking customers and most had profit increases in 2010 and again last year. Whether you are a 24 year old dragon slayer or a 60 year old still at it, type of owner, business is not forgiving. It is called capitalism. Yes, we can blame the banks, politics and many other factors but the reality is no one is coming to help you. Know what you can control, be willing to change and fight the fight. The good news is we are finally seeing a lot of weak contractors go out of business. Many of whom did not practice sound business practices and would not have been able to open or stay in business if it were not for a robust economy. Just make sure you are not one of them. 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.
monroe@proofman.com
www proofman.com
2014 February Issue | 19
Professional Development for Painters
The culture of professional development is critical to the progress of any industry. Architects, builders, electricians, plumbers and several other professions are required to undergo regular updates to their knowledge. They might need to attend workshops, seminars or courses to maintain their license or registration. Although this is not a requirement of painters, I think it should be, and any painter who takes his or her trade seriously should regularly undertake professional development to stay up-to-date with legislation, regulations, or new work practices and techniques. The word ‘professional’ in the above phrase is important. Builders and consumers have lost respect for our trade as a profession because we as painters have often not acted ‘professionally’. Painters have become applicators for manufacturers, and now many painters are more proud of being an approved applicator instead of being a qualified and highly skilled professional trades person.
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The more professional we behave the more respect we will gain from society and the rest of construction industry. I recently spoke to an experienced painter who was bemoaning the fact that we have lost a sense of pride in our trade and that this was leading to a lack of respect from clients and builders.This is true, but how can we claim it back? One way is by engaging in professional development. This could be in the form of short courses, seminars, workshops, or on-line forums where we can keep up to date on the latest developments in our industry, or learn a new skill. How much we gain from engaging in professional development really depends on our attitude. Some experienced painters think they know it all, and this prevents them from making progress. No body ‘knows it all’, and any painter that thinks they do needs a reality check. There is so much to learn about every aspect of our trade. In fact, the more I learn about painting the more I
realise how highly technical it is. We need to learn the technical side of not only painting but also how to run businesses, and we can do it by talking and sharing with each-other. I have been lucky enough to have a career training painters, but the more I study about painting the more I realise there is to learn. Being a trainer has given me the opportunity to spend time with many painters from all over Australia, and I have learned something from almost all of them. I was recently working on the new on-line training system for painting and decorating, and as part of that program I spent a week working with and observing painters who specialise in protective coatings. Before I started I thought I already knew a lot about this subject, but after the first day working with these industry experts I realised I actually knew very little. I spent the rest of the week absorbing as much as I could. I think this is one subject that every painter needs to learn; even experienced painters. (The majority of us are using these products incorrectly!
Soon the National Institute of Painting and Decorating will have a range of on-line courses available for painters to do, no matter where they live. We have endeavored to find and record some of the best people in our industry, and bring them into your office or home using internet technology. By the time it is finished it will have taken 18 months, involved 7 trainers from across Australia, over 30 professional painters, 2 government departments, over 200 videos, more than 1200 questions, and the support of leading paint brands. We will be working closely with Aussie Painters Network to roll this out across Australia. We hope you enjoy learning from other painters as much as we did, and we thank everyone who participated for their generous spirit and willingness to share their knowledge for the benefit of our industry. For more information on professional development please contact Aussie Painters Network and the National Institute of Painting and Decorating. Daniel Wurm OFFICE: 95 Newes Rd Coorabell NSW 2479 TEL: 0402 312 234
How much does your business need to earn to cover its expenses?
www.mytools4business.com/myhourlyratecalculator
2014 February Issue | 21
Tradies
Go Pink On the 1st of May 2013, I celebrated my 30th birthday. The following day, I had booked myself in for biennial pap smear and it was during this visit that my doctor offered to check my breasts and found a lump. Within two weeks, I was advised that the lump was in fact a cancer tumour, and I had stage 3 Invasive Breast Cancer. As a young mum, this news was utterly devastating, my family were in disbelief.
But now, as I look back on those first couple of weeks it seems like a lifetime ago. My hair is now returning after falling out during chemotherapy treatment and as the swelling subsides from the daily radiation therapy I am filled with a strong desire to take action against this disease. So together with a couple of lovable Mackay tradies, we have organised ‘Tradies Go Pink’, a fundraiser for the McGrath Foundation and the National Breast Cancer Foundation. Col Sommerfeld (Bricklayer) and James ‘Yogie’ Roger (Painter) are well known around town for their dreadlocks, often being mistaken as brothers. The idea was born to dye their locks PINK and then shave them off with a goal of raising $20 000. Over the last couple of weeks, our tradies dressed in their hi-vis PINK workshirts have been spreading the word about our fundraiser. Our little shaving event has now turned into an afternoon of free live music at Harrup Park, including a charity auction, entertainment for the kids, food and drink stalls. We are also holding a Tradie Car Wash and Sausage Sizzle at Porters on Saturday 1st of February and across town at Harvey Norman our two favourite tradies will be getting their dreadlocks dyed PINK! Check out our facebook and website for more details on our fundraising efforts. W: www.tradiesgopink.com.au F: www.facebook.com.au/tradiesgopink M: 0423 599 325 E: Natalie.fitzgerald@bigpond.com
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2014 February Issue | 23
Cyberspace
Safety Keeping your kids safe online For many of us the internet has changed the way we do so many things, it would be difficult to imagine a life without the conveniences and connections it affords us. For our children it is a somewhat different story as they will likely never know a world without it. More and more each year, their education, entertainment and even social lives revolve around online activities. Because this is not always a good thing, and can in some circumstances make our children vulnerable targets to cyber-bullies, internet trolls, even pedophiles, parental monitoring and control is vital. Parents and guardians need firstly to understand what access to the World Wide Web can mean for their child, and ultimately how to ensure they are appropriately educated and protected. Armed with the right information we can assist our children to understand the risks, and know how to make wise choices when it comes to their online use.
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Stranger Danger Applies! Just as you would have taught your child not to talk to persons unknown to them in the street, the web poses the same risks-and more- given that people can so easily misrepresent who they are and their intentions. No one underage should be initiating any kind of relationship online, so make sure you know who your children are in touch with and they now the person behind the profile. Avoid the Internet in Isolation. It is highly recommended that children do not use the internet for long periods of time on their own in their room; It makes it impossible to keep a subtle eye on with what and who they are engaging with. Apart from the risks of exposure to adult content, your child could end up the target of a vicious bullying campaign on social media site, and you would never know. During such a crucial and possibly awkward stage of development, a teen can be made to feel very isolated and alone, therefore vulnerable. Tragically, many suicides and even abductions have occurred as a result.
Limit Screen Access. Control how much and what your child uses online for entertainment purposes, and teach your children how to use the net as a valuable research tool. Teach them also to respect the work of others, and how to avoid plagiarizing information they wish to utilize whilst helping them also understand that what they find on the web is not always s reliable. What Goes Online, Stays Online! Anyone posting info online needs to be keenly aware that what they put up is potentially there to haunt them for the rest of their days! Teenagers in particular should know that there is no guarantee that anything they send to a ‘trusted friend’ will be confined to that recipient. Information and images can be there to ruin self esteem, reputations, and job applications of the future. Tweets, status updates, provocative photos and personal info should all be kept private.
Continune on Page 27...
2014 February Issue | 25
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Cyberspace
Safety
Keeping your kids safe online
As well as talking to your children about undesirable content they may come across, the dangers of chat rooms, and perhaps having agreed to guidelines for their use, look into downloads of free internet content filters to protect your family online and ensure your home computer is protected from viruses and spyware. Leaving your kids to their own (digital) devices is a risky business, so as parents make sure that you understand what they’re up to; familiarise yourself with ’chatting’, blogging, message boards, Youtube, Facebook and MySpace, or you may ultimately be leaving your child’s safety to chance. Cybersmart is a range of internet safety resources provided by the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) to assist with this minefield of risk. Some resources it provides are: CyberQuoll - an internet safety program for primary schools. http://www.cybersmart.gov.au/cyberquoll/index.html Fun animations for younger children, parents and teachers to guiding through topics of ‘finding stuff’ to email rules, and safe searching. CyberNetrix - an internet safety program for secondary schools. http://www.cybersmart.gov.au/cybernetrix/index.html Kids can create avatars/characters whilst navigating relevant topic Tagged is a multi-award winning anti-cyber bullying video for students 14 years and over http://www.cybersmart.gov.au/tagged.aspx An online rumour spirals out of control; the drama touches on Cyberbullying, sexting, filmed fights and resulting police action. Tagged has now been translated into 5 languages. The Australian Government Initiative Raising Children Network provides further info for parents at: www.raisingchildren.net.au/articles/internet_safety.html
Caroline Miall caroline@aussiepaintersnetwork.com.au 2014 February Issue | 27
can save you money and do the right thing for the environment at the same time
Material used is Versacoat Light Moon Grey.
Versacoat is perfect for any exterior application due to its durability.
2014 February Issue | 29
MINDMAPPING by Jennie Gorman
Do you find that you have so much work to do that you often do not know where to start? If you are a creative person you will no doubt love doodling and drawing pictures of how you join all the dots, especially in your business. I find that mindmapping is a great way to get onto paper a visual way of seeing my business. Some people like to draw pictures and others like to make lists. I do both personally. What about you? Wikipedia says - A mind map is a diagram used to visually outline information. A mind map is often created around a single word or text, placed in the center, to which associated ideas, words and concepts are added. Major categories radiate from a central node, and lesser categories are sub-branches of larger branches. Categories can represent words, ideas, tasks or items related to a central key word or idea. Mind maps can be drawn by hand, either as “rough notes” during a lecture or meeting, for example, or as higher quality pictures when more time is available. An example of a rough mind map is illustrated. Mind maps are considered to be a type of spider diagram. A similar concept in the 1970s was “idea sun bursting”.
Hand-drawn and computer-drawn variations of a mind map. In business today we have become aware of the necessity of systemising and having procedures so we can grow our businesses … this means we can then duplicate and outsource easily too. There are many programmes on the internet that you can see, try out and then use to create your own style of mindmap. Or if you prefer, get a template of the one you like that feels comfortable to you. There are lots of trial versions for you to choose from as well.
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For a business to grow and develop in size it is necessary for systems and procedures to be put into place as soon as possible. If you leave it too long after commencing your business, it is harder as there are so many more components to add to the list. I suggest that you use a video type programme such as jing.com to record your procedures as well. A good mindmap will help you also to work out what you need to put on paper and/or video for your outsourcing purposes. Enjoy the process as you streamline your business so that you can employ people either virtually or on the ground, having them using your system without you having to teach them individually as staff changes occur. This is good business practice and will make your business easier for you in the long run. Contact Jennie at : Phone: (07) 3262 5343 Mobile: 0414 278 344
www.connexionsunlimited.com.au
2014 February Issue | 31
Buying Or Selling Your Home? Buying or selling a home for the first time is both exciting and nerve-wracking. It is a major financial commitment, often the biggest one in your life. It takes planning and research and the cost of making a mistake can be considerable if you are not armed with the facts. Research conducted recently highlighted that only one in four consumers know their legal rights when buying or selling a home! ‌. and there is a genuine lack of knowledge about the processes involved in buying and selling property. Consumer Affairs Victoria is Victoria’s consumer affairs regulator, helping to create a competitive and fair marketplace for all businesses and consumers. They have a wealth of information on buying and selling property available through their comprehensive website. Consumer Affairs Victoria have developed a series of easy to watch, 30 second videos to share their tips about buying and selling property. These quick tips provide valuable advice on buying and selling property, covering topics such as: building and pest inspections; costs associated with buying property; buying property at auction; buying property by private sale‌ and when selling your property, videos on: choosing the right agent; presenting your home for sale and understanding the costs associated with selling your property. Each video has a handy transcript that you can download in Word too.
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As well as these videos, there are useful printable fact sheets that cover everything from budgeting, understanding and negotiating contracts, right through to information on the sales process and choosing an agent. There are also comprehensive checklists that you can print out to ensure that you have not missed anything in the process of buying or selling your home. Click on the ‘Property Data’ tab, under ‘Buying and selling property’ and you will find a wealth of resources that will aid your research into buying or selling a home. There are links to providers and their services to help you decide on the most suitable information that you require to make informed choices. The ‘Suburb Sales Data’ link is a great place to start when researching an area in which you wish to buy, or when setting a sale price with your agent, for your home. This information, along with the Comparative Market Analysis that your agent will research and compile, will help you approach the selling and buying process with more confidence, having a clearer picture of the marketplace in which you are buying or selling. There is also an extremely useful list of ‘Property Definitions HERE which is a very handy resource to have when dealing with all aspects of the real estate process and the paperwork! There are more detailed videos over at Consumer Affairs Victoria’s YouTube Channel HERE, detailing the important steps you need to consider when buying or selling your home.
‘Knowledge is power’. Get to know the important facts before you make one of the biggest decisions in your life. You are not alone in your quest for information and there is plenty of great advice to be found HERE.
Consumer Affairs Victoria also have a Facebook page HERE .
Believe it or not, the whole process can be truly enjoyable and exciting when you are armed with the facts!
Anne-Maree Russell
a-m@capecoddesigns.com.au | Click HERE to visit her website Call 0403 766 822 http://www.thehousethata-mbuilt.com/2013/11/buying-or-selling-your-home.html
2014 February Issue | 33
COLOUR SELECTIONS FOR THE NEW YEAR The beginning of a new year is often a time when goals and resolutions for the year are set and dreams that may have been put off last year are often revisited. Painting and renovating are part of those dreams and can unfortunately be delayed. Time and money are not the only reasons holding up the process, it is also because of the many choices around colour. I often hear clients speak of not knowing where to start or of being nervous and overwhelmed committing to a colour scheme. I remember when my husband and I bought our first house when we were married 16 years ago, bright strong wall colours, inside and out, were in. But as the years have rolled by there has been more of a trend towards neutral colours which people don’t grow tired of looking at and tend not to date. Having a home painted internally and or externally, is a big investment financially and choosing colours that you will like for many years to come is definitely a key to taking the next step and enjoying the renovation journey.
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Sarah
FUMES or DUST in your van?
2014 February Issue | 35
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
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What is Products & Public Liability Insurance?
Jason Norris Golf Pro
Almost every painter has a liability insurance policy. Some insurers call it “broadform liability,” some call it “public and products liability” or even “general liability.” But what does it all mean? Let’s work backwards and look at the second word first. Liability. It’s one of the insurance companies’ favourite words, and you’ll see it pop up in your home insurance, car insurance, truck insurance, business insurance and pretty much everywhere else. All it really means is that you’re responsible. So if you drove your car into a house you are liable, or responsible, for the car-shaped hole in someone’s living room. With that in mind, what your liability insurance actually covers makes a lot more sense. It’s a “public and products responsibility” insurance – protecting your business when it is responsible for damage to the public, or damage from your products. It includes things like a pedestrian tripping over a can of paint you put down or one of your workers breaking a plasterboard wall. It isn’t faulty workmanship insurance, but it can protect against unexpected events like paint spilling on concrete and staining it. Some of your contracts might require you to have an active insurance policy for $5 million, $10 million or $20 million dollars. This means that if something does go wrong, your contractor knows regardless of your business’ current assets, the repairs will get done and the bill will be paid. Perhaps more important, it also means your business does not have to pay for solicitors or legal defence costs if lawyers got involved.
Jason has been playing the professional circuit for over 15 years. He was the winner of the 2010 Victorian Open, the 2007 Western Australian PGA & the 2007 New South Wales Open.
We’re proud to be sponsoring him and look forward to seeing Jason sporting our logo!
Get a chance to
Play with a Pro
So whether it is called “broadform liability,” “general liability,”or “public & produc ts liability,” you are protecting your business when it is responsible for damage to the public, or damage from your products.
www.aussiepaintersnetwork.com.au 2014 February Issue | 37
Valentines Day by Caroline Miall
Many Aussie blokes wouldn’t consider themselves to be the romantic type. Indeed some would probably be embarrassed to admit to possessing such a trait, and this is probably most true of our toughened Tradies. So while our menfolk, with their calloused blokey hands, quietly dismiss themselves from the need for romance, there are meanwhile their poor beleaguered wives partners struggling through the mundane of the average day, knowing they shouldn’t hope for much on the 14th of Feb (yes boys, that is the date and this year it conveniently falls on a Friday)! Caring for young children, cleaning, cooking, working too.. whose partners wouldn’t appreciate even a token attempt at a demonstration of love and appreciation on Valentines Day? (or any other day of the year really... just sayin’!). It could be as simple as being woken with a freshly brewed coffee in bed with a little hand written note of love, or some flowers picked from the garden, or doing loathed chore for the day. Sometimes it’s just the acknowledgement of the day and the relationship that is appreciated. So you needn’t buy into commercialism that the chocolate, flower and diamond industries would have you believe that you need to, to impress your missus or fella. There are dozens of ways you can make your other half feel special without a lot of time, breaking the bank, or expending much effort.
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What counts is thoughtfulness and a bit of creativity and knowing what your partner will find special and meaningful. Try one of these... as always keeping it simple. It ain’t rocket science! Candlelit dinner/picnic – everyone can cook something, or simply prepare some bread, spreads, cheese etc. Pack some tea light candles, a table cloth, and some wine glasses. Surprise them with a picnic in the office, at a park, or on a roof top … use your imagination.
‘Mixed tape’ - An oldie but a goodie! And how much more romantic could you get.. really?! If you’ve been together a long time, trawl your memory for songs of significance and collate them on a CD, USB or whatever. So easily done now with Itunes; Songs from your first meeting, Wedding songs, etc. Most of us have a few that will be emotionally relevant and could even help to relight the fire in your relationship!
Plan a visit to somewhere of significance. Take aforementioned picnic basket to somewhere that will make him/her smile. Surprise them with a drive to a place of meaning in your relationship; where you first met, or the place of your first date, or just somewhere you know they will love. We live in a blessed country where most cities and towns have wondrous destinations close by. Make the effort and create new memories to live on. It strengthens the bond you and your partner started with.
People are happier together when they’re not under a cloud of debt. Keep that in mind with Valentine’s day and make it special without making each other over spend. The gift you give is only limited by your imagination, and it will likely be much more romantic than anything store bought. Your small nurturing efforts could well result in some unexpected rewards ;)... just sayin’...
Master Painters NZ on Lead There still seems to be a rather casual attitude towards health protection in some parts of our sector. This was rammed home to us with the recent retirement of our Board member, Gary Harding. For those that know Gary, he lived and breathed his passion for the Association and what it stands for. Gary has retired in part due to extremely elevated toxemia relating to lead poisoning. We have also been embroiled in another matter where a consumer has been appalled at the lax attitude of a contractor towards hazardous material and removal of lead. This is a matter that seems to get token consideration from health authorities and many contractors. I have noted that many in the commercial sector in particular, seem to be of the view that it isn’t a concern for them to consider. Really? I have witnessed a number of properties lately that are in the process of being restored, that would be 80 – 100 years old; many layers of paint involved and poor management of the site in respect to debris. Do we assume that no lead-based coatings products were used on these sites? I, for one, am quite skeptical about that. One message that you need to be aware of is that with the formation of the new Safety Department, workplace health is going to receive almost as much attention as safety, so take heed and ensure that your whole team understands their obligations in this critical area. A healthy work force is, after all, a more productive one, so it works for you and your team.
Enjoy the summer and prosper.
Brian Miller CEO, Master Painters NZ
2014 February Issue | 39
First Chartered Capital
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Licenses
on the line
Queensland Tradies to face stringent checks From July 2014 every Tradie in Queensland faces a police background check and possible loss of license if they are determined to associate with “prohibited persons”. The Queensland Government’s tough new Lawless Association legislation, aimed at criminal bikie activity, represents an unprecedented move that in reality could restrict the professional lives of hundreds of people. Those who are found with suspect connections or criminal past will be subject to loss of their trade’s license. Upon License application or renewal, checks will take place for criminal history and the police service would be obliged to share information with the licence regulators. The Qld Police will play a major part in determining who the prohibited people are, and whether licensees engage in any illegal activity. ‘Identified participants in criminal organisations will be effectively banned from working in the licensed occupations, have their permits and applications for permits cancelled or refused and be prevented from engaging in particular activities requiring government authorisation.’ http://www.austlii.edu.au/au/legis/ qld/bill_en/clodaolab2013758/clodaolab2013758.html The nature of the laws are a genuine concern, and have been strongly criticized by Tony Fitzgerald, and he ought to know... According to incoming Human Rights Commissioner (from this month), Tim Wilson “. ..from a human rights perspective it is entirely unjust that freedom of association should be squashed to make the job of the police easier to investigate. Rather than empowering police to prevent an already comprehensive list of crimes, these laws have created a host of new crimes that could easily be used to punish law-abiding citizens in the wrong place at the wrong time.”
There is little doubt now that interpretation and application of the laws are going to be ruthless. The so called “Yandina Five” arrested late December for a casual meeting in a pub, and several of these men were held for over a month in solitary confinement at the Athur Gorrie Correctional Centre. Whatever their association and even intent, this reaction was extreme. Attorney General Jarrod Bleije has stated that even on Anzac Day, any gathering that falls under the description in the act will be subject to the full extent of the law. The crackdown has already led to a glaring misuse of taxpayer funds; When a Brisbane motorcyclist recently went to refuel, he was pulled over, presumably due to his leather vest bearing the crest of a social motorcycle club. Seven police officers, three cars and a van turned up at the petrol station. The video that Jamie Evans took while he was questioned has been viewed over 600 000 times on Youtube! It was a pretty gross over reaction, the kind that will make the rounds when everyone so conveniently has a video camera in their pocket. The laws are set to be appealed against in a High Court challenge by some of the best constitutional lawyers in the country, backed by the Electrical Trades and Maritime unions. Given the haste with which the legislation was passed late last year, hopefully more consultation and consideration will be achieved to reduce the opportunity for the abuse of power and destruction of basic freedoms. If not then tradies have until July to clean up their act! ... or look for a job that doesn’t require government authorisation. Caroline Miall caroline@aussiepaintersnetwork.com.au
2014 February Issue | 41
Registration offences cost painter a record fine Unregistered painter Daniel James Arthur Lewis, trading as Danny Lewis Painting, has been successfully prosecuted by the Building Commissioner for carrying out a prescribed painting service without a registration and holding out or implying that he was registered when he was not. Lewis was found guilty of two charges at the Midland Magistrates Court on 19 December 2013 and ordered to pay fines totalling $18,000 and costs of $621.15. The charges were for offences under the Building Services (Registration) Act 2011 and were the highest imposed for offences under this Act to date. The first charge against Lewis was for holding out or implying that he was a registered painting contractor when he was not. The offence occurred between September 2011 and February 2012 when Lewis was working as a subcontractor for Robin Ferguson’s Painting. Lewis issued invoices to the company stating a registration number that did not belong to him and which he was not authorised to use. The second charge related to painting work to a value of $1,400 that Lewis carried out for the company at a Malaga property in November 2011. “The record fines imposed by the Magistrate in this case are a reminder to anyone who breaks the laws
that these are serious offences that can attract significant penalties,” Building Commissioner Peter Gow said. “In Western Australia, it is an offence to carry out painting work valued over $1,000 for another person for profit or reward, or to advertise your services in a way that implies you are a registered painter when you are not. “The registration system ensures a person with the necessary qualifications, knowledge, experience and insurance carries out work that meets proper standards. “Anyone intending to carry out painting work is reminded that they should check if registration is required before starting. When engaging the services of a painter, consumers can conduct an online registration check on the Building Commission website or contact us for assistance. “The Building Commission will continue to prosecute and name those who put consumer interests and the reputation of the building industry at risk.” http://www.buildingcommission.wa.gov.au/formspublications/news/2013/12/24/registration-offencescost-painter-a-record-fine-%28daniel-james-arthurlewis-danny-lewis-painting%29
‘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.
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www.mytools4business.com/mycostingguide
Painters Registration - Business
BSBSMB401A Establish Legal and Risk Management Requirements of Small Business. Next Course starts: Full time: 3rd February 2014 Part time: 31st March 2014
Painters Registration - Estimate Costs
CPCCBC4004A Identify and produce estimated costs for building and construction projects. Next course starts: Full time: 17th March 2014 Part time: 28th April 2014
Painters Registration - Prepare Surfaces CPCCPD3021A Prepare Surfaces for painting PRB Colour and wallpapering Next course starts: Full time: 17th February 2014 Part time: 22nd September 2014
Practical Painters Trade Test
The purpose of the Practical Trade Assessment is to provide evidence to the Board that a person has proficiency to the level as prescribed by the Building Commission. Next course starts: March 11th 2014 March 18th 2014
March 12th 2014 March 19th 2014
Please contact Advanced Training for more information on (08) 9471 6600
2014 February Issue | 43
The Industry
Idiots
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Important Contacts Aussie Painters Network www.aussiepaintersnetwork.com.au
Ph. 0430 399 800
Master Painters & Decorators Australia www.masterpainters.asn.au Ph. 08 9471 6662 National Institute for Painting and Decorating www.painters.edu.au Ph. 1300 319 790 Australian Tax Office www.ato.gov.au
Award Rates www.fairwork.gov.au
Ph. 13 72 26 / Ph. 13 28 65 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 STATE ACT NSW NT QLD SA VIC WA
Website www.worksafe.act.gov.au www.workcover.nsw.gov.au www.worksafe.nt.gov.au www.deir.qld.gov.au www.safework.sa.gov.au www.worksafe.vic.gov.au www.safetyline.wa.gov.au
Phone (02)62073000 13 10 50 1800 019 115 1300 369 915 1300 365 255 1800 136 089 1300 307 877
Cancer Council Australia ACT NSW NT QLD SA VIC WA
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 2014 February Issue | 45
Two Tier Membership
Join us today! 1800 355 344 or 07 3555 8010
info@aussiepaintersnetwork.com.au
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