RESOURCE INDUSTRY EMPLOYER GROUP
ABOUT US AMMA is Australia’s resource
AMMA OFFICES
industry employer group, a
ABN 32 004 078 237
unified voice driving valuable workforce outcomes. Since 1918, AMMA has delivered superior workforce services to Australia’s resource industry. As a member-based organisation, our work in policy and advocacy directly shapes the environment in which we all participate, making it an attractive place for employment and investment now and into the future. By utilising our services, AMMA members are better equipped to face the challenges ahead. Be it an issue with human resources, workplace relations, public affairs, training, policy or even accessing a wider network of resource industry professionals and leaders, membership with AMMA provides the support resource employers need. With offices and staff in every state, our members receive seamless national representation and support for all workplace relations and human resources needs.
IMAGE COURTESY OF MT ISA MINES
MELBOURNE (HEAD OFFICE)
SYDNEY
Level 14, 55 Collins Street MELBOURNE VIC 3000 Tel: (03) 9614 4777 vicamma@amma.org.au
Level 13, 135 King Street SYDNEY NSW 2000 Tel: (02) 9231 4043 nswamma@amma.org.au
PERTH
HOBART
Services for members in the Northern Territory are provided by the Perth office.
Level 3, 85 Macquarie Street (GPO Box 1236) HOBART TAS 7001 Tel: (03) 6270 2256 tasamma@amma.org.au
7th Floor, 12 St George’s Terrace PERTH WA 6000 Tel: (08) 6218 0700 waamma@amma.org.au
BRISBANE Level 6, 232 Adelaide Street (GPO Box 2933) BRISBANE QLD 4000 Tel: (07) 3210 0313 qldamma@amma.org.au
AMMA Membership 1800 627 771 AMMA Training & Development 1800 891 662
AMMA BOARD
CONTENTS
AMMA PRESIDENT
ABOUT AMMA.............................................................................................01
GRAEME HUNT
AMMA BOARD...........................................................................................02
Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer Transfield Services
DIRECTORS RICHARD OWEN
PRESIDENT’S NOTE.....................................................................................03 CHIEF EXECUTIVE’S REPORT.................................................................05
Chairman
DELIVERING VALUE THROUGH EMPLOYEE RELATIONS.....07
ExxonMobil Australia
WORKPLACE POLICY AND ADVOCACY
RICHARD WESTON
WORKPLACE AND LEGAL CONSULTING
Executive Vice-President Australasia Region, Gold Fields
DELIVERING WORKFORCE OUTCOMES........................................15
JOHNPAUL DIMECH
LEADING SKILLS AND VET REFORM
Chief Executive Officer
TRAINING AND DEVELOPMENT
SUPPORTING MENTAL HEALTH OUTCOMES
STRENGTH THROUGH WORKFORCE DIVERSITY
SKILLED MIGRATION POLICY DEVELOPMENT
Sodexo Australia
MICHAEL UTSLER Chief Operating Officer Woodside Energy
DELIVERY OF AMMA MIGRATION SERVICES
KAYE BUTLER General Manager, Human Resources Chevron
JANE THOMAS Executive General Manager People and Community, Newcrest
DELIVERING ENGAGEMENT AND COMMUNICATION........25
ENGAGING ON MEMBERSHIP NEEDS
MEMBER COMMUNICATIONS
AMMA NATIONAL CONFERENCE
MEDIA AND PUBLIC AFFAIRS
CORPORATE PARTNERS.........................................................................33
PRESIDENT’S NOTE Throughout 2015, Australia’s resource industry employers have continued to navigate their way through considerable headwinds. In addition to the wider transition to a production-based
AMMA’s submission to the Productivity Commission’s review of
industry, employers have also had to manage declining prices
Australia’s workplace relations system and its accompanying
across key commodities including iron ore, coal, gold and oil.
KPMG research, both detailed within this Activities Report,
Highlighting the ongoing change, government analysis shows
explores these challenges.
that in the first half of 2015 alone, $7.8 billion dollars’ worth of
In the area of workplace relations, as just one example, KPMG’s
major resources projects completed construction and moved
analysis found the impact of reform on the resource industry
into operation.
could lift real GDP by up to $30.9bn and grow employment by
While this demonstrates a new exciting production capacity for
up to 36,000 jobs.
our country, the continued decline in new project investment
We must consider the significant national benefits if genuine
has been cause for concern.
reform was undertaken more widely, particularly if we are
In the same period, the resource investment pipeline declined by 14 projects worth at least $11.4bn dollars; while from mid-2014
to secure new project investment and further the resource industry’s legacy of job creation and economic benefits.
to mid-2015, 61 projects in total have fallen through with a value
It is in this context that AMMA’s policy and advocacy work has
of at least $80.4bn.
delivered exceptional value to our members throughout 2015,
While presenting many challenges, these market conditions
and will continue to do in 2016 and beyond.
have triggered some positive reactions throughout our sector
Your support allows AMMA to continue this invaluable work, with
and in many cases brought out the best in industry leadership,
membership and consulting service revenues redirected back
innovation and excellence across strategic human resources
into advancing our vision to ensure Australia’s resource industry
and other key ‘people’ areas.
remains an attractive place to invest, employ people and do
We are seeing employers thoroughly review their workforce
business.
planning arrangements to refocus on internal capabilities,
I thank you for your ongoing support as AMMA continues to
prioritise core activities and optimise productivity performance.
advance this vision.
Through its workplace and legal consulting, AMMA is playing a lead role in many of these strategies, adding value and assisting in the ongoing competitiveness of our members’ operations. The decline in our pipeline of potential new projects does, however, demonstrates serious issues with Australia’s competitiveness that must be addressed through macro and micro economic reforms. Similarly, as AMMA members adjust to a new operating environment with lower prices and smaller profit margins, they must be supported by a more efficient and lower cost regulatory framework.
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AMMA | RESOURCE INDUSTRY EMPLOYER GROUP
Graeme Hunt AMMA President, Managing Director and CEO, Transfield Services
PIPELINE OF GROWTH IN OUR INDUSTRY
SUB-INDUSTRY
RESOURCE INDUSTRY EMPLOYER GROUP
*Numbers have been rounded
Resources & energy related projects in the pipeline with an estimated value of around $439+ BILLION
23923
Resource projects either committed or under construction with an estimated value of around $233 BILLION
52
4k 18.8k
22.8k
Projects worth around $221 BILLION currently in the publicly announced or feasibility stage
197
8.1k 57.6k
65.7k
THESE PROJECTS BROKEN DOWN BY COMMODITY:
2.7k 2 x Aluminium, Bauxite, Alumina
18 x Gold
7 x Lead, Zinc, Silver
7 x Uranium
56 x Coal
30 x Infrastructure
29 x LNG, Gas, Oil
9 x Nickel
12 x Copper
27 x Iron ore
43.4k
46.1k
1.8k 11.3k
13.1k
35 x Other Commodities
5.7k Source: http://www.bree.gov.au/publications/resources-and-energy-major-projects
30.6k
36.3k
EMPLOYED IN OUR INDUSTRY*
245.7k
12k 49.8k
People in the resources industry Source: ABS August 2015
*Resource extraction and services
MEDIAN ANNUAL EARNINGS Oil & Gas Extraction
61.8k Source: ABS August 2015 - Labour Force 6291.0.55.003
VALUES OF AUSTRALIA’S RESOURCE AND ENERGY EXPORTS
Other Non-Metallic Minerals & Quarrying Coal Mining
8.25%
Other Mining Support Services
2014 - 2015
Metal Ore Mining Mining Exploration Construction Material Mining
2014-15
2019-20
$195 billion
$178.9 billion
$267.4 billion
- forecast
All Industries
Source: ABS Earnings Data
2013-14
ANNUAL EARNINGS
- projection
Source: http://www.industry.gov.au/industry/Office-ofthe-Chief-Economist/Publications/Pages/Resourcesand-energy-quarterly.aspx
ACTIVITIES REPORT 2015
4
CHIEF EXECUTIVE’S REPORT The membership support, engagement and expert consulting services delivered by AMMA throughout 2015 has significantly assisted resource industry employers in tackling great change and great challenges. AMMA’s members come in all shapes and sizes, from all resource
An underlying factor in all our consulting work is delivering
sub-sectors across the nation. During 2015, none have been
strategies and innovations that reduce costs at the workplace
immune to volatile market conditions and the increasing costs
level, streamline policies and procedures and result in practical
and complexity of managing their workforce and employment
improvements to productivity and efficiency.
arrangements.
This Report also notes AMMA’s ongoing role in a number of skills
Our remit to members during this constrained economic
initiatives including valuable training and development services
environment is to assist in reducing these costs, unravelling
and assisting in strategies and policies for the international skills
the complexities and support the ongoing productivity and
needs of our members’ projects.
competitiveness of your businesses.
We remain heavily involved in the continual development of
This 2015 Activities Report details how we have delivered on
Australia’s future resource industry workforce, and in ensuring the
these objectives and more over the past 12 months.
national vocational education and training system is revitalised
It demonstrates the increased value our members receive from
with our industry’s requirements front-of-mind.
our engagement, services, advocacy and advice on managing
A message that runs throughout this Report is that in challenging
various workplace and employment issues driven by the
times such as these, collaboration and engagement on shared
changing market and new operational demands.
experiences, trends and lessons in overcoming adversity is more
In the workplace relations space, AMMA has remained the
important than ever.
chosen partner for our members in their constant imperative to
The foundation of all of AMMA’s activities is our vision to ensure
manage people more effectively and productively.
Australia’s resource industry is an attractive and competitive
As the legal and regulatory environment becomes more complex, we have represented members on an array of
place to invest, do business, employ people, and contribute valuably to our nation’s well-being.
workplace policy matters and elevated their priorities for change
Progressing this vision during challenging times for our industry is
to the highest levels of national and state decision makers.
when the value of AMMA membership truly shines.
This includes actively participating in the Productivity
We look forward to continuing to advance the interests of our
Commission’s review of Australia’s workplace relations laws;
industry, as well as being your trusted partners throughout the
advocating for immediate reforms to bargaining, strike action,
remainder of this year, in 2016 and beyond.
union site entry and other important areas; and building the case for many other material improvements to the laws under which we work and create jobs. Similarly, as pressures on employee strategies and cost structures intensify, AMMA’s workplace and legal consultants have worked closely within member businesses across all areas of the industry; advising on workplace and agreement restructuring, enterprise bargaining campaigns, major project human resources management and much more.
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AMMA | RESOURCE INDUSTRY EMPLOYER GROUP
Steve Knott AMMA Chief Executive
AMMA CONSULTING SNAPSHOT CONSULTING ACTIVITY
CONSULTING ACTIVITY BY TYPE
RESOURCE INDUSTRY EMPLOYER GROUP
GENERAL
12000 Workplace consulting hours delivered to AMMA members during 2015.
9% EMPLOYMENT ADVICE
GENERAL EMPLOYMENT LITIGATION TERMINATION OF EMPLOYMENT
16% IR STRATEGY
5000
DISPUTE RESOLUTION
OTHER*
Phone calls taken for free member advice.
POLICY INFLUENCE
24% GENERAL IR ADVICE BARGAINING
OTHER* = INVESTIGATION 2% CONTRACTS OF EMPLOYMENT 2%
EEO/DISCRIMINATION 1% ALL OTHER 2%
AMMA SERVICES AND EVENTS DELIVERED TO
36000
JOBS
Potential productivity and employment benefits of AMMA’s workplace reform recommendations
8% OR $30.9bn Potential investment boost from AMMA’s proposed workplace reforms Source: KPMG
ACTIVITIES REPORT 2015
6
DELIVERING VALUE THROUGH EMPLOYEE RELATIONS During the course of 2015, AMMA has driven significant employee relations outcomes within the resource industry that have greatly assisted in all aspects of members’ workplaces as they navigate changing commercial and operational requirements and challenging market conditions. This is delivered through AMMA’s specialised employee relations and legal consulting dedicated to all facets of the resource industry, and through policy and advocacy that ensures members’ priorities genuinely shape the workplace regulation and laws under which they operate and employ.
WORKPLACE POLICY AND ADVOCACY While 2015 has been a volatile year for progressing workplace relations reform, AMMA has remained uncompromising in representing members’ priorities and exerting maximum influence on future workplace relations policy. AMMA continues to focus on the following policy objectives, developed alongside members across all sub-sectors of the industry: • Ensuring Australia’s workplace relations legislation better supports the people strategies implemented and utilised by resource employers.
• Representing the resource industry’s interests in important workplace health and safety developments including changes and consolidation of OHS laws in Queensland and Western Australia. • Representing resource employers on the panel reviewing Australian standards for workplace drug and alcohol testing. • Representing AMMA members on a range of national and international workplace policy forums including the National Workplace Relations Consultative Council (NWRCC) and at a major International Labour Organisation (ILO) regional workshop on mining safety
• Reforming our workplace relations system to advance investment growth, job creation, living standards and general prosperity in Australia.
taking place in Jakarta.
• Reinforcing the case for important aspects of the Abbott Government’s workplace reform policies to be introduced and/or passed through parliament.
BOARD REFERENCE GROUP
• Effectively consulting with AMMA members on their IR/ HR management needs and on the potential impacts of proposed legislative and regulatory changes.
driving the direction and priorities of AMMA’s
• Elevating the resource industry as a critical stakeholder to the Productivity Commission’s historic review of Australia’s workplace relations system through a comprehensive and evidence-based submission.
diverse membership, the BRG met four times in 2015 to
• Supporting increased governance standards and accountability for trade unions and their officials. • Advocating a restructure of the national workplace tribunal, the Fair Work Commission, to create a separate appeals jurisdiction that would deliver greater consistency in decision making and clearer guidance for employers. 7
AMMA | RESOURCE INDUSTRY EMPLOYER GROUP
The AMMA Board Reference Group (BRG) is the organisation’s primary member consultative body workplace reform advocacy. Recently expanded to represent all areas of AMMA’s refine AMMA’s workplace reform priorities and develop strategies to better advocate for productive and competitive change. The BRG has provided strong member-to-member engagement, informed AMMA’s policy positions and grounded our policy work in practical member experiences.
RESOURCE INDUSTRY EMPLOYER GROUP
PRODUCTIVITY COMMISSION REVIEW During 2015, AMMA provided a comprehensive submission on the workplace relations reform priorities of the resource industry to the Productivity Commission’s (PC) historic and wide-ranging review of Australia’s workplace laws. Entitled Getting Back on Track: Delivering the Workplace
Relations Framework Australia Needs, AMMA’s 480-page submission channelled the practical experiences and challenges directly faced by resource employers and recommended changes that would better support the productivity and competitiveness of their workplaces. To reinforce the experiences of members with rigorous economic research, AMMA commissioned KPMG
AMMA’s submission to the Productivity Commission review, and related KPMG research report.
to examine competitive pressures on the Australian resource industry and the potential impacts of AMMA’s key reform recommendations. Included in KPMG’s findings is the estimate that if key workplace reforms advocated by AMMA were fully implemented, they could collectively support resource sector productivity growth of up to 5% and investment of up to 8%. This would grow national GDP by 2% ($30.9 billion) and employment by 0.3% (potentially 36,000 new jobs). AMMA’s submission has been widely acknowledged as the most comprehensive and evidence-backed of all organisations and individuals, thus it was unsurprising that the PC’s interim report reflected various AMMA recommendations. This includes a range of measures to address challenges
PROGRESSING URGENT FAIR WORK CHANGES In addition to the fundamental change sought through the Productivity Commission review, AMMA has strongly advocated for the passing of several important workplace amendment bills current stalled before the Senate. The bulk of this reform agenda is supported by AMMA and reflects priorities of our members, including changes to industrial action, bargaining, productivity and workplace flexibility. Reforms include: • Applying good faith bargaining to new resource projects (greenfields) for the first time. • Enabling employers to take proposed greenfield
in the new project (greenfields) agreement making
agreements to the Fair Work Commission (FWC) when
process, including the potential for life-of-construction
negotiations do not deliver an agreed outcome.
agreements and strong incentives for parties to reach agreement within a three-month bargaining window. Another area in which AMMA’s advocacy is reflected is the recommendation that the structure and appointments process of the national workplace tribunal, the Fair Work Commission (FWC), is overhauled to reduce transactional costs for employers and address
• Requiring mandatory flexibility clauses in both modern awards and enterprise agreements to allow real flexibility. • Not allowing unions to pursue legally protected strikes and bans where their claims are ‘manifestly excessive’ or would significantly impact enterprise productivity.
inconsistent decision making in recent years. ACTIVITIES REPORT 2015
8
DELIVERING VALUE THROUGH EMPLOYEE RELATIONS CONTINUED...
• Ensuring legal protection for strikes and work bans is
As the government attempted to build Senate support to
contingent upon unions ‘genuinely trying to reach an
restore the ABCC, AMMA has strongly backed the ABCC
agreement’.
as a critical measure to not only crack down on unlawful
• Better encouraging discussions on productivity improvements at the enterprise level before any agreement is approved. While during 2015 attempts to progress these important changes have been frustrated, AMMA has grounded the case for such amendments in the priorities and experiences of our members and the broader industry. Such efforts have been noted and will actively continue until these much needed reforms are passed.
union behaviour, but to deliver stability for resources and other major private sector projects, uphold freedom of association rights for all employees, and ensure small contractors have opportunities to compete for work without undue third party pressures. With the most recent attempt to pass the ABCC legislation seeing it defeated by an evenly split Senate vote, AMMA has called for the legislation to be re-introduced as soon as possible with greater engagement to ensure its passage. The second proposed trade union reform actively
TRADE UNION GOVERNANCE AND REGULATION
supported by AMMA is the establishment of a Registered Organisations Commission for both trade unions and
2015 has been a significant year for policy and political
employer organisations as a dedicated independent
debate around the regulation of trade unions, and their
regulator with investigative and enforcement powers
governance and transparency standards.
to ensure unions better manage their finances and
While AMMA’s membership has large variances in the
governance.
levels of unionisation, this has been highly relevant to many
The relevant legislation, which would increase civil penalties
of our members which are commonly exposed to militant
and introduce criminal offences for intentional or reckless
elements of the trade union movement, often intensified by
breaches of officers’ duties, was also narrowly defeated
changes in regulation, arbitration and court determination
and should be reintroduced in the near future.
that artificially embolden their influence. The Royal Commission into Trade Union Corruption has
SUPPORTING FREE TRADE AGREEMENTS
driven a great deal of debate and publicity, however
As the federal government struck important free trade
most of the policy activity has come from two proposed
agreements with key Australian trading partners, AMMA
legislative amendments that AMMA has actively
has provided advocacy and support for the agreements,
supported.
which will open further trade opportunities for the resource
The first is AMMA’s support and advocacy for the
industry and bring significant employment and economic
restoration of the Australian Building and Construction
benefits into the country more broadly.
Commission (ABCC) - the former construction industry
AMMA’s support began with assisting in the passage of
regulator with much stronger investigative powers and
the Korea and Japan free trade agreements, entering into
penalties than the Fair Work Building and Construction
force in December 2014 and January 2015, respectively.
inspectorate that replaced it under the former Labor
This advocacy continued with the China-Australia free
government.
trade agreement which remains subject to continued scare campaigns and political attacks from the federal opposition and trade unions.
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AMMA | RESOURCE INDUSTRY EMPLOYER GROUP
2015 AMMA SUBMISSIONS WORKPLACE RELATIONS POLICY
RESOURCE INDUSTRY EMPLOYER GROUP
SEPTEMBER YEAR AHEAD FOR WORKPLACE POLICY The next 12 months will be an active and significant period for AMMA’s workplace policy and advocacy, with several key political developments and reform processes requiring our input and expertise. The Productivity Commission’s final report, delivered to the government in late 2015, will drive an extensive level of further engagement and advocacy work as AMMA strives to influence its recommendations and implementation. While many characterise the likely scope of reform as moderate or cautious, we anticipate some proposals that would make a material difference to the operations and practices of AMMA members. Many of the government’s current workplace amending legislations will also be re-introduced for debate and voting in parliament and AMMA will play a critical role in seeking to support reforms favourable to the workplace operations, strategies and priorities of resource employers. AMMA will also continue building the case, both publically and privately, for the restoration of the ABCC as the construction industry’s effective regulator, as well as consistently call for registered organisations to be subjected to the same processes and rules as incorporated organisations. As 2016 will be a federal election year, AMMA will work through the BRG and other membership engagement forums to elevate broader policy requirements of resource industry employers to further the economic and social development of Australia as a whole.
} Submission in reply to the Productivity Commission’s Draft Report on Australia’s Workplace Relations Framework
AUGUST } Submission to the WA Department of Mines and Petroleum Work Health & Safety (Resources) Bill } Submission to the inquiry into Portability of Long Service Leave Entitlements (Vic)
JULY } Submission to the inquiry into the Fair Work (Registered Organisations) Amendment Bill 2014 (No 2)
JUNE } Submission to the inquiry into the Work Health & Safety and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2015 (Qld)
APRIL } Submission to the Senate Education and Employment References Committee inquiry into the Construction Industry Amendment (Protecting Witnesses) Bill 2015
MARCH } Submission to the Productivity Commission Review of Australia’s Workplace Relations Framework } Workplace Relations and the Competitiveness of the Australian Resources Sector, Report by KPMG
FEBRUARY } Submission to the exposure draft – Work Health & Safety Bill 2014 (WA)
JANUARY Submission to the Consultation Paper: Structure of Mining, } Petroleum and Major Hazard Facilities Safety legislation Submission to the Fair Work Amendment (Bargaining } Processes) Bill 2014
NOVEMBER 2014 } Submission to the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA): Draft Marine Order 11 ACTIVITIES REPORT 2015
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DELIVERING VALUE THROUGH EMPLOYEE RELATIONS CONTINUED...
WORKPLACE AND LEGAL CONSULTING The value of AMMA’s expertise and industry knowledge
Specialist employee relations and legal consulting services delivered in 2015 include:
across all stages of our members’ business cycle has
• Strategic IR risk assessment and planning
been reaffirmed by strong demand for workplace
• Enterprise agreement making and renegotiations
consulting and legal services over the past 12 months. AMMA’s employee relations and legal consultants have assisted members with a broad range of issues varying from general human resources and industrial relations matters through to strategic IR planning, legal issues and complex negotiations. A significant volume of work has come from innovations
• Workplace investigations • Unfair dismissal advice and representation • Adverse action claims • Union site entry advice and support • Transfer of instrument issues
and initiatives associated with organisational change
• Review and development of member policies
as adverse market conditions sees members focus
• Secondment services to members for
on achieving sustainable business and employment outcomes. AMMA consultants have worked on restructuring and harmonising project enterprise agreements with an emphasis on cost reduction, enhanced productivity measures and bolstering members’ competitive advantage within the rapidly evolving marketplace. We have also assisted in preparing major tenders associated with the operational phase of a number of large resource projects, including alignment of employee relations framework strategies to project requirements to maximise new contract opportunities. Further support includes dealing with transfer of business and unfair dismissals and adverse action claims, as well as investigating workplace bullying and managing the often convoluted processes under the Fair Work Act.
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AMMA | RESOURCE INDUSTRY EMPLOYER GROUP
short-term placements • Reduced remuneration initiatives • Review of Contracts of Employment • Verification of annualised salaries
RESOURCE INDUSTRY EMPLOYER GROUP
DELIVERING SUSTAINABLE BUSINESS OUTCOMES
NEGOTIATING WORKPLACE AGREEMENTS
The market downturn has seen AMMA review members’
Supporting resource employers through enterprise
employment arrangements to determine if they are the
bargaining campaigns continues to be one of the
most effective for the future of their businesses. Our work
strongest areas of AMMA’s consulting and legal
has delivered real net cost reductions, improved service
expertise. The past 12 months has emphasised the
delivery positions and broad organisational efficiency
review of enterprise agreements and sustainable
gains that have improved member competitiveness
outcomes that can be achieved within the current
within a challenging operating environment.
restrained environment.
Consultants have worked with members to ensure
Our consultants and legal professionals have worked
agreements and workplace practices maximise
closely with members to manage, assist and support
productivity and that rosters and other conditions are
the full range of workplace agreement practices.
aligned to industry trends. We have ensured members
This has involved extensive negotiations with unions,
understand their obligations during major workplace
management of strategic employee communications,
change especially around restructuring, redundancies
representation in Australia’s employment tribunals
and terms and conditions of employment.
and courts and navigating the complexities of the Fair
This environment has required AMMA to provide an
Work Act.
IR/HR framework within which member companies
Members have also relied on AMMA to provide support
can think creatively while mitigating risks.
and understanding of trends relating to agreement
Valuable outcomes include: • Delivering innovation in all workplace relations including workforce engagement, major change and restructuring. • Driving productivity and competitiveness by challenging historical norms or assumptions. • Setting new industry benchmarks through enterprise agreement outcomes.
making, rates of pay and general employment matters. This ensures they are well prepared when negotiating an agreement and are not being tied to uncommercial arrangements. The results have stood for themselves, with more agreements being reached on employer-preferred terms, representing a moderation of employee expectations and fewer instances of protected industrial action despite increased union strike efforts.
• Achieving major workplace change while also meeting legal requirements by breaking down impediments and/or barriers. • Implementing employee relations and legal strategies previously considered bold, but now common areas of practice and advice (i.e. terminating EAs and responsive protected industrial action). • Effective assistance with employee communications.
ACTIVITIES REPORT 2015
12
DELIVERING VALUE THROUGH EMPLOYEE RELATIONS CONTINUED...
EXTENDING YOUR INTERNAL PEOPLE CAPABILITIES AMMA’s legally qualified consultants have increasingly been utilised by members in de facto in-house counsel roles, which has proven especially valuable given the downsizing of internal member resources experienced over the past year.
As with all market downturns, there has been a rise in unfair dismissals and termination related claims and litigation across our industry in 2015. AMMA’s proactive management of workforce change has limited members’ exposure to unfair/unlawful termination, adverse action or claims for denied contractual benefits. Where such matters arise, we have been engaged by
While the specialist knowledge of the resource industry
members to successfully limit the business impacts of
and its legal complexities provides a general advantage
such issues.
to members, a strong specific example of the value in this arrangement is in how the Fair Work Commission is increasingly treating the appearance of law firms in
ENGAGING ON LEGISLATIVE CHANGE
general company matters.
While AMMA’s workplace policy team develop
In recent months, there has been a reluctance from
submissions and influence legislation and regulation
the Commission to allow lawyers to appear on behalf of companies. In such circumstances, AMMA has provided exceptional value acting as a specialist, expert
on behalf of the industry, AMMA’s employee relations and legal consultants are often the first point of call for members facing legislative or regulatory change in their
extension of members’ own internal employment teams
workplaces.
representing on a number of issues including industrial
Throughout 2015, AMMA’s workplace consultants have
disputation, unfair dismissals and in the agreement
provided practical advice on managing complex
negotiation process.
and changing employment requirements within our members’ workplaces, and provided real-life case
MANAGING REDUNDANCIES AND WORKFORCE CHANGE Significant redundancies have been an unfortunate reality of the resource industry in 2015 as declining commodity prices squeeze both project operator and contractor profit margins to the limit, and many major projects come close to finishing construction. AMMA has provided extensive support to members in managing the business impacts of redundancies, ‘right-sizing’ and redeployment. Not only has AMMA’s expertise assisted employers in navigating the legal issues associated with redundancies, we have also played a key role in ensuring members are retaining the best people capabilities within their organisations.
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AMMA | RESOURCE INDUSTRY EMPLOYER GROUP
studies to our policy team on how poor legislation is impacting our sector.
RESOURCE INDUSTRY EMPLOYER GROUP
PROVIDING WORKPLACE SOLUTIONS ACROSS THE NATION
OUTLOOK FOR WORKPLACE CONSULTING
AMMA’s employee relations and legal consultants have
the coming 12 months, with ongoing commodity price
worked across every sub-sector of AMMA membership in all locations. This has ranged from large project operators through to contractors, both large and small, providing support services. Demand for AMMA’s expertise on Australia’s most significant major resource projects, both during construction and entering production, has continued. This is largely driven by our demonstrated knowledge and results in achieving sustainable IR outcomes on
Australia’s resource industry faces several challenges in pressures and a number of large projects moving past their peak workforce phases and into the operational phase. AMMA consultants will assist with this transition via strategic IR planning and negotiating new agreements and workplace arrangements which focus on challenging existing arrangements and adapting them to ensure the workforce is as productive and cost effective as possible.
previous projects.
Greater consulting opportunities on the east coast is
For example, in 2015 consulting has been delivered on:
across Queensland, New South Wales and Victoria; while
• Ichthys LNG Project, Northern Territory • Prelude FLNG Development, Western Australia
anticipated as new projects move into production Western Australia will continue to see extensive work with operational and maintenance providers to ensure the new heightened production phase of our industry is
• TAN Project, Western Australia
sustainable and competitive.
• Gorgon Natural Gas Project, Western Australia
Our consultants will also continue to play a key support
• Wheatstone Natural Gas Project, Western Australia
role for members in ensuring they are well equipped to run
• Roy Hill Iron Ore, Western Australia
legislative developments including IR changes, rostering
• Kipper Tuna Turrum Project, Victoria • Gladstone LNG, Queensland • Queensland Curtis LNG, Queensland • Industry agreement negotiations for offshore vessels, offshore diving and offshore construction
their business efficiently while complying with anticipated pressures, wages and conditions matters, operating costs and emerging privacy issues. In 2016, AMMA’s consultants will look to form even closer relationships with members to ensure a greater understanding of the workforce needs during this challenging phase of our industry and how AMMA can assist in your objectives and goals for the years ahead.
ACTIVITIES REPORT 2015
14
DELIVERING WORKFORCE OUTCOMES AMMA continues to expand its influence and membership value well beyond traditional strengths in employee relations, HR and legal matters, to supporting and facilitating important outcomes in broader industry skills and workforce matters. Our influence and engagement across both government policy-making and practical member advice has greatly heightened due to the complex and evolving nature of the resource industry’s workforce requirements. During 2015, as our members faced a constrained economic environment and shifting skills requirements and people demands, AMMA has worked vigorously to ensure members are supported with practical workforce solutions and representation to better equip them to face the challenges ahead.
LEADING SKILLS AND VET REFORM AMMA is giving voice to the resource industry’s future
REFORMING AUSTRALIA’S APPRENTICESHIP SYSTEM
skills and training needs as a member of the Australian
In 2015 AMMA was appointed to the Commonwealth
Industry and Skills Committee, established by the Council
Government’s Apprenticeship Advisory Group.
of Australian Governments (COAG) in May 2015.
Comprising eight representatives, the group is examining
The Committee is guiding the implementation of the new national vocational education and training (VET) policies set to improve skills development across Australia. AMMA’s involvement in this committee comes after our
three key reform areas including the restructuring of apprenticeship incentives; a new pre-apprenticeship program; and piloting alternative models of apprenticeship delivery.
2014 appointment to the government’s five-member VET
Feedback from AMMA members highlighted that reform
Advisory Board, which consulted on broad reforms to the
of Australia’s apprenticeship system is well overdue
training sector.
and that traditional apprenticeship programs are not
Through this newer committee AMMA has been delegated a key governance role in overseeing the development and approval of nationally accredited training and authorising industry-defined training qualifications. AMMA’s position as one of just three permanent Commonwealth nominees is ensuring the evolving skills needs of the resource industry are shaping the policies, training packages and governance framework that is improving the national VET system. Further, in December 2014 AMMA submitted a detailed response to the Department of Industry discussion paper entitled Industry Engagement in Training Package
Development. In our response, AMMA provided its advice on the government’s proposed new VET models and urged detailed industry consultation in developing an efficient and responsive system.
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AMMA | RESOURCE INDUSTRY EMPLOYER GROUP
responsive to specific skilling outcomes required for employment.
2015 AMMA SUBMISSIONS SKILLS AND WORKFORCE
RESOURCE INDUSTRY EMPLOYER GROUP
JUNE FURTHERING THE GLOBALISATION OF SKILLS As a member of the federal government’s Australian Industry and Skills Committee, in July AMMA travelled to China to represent Australia at The Australia-China Strategic Policy Dialogue on Vocational Education and Training forum in Beijing. The event explored the importance of each nation having a mutual understanding of future skills needs and engaged on topics including the skills ‘mismatch’ in multiple labour markets, similarities in technical skills needs, the potential for regional occupational standards and the
} Submission to the Queensland Parliamentary Committee inquiry into FIFO and other long distance commuting work practices in regional Qld
FEBRUARY } Response to the WA Legislative Assembly Education & Health Standing Committee Inquiry into mental health impacts of FIFO working arrangements – discussion paper
DECEMBER 2014 } Response to the Department of Industry discussion paper: Industry Engagement in Training Package Development
OCTOBER 2014
impact on training systems. AMMA’s representative presented to the Chinese business and education community on the experiences of Australian resource
} Submission to the Western Australia Legislative Assembly – Education and Health Standing Committee – Inquiry into Mental Health Impacts of FIFO Work Arrangements
employers operating in both domestic and international markets, and the workforce strategies that are supporting our world-class projects. The China visit followed AMMA’s involvement in a skills delegation to India in November last year, led by Minister for Industry Ian Macfarlane,
REPRESENTING AMMA MEMBERS
which saw Australian representatives from several business sectors build connections with Indian skills providers and provide advice on transnational skills initiatives.
National Workplace Relations Consultative Council Australian Industry and Skills Committee Commonwealth Apprenticeship Advisory Group Vocational Education and Training Advisory Board Ministerial Advisory Council on Skilled Migration
ACTIVITIES REPORT 2015
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DELIVERING WORKFORCE OUTCOMES CONTINUED...
TRAINING AND DEVELOPMENT AMMA has delivered a wide range of specialist resource industry training solutions to members during 2015, greatly assisting many organisations in adapting their skills and leadership capabilities to meet emerging operational challenges. Training has ranged from nationally recognised and accredited courses through to customisable leadership, competency-based and short course skills development programs tailored specifically for the unique needs of
However, the need for members to operate their projects as productively and efficiently as possible is driving a general industry shift to greater ‘softer skills’ training, predominantly in key human resources areas that develop increased leadership, awareness and superintendent / supervisory skills at the site level. Further, employee relations training remains a primary service delivery of AMMA’s training with a focus on areas including equal opportunity employment, performance management, and discipline and termination.
particular sectors or workplaces. Throughout all training delivery, AMMA has worked as
PRIMARY TRAINING DELIVERED IN 2015
close partners within our members’ businesses to ensure
EEO Awareness Training: Delivering value to member
their skills and competency requirements are successfully
workplaces and organisational culture by increasing
addressed with customised solutions that best meet
employees’ awareness of their behaviours and their
timing, cultural and budgetary needs.
impact on others. Discrimination, Harassment and Bullying: Reducing AMMA
CATERING FOR SHIFTING SKILLS DEMANDS Training pursued by AMMA members in 2015 has been more targeted than in recent years, reflecting tighter economic conditions and the need to deliver immediate practical returns to member workplaces from training investments. This demand has seen AMMA increasingly undertake detailed needs analysis processes for members, whereby our specialists assess all organisational policies and procedures to allow for greater tailoring of training
member exposure to claims, promoting more harmonious and productive workplaces, and ensuring compliance and awareness of new laws and regulations in these important areas. Performance Management: Assisting leaders within AMMA member companies to get the best out of their teams through effective performance management and employee engagement. Supervisory Training: Developing the future pipeline of onsite supervisors and leaders through training on the latest
programs around specific, measurable results.
trends, best practices and most effective supervisory skills.
Through partnership arrangements, we are continuing
Customised Leadership Training: Working closely within
to see investments in ‘hard operational skills’ including surface extraction, resource processing and underground mining – all popular areas for AMMA training delivery in recent years.
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AMMA | RESOURCE INDUSTRY EMPLOYER GROUP
AMMA member businesses to identify the most valuable opportunities for increased leadership capacity and bringing these opportunities to fruition through customised training solutions.
AMMA TRAINING & DEVELOPMENT
RESOURCE INDUSTRY EMPLOYER GROUP
COURSES DELIVERED NATIONALLY
OUTLOOK FOR TRAINING As 2016 progresses, AMMA expects the training
DISCRIMINATION, HARASSMENT & BULLYING AWARENESS
and upskilling investments from members to remain reasonably subdued compared to recent years. However, consistent demand is forecast in customised human resources upskilling programs
UNIONS - RIGHT OF ENTRY & BARGAINING
as opposed to nationally recognised training in operational skills. This will largely reflect both the increased talent
WORKPLACE HEALTH & SAFETY
pool of experienced technical operators becoming available in the drilling, exploration and hard rock mining sectors; and also the
FRONTLINE MANAGEMENT
ongoing need for AMMA members to drive strong productivity and efficiency initiatives from within its existing staff base.
EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE
Following the final rounds of the National Workforce Development Fund (NWDF) closing out, AMMA will closely monitor the status of any
LEADERSHIP & TEAMS
upcoming federal or state government training initiatives to gauge prospective funding being made available to AMMA members.
QUALITY AUDITING
Overall, we endeavour to continue delivering the highest quality of resource sector training and development services, at highly cost effective
SUPERVISORY SKILLS
rates and readily accessible to all resource employers anywhere in the country.
COMMUNICATION
ACTIVITIES REPORT 2015
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DELIVERING WORKFORCE OUTCOMES CONTINUED...
SUPPORTING MENTAL HEALTH OUTCOMES
STRENGTH THROUGH WORKFORCE DIVERSITY
The past 12 months has seen intensified public discussion
In its fourth year of assisting members to realise the
on mental health across the Australian resource industry,
benefits of greater levels of women in their workforces,
and progress made on two separate government inquiries
AMMA’s national workforce gender diversity initiative,
and one review into the specific impacts of fly-in, fly-out
the Australian Women in Resources Alliance (AWRA)
(FIFO) working arrangements.
continues to increase in stature and value delivered.
Most significantly, the Western Australian Education and
Throughout 2015, AWRA has delivered various support to
Health Standing Committee handed down its final report,
resource employers that build internal capability on the
The impact of FIFO work practices on mental health, in
attraction and retention of women in our male dominated
which it outlined 42 findings and 30 recommendations on
industry, and progress the industry’s diverse pool of skills
issues such as rosters, fatigue and accommodation.
and talent to drive productivity and innovation.
AMMA provided a comprehensive submission to this
AWRA facilitates programs and guidance materials that
review and also led the industry’s response to the
help employers attract, retain and develop female talent
Committee’s recommendations, stating that the report
and become an employer of choice for women. With
provides a starting point for increased engagement
the importance of a diverse workforce being highlighted
between the state government, the resource industry
more than ever, the various initiatives that AWRA runs can
and all stakeholders on supporting greater mental health
benefit the productivity, quality and safety dividends of all
outcomes.
organisations.
AMMA noted it is vitally important that all stakeholders
Such initiatives and employer tools include:
engage in sensible discussions on how to effectively address the complex issues covered in the committee’s report, particularly given the lack of conclusive evidence on FIFO and mental health.
• Diversity workshops • Knowledge centres and statistics for benchmarking and research
Representation was also made to the ongoing
• Toolkits and way forward guides for practical assistance
Queensland FIFO review and inquiry, which is investigating
• Social media engagement within select industry groups
the impact of FIFO operations when within close proximity of established townships. The federal government also released a pragmatic response to the Windsor inquiry of 2013, dismissing most of its findings, which was welcomed by AMMA due to the emotive and politicised nature of the original report. In 2015, AMMA convened a Resource Industry Mental Health Working Group, comprising major member companies with a strong interest in mental health programs and initiatives within resource industry FIFO operations. Meetings of this group provided a valuable forum for the sharing of initiatives and lessons from within the industry, and collaboration on common shortcomings and challenges. 19
AMMA | RESOURCE INDUSTRY EMPLOYER GROUP
• Diversity case studies • Diversity networks 2015 also saw the launch of a dedicated AWRA website offering practical, user-friendly and employer focused guidance and advice across a range of gender diversity tools, initiatives and strategies.
RESOURCE INDUSTRY EMPLOYER GROUP
AWRA E-MENTORING
AWRA RECOGNISED PROGRAM
In 2015 the AWRA E-Mentoring program, facilitated
Designed for resources, related construction and allied
by AMMA with federal government funding, reached
services industry organisations which seek support and
the significant milestone of 300 mentors and mentees
recognition for their efforts in gender diversity and
matched Australia-wide.
inclusion, the AWRA Recognised Program was offered to
The success of AWRA E-Mentoring has been driven by its
members for the second year running in 2015.
remit to provide a platform for mentees and mentors to
The assessment incorporates a widely accepted set of
connect and share career experiences wherever they
diversity and inclusion benchmarks to baseline, assess,
are, fitting around busy working schedules.
monitor and report the performance of an organisation’s
The program to date has assisted the mentoring journey of its participants through 15 cohorts with five more cohorts due to commence prior to the end of its funding from the Office for Women in June 2016. In May, AWRA e-Mentoring was chosen as the only Australian case study to be presented at the Global Women’s Summit in Brazil by Australia’s Ambassador for Women and Girls, Natasha Stott Despoja.
gender diversity program. Ratings can generally be used as an advantage when competing for top female talent, or provide an organisation with clear direction in how to increase the effectiveness of its workplace diversity strategies. AWRA is expecting increased demand for this service in 2016 as resource organisations continue to pursue diversity capabilities as a key workforce strategy.
AWRA WEBINAR SERIES During 2015 AWRA launched its monthly lunchtime webinar series, which allows AMMA members to present to a live audience of women working in the resource industry case studies and information on various diversity and workforce related topics. To date more than150 participants have attended the webinars, with presenting organisations including Anglo American, Sodexo and Thiess. Location map of 30 out of more than 200 AWRA e-Mentoring pairs matched nationally and internationally
AWRA FLEXIBILITY GUIDE In late 2015 AWRA will launch with the federal government a step-by-step guide to flexibility, tailored to the specific needs of resources, allied and relation construction organisations The AWRA Guide to Flexible Work, explores types of flexible
ASSISTING RECRUITMENT OUTCOMES AWRA continues to work with AMMA members who identify certain projects within their organisation which need to increase female and Indigenous workforce participation. This is delivered through customised recruitment campaigns and strategies to make the project, roles and recruitment campaigns attractive to more diverse demographics of jobseeker.
work practices across all industries and derives learnings for resource organisations, not only specific to working mothers but all employees who seek greater work flexibility.
ACTIVITIES REPORT 2015
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DELIVERING WORKFORCE OUTCOMES CONTINUED...
SKILLED MIGRATION POLICY DEVELOPMENT
ENGAGING WITH CHANGES TO THE 457 VISA PROGRAM
Skilled migration policy has again been an area of
During 2015, AMMA has consulted heavily on the
high activity for the federal government over the past
government’s planned changes to the 457 Visa
12 months, with AMMA heavily involved in a raft of
program, driven by the recommendations of the
developments occurring at the legislative, regulatory,
program’s 2014 integrity review. The government has
legal, departmental review and inter-governmental
signalled it will adopt the vast majority of the review
agreement levels.
panel’s recommendations, including several that AMMA
AMMA’s policy specialists have worked to mitigate the
advocated.
potential impacts of these changes on the workplace
The government has already moved to reduce the
strategies of our members, and more broadly to
market salary rates threshold from $250,000 to the
ensure Australia’s immigration programs assist in the
previously longstanding $180,000 (although this was
international skills needs of resource employers and
later overturned in the Senate); introduce flexibility into
projects, both now and into the future.
English language testing; extend the term of a standard business sponsorship from three years to five; and extend deadlines for sponsor notifications to the department on
WELCOMING NEW PROJECT AGREEMENT GUIDELINES AMMA provided detailed feedback to the Department of Immigration and Border Protection on the form and
key issues from 10 to 28 working days.
DEMYSTIFYING OFFSHORE ARRANGEMENTS
content of new guidelines for ‘project agreements’,
Following the high levels of political and policy activity
which have replaced the former enterprise migration
during 2014 relating to visa arrangements in the offshore
agreements (EMAs). Where there are demonstrable
resources sector, AMMA has consulted regularly with the
skills shortages, project agreements are now able to be
government and relevant ministers over ongoing court
used to bring skilled migrants into Australia to work on
and legislative developments during 2015 that have
resource and infrastructure projects.
impacted on migration requirements offshore.
The guidelines were implemented following in-depth
Within this incredibly complex area of change, AMMA
consultations between the department and AMMA and
has endeavoured to keep the industry informed and
other stakeholders, and introduce greater flexibilities
ensure our members have access to ministerial and
that are expected to be of benefit to AMMA members
departmental policy-makers to help guide them
experiencing skills shortages.
through the complexities. This area is again set to be contested, with maritime unions mounting a High Court challenge to the latest ministerial instruments.
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AMMA | RESOURCE INDUSTRY EMPLOYER GROUP
2015 AMMA SUBMISSIONS SKILLED MIGRATION
RESOURCE INDUSTRY EMPLOYER GROUP
AUGUST RESPONDING TO TRAINING FUND PROPOSALS
} Submission to the Department of Immigration & Border Protection in response to Discussion Paper: 457 Integrity Review – Training Fund Contribution
One of the only recommendations of the 457 integrity review panel that AMMA did not support was the recommendation for a per visa holder levy into an external training fund which would replace the existing training expenditure requirements. While some AMMA members would be better off as a result of the new levy, others who already invest heavily in training would face a significantly increased financial impost. AMMA made its concerns clear to the government on behalf of industry in 2015 and the government is currently consulting with
MAY } Submission to the Senate Education and Employment References Committee inquiry into the impact of Australia’s temporary work visa programs on the Australian labour market and on the temporary work visa holders
FEBRUARY } Submission to the Department of Immigration & Border Protection Proposal Paper – Simplification of the skilled migration and the temporary activity visa programmes
stakeholders over specific exemptions to the training fund proposals.
OCTOBER 2014 } Submission to the Department of Immigration & Border Protection: Discussion paper on skilled migration and 400 Series Visa Programs
ACTIVITIES REPORT 2015
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DELIVERING WORKFORCE OUTCOMES CONTINUED...
DELIVERY OF AMMA MIGRATION SERVICES
BUILDING OUR INDUSTRY EXPERTISE
AMMA Migration Services saw a changed focus during
consolidating and furthering AMMA Migration Services’
2015 as the resource industry moved from the more
competitive advantage over non-resource specific
labour-intensive constructive phase into the less labour-
immigration providers.
intensive production phase.
This distinct advantage is largely driven by the industry
Notwithstanding the changed economic climate, some
relationships built since AMMA Migration Services
sections of AMMA’s membership continued to experience
was established in 2010 and its in-depth knowledge
significant specific skills shortages in relation to their
and understanding of the specific requirements and
onshore and offshore activities.
operational activities of individual member / client
As projects finalised their construction phases and
The past 12 months has seen successful efforts put into
businesses.
advance to the commissioning stages, there was a
Our ability to deliver the results our members need, on
noticeable and expected decrease in construction-
or before required timeframes to ensure sophisticated
related members utilising skilled migrant labour to
project schedules are met, is further complemented by
supplement their respective Australian domestic
our migration agents’ work with AMMA’s policy specialists
workforces. With fewer projects now under construction,
to ensure our members are kept abreast of the numerous
the number of visas used in the industry has naturally
policy, legislative and regulatory changes occurring
declined.
during the course of the year and the practical impacts
Nonetheless, AMMA Migration Services has enjoyed a
this will have on our membership.
busy year due to the diversification of the range of value and services delivered across a broad range of sectors
MIGRATION SERVICES DELIVERED IN 2015
and business activities.
• Provision of high-level, strategic migration advice
With timely advice and specialist assistance delivered by resource industry migration experts, AMMA Migration Services remained as relevant and valuable as ever to member organisations as they worked to manage this particular phase in their operations’ economic cycle.
and strategies. • Assessment of company eligibility, preparation and lodgement of business sponsorship applications to sponsor skilled foreign workers. • Assistance with monitoring and compliance with business sponsorship obligations.
DELIVERING COMPLIANCE AND TRANSITION ADVICE A key element of AMMA Migration Services adapting to the decreased demand for new skilled migrant workers entering our country was the heightened demand for assistance on members’ compliance with existing company sponsorship obligations. Similarly, the transition of members’ skilled foreign employees from temporary work visas to permanent residency visas through employer-nominated pathways was a key ongoing service.
• Preparation and lodgement of short and medium-term temporary business work visas. • Preparation and lodgement of permanent skilled migration visas. • Preparation and lodgement of occupational trainee sponsorships, nominations and visas. • Preparation, lodgement and notification of visas for those operating in the offshore resources industry. • Preparation and lodgement of other non-corporate temporary or permanent residency visas.
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AMMA | RESOURCE INDUSTRY EMPLOYER GROUP
RESOURCE INDUSTRY EMPLOYER GROUP
OUTLOOK FOR AMMA SKILLED MIGRATION AMMA Migration Services is forecasting continued strong demand from members with specific skilled migration requirements during this more challenging economic climate. As commodity and oil barrel prices begin to rise again, members operating in the mining, onshore and offshore drilling sectors will require increased assistance as the need for specialist international skills in the extraction of precious minerals, oil and gas heightens. AMMA is also observing many members continue to transition their skilled foreign workers from temporary visas to permanent residency visas; often a recognition of their contribution to Australian business operations while on 457 visas. Finally, as new regulatory changes in the temporary business entry section come into effect, AMMA’s migration agents and policy specialists will continue to provide members with all the necessary advice and assistance they need to comply with new developments for foreign nationals applying for temporary and other skilled migration visas.
ACTIVITIES REPORT 2015
24
DELIVERING ENGAGEMENT AND COMMUNICATION ENGAGING ON MEMBERSHIP NEEDS
DRAWING FROM REGIONAL ENGAGEMENT
AMMA Membership has remained strong throughout 2015,
The past 12 months has seen increased visits to key
with increased member engagement delivering greater
regional membership hubs and engagement with
practical value and assistance during a constrained
members in their workplaces to build a stronger and
economic environment.
practical on-the-ground support network.
Our team is actively collaborating with members to build a
This ongoing series of regional briefings has seen AMMA
true understanding of their unique difficulties and priorities,
deliver national expertise into specific resource industry
ensuring AMMA is well positioned to assist them across all
communities, and draw greater knowledge and learnings
their business, employment and workforce arrangements.
of specific member challenges and priorities to better
This continued strength demonstrates the value resource
inform our future representative activities.
employers place on AMMA membership and in having a readily available partner for support as we collectively deal with challenging market conditions.
DINNER WITH THE COALITION In August, AMMA led a cohort of senior executives from its member companies to Canberra for the resource industry
EVOLVING WITH INDUSTRY CHANGE AMMA members continue to draw strength from the size
employer group’s third annual Dinner with the Coalition Leadership event.
and breadth of our membership base, with our national
Building on previous years’ events, the dinner provided an
influence providing consistency, certainty and much
opportunity for business leaders across the mining, oil and
needed sharing of information and industry trends.
gas and allied sectors to engage directly with senior policy
Shifting membership demand is coming from new and
makers in the Australian Government.
emerging servicing sectors as they tender for increased contracts related to the support and maintenance of new production projects coming online across Australia.
OUTLOOK FOR MEMBERSHIP In 2016 AMMA will continue to reinvigorate its value offer
This is offsetting a slight membership reduction in the
to members and focus on delivering practical solutions to
construction supply chain due to the large number of
ongoing operational and employment challenges in their
mega-projects entering the final stretch of construction.
workplaces.
Significant new membership activity is also resulting from
Significant attention will remain on regional engagement
large organisations diversifying across multiple sectors.
and collaborating on sector-specific outcomes across both policy representation and consulting capabilities.
SHARING KNOWLEDGE AND NETWORKING In 2015, AMMA delivered several rounds of its popular ‘Industry Briefing’ event series across major member hubs in Australia. These events see AMMA’s specialists provide the latest workplace advice, trends and developments in several CBD locations as part of the standard membership benefits.
25
AMMA | RESOURCE INDUSTRY EMPLOYER GROUP
We will also periodically review AMMA’s membership structure and inclusions to ensure continued alignment with the evolving needs of resource employers, and that AMMA delivers an attractive return on membership investment.
RESOURCE INDUSTRY EMPLOYER GROUP
MEMBER COMMUNICATIONS
Sample of AMMA’s News Update Delivered to more than 3,000 member professionals weekly
Part of the benefit of being an AMMA member is having access to a trusted source of information and advice on the issues that impact resource operations and workforces. Through AMMA’s variety of communication channels including stand-alone email alerts, weekly newsletters, quarterly publications, social media channels and a revamped website, in 2015 members were kept up-to-date with breaking economic, political and policy developments, workplace tribunal decisions, training and conference opportunities, and positive industry achievements.
WEEKLY NEWS UPDATE Following positive feedback from members, in 2015 AMMA continued its strategy to streamline much of its direct member communications into the popular weekly AMMA News Update. Delivered directly to members every Tuesday, this user-friendly electronic newsletter allows busy resource industry professionals to easily identify the news and content that is of most value to them – whether based in a corporate office or using a mobile device in the field. Aligning with AMMA’s core service offering, the AMMA News Update includes: • Important policy and legislative updates • Relevant political and economic news and analysis • Advice on the latest workplace tribunal rulings • Announcements about AMMA’s conferences and events • Opportunities available through AMMA’s workforce initiatives Data analytics confirm that AMMA members value this weekly form of communication. The News Update consistently achieves higher readership rates than the averages across both the commercial and not-for-profit sectors. AMMA continues to monitor the articles our members most value to ensure we continue to deliver specialised and relevant content.
ACTIVITIES REPORT 2015
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DELIVERING ENGAGEMENT AND COMMUNICATION
CONTINUED...
RESOURCE PEOPLE MAGAZINE The final quarter of 2015 saw AMMA launch the 12th issue of its quarterly magazine, Resource People, made available online and delivered in hard-copy to more than 5,000 industry professionals and government representatives. Fulfilling its mandate of focusing on the ‘human side’ of the Australian resource industry, Resource People unwraps hardhitting workplace policy developments, unveils innovative workforce strategies-in-practice, and celebrates the unsung heroes improving the safety, wellbeing and performance of the resource workforce. Key feature stories during 2015 included: • Workforce productivity, skills and community engagements strategies of the Roy Hill iron ore project. • How the resource industry’s workplace reform priorities could unlock the investment potential, productivity and economic contribution of the resource industry. • The evolving HR strategies of Chevron and Fortescue as they meet project milestones and retain talent during an industry transition and changing market conditions.
RESOURCE
• How Farstad Shipping’s commitment to Indigenous
Issue 012 Spring 2015
training and employment is assisting inspiring Aboriginal seafarers to reach new career heights. • Resource employers leading the way in women’s recruitment and retention strategies. • Gold Fields Australia’s human resources practices on its newly acquired WA assets.
Full Steam Ahead
AMMA WEBSITE In 2015, AMMA launched a revamped website utilising the latest in digital trends and technology to provide members with a more responsive experience.
The huge productivity effort bringing Roy Hill to life PLUS The Indigenous seafarer making waves
Visitors now enjoy a simpler look and feel, more refined
and debate over IR ‘repair job’
navigation, and less copy with a greater visual impact. Optimised for both desktop and mobile device viewing, the website allows visitors to find the information they need with ease.
27
AMMA | RESOURCE INDUSTRY EMPLOYER GROUP
Winter and Spring editions of AMMA’s member magazine, with over 5000 readers.
RESOURCE INDUSTRY EMPLOYER GROUP
ACTIVITIES REPORT 2015
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DELIVERING ENGAGEMENT AND COMMUNICATION
CONTINUED...
AMMA NATIONAL CONFERENCE
Highlights included:
Among the backdrop of bustling Perth, the 2015 AMMA
• Roy Hill Holdings chief executive, Barry Fitzgerald,
Resource People National Conference played host to around 300 industry leaders, political guests, workforce-
sharing leadership strategies as the company’s iron ore project moves closer to completion.
focused professionals and exhibitors as the only national
• One of Australia’s most influential businesswomen,
event dedicated to workforce and employment matters
Transfield Services chairman, Diane Smith-Gander,
in the resource industry.
talking people engagement and the gender
With a two-day program designed around the theme
diversity imperative.
of ‘engagement’ AMMA’s national conference delved
• Senior human resources executives from companies
into the workforce issues arising from the industry’s
including Chevron, Fortescue, Downer EDI Mining,
transition from construction to operation, low points
Gold Fields and Newmont divulging key workforce
in the commodity price cycle, falling investment and
strategies.
heightened commercial and regulatory pressures.
• A panel including ACCI CEO Kate Carnell and Sodexo Australia CEO Johnpaul Dimech discussing initiatives and opportunities to support employee mental health. • Former AFL greats and Indigenous community leaders discussing targeted initiatives to increase training and employment opportunities for Indigenous Australians. • Boral executive Bill Fisher giving the inside story on how and why his construction firm is taking a stance against illegal secondary boycotts and trade union corruption. • The ABC’s Tony Jones hosting a special resource industry version of his Q&A program featuring political and industry panellists.
Transfield Services Chairman Diane Smith-Gander delivered a keynote presentation at the AMMA Resource People National Conference 29
AMMA | RESOURCE INDUSTRY EMPLOYER GROUP
RESOURCE INDUSTRY EMPLOYER GROUP
AMMA INDUSTRY AWARDS
2015 winners included:
Solidifying its reputation of the ‘night of nights’ for
• Young Professional Award: Veena Mendez, Chair and Founder of Women in Oil and Gas, and Category Team Leader with Chevron Australia
workforce focused professionals in the resource industry, the 2015 AMMA Industry Awards recognised resource organisations and one individual for excellence across key people-related areas.
• Indigenous Employment and Retention Award: Farstad Shipping
dinner, the 2015 Awards attracted the highest level of
• Australian Women in Resources Alliance (AWRA) Award: Dual winners – Smit Lamnalco Towage and Santos
nominations in its seven-year history. On the night AMMA
• Workforce Innovation Award: Sodexo Australia
Presented during the AMMA national conference gala
also continued its tradition of recognising member companies who have held AMMA membership for significant periods of time.
Smit Lamnalco managing director Tony Cousins holds the AWRA Award with north operations manager Nikki Carter (left) and HR advisor Adele Cunningham
• 45 Year Membership: Compass Group and Kingsgate Consolidated Limited • 40 Year Membership: Schlumberger Australia and Newcrest Mining Limited • 20 Year Membership: Oceanic Offshore, Onslow Salt, Maersk Drilling Australia, Allseas Marine Contractors • 5 Year Corporate Partnership: Coverforce
ACTIVITIES REPORT 2015
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DELIVERING ENGAGEMENT AND COMMUNICATION
CONTINUED...
MEDIA AND PUBLIC AFFAIRS
MEMBER COMMUNICATIONS SUPPORT
With 2015 being a pivotal year for Australia’s resource
AMMA membership ensures resource employers can
employers on many fronts, AMMA’s media and public
access AMMA’s public affairs specialists for external media
affairs activities have played an integral role in ensuring the
and internal communications support. In 2015 this included:
industry’s collective voice remains amplified among the
• Raising community awareness of the economic,
media noise. Whether it is shaping national discussion on workplace policy reform, breaking down complex enterprise bargaining matters or increasing community awareness about the benefits of resources activity, AMMA remains at the forefront of national and industry debate.
ADVOCATING FOR WORKPLACE OUTCOMES With the Productivity Commission undertaking its wide-ranging review of Australia’s workplace relations framework, AMMA was a leading voice on the reforms needed to benefit resource employers, employees, the national economy and wider community. Coordinating AMMA’s ‘Getting Back on Track’ campaign, AMMA’s public affairs division ensures consistent messaging around the resource industry’s key priorities for workplace reform is reported across print, broadcast and online media outlets.
reputational and community impacts of threatened industrial action at major projects. • Ensuring key journalists are briefed on accurate information about several significant enterprise bargaining negotiations, resulting in favourable coverage in mainstream and industry media. • Developing comprehensive internal communications strategies and supporting documentation for major resource employers undertaking workforce restructuring. Highlights of AMMA’s media presence in 2015 include (figures year to September 2015): • 287 times AMMA was involved in mainstream print and broadcast media reports. • 938 times AMMA was involved in online media reporting. • 12 editorials and features in industry print and online publications. • Opinion editorial in the Australian Financial Review on the need for greater business and community support
ADVOCATING FOR WIDER INDUSTRY OUTCOMES Throughout 2015 AMMA has also worked tirelessly to inform,
for workplace relations reform. • A series of editorials focusing on AMMA’s key workplace
educate and influence political, business and community
relations reform priorities published in National Resources
stakeholders on a wide range of issues in the public arena,
Review magazine
including: • The industry’s transition from construction to production, and regulatory reforms needed to attract further investment. • The Royal Commission into Trade Union Governance and Corruption, and proposed legislation to combat corruption in the union movement. • WA and Qld FIFO inquiries. • Changes to Australia’s skilled migration programs. • The rights of employers in drug and alcohol management. • Support for the China-Australia Free Trade Agreement. 31
AMMA | RESOURCE INDUSTRY EMPLOYER GROUP
• Widespread national and regional coverage on AMMA’s support for changes to the 457 visa program. • Consistent commentary in The Australian and the Australian Financial Review in support for proposed Bills to reintroduce the Australian Building and Construction Commission (ABCC) and ensure greater regulation of registered organisations.
RESOURCE INDUSTRY EMPLOYER GROUP
Australian Financial Review 12 March 2015
CHANGES ‘VITAL TO COMPETITIVENESS’ Reform of our workplace relations laws is important for the prosperity, living standards and job opportunities of all Australians. – AMMA chief executive Steve Knott.
Kalgoorlie Miner 20 June 2015
ACT ON FIFO: UNIONS AMMA said any actions following the committee’s recommendations must be based on reliable evidence and resource industry input to deliver real mental health benefits.
The Australian 23 July 2015 Australian Financial Review 21 July 2015
GORGON HIGHLIGHTS REFORM NEED AMMA wrote to Opposition Leader Bill Shorten to remind him of Australia’s need for, among other IR reforms, a life-of project employment agreement.
Courier Mail 21 January 2015
ALP WOULD FLY INTO LEGAL STORM OVER FIFO BANS Resource industry employer group AMMA said the FIFO policy raised serious concerns for the state’s mining sector and the thousands of jobs it supports.
The Australian 16 October 2014
INDUSTRIAL ACTION ‘IRRESPONSIBLE’ “For far too long the resource industry and the broader Australian community has put up with MUA threats to hold critical parts of our economy to ransom in pursuit of inflated wage increases, exorbitant allowances and attempts to control business operations,” AMMA chief executive Steve Knott said.
BUSINESS IN TO BAT FOR TRADE DEAL Australian Mines and Metals Association chief executive Steve Knott said it would be preferable if Mr Shorten stood by the government to support a deal that would lead to greater economic prosperity and job creation.
Workforce Daily 20 August 2015
URINE NOT UNJUST IN DUAL DRUG TESTING REGIME: BENCH Knott said it was “critical for other stakeholders in the community, including the CFMEU, to encourage practical and effective alcohol and drug testing processes.
Gladstone Observer 14 March 2015
GENDER EQUALITY BACKED AMMA chief executive Steve Knott said that in recent years, gender diversity has emerged as a key priority for resource employers.
ACTIVITIES REPORT 2015
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CORPORATE PARTNERS AMMA’s Corporate Partnership Program provides unparalleled opportunities for companies to promote their products and services to the resource industry. The program has a range of levels with partnership benefits and can be tailored to meet a company’s requirements.
SILVER PARTNERS Tom Hatch T 1300 337 000 E thatch@dfp.com.au
PLATINUM PARTNERS Nicole Ashby T 08 6188 7670 E nicole@fifofamilies.com.au
Coverforce was established in 1994 as a specialist provider of income protection and ancillary workers compensation insurance, to workers in the Australian construction industry. The business started with the simple philosophy of delivering an uncompromising level of service that exceeded the customer’s expectation.
Matthew Crawford T 02 9376 7825 E matthew_crawford@coverforce.com.au A Level 12, 9 Castlereagh Street, Sydney NSW 2000 www.coverforce.com.au
Nicholas Holdsworth T 03 9885 8825 E nic@hwholdsworth.com.au
Amanda Harbron T 0407 177 828 E amanda.harbron@jobfit.com.au
Natalie Dixon GU Health is the only corporate health insurance specialist in Australia. We’re focused solely on providing innovative health insurance products to corporates, identifying your company’s unique needs to deliver a tailored experience and expert service you can depend on.
David Slack-Smith T 02 9256 8743 E dslacksmith@guhealth.com.au A Level 6, 88 Phillip Street, Sydney NSW 2000 www.guhealth.com.au
T 08 8132 7400 E ndixon@medvet.com.au
Tim Baker T 1800 824 227 E tim.baker@resourcesuper.com.au
Prashil Singh T 03 9655 4831 E prashils@vetassess.com.au
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AMMA | RESOURCE INDUSTRY EMPLOYER GROUP
RESOURCE INDUSTRY EMPLOYER GROUP
RESOURCE INDUSTRY EMPLOYER GROUP