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Monday July 8, 2013 165th Edition

M A G A Z I N E

Go West - the Surat boom is beckoning

» Page 6

WHAT ARE YOU WORTH? » Wages report page 4 PERSONAL INJURY EXPERTS All accidents and personal injury claims: • Motor Vehicle Accidents • Workers Injury Claims • Public Liability Claims • Mining Accident Claims • Total and Permanent Disability Insurance Claims • Boating and Holiday Accident Claims Darren Sekac is available for consultations at the Whitsunday and Proserpine offices on Thursday, by appointment only.

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CONTENTS CRUSHERS CRUSH! NEWS

Blackwater Crushers defeated Middlemount recently at a home game.

5 Murky outlook for coal 6 CSG cash cow 12 Machines redundant 15 How to job hunt

Regulars

8 Stuff to the Editor 1 19 Frank the Tank 20 Miner’s Trader 6 22 Weather & Tides 10 Numbers You 24 25 Money Matters * Numbers You You Can CountNumbers On Tarni Anderson and Lainee Ingram

Kacey and Sienna Booker

(L-R) Shonna O Harwood and T

* Can CountCan OnCount On*

*When audited by the CAB Numbers You

Can Count On

* by the CAB *When audited by the *When CAB audited *When audited by the CAB

(L-R) Beau Beadling, Reece Little, Brendon Reid and Elton Axsel

M A G A Z I N E

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Still making a bundle in gas and mining WAGES have been steady or even up slightly across the Queensland CSG and mining industry over the past 12 months, according to a survey by Stellar Recruitment. Despite layoffs in the coal sector, Stellar says where there have been falls in salaries, they have not been substantial. There also continues to be a skills shortage for engineers, geologists and electrical tradespeople. Overall, Stellar remains bullish about the demand for people in the resources sector over the coming year. “Resources and infrastructure clients have a heightened optimism surrounding business prospects in the coming financial year,” Stellar says in the report. “This last year has been a challenging time, it has been a year of company reflection with companies undergoing cost cutting and restructuring activities. Throughout this cost readjustment phase there has still been experimentation with remuneration packages to secure specific candidates – especially for technical roles.” Looking at the report in detail, upper management positions remain the highest paid employee bracket in Central Queensland. The general manager of a mine can earn between $300,000 and $380,000 per annum (pa), which is the same as they were being paid at the height of the boom in 2011. Mine project managers are earning between $220, 000 and $320,000pa with underground managers earning slightly more, and again no change

in the last 24 months. People working in the health, safety, environment and training division of a mining business can earn between $90,000 and $230,000pa - depending on how far up the ladder they sit. The top end of this range has fallen from $250,000 in 2011. Engineers employed in the various parts of a mining business are getting paid the same amount they were in 2011, which is anywhere between $120,000 to $175,000pa depending on experience. Interestingly, it is difficult to identify a major fall in the trades and production areas, where most of the recent job losses have been. An above ground coal mine diesel fitter is still likely to earn between $125,000 and $135,000 a year which, if anything, is higher than in 2011. Boilermakers can ask for between $120,000 and $130,000pa which is up $10,000 on 2011, while plant operators in an open cut mine will earn between $115,000 and $140,000pa, again no change on 2 years ago. The report does note that the number of “days of work” has been cut back in some instances. The new kid on the block is the CSG sector which has exploded onto the skills scene in the past 24 months. Stellar’s division manager for energy, oil and gas, Andy Marsland, says the peak in construction in the CSG sector this year is going to drive demand for skills in that area. Not long after that, there will be an increased demand for ongoing operations skills. Notably, Mr Marsland says

bonus dependant on personal and company performance,” he said. “Some companies are offering extra incentives such as relocation costs, additional annual leave after extended tenure, car hire, taxi fares for airport transfers, or

the arrival of workers previously employed in the coal sector is putting some downward pressure on wages for some jobs. “Packages are primarily structured on base salary plus superannuation and some form of

Job description

QLD Coal

NSW Coal

WA hardrock Africa

General manager

300-380

290 - 350

280-320

280-350

Senior Mining Eng.

150-180

140-170

150-180

HSET Superintendent

175-185

n/a

OCE

160-280

n/a

Maint. Supervisor

155 - 195

150-175

140-170

140-160

Diesel Fitter

125-135

130-180

n/a

Auto Electrician

120-140

130-170

n/a

Excavator Operator

125-140

135-150

n/a

Dump Truck Operator

110-120

100-120

n/a

UNDERGROUND COAL MINING WAGES Job description

QLD Coal

NSW Coal

WA hardrock

AFrica

General manager

300-380

290-350

280-320

Senior Mining Eng.

150-190

150-170

140-170

150-180

HSET Superintendent

175-185

n/a

Maint. Supervisor

160-185

150-180

130-150

140-160

Diesel Fitter

130-150

120-160

n/a

Auto Electrician

n/a

120-150

n/a

CSG WAGES Job description

Oil & Gas Queensland

Project manager

170-240

Senior Pipeline Engineer

150-220

Wellsite Supervisor

160-240

Safety Superintendent

150-180

Maintenance Supervisor

160-200

*When audited by the CAB

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8th July 2013

health and well-being allowances. “But due to the downturn in the mining sectors the industry has seen a lot more candidates in the market. In line with this, salaries have generally remained flat or even decreased slightly in certain areas.”

OPEN CUT COAL MINING WAGES

Numbers You Can Count On*

News

Note: Approximations only in Australian dollars. Doesn’t include any payments and allowances over and above base wage and superannuation. Contractor rates are slightly different but broadly similar. For full details go: www.stellarrecruitment.com.au

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Crystal ball murky on coal future IT has been a tough couple of weeks in the coal industry, with the axe falling on more than 1000 jobs in Queensland and New South Wales. The latest cuts are at Xstrata Glencore’s Newlands and Oaky Creek mines in the Bowen Basin, with 450 jobs to job by Christmas. Hastings Deering has also confirmed 74 jobs will go from its Mackay operations, and 45 from Rockhampton. It follows Peabody’s announcement 450 jobs will be cut across Queensland and NSW, and joint partner’s Vale and Aquila’s decision to slow down the construction of the Eagle Downs mine in the Bowen Basin. Analysts are not expecting any change to the cost cutting and job shedding in the short term. “I don’t see any particular catalyst to change things so I think we’re going to see more of the same,” says MineLife’s Gavin Wendt. “Many operations here in Australia are close to marginal.

If the companies don’t have a reasonable prospect of making money it will just lay people off and put them back on again at a later stage.” CQUniversity resource economist Professor John Rolfe agrees. “Companies are really pursuing cost reductions harder than any of us expected and that’s still in progress. The problem is that the outlook for the industry has deteriorated at the same time,” he said. China’s slowing economic growth, and the less-than-rosy outlook from the US is behind the bleak picture. “The pessimists are saying there is now a structural change in the market and energy will be cheaper for a long time. The optimists are saying it’s a boom bust cycle and it’s just a question of demand and prices will return,” Professor Rolfe explained. “The structural adjustment arguments are getting louder and stronger for three reasons: a drop in demand; an increase in

supply from new mines globally; and structural changes largely due to alternative sources of energy in shale oil and shale gas in America.” Thermal coal has been hardest hit, with the price now sitting at $US82/tonne. “When it was sitting at $90 a lot of companies said they couldn’t make money, so in the short term it’s looking tough,” said Professor Rolfe. Speculation is mounting about the future of Xstrata Glencore’s thermal mega-mine at Wandoan. The mine has passed all government approvals, and is just waiting on the company’s final investment decision to go ahead. But many doubt it will apply for a mining lease any time soon - if ever. “It’s definitely a possibility they could sell,” said Gavin Wendt. “I think all options are a possibility in the present environment. The new MD isn’t personally attached to the project so the question is will it make money now.

“They could just hold onto it and develop it at a better time. Most big companies will just leave projects undeveloped.” Aside from the short term pain, analysts are in agreement that even trying to look ahead to the medium term is very difficult. “I think it will be 2014 before we have a clearer picture. We need some stability in the Chinese economy because that has driven the fortunes of Australian mining.” said Mr Wendt. “A lot of companies would have big question marks hanging over them at the moment. It is very hard to predict,” said Professor Rolfe. “I would imagine they would be holding a watching brief to see what happens over the next 6-12 months and see how much they can screw the costs down and get some clarity on the world market. “The world is so energy dependent it is hard to imagine the price will deteriorate completely.”

Hollow victory for Wandoan landholders IT could be years before Wandoan graziers see any money from Xstrata Glencore, despite a landmark win in the Land Court of Queensland. Four grazing families have been battling the mining giant for compensation for the swallowing up of their properties by the proposed mega-mine at Wandoan. The Land Court ruled in favour of the Keys, Erbacher and Edmund families and Sky Grove Pty Ltd, setting a sale price of nearly $11 million for the properties. It ruled that the company

should pay the families fair market value for their properties plus stamp duty, legal fees and and a 10 per cent premium. Importantly, it represents a significantly higher per hectare price than that agreed to between Xstrata Glencore and the 35 other grazing families affected by the Wandoan mine. However, there is a significant sting in the tail. Xstrata Glencore need only pay the money within 30 days of being awarded a mining lease for its Wandoan project. There is growing speculation that could be years away, as the price of

thermal coal continues to fall. Meanwhile, local graziers are left in limbo. One of those affected, John Erbacher, says the whole process is flawed. “The decision is a fair one but not generous,” he said. “There was a million dollar difference in the valuation our valuer came up with and the value Xstrata’s valuers came up with. “In the end the judge went around about the middle, but the problem is that none of it is payable until a mining lease is awarded.” Mr Erbacher said that could

be years away. “For the Collinsville mine [in the northern Bowen Basin] it was 14 years between the time Xstrata had approvals for the mine, and when it applied for a mining lease. That’s a long time not to know your future. “We asked for a two year sunset clause and for the prices to be indexed for inflation, but the judge rejected them because they are not required by the act. The whole process is flawed. “Of course the mining companies are happy with it, because they get what they want out of it.”

News FAST NEWS Compo claims at Dawson

TWO central Queensland miners are seeking to sue Anglo American for negligence over two separate workplace accidents. In January, Agnes Water based miner John Stack started legal proceedings against the mining company over an incident at Dawson mine in 2010. In that incident the fuel truck he was operating tipped over in wet conditions, which Mr Stack claims left him with ongoing back injuries, pain and a fear of truck driving. He is attempting to sue for $1.4 million. Last week another former employee from Dawson mine filed a claim in court over an accident in 2009. In that instance, the employee claims he was operating a dump truck when a 3-metre in diameter rock was dropped into the back of his truck by an excavator from an abnormally large height. According to the claim, the rock hit the side of the trucks tray making the whole machine shake violently and causing him soft tissue damage to the spine and ongoing debilitating pain. That former employee is claiming that Anglo breached its duty of care to provide a safe workplace and is seeking $1.1 million in compensation.

Compo and conduct collated A CONFIDENTIAL database of conduct and compensation agreements (CCAs) is being compiled by Queensland’s GasFields Commission to level the playing field for landholders negotiating with gas companies. It’s one of many undertakings unveiled by the Commission as its key priorities for the year ahead, and contained in detailed portfolio plans. Commission chairman John Cotter released the six portfolio plans at a GasFields Community Leaders Council South forum in Roma last week. The six portfolios are - community and business; gas industry development; land access; local government and infrastructure; science and research; water and salt management. It’s hoped that by setting up a database of CCAs, a more factual baseline of information will be available. The Commission is also reviewing the performance of the coal seam gas water management policy, and will report back to the state government in December. More details are available at www.gasfieldscommisionqld.org.au

8th July 2013

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Energy booms while coal slow burns

Work underway at Nebgar Engineering in Roma

BUSINESSES chasing the energy boom are considering relocating from across Queensland to the Surat Basin, according to a local business support group. Toowoomba has just played host to the Surat Basin Energy and Mining Expo, with thousands of delegates travelling from

across the country for the event. Toowoomba and Surat Basin Enterprise (TSBE) chief executive Shane Charles said he was taken aback by the number of businesses - big and small - that were considering a permanent move to the region. “The overriding comment from business

was they were not making money in any other market except the Surat Basin so they want to move and open up offices and depots in the region,” he told Shift Miner. It’s a big decision to relocate a business but we are confident there is going to be significant opportunity in the long term in Toowoomba.” Mr Charles said while the coal industry was hurting, the coal seam gas sector was charging ahead. “We have to be really clear and differentiate that the energy sector is still booming there is no prospect of it slowing down,” he said. “To some extent we are happy the mining industry is not booming at the same time as energy because I don’t know how our regional communities would have coped with that.” In stark contrast to towns in Central Queensland like Mackay, which is feeling the pain of the downturn in coal sector, Toowoomba is thriving. There are plans for a new shopping centre development and airport, and it’s hoped a change in federal government will also bring the green light for the much-needed Range bypass to keep heavy vehicles out of the city. “The mood here is extremely optimistic and the opportunities are certainly there,” said Mr Charles.

Small businesses milk CSG cash cow SMALL Surat Basin businesses are cashing in on lucrative contracts as coal seam gas companies run over budget and try to rein in costs. Over the past few months, major CSG companies have announced a series of small local contractors are now on board for jobs spanning a range of specialities from earthworks to safety contracts. Toowoomba and Surat Basin Enterprise (TSME) chief executive Shane Charles says it’s a way of reducing costs. “This is being largely driven by costs, they [CSG companies] are in overrun and smaller operators are more cost effective,” he said. “So the gas industry is trying to unbundle the big work packages and give opportunities to smaller business,” he said. TSBE has been up and running for 18 months, and aside from attracting businesses to the Surat region, its other role is to directly link local businesses to opportunity. Mr Charles says there has been a real lack of understanding about how to capture the opportunities of the energy boom - particularly when it comes to tendering for jobs. “Local business perceptions were that when people travelled west of Toowoomba there’d be rivers of gold and cash coming out of the sky, but it’s much harder than that. “The biggest impediment to winning work has simply been lack of knowledge - who to talk to within a company. “That’s why we have been so successful, we deal with the gas companies and tier 1 contractors on an almost daily basis and have given them lists of capable local suppliers.”

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Diversity the key in boom times as well as bust Westec Civil heads west DIVERSITY can be a hard thing to achieve in business, but it seems to be synonymous with longevity. As mining support businesses in Mackay struggle through the downturn in the coal sector, further south and the Surat Basin is booming. Local businesses are looking to cash in on lucrative CSG contracts, and there are opportunities in the construction and operational phase of the projects. RMA Engineers is one local business that is prospering. Based in Toowoomba, it also has offices in Brisbane and Dalby, and soon in Chinchilla. “We are a multi-disciplinary engineering company that works with private developers, local and state governments and the energy and mining sector,” CEO Jason Wardle told Shift Miner. “We started out mainly working for private developers but in the past five to six years we have had a real focus on local and state government infrastructure jobs like roads and drainage and sewerage.” Interestingly, the company is still doing a lot of work in the Bowen Basin, and in towns like Emerald, Mackay and Rockhampton.

“The work is not directly linked to mining, but it a spin off from that. The market is stable for us, I wouldn’t say it was a growth area but it is plodding along.” But closer to home, the gas sector is rocketing along. “There are really good opportunities through on site placements and design works whether its for associated community infrastructure upgrades or work directly for the gas companies,” said Mr Wardle. Given the pain that’s being felt in mining services businesses in the Bowen Basin, how do businesses safeguard themselves from the savage boom and bust cycle? Mr Wardle thinks it’s through diversity. “We are not locked into one market sector, we have diversity in our client profiles and diversity in our locations. We don’t necessarily chase the really big contracts we chase medium contracts and that holds us well.” High quality workmanship is also critical in a highly competitive market. “We always deliver on time and offer excellent quality documentation, and I think that is really important,” he said.

Westec Civil’s Dan McManus and TSBE CEO Shane Charles are all smiles at the prospect of the relocation.

A fast-growing civil works company is moving its home base from Ipswich to Toowoomba and the Surat Basin. Westec Civil has recently set up a satellite office in Chinchilla and over the next month or two will move its headquarters to Toowoomba. Westec Civil’s managing director Dan McManus said since the company was established in 2007 it has grown by about 100 per cent every year. The growth is now coming from the Surat Basin.

“Toowoomba is the gateway to the west and a great geographical location for Westec Civil, but it is the positive energy that Toowoomba and the Surat Basin region has that has really attracted us to moving here,” Mr McManus said. “As soon as you head west and come up the range you can feel the positivity and excitement around the future of the city and the region and my senior management team and I are thrilled about moving to Toowoomba.”

8th July 2013

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Surat bucking trend in industrial sales INDUSTRIAL land is selling in Toowoomba, in the heart of the Surat Basin, unlike other parts of the state where the market is significantly dampened. Ray White Commercial principal and owner Brian Hodges has worked in the commercial sales in Toowoomba since 1997, and says the city’s industrial market has changed markedly. “It has matured greatly over my years in the this job, and in recent times that has been driven by the energy sector in the Surat Basin,” he told Shift Miner. The Charleton Wellcamp industrial area, 13 kilometres west of Toowoomba at the junction of the Warrego, New England and Gore highways, is the growth area for industry. More than 2,000 hectares have been set aside for growth. “There has been good inquiry for larger buildings and demand for owner occupier as well as leased,” he said. “When the airport is up and running at the end of 2014 that will A IbeManother E X 1 3game _ A Dchanger _ 1 6 Aand . pI d think demand will go up again.” Mr Hodges said the running

chaos in Canberra wasn’t helping sales, and everyone was keen to know an election date. “The uncertainty doesn’t change inquiry levels, but it’s getting those decisions across the line. “In saying that, I see the figures of a lot of other offices in the Ray White network and we are in a comparatively strong position here. Any business without mining is really struggling.” In terms of residential property in Toowoomba, reports are it’s steady as she goes. “We’re not going through a huge price rise, but the market has been fairly strong, certainly holding its own,” said Real Estate Institute of Queensland (REIQ) regional representative Denis Duffy. Mr Duffy said while the market is performing well, there has been a drop off in listings. “There is a 0.8 per cent vacancy rate in rentals at the moment. Given our market is improving, many people are adopting a ‘wait and see’ approach, so many investors are not in a hurry to sell.” The median house price in f Toowoomba P a g e was 1 3up/ 10per 6 /cent 1 3in , 3 : the March quarter, and currently sits at $309,000.

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8th July 2013

GAS company injects thousands into local groups QGC has boosted the bank balance of community groups throughout Queensland, donating more than $600,000 to community projects in Gladstone and the Western Downs. The fund will provide money for seven community based projects in Gladstone, and nine in the Western Downs. QGC Vice President of sustainability, Brett Smith, said the fund was established to ensure communities in Gladstone, the Western Downs, Banana and North Burnett regions benefit from the coal seam gas project. “The fund supports short term, one-off projects in communities, and applicants were assessed by a panel of community and company representatives who focused on a range of key community 3needs,” 3 P said M Mr Smith. Money donated will benefit

a variety of organisations, including sporting clubs, schools and community welfare organisations. “We started a men’s shed here in Gladstone for men to come

along if they are a bit troubled and need someone to talk to, and we’re really busy now making toys and furniture for the kindergartens, it’s a really nice process,” said Mr Smith.

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$50,000 for wombat breeding centre

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$21,000 for new resident transport vehicle

Wandoan Tennis Club Inc.

$50,000 to resurface courts one and two

Gladstone Community Linking Agency

$50,000 for bathroom renovations at Mainstay Centre

Gladstone and District Hockey Association

$36,560 for new carpark

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Coal industry not in climate change denial

Callide Oxyfuel Project

LAST week US President Barack Obama threw his weight behind reducing carbon emissions and told climate change deniers it was like believing the earth was still flat. But Australia’s resources industry can’t be accused of being in denial. “We support global action on carbon and we will be interested to see Obama talk about an action plan,” the Queensland Resources’ Council Michael Roche told Shift Miner. Mr Roche said global talks have not

been easy - Copenhagen 2011 went pearshaped because countries couldn’t reach an agreement. However, Obama’s push could be the catalyst for change. “We always thought there was a role for a market-based way of reducing carbon emissions. Our beef with the current policy in Australia is - most generally - we have the world’s highest price.” Mr Roche said limited carbon emissions is a marker of good practice and a sign of a process that can be

much more energy efficient. “Since carbon pricing has come in, there has been an incentive to reduce emissions,” he said. “But the push of the coal industry has been for some time - well before carbon pricing - that the long-term sustainable future did need carbon capture. Not just Australia but globally.”. The International Energy Agency - an autonomous organisation made up of 28 members countries that works to ensure reliable, affordable and clean energy confirmed this last year. It stated that there were limits to how much fossil fuel could be consumed to limit the earth’s temperature rise to 2 degrees. Carbon capture technologies are central to this. Australia has a voluntary arrangement developed by the black coal industry that for every tonne, 20 cents is donated into a lowemissions technology fund, Mr Roche said. “That fund is being used for a range of demonstration projects in Australia and the most prominent is the Callide Oxyfuel Project in Central Queensland.” The project, which also received federal funding, will run until 2014 and has shown that carbon capture works. Now the focus is on making it commercially viable. “We’re confident with technology but need to get costs down, which is why we need these demonstration projects. We also

need to pinpoint the best storage sites and this is just like exploration for minerals.” Suitable sites are currently being identified across the Surat and Galilee Basin to bury the carbon deep underground. While carbon capture and storage may be part of the solution for limiting emissions in coal-fired power stations, there is still the issue of coking coal Queensland’s biggest export.. “There are capture technologies for steel making, but no one has come up with replacement technology for steel. You still need iron ore and coking coal,” Mr Roche said. “You can use scrap metal to make steel but still you still need electricity. But can’t have a world living off scrap metal.” Mr Roche said the very mining of coal also produces fugitive carbon emissions. “When you disturb the coal, fugitive carbon can be released and Australia is the only carbon-producing country in the world that puts a price on these emissions.” And it is very difficult to capture carbon emissions from a typical open-cut Bowen Basin mine. Some mines have come up with their own innovations. “German Creek and Moranbah North drain methane from coal seam and use methane to power their electricity.” Mr Roche said it’s all about finding a balance.

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Epic fail: what minds will lead industry in the future?

North Rockhampton High School students (left to right) Flynn Hack, Laura Gilbar and Brooke Tranent took part took part in the Queensland Minerals and Energy Academy (QMEA) Science Olympiad program in Rockhampton last month. Year 10 students from North Rockhampton State High School, Mount Morgan State High School, Blackwater State High School, The Cathedral College and Glenmore Secondary College investigated the exploration, extraction and rehabilitation phases of the mining process as they worked collaboratively to solve science and engineering-based problems.

LAGGING education results has the resources industry worried there won’t be the home-grown maths and science minds it needs to run projects into the future. For several years, Australia has been slipping behind other OECD countries in terms of science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) education. Now it has been revealed that attempts to close the gap between bottom and top performing students has resulted in the latter flatlining and even declining academically. The Queensland Resources Council chief executive Michael Roche is worried. “It is an area of utmost concern for the resource industry as we rely so

much on graduates in the STEM area,” he told Shift Miner. Up until now, Australia has been a successful exporter of STEM-related innovations in the mining sector - so much so that it is the second largest global exporter of mining products and services after the US. But this may not always be the case. New research by the University of Melbourne has found that Australia’s focus on ‘closing the gap’ between top and bottom performers at school is flawed. Education professor Patrick Griffin surveyed 37,000 schools and found the brightest students were losing out educationally as schools concentrate

their energies in advancing the bottom group of learners. “I see it as quite a serious problem because the students at the top of the distribution are the ones with the most of the potential for learning. Our system is not realising the potential of the students in the system,” he told ABC radio. “This could be regarded as an education problem, it could be regarded as a social problem but it is most certainly an economic problem in that our economy is not being fitted out with people of high capacity and we are not stretching those kids to higher order thinking.” And this has direct implications for the resources industry. CSIRO Minerals Down Under Flagship deputy director, Dr Stephen Giugni, told Shift Miner previously that innovation is fundamental to the industry. “Innovation is fundamental really because of the challenge the industry faces: reducing poor quality product, increasing discovery rates, access to skills, increased challenges in environmental performance. “These all need a consistent and innovative approach to keep industry sustainable and this is critical to the industry.” The QRC set up the Queensland Minerals and Energy Academy in 2005 for this very reason and now works with 34 schools across the state. “It is very much about supporting schools doing specialised connection in STEM,” Mr Roche said. “We deal with a lot of programs that inject minerals and energy into context, and we’ve found both teachers and students get more enthused about STEM.” These school holidays there are 45 students working in one program in Mt Isa in engineering and trades. Although the QRC is working with the Queensland Government to increase STEM participation, there are major hurdles. “One of severe challenges we are facing in Queensland is the cohort of teachers who can teach high level of STEM are on the verge of

retiring at a faster rate than those coming in to take their place,” Mr Roche said. “The government understands that and we will do whatever we can to provide professional development to try and get those skilled up to Year 10 to be able to have the skills to teach at Year 11 and 12 level.” Mr Roche said it was time to start looking at some of the models being trialled in Europe and the US, where they have experienced similar challenges. “The educational sector can’t solve this on their own. It needs to be with industry.” The Australian Council of Learned Academies report into international comparisons of STEM recommends introducing maths as a compulsory subject up to and including Year 12, reintroducing more comprehensive prerequisite requirements for university programs that require knowledge of science and maths and the recruitment of science PhD graduates into teaching. Professor Peter Andrews AO, an eminent scientist, bio-entrepreneur and former Queensland chief scientist, said China and India are building bigger and better knowledge-intensive economies based on the increasing number of STEM graduates. Meanwhile, the proportion of Australian students going into Year 12 physics, chemistry and biology has halved over the last 30 years. The proportion of Australians graduating from universities in mathematics and statistics is less than half of the OECD average. “Why? It starts in primary school. We spend less time teaching primary school science and mathematics than any other country in the OECD,” said Prof Andrews. “In many cases that time is taught by teachers who have not studied maths and science at tertiary level and who don’t feel themselves well-equipped to teach those subjects. “If we are going to be competitive in the 21st century, we must have the smartest scientists, and that means we must have the smartest teachers.”

WICET cracks down on drugs

AT least three workers have been stood down and possibly fired after failing a drug test on the Wiggins Island Coal Export Terminal (WICET) site last week. According to an employee who declined to be named, the site had told workers three months ago it would not tolerate drugs and gave workers the opportunity to come forward without any consequences. “I know one person who came forward at

8th July 2013

that time who was a leading hand, and he tested positive again this week,” he told Shift Miner. “I think these guys think it’s a joke. They don’t realise how serious it is until there is an accident. “Was he [the leading hand] told that this was his last chance? If not, then I don’t think management really cares. But if he was told that, then he is really arrogant - or stupid.” Shift Miner contacted Worley Parsons, which runs the WICET build, but was told it was not in a position to comment. A spokesperson for WICET said it has an ongoing commitment to ‘Zero Harm’ through a safe workplace. “Drug and alcohol testing of workers is regularly undertaken by all contractors working on the WICET project,” said the spokesperson.

“If positive drug screens are returned, disciplinary action is undertaken by the relevant contractor.” Most mining and construction sites have drug testing and there has been a widespread industry crackdown on diet supplements and synthetic cannabinoids that can compromise safety. Not all workers are happy. In an online debate, one miner said: “I’ve been in the mines for years - FIFO, the lot. I think drug testing is a cop out. It’s a tool for the employer to get rid of you. “If you are a valuable employee they will finds ways to keep you. I’ve seen it over and over again. You might have a smoke on your days off (in your own time), come back to work a week or so later, pee

in a bottle and go positive and they deem you as under the influence.” However, others responded heatedly, stating people who took drugs compromised everyone’s safety. “Companies have such a huge responsibility and duty of care for workers,” another poster responded. “People keep saying, ‘What I do in my own time is my own business.’ Although true, how can you prove you are fit for work? “How a company meets its duty of care and due diligence is also there own business. Prospective employees are aware of the company policies prior to employment, so if you don’t like their business rules and policies, work somewhere else.”

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Sales not the solution for redundant machines

THE trade-in second-hand machinery from the mining sector - or the lack of it - has underscored the unusual environment coal mining is in at the moment. Despite the market contraction, contractors and mining companies are yet to concede their gear is redundant by starting a sell off. According to Chris Hassall from specialised mining equipment auction and valuation company Hassalls Auctions, the current market is unlike previous downturns. “We normally have a lot more equipment for sale in periods like this - except for this time,” he told Shift Miner.

8th July 2013

“Most people seem to be hanging onto their gear while they work out what to do; they have just got their machines parked up.” “To give you some comparison I think we are probably dealing with half the machinery that we were 12 months ago. “I think everyone is just trying to hang on until things improve, but how long that is is anyone’s guess.” The Queensland branch of the Construction & Mining Equipment Industry Group [CMEIG] says the general feeling is that demand from mining is likely to be depressed for another nine to 12 months.

However, CMEIG vice president Andrew Wheeler says there are bright spots in the sector, with many moving their machines around the state in search of work. “Anecdotally some of our members exposed to the mining sector are experiencing a slowdown,” he said. “However the extent to which our members are being affected depends on how close their ties are to mining infrastructure or mining processing. “While there is still plenty of work going on, mining businesses have been fairly active in cutting back expenses, and clearly there are no new tenements moving forward at the moment.” Mr Wheeler said while big players like Adani and GVK were still moving ahead with their plans, there was no shortterm development of missing links in infrastructure like rail and camps required for the projects. “However, while aftermarket sales are down, the oil and gas sector in southern Queensland is booming, and I think businesses are redistributing their resources away from where it is slower to where there is more work,” he said. “Someone said to me the other the day that they are always busy - either busy being busy, or busy being strategic about how they can get the most out of the market.”

200 Hastings jobs to go - but where? HASTINGS Deering workers are sweating over where the axe will fall at its Mackay and Rockhampton workshops. The mining services giant has announced 200 jobs will go across its Australian operations, but the cuts will be ‘focussed’ in Central Queensland, with 75 positions identified in Mackay and 45 in Rockhampton. Hastings Deering is discussing redeployment and other options with employees as part of the consultation process after its announcement last week of a 5 per cent job cut across the country. Talks are underway to work out what jobs will go and where, but it has been confirmed all apprentices will be safe. Up until now, the company has worked hard to keep its 1500 Mackay and 900 Rockhampton employees in a job. It has worked on a skeleton roster, kept contractors to a minimum and enforced stringent cost controls. But according to Hastings Deering managing director Scott Cameron, it hasn’t been enough. “Despite these initiatives, costs have continued to increase,” he said. “As a result, the business needs to focus on further cost reductions and productivity improvements. “While the group remains optimistic about the long-term outlook, anticipated customer demand is not expected to increase in the near term. In addition, competition to provide products and services into this sector has increased.” Despite the job cuts, business leaders say the future is still optimistic for the region, particularly the Rockhampton area. “There is a certainly a compounding effect of these jobs losses as they ripple through the economy through the short to medium term,” said Capricorn Enterprise’s Neil Lethlean. “But the outlook is still extremely good. There are projects being run by the likes of Bandanna Energy and Stanmore Coal, and the Gracemere industrial area is opening up. “I see this as being short-term pain, in the longer term there is still expansion on the horizon.” But the Australian Manufacturing Workers Union has condemned the firm, accusing it of failing to respond to union proposals to reduce the number of job losses. The AMWU has taken the matter to Fair Work Australia.

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Gracemere still a goer despite gloom COMMERCIAL interest in Rockhampton is still hot despite the downturn in the coal industry. The Gracemere industrial area, on the city’s south-western outskirts, is attracting a lot of genuine interest from companies, particularly freight and haulage businesses looking to set up new depots in the region. Rockhampton Regional Council’s strategic manager for economic development Rick Palmer has just returned from a trip to Toowoomba, showcasing the new industrial precinct at the Surat Basin Mining and Energy Expo. “I’d say we spoke to about 15 businesses who had a genuine interest in setting up in Gracemere,” he told Shift Miner.

Further north in Mackay, the city’s main industrial precinct Paget has been suffering through the coal downturn. Most are mining services businesses and many are feeling the pain of lost contracts and staff layoffs. But Mr Palmer says the blow has been somewhat softened for Rockhampton. “Mackay has had much wider reaching issues than us because our economy is more diversified,” he said. “In the past month, there have been five new businesses move into the Gracemere industrial area,” he said. “I guess what I am saying is that people who aren’t taking an immediate short-term view

are not put off at all. They will continue to come here and there will be continued growth in this region.” Mr Palmer said he remained completely optimistic about

the future. “The resources sector has gone from a position of boom to the sort of conditions that exist in the longer term,” he said. “I think all businesses go

through cycles - some not as good as others. I think the opportunity in the future will be the Galilee Basin and what happens there, because there is every indication it will go ahead.

Transport company moves into CQ PARDON the pun, but Kurtz Transport is a company that is literally on the move. The freight company has always had a vast network of depots between Brisbane, Toowoomba and all areas west to Charleville including Dalby, Chinchilla, Roma, Wandoan and Taroom - but now that network extends north to Maryborough, Bundaberg, Gladstone and Rockhampton. In fact, just last week the company opened a brand new depot in the Gracemere industrial area, on the south-western outskirts of Rockhampton. Kurtz Transport managing director David Nothdurft said the new industrial precinct had many advantages for a freight company. “It is close to the Bruce

Highway so there is easy access for line haul units [travelling between depots],” he said. “If we had gone to the north Rockhampton Parkhurst area we would lose another 20 minutes to half an hour, so for us it means we can start to handle our freight earlier and be on the road earlier with deliveries.” Kurtz has hit the ground running in Central Queensland, taking over the general freight business of Sanders Transport, which exited that market. Mr Nothdurft said Kurtz Transport had always had a strong presence in the coal seam gas sector, but was now increasingly doing business in the coal sector. “We are very focussed in on the Surat Basin and now we have an

embryonic business in the Bowen Basin and we see Rockhampton and Gladstone as a major part of those networks,” he said. Kurtz Transport has seen significant growth over the past few years, and now employs 160 staff and has a fleet of 190 vehicles. Mr Nothdurft said he expects the business will continue to grow, and that’s due largely to its diverse client-base. “We know how to deal with the big corporates and we have very good management and safety systems in place,” he said. “But equally we are at home with the local craft shop in town. We don’t treat our customers differently, big or small they all get the same service.”

Kurtz Transport is now at home in Gracemere

8th July 2013

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News

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Mining camp by stealth? Emerald North SITE PLAN

Village National’s proposal to build 40 cabins in a flood-prone area has been rejected.

AN Emerald ‘resort’ accused of being a miner’s camp has had its application to build 40 cabins on a known flood area refused by council. The Pritchard Road Resort and Conference Centre was bought by Village National for a reported $9 million last year and the company applied to the Central Highlands Regional Council to build the three-bedroom cabins on the northern floodplains. Council refused the application primarily on the grounds of flooding. A spokesperson told Shift Miner it was not to do with accusations it was a mining camp. Last month, councillors held a spirited debate over Village National’s application; at centre of the debate was whether the facility would be a miner’s camp or a resort as the name implies. Council inspected the facility to determine its real use. Councillor Gail Godwin-Smith said in the meeting that it would be ‘reckless’ to approve the application. “Are we satisfied this is not a workers’ camp because it goes against everything the community is telling us,” she said. The Village National application attracted 11 objectors and a petition. Peter Baldwin, whose home neighbours the resort, told councillors from the gallery last week: “You need to consider people’s lives - it’s a single person’s camp by stealth.” Village National managing director Craig Napier told Shift Miner the property was “very much a resort”. “We do cater for all types of clients from mining contractors, to families and even grey nomads,” he said. “I am a little surprised at the controversy.” Mr Napier said he did not know why the resort was being singled out, and Emerald was well-known for its diverse industry, including mining. “We employ locals and we are very proud of that. We are very much a part of the local community.” However, the Village National website describes itself as a “fully integrated provider of accommodation solutions for mining and regional workers, with an initial focus on

8th July 2013

Queensland’s expanding regional centres”. The website refers to the Pritchard Road Resort and Conference Centre as Village National - Emerald North and promotes 150 to 200 new residential village rooms. Mr Napier said this website was simply a marketing tool for the mining and resources industry. The Pritchard Road Resort and Conference Centre website has a different marketing focus. “We have a whole lot of conferences here and we are fully booked for the next few months. Traditional mining camps don’t have conferences.” An issue has been the proposal to build in an area known for flooding, but Mr Napier said the company planner was working closely with council planners to ensure flood mitigation was in place. “We will build above the flood line and make sure the building don’t interrupt the water flow,” he said.

Guidelines to buy local QUEENSLAND’S peak resources sector body has released a guide to help minerals and energy companies source more goods and services from local businesses. “The local content code helps to ‘join the dots’ between the resources sector and local suppliers,” said Queensland Resources Council chief executive Michael Roche. “The guide will help our member companies put that code into practice. “It aims to help companies develop local content strategies and provide full, fair and reasonable opportunity for local firms to provide goods and services.” The guidelines were developed with the help of the Australian Industry Group and the Australian Steel Institute, as well as minerals and energy company experts. “‘The code provides a vehicle to pursue the twin goals of facilitating a high level of local content in Queensland resources projects, while maintaining and enhancing the sector’s competitiveness in increasingly tough global markets,” said Mr Roche. “It replaces and improves upon the ‘tick-a-box’ regulatory approach embraced by both the previous state government and current federal government.”

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Jobs Ladder

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By Therese Lardner

When you’re forced to look for a new job, here’s how to do it right colour how you interact with recruiters, hiring managers and potential employers. Talk through your situation with someone you trust, be it your partner, a friend or relative, or professional. This can be difficult for some, but the more you talk things over, the more you’re able to work through what’s happened and then tackle your job search head on.

your career and where you want to be. This will ensure the roles you’re applying for will be a good match with your future goals. Unless there is a strong financial need for you to take the first job that comes your way (and I understand that sometimes there is) look at the roles on offer and ensure that they do match your career, personal and family goals before you apply.

Job search is a process

You can’t job search all day

Unfortunately, job search is a progression of rejections until you get that one (or more, hopefully!) job offer that’s right for you. It’s easier said than done, but keep on keeping on. There will always be more jobs, more interviews and more offers – you just need to chase them.

You will have great days and not so great days

WE’RE hearing lots in the media at the moment about large-scale resource projects being delayed and multinational companies restructuring their operations. As a result, a large number of mining staff and contractors have found themselves looking for a new job. Some roles have been made redundant, other workers haven’t had contracts extended, and many contracts have been terminated altogether because projects have halted. If you find yourself in this position (or know

someone else who’s suddenly joined the employment queues) read on for some honest tips and techniques to help with the job search ahead.

If you didn’t choose it, job search can be ordinary What I mean by this is that looking for a new job often brings with it a whole lot of baggage, which left unchecked can have a negative impact on your job search. If you harbour anger or bitterness toward your previous employer it is likely to

My candidates often describe job search as being like a rollercoaster. One day you’re feeling motivated and excited about the future, and the next you’re feeling so unmotivated and down that you struggle to get off the couch. Make the time to do things that keep your spirits up – it could be spending time with your partner and kids, it could be catching up for a coffee or playing your favourite sport. These things will help you keep your energy up.

Being in job search can be a great opportunity Use your spare time to really think about what you want to do with

Check out my previous articles on creating a winning resumé and preparing for interviews. Be sure to customise your application to suit the requirements of the role.

Start networking

Even the most unstructured of us still get used to the structure involved in a work day. Even things like getting up at the same time, having lunch at the same time, and working to goals/ targets count as structure. These things are often missing when you’re at home searching for a new job ... and it can leave some people feeling really lost. Try to get yourself into a daily routine and stick to it. This is especially important in the first few days of your job search, as the feeling of waking up and not going to work can be very confronting.

This really just means talking to people you know. Soon you’ll see a BBQ with friends as a great way to network and talk to people about your job search. It’s not about asking people for a job, but make sure you share the news that you’re currently looking for a new role and tell them what you’re looking for. Most people will then start asking questions and the conversation flows from there. Really think about who you know and get in touch with them. The best question you can ask is “do you know anyone else that you think I should be talking to?”, because you never know who your friends, relatives and ex-colleagues know. One of the things I’ve learnt in having the privilege of helping people navigate through their job search is that no matter how bumpy the journey is and how many wrong exits you may take to get to your destination, the feeling of landing a new role makes you forget about the journey. Feeling connected back into the workforce, being challenged, and for some the feeling of being wanted again, is the ultimate prize. When you do land a new role, celebrate – you’ve earned it!

Create a great resumé and practise your interview skills early

This column first appeared on the Mining Family Matters website www.miningfm.com.au.

You’ll drive yourself to distraction if you try. Try to devote about three hours per day to job search. Use the remainder of your day to get things done around the house, set good exercise habits, catch up with friends etc.

Structure, structure, structure

Tune into the Michael J. Breakfast show from 7:35 am every Monday for 4RO's CQ Mining Update, with special guest Angus from Shift Miner.

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Shift Miner Magazine

Around Town

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CRUSHERS CRUSH! Blackwater Crushers defeated Middlemount recently at a home game.

Tarni Anderson and Lainee Ingram

Kacey and Sienna Booker

(L-R) Beau Beadling, Reece Little, Brendon Reid and Elton Axsel

Daniel and Kath Rosengreen

Shaun and Megan Rauchle

(L-R) Jada Briderick, Emily Watson, Ava Marschke and Ella Taylor

Tianna Stevens and Jamie Forster

(L-R) Shonna O’Brien, Nicole Murray, Jason (L-R) Sam Nicholls, Ness Burton, Zoe Parison and Brooke Lohrey Harwood and Tim Pattie

(L-R) Aiden, Richard and Edgar Broome Snr and Lawrence Major

Peter and Di Clemesha

Ella Marschke

(L-R) Justine Fletcher, Mitch and Tracey Anderson

Jess Murphy and Steven Potts

Holding a social event you want photographed?  Call the Shift Miner office on 4921 4333 to let us know.  You can also give our office a bell if you’d like a copy of any of the photos in this edition.

8th July 2013

Shift Miner Magazine

Around Town

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ACROSS THE REGION Here are some snaps that have been sent in from events in a town near you.

Rio Tinto’s Kestrel WISE career placement program has been running for 10 years helping Emerald students develop skills for their career. Former Emerald High student Holly Reid (centre) was one of more than 90 students who finished year 12 with a VET qualification last year and is now working at GJ Gardner Homes while studying a Cert III in business. [photo : contributed]

Local Buying Community Foundation Networking Event, Moranbah Workers Club, 13th June 2013. [photo: contributed]

A day to remember: Clermont resident Ivan Bettridge and Isaac Mayor Anne Baker cut the ribbon to open the Clermont Historical Centre [photo: contributed]

Capricorn Enterprise’s Neil Lethlean at the Surat Basin expo in Toowoomba recently. [photo: contributed]

Parents in Moranbah learnt about discipline and the law at a forum recently. In attendance were Youth At Risk worker Nicole Pakura, Senior Sergeant Mike Bailey, Isaac mayor Anne Baker and rural family support worker Marie Reck [photo : contributed]

Buy this and many other images at

www.shiftminer.com Shift Miner magazine – bringing the mining community closer together 8th July 2013

Shift Miner Magazine

Off Shift

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FROm THE EDITOR I have been told that the key to happiness is looking at the world as a glass half full. A little difficult when about 7000 mining jobs have apparently gone over the past 18 months. In just this past fortnight, we had statements from three different mines that they are making redundancies - and thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not to mention the services industry. Mackay businesses are battening down the hatches and expecting this low to continue for the next nine to 18 months. In a recent survey of businesses in the area, more than 80 per cent reported a drop in performance over the past nine months. Further, around seven jobs have been lost per business on average and around half expect to shed more staff over the next six months. We may as well tip whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s left of that liquid out of the glass, wash it, dry it and put it back in the cupboard. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s obviously all over for Australiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s economy. Well - not quite. A little further south in the Surat Basin, it is a completely different story. The gas industry is booming and businesses in that area donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t think itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s going to slow down anytime soon. What is contributing to this optimism is the fact so many big contracts are being awarded to local businesses. Employment is on the up and QGC alone has been taking on an average of 15 new workers a day. Unemployment in the Maranoa district

alone is less than 2 per cent. And the money doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t stop there. Huge amounts have been invested locally through these companiesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; social impact management plans. Between January 2011 and December 2012 Santos GLNG invested more than $468 million with the regional councils in Maranoa, Western Downs, Toowoomba, Gladstone and Rockhampton. Sadly, we donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t seem to hear so much about this in the mainstream media because we are a nation that seems to enjoy looking at the glass half empty. But before we get carried away with the good news, letâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s hope the communities in the Surat Basin have learned some lessons from the Bowen Basin and can avoid the same pitfalls. While real estate in the latter has plummeted, it is rising rapidly in the former with towns like Roma, Chinchilla and Miles seeing double digit growth in the past 18 months. Added to this is the rapid rise in the non-resident workforce and the explosion of working camps around the region. What we donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t want to see is the big division between non-resident workers and the locals, which has divided the Bowen Basin. Inga Stunzner Comment or SMS 0409 471 014

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Friday 26th July 2013 Southâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Leagues Club, Mackay 12.00pm - 2.30pm

Mr Greg Fokes, General Manager - Coal LEIGHTON CONTRACTORS

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ane Stree t Mackay

Your story about mining services companies being hung out to dry is spot on. Why arenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t these companies accountable for their actions? One minute they want every man in town working for them, the next day theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re laid off. D.S, Mackay The worst part of your story is that there is absolutely nothing businesses can do about these â&#x20AC;&#x153;get out of jail freeâ&#x20AC;? clauses. So even if they seek legal advice and know where they stand, theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re still over a barrel. T.S, Rocky Other readers thought it was more just the nature of the beast:

For Frank the Tank fans you might like to know the big fella himself is answering love dilemmas on our facebook page now. Hereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s one dilemma posted last week: Hey Frank. You might be able to help me with this one. Whenever Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m around a woman I am romantic with I get so nervous that I start spitting when I talk. I understand it probably isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t the most attractive look, is there any helpful advice you could give? Jared Find out what Frank thinks online! Go to www.facebook.com/shiftminer

The best Redmondâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s rant yet, I am going to pass it on to some friends who donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t get this great magazine.

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Our regular columnist Redmond had some fan mail this week:

GUEST SPEAKER-

& Operated

Full report page 3

This is the sort of un-Australian behaviour TAYLOR S we have come to expect from mining SOLICITO RS companies. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not like their bleeding out PERSON and canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t meet their obligations. No other AL INJUR Y CLAIM S business would behave like this - and now we have the legal say-so to prove it. Not that it matters because it is all ridgy didge in the eyes of the law. R.D, MackayLevel 2/ 17 Brisb LAW

local news

Get out o

People donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t complain in the boom times when theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re making squillions. I think most businesses have been greedy and a correction was going to come around at some point. D.S, Emerald

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t source of

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Mining is boom then bust. Everyone knows that. If your business isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t diverse enough or resilient enough to face a downturn well itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not really anybody elseâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s fault. S.B, Mackay

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8th July 2013

Shift Miner Magazine

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Frank the Tank’s Dear Frank,

I am currently a miner at Peak Downs and, like many of us here, I have been reading your column for some time. However since no one actually knows your true identity, some of the blokes have been making jokes that I am Frank the Tank,since my own nick name is ‘Tank’. The problem is my wife has heard them and she is now just about certain that I am Frank the Tank. How can I prove to her that I am not you? Les ‘the tank’, Rockhampton.

I’m actually a little disappointed to receive this letter. Do you have any idea how often I have to deal with shameless imitators? Virtually every time I go to the pub I see some drunk bloke there telling everyone he’s Frank the Tank in the hope that someone will shout him a free beer. Those free beers should be mine, but for a variety of reasons it’s imperative my identity remain a secret. A few years ago I participated in a Christmas orgy and, due to my superhuman virility, unintentionally impregnated six women. I can’t deal with six concurrent paternity suits. If you piled that on top of my fines for public exposure and holding unlicensed children’s karate tournaments I’d be financially ruined! Sometimes I long to reveal myself to the world, but it’s imperative I remain anonymous...plus my longing to reveal myself is what led to my fines for public exposure in the first place. I’ve got a couple of ideas about how you can convince your wife you’re not me, and I’m going to pitch them to you in

Fair Dinkum!

“Streakin” good love advice

order of brilliance. For a modest fee I will be quite happy to come to your house and make love to your wife while wearing a ski mask (to protect my identity). My incomparable skill in the bedroom will quickly convince her that I’m not you; unfortunately there is a chance she’ll lose her mind. For some women, the Frank experience is too intense. I’ve sent 15 different women to the mental health unit suffering from a pleasure-based delirium. If your wife’s continued sanity is important, you could always just lie and tell her you are Frank the Tank. She’ll get angry initially, but when she calms down and realises that she’s married to the legend himself, she’ll be so awe inspired you’ll have to take a week long ‘sex vacation’ - or sexcation - from work. Naturally you’ll have to pay a fee for impersonating me, so please forward $100 a week to Frank the Tank, care of Shift Miner Magazine. Those public exposure fines need to be paid somehow.

Frank

that make it seem as though their legs are incredibly hairy. An image of the innovative product has gone viral on Sina Weibo, the Chinese equivalent of Twitter. The hairy leg weirdo deterrent has attracted a mixed public response, with some social media users asking, “Why not just wear long pants?”

IN INDIA AND THE US - There’s been a disturbing outbreak of animal crime that stretches all the way from Chennai to Florida. In Chennai three goats were arrested for vandalising a police car, while nine more evaded capture. Police charged their owner with negligent conduct and the goats remain behind bars. In Tallahassee Florida, police were forced to taser a rogue llama after it escaped its enclosure and ran amok.

SENSIBLE SUSAN Les, I must say my sympathies go out to you. I can’t imagine your distress at being confused with Frank. I am one of the few people who knows Frank’s true identity. I had to take a restraining order out against him after he began hounding me for giving what he calls “unrealistic love advice.” You obviously can’t be Frank the Tank. He would never write a letter because he was concerned about upsetting his wife. In my view the real Frank should be locked up somewhere so he can receive the psychological help he so desperately needs. As such, I can wholeheartedly assure your wife that you are not Frank the Tank.

Susan

Elsewhere in Florida, a posse of law enforcement officials was commissioned to round up an escaped kangaroo, which had been on the lam for a number of days.

IN THE UK - Low flying aircraft

are costing the British Ministry of Defence millions as slighted residents lodge claims against the MOD for compensation. An Ayrshire family received $3500 in compensation after their parrot died from fright due to a low flying aircraft. This is not the first parrot payout made by the government, with the MOD picking up the vet bill for a parrot that broke both of its legs in similar circumstances. Other claims relate to livestock, for example where low flying aircraft are blamed for cows that won’t produce milk or chickens that won’t lay. One family was also paid close to $1500 for damage to a children’s trampoline.

Hairy-leg stockings - which are meant to deter perverts - are taking China’s social media by storm. It beggars the question: why not just stop shaving your legs?

IN THE US

- A New Jersey truck driver has suffered through an extremely awkward eight months after his penile implant malfunctioned, leaving him with a 240-day erection. The man is seeking unspecified damages from his doctor after the malfunctioning implant reportedly left him in a permanent state of arousal and saw his scrotum swell to the size of a volleyball. He claims the condition made his life an ordeal, affecting everything from

collecting the mail in the morning to riding his motorcycle. The doctor who inserted the implant claims the man should have sought medical treatment much earlier when his erection would not subside.

IN CHINA - At last, a fashion

accessory for women that not only keeps you warm but promises to deter perverts. ‘Hairy stockings’ are precisely what they sound like. Stockings for women 8th July 2013

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Shift Miner Magazine

Off Shift

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CLASSIC

MOVIE Review BY JUSTIN CARLOS

The grandfather of the spoof film “Look you stupid bastard, you’ve got no arms left!” “Tis just a flesh wound.”

7 6

3 8

PUZZLES 9 4 9 3 3 2 5 7 1

3 4 8 7 3 9 7 2 1 5

MEDIUM

better time to review Monty Python and the Holy Grail? The film is essentially a spoof on the medieval adventure. King Arthur is visited by God and instructed to quest for the holy grail. He sets off on a pilgrimage and on the way recruits some of the bravest (and not

appreciated the oxymoronic intelligence in the silliness of Monty Python, and those who considered it limey nonsense. With the popularity of the Pythonbased musical, Spamalot, it seems as though a more general appreciation for their abstract comedy is growing. So what

I REMEMBER the first time I ever saw Monty Python and the Holy Grail. I thought it was singularly the most hilarious movie ever made. Over time I discovered, however, that there seemed to be two kinds of people in the world: those who saw the humour and

10 11

14 17

21 22

5 8

# 50

Across 1. Arcs of colours 5. Modify 9. Book excerpts 10. Horse pace 12. Mutual understanding 13. Baby bird homes 14. Hairless 16. Professional massager 19. Quiver 21. Opposite of west 24. Poker hand, ... flush 25. Underwater vessel 27. Actress, ... Bonham Carter 28. Recognisable 29. Drive away (rumours) 30. Sets free

so brave) knights in the land. In their search for the grail the knights encounter a number of obstacles, including sorcerers, evil knights (who say “Ni!”) and one seriously evil killer rabbit. The film is undeniably and delightfully silly. The knights ride invisible horses and the sound of galloping is simulated by their minstrels who click coconuts together. King Arthur can’t count to three, but is equipped with the almighty ‘Holy Hand Grenade’. The Holy Grail is, in short, ridiculous, but there’s a palpable wit and intelligence contained in the film. It satires a number of historical events, including the feudal system, the black plague and witch trials. The cast members of Monty Python all graduated from the UK’s most prestigious universities (Oxford and Cambridge) with degrees ranging from English literature to medicine. Their intelligence and uncanny ability to turn a phrase is evident the The Holy Grail. The modern spoof film owes a great debt to The Holy Grail. Scenes like the ‘pleasure town’ animated sequence and the news team street brawl in Anchorman are obviously inspired by the zaniness of Monty Python. If you appreciate absurd, off-the-wall then Monty Python and the Holy Grail is definitely for you.

Down 1. Say again 2. Implant 3. Knife edge 4. Saturday & Sunday 6. Identification of disease 7. Not in phone book 8. Woven artwork 11. Flower stalk 15. Hospital vehicle 17. Stiffened (fabric) # 49 18. Reprocesses (material) 20. Simple 21. Hug 22. Boundaries 23. Scattered wreckage 26. Get up

LAST EDITION’S SOLUTIONS D I S C L O S E I T E H S T R E AME R C I V L C OR C H E S T R A S T E M O V E R P M B E E R R A N D S B N U G A A T A S T E N I G I S A D G OC E A N S WA N L C G S I S T E R P E

1 3 7 4 2 5 6 9 8

6 5 8 1 7 9 2 4 3

4 2 9 3 6 8 1 5 7

3 1 4 5 8 2 7 6 9

9 6 2 7 4 1 3 8 5

A S U S P R E M L A C O Y H T I I T L T E

7 8 5 9 3 6 4 1 2

8 7 6 2 9 4 5 3 1

S E A A R L L O B N E S S M MA K R E U R P

2 9 1 6 5 3 8 7 4

T S U K S P P E N T S E S R E A S S O A N

5 4 3 8 1 7 9 2 6

SHIFT MINER Handy Crossword 133ME - (15A grid) Handy Crossword 070s. pdf

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8th July 2013

Shift Miner Magazine

Off Shift

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Bait Shop Banter

Yeppoon - The fish are

practically jumping into the boat around Yeppoon at the moment, with heaps of action in close and out wide. Tony from the Secret Spot Bait and Tackle says the recent cold weather has created a bit of a fisherman’s paradise. “There’s fish everywhere at the moment, plenty of doggy and spotty mackerel around the headlands, harbour and the close islands like iron pot; blokes are getting their bag limits most days.” The creeks and estuaries are also fishing extremely well. “If you can’t catch a fish in the estuaries at the moment you’re doing something wrong, Coorooman has been producing a lot of grunter, flathead, king and blue salmon as well as good winter whiting,” said Tony. The only fish not biting at the moment are the reds like nannygai and coral trout.

Mackay - The fishing around Mackay has been steady in the past fortnight with the creeks and estuaries fishing well. Nathan from Tackle World Mackay says there are a number of species currently on the bite in close. “The creeks are going pretty well at

the moment, there’s been a lot of winter whiting, bream and flathead caught; the Pioneer River, Sandy Creek and the mouth of Constant Creek have all been fishing consistently well.” The inshore islands are also fishing well, with the cold weather seeing some big grey fish moving into the area. “The snapper have made it inshore, followed by a few big Spanish mackerel around the close in islands, the snapper are in good numbers again this year,” said Nathan. Recent big tides also saw some nice catches of salmon off the beaches.

some nice sweet lip and coral caught, as well as a few spanish and school mackerel,” said Adam. Despite the cold weather the creeks and rivers around Gladstone are still crabbing extremely well, so it’s definitely worth running the pots if you get a chance. If you have a good photo or fishing yarn send it through to our resident bait chucker-

angus.peacocke@shiftminer.com

Gladstone

- Most places around Gladstone are fishing quite well at the moment, with catches in close and further offshore. Adam from Pat’s Tackle World said the rivers are currently producing some nice winter fish. “People have been getting a few salmon in the Boyne and Calliope rivers, and around the mouth of the rivers there’s been some good size Queen Fish caught on poppers, thready busters and soft plastics.” Out wide the reefs are also producing a variety of quality fish. “The reef is fishing well, there’s been

your weather forecast T

MACKAY Gladstone

Mon 8

Winter cold eases Week 1 -the last two weeks of June into the first few days of July have seen the coldest minimums for the Coalfields so far this year. Frosts from Moranbah to Surat have now eased off. Extreme rain on the Gold Coast (Coolangatta 209mm) verged into the Darling Downs. After clearing, this helped cause thick fog from Goondiwindi to Taroom last Sunday. This was directed by an East Coast Low (ECL) that drove cold dry SSW winds into Central Queensland. With the very little rainfall the land is drying out considerably.

8th July 2013

Now the warmer double figure minimums near the coast are steered inland. This caused the rather warm maximums in the high twenties, in the north western Coalfields over the weekend. Coastal brief showers (1-2mm) should develop Monday, mainly north of Gladstone. This may transfer an odd drizzly shower north of Middlemount by mid-week. Then another North West Cloud Band (NWCB) should cloak most of CQ during the weekend. Maybe a sprinkle in this! Boaties! Trade Winds are back with two metre seas! Mon-Thr: SE 15-20 gusting

With Mike Griffin

Tue 9

Wed 10

Thu 11

Fri 12 Sat 13 Sun 14

Time

0316 0918 1503 2127

0.94 3.28 0.83 4.05

0347 0947 1534 2158

0.90 3.28 0.83 4.04

0418 1018 1606 2230

0.88 3.29 0.87 4.00

0451 1050 1640 2303

0.89 3.27 0.95 3.91

0524 1125 1715 2339

0.92 3.25 1.07 3.79

0600 1205 1754

0.98 3.21 1.23

0018 0638 1251 1842

3.63 1.06 3.18 1.41

0511 1054 1655 2311

1.14 4.31 0.91 5.43

0539 1122 1723 2339

1.14 4.31 0.94 5.39

0607 1151 1753

1.15 4.31 1.01

0008 0636 1224 1826

5.30 1.18 4.28 1.14

0038 0708 1259 1901

5.17 1.23 4.23 1.33

0112 0743 1339 1942

4.97 1.30 4.17 1.56

0151 0825 1432 2034

4.74 1.37 4.13 1.79

Mon 15

Tue 16

Wed 17

Thu 18

Fri 19 Sat 20 Sun 21

Time

0105 0726 1351 1951

3.46 1.12 3.18 1.55

0204 0828 1507 2124

3.30 1.15 3.25 1.57

0318 0940 1625 2250

3.20 1.09 3.45 1.41

0436 1049 1736

3.20 0.96 3.74

0002 0551 1155 1838

1.14 3.29 0.79 4.04

0105 0657 1258 1932

0.86 3.43 0.61 4.30

0200 0753 1356 2022

0.59 3.57 0.44 4.49

0243 0921 1540 2149

4.50 1.40 4.17 1.95

0355 1032 1702 2321

4.30 1.35 4.38 1.91

0519 1148 1818

4.25 1.17 4.75

0044 0633 1254 1923

1.63 4.35 0.90 5.20

0154 0739 1356 2020

1.26 4.52 0.62 5.62

0255 0839 1452 2112

0.91 4.70 0.39 5.97

0350 0933 1545 2201

0.61 4.87 0.20 6.22

above 25 knots in the north with squally showers. Fri-Sat: A general easing trend south of Yeppoon/Heron SE/ESE13-18 in the north and 11-14 in the south. Sun: Rapid increase SE 15-20 with a squally showers. WEEK 2 - The SOI continue to sit around the +12-14 area. This is associated with higher than normal Indian Ocean temperature and neutral to cooler Pacific Ocean temperatures. This indicates that the NWCBs will continue to move across Australia into spring. Once the current southern ocean deep low ( 100kph plus winds cyclone strength)

blasts through Tasmania - some gusts over 150kph – will bring down branches and electric wires – 10 metre seas will cause havoc in western Tasmania (5-6 July see sat pic) then an upstream high moves over the continent. If the large high persists then moderate to fresh winds along the northern half of the Queensland coast will affect the inland. This means cool mornings and mild/warm mostly sunny days with an afternoon brief shower threat in the east. Marine Lovers! South East Trades. Mon-Thr: SE 15-20 with squally showers for most of the week. Fri-Sun: An easing trend in the south.

Shift Miner Magazine

Sport

www.shiftminer.com

Despite the downturn the Dachshund are back at Middlemount The pessimism that has gripped some in the mining industry hasn’t extended to the organisers and sponsors of the 25th anniversary races at Middlemount in August. Technically they are horse races, but you’re just as likely to see a sausage dog streaking past the brigalow on race day. Club President and long time Middlemount resident Bill Gray says they had expected the downturn to impact on sponsorship for the day, but they had been pleasantly surprised. “I guess the sponsors realised what a big thing the Middlemount races have become

and see the opportunity it brings for their branding,” he said. “Our major sponsors are Anglo American and the Mac Services Group. “We are expecting a good crowd again this year, and we sold out of our marquee tickets in one day.” Unlike a lot of other small rural and mining towns, Middlemount doesn’t have a show day once a year, so the races have become a focal point for community spirit. Also, a refocus on making the event a family day has reaped rewards with more

than 2000 people attending the last two race meetings. However the surprise bolter for the organisers has been the popularity of the sausage dog race sponsored by training provider Coaltrain. “There has been a lot of enquiry about the sausage dog race this year,” Mr Gray said. “You would be surprised at the number of little dogs in the region available to race. “This year we are having two heats, followed by an eight dog final, and we hope to raise more than the $2000 we

raised for the rescue helicopter last year. “You can register your dog on the day, but we recommend calling ahead to secure your spot.” On the big track there are five horse races planned. Off the track, organisers have lashed out and spent more than $16,000 on rides and entertainment for the kids, which will be free all day. A full bar and BBQ facilities are available as well as limited camping spots. The races are held at the Middlemount race track on the 4th August.

Organisers of the 2013 Middlemount races expecting a big crowd again this year

Moranbah Miners focussed on finals There is nothing like a huge early season loss to focus a team. Certainly that seems to have been the case for the Moranbah Miners who have been undefeated since round 5 when they were thrashed 70 points to 10 by Mackay Brothers. However with the horrible start behind them, they are now a certainty for the finals in the Mackay and districts rugby league competition. Player manager Michael Leonard says

they are quietly optimistic about their premiership chances. “I think the beginning of the season was pretty tough, we had a lot of new players and a lot of new faces, who had to get to know each other,” he said. “And I think the loss in round 5 was a real knock to the head and wake up call that this season was not just going to happen. “Obviously since then we are undefeated and we rate our chances of a

premiership fairly high. “We consider Souths are again the team to beat, and we knocked them off a few weeks ago at their home ground, so we feel confident about that.” Perhaps surprisingly, Mr Leonard says the turbulence in the coal sector at the moment hasn’t had a large effect on the Moranbah Miners as a team. Although he concedes it has affected their off field support.

New McGrath Breast Care Nurse starts work in Mackay and Hinterland region thanks to Rio Tinto and Caterpillar partnership Newly appointed Lynda Campbell is helping to provide physical, psychological and emotional support for families experiencing breast cancer. As with all McGrath Breast Care Nurses, Lynda’s service is free and families can self refer.

“I can’t speak for other teams, but we have been reasonably lucky,” he said. “ Although obviously when you have people losing jobs and moving out of the area, that has an affect on the support you get off the field.” The Miners have just two rounds left for the season before they move into the finals series where they will play in the major Semi final. If they win they go straight to the grand final.

Rio Tinto Coal Australia is proud to be a part of the central Queensland community and committed to the future

Lynda’s position further strengthens central Queensland’s breast care nurse network. Pictured (left to right): Rio Tinto Coal Australia’s Colin Mackey, Mackay Base Hospital’s Alan Wales, new McGrath Breast Care Nurse Lynda Campbell, local Judy Evans who accesses the free McGrath Breast Care Nurse service and Caterpillar’s Brett Moule.

The partnership is part of Rio Tinto Coal Australia’s ongoing commitment to the region through the Kestrel Mine Extension project near Emerald.

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Risky business

Some people borrow money to invest by using margin loans from a bank or another lender. For more information, see margin loans. Borrowing to invest magnifies the highs and lows. If the market falls, the results can be disastrous. You could lose all of your investment and end up owing money to the lender. The more you borrow, the greater the risk. If you are investing in a diversified portfolio of shares or a managed fund, borrowing more than 50 per cent is highly risky. The less diversified your investment, the greater the risk. Borrowing to invest in one company or one industry sector is not recommended.

Warning

BORROWING money to invest is risky business. The high returns can seem fantastic in good times but the losses can be huge in bad times. Borrowing to invest is also called ‘gearing’. Look at the pros and cons before you decide if this strategy is right for you.

Is borrowing to invest right for you? Borrowing to invest is for experienced investors. It is only suitable if:

• You have enough income from other sources, like a secure salary, or have extra funds that you can use if there is a significant drop in the market; • You are in the higher income tax brackets, where the tax benefits are maximised so the actual cost of the borrowed money is reduced as much as possible; • You understand the risks of unpredictable, volatile investments.

It is very risky to borrow against your home to put money into an investment. You will probably lose your home if the investment turns bad and you can’t keep up your loan repayments. Use our personal loan calculator to see if you can still afford the loan repayments if rates go up. Imagine if they went up by 2 per cent or even 4 per cent per year. If the repayments get too expensive, you could be forced to sell your investment in a hurry at a low price. Borrowing to invest can reduce your tax bill. But you will only reduce your tax if your

ongoing borrowing costs (interest and fees) are more than the income you receive (rent or dividends). This is known as ‘negative gearing’ - a high-risk strategy. With a negatively geared investment, you can deduct overall losses from your total income. Tax benefits alone are not a good enough reason to gear an investment. To profit from negative gearing, you must turn this yearly loss into a profit sometime in the future. If you aren’t sure of this, the investment is really not worth your time. The other way you can profit from negative gearing is if you sell your investment for a capital gain that’s big enough to cover past losses. Investments can be ‘positively geared’. This means the ongoing costs are less that the income you receive. In this case you may pay tax on the net income. Borrowing money to invest requires a lot of thought about how much you are prepared to lose if things don’t go your way. Consider the interests of those who might be affected if things go wrong and discuss the opportunities and risks with them before making a decision. Get professional financial advice to make sure the investment is suitable for your needs. You can find out more information on investing at www.moneysmart.gov.au.

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No love lost in online dating scams the website preferring email, instant messaging and/or phone instead.

● After gaining your trust, they tell you an elaborate story and ask for money, gifts or your bank account/credit card details.

● They continue to ask you for money, but never actually visit you.

● If you don’t send money straightaway,

their emails and calls will often become more desperate, persistent or direct.

● The email is poorly written, vague or

contains specific information taken directly from news articles, repeats itself, you are addressed by the wrong name, or the email is not personally addressed at all.

WHEN it first entered the public sphere, internet dating was seen as something to be wary of - a crude tool used by only the ‘desperate and dateless’, but all this has changed. Looking for love online is serious business in Australia, with a whopping 70 per cent of Aussie singles seeking a committed relationship through an online dating website. Unfortunately, the high volume of online daters has spawned an insidious trend that leaves victims emotionally and financially destitute. Scammers are using online dating websites to target people in Australia and dupe them into sending money overseas. The scam is particularly cruel, as it preys on people who are emotionally weak or lonely. While any online dater is potentially a target, the evidence suggests that elderly online daters are at particular risk of being scammed. In March police intervened and stopped a 74-year-old woman from travelling to Nigeria to meet her supposed ‘loved one’, to whom she had sent more than $150,000 over the course of the year. A Perth businessman sent over $500,000 to a woman in West Africa after she professed her love for him online. Internet dating is still an excellent way to connect with new people, but it’s vitally

important users remain aware that not everyone using the service is legit. There are a few key warning signs that will tell you whether an internet dating profile is a fake. The goal of the scammers is to build trust, many of them will claim to be extremely religious, and in many cases list themselves as widows. If another user asks you for money on an internet dating website, immediately report them to the site’s administration team. You should also report this to SCAMwatch either through its website www.scamwatch. gov.au or by calling 1300 795 995. SCAMwatch is run by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) and provides information to consumers and small businesses about how to recognise, avoid and report scams.

Protect yourself from dating and romance scams

SCAMwatch says to watch out for the following warning signs:

● If you agree to meet in person, tell

● You meet someone on an internet

● Where possible, avoid any arrangement

dating website and their profile picture or photograph looks different to their description or like it’s from a magazine.

● After just a few contacts they profess strong feelings for you and suggest moving the conversation away from

● ALWAYS consider the possibility that the approach may be a scam, particularly if the warning signs listed above appear. Try to remove the emotion from your decision making no matter how caring or persistent they seem.

● Talk to an independent friend,

relative or fair trading agency before you send any money.

● NEVER give credit card or online

account details to anyone by email.

● Be very careful about how much

personal information you share on social network sites. Scammers can use your information and pictures to create a fake identity or to target you with a scam. family and friends where you are going. with a stranger that asks for up-front payment via money order, wire transfer or international funds transfer.

● If you think you have provided your

account details to a scammer, contact your bank or financial institution immediately.

Maximise your tax return IT’S tax time again, and many of us are hoping to get a decent return from the ATO when we lodge our returns. When preparing your tax return it’s often easy to overlook things that may be claimed as deductions. If you’re using tools or equipment for work that you paid for, these can be claimed as tax deductions, likewise trade subscriptions or magazines that relate to your trade or profession. Union membership fees and donations to unions and charities are also tax deductible. If you’re unsatisfied with your tax returns in recent years, make it your financial New Year’s resolution to get sorted for the 2014 financial year. If your employer offers salary sacrificing into superannuation, this may be an excellent way to save for your future and obtain some handy tax breaks. You may also consider taking out income replacement insurance. This will cover you if you can’t work for a period of time for any reason not supported by WorkCover. The premium for income replacement insurance is tax deductible, so the potential benefits may easily justify the outlay. Many people in the mining industry are on high incomes, which means if you don’t have private health cover you are likely being charged the Medicare Levy Surcharge. If you take out private health cover you are exempted from the Medicare Levy Surcharge, and many health funds pay a rebate to members on a regular basis. A bit of forward planning before the next financial year could net you some big savings in the future.

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Don’t give in to the hard sell tell you why their product is better than others. They may show you data or statistics to back their claim. Don’t take only their word for it, no matter how convincing their argument sounds. Do your own research.

‘I hear what you’re saying/I know how you feel’

HAVE you ever felt pressured into buying something you didn’t really want? Salespeople use a range of tactics to persuade you to part with your cash. However, you don’t have to give in to their sales pitch if you don’t want the item or need more time to think about the offer.

Common sales tactics Salespeople use a range of techniques to persuade you to buy their product and sometimes they will try to sell you a product and then sign you up for a loan to pay for it.

‘Our product is the real deal’ To get you to sign up, salespeople will

8th July 2013

Salespeople know the easiest way to get you on board is to become your ‘friend’. They may tell you something about themselves to show they understand and share your concerns. If they can get you to trust them, it will be easier to persuade you to buy their product.

‘Think about what this means for your partner or children’ Another persuasive technique is to make you think that if you don’t buy this product, you are not doing the best you can for your family. For example, a salesperson may imply you are risking your children’s education or future by not buying the educational software package they are selling.

‘This is a one-time offer only’ You may be told that the offer is for ‘today only’ or that there are only a limited number of items available, and if you

don’t sign up now you will miss out. Take all the time you need to research and compare products before you sign up.

‘Here’s a little token of our appreciation’ Sometimes you may get a gift like a free trip for attending a seminar. This is just a tactic to make you feel obliged to return the favour by buying their product. You don’t owe them anything. If you make a decision under pressure, the outcome is rarely good. No matter how attractive the offer or how insistent the salesperson, you should never agree to anything on the spot.

Ask for time to think Be polite but firm - say you want some time to think over the offer and keep repeating your request until they agree. Take down their name and contact details and say you will be in touch if you have any questions or when you have decided what to do.

Check that the business is legitimate If you are looking to buy a financial service or product, tell pushy salespeople that you only deal with licensed businesses and that you would like a copy of their

licence details and a financial services guide before making a decision.

Make an informed decision Ask for a copy of the sales, loan or credit contract they want you to sign so you can review it in your own time before you sign anything.

Be wary of verbal promises Get everything in writing before you sign up. Make sure any verbal promises are written into a contract or agreement to avoid disputes in the future.

Check if there is a cooling-off period Find out if there is a cooling-off period so that if you change your mind, you can cancel the contract or agreement. Coolingoff periods vary from state to state. Contact the consumer affairs agency in your state to find out what your cooling-off period is.

Take your time Never commit yourself without researching what else is available and comparing the features and costs of different products from different companies. You may find a better offer that’s just right for you. For more information, go to www.moneysmart.gov.au.