Weld Connect
COVID-19 Special Edition • • • •
Weld Australia Initiatives Federal and State Government Stimulus Packages Hints and Tips from Fabricators An Update on the Welding Consumables Supply Chain
weldaustralia.com.au | office@weldaustralia.com.au | +61 (0)2 8748 0100 | 20 Bridge Street, Pymble NSW
April 2020
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A Message from the CEO Membership Matters Industry News & Insights Qualification & Training News New South Wales Division Victoria Division South Australia Division Queensland Division Western Australia Division Northern Territory Division Tasmania Division Advanced Welder Training Courses
Our Office is Closed, but We’re Still Working
Following developments in Australia’s COVID-19 response, we have decided to close our Pymble office until further notice. The safety and wellbeing of our staff and their families along with our members, clients and communities is our first priority. The office is closed, but we will continue to work tirelessly to support the welding industry in Australia. Now more than ever our community spirit is vital, and we encourage you to reach out to one of us if you have any questions or an area where you are needing support, or even if you just need a chat. Our staff are working remotely and will be available through their mobile numbers and email addresses. You can still contact Weld Australia on office@weldaustralia.com.au Keep well, stay safe, and we look forward to seeing you again in the future.
Weld Australia Contact Information National Office Building 3, Level 3, Suite 5 Pymble Corporate Centre 20 Bridge Street Pymble, NSW 2073 (PO Box 197 Macquarie Park BC NSW 1670) T: +61 (0)2 8748 0100 E: info@weldaustralia.com.au
Qualification & Certification Manager Paolo Corronca T: +61 (0)438 012 099 E: p.corronca@weldaustralia.com.au
Chief Executive Officer Geoff Crittenden T: +61 (0)2 8748 0100 E: g.crittenden@weldaustralia.com.au
Marketing & Communications Manager Donna South T: +61 (0)2 8748 0130 E: d.south@weldaustralia.com.au
Training Manager Guy Brooks T: +61 (0)488 743 322 E: g.brooks@weldaustralia.com.au
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Membership Manager Eva Chun T: +61 (0)2 8748 0135 E: e.chun@weldaustralia.com.au Editorial Content Sally Wood T: +61 (0)434 442 687 E: sally@wordly.com.au
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A Message from the CEO So much has happened since I penned my last message to members. Like much of the world's workforce, I am now working safely from my home office, communicating with members, politicians, and staff over the phone and online. While the full impact of COVID-19 is unlikely to be realised for some time, I think this global pandemic will be a tipping point for society, business and industry as we know it. With employees working remotely, COVID-19 is changing the very way in which companies operate and conduct business. Companies are relying on technology in ways they never have before, building collaborative networks and relationship online. With pollution and greenhouse gas emissions already at an all-time low, COVID-19 may even become a catalyst for climate change considerations.
Hopefully, the disastrous COVID-19 pandemic can also be a catalyst for change in the Australian manufacturing industry. Perhaps COVID-19 can demonstrate to Australia's politicians that investing in the Australian manufacturing industry is essential to the long-term prosperity of our economy. While hundreds of thousands of people are expected to lose their jobs as a result of the economic flow-on effect of COVID-19, the manufacturing industry continues to operate— quietly, under the radar—and to employ approximately 10% of the population. The Federal Government has pledged $320 billion, representing 16.4% of annual GDP, to economic stimulus packages designed to bolster the economy in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Geoff Crittenden (CEO, Weld Australia).
What if just a fraction of this $320 billion had been invested into the manufacturing industry over the last ten or 20 years? What if the Federal Government had invested in local manufacturing industries, instead of offshoring work— effectively investing in international economies? Before it collapsed, the car industry wanted just $300 million a year in government assistance—just 0.09% of the COVID-19 stimulus package. This funding would have been shared across 120 tier one manufacturers and suppliers to keep their factories running and to keep thousands of Australians in jobs. In return, each manufacturer would have invested three dollars for every one taxpayer dollar. If the Federal Government had invested in Australian jobs, companies, and the manufacturing industry as a whole, our economy would be much better positioned to weather the impacts of COVID-19.
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A Message from the CEO Weld Australia Initiatives Weld Australia is working on several initiatives designed to assist members in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. Our aim is to provide as much guidance and support as we can, from resources on business continuity and employee safety, through to training, qualification and certification. We're also working to deliver as many services as possible online. We’re preparing for the day when the pandemic passes, and we need to help the industry recovery. Welding Industry Training Fund Weld Australia is petitioning all State Government Ministers responsible for education and training to support the Welding Industry Training Fund through grant funding. Over the next six to 12 months, it is possible that Australian welders will spend extended periods of time at home. Weld Australia wishes to seize this opportunity to deliver a range of online courses designed to upskill welders at all levels. In this way, we will strengthen the core of our industrial base and speed up the process of recovery post COVID-19.
Click here to visit the Weld Australia LinkedIn Group. If you're not already a member, simply click on 'Request to join'. Please feel free to share the link with your colleagues, and broader network. Redesign of Training Courses Weld Australia is reviewing how we deliver training courses, with the objective of moving towards online platforms and blended learning, in addition to traditional face-to-face training. These new delivery methods will provide greater access to training for our members, reduce health risks for lecturers and participants, and allow delivery to remote areas. The first training courses under review are those associated with the Welding Supervisor, International Welding Inspector – Basic, and International Welding Specialist certifications.
New Weld Australia Members: March Weld Australia would like to welcome the following members who joined in March 2020. Individual Members • Donghoon Chae • Aras Bulbul • Peter Dove • Frederick Briz • Michael Pratt • Donald Robertson To become a Weld Australia member, all you need to do is: • Visit: https://weldaustralia. com.au • Phone: 02 8748 0100 • Email: membership@ weldaustralia.com.au Weld Australia membership is an investment in the success of your career or business.
Qualification and Certification Weld Australia is working with the International Institute of Welding (IIW) on: • Online examinations for IIW qualifications • Remote or online qualification of welding procedures and welders
In light of current financial uncertainty, such a scheme would not be viable unless it was offered to individuals at no cost.
We’re also rescheduling exams that were already booked via online videoconference and interactive facilities.
Weld Australia COVID-19 Discussion Forum Our existing LinkedIn Group is now focused on the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic.
If you had an exam booked, Weld Australia will be in touch as soon as possible. Geoff Crittenden CEO, Weld Australia
The Group is an open platform for the welding industry to collaborate and support one another, discuss particular struggles, and learn how other businesses are coping.
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Membership Matters In these uncertain times, many of us are looking at new ways to 'keep busy'. For some, this might be undertaking professional development that we previously couldn't find the time to do, like obtaining certification for your existing qualification or by undertaking training to upskill or re-skill. Weld Australia training and certification is a strong addition to your career portfolio. It demonstrates to employers that you possess advanced welding knowledge, essential to ensuring the highest levels of workmanship. Qualification also demonstrates to employers that you are dedicated to continually learning and growing in your field. These are qualities that are essential for success in team leadership roles or for more complex projects. Designed to provide an interesting and stimulating industrial perspective, all our courses are supported by a broad range of major industry groups and hundreds of Australian companies. Plus, our presenters are all International Welding Engineers or Technologists with extensive industry experience.
Testing; Welding Fundamentals (Basic and Advanced); Welding Safety; Welding Sales Representative; and Welding Symbols. Best of all, until 31 May 2020, many of Weld Australia's online courses are 25%. 2. Be Recognised: Obtain Certifications for which You're Qualified As the premier welding certification body in Australia, an International Institute of Welding (IIW) Authorised Nominated Body (ANB) and an Authorised Training Body (ATB), Weld Australia offers a range of individual certifications. These certifications include: • Welding Inspector • Welding Specialist • Welding Technologist • Welding Engineer • AS1796 Welding Supervisor Certificate 10, • AS2214 Welding Supervisor
3. Register on the AWCR: Australia’s National Register of Welders Are you registered on the Australian Welder Certification Register (AWCR)? This Register allows qualified and certified Registered Welders to be able to work on any site without further testing. It is used by the industry as the resource of validating welders in Australia with up to date certification and qualifications. An Update on Member Events Due to restrictions on gatherings, face-to-face member events are unable to go ahead until further notice. Weld Australia is exploring a number of other opportunities for members to engage with each other and with us, so keep your eye out for more information as it it comes to hand! Further Information For further information about membership, contact: membership@weldaustralia.com.au
1. Get Prepared: Upskill with Online Training Courses In conjunction with the American Welding Society (AWS), Weld Australia offers online courses to help develop your welding knowledge and to better inform you for your professional development. These courses are available any time, day and night, and are designed as self-paced modules which will allow the student to complete them in their own time. Courses include: Economics of Welding; Fabrication Maths (Basic and Advanced); Metallurgy (Basic and Advanced); Non-Destructive
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Industry News & Insights Welding Consumables: Inventory Levels are High and the Supply Chain is Solid Over the last week, Weld Australia has been in contact with several major suppliers of welding consumables—including BOC, Lincoln Electric and CIGWELD—to get an update on their stock levels and supply chain. All the welding consumable suppliers we have spoken with have been extremely positive. They all indicated that they have good inventory levels and the supply chains for welding consumables are solid. Statement from BOC, Part of the Linde Group "Due to continuing concerns around the COVID-19 outbreak we wanted to reassure you about the ongoing continuity of supply and mitigations that BOC have in place for our industrial consumable products." "Currently BOC has between three - six months stock for the vast majority of our product range. We have a number of overseas supply partners including in Asia, Europe and the US. We are working with each of them regarding
their continuity plans and at this stage all production facilities are currently open and operating." "We have already taken some precautionary measures, and if there is a continued escalation of COVID-19 within the South Pacific region BOC has business continuity plans in place that will be enacted to mitigate the risk of supply disruptions." "Should this be required BOC will continue to monitor the supply situation, along with customer demands, and will be doing our utmost to minimise any inconvenience to customers.” Statement from LINCOLN ELECTRIC "Inventory levels of our fastest moving and critical products remain at a fill rate of over 96%." "Lincoln Electric Australia can reassure customers that our broad base of manufacturing facilities across North America, Asia and Europe continue to provide the necessary flexibility to adapt and mitigate against
potential supply chain disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic." "Lincoln Electric maintains a well buffered range of critical equipment and consumable product, and we are continuing to monitor our supply chain carefully to ensure reliable supply and delivery of products to meet our customer’s needs." Statement from CIGWELD-ESAB "All Cigweld-ESAB manufacturing facilities and warehouses are fully operational and our inventory levels of critical items is well above 95%. We are continuing to receive consistent supply of inventory in order to service our customers." "We wish to reassure you of our commitment to support your needs at this difficult time."
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Industry News & Insights How J. Furphy & Sons is Coping with the COVID-19 Pandemic
By Adam Furphy, Managing Director of J. Furphy & Sons and Director of Weld Australia The rapidly evolving and all-pervasive nature of the COVID-19 pandemic is proving difficult for many companies to navigate. From managing business continuity risks, through to increased employee communications, there are many factors that welders and fabricators need to consider. In the article below, Adam Furphy (Managing Director of J. Furphy & Sons and a Director of Weld Australia) outlines some of the measures that J. Furphy & Sons has put in place over the last month or so. Meeting with the Senior Management Team Daily One thing we did early on was to set up increased communications between our senior management team. J. Furphy & Sons has four business units split across three sites. So, we established daily meetings at 8.30am with the management team of each of the four facilities, as well as myself and the Chief Financial Officer. These meetings only last for 10
to 15 minutes, and are a chance for everyone to touch base. They are the perfect opportunity to raise any challenges and help to structure your day. There has been so much information, and so many changes and challenges, coming at us over the last few weeks—it really has been relentless. These meetings help us to disseminate and discuss some of this information. In my role, I’ve been working to accumulate the requisite information, and then feeding that out through the management team. This way, the management team doesn’t need to spend time finding the information they need. Instead, they can focus on the questions and concerns coming from their teams of employees, as well as customers and suppliers. Documenting a Response Plan On 17 March, we released a 7 to 8 page document to all employees. This document included information on what was happening, what the company’s obligations were, what staff
Adam Furphy (Managing Director of J. Furphy & Sons and Director of Weld Australia)
obligations were, and what our response would be to specific circumstances, such as if an employee was diagnosed with COVID-19. This document has been extremely useful to the business; not only have we been able to speak to it when communicating with employees, it has also become our ‘playbook’. When the prevailing business environment is super charged with panic and fear, it’s definitely not ‘business as usual’. So, in the event that you have to deal with an even more stressful scenario—like an employee diagnosis of COVID-19—you already have a process ready to follow. Staying Ahead of the Employee Communications Curve Our aim has been to stay ahead of the curve in terms of information and internal processes and policies. As government response measures have been
Furphy Stainless Steel Tanks
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Industry News & Insights How Furphy Engineering is Coping with the COVID-19 Pandemic (continued) announced, we didn’t want any of our employees to be thinking, “Why aren’t we doing that at our workplace yet?”. Staying ahead of the curve in this way has been really helpful. To be trying to deal with change while on the back foot with employees would have been really, really tough. Changing the Way We Communicate with Employees We have tried to provide as much useful information to our employees as we can, without overwhelming them. We disseminated information like hygiene posters early on, and started using the existing regular toolbox meetings as a means of informing employees in early March. Our organisation is one where not everyone has access to the internet, or even has a company email address. Where some companies can distribute a lot of information with links to government websites via email, this type of approach was just not going to work for us. So, we had to look at how effective
our employee communications network really was. When it came to communicating with managers and senior leadership, email was fine. But, when we needed communicate with the entire workforce at a critical time, we realised we needed to implement additional infrastructure. So, we set up a text messaging service for employees, and built a dedicated page on our website to push employees back to. Drawing on the Help of Expert Consultants From a technical standpoint, we’ve drawn on the help of our safety consultant to ensure that we’re adhering to all government health requirements. I’ve also bounced ideas off some business mentors. By drawing on the help of expert consultants, we’ve been able to compile good documentation internally, communicate with employees, and streamline the change management process. Communicating with Customers We have been in continuous
contact with our customers, including regular phone calls and teleconferencing. We’ve also been using social media to let our customers know that we are still open for business. It’s important to give your customers peace of mind that you’re still operational. Being Mindful of Employee Mental Health The heightened levels of stress within the organisation have been really noticeable. I see it directly in the management team, particularly as they’re dealing with a lot of different people and stakeholders. And this stress does not necessarily go away for employees once they get home; they’re likely worried about their children, partners, extended family and friends. That stress will be taking a toll, and will continue to take a toll. The long-term effects of this stress will need to be managed—supporting mental health in the workplace will become even more important. Settling into the ‘New Normal’ We now seem to be moving into the ‘new normal’. The initial manic phase of constant change is starting to subside. As it turns out, there is not a lot of difference between stage two and stage three restrictions. We’re likely to be working in this business environment for some time. So, I think it’s important to remember that this is a marathon—not a sprit. Many businesses, including Furphy, have been sprinting for the last two to three weeks. We simply cannot sustain this pace. We have to change gear and settle into the ‘new normal’ as best we can.
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Industry News & Insights COVID-19 Federal Government Support & Resources for Businesses While the full extent of the COVID-19 impact is yet unknown, it will undoubtedly effect almost all industries, including welding and fabrication. The Federal Government, along with the Australian Taxation Office (ATO), has announced several measures to help small and medium-sized businesses. These measures are designed to help alleviate issues related to shortterm cash flow and taxation debt. Recognising the ongoing and increased uncertainty that COVID-19 is causing, Weld Australia encourages any members who might be experiencing difficulties to leverage the assistance available. Please note that all information below is general in nature. Weld Australia recommends that all members seek tailored, professional advice.
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than 30%; or Their business has a turnover of $1 billion or more and their turnover has fallen by more than 50%; and The business is not subject to the Major Bank Levy
For more information, download the JobKeeper Payment Fact Sheet.
JobKeeper Payment Under the JobKeeper Payment, businesses significantly impacted by the Coronavirus outbreak will be able to access a subsidy from the Government to continue paying their employees. This assistance will help businesses to keep people in their jobs and re-start when the crisis is over. For employees, this means they can keep their job and earn an income – even if their hours have been cut.
Boosting Cash Flow for Employers The Boosting Cash Flow for Employers measure will deliver up to $25,000 tax free back to small and medium businesses with an annual turnover under $50 million that employ staff, providing temporary cash flow support. The payment will be delivered by the ATO as a credit in the activity statement system from 28 April 2020 when statements are lodged.
The Government will provide $1,500 per fortnight per employee for up to six months.
Enhancing the Instant Asset Write-Off The Instant Asset Write-Off threshold has been increased from $30,000 to $150,000 and expanded to include businesses with an annual turnover of less than $500 million (up from $50 million). Once the legislative changes take effect, this will apply to new or second-
Employers (including non-forprofits) will be eligible for the subsidy if: • Their business has a turnover of less than $1 billion and their turnover has fallen by more
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hand assets first used or installed between 12 March 2020 and 30 June 2020. Supporting Apprentices and Trainees The Federal Government is helping small businesses retain their apprentices and trainees. Eligible employers can apply for a wage subsidy of 50% of the apprentice’s or trainee’s wage paid during the nine months from 1 January 2020 to 30 September 2020. Where a small business is not able to retain an apprentice, the subsidy will be available to a new employer. ATO Support To assist businesses experiencing financial difficulty as a result of COVID-19, the ATO is implementing a series of relief options, including payment deferrals and releases from some tax debts. Note that these relief options will not be automatically applied. You need to contact the ATO to discuss your eligibility. To contact the ATO: • Email COVID-19Taxissues@ato. gov.au • Phone the ATO Emergency Support Infoline on 1800 806 218
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Qualification & Training News We wanted to update all our members on the qualification, certification and training initiatives that we’ve been working on behind the scenes over the last couple of weeks. In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, our aim is to provide as much guidance and support as we can. IIW Qualification and Certification Weld Australia is working with the International Institute of Welding (IIW) on: • Online examinations for IIW qualifications • Remote or online qualification of welding procedures and welders Rescheduling Booked Exams We’re also rescheduling exams that were already booked using phone interviews and online platforms. If you had an exam booked, Weld Australia will be in touch as soon as possible.
Redesign of Training Courses We’re reviewing how we deliver training courses, with the objective of moving towards online platforms and blended learning, in addition to traditional face-to-face training. The first courses under review are those associated with the Welding Supervisor, International Welding Inspector – Basic, and International Welding Specialist certifications. Welding Industry Training Fund Weld Australia is petitioning all State Government Ministers responsible for education and
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training to support the Welding Industry Training Fund through grant funding. This will help us to deliver online courses to individuals at no cost.
Further Information For further information about qualification and certification, contact: qnc@weldaustralia.com.au For further information about training, contact: training@weldaustralia.com.au
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Webinar: Welding Fume, Cancer & Other Hazards This webinar will provide you with all the information required to help protect yourself and your workforce from the hazards associated with welding fumes. It will outline important information related to the IARC’s recent ruling that welding fumes can cause cancer, as well as Weld Australia’s position and advice as outlined in our Fume Minimisation Guidelines. The webinar will also delve into other hazards associated with welding, including control measures and statutory requirements.
Background Information
Speakers • • • •
In March 2017, the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) reclassified welding fume from Group 2B Possibly Carcinogenic to Humans to Group 1 Carcinogenic to Humans. Their assessment was subsequently published in Monograph 118 in July 2018. Following discussions with the International Institute of Welding (IIW) Commission VIII, Weld Australia advised that existing fume management recommendations (including those in Technical Note 7 Health and Safety in Welding and Technical Guidance Note— Fume Minimisation Guidelines: Welding, Cutting, Brazing and Soldering) are followed.
Weld Australia: Bruce Cannon, Technical Publications Manager and Principal Welding Engineer Safe Work Australia: Dr Paul Taylor, Director Chemical Policy; and Jackii Shepherd, Director Occupational Hygiene Policy Australian Institute of Occupational Hygienists: Barry Chesson, Principal, Occupational Hygiene Solutions Australian Welding Supplies: Daniel Strachan, National Key Account and Sales Manager
Webinar Content
� Welding and cancer: IARC Monograph 118 rulings; Weld � � � �
Australia position; Background and Overview of the Fume Guidelines; How to apply Fume Guidelines Fume control options Assessing the risk and monitoring the controls (AIOH) Regulatory requirements Welding hazards: Electrocution; EMF and pacemakers; UV radiation (including IARC ruling)
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Date: Tuesday 19 May 2020 Time: 10.30am in QLD, NSW, ACT, VIC and TAS; 10.00am in SA and NT; and 8.30am in WA. The webinar will run for approximately 2 hours Login details will be supplied upon registration. Please ensure you have suitable internet access Registration Costs: Weld Australia Members: $150; Non-Members: $200
Register Today
Weld Australia would like to thank AWS for sponsoring this webinar.
www.weldaustralia.com.au
Webinar Details
Register via: https://bit.ly/weldfumewebinar For further information, contact Michelle Bignold on 0437 106 726 or m.bignold@weldaustralia.com.au |
+61 (0)2 8748 0100
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Building 3, Level 3, 20 Bridge Street, Pymble, New South Wales 2073
Qualification & Training News 25% Off All Online Training Courses Until 31 May 2020
In conjunction with the American Welding Society (AWS), Weld Australia offers a number of online courses to help develop your welding knowledge. Available any time day and night, these courses are designed as self-paced modules which will allow you to complete them in your own time.
other essential topics, including terminology, weld design, safety, electrical theory.
These online courses include Welding Fundamentals 1 and 2, which Introduce the science and practical application of welding processes along with
The Non-Destructive Testing course describes the principles and performance of visual testing, penetrant testing, magnetic particle testing, radiographic testing, and
The Metallurgy 1 and 2 courses cover the characteristics of atoms, the periodic table, chemical bonding, chemical reactivity, and the properties of metals.
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ultrasonic testing. Topics covered include discontinuities and their causes, as well as the role of vision, capillary action, magnetism, radiation, and sound in testing. Until 31 May 2020, Weld Australia is offering a 25% discount off online training courses, including those below. To enrol, simply visit: https:// portal.weldaustralia.com.au course-timetable/
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New South Wales Division News Keeping People in Jobs and Helping Businesses Stay Afloat Key elements of the NSW COVID-19 stage two package include: • The creation of a $1 billion Working for NSW fund to sustain business, create new jobs and retrain employees. The fund is already being put in to action with 1,000 new staff for Service NSW announced recently, which will be funded by the program. • Deferral of payroll tax for business with payrolls over $10 million for six months (up to $4 billion deferred). Businesses with payrolls of $10 million or less received a three-month waiver on payroll tax in the first package. These businesses will now get an additional three month deferral as well • Deferral of the parking space levy for six months • Deferral of rents for six months for commercial tenants with less than 20 employees in all Government-owned properties. $10,000 Grants for NSW Small Businesses Battling COVID-19 The NSW Government will put $750 million into the Small Business
Support Fund as the centrepiece of a third wave of support measures to keep small businesses afloat. To be eligible, businesses will need to: • Have between 1-19 employees and a turnover of more than $75,000 • A payroll below the NSW Government 2019-20 payroll tax threshold of $900,000 • Have an Australian Business Number as at 1 March 2020, be based in NSW and employ staff as at 1 March 2020 • Be highly impacted by the Public Health (COVID-19 Restrictions on Gathering and Movement) Order 2020 issued on 30 March 2020 • Use the funding for unavoidable business costs such as utilities, overheads, legal costs and financial advice • Provide appropriate documentation upon application. • Applications will be available through Service NSW within a fortnight and remain open until 1 June 2020.
Further Information NSW Government Business Concierge Service A Business Concierge can help you if your business has been impacted by the NSW bushfires and/or COVID-19 (coronavirus). A concierge can: • Help you with regulation requirements • Identify licenses and permits your business needs • Deal with Councils and agencies • Connect you to support and advice To access the service, call 13 77 88, Monday to Friday between 7:00am and 7:00pm. Or, visit: service.nsw.gov.au New South Wales Contact Paolo Corronca Qualification & Certification Manager 0438 012 099 p.corronca@weldaustralia.com.au
Congratulations to Austedan Fabrications Weld Australia would like to take this opportunity to congratulate the entire Austedan Fabrications team, which celebrated 20 years of business on 30 March. Newcastle based Austedan specialises in dust, fume and vacuum systems. The fact that they design, fabricate and install their own systems, enables them to create purpose-built solutions for customers. For more information, visit: austedan.com.au
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Victoria Division News The Victorian Government has established an economic survival package to support Victorian businesses and workers through the devastating impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. The $1.7 billion Economic Survival Package complements the work of the Federal Government. The package includes the following key programs. Payroll Tax Refund Businesses with annual taxable wages up to $3 million will have their payroll tax for the 2019-20 financial year waived. This will support 24,000 businesses and up to 400,000 workers. The State Revenue Office will directly contact eligible businesses to reimburse them for payroll tax already paid in the financial year. Eligible businesses must continue to lodge returns but do not need to make further payments for this financial year. These businesses can also defer paying payroll tax for the first quarter of the 2020-2021 financial year. More information about the administration of these relief measures will be sent directly to eligible businesses. Visit www.sro.vic.gov.au Business Support Fund The $500 million Business Support Fund will support the hardest hit sectors, including hospitality, tourism, accommodation, arts and entertainment, and retail. The Government will work with the Victorian Chamber, Australian Hotels Association and Australian Industry Group to deliver the Fund, which will help these businesses – which may not be eligible for payroll tax refunds due to their size – survive and keep people in work. Visit www.business.vic.gov.au Working for Victoria Fund Under the $500 million Working for Victoria Fund, displaced workers will be eligible to apply for different types of work. This presents opportunities for paid work and an opportunity to contribute to
Victoria’s ability to manage this event and support the community. Some displaced workers will have skills that can be readily transferred to new roles. The Government can also assist skills development or help people in obtaining immediate accreditation to commence work. The Government will work across the public sector, local government, the not-for-profit sector and key private sector employers to facilitate job matching.
Further Information Business Victoria Hotline Businesses across the state can now access information on dealing with COVID-19 by calling the Business Victoria hotline on 13 22 15. For further information, visit: https://www.business.vic.gov.au
Victoria Division Contact Victor Blain Senior Welding Engineer 0409 823 991 v.blain@weldaustralia.com.au
Visit www.vic.gov.au/ workingforvictoria Land Tax Deferral Landowners that have at least one nonresidential property and total taxable landholdings below $1 million have the option of deferring their 2020 land tax payment until after 31 December 2020. The State Revenue Office will contact all taxpayers who are eligible for this deferral. Visit www.sro.vic.gov.au Fast Tracking Outstanding Supplier Invoices The Government will pay all outstanding supplier invoices within five business days – releasing up to $750 million into the economy earlier. The private sector is urged to do the same where possible. Rent Relief for Commercial Tenants in Government Buildings The Government will work directly with commercial tenants in government buildings who can apply for rent relief. Private landlords are also being encouraged to provide rent relief or holidays to help businesses.
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South Australia Division News To help drive the economy, secure jobs and support industry through COVID-19, the South Australian Government’s stimulus package will inject a total of $1 billion into the local economy. The stimulus package aims to safeguard South Australia’s economy and minimise the economic impacts of the COVID-19 global crisis. The South Australian Government recently announced the Jobs Rescue Package, which includes two new funds: • A $300 million Business and Jobs Support Fund: to directly assist individual businesses and industry sectors facing potential collapse and the loss of thousands of jobs due to the ongoing impacts of coronavirus • A $250 million Community and Jobs Support Fund: to assist community organisations, such as sporting, arts and recreational bodies, non-profit organisations and some other industry sectors. This fund will also help with training of South Australians seeking new skills and employment Other Initiatives Payroll Tax Relief • Six month waiver for all businesses with an annual payroll up to $4 million • Eligible businesses won’t have to pay any payroll tax from April to September • Employers with annual wages above $4 million able to defer payroll tax payments for six
months on demonstration of significant impacts on cash flow of coronavirus Land Tax Relief • From July, the Government’s significant land tax reforms will kick in • Under the new measures, individuals and businesses with outstanding quarterly bills for 2019-2020 will be able to defer payments for six months • For 2020-2021 Land Tax Transition Fund relief will be increased from 50% to 100% based on existing relief criteria guidelines Cost of Living Concessions A one-off boost of $500 and bring forward the 2020-2021 ‘Cost of Living Concession’ for households who are receiving the Centrelink JobSeeker Payment, assisting those who are unemployed or lose their jobs as a result of the coronavirus restrictions.
Access to Accrued Leave for Public Sector Workforce If a public servant has a family member who has lost their job and moved onto Commonwealth benefits, they will be able to receive their accrued leave down to a limit of two retained weeks (annual and long service leave).
Further Information For further information about the South Australia Government support available: •
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South Australia Division Contact 02 8748 0135 membership@weldaustralia. com.au
For eligible homeowners, their 2020-2021 payment of $215.10 will now become $715.10. Eligible tenants will receive $607.60.
April 2020
Email: • BusinessandJobs SupportFund@sa.gov.au • CommunityandJobs SupportFund@sa.gov.au Visit business.sa.gov.au
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Queensland Division News The Queensland Government has announced a range of initiatives to support businesses affected by COVID-19. Over $3 billion has been committed to help support businesses of all sizes withstand the economic impacts of the pandemic and support jobs. $950 million Payroll Tax Relief Immediate payroll tax refunds will be provided for COVID-19 affected businesses. Eligible businesses can also apply for deferral until the end of 2020 and a payroll tax holiday for three months. $1 billion Industry Support Package The Industry Support Package will assist large businesses through this period to ensure they will be able to scale up and service the community when economic activity improves. The package will be focussed to support businesses: • which make a significant contribution to Queensland • that employ people in Queensland at scale • which are significant in a regional context • that can make a key contribution to a rapid response by the economy as conditions improve • which are significantly impacted as a result of COVID-19 • to leverage current support measures and those available from other jurisdictions $100 million Electricity Bill Relief Sole traders, small and medium businesses will get a $500 rebate on their power bill. Any business consuming less than 100,000
kilowatt hours will receive the rebate, which will be automatically applied on business electricity bills. $500 million Worker Retraining and Assistance Up to $500 million will be spent to assist workers who lose their job or income with retraining, job-matching and other help to transition into jobs in the industries that are vital to get Queensland through this crisis – such as health care, agriculture, food production, transport, cleaning and mining. This support will have a strong focus on online training to help workers and small businesses make that transition. Businesses that need access to skilled labour to meet demand will also receive assistance under this initiative. $500 million COVID-19 Jobs Support Loans A loan facility of at least $500 million, interest free for the first 12 months, is being created to support Queensland businesses impacted by COVID-19 to retain employees and maintain operations. The concessional loan facility comprises low interest loans of up to $250,000 for carry on finance with an initial 12-month interest free period for businesses to retain staff. Any eligible business can apply for a loan.
Manufacturing Supply Chain Support The Queensland Government is supporting Queensland manufacturers and businesses with resilience and recovery strategies so you can continue to operate and mitigate the impacts of COVID-19. These measures include: •
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Supply chain matching: complete the Manufacturers' Supply Matching request form to help solve difficulties in getting vital materials and supplies Supplier registration: register your business's capability and capacity details on Queensland Government's ICN Gateway and receive assistance with supply chain matching and support.
Further Information For further information about the Queensland Government support available: • •
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Phone the Small Business Hotline on 1300 654 687 Take the business impact survey so the Government can link you with relevant support. Visit business.qld.gov.au
Queensland Division Contact Alistair Forbes Principal Welding Engineer 0438 428 966 a.forbes@weldaustralia.com.au
April 2020
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Western Australia Division News COVID-19 Economic Response: Relief for Businesses and Households The Western Australia Government announced a $607 million stimulus package to support Western Australia households, pensioners and small businesses in the wake of COVID-19. This stimulus package includes $114 million in measures to support Western Australian small and medium businesses. One-off Grants of $17,500 to Small and Medium Businesses Small and medium businesses whose annual Australian Taxable Wages are between $1 million and $4 million will receive a one-off grant of $17,500 to assist them to manage the impacts of COVID-19. No applications are required. Grants will automatically be paid from July 2020, but there may be delays for taxpayers whose tax status changed during the 201819 assessment period or who commenced as new employers in 2018-2019 and 2019-2020. Fast-track Payroll Tax Relief The payroll tax threshold will be increased to $1 million from 1
July 2020, six months earlier than originally planned. Waiver of 2019-2020 Payroll Tax Payroll tax will be waived for a four-month period between 1 March 2020 to 30 June 2020 for small-to-medium sized businesses with Australia-wide annual wages of less than $7.5 million in 2019-20. Employers, or groups of employers, with Australian taxable wages below $5 million at 29 February 2020, do not have to apply for the waiver - the payroll tax waiver can automatically be claimed for March to June 2020 by: • Declaring WA taxable wages as normal in Revenue Online; and • Recording the value of WA taxable wages as exempt wages using the ‘Other Exempt Wages’ field. Employers, or groups of employers, with Australian taxable wages of $5 million or above (capped at $7.5 million) at 29 February 2020, or new employers registered for payroll tax from 1 March 2020, can apply to defer lodgement and payment of returns.
April 2020
Support for Small Medium Sized Businesses The Small Business Development Corporation has created a COVID-19 assistance centre to provide dedicated, timely guidance on available support options, including: • information on available stimulus packages and eligibility requirements • advice on preparing businesses to manage impacts other resources. To access the service, contact 133 140 (8:30am to 4:30pm weekdays) or email info@smallbusiness.wa.gov.au For further information, visit wa.gov.au Western Australia Division Contact Mehdi Tajfar Welding Engineer 0417 044 370 m.tajfar@weldaustralia.com.au
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Northern Territory Division News $1.6 Billion Boost to Northern Territory Economy The Territory Government acted fast to support small businesses and save local jobs with the Small Business Survival Fund and the Jobs Rescue and Recovery Package. The Small Business Survival Fund started delivering payments to local businesses in the first week of April. The Territory Government is investing nearly $120 million to directly support local businesses and save jobs. In total, this is a $1 billion economic boost to keep Territory businesses running and to keep Territorians in jobs. The Northern Territory Government also set up the Territory Jobs Hub platform to quickly and easily connect Territorians with local businesses looking for workers. $50 million Small Business Survival Fund • More than 260 local small businesses have applied for support from the Small Business Survival Fund so far. • There are two payments available: the Immediate Survival Payment and the Rapid
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Adaption Payment. The Fund will help small businesses survive the coronavirus, keep workers employed, and prepare to rebound strongly when the crisis is over.
$65 million Jobs Rescue and Recovery Package • Nearly 1000 tradies and small businesses have registered to take part in the Home Improvement Scheme, Business Improvement Grants and the Immediate Works Grants. • Applications for grants for the Home Improvement Scheme open Monday, 6 April. • Applications for the Business Improvement Grants open Monday, 13 April. Territory Jobs Hub • More than 1200 Territorians have signed up to the Territory Jobs Hub. • Almost 50 business and organisations have also registered, advertising more than 200 jobs. • In just one week, the Territory Jobs Hub has connected more than 120 Territorians with new jobs.
Business Support & Advice from the NT Government If you are a small business owner, you can get information and resources to help you manage your business during the rapidly evolving coronavirus (COVID-19) crisis. Go to the Northern Territory Government website for: •
Support and advice: advice for employers including how to access mental health support
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Tips and resources: information and advice to help keep your business going
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Programs and initiatives: available grants from the Northern Territory Government and Australian Government
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Information for staff: advice to keep staff safe and information for workers about financial support
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Territory Jobs Hub: to connect local businesses with Territorians looking to find a new job quickly
Or simply visit: •
https://coronavirus.nt.gov.au
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https://nt.gov.au/industry
Northern Territory Division Contact Alistair Forbes Principal Welding Engineer 0438 428 966 a.forbes@weldaustralia.com.au
April 2020
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Tasmania Division News Investing to Sustain a Strong Economy and Local Jobs The Tasmanian Government recently announced a $420 million support package to provide additional support to the public sector and targeted assistance to businesses and the workforce to keep Tasmanians in jobs The support package includes: • Small to medium businesses with an annual payroll of up to $5 million in Australian wages will be able to apply, based on the immediate impact of the virus on their businesses, to have their payroll tax payments waived for the three months from 31 March to June 2020. • To encourage businesses to employ young people, a youth employment payroll tax rebate scheme will be introduced for young people from 1 April 2020. • $50 million in interest free loans over 3 years will be made available to encourage local governments to invest and employ more Tasmanians to upgrade, renovate and to do necessary maintenance to improve our tourism assets so that when the visitors come back we are ready. • Immediately bringing forward of $50 million for the maintenance of public buildings over the next 12 months. • $2.1 million for one-off $5,000 grants for businesses that hire an apprentice or trainee, complementing the Federal Government’s apprenticeship package.
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Unless otherwise required by contractual arrangements, the normal terms of trade for payments by government agencies will be reduced from 30 days to 14 days. $80,000 assistance for Tasmanian Chamber of Commerce and Industry to provide advice to businesses on the implications of these workplace issues. Removal of the efficiency dividend on State Government agencies over the forward estimates.
Further Information For information and support for your business, visit: • business.tas.gov.au • coronavirus.tas.gov.au If your business has been impacted by travel restrictions due to the coronavirus, you are encouraged to contact Business Tasmania on 1800 440 026 to discuss your situation and register your impact.
Tasmania Division Contact Victor Blain Senior Welding Engineer 0409 823 991 v.blain@weldaustralia.com.au
April 2020
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Advanced Welder Training Courses Fusion Welding Courses There are two ISO 9606 Qualification test of welders — Fusion welding —Part 1: Steels courses listed on Training.gov.au, the National Register of Vocational Education and Training (VET) in Australia. This is the authoritative source of Nationally Recognised Training and Registered Training Organisations (RTOs). These courses were developed in Victoria in 2018. One is intended for inexperienced welders, the other for experienced welders. Both use augmented reality welding simulators as a key component of the training. Transition Workers To be awarded a certificate for the Course in Fusion Welding to AS/NZS ISO 9606 for Transition Workers, you must successfully complete seven units of competency (four core and three elective). Core units: • Simulate fusion welding processes using augmented reality equipment • Identify welding processes, safe welding practices and use of hand and power tools • Interpret and apply AS/NZS ISO 9606 for fusion welding processes • Perform fusion welding procedures to meet the procedures of ISO 9606-1 (Steels – carbon steels) Experienced Welders To be awarded a Statement of Attainment for the Course in Fusion Welding to AS/NZS ISO 9606 for Experienced Welders, you must successfully complete three units of competency (one core and two elective). The core unit is: Interpret and apply AS/NZS ISO 9606 for fusion welding processes. Elective Units Other elective units available include: • Perform fusion welding procedures to meet the procedures of AS/NZS ISO 9606-1 (Steels – stainless steel) • Perform fusion welding procedures to meet the requirements of • AS/NZS ISO 9606-2 (Aluminium and aluminium alloys) • Perform fusion welding procedures to meet the requirements of AS/NZS ISO 9606-3, 4 or 5 (Exotic metals) • Perform routine manual metal arc welding • Perform routine gas metal arc welding • Perform manual heating and thermal cutting • Read and interpret technical drawings and make measurements for a welding procedure
Enrol in a Fusion Welding Course Today
You can enrol in a Fusion Welding course through any of the Advanced Welder Training Centres across Australia. These are all listed below. Queensland TAFE Queensland Caboolture Campus https://tafeqld.edu.au Tallon Street, Caboolture, Queensland TAFE Queensland SkillsTech https://tafeqld.edu.au 247 Bradman Street, Acacia Ridge, Queensland South Australia TAFE SA Regency Campus https://www.tafesa.edu.au 137 Days Road, Regency Park, South Australia Tasmania Tasmanian Minerals and Energy Council https://tasminerals.com.au 13 Wellington Street, Burnie, Tasmania Victoria Box Hill Institute https://www.boxhill.edu.au 465 Elgar Road, Box Hill, Melbourne, Victoria Bendigo TAFE http://www.bendigotafe.edu.au 23 Mundy Street, Bendigo, Victoria Federation University https://federation.edu.au Lydiard Street South, Ballarat, Victoria
Further Information For further information, please contact: training@weldaustralia.com.au or +61 2 8748 0100, or visit www.weldaustralia.com.au.
April 2020
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For further information, contact: Donna South on d.south@weldaustralia.com.au or +61 (0)2 8748 0130