mb nsw magazine april-may 2016
DESCRIPTION
The Master Builder Magazine is an established and trusted medium that delivers timely and reliable information to the New South Wales building and construction industry.TRANSCRIPT
-
MANAGING POOR PERFORMERS PAGE Page 34 THE PERILS OF TERMINATING BUILDING CONTRACTS Page 36
INTERACTIVE COVERScan image to view interactive content.
Print Post Publication No. PP100003016
Of cial Magazine of the M
aster Builders Association of NSW | Issue Tw
o | April/May 2016
THE FUTURE OF SAFETY:AUGMENTED REALITYSEE PAGE 19 TO UNVEIL A NEW DIMENSION OF SAFETY
Of cial Magazine of the Master Builders Association of NSW | Issue Two | April/May 2016
-
Progressclaim.com1300 252 463
END THE PROGRESS CLAIM PAIN.
JOB DONE.
Online billing for the construction industry. On any device, via the cloud. Powerful for the headcontractor. Simple for the subcontractor.
2015
National Award Winner
oR
-
Always deliversRenault MASTER
When it comes to safety and practicality, the Renault Master Van always delivers. It sets the standard for easy parking and deliveries with rear camera and sensors as standard, while front and side driver and passenger airbags ensure your crew is well looked a er. When it comes to keeping your business running, the Master Van keeps on delivering with a 3 year/200,000km warranty and 24/7 roadside assist Australia-wide for the length of your warranty. If youre looking for a van that always delivers, upgrade to Europes No. 1 van range, visit Renault.com.au
REN0470 MasterVan_A4_Press_R0b.indd 1 15/03/2016 2:33 pm
-
IN THIS ISSUE:
REGULARS
Contact List 4
Presidents Viewpoint 5
Executive Directors Viewpoint 6
Newsbrief 8
Regional Roundup 14
COVER STORY
Augmented Reality Interactive Working at Heights Experience Initiative, Made Easy! 19
APPRENTICESHIP 23
The Women of Bower Projects
CULTURAL DIVERSITY 25
Calling all Aboriginal Contractors
Cultural Diversity and Equality
INDUSTRIAL RELATIONS 30
Bringing back the ABCC
Tax Rules when Paying Car Allowances
Managing Poor Performers
LEGAL 36
When Mitigation Becomes Repudiation: The Perils Of Terminating Building Contracts
MEMBERSHIP 38
Making the Most of your Master Builders Membership
PROCUREMENT 40
Mastering Social Procurement: Aboriginal Participation In Construction (APIC) Policy
TRAINING 42
Significant Changes in Civil Construction Training
WOMEN IN CONSTRUCTION 44
Female Tradie
WORKPLACE HEALTH & SAFETY 46
Drug and Alcohol Testing
FEATURES
Software Finding the Right System for Your Business 48
Showcasing the Best 52
Green Roof and Walls 56
DATES FOR YOUR DIARY 59
THE WAY WE WERE 60
DIRECTORY AND WHATS NEW 61
Disclaimer: The Publisher and the Master Builders Association
of NSW, their employees and agents take no responsibility for
any inaccuracies or omissions. The opinions are those of the
contributors and not necessarily of the Publishers nor of the
Association. No warranty is given and no liability is accepted.
Products and Services appearing in Master Builder are not
necessarily endorsed by the Publisher or the Association.
While every care has been taken during production, the
publisher(s) do not accept any liability for errors or omissions
that may have occurred.
EMAIL: [email protected]
ADVERTISING SALES: Liam Daly, Paul Baird, Peter Shepherd, Rose Delosreyes, Scott Sharples, Trish Riley
EDITOR: Samantha Regan
LAYOUT: Michelle Triana
GRAPHIC DESIGN TEAM: Andrew Crabb, Danny McGirr
INTERACTIVE COVER BY: Pro-Visual Publishing
PRODUCTION: Brooke Travers
PRINT: Newstyle
DISTRIBUTION: Newstyle CONTACT DETAILSPO Box 824 Surfers ParadiseQLD 4217TEL: 1800 222 757FAX: 1800 063 151 EMAIL: [email protected]: www.crowtherblayne.com.au
soloassist.com.au1300 884 354
Call Us Today!Drop the Hammer!
Areas
Roof Areas
Vertical Areas
Lengths
Counts
Volumes
Send toQuote...
On-Screen Take-OffScan Plans
ScanPlan
Warning: Users may enjoy quoting!
Print Quote
Manage Job
Purchase/Work Orders
Cost Control
Variations
Progress PaymentsOn-Screen Take-Off
Send Qtys fromPlan Scan
Enter yourQtys & Quotes
SoftwareQuoting & Job Management
soloassist.com.au1300 884 354
SOFTWARE
AssistSolo
2AP
RIL
/M
AY
20
16
CO
NT
EN
TS
-
soloassist.com.au1300 884 354
Call Us Today!Drop the Hammer!
Areas
Roof Areas
Vertical Areas
Lengths
Counts
Volumes
Send toQuote...
On-Screen Take-OffScan Plans
ScanPlan
Warning: Users may enjoy quoting!
Print Quote
Manage Job
Purchase/Work Orders
Cost Control
Variations
Progress PaymentsOn-Screen Take-Off
Send Qtys fromPlan Scan
Enter yourQtys & Quotes
SoftwareQuoting & Job Management
soloassist.com.au1300 884 354
SOFTWARE
AssistSolo
-
MASTER BUILDERS ASSOCIATION OF NEW SOUTH WALES
52 Parramatta Road, Forest Lodge NSW 2037 / Private Bag 9, Broadway NSW 2007Tel: (02) 8586 3555 | Fax: (02) 9660 3700 Email: [email protected] Website: www.mbansw.asn.au | ABN 96 550 042 906
EXECUTIVE BOARD
Ross Mitchell PresidentMartin Patience Deputy PresidentPaul Maginnity Immediate Past PresidentSimon Pilcher Vice PresidentChris Calderbank-Park Vice PresidentMike ODonnell Vice PresidentJeffrey Cork Vice President
EXECUTIVE
Executive Director Brian Seidler 8586 3503Executive Assistant Amanda de Vries 8586 3507
MBA INSURANCE SERVICES
State Manager Luke Hueston 8586 3519Senior Account Manager Edwina Lyall 0412 806 700Account Executive - General Aravinda Mathuran 8586 3556 Adam Myers 8586 3501 Dele Omisore 8586 3583 Linda Thomson 8586 3568Authorised Representative - Adam Fawcett 0466 770 910Capital & Construction Risk Managers Pty Limited Account Executive - Warranty Daniel Vine 8586 3566 Jayne Pan 8586 3528Account Executive - Warranty Joel Beater 8586 3565National Business Development Manager (Surety) Bill Korakis 8586 3541Business Development Manager (NSW) Leeanne Farmer 8586 3512
MASTER BUILDERS FINANCIAL SERVICES
Broker Ogarit Kelley 0414 919 194 1300 760 366
MEMBER SERVICES
Manager Member Services Graham McGuiggan 8586 3554Membership Coordinator Paul Love 8586 3540 0413 306 556Membership Representative Mark Shearwood 8586 3520Member Services - Administration Joan Ah-Hen 8586 3515Member Services - Administration Samantha Bell 8586 3572Member Services - Administration Susie Bell 8586 3581
NORWEST EDUCATION CENTRE
5 Burbank Place, Baulkham Hills NSW 2153 Reception 8586 3588Executive Office 8586 3557
TRAINING
Education Centre 8586 3588MBA Skill Recognition Centre 1300 884 315
APPRENTICESHIP SERVICES
Apprenticeship Services Manager Karen Kellock 8586 3538Apprenticeship Services Coordinator Perry Wynn 8586 3533Apprenticeship Payroll Supervisor Maria-Luisa Branezac 8586 3536Apprenticeship Payroll Officer Laura Atwell 8586 3542Apprenticeship Field Officer Lance Hapeta 8586 3550Apprenticeship Field Officer Paulo Atienza 0423 025 380Apprenticeship Field Officer Ben Mitchell 0412 499 754Apprenticeship Field Officer Frank Luppino 0401 998 853Apprenticeship Mentor Donna Seidler 0413 316 407
HOUSING
Director Housing Peter Meredith 4323 4588
LEGAL
Head Solicitor Robert Collings 8586 3517Solicitor Hannah Shephard 8586 3517Legal Assistant Daniel Schwebel 8586 3517
INDUSTRIAL RELATIONS AND SAFETY
Director Construction Peter Glover 8586 3535Executive Officer Safety David Solomon 8586 3552Industrial Relations Officers Rod Grace 8586 3574 Nicholas Arends 8586 3573 Iain Jarman 8586 3502Safety Officer Chris Schultz 8586 3522Trainee Safety Officer Leon Lenzo 8586 3524IR Administration Officer Annette Gee 8586 3531Secretary Beverly Glover 8586 3523
EVENTS & BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT
Awards Coordinator Susan Manning 8586 3506Assistant Awards Coordinators Helen Harris 8586 3564Special Projects Officer Amanda Kelly 8586 3504Business Development Manager Juliet Pratley 0421 050 395
OPERATIONS
Director Operations Craig Donovan 8586 3537Government Projects & Programs Manager Omesh Jethwani 8586 3539Communications Steven Swan 8586 3562IT Systems Manager Amanda Kernaghan 8586 3580 IT Support/Webmaster Alexander Ashley-Carrington 8586 3525
FINANCE & ADMINISTRATION
Director Finance & Administration Arthur Johnson 8586 3508Manager Finance & Administration Strebre Delovski 8586 3511Credit Control Manager Leon Kopcikas 8586 3509Credit Officer Frank Chevell 8586 3567Inventory & Property Administration Officer Rheannon Vea Vea 8586 3527Accounts Payable Officer Bridget Delmore 8586 3510Assistant Accountant Sebastian Aguilera Reception #2 8586 3526Fishbowl #2 8586 3530Charles Martin Room 8586 3546
RECEPTION
Receptionist Joanne Papageorge 8586 3555 Daniela Fraumeni 8586 3555
REGIONAL OFFICES
NEWCASTLE OFFICE
Level 1, 165 Lambton Road, Broadmeadow NSW 2292 Tel: 4953 9400Hunter Region Manager Len Blakeney 4979 0101Office Administrator Trish Dillon 4979 0103Receptionist Ashley OBrien 4953 9400Industrial Relations Officers Ben Ziolkowski 4979 0107Safety Officer John McGhee 4979 0112Trade Events & Divisional Coordinator Haley Tibbetts 4979 0106Membership Representative Luke Reeves 4979 0109Events and Training Coordinator Kerri Richards 4979 0105MBA Insurance Services - Newcastle Leeanne Farmer 0466 777 057
NORTHERN REGIONS
Shop 1, 97 Tamar Street, Ballina NSW 2478Tel: 6681 4266Regional Coordinator Graham Marchant 0428 412 784Member Services Representative Marlee Rudgley
GOSFORD
Unit 7/4 Stockyard Place, West Gosford NSW 2250Tel: 4323 4588Director Housing Peter Meredith 0412 694 001Member Services Representative Zoe Gardiner
SOUTHERN REGIONS
Unit 1, 171 Princes Highway, Ulladulla NSW 2539Tel: 4454 1955Regional Coordinator Lynn Smith 0418 633 297Member Services Representative Debbie McDonald 4454 1955
ALBURY/WODONGA
35 Hovell Street, Wodonga VIC 3690Tel: 6058 2000 Regional Manager Steve Donaghey 0402 044 075Office Manager Lesley Donaghey 6058 2000Administration Assistant Pauline Meade 6058 2000
PORT MACQUARIE
Unit 3, 12 Jindalee Road, Port Macquarie NSW 2444Tel: 6581 4033Member Services Representative Kerrie Clark 6581 4033
WOLLONGONG
Unit 3, 29-35 Princes Highway, Unanderra NSW 2526Tel: 4272 9409Regional Coordinator Michael Hart 0419 140 126Member Services Representative Ruth Billington 4272 9409
ORANGE
Level 1, 296-298 Summer St, Orange NSW 2800Tel: 02 6362 6895Fax: 02 6369 0390Mob 0458 243 976Regional Coordinator Chris Dunn
MATES IN CONSTRUCTION
Hotline: 8586 3575
HEAD OFFICE
4AP
RIL
/M
AY
20
16
CO
NTA
CT
LIS
T
-
There are many issues which will shape our
industry over the next 10 15 years including:
Demographic change
Training of the future workforce
Technological changes
Government policies
Market
While I cant comment now on each matter
raised, I can make some interesting observations.
Demographic Change
The report indicates a national population
of just under 30 million people by 2030 an
annual average increase of 1.4%.
Current interstate migration patterns suggest
that Sydney and Melbournes population will
increase. This previously benefi ted Western
Australia. Australia will also age. This will cause:
change in the construction
outcome for the economy
a different built environment
on the demand side
an older construction workplace
on the supply side
This means more retirement living and leisure,
community and personal care and the more
general task of better equipping the built
environment for an older population.
On the supply side, our study sees the next
generation of construction workers as older,
better trained and more expensive than previous
construction workers. Older because the entire
workforce will be better trained, both because of
regulatory changes around skill levels, and older
also because longer careers will mean greater
retraining needs over time. Workers will be more
expensive to employ because of their higher
training, as well as the impact of the resources
boom on construction wages.
The distinguishing characteristics of the
construction workforce will change over time.
The rising use of technology will reduce the
need for physical strength and encourage
more women into the industry.
Australia can also expect a proliferation of
high-rise apartment buildings in key cities.
PRES
IDEN
T RO
SS M
ITCH
ELL
PRES
IDEN
MIT
CHEL
LIn an upcoming Master
Builders Strategic Review of the Building & Construction Industry, we identify the key
issues and challenges for our industry in the next 15 years.
Living close to the city in a detached house will
become much harder fi nancially for many. This
trend is already appearing.
Training
A good training system is essential to ensure that
the construction industry has an adequate supply
of skilled workers. Yet, the number of people
enrolling in construction related apprenticeships
has fallen since 2011. Completion rates are also
low. Many industry representatives think the
current training system is infl exible and has not
kept pace with industry needs.
Despite the current construction boom and
record workforce participation, the total
number of people enrolled in VET undertaking
an apprenticeship or traineeship was 20%
lower in 2014 compared to 2011.
Technological Changes
The internet, smart devices and mobile
applications have changed how we do things
in the construction industry. Mobility and
communications happen in real time, helping the
fl ow of information in the construction process.
Building Information Modelling (BIM), 3D printing
and prefabrication are likely to lead to some
replacement of labour with capital. Other things
equal, that suggests fewer workers, and more
machines. Prefabrication and 3D printing are
much less labour intensive. Different skill sets
will take over traditional construction methods.
There will also be more interest in offshore
construction and sourcing skills offshore.
Looking ahead, the environment for the
building and construction sector does contain
risks. While todays interest rates are at record
lows, we believe that the coming decade
will see a return to higher rates. However,
we predict that over the next 15 years
there will be a need for 3.3 million dwelling
commencements in Australia. Non-residential
building is also expected to maintain its share
of the broader community.
We will soon advise all members when the key
Strategic Review will be released.
Ross MitchellMBA/NSW PRESIDENT
5
AP
RIL
/M
AY
20
16
PR
ES
IDE
NT
S V
IEW
PO
INT
-
EXEC
UTIV
E D
IRE
CT
OR
BR
IAN
SEI
DLER
EXEC
UTIV
ED
IRB
RIA
NSE
IDLE
R
Members may recall that late last year we reported in
Master Builder that the Federal Government had mandated drug and alcohol testing for
the building and construction industry. This testing will apply on all Commonwealth Funded
Projects worth over $5M.
The Federal Government introduced this
requirement by amending the Building Code
2013. This means employers who tender
for Federal Government funded work must
have a Fitness for Work Policy in place, which
provides for drug and alcohol testing.
We also reported that the Regulator
responsible for the enforcing of the Code
(Fair Work Building and Construction (FWBC))
would be taking a staged approach to the
implementation of the Fitness for Work Policy.
In the fi rst stage, the FWBC has focused
on assisting industry to introduce the policy
through education, providing information
and helping contractors to understand the
implications of the policy.
In the second stage, the FWBC conducted
site audits with a view to providing feedback to
principal contractors on their compliance with
the policy and assisting them with voluntary
rectifi cation to achieve compliance.
In the third stage, which commenced in
February 2016, the FWBC will conduct audits
to ascertain whether the Fitness for Work
Policy is being implemented. The audits
will include requiring contractors to provide
evidence that demonstrates:
testing is being undertaken on a
random basis;
testing is being undertaken at least monthly;
testing is being conducted on the
minimum number of required personnel;
that the required substances are being
tested for;
testing is being conducted using an
objective medical testing method; and
testing is being conducted by the head
contractor and not being pushed down to
the sub-contractors.
In the event that issues/breaches are identifi ed,
correspondence will be sent to the company
outlining the issues or alleged breaches and
seeking the companys response with an
opportunity (where possible) for the matter to
be rectifi ed. It should be noted that on some
occasions breaches that are considered to be of
a serious nature cannot be voluntarily rectifi ed.
The new requirements introduce higher
workplace safety standards for construction
sites by ensuring that all building contractors
covered by the Building Code have workplace
health, safety and rehabilitation system that
includes detail of how they will manage drugs
and alcohol in the workplace.
In effect, this means that all construction
projects that have at least $5 million of
Commonwealth funding are required to have a
Fitness for Work Policy that includes drug and
alcohol testing for those on site undertaking
building work.
FWBC has been working collaboratively with
industry to ensure contractors are aware of
their rights and obligations in relation to drug
and alcohol testing on sites. So far feedback
on this process has been positive and the
agency looks forward to working with the
industry to ensure the new requirements are
implemented as seamlessly as possible.
Members should contact the Associations
Industrial Relations Department or Safety
Department if further information or assistance
is required regarding this matter.
Brian Seidler EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
6AP
RIL
/M
AY
20
16
EX
EC
UT
IVE
DIR
EC
TO
RS
VIE
WP
OIN
T
-
HANDBOOK $410
INC GST
COST GUIDE$278
INC GST
Rawlinsons
Keeping score on construction costsRawlinsons Australian Construction Handbook and Rawlinsons Construction Cost Guide 2016.
AVAILABLE NOW. PHONE 1300 730 117 OR WWW.RAWLHOUSE.COM
IKEA Canberra, 500kW installation inverters
PV Thin Film Powerplay
IKEA Canberra, 500kW rooftop panels
K2 SOLAR seamlessly design, install, and maintain both the solar PV and roofing systems on new or existing buildings.
The cheaper, greener alternative to grid electricity, with no capital outlay.
SOLAR FUNDING OPTIONS
Providing commercial solar energy systems for your business.
K2SOLAR.COM.AU | Call 1800 429 110
-
FEDERAL COURT SLAMS CFMEU FOR SHEER THUGGERYMembers are advised that in a recent
judgment by Federal Circuit Court Judge
Vasta determined that the behaviour by
CFMEU Offi cial Scott Vink on the Pacifi c
Fair Shopping Centre redevelopment was
designed to reinforce the notion that non-
union membership would not be tolerated.
Mr Vink removed workers personal
belongings, including lunches in a refrigerator,
from a shed on the site.
When approached by the sites health and
safety manager, Mr Vink launched into an
obscenity-laced tirade, claiming workers
who were not CFMEU members were not
allowed to keep their lunch in site fridges. He
padlocked the site shed preventing access
by workers.
An audio fi le of the exchange, obtained by
the FWBC, included Mr Vink saying: Get out
of the shed, you scab; youre a f---in piece
of s--t mate, thats what you are, and what
did I just say mate? Get this s--t out of the
f---in shed. Dont make it any worse.
Their employer, subcontractorFrankipile
Australia, had to send the workers to a
nearby shopping centre to eat their lunch.
In his judgment, Judge Vasta said the
aggressive, intimidating and fl agrant conduct
by Mr Vink was designed to give the impression
that union membership carried benefi ts and
non-members were disadvantaged.
He said it was hard to imagine a moreblatant
single breach of the Fair Work Act.
To my mind, when one is talking about a
single breach, the behaviour does not get
much worse than the present case, the
judge said.
He said there was great need for general and
specifi c deterrence in this case.
It would be apt to describe the behaviour of
[Mr Vink]as sheer thuggery. Such thuggery
has no place in the Australian workplace.
Contraventions of the FW Act that involve
such thuggery cannot be tolerated.
He said the CFMEU does have an
unenviable history of breaching the FW Act.
It seems to treat being caught conducting
such breaches as the present one simply as
occupational hazards in the way in, which they
conduct their business, he said. There has
been no apology for such appalling behaviour.
He ordered Mr Vink to pay a $9000 penalty
and for the CFMEU to pay $48,000.
Fair Work Building and Construction director,
Nigel Hadgkiss, said while the agency was
pleased with the result, it was disappointing
that such behaviour continued on building sites.
Behaviour designed to intimidate, harass
and bully workers into joining the CFMEU
ought to be condemned by all building
industry participants, including the union
itself, he said.
Under the Fair Work Act, workers must be
able to decide to join, or not join a union
without facing this type of abhorrent action.
Employment Minister Michaelia Cash
and employers are likely to seize on the
judgment as further evidence why the Senate
should support the Australian Building and
Construction Commission Bill.
CHARGES LAID BY FWBC AGAINST UNION OFFICIAL FOR ABUSE OF WHS INSPECTORA union offi cial has been charged and will
face the Federal Court for allegedly abusing a
WorkSafe Victoria inspector after he refused
to close a construction site in Castlemaine,
Victoria. This case, if proven, will be a further
example of union offi cials seeking to cause
disruption on site under the guise of Work
Health and Safety.
It has been alleged that, after the union offi cial
provided the site manager notice of a suspected
safety contravention, a WorkSafe inspector
visited the site and issued two improvement
notices but refused to shut it down. As a result,
it is alleged that the union offi cial hurled obscene
abuse at the inspector and accused him of
being in the back pocket of the site manager.
The FWBC then laid charges under s 500 of
the Fair Work Act 2009 (Cth), alleging that
the union offi cial intentionally hindered the
inspector. Master Builders will continue to
monitor the outcome of the case.
BILL TO RE-ESTABLISH ABCC REFERRED TO INQUIRYFOR THE THIRD TIME Bills to re-establish the ABCC (the Building
and Construction Industry (Improving
Productivity) Bill 2013 [No.2] and the Building
and Construction Industry (Consequential and
Transitional Provisions) Bill 2013 [No.2]) were
introduced into Parliament on 2 February. They
both passed the House of Representatives
before moving into the Senate where a debate
on the question of referral to a Committee
inquiry took place. Regrettably, the Senate
voted to refer the Bills to the Education and
Employment Legislation Committee.
As the Committee is only due to release its
inquiry report on March 15, a vote on the
future of the ABCC has been delayed. Master
Builders is disappointed with this outcome
and this will be the third time the exact same
Bills have been the subject of an inquiry by
the same Committee.
It is expected that the Government will seek
to vote on the Bills before the Senate in the
week beginning 18 April. If this does not
occur as expected, it will act as a double
dissolution trigger for an early election.
Master Builders has been invited to make a
submission to the inquiry and will continue to
argue that the re-establishment of the ABCC
is essential for the sector and the community.
FINAL REPORT OF THE PRODUCTIVITY REVIEW OF FAIR WORK LAWS ROUNDTABLE WITH MINISTER FOR EMPLOYMENTThe recommendations and fi ndings in the
report of the Report Productivity Commission
Review of the Fair Work Laws will be the
subject of a roundtable discussion with the
Minister for Employment.
Master Builders Australia has accepted an
invitation to participate in the roundtable.
Participants have been asked to nominate
their top three priorities to improve the Fair
Work laws and Master Builders are consulting
with members to establish a position.
WORKPLACE RELATIONS WORKPLACE RELATIONS WORKPLACE RELATIONS
rylock.comAlexandria | Factory & Showroom
More than 30 years delivering World Class light, views, lifestyle & energy efficiency
into quality Australian homes
3 Ellis Avenue8335 4400
Artarmon | Showroom OPENING IN EASTER 2016!
Photo courtesy Sheridan Building Services
Which brand of window deservesto be in your next Master Build ?
8AP
RIL
/M
AY
20
16
NE
WS
BR
IEF
-
rylock.comAlexandria | Factory & Showroom
More than 30 years delivering World Class light, views, lifestyle & energy efficiency
into quality Australian homes
3 Ellis Avenue8335 4400
Artarmon | Showroom OPENING IN EASTER 2016!
Photo courtesy Sheridan Building Services
Which brand of window deservesto be in your next Master Build ?
-
WORK HEALTH AND SAFETY
LEGAL AND CONTRACTS
HOUSING
HOUSING
REVIEW OF HIGH RISK WORK LICENSING AND TRAININGSafe Work Australia (SWA) is currently
conducting a review of the occupations
currently classifi ed as High Risk Work (HRW)
under the model Work Health Safety (WHS)
Regulations. As part of this review, seven
classes were identifi ed as not potentially
meeting the regulatory intervention
benchmark under the model WHS Regulations
warranting regulatory licensing intervention.
The occupational classifi cations under
review are:
Derick Crane
Portal Boom Crane
Bridge and Gantry Crane
Materials Hoist
Reach Stacker
Order-picking Forklift Truck; and
Reciprocating Steam Engine.
Master Builders compiled feedback as to
whether the above classifi cations should retain
their high risk status and provided these as a
submission on the matter to SWA.
In addition, SWA sought preliminary comment
on training and assessment issues for HRW
and asbestos licensing, as part of a broader
review of the quality of training for HRW.
Master Builders also provided feedback to
SWA on whether or not the existing licensing
and training framework is adequate.
INFINITY CABLE RECALL UPDATE ACCC ISSUES NEW WARNING ON OBLIGATIONS OF BUILDERSMaster Builders recently attended the Infi nity
Cable Stakeholders teleconference convened
by the ACCC. At the teleconference, the
ACCC reported that the progress of the recall
continued at a slow but steady pace with a
total of 1537km of cable either remediated,
scheduled to be remediated or recovered
from stores. This fi gure constitutes 39% of
properties identifi ed as containing the cable.
The ACCC has vowed to continue pursuit of
the recall until the vast majority of the cable is
either remediated or accounted for.
The ACCC is also of the view that builders
or electricians who do not take appropriate
steps to report to the supplier where the
cables have been installed, or fail to contact
home owners about the recall, can be issued
with rectifi cation orders, prosecuted or suffer
other penalties if the cables left in situ cause
property damage, personal injury or loss of
life. The ACCC also stated that attempting
to contact owners about the presence of
the cabling may also not be enough and in
the event of owners avoiding contact from
contractors or remediation, builders and
electricians have an obligation to alert the
relevant State or Territory electrical regulator.
The bulletin that outlines the ACCCs position
on the obligations of builders and electricians
under the recall can be found via this link -
https://www.accc.gov.au/publications/have-
you-installed-any-recalled-infi nity-cables-in-
the-last-six-years
Shaun Schmitke, National Director
Industrial Relations
HOUSING MOBILITYHigher income households appear more
likely to move home than their lower income
counterparts. New fi gures from the Australian
Bureau of Statistics report nearly one-half
(49 %) of those in the highest income quintile
(the top 20 % of income earners) have
moved home in the previous fi ve years. At
the other end of the income spectrum, 36
% of households in the lowest quintile (the
bottom 20 % of income earners) moved over
the same period. Households living in fl ats
or apartments were far more likely to move
home (71 %) during the previous fi ve years
than those living in terrace/townhouses
(57 %) or separate houses (35 %).
HOUSING PREFERENCESQuality of life and social experiences are
more important determinants than housing
affordability amongst young people in their
decision on where to live. A new survey
by the National Australia Bank (NAB) has
found young people rate highly factors such
as good local shopping, having friends in
the local community, and having parks and
garden nearby. By comparison, they attached
lesser importance to having access to
affordable housing.
Brent Davis, National Director Industry Policy
LEGAL AND CONTRACTS
FEDERAL BUDGET SUBMISSIONMaster Builders has provided the Federal
Government with our Pre-Budget submission
setting out our priorities for the 2016/17
Federal Budget. Key policy themes
addressed in the submission range across
taxation, housing affordability, workplace
productivity and skills, regulation reform,
infrastructure and immigration. If members
would like any additional information on any
aspect of the submission, or the policy issues
discussed, please do not hesitate to contact
the Master Builders National Offi ce on
(02) 6202 8888.
RENTAL YIELDSRental yields on residential properties are
expected to remain fairly much unchanged
across most of the major capital cities over
2016, according to forecasts from CoreLogic,
a consultancy. The strongest rental yields are
predicted to occur in Hobart (at 5.5 %) and
Darwin (5.2 %), while more moderate results
are likely in Sydney (3.4 %) and Melbourne
(3.2 %). On a national-average basis, the yield
on residential rental properties is expected to
be around 3.4 % in 2016, little changed on the
3.5 % recorded last calendar year.
FOREIGN INVESTMENTForeign investors appear to be dominating
the purchase of inner ring sites with the
potential for redevelopment into higher
density living. An analysis by Knight Frank,
a consultancy, has found foreign investors
accounted for just under 63 % of the $4.6
billion of such sales in the year to August
2015. The highest rate of foreign investor
activity was in Perth (where they accounted
for 65 % of such purchases), with the lowest
being in Melbourne (at just under 48 %).
DEMOGRAPHY Australias immigration intake continues
to slow, growing by just 1.4 % in the year
to June 2015. Victoria experienced the
strongest growth rate in immigration (up 1.7
%) with NSW and the ACT following (both
sitting on the national average). By contrast,
South Australia and the Northern Territory
shared the lowest rate of immigration growth
(at just 0.4 %). The 1.4 % annual growth rate
is well down on the peak of 2.2 % per annum
recorded in the year to December 2008.
Traditionally, immigration has accounted for
more than one-half of housing demand in
Australia, so swings in the immigration intake
have important implications for the building
and construction industry.
10AP
RIL
/M
AY
20
16
NE
WS
BR
IEF
-
TECHNICAL
TRAININGTRAINING TECHNICAL
GOVERNMENT INVITES SUBMISSIONS TO VET ASSESSMENT REVIEWThe Government has recently called for
submissions to its review into improving
quality in VET assessment.
At the 20 November 2015 meeting of the
COAG Industry and Skills Council it was
agreed the Australian Government Minister
for Vocational Education and Skills, the
Hon Luke Hartsuyker MP, consult with VET
stakeholders and all jurisdictions on reform
options to improve assessment in VET.
Priority areas for investigation are approaches
to strengthening the skills of VET trainers
and assessors, consideration of improved
validation of assessment, including potential
for greater industry involvement, and options
for tougher regulatory interventions.
To support this consultation process, the
Quality of assessment in vocational education
and training Discussion Paper has been
released to seek stakeholder views on reforms
to improve the conduct of assessment in VET.
The paper is informed by the deliberations
of the Training and Assessment Working
Group and responses to the paper will inform
the Working Groups advice to the Minister
on options to improve assessment in VET.
The Minister will then report back for the
COAG Industry and Skills Councils further
consideration on actions to be taken.
The Government invites a response to the
paper, available on the departments website
at www.education.gov.au/improving-quality-
assessment-vet. Master Builders will prepare
a submission on behalf of members.
Robert Wilson, National Director Workforce
Development Training
PRIME MINISTER ANNOUNCES NEW MINISTER FOR VOCATIONAL EDUCATION AND SKILLSOn 13 February 2016, the Prime Minister,
the Hon Malcolm Turnbull, announced his
Ministry reshuffl e.
In relation to the Education and Training
portfolio, Senator the Hon Scott Ryan, has
been appointed as Minister for Vocational
Education and Skills. Senator Ryan replaces
the Hon Luke Hartsuyker MP as Minister for
Vocational Education and Skills.
Senator the Hon Simon Birmingham, remains
Minister for Education and Training and Senator
the Hon Richard Colbeck, remains Minister for
Tourism and International Education.
The new Ministry was sworn in by the Governor-
General on Thursday 18 February 2016.
CONSTRUCTION APPRENTICE NUMBERS A STAND OUT IN LATEST NCVER REPORTAccording to latest data from the National
Centre for Vocational Education Research
(NCVER), all apprenticeships and traineeships
commencements decreased by 8.8% to 175
900 while completions decreased by 21.5%,
to 127,200.
However, the report revealed a positive result
for the construction industry, including:
Construction, Plumbing & Services is
the most used Training Package in the
National Training System with 48,900
students currently in training;
4,900 commencements in the construction,
plumbing and services training package in
the September 2015 quarter more than
any other training package;
In 12 months ending 30 September 2015,
24,300 commencements in construction
trades, which is just shy of the record pf
commencements set in 2008. In fact,
construction training saw commencements
increase by 28% during the year.
Master Builders is working with the Australian
Government though our Towards 2020
Apprenticeship policy to grow the number
of construction apprentices and improve the
quality of training delivery across the system.
ABCB CONDENSATION SURVEYThe ABCB is currently undertaking a scoping
study project on condensation in residential
buildings. A survey was released with the
objective of gathering evidence and feedback
on the extent of condensation problems
and the likely causes, as well as gaining an
understanding of industrys capacity to manage
condensation risks in new residential buildings.
Should you wish to participate in the survey,
please follow this link:
www.surveymonkey.com/r/HK2JBWF
DISRUPTIVE TECHNOLOGYHuman Condition Safety (HCS) is a spin-out
of Human Condition Labs, a research and
development lab that uses technology to
create solutions that have substantial and
positive social impact.
HCSs technology--including wearable
devices, artifi cial intelligence, building
information modelling and cloud computing-
-creates an ecosystem that keeps workers
safer in the industries in which they face the
most physical risk.
Human Condition Safety (HCS) is creating
a suite of tools that helps workers and
their managers prevent injuries before they
happen. Incorporating wearable devices,
artifi cial intelligence, building information
modelling and cloud computing, the product
suite is designed for the industries that
hold the highest risk for workers, including
manufacturing, energy, warehousing and
distribution, and construction.
WEARABLE TECHNOLOGY - Advanced
fused sensor technology disappears into
traditional safety clothing enabling workers
and employers to run the safest job sites
possible and develop deep insights about
safety and effi ciency.
ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE - Software that
learns from past events and can identify safety
issues in real-time as well as predicting future
events. What can be prevented right now, and
what can be prevented in the future?
BIM INTEGRATION - To bring the virtual and
physical world together. As an Autodesk
development partner, the technology can be
integrated with existing BIM workfl ows.
HCS conducted its fi rst pilot project at
New Yorks Jacob K. Javits Convention
Center in Q2 of 2015, and currently is in its
second pilot project at Citi Field ballpark.
HCS will continue to conduct pilots in
multiple locations and with various industries
throughout 2016. These pilots are real-
world trials to identify leading indicators of
potential injuries, and to demonstrate how
HCSs technology creates measureable
improvements to reduce the frequency and
severity of work-related injuries
Benjamin Moseley, National Director
Building Regulations and Standards,
11
AP
RIL
/M
AY
20
16
NE
WS
BR
IEF
-
TECHNICAL TECHNICAL TECHNICAL
CLIMATE CHANGE ROUNDTABLE MEETING WITH MINISTER GREG HUNTMaster Builders Australia participated in the
Round Table meeting chaired by Minister Hunt.
Meeting included a briefi ng on the outcomes
of the Paris climate change conference and
an update on the Governments climate
change policies.
At the meeting other industry associations
were quick to try and blame global warming on
the existing residential stock in Australia, citing
not high enough mandatory energy effi ciency
requirements to new and existing houses.
The National Energy Productivity Plan was
spruiked by the same associations as the
answer to global warming.
Minister Hunt informed the Round Table
that Minister Frydenberg and himself,
were forming a working group on Energy
Effi ciency to work out the architecture of the
implementation of the NEPP.
Master Builders Australia have been asked to
join this working group.
During the round table, the Master Builders
logical and common sense approach,
that it is not the building fabric, rather the
occupants lifestyle and behavioural choices,
that affects energy consumption of the
household, was championed.
Master Builders Australia communicated to
Minister Hunt that education and motivation
of the household in the simple process
on how to reduce energy use, will see the
greatest result in the shortest time.
Subsequent to the meeting, Master Builders
Australia has begun working and developing
two new policies on;
1. Energy Effi cient Affordable Housing
2. Energy Effi ciency in the Home
These will be developed along the
following principles;
Educate consumers to the cost of use
Change consumer behaviour in the home
Incentives / Concessions to build with
both renewable and storable energy
Technology advancement
Deregulation
Urban consolidation rather than
urban sprawl
PROPOSAL TO REVIEW AS4299 NOT SUPPORTED BY INDUSTRYThe proposal to review AS4299 - Adaptable
Housing has not been supported by Standards
Australia at present because of the lack of
response by the housing industry.
Master Builders Australia responded to a request
from the Australian Network for Universal
Housing Design (ANUHD) to support the review
for this standard.
Master Builders response is that the industry,
through Liveable Housing, is seeking a non-
mandatory way for the voluntary adoption of
design guidelines for making housing more
accessible for people with a range of disabilities.
Master Builders Australia has been very
involved in promoting the adoption of the
Livable Housing guidelines. Master Builders
CEO is a director of Livable Housing and
has been since its inception. This refl ects the
commitment of Master Builders to the greater
adoption of the Livable Housing guidelines
Master Builders position is to actively
support Livable Housing and promotion of its
guidelines on a voluntary basis.
NON-CONFORMING PRODUCTSMaster Builders Australia is continuing its
advocacy and lobbying of this important and
high profi le issue with CEO Wilhelm Harnisch
appeared before the Senate Inquiry into NCPs
(which was established at the instigation of
cross bench Senator Nick Xenophon in 2015)
on Monday 15 February 2016.
Master Builders Australia referred to its main
recommendations made in its 5 August
2015 Submission to the Senate Economic
Reference Committee Inquiry into Non-
Conforming Building Products.
Greater consumer and industry
awareness (see Section 7.5);
Stronger consumer and industry
decision-making (see Section 7.6);
Strengthening the existing Codemark
Scheme (see Section 7.7);
Expanded oversight of Product
Certifi cation (see Section 7.8);
Enhanced confi dential reporting
(see Section 7.9);
Refocusing the ACCC and making the
regulatory environment clearer
(see Section 7.10); and,
Reducing variations to the National
Construction Code (see Section 7.11).
CONSTRUCTION APPRENTICE NUMBERS A STAND OUT IN LATEST NCVER REPORTAccording to latest data from the National
Centre for Vocational Education Research
(NCVER), all apprenticeships and
traineeships commencements decreased
by 8.8% to 175 900 while completions
decreased by 21.5%, to 127 200.
However, the report revealed a positive result
for the construction industry, including:
Construction, Plumbing & Services is
the most used Training Package in the
National Training System with 48,900
students currently in training;
4,900 commencements in the construction,
plumbing and services training package in
the September 2015 quarter more than
any other training package;
In 12 months ending 30 September
2015, 24,300 commencements in
construction trades, which is just shy
of the record pf commencements set
in 2008. In fact, construction training
saw commencements increase by 28%
during the year.
Master Builders is working with the Australian
Government though our Towards 2020
Apprenticeship policy to grow the number
of construction apprentices and improve the
quality of training delivery across the system.
EVENTS
MASTER BUILDERS NATIONAL
CONFERENCE AND
NATIONAL AWARDS
Master Builders Australias 2015 National
Conference and Awards was held at Jupiters
Gold Coast in November and has been hailed
an outstanding success delivering a balanced
and rewarding program. The Building Australia
theme focused on leadership and assisting
members in continuing to grow their business
whilst developing and maintaining strong
leadership attributes within their business ethos.
Delegates and sponsors feedback has been
very encouraging with a post conference
survey rating their overall experience at
8.4 out of 10.
For more information, visit www.waterstopstreamline.com.auPhone 07 5426 3700 Fax 07 5426 3711 Email [email protected] WA
TE12
057
Are your showers ticking time bombs?
Most contractors are at a complete loss as to why, but detailed testing has shown how, by the action of expansion and contraction, water is pumped along glue cavities to escape the shower enclosure, no matter how well it is water-proofed.
The best way to prevent the problem is to seal the screen directly to the membrane, and NOT to the tiles.
Waterstop Streamline provides:
Positive connection between screen and membrane Maximises oor area Provides a template for following trades Ensures correct fall to waste Complies with and exceeds AS3740 Modern, cost effective, one-piece design 20 different shapes and sizes Minimum change for maximum bene ts
Despite builders best efforts, leaking showers are consistently listed in the BSAs top ten defects.
Sadly, sometimes this is due to sub-standard workmanship, but most of the time it is the design of the shower itself which is creating the potential for disaster.
Remove the doubt. Fit Waterstop Streamline ... and forget about leaking showers.
My business has expanded rapidly since we started using the Waterstop Streamline hob and I now have tilers recommending the Waterstop Streamline system and me to other builders. Everyone that uses it loves it.Mr Fred Meddings, Managing DirectorWatertight Australia (Water-proofers)
Rebated or flow-through shower
Screen sealed to tiles with siliconS
cree
n
Tile
Water path
Water escapes shower enclosure
BedBed
Membrane
Screen sealed to tiles with silicon
Water path
Scr
een
Tile
Hob
Water escapes shower enclosure
Substrate
Membrane
Tile
Bed
Hobbed shower Waterstop Streamline
Bed
Membrane
Tile
Screen
Tile height gauge
Streamline
Keyway to trap liquid membrane
Screen sealed to membrane with silicone
Bathroom floor tile height optional
By using Waterstop Streamline I know the shower will be perfect every time. It has to be, because this product is designed to dictate placement of all of the other components to make up a complete shower. Its virtually impossible to stuff it up.
Mr Glen Whitehead, Managing DirectorBJM Developments
WATE12057 MB FP_AD_DEC11.indd 1 4/01/12 1:23 PM
12AP
RIL
/M
AY
20
16
NE
WS
BR
IEF
-
For more information, visit www.waterstopstreamline.com.auPhone 07 5426 3700 Fax 07 5426 3711 Email [email protected] WATE
1205
7
Are your showers ticking time bombs?
Most contractors are at a complete loss as to why, but detailed testing has shown how, by the action of expansion and contraction, water is pumped along glue cavities to escape the shower enclosure, no matter how well it is water-proofed.
The best way to prevent the problem is to seal the screen directly to the membrane, and NOT to the tiles.
Waterstop Streamline provides:
Positive connection between screen and membrane Maximises oor area Provides a template for following trades Ensures correct fall to waste Complies with and exceeds AS3740 Modern, cost effective, one-piece design 20 different shapes and sizes Minimum change for maximum bene ts
Despite builders best efforts, leaking showers are consistently listed in the BSAs top ten defects.
Sadly, sometimes this is due to sub-standard workmanship, but most of the time it is the design of the shower itself which is creating the potential for disaster.
Remove the doubt. Fit Waterstop Streamline ... and forget about leaking showers.
My business has expanded rapidly since we started using the Waterstop Streamline hob and I now have tilers recommending the Waterstop Streamline system and me to other builders. Everyone that uses it loves it.Mr Fred Meddings, Managing DirectorWatertight Australia (Water-proofers)
Rebated or flow-through shower
Screen sealed to tiles with siliconS
cree
n
Tile
Water path
Water escapes shower enclosure
BedBed
Membrane
Screen sealed to tiles with silicon
Water path
Scr
een
Tile
Hob
Water escapes shower enclosure
Substrate
Membrane
Tile
Bed
Hobbed shower Waterstop Streamline
Bed
Membrane
Tile
Screen
Tile height gauge
Streamline
Keyway to trap liquid membrane
Screen sealed to membrane with silicone
Bathroom floor tile height optional
By using Waterstop Streamline I know the shower will be perfect every time. It has to be, because this product is designed to dictate placement of all of the other components to make up a complete shower. Its virtually impossible to stuff it up.
Mr Glen Whitehead, Managing DirectorBJM Developments
WATE12057 MB FP_AD_DEC11.indd 1 4/01/12 1:23 PM
-
BANJO BUSINESS AWARDS WINNERSCongratulations to the below MBA members
who were awarded Banjo Business Awards
at the gala dinner and awards night held
on Friday 12th February 2016. The Banjo
Business Awards aim to encourage and
celebrate local business and to recognise
the important contribution they make to the
well-being and growth of our city. Photos
courtesy of the Central Western Daily and
photographer Jude Keogh.
Luke Knight and Kal Smith of L-Con Building and Construction accept the Banjo Business Award for Excellence in Construction and Trade from Gary Holway (left). Photo: Jude Keogh
Peter OBrien (right) of Peter OBrien Constructions accepts the Peoples Choice Award for Outstanding Tradie from Orange Business Chamber president Tony Healey. Photo: Jude Keogh
Green Homes Australia builder Jason Hopkins (right) accepts the Banjo Business Award for Excellence in Sustainability from Graham Gentles. Photo: Jude Keogh
MBA CENTRAL WEST GOLF DAYMBA Central West division held the Brendon
Sturgeon Memorial Building Picnic Golf Day again
this year on Friday 19 February. 96 players attended
Wentworth Golf Club Orange, to contend for the
major prize of 2 barbeques, donated by Tilstons
Building Exhibition Centre, which were won by
Matthew Wright and Kieren Gentles (middle and
right). 2nd Prize, 2 prize packs donated by Tates
Quality Building Supplies, was won by John
Thanks to the generosity of the players, a donation
of $1000 was raised for Give me 5 for Kids.
The Central West division would like to thank
our major sponsors for their ongoing support:
We would also like to thank the following
local businesses for their generosity in
supporting the day:
McDonald and Kingsley Nash. Shane Morris and
Mark Jasprizza won jackets, eskies, stubby holders
and other promotional gear donated by golf day
sponsors for their 3rd place effort.
All players received prizes on the day including
2 Makita drills, won by Brock Duncan and Chris
Holmes, and a timber picnic table donated by
Westruss, was won by Brian Turner.
CE
NT
RA
L W
ES
T A
ND
OR
AN
A
14AP
RIL
/M
AY
20
16
RE
GIO
NA
L R
OU
ND
UP
-
YOUR HOME IS PROTECTED BY BAYER
Bayer offers Australias most comprehensive termite protection system the Bayer Protection Program. If you choose to activate and be covered by the Bayer Protection Program you will be protected by an exclusive $1 million warranty!
The Bayer Protection Warranty starts with an inspection of the home by a Bayer Accredited Timber Pest Inspector. If the home is termite-free and possible conditions which may be conducive to termite attack are addressed, your Bayer Protection Warranty can be renewed. The same inspection takes place each year to give the homeowner total termite protection. This warranty can be renewed annually (fee applies) for the life of the structure.
Activate your Bayer Protection Warranty by visiting www.kordonwarrantycentre.com.au or contact the Bayer Protection team on 1800 552 802
-
ON SITE AT HARVEY NORMAN COMMERCIALHarvey Norman Commercial recently hosted
our Division Information Night. This was
attended by lots of familiar faces and some
very welcome new ones.
The newly renovated showroom covers
over 700 square meters. This is the largest
appointment only trade showroom on the
Central Coast.
Members were free to view the thousands of
products available and to talk to some of the
suppliers and staff.
Everyone enjoyed plenty of home-made food and
refreshments. One lucky member walked away
with a fantastic Nespresso machine which was
kindly donated by Harvey Norman Commercial.
Scott Rathgen joined us from Wyong Council.
He gave an interesting talk about upcoming
building projects in the local area, and an update
on building certification. Scott stayed busy
answering questions from many of the members.
Zoe Gardiner
Title: Member Services Representative
Adam Munkman talking to a supplier
Matthew Harvey Matthew Harvey and Bruce Webb
Members enjoying the showroom
GO
SF
OR
D
16AP
RIL
/M
AY
20
16
RE
GIO
NA
L R
OU
ND
UP
-
SAFE WORK NSW BREAKFAST FORUM
SOUTHERN REGIONS
The relationship between Master Builders and SafeWork NSW (previously known as WorkCover NSW) is very important. Site Safety isa priority in the construction industry.
The Port Macquarie office aims to hold at
least two SafeWork Breakfast Forums per
year. The purpose of these breakfasts is to
prevent workplace accidents.Our members
are made aware of potential problems on
building sites and how accidents can be
prevented. It also helps keep our members up
to date with any changes in the regulations
and requirements.
Our SafeWork breakfasts are the perfect
opportunity to talk to the SafeWork
inspectors.You canask questions without
inviting them onto your jobsite andhaving an
unwanted site inspection. SafeWork NSW
want to prevent workplace accidents and are
happy to offer their advice rather than do spot
inspections and issue fines.
Southern Regions Building Awards 2016
Entries for the Southern Regions Building
Awards will close Friday 1st April and judging
by Jim Greenshields, Ross Meredith and Bruce
Cohern will commence Monday 11th April
Gala Presentation Night will be held
Saturday 18th June at Ulladulla Civic Centre
commencing at 6pm followed by live
entertainment with Comedian Marty Fields and
music by Hipnosis. Invitations to this major
event will be sent early May.
For further information, please call Lynn Smith
4454 1955.
Women in construction
Lynn Smith, Southern Regions Manger has
been meeting with ladies on the far south
coast in Merimbula since 2007.
These meetings are attended by Wives and
Partners of Members in this region where
we discuss all current matters and mainly
the networking is so great to see amongst
the ladies.
Members at the SafeWork Breakfast at MBA Port Macquarie Office
Our February SafeWork NSW breakfast
wasat the Port Macquarie office and started
with a tasty bacon and egg roll with a cuppa.
We then moved into the Training Room for a
presentation from Rod Allan from SafeWork
NSW and Garry Morris from Essential
Energy. The main focus of their presentation
was working near overhead power lines.
This wasfollowed by an open forum where
attendees were encouraged to ask questions.
For attending this free event,
attendeesreceived 1 CPD Point. It
alsoentitledattendees to a $500.00 rebate
from SafeWork NSW. This can be claimedon
thepurchase of any eligible safety equipment.
It is open to sole traders or small businesses
with up to 50 full time employees.
The feedback has always been really positive
and they cannot wait until the next Meetings
which are held every 3 months prior to an
Industry Update which is held in the evening.
If Ladies are interested, we are looking at
organising these Meetings in our other areas.
We held our first Meeting in Campbelltown in
February which was a great success, the ladies
say they received so much information.
We also have Guest Speakers attending as well.
Teresa Townsend
The Women in Construction meeting held in Merimbula on 2nd March
New staff member for Ulladulla
We would like to introduce new MBA Staff
Member Teresa Townsend who commenced
with the MBA in February as Member
Services Representative.
Teresa will be assisting Lynn Smith to
assist in providing the best services for our
Regional Members.
PO
RT
MA
CQ
UA
RIE
- SO
UT
HE
RN
RE
GIO
NS
We look forward to seeing you at our next
SafeWork Breakfast, so you can be on top of
your workplace safety.
Kerrie Clark
Member Services Representative
17
AP
RIL
/M
AY
20
16
RE
GIO
NA
L R
OU
ND
UP
-
NE
WC
AS
TL
E
KEY DATES:Entries close 6 May 2016Judging 13 June 24 June 2016Gala Event 9 September 2016 at Wests New Lambton, Starlight RoomEntertainment Comedian - Marty Fields and 70s Rock Band - Dragon
2016 EXCELLENCE IN BUILDING AWARDS NEWCASTLE ENTRIES ARE NOW OPEN
To download entry forms, please visit:http://bit.ly/newcastleawards
HOUSING ENTRY FORMClosing Date: Friday 6 May 2016
MASTER BUILDERS ASSOCIATION
2016 EXCELLENCE IN BUILDING AWARDS NEWCASTLE
COMMERCIAL ENTRY FORMClosing Date: Friday 6 May 2016
MASTER BUILDERS ASSOCIATION
2016 EXCELLENCE IN BUILDING AWARDS NEWCASTLE
18AP
RIL
/M
AY
20
16
RE
GIO
NA
L R
OU
ND
UP
-
AUGMENTED REALITY INTERACTIVE WORKING AT HEIGHTS EXPERIENCE INITIATIVE, MADE EASY!Master Builders NSW recently launched its Working at Heights Initiative supported by SafeWork NSW. The initiative was launched on Friday 19 February 2016 by Mr Peter Dunphy PSM, Executive Director SafeWork NSW.
Photo: Steven Swan
Master Builders Augmented Reality Interactive
Working at Heights Experience Initiative is
particularly designed to reach younger workers
in the industry who may lack the necessary
experience when working at heights. Workers
under 25 years of age account for 20 percent
of work related injuries. In order to engage with
younger workers, Master Builders has used the
medium of Augmented Reality (AR) to convey the
working at heights safety message.
In order to experience the Master Builders
augmented reality safety initiative, simply
download the ProViS AR app and scroll to the
MBA NSW icon. Point your devices camera
at the elements on the poster, which then
launches the relevant content, module or Code
19
AP
RIL
/M
AY
20
16
CO
VE
R F
EA
TU
RE
-
of Practice. Features include a number of
graphic falling from heights scenarios and 360
degree immersion experience on a building
site that serves to outline potential hazards
and drive engagement in the training process.
Literally hundreds of pages of information and
image can then be accessed.
Mr John Hutchings ProVisual CEO, has
worked tirelessly and closely with the
MBA NSW in the development of the (AR)
experience that includes the use of Computer
Generated Image (CGI) technology at the
MBA launch. John delivered an interactive
presentation on the content of the poster and
the numerous windows and pathways that the
interactive poster can offer. The experience
is accessed via platformed based technology
that enables the content to be changed almost
instantaneously, allowing the provider to upload
content as it happens.
Ashley Schulz 2015 MBA Apprentice of the year
displayed how easy the AR experience was to
use, by connecting her own smartphone to the
app, projecting her selected pathway through
the AR poster to the audience via two large
screens. This further supported the ease with
which the app can be used.
Motivational Speaker, David Crawford, Spinal
Cord Injuries Australia, Team Safe Coordinator,
delivered an inspirational presentation
captivating the audiences attention with
his own experience drawing the focus to
the importance of and the serious nature of
working at heights, faced everyday within the
Building and Construction Industry.
Master Builders Association of New South
Wales would like to thank all those involved
with the development, delivery, coordination
and attendance at the event, which was a
resounding success in a bid to raise working
at heights awareness to the younger Building
and Construction Industry workforce, through
technology they use every day.
David Solomon,
Executive Offi cer Safety, MBA NSW
Photo: Steven Swan
20AP
RIL
/M
AY
20
16
CO
VE
R F
EA
TU
RE
-
Photos: Steven Swan
INTERACT WITH THE FRONT COVERThe front cover of this magazine has hidden interactive capabilities.
Follow these three easy steps to experience Augmented Reality.
1. Download the free Pro-Vis AR app from the Apple store or Google Play.
2. Open the Pro-Vis AR app and scroll across to fi nd the MBA icon.
3. Once loaded, use your smart device to scan over the magazine cover to view interactive content.
21
AP
RIL
/M
AY
20
16
CO
VE
R F
EA
TU
RE
-
Master Builders Association of NSW Working At Heights Interactive Initiative
HOW TO ASSESS THE RISKA risk assessment will help you determine:
What could happen if a fall did occur and how likely it is to happen How severe a risk is -whether any existing control measures are effective What action you should take to control the risk How urgently the action needs to be taken
You must identify all locations and tasks that could cause injury due to a fall. This includes access to
the areas where work is to be carried out. Tasks that need particular attention are those carried out:
On any structure or plant being constructed or installed, demolished or dismantled, inspected, tested, repaired or cleaned
On a fragile surface (for example, cement sheeting roofs, rusty metal roofs, fibreglass sheeting roofs and skylights)
On a potentially unstable surface (for example, areas where there is potential for ground collapse) Using equipment to work at the elevated level (for example, when using elevating work platforms or portable ladders)
On a sloping or slippery surface where it is difficult for people to maintain their balance (for example, on glazed tiles)
Near an unprotected open edge (for example, near incomplete stairwells) - near a hole, shaft or pit into which a worker could fall (for example, trenches, lift shafts or service pits).
BARRIERS Barriers (or edge protection) to prevent a person falling over edges and into
holes should be provided on relevant parts of a solid construction. The barrier
should be designed and constructed to withstand the force of someone falling
against it. Edge protection should consist of guard rails, solid balustrades or
other structural components. The top of the guard rail or component should
be between 900 mm and 1100 mm above the working surface. If a guard rail
system is used, it should also have mid-rails and toe boards or wire mesh infill panels. If access is
required to equipment (for example, a hoist) it should be protected with gates, safety chains or other
means to prevent a person falling.
PROTECTION OF OPENINGS AND HOLESHoles, penetrations and openings through which a person could fall should
be made safe immediately after being formed. If a cover is used as a control
measure, it must be made of a material that is strong enough to prevent
persons or objects falling through and must be securely fixed to prevent any
dislodgement or accidental removal.
Preventing falls in housing construction code of practice July 2014.
More than 600 workers fall from a height each year.
Dont fall for it.
SAFE USE OF LADDERSLadders are primarily a means of access and egress. Many falls take place
when people are working from ladders. In addition, when using a ladder:
The working width and movement is limited. The time involved in moving and setting up ladders is often
underestimated when planning work.
The working position on ladders is often uncomfortable (the need to stretch sideways, work above shoulder height and stand on narrow rungs for a long time) and may cause musculoskeletal
disorders.
For these reasons, you should consider whether an elevating work platform or scaffolding would
be safer and more efficient. They should only be used as a working platform for light work of short
duration that can be carried out safely on the ladder. Ladders should have a load rating of at least 120
kg and be manufactured for industrial use.
Any ladder used at a workplace must be set up on a solid and stable surface, and set up so as to
prevent the ladder from slipping. Single and extension ladders can be prevented from slipping by
placing ladders at a slope of 4:1, and setting up stepladders in the fully opened position and securing
ladders at the top or bottom, or if necessary, at both ends.
LADDER MAINTENANCELadders should be regularly inspected by a competent person in accordance
with the manufacturers recommendations. Ladders with any of the following
faults must be replaced or repaired:
Fibreglass stiles cracked, chipped or severely faded with fibres exposed Timber stiles warped, splintered, cracked or bruised Metal stiles twisted, bent, kinked, crushed or with cracked welds or
damaged feet
Rungs, steps, treads or top plates that are missing, worn, damaged or loose
Tie rods missing, broken or loose Ropes, braces, or brackets that are missing, broken or worn Timber members that are covered with opaque paint or other treatment that could disguise faults in the timber
Missing, loose, bent or worn fasteners, ie rivets, bolts and pins
Worn or damaged feet, including non-slip material.
Managing the risk of falls at workplaces code of practice July 2015
ScanHere
ScanHere
ScanHere
DOWNLOAD THE APP AND INTERACT WITH THIS GUIDE
ScanHere
CommercialResidential
MBA Poster_Mag2.indd 1 11/04/2016 10:36 am22A
PR
IL/
MA
Y 2
01
6C
OV
ER
FE
AT
UR
E
-
THE WOMEN OF BOWER PROJECTSKaren Kellock, MBA Apprenticeship Manager speaks with Ben Thomson and Jamelle Saade of Bower Projects, along with new MBA apprentice, Raecene McGregor, the Building and Construction Industry
After only a short conversation with Ben
Thomson, you are left with the strong impression
that Bower Projects value women in their
business. When asked why he felt so strongly
about having women at all levels of the business,
he answers simply, Women bring diversity and
creativity they look at things differently and bring
different opinions to any situation
Ben speaks incredibly highly of Jamelle
Saade, Project Engineer on Bowers Windsor
Garden Project at Baulkham Hills. Jamelle
is a young woman who has worked with
reputable builders in the past and started
with Bower Projects in 2015. She was runner
up Master Builders Association Cadet of the
Year in 2012 and after speaking with her for a
short time, you dont need to be a genius to
know this young woman has found her place
in the industry. Her role involves liaising with
architects and engineers, sub-contractors,
local council and of course, the client.
Shes involved in design co-ordination and
development and tells me that theres nothing
she hates about her job.
What makes me good at my job is the way I
work with people
Jamelle said it was hard when she fi rst started
out, I had no experience and I went into
this career with a blindfold on, but it was the
different people and environment that made
the difference. Im still learning everyday
I asked her what its like working for Bower
Projects: Bower Projects is unique. Im part of
a team and the level of respect I receive from
Ben, Adrian Banks and the rest of the team
make me want to be more involved. Theres no
feeling of exclusion. They are like family
Jamelle shared with me a piece of advice
given to her when she fi rst started out as a
Construction Management Cadet Dont try to
Women bring diversity and creativity they look at things differently and bring different
opinions to any situation
be a man, and dont be too girly either. Find your
space in the middle Ive seen some women
struggle in this industry, as they swear, yell and
scream, trying to fi t in by being rough and acting
like a man. You need to remember that you are
still a woman and need to present yourself in a
proper manner. I dont try to be someone Im not,
on a day to day basis I am myself and thats
what has made me successful
Bower Projects have committed to taking
on apprentices through Master Builders
Apprenticeship Service. Jamie Austin-Lean
started with Bower Projects on completion
of the Master Builders Pre Apprenticeship
Program on 12 October 2015.
Photo:Steven Swan
23
AP
RIL
/M
AY
20
16
AP
PR
EN
TIC
ES
HIP
-
Their new apprentice, Raecene McGregor, starts
on Tuesday 24 February 2016. When Raecene
left school, she originally wanted to be a Flight
Attendant. It was a family friend who asked her to
help out building some decks. During this time,
he recognized her capability and suitability for the
building industry and advised her to talk to MBA
about a Carpentry Apprenticeship.
Having completed the MBA Pre Apprenticeship
Program on 12 February 2016, Raecene was
offered a placement with Bower Projects.
Raecene has a lot to learn and Bower Projects
are more than willing to support her throughout
her apprenticeship.
Ben Thomson explains to me how Bower
plan to do this: Our apprenticeship Program
guides the apprentices through the industry
by providing them the opportunity to learn
the various facets of construction. Bowers
main priority on site is safety and we enforce
this attitude by allocating the apprentices to
work on safety at the commencement of their
employment. Raecene will spend a good deal
of her time initially working with the Safety
Offi cer. Raecene will learn to recognize what is
unsafe and what needs to be done to make it
safe. From there she will learn the terminology
and the trades on site. She will have a mentor/
buddy to work with and will have someone
with her at all times. The most important thing
Bower aims for is to keep the apprentice
safe and how to communicate with those
she works with. Ben advises Raecene If we
communicate properly, we can get the best out
of people and we are doing our job properly
These two ladies are not the only women
within the Bower Projects family. The list
of positions currently held by women is
impressive, they include: Reception, Accounts,
Chief Financial Offi cer, Project Engineer, HR/
Strategist, Hoist Operator, Traffi c Controller,
Construction Management Cadet, Front End
Design Manager, Project Manager and now,
Carpentry Apprentice.
Ben is clear about the need for women
in the building and construction industry,
to maintain equality of gender within the
business and industry.
Bower Projects are always looking for great
people and are unashamedly recruiting women
into their ranks. Ben Thomson and I are about
to embark on a round of High School visits
to let the female leaders of tomorrow know
that there are businesses out there waiting for
them, and the opportunities are endless.
Ben Thomson (left), Raecene McGregor, Jamelle Saade and Karen Kellock. Photo: Steven Swan
24AP
RIL
/M
AY
20
16
AP
PR
EN
TIC
ES
HIP
-
CALLING ALL ABORIGINAL CONTRACTORSMaster Builders NSW has signed an Industry
Based Agreement with the NSW Government
and one of its primary objectives is to promote
opportunities for Aboriginal contractors in the
building and construction industry.
Master Builder NSW is developing a list of
builders and subcontractors that have at least
equal or greater than 50% Aboriginal ownership.
The list of Aboriginal contractors will be made
available to interested builders and contractors.
The list of Aboriginal contractors will be
available to head contractors on NSW
Government construction projects that are
required to comply with NSW Government
policy for Aboriginal Participation in
Construction (APIC). This policy encourages
the use of Aboriginal contractors and
Aboriginal employment and education in the
construction industry.
Eligible contractors who would like to be
included in the Aboriginal contractors list
should complete the registration form here
http://bit.ly/1SVHPsD
Omesh Jethwani
Government Projects & Programs Manager
9063.Mar1
6.NSW
Call 1300 132 480 Visit originenergy.com.au/buildingindustry
Origin Energy Retail Limited | ABN 22 078 868 425 | Origin Energy (Vic) Pty Limited | ABN 11 086 013 283 | Origin Energy Electricity Limited ABN 33 071 052 287 | Origin Energy LPG Limited | ABN 77 000 508 369 | Sun Retail Pty Limited | ABN 97 078 848 549 | GPO Box 1199 Adelaide SA 5001 | Telephone 13 24 61 | Facsimile 1800 132 463 | originenergy.com.au
SWITCH N WITH ORIGIN
MANAGE JOBS ONLINEManage connection requests online with Origin Connect Assist thats anywhere anytime convenience.
INDUSTRY SPECIALISTSBuilds arent always simple,
so weve got a team of industry specialists supporting you.
WERE READY TO TAKE CARE OF YOUR NEXT PROJECTS ENERGY NEEDS
NEW CONNECTIONS TEAMAustralian based team dedicated to
getting your connections up and running as smoothly and reliably as possible.
25
AP
RIL
/M
AY
20
16
CU
LTU
RA
L D
IVE
RS
ITY
-
CULTURAL DIVERSITY AND EQUALITYOur ability to reach unity in diversity will be the beauty and the test of our civilisation - Mahatma Gandhi
Omesh Jethwani, Government Projects & Programs Manager interviewed Ian Bridger, Director of Across Culture on the importance of adopting and embracing cultural diversity and equality.
Tell us about the inception of Across Culture?
Across Culture (AC) evolved from my previous
business, Bridgeway Barnes and Associates
(BBA). BBA was a training/consulting business.
Prior to BBA I had been working in the
employment sector for a number of years.
During this time I observed that the issue
regarding Indigenous employment was
less around Indigenous people not wanting
to work or organisations not wanting to
employ Indigenous Australians, but more
about organisations not being able to retain
Indigenous people.
So although BBA was doing well, I didnt feel
that I was working where my passion lies;
working with Diverse Cultures and in this
case Indigenous culture. So together with my
current Indigenous business partner, Mark
Spinks, we looked at what was working in
regards to retention.
What we discovered was that mentoring was a
key success factor in the retention of Aboriginal
workers but we also saw that there was no
real quality standards around mentoring and
in fact people were mentoring without a real
understanding of what mentoring entailed.
To address this issue Across Culture, which at
that stage was known as Bridgeway Barnes
and Associates, developed its first Certificate
IV in Mentoring Diverse Groups. Mark became
a business partner and we rebranded to
Across Culture.
So our entry into the market really was through
our Certificate IV in Mentoring Diverse Groups,
this qualification has now been superseded by
our new qualification 10571NAT Certificate IV
in Workplace Mentoring.
As a non-Aboriginal Australian, how did
the Aboriginal community react to you
delivering their 100+ years culture?
It really depends on what our customer wants.
If they are requesting traditional Cultural
Awareness training where the history and
traditions of Indigenous Australians is at the
heart of the learning outcome then we have a
number of Aboriginal trainers who deliver the
training. I dont believe it is appropriate for me
or that I have the knowledge or experience to
deliver this type of training.
If the customer requests cultural knowledge
that has the potential to be implemented
in the workplace or they want to move
beyond cultural awareness towards cultural
competence then I get involved. I often deliver
this type of training with an Indigenous trainer.
In addition to my work with AC I teach at
undergraduate and post graduate level;
Approaches to Cultural Diversity, Managing in
Ambiguity and Change, Society and Culture in
an Organisational Context as well as units such
as Organisational Behaviour.
Given my background I am able to draw
on tools and frameworks, which allow
organisations to understand culture from a
worldview and an organisational perspective.
What is often overlooked, is that we dont have
only 2 cultures interacting in the workplace
at any one time, overarching everything is
organisational culture. We need to bring
organisational culture into the discussion. Then
if we want to take it a step further management
styles are also part of the jigsaw puzzle.
So as you can see its not a matter of simply
understanding Indigenous traditions, values
and history and empathising with the past
and ongoing trauma, theres a lot more to
it, fortunately the people I have worked with
have provided me with some great feedback,
for example in my last work shop 3 of the
comments from people who had already
participated in traditional cultural awareness
training were;
Totally changed my approach to working
with Indigenous people
It was a real eye opener and I will
recommend it highly to others
I will be reviewing existing policies
So in answer to your question I have been very
well received because I also help Indigenous
Australians to understand white Anglo Saxon
Australian culture and workplace culture. Many
of my Indigenous participants have stated that
its a light bulb moment for them.
We need to be looking at culture from a
broader perspective and endeavouring to
understand all cultures in a manner that allows
us to compare and measure culture against
culture. Only then can we begin to look for
solutions and build bridges.
What is cultural diversity and why is it so
important in this day and age?
It has been said that Culture is the 2nd most
difficult word in the English Language to define.
In 1953 there were 163 different definitions
of culture however for myself I like the simple
definition of Cultural Diversity from the Oxford
Dictionary; The existence of a variety of cultural
or ethnic groups within a society or if we are
talking about organisations within organisations.
In terms of the importance of cultural diversity
within the workforce, we currently have a skills
and labour shortage globally. The number of
international migrants continues to grow. For
example, in 1996, Stephen Cranby (1996)
estimated that international migration resulted
in 125 million people living in countries not of
26AP
RIL
/M
AY
20
16
CU
LTU
RA
L D
IVE
RS
ITY
-
their birth. In 2005, the International Integration
and Refugee Association estimated 190 million
international migrants, about three per cent of
global population.
Business is becoming more competitive as
overseas businesses access local markets.
The ability of organisations to understand other
cultures and thereby access these markets, attract
labour and skills is of paramount importance.
Those organisations that have a culturally diverse
workforce have a competitive advantage. With
input from their diverse employee base they can
understand different markets and products, what
different cultures value and how to attract them
to their labour force.
Why do you think racism persist in Australia
despite the countrys commitment to
cultural diversity and equality?
Unfortunately racism is alive and well, my
thoughts on this are that as a nation we are not
culturally educated. By that I mean we just dont
understand culture, we dont even understand
our own culture let alone anyone elses.
If were serious about cultural diversity and
equality we need to invest in it where it counts.
For example, I know there seems to be a lot of
money being invested in Indigenous programs
but its still not reaching the ground. Despite all
th