MB magazine - February/March 2014

February/March 2014

masterbuilder

Housing & Construction

Awards entries open

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Contents

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 2014

3410

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volume 51 NUMBER 4

Front cover: North Queensland Sporting & Community Services Facilities $5 million – $20 million – Carmichael Builders Pty Ltd, Cloncurry Community Projects

Published by

Master Builders Queensland417 Wickham Terrace, Brisbane Queensland 4000Phone: (07) 3225 6444Fax: (07) 3225 6545Email: [email protected] www.masterbuilders.asn.au

Editor: Christine Barton, [email protected] Graphic Design: Paula Trousdell,[email protected] Advertising: Ken Lane, Crowther Blayne Media Specialists, (07) 5553 2804,[email protected]: PrintcraftDistribution: Stand and Deliver

Master Builder is the offi cial magazine of MasterrBuilders Queensland. Master Builders is the peak industry association representing building andconstruction in Queensland since 1882. We arethe voice of the industry. Our services support members to operate professional and profi table businesses that deliver superior quality outcomes to their customers.

All advertising and editorial material must adhereto the Master Builders Advertising & EditorialPolicy. A copy of the policy can be found at www.masterbuilders.asn.au.

Privacy: Master Builders Queensland has adoptedthe National Privacy Principles published by the Privacy Commissioner and operates inaccordance with those principles. A copy of MasterBuilders privacy policy can be found at www.masterbuilders.asn.au.

Disclaimer: Any advice or information included inthe publication is given in good faith, but strictlyon the understanding that neither Master Buildersnor the Editor or any other person or organisationcontributing to the publication are to incurany responsibility or legal liability whatsoever(including liability for negligence) should theadvice or information be incorrect, incomplete, inappropriate or in any other way defective and allliability is therefore disclaimed. Articles publishedin this magazine do not necessarily refl ect theopinions or policies of Master Builders, its offi cersand staff .

© This publication is copyright. No part of it may be reproduced, copied, stored on a computer, published,broadcast, rewritten for broadcast or publication,or redistributed directly or indirectly in any medium without prior permission from the Queensland Master Builders Association.

Policy & advocacy14 The issue of non-conforming

building products

Reports & statistics16 Survey reveals improving

industry confi dence and

conditions

18 Housing recovery alive and

well

Contracts & disputes19 Preliminary agreements

26 Cost escalation –

residential contracts

Housing & Construction Awards20 Entries now open

Employment & wages27 Psychiatric or psychological

injury

28 Apprentice rates of pay

Building & planning30 Fixed platforms, walkways,

stairways and ladders

32 Design and siting

standards for class 1 and

class 10 buildings

Laws, codes & regulations 38 Contemporaneous notes in

disputes

Superannuation49 Changes to Super from

1 January 2014

Switching to the Waterstop

Streamline system has been a Switching to the Switching to t

fantastic result for the company.Streamline system hastreamlin y

It ticks all the boxes by being

modern, sleek, easy to install It ticks all the box y gticks all the box y g

and failsafe. sleek, yk, y

Costly repairs associated with

leaking shower trays are now a Costly repairs assCost y p

thing of the past. g shower tr yg show y

Luke Pearce

QLD Construction Manager, Devine Homes

For more information, visit www.waterstopstreamline.com.au

Phone 07 5426 3700

Hear what our customers are saying about Waterstop Streamline

I am happy to give my recommendation to use Waterstop Streamline.

py g my recommenday g y recomme

It is the only modern looking product that I have seen that positively

y dern looking produy dern looking prod

connects the shower screen to the

n that positivelyat positively

waterproofing in a completely leak free way...

g a compg

Mr Albert Aeberhard Builder, Hotondo Homes Group ACT

Using Waterstop Streamline in all

our shower areas has made life easy Using Waterstop St

for waterproofing and our tilers.ur shower areas has yr shower

They are so simple to install and

always look very professional.hey are so simpy are s p

I recommend to all my clients

to use the Waterstop Streamline I recommen ymm y

system in their shower areas.

Mr Kerry Blake

Director, Blake’s Waterproofi ng

With so many new products

on offer in our industry it With so many new produc

With so many new prod

is difficult to find time to on offer in our industry

on offer in our indust y

investigate them all.

We are very glad we made

time for this one.are very glad w

are veryg

Mr Dennis Wright

Building and Project Manager, Beazley Homes

By using Waterstop Streamline

I know the shower will be using Waterstop

Stusing Waterstop

perfect every time. It has

to be, because this product is perfect every

time. Irfect every

time

designed to dictate place

ment

of all of the other components designed to dict

ate placem

esigned to dictate pla

to make up the complete shower.

It’s virtually impossible to

stuff it up.tually pu y

Mr Glen Whitehead

Managing Director, BJM Developments

My business has expanded rapidly since we started using

y usiness has expanded

y siness has expandedthe Waterstop Streamline

y since we started usi

y since we started hob and now I have tilers voluntarily recommending the

Waterstop system – and me –

tarily recommending th

rily recommendinto other builders.

p system – andp system –

Everyone that uses it loves it.Mr Fred Meddings Managing Director, Watertight Australia

(Waterproofers)

Waterstop Streamline – Why would anyone use anything

else to build a shower?

anyone use anytnyone use anyt

At last someone has got a product together that not only works,

someone has got a producmeone has got

but it looks good and is so easy

g her that not only works,

g that not onfor every trade to work with. It

t looks good and is so easy

t looks good and is so easyeven comes with step by step

y trade to work with. Ik withinstructions on the protective tape.

mes with step by stepmes with step by step

Mr Andrew ShailerAndrew Shailer Tiling

Waterstop is easy to order with efficient delivery.

p y dep y

It has given us the edge on our y

competitors and is our preferred

g dge on ourg g

method of waterproofing and

p preferre

tiling showers.p

IF YOU ARE ONE OF OUR COMPETITORS READING THIS AD

PLEASE IGNORE.

Tony GloverTony Glover Tiling & Waterproofi ng


With building activity levels fi nishing on a high in 2013, Master Builders believes there are a range of factors that will positively impact new dwelling starts over the next 12–24 months and be an added incentive for anyone considering building in 2014.

Master Builders annual Building industry outlook has forecast 32,000 new housing starts along with solid renovation activity in 2013–14. This optimistic forecast for 2013–14 follows stronger starts in 2012–13, which drifted upwards by 3.6% to 29,343, exceeding our forecast of 28,000.We are also anticipating further growth in 2014–15, with levels conservatively forecast to rise by 10.9% to 35,500. If conditions improve further, it is possible that we could exceed 40,000housing starts in Queensland in 2014–15.

Building activity in November was very positive, with November building approvals confi rmingthat Queensland’s housing recovery is thriving (see the ‘Housing recovery alive and well’ articleon page 18).

The further good news is that home buyers and investors are becoming more confi dent, whichwe believe is a critical perquisite for any sustained recovery in construction activity. There area range of factors at play, which are not only conducive to stimulating housing activity and driving these favourable conditions, but are good news for home owners. The favourableconditions include low interest rates (which are helping to stimulate demand for new housing),a more settled domestic political environment, strong economic growth and ongoing population growth.

We know that the industry is currently operating below capacity and crying out for work and we’ll be taking the opportunity during 2014 to promote why this year is shaping up to be such agreat time to consider building or renovating.

Not only are the economic conditions favourable, one of the big benefi ts for consumers will befi nding a contractor who can start work quickly. We’ll be promoting the benefi tthat, in the current climate, consumers will not have to wait too long to get building underway(the 12–18 month waiting periods that were common when building was at its peak prior to2008 are certainly not a problem at present). This is a win-win situation for consumers who wantto fi nd a builder quickly and builders who are looking to grow in 2014.

In a nutshell, we’ll be encouraging anyone who is considering building a new home or renovating, that 2014 is certainly shaping up to be the year to do it.

From an association standpoint, our staff will continue to be at the ready to support and guideyou through what we hope is going to be a year that only gets better. We are currently in theprocess of making some key internal changes that will support our service delivery to members as well as furthering our investment into new products and services that can be delivered tohelp members run their building businesses more effi ciently.

We will also continue our eff orts to speak on behalf of members and the industry to ensure youare well represented.

2014 is shaping up to be the year where we once again move into an era of prosperity andMaster Builders is keen to help drive you through the journey.

Message from the Executive DirectorGrant Galvin – Executive Director

2014: A year for building

WE’LL BEENCOURAGINGANYONE WHO ISCONSIDERINGBUILDING ANEW HOME ORRENOVATING,THAT 2014 IS CERTAINLY SHAPING UP TO BE THE YEAR TO DO IT.


Master Builders strongly supports the state government’s decision to reform the BuildingServices Authority and welcomed the appointment of the Queensland Building andConstruction Commission (QBCC) board in late 2013.

We believe the new, independent QBCC is an important fi rst step towards improving the building and construction industry and balancing the interests of builders, trade contractorsand consumers. Over the last few years, Master Builders has recommended a range of buildingreforms that will help builders and trade contractors to better manage the risk in their business and, at the same time, boost consumer confi dence.

While work on some of these issues has commenced as part of the Queensland Government’s10-point action plan, Master Builders is looking forward to working closely with the QBCC toensure our full list of reforms is addressed.

The reforms called on by Master Builders include:

• Retaining the mandatory home warranty insurance scheme and expanding the scheme tocover manufactured homes.

• Maintaining a comprehensive licensing system that is underpinned by appropriatecontractor training and adequate fi nancial requirements.

• Introducing a new dispute resolution process that deals with payment issues and defectiveand incomplete building work during construction, as well as after handover for the life of the home warranty insurance cover.

• Ensuring that all licensed contractors and other parties, including engineers, architects anddesigners, are held accountable for their work.

• Developing a guide to standards and tolerances to provide guidance to all parties about what is defective work.

• Aligning contractors’ statutory and contractual obligations to ensure consistency betweenthe Domestic Building Contract Act, the Queensland Building and Construction Commission Act and the Australian Consumer Law.

• Capping the builders’ liability for latent defects at ten years.

• Ensuring that contractors are paid for work that has been agreed to by the client.

• Introducing a CPD scheme to lift technical and contractual standards across the industry.

These are long-awaited and much needed changes for the industry, and we plan to ensure theQBCC is across the fi ner detail as implementation commences. However, the appointment of the board is just the fi rst step. Now the work that is required to properly drill down to the core of these issues can commence.

Message from the PresidentDerek Pingel – President

New QBCC board welcomed by Master Builders

WE BELIEVE THE NEW, INDEPENDENT QBCC IS ANIMPORTANT FIRSTSTEP TOWARDSIMPROVING THE BUILDING AND CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY

Master Builders welcomed the appointment of the Queensland Building and Construction Commission (QBCC) board with the move an important step towards vital reforms for the industry.

february/march 14 [ 7 ] mb

As we commence a new year, there are signsthat improving business conditions will make2014 a more positive one for the building and construction industry.

But while more economic and confi denceindicators are looking positive, particularly for residential building, we cannot aff ord to sitback and wait for positive outcomes to comeour way. We need to continually push thegovernment to allow business to get on with the job.

As your national voice in Canberra, Master Builders Australia is working with MasterBuilders Queensland to infl uence the federal government to make the reforms necessary for a better business environment, particularlyregarding the sound management of the national economy, providing a more fl exible industrial relations system and removing regulations to improve housing aff ordability.

We also speak up nationally for the industry onthe regulatory bodies that have such a large impact on the cost of running your business, including the Reserve Bank, AustralianTax Offi ce, the Fair Work Commission, theAustralian Building Codes Board, StandardsAustralia and Safe Work Australia.

Following the election of the AbbottGovernment, Master Builders Australia islooking positively ahead to 2014. We will work with the government on behalf of our32,000 members across Australia to ensurethe building and construction industry is amajor contributor to Prime Minister Abbott’sdeclaration that Australia is open for business.

We will also make sure the governmentunderstands the policy reforms they needto implement if they are to be a ‘buildinggovernment’ led by an ‘infrastructure PrimeMinister’.

The building and construction industry hasa proven track record in kick-starting anunderperforming economy and creating valuable jobs, particularly for young people.

Master Builders highlighted this in the lead up to the September 2013 Federal Electionand will again be putting this front and centre of our advocacy in the lead-up to the 2014 Federal Budget.

But breathing life back into the economyand the building and construction industrycomes with its challenges. A major one is to

OpinionWilhelm Harnisch – Chief Executive Offi cer Master Builders Australia

A national voice for Master Builders

fully restore fl agging confi dence, which has been largely absent despite record low interestrates.

The prospect of a stable political period of Federal Parliament, without the destructive political turbulence of the last three years, is avery good start but not enough.

Master Builders has called for an urgent return to sound economic management, including the reining in of Federal Governmentdebt and spending. This has to be one of the highest priorities if we are to see a return of confi dence by investors and households,bringing with it increased investment and job creation.

In parallel, the Abbott Government must embark on a program of bold reforms to helpbusinesses perform better.

These must include common sense changesto the workplace relations system, not just another inquiry.

However, the government deserves substantial credit for its boldness in meeting its electioncommitment to table legislation for therestoration of the Australian Building andConstruction Commission (ABCC) in its fi rst onehundred days.

Master Builders Australia is sparing no eff ort in backing this key reform which is vital tostamping out unlawful industrial action, which is once again prevalent in Queensland.

We will continue our public advocacy to policymakers through our policy submissions andappearances before parliamentary inquiries, until the legislation is passed.

But the challenges for our industry don’t start and end at suppressing industrial thuggery.

Master Builders Australia has been quick off the mark to ensure the Abbott Governmentunderstands the building and constructionindustry’s need for red and green tape to beslashed, particularly for small business.

We have also called on the Abbott Government to implement reforms to attract and accelerate investment in infrastructure, to tackle themassive undersupply of new housing and, at the same time, tackling housing aff ordability.

In all this, we cannot lose sight of the need tocreate rewarding careers through a revitalisedapprenticeship system, which is also necessaryto ensure we have a skilled labour force intothe future.

Meeting these challenges is essential if Queensland’s building and construction industry is to maximize its capability tobuild the state, house its population andgenerate jobs for successive generations of Queenslanders.

Without a strong Queensland building and construction industry there will not be theeconomic growth needed to produce the levels of employment or the lifestyle we all aspire to.

That’s why Master Builders Australia and MasterBuilders Queensland will continue to lobby fora business environment that lets Queenslandmembers do what they do best – build strongprofi table businesses by building the homes,schools, hospitals, roads and infrastructure our community depends on, by creating jobs forour young people and by creating wealth forthe state and its people.

WE WILL MAKE SURE THE GOVERNMENT UNDERSTANDS THE POLICY REFORMS THEY NEED TO IMPLEMENT IF THEY ARE TO BE A ‘BUILDING GOVERNMENT’.

Interest in home building franchises gains momentum with market recovery

Expansion into Mackay with first franchisee

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Home building franchises are proving to be apopular option for budding entrepreneurs whowant to establish a home building business forthemselves, according to Australia’s newestfranchise builder, and one of the biggest names in the business, Coral Homes.

And with most signs pointing to a recovery in the Australian home building market, many areseeing now as a good time to make the move towards setting up and operating their ownhome building business, said Coral Homes’Franchising Manager, Roger Washbourne.

“We’re definitely seeing a very high level of interest from people who want to own and operate a Coral Homes franchise,” said Roger.

“Confidence is coming back to the home building market and those entrepreneurs are seeing a franchise as a way to get into businessfor themselves and secure their income for the years to come,” he said.

Coral Homes has already established two franchisees in the short time since the company announced it would commence franchising in late 2013. It is the first time in its 24 year history that Coral Homes has undertaken franchising.

Coral Homes’ first franchisee, Simon Currie, has worked in the building industry his whole life, and saw a franchise as a way of setting himself up in a business to potentially provide him and his family with financial security.

“I started out in this industry way back as a brickies labourer, then I became a bricklayer, then a carpenter, then abuilding supervisor. I learnt the industry from working for others over a long time, but I wanted to make the jump and start reaping my own rewards with my own building business,” said Simon.

“My goal is to build this business up as an investment into my future when I eventually decide to hang up the tool belt and retire,” said Simon.

“When Coral Homes announced late last

Coral Homes’ Mackay franchisee Simon Currie.

Get started with a Coral Homes franchise, an

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Photo may depict fixtures, finishes and features which are not supplied by Coral Homes such as pool, furniture and landscaping.

year it was franchising I saw it as a greatopportunity as it would have been a lot harder to do it on my own. And the timing was good too considering the market islooking like it’s starting to improve,” he said.

“ …IT WOULD HAVE BEEN A LOT HARDER TO DO IT ON MY OWN.”

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First foray into South Australia with second franchisee

Future franchise opportunities

Coral Homes has been trading with greatsuccess since 1990, so from the outset of franchising it was natural to see a good level of interest in the company’s franchise model,according to Roger Washbourne.

“However what we have experienced to date is a much higher level of enquiry thanexpected and that comes down to the quality of what we have on offer,” he said.

It’s the depth of Coral Homes’ franchising

system combined with industry leading support and a strong brand which has contributed to the initial strong growth in franchise sales, said Roger.

“This is a once in a lifetime opportunity for people who want to start and operate their own home building company to get on board with a renowned and successful home building brand,” he said.

Coral Homes has established itself as one

of the leading home builders in the country since it began operating as a husband and wife team on the Gold Coast back in 1990. Since then it rapidly grew to become one of the most respected brands in the industry, with a display home and building area network spanning across a large portion of the eastern seaboard.

The company made the decision to franchise as a way of allowing more Australians accessto the benefits a Coral home can provide.

Expressions of interest are currently being taken by Coral Homes for franchiseopportunities across Australia. For more information or to register your interest go to www.coralhomes.com.au or call Coral Homes’ Franchising Manager, Roger Washbourne on 0419 396 095.

Coral Homes’ South Adelaide franchisees Paul and Caroline Gill.

As a couple who have dedicated their careersto selling new homes, Coral Homes’ secondfranchisees, Paul and Caroline Gill, knowthe value of a good brand when it comes tochoosing a franchise.

The husband and wife team viewed aCoral Homes franchise as a great opportunity to get into the building business for themselvesbut with the support and awareness of an iconic brand, according to Caroline Gill.

“Together, Paul and I have over 30 years

combined experience in selling new homes, and we always wanted to get into the home building business for ourselves,” said Caroline.

“With Coral Homes becoming a franchisor, the timing was good but we knew we cameup a bit short in some of the other skills needed to run a successful business. In addition to a great brand, Coral Homes was able to provide us with the systems and training necessary to give us the confidence

to take the big leap and start working for ourselves,” she said.

“CORAL HOMES WAS ABLE TO PROVIDE US WITH THE SYSTEMS AND TRAINING NECESSARY TO GIVE US THE CONFIDENCE...”

“THIS IS A ONCE IN A LIFETIME OPPORTUNITY...”

Go to www.coralhomes.com.au or call Coral Homes’ Franchising Manager, Roger Washbourne on 0419 396 095.

Register your interest now and take the

first step to achieving business success.

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Looking to spread the word about your business this year?

Launched at the beginning of this year, the 18-page colour spread showcased beautiful new homes, designs and land, with our members and display villages featured prominently.

Advertising in this publication will connect you with motivated home buyers across Queensland, and leverage the power of a well-known, trusted brand. It’s also a great optionfor new home builders and manufacturers/suppliers to the building industry to advertise their products, such as pools, landscaping supplies, white goods and window shutters, etc. tothe new housing market.

As a member of Master Builders, you can advertise in this special monthly feature at heavilyreduced, exclusive advertising rates.

If you’re interested in using the Home lift-out to advertise your business or products, pleasecontact Master Builders State Manager Operations, Mark Roy, on (07) 3225 6518 or 0438 001 964.

Don’t miss this exciting opportunity!

Our brand new, monthly Master Builders feature in the Home lift-out of The Courier-Mail could be just the advertising option you’ve been looking for.

News

Follow @MBAQld on Twitter to join the conversation.

Master Builders Qld@MBAQld

#Qld govt’s 6 month action plan aims to cut red & green tape in building & construction –great news for our industry http://bit.ly/LgKhtG


New @propertycouncil report shows #Qld leading the way with surge in property industry confi dence http://bit.ly/LfrAXt


#Qld govt’s bid to boost FNQ construction industry will see @hutchies1912 delivernew community care unit in Cairnshttp://bit.ly/1hl5yNw

WorkSafeQLD@WorkSafeQLD

New year, new work safety responsibilities! Find out if you're aff ected: http://bit.ly/1f7h29V


Quarry developments in SEQ are set to support growth in #Qld building &construction sector @JarrodBleijieMP http://bit.ly/JWgqoH


@Jeff Seeney Proposed development atQueen’s Wharf is exciting news & a greatboost for #BNE construction industryhttp://bit.ly/1bRgYTh


Fantastic report from @UDIAQ today. Futureis looking good for #Qld construction & development industry! http://bit.ly/1bPiaKw


@theqldpremier Go #Qld! Second lowest unemployment rate in Oz great news for building confi dence!

Twitter updates

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News

Facebook highlights

Time. Cost. Quality.

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As a Master Builders member, you can buy a contract and receive back up advice from our specialist staff .

Master Builders has developed a range of contracts that allocate risk fairly between builders and subcontractors and builders andtheir clients.

Along with that contract, you can also access our specialist advice that relates to:

Specialist contracts staff on hand

– but only when you need them

• Suitability of contracts

• Contract terms and conditions

• Progress claimsentitlements and preparation

• Variation claims andpreparation

• Extension of time claimsand preparation

• Legislation aff ectingcontracts

• Tender procedures

• Tender documents

To order online, visit www.masterbuilders.asn.au/eshop.

Alternatively call 1300 30 50 10 for more information.

FOLLOW MASTER BUILDERS QUEENSLAND ON FACEBOOK FORTHE LATEST NEWS, UPDATES,PHOTOS AND EVENTS FOR THEBUILDING AND CONSTRUCTIONINDUSTRY.

New Year’s Resolution #1Make the most of your membership by using our logo on your promotional material and website. The Master Builders brand is well known and respected, so aligning your business with our strong brand will set you apart from the rest.

New Year’s Resolution #3 Stay ahead of the game and seek early advice on employment and wages for the coming year. Our expert staff can give you specifi c information about wages and allowances, union demands, right of entry, WorkCover claims, unfair dismissals and more – at no extra cost.

New Year’s Resolution #5 Attend at least one Master Builders event this year. Our member events provide a great networking opportunity where you can meet and mingle with like-minded industry professionals. There are lots of exciting events happening in 2014, so keep an eye out for your invites.

New Year’s Resolution #2 Are you a member in a diffi cult situation with a client? Seek help sooner rather than later and call us! Dispute resolution is one of our core services and our expert staff are here to help you manage disputes that arise in your business.

New Year’s Resolution #4 Put yourself in the running to become an award-winningbuilder and enter your projects into our Housing &Construction Awards. Showcase your quality workmanship and compete against the best of the best for your chance to winone of these highly-coveted awards. It’s also a great publicitytool!


Call us now for a quote on your next project.Rob: 0418 748 255 | Fax: 07 3803 3022 | Email: [email protected]

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Advertising requirements for the new Queensland Building and Construction Commission

Following the establishment of the Queensland Building and Construction Commission (which replaced the BSA), you should be aware that all responsibilities for building contractors thatapplied under the former regulator remain in place.

Advertising requirements set out in the Queensland Building and Construction Commission Act 1991 (QBCC Act) should be adhered to whenever possible. While licensees are not required, at thispoint, to immediately change all hard copy advertising and promotional material, they should bemindful that all new stock should meet these guidelines.

An advertisement includes (but is not limited to) websites, social media pages, newspaper ads,brochures and fl yers, business cards, vehicle signage, radio and television advertising, posters andYellow Pages ads.

Advertising is a valuable tool for attracting new business, but it is important for building industry licensees to comply with the relevant legislation.

News

Items that can easily be changed (such as websites and social media pages) should be changed as soon as convenient, while hardcopy advertising already in place does notneed to be changed immediately.

Going forward, all advertisements for building work must meet the QBCC Act guidelines, which state that an advertisement mustdisplay:

• The name of the licensee (either your name or if your company is licensed, the company’s name)

• Your QBCC licence number (or the company’s licence number if licensed).

These must be easily legible and reasonably prominent form for printed material or on the internet, and in an audible and clear form (as clear as the rest of the advertisement) for radioor television advertisements.

It is also important to remember that advertisements cannot include the QBCC logo,which is protected by copyright.

The QBCC regularly checks newspapers,brochures, fl yers and websites to ensureadvertisements comply with the guidelinesand within a reasonable timeframe, contractorsfound not complying may face fi nes.

For more information, visit the QBCC website

at www.qbcc.gld.gov.au


The Master Builders that built Canberra

This very special publication has been generating a great amount of interest and unearthed wonderful stories of the building projects acrossthe Nation’s Capital. Dozens of retired builders and past members of theMaster Builders Association of the ACT have been interviewed and theirstories have been included in the publication – The Master Builders that built Canberra.

Throughout this book readers will uncover a recurring theme of leadership, with stories of Presidents, Executive Directors andmembers of the organisation taking the lead in overcoming hardships,representing the industry and supporting the Canberra community.

There are also many stories demonstrating the strong mateship, support, and sense of community that dominated the industry during theconstruction of Canberra.

The 200-page, beautifully presented, hard-cover book explores theAssociation’s history, capturing previously untold stories and refl ecting on the contribution of the building industry to the National Capital overthe past 100 years.

The publication was released in December 2013 and is complimented byphotos that tell the story of a city still under construction. This is the fi rst time many of these photos have been published.

For further information or to purchase a copy of the

Master Builders that built Canberra, contact David Leitch

on (02) 6175 5970, email [email protected] or visit

www.mba.org.au/publications/centenarybook

As part of the Centenary year celebrations the Master Builders Association of the ACT have published a special book to commemorate 100 years of building in Canberra.

News

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The issue of non-conforming building products

While imported products can be cheaper, manyof them do not meet regulatory Australian or industry standards.

There are products which are simply not being tested to Australian Standards, or are beingtested once and pass, but subsequent productsare manufactured to an inferior standard.

Counterfeiting is also a problem withsubstandard products being labelled as meeting Australian Standards.

These substandard products are being found across all areas of construction, fromsteel, copper and electrical products to glass,aluminium and engineered wood – from theroof down to the bolts and screws.

For building professionals, the potential for liability is enormous and there is a daily risk of working on building sites with products that are not fi t for purpose.

In the long-term there are concerns for people’s safety and the value of their homesand buildings.

The recent ‘prohibiting supply’ of Infi nity electrical cable emphasises the danger to the public and the risk confronting the buildingsector in unknowingly breaching consumerand building legislation.

Regulatory controls over these products are patchy at best. Currently, there is toomuch reliance on the controls at the point of installation rather than at the point-of-sale. Toomuch of the responsibility is being borne by builders and building certifi ers.

There is also a lack of a clear system for builders to be able to identify and report a non-conforming product.

Independent, third-party product certifi cation frameworks do exist in some sectors, but the system is not comprehensive and isdiffi cult to navigate. There is even less in theway of auditing to ensure that standards aremaintained beyond an initial certifi cation.

Masters Builders recognises the need to reform the current system to ensure quality and safety in construction. Builders must be provided with a mechanism to select fi t for

The rise of imported building materials presents both opportunities and pitfalls for the construction industry.

Policy & advocacyDyan Johnson – Manager Policy & Economics

Electrical

Electrical Regulatory Authorities Counciloperates the Electrical Equipment Safety System (EESS) which covers all ‘in-scope’ electrical equipment and maintains a national database where all suppliers and certain types of equipment must be registered prior to being off ered for sale.

www.erac.gov.au

Electrical cables

The Australian Cablemakers Association hasintroduced the ACI logo for products that they have certifi ed and have been manufactured inAustralia.

www.australiancablemakers.com

Plumbing and drainage

WaterMark – mandatory certifi cation scheme managed by the Australian Building Codes Board (ABCB) to ensure that plumbing anddrainage materials and products are fi t for purpose.

www.abcb.gov.au

General

CodeMark – operated by the Australian Building Codes Board to provide independent product certifi cation.

www.abcb.gov.au

For more information, contact

Master Builders on (07) 3225 6419 or email

[email protected]

purpose products with ease and confi denceand better controls are needed to remove non-conforming products at the point-of-sale. Weare working with other industry stakeholdersand government to this end.

In the meantime, builders need to be vigilant when sourcing building materials and whenaccepting products that their clients source.

We recommend that builders source theirproducts from a reputable distributor and check for evidence of meeting the relevantAustralian Standard. The old adage holds – ‘if it seems too good to be true, then it probably is’.

Many industry sectors are working to addressthe problem in their own areas and can bereferred to for additional advice. The following table off ers a guide to these sectors:

Steel

ACRS Certifi cate of Product Compliance covers reinforcing, pre-stressing and structural steels.

www.steelcertifi cation.com

Engineered wood

Engineered Wood Products Association of Australasia (EWPAA) certifi es plywood, LVL, particleboard and fi breboard and provides a register on its website.

www.ewp.asn.au

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While trading conditions in the residential and commercial sectors are still far from positive, the latest survey results refl ect a strong upturn during the December quarter, particularly in the residential sector.

Master Builders believes the hold in confi dence and upturn in the residential sector come on the back of strong building approvals and housing fi nance data during November and are further evidence that the recovery in housing is underway.

For the fi rst time in several years, the level of building industry confi dence in south east Queensland is well above levels in regional Queensland, underlining the resurgence of the south east as the powerhouse of the Queensland building industry.

Unfortunately, the survey is telling us that housing aff ordability is still negatively impacting new housing demand and this is an area Master Builders will be focusing on in the coming years.

However, on a positive note, visits to display homes increased and entered positive territory for the fi rst time in three years.

We believe there has been a general return of consumer confi dence on the back of interest rate cuts last year, which is another sure indicator that housing activity is slowly improving.

Other key points from the survey included an improvement in turnover, despite profi tability remaining subdued, and employment levels a concern, with 23% of respondents shedding staff during the quarter.

Reports & statistics

Latest survey reveals improving industry confi dence and conditions Industry confi dence has remained steady during the three months to December after the strong improvement last quarter, according to Master Builders latest Survey of Industry Conditions for the December 2013 quarter.

LATEST SURVEY RESULTS REFLECT A STRONG UPTURN DURING THE DECEMBER QUARTER, PARTICULARLY IN THE RESIDENTIAL SECTOR.


RegionBuilding industry

outlookTurnover Profi t Employment

Average

wages

Capital

expenditureLevel of work

Brisbane 70.1 58.8 54.2 51.2 53.6 48.5 52.2

Gold Coast 70.5 51.1 46.6 44.3 47.6 48.9 51.1

Sunshine Coast 65.9 56.8 51.1 47.6 51.4 47.5 46.6

Darling Downs and South West Queensland

68.4 55.6 48.6 48.6 55.6 55.9 51.3

Burnett Wide Bay 62.5 45.8 43.8 42.5 52.8 45.8 39.6

Central Queensland 62.5 45.8 41.7 33.3 50.0 50.0 35.0

Mackay 52.1 31.3 31.3 37.5 45.5 41.7 43.8

North Queensland 50.0 40.9 36.4 42.5 38.6 30.6 40.9

Far North Queensland 63.6 31.8 31.8 45.0 45.8 29.5 31.8

Queensland 66.3 52.3 48.0 47.2 51.1 46.6 48.0

Reports & statistics

For this reason, very few businesses reported ashortage of skilled workers.

Although, this result does not mean that theskills shortage is off our radar.

The level of demand is still a major constrainton business, but survey results show the issueis less critical than it has been in the last 24

months. Labour costs also became more of anissue in regions where the resources sector isparticularly active.

Infrastructure charges, government planningapproval processes, and the cost andavailability of fi nance have all fallen away asconstraints.

Master Builders Survey of Industry Conditionsreport provides information and analysis on industry expectations and businessperformance, based on a survey of MasterBuilders members across Queensland. For copies of the reports, visit www.masterbuilders.asn.au/publications-and-resources/reports-and-statistics

Queensland building industry conditionsResidential sector conditions

Sep 2013 Dec 2013 Mar 2014

Stronger 14% 25% 50%

Stable 32% 30% 38%

Weaker 54% 44% 12%

Index level 36.6 43.7 59.9

Commercial sector conditions

Stronger 14% 20% 33%

Stable 25% 34% 55%

Weaker 61% 46% 12%

Index level 33.6 39.9 54.7

Improving condition

Weakening condition

Display traffi c Business constraints

Improving condition

Weakening condition


Housing recovery alive and well

Housing fi nance continues upward climb

Dwelling unit approvals increased 8.3% (seasonally adjusted) during November, which is awhopping 46.7% increase on approvals for the same time in 2012. This is the sixth consecutivemonthly rise and confi rms our view that a recovery is taking hold.

Some further great news to kick off the New Year is that dwelling unit approvals are now back above the ten-year average; having spent the last three years languishing below that level.

Interest rates, population growth, employment and wages growth are all favorable for the housing industry. We are confi dent that, after several years of tough trading conditions, builders inthe residential sector across Queensland can look forward to better times during 2014.

Another positive month of Building Approvals from the Australian Bureau of Statistics confi rms that Queensland’s housing recovery is thriving as we head into the New Year.

Reports & statisticsPaul Bidwell – Deputy Executive Director

Region Nov 13 Oct 13 Nov 12% change Oct to

Nov 13

% change Nov

12 to Nov 13

Brisbane 2,167 2,028 1,226 7% 77%

Gold Coast 482 252 251 91% 92%

Sunshine Coast 330 291 132 13% 150%

Burnett Wide Bay 138 120 96 15% 44%

Darling Downs & South West Qld 161 185 124 -13% 30%

Central Qld 102 163 261 -37% -61%

Mackay & Whitsunday 105 181 203 -42% -48%

North Qld 146 241 166 -39% -12%

Far North Qld 69 104 70 -34% -1%

Looking across the state, the south-east cornercontinues to be the focus of the growth, while Central Queensland and Mackay & Whitsunday fell again, highlighting the impact that thedownturn in the resources sector is having onthe housing sector and the economy generally.

Housing Finance fi gures released by the Australian Bureau of Statistics for November show a third consecutive month of improvement and continue to build on the previous month’s solid gains.

The rise in Queensland approvals from 9,690 in October 2013 to 9,951 inNovember 2013 (seasonally adjusted) represented a 3% month-to-monthincrease and a healthy 15% increase over the previous 12 months.

Housing Finance commitments are evidence that the housing sector is fi nallygetting back on track and that the growth is here to stay. In fact, commitments have now increased by 35% since the GFC lows in March 2011 and the industryhasn’t looked so robust in a long time.

These fi gures certainly mean we are starting the New Year off on the right foot.


Preliminary agreements

The preliminary agreement was drafted to give contractors the ability to recover costs from an owner in preparing documentation. In particular,foundation data, which is required by law to be in place prior to entering a residential contract.

The agreement is between the contractor andthe intended owner of a proposed project andin its printed context, sets out to recover, forthe contractor, costs associated with:

• Surveying the site

• Obtaining the foundation data, such as soiltests and contour plans

• The preparation of drawings andspecifi cations

• The alteration and amendment of such drawings and specifi cations as required bythe owner

• The preparation of an appropriate footing design for the site and, if appropriate, a concrete slab design based upon the foundation data

• Making an application to the relevant local authority or private certifi er for approval of building works

• Making application for approval to any other authorities, which may be necessary

• The payment of all fees necessary to obtainsuch approvals

• The preparation of cost estimates to carry out the works on the fi nalised documentation.

A snapshot guide to preliminary agreements for both domestic and commercial projects.

Contracts & disputesJeff Poultney – Manager Legal & Contracts

The preliminary agreement is a valuablecommercial tool for use by contractors inachieving payment for services, which some would regard as a free service provided by the industry. However, given the extent and costof these services that are being provided, afair and reasonable fee should be charged and paid for by owners.

The preliminary agreement is available from allMaster Builders offi ces throughout Queenslandor on eDocs – Master Builders electronicdocuments and online core services system.

For further information, contact


[email protected]

These are just some of the items that can beincluded as part of the schedule of tasks that the contractor will carry out as a service to the owner for a fee. Additional tasks can be added,depending on the type and nature of the project.

Dependent on the economic climate and the demand on contractors requested to sign a contract, it is suggested that a preliminaryagreement be put in place with special conditionsthat allow the documentation side of the projectto proceed and provide for a lead up period to theexecution of contract by the owner agreeing tocommit to the contractor at a later date.

The use of the preliminary agreement is not restricted by legislation and the document makesprovision for the payment by the owner to thecontractor of an appropriate fee. This fee wouldbe established on the basis of an agreement between the contractor and the owner.

The fees can be charged at a standalone fee separate to the contract, or can be rolled into part of the overall contract price once thetotal value of the works is established and theparties are prepared to commit to a contract.

THE PRELIMINARY AGREEMENT IS AVALUABLE COMMERCIAL TOOL FOR USE BY CONTRACTORS IN ACHIEVING PAYMENT FOR SERVICES.

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Entries now open

Do you want to gain public and industry recognition for yourachievements and quality projects? Why not enter into Master BuildersHousing & Construction Awards?

The Housing & Construction Awards are Queensland’s most prestigious building awards and recognise those at the forefront of buildinginnovation and quality craftsmanship. Not only are they a great way togain recognition for the work you do in the industry, but winning anaward also provides an ideal opportunity to drive business sales and catchthe attention of potential clients.

The awards cater for entrants ranging from apprentices, trade contractors and small family businesses, to the biggest names in the building and construction industry, with an award to suit almost every project.

If you think you have what it takes to win an award, download an entryform from Master Builders website at www.masterbuilders.asn.au/housing-and-construction-awards

Entries are now open for the 2014 Master Builders Housing & Construction Awards.

Housing & Construction Awards

ENTRY FEES

CategoryEarly bird

(until 28 March 2014)Entry fee

Trade Contractor/Specialty, Best Bathroom,and Best Kitchen

$250 $295

Housing $350 $395

Construction $450 $495

Rising Star, Women in Building &Apprentice of the Year

Free of charge

Note: Entry fees include GST, but do not include tickets to Housing & Construction Awards presentation

ceremonies. Entry forms must be received by Master Builders on or before the early bird date to qualify for

the discounted rate. One project/house per entry form; however, a single project/house can be entered into

multiple categories on one entry form.

Need a new vehicle? Let us shop around for you.Call Master Builders on 1300 55 11 61.

QMBA-13610 06_11



KEY DATES

RegionEarly bird

closing date

Final entry

closing date

Award ceremony

event dateVenue

Brisbane 28 March 11 April Friday, 4 July Sofi tel Brisbane

Gold Coast 28 March 11 April Saturday, 12 July Jupiters Hotel & Casino

Burnett Wide Bay 28 March 11 April Friday, 18 July Brolga Theatre

Sunshine Coast 28 March 11 April Saturday, 19 July Novotel Twin Waters Resort

Downs & Western 28 March 24 April Saturday, 2 August City Golf Club, Toowoomba

Mackay & Whitsunday 28 March 2 May Friday, 15 August Mackay Convention Centre

Central Queensland 28 March 2 May Saturday, 16 August Robert Schwarten Pavilion

North Queensland 28 March 2 May Friday, 22 August Jupiters Townsville Hotel & Casino

Far North Queensland 28 March 2 May Saturday, 23 August Cairns Convention Centre

State NA NA Friday, 26 September Brisbane City Hall

Register your expression of interest to receive further details [email protected]

Expressions of Interest InvitedOwnership or Partnership

Leading Brand Est. 1974

Highly desirable SE Qld Location – Excellent Premises

Positive Cash Flow & Steady Growth (not Mining Industry)

Fully equipped and Systems in place

OWNER RETIRING

EXCEPTIONAL TRANSPORTABLE HOME BUSINESS


Free categories

The building and construction industry wouldn’t be what it is today without the continuedhard work and dedication of the individuals who work within it.

The Housing & Construction Awards are not just about houses and projects – they alsorecognise people within the industry who are crucial to its success.

This is why the awards dedicate three major categories – Rising Star, Women in Building andApprentice of the Year – to individuals who stand out and make a valuable contribution torthe industry.

If you have a colleague or employee who fi ts these criteria, encourage them to nominate for one of these awards. Or why not nominate yourself? Entry into these categories is absolutely FREE!

The Rising Star, Women in Building and Apprentice of the Year awards provide a platform forindividuals, who may be overlooked when it comes to the recognition they deserve, to gainpublic acclaim for their excellence.

To enter, use the entry form found with this magazine or download an entry form from ourwebsite at www.masterbuilders.asn.au/housing-and-construction-awards.

For more information, please refer to the Information Booklet on the Master Builders

website at www.masterbuilders.asn.au/housing-and-construction-awards

Win an award that makes YOU stand out from the crowd.


QM

BA-1

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09-

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BUILDING AND CONSTRUCTION GENERAL ON-SITE AWARD 2010

A special Master Builders edition of the Building and Construction General On-Site Award 2010, includinginterpretation of complex clauses.

CostMember $55 (including GST)

Non-member $110 (including GST)

Ordering a manualCall (07) 3225 6444 or go to www.masterbuilders.asn.au.


Entry tips & suggestions


A few tips on how to enter the 2014 Housing & Construction Awards with ease.

Entering a project into the Housing & Construction Awards might seem like a daunting process,but it’s really quite easy. Here are a few tips on how to make entering a breeze.

1. Provide a detailed description of the projectIt’s important to provide a detailed description of at least 100 words with your entry. When writing the description, read the judging criteria, think about what aspects might interest potential clients, as well as the judges, and include any special features that may be unique to the entry. You canalso attach relevant marketing material that provides a good description of the project. If you win an award, the information that you provide will be used in the award ceremony and throughoutpublications showcasing winners.

For entries in the Rising Star, Women in Building, Apprentice of the Year, Innovation in Workplace Health & Safety, Innovation in Environmental Management, Excellence in Sustainable Building and Excellence in Sustainable Living categories, the written submission must also provide details of how the entry meets the judging criteria.

2. Supply professional photographsIt’s a great idea to hire a professional photographer to take photos of your house or project. Not only can you use the photographs to support your entry, you can also use them in your own promotional material, including brochures, on your website or to simply show potential clients.

It’s not mandatory to provide photographs of your project with your entry; however, we stronglyrecommend that you provide professional photographs for judging and publicity purposes.Should your entry be shortlisted, the judges use your photographs in their fi nal deliberation and,if your entry wins an award, we will use the photographs in promotion of the awards to the media and across a range of offi cial publications.

If you don’t have any professional photos of your project, don’t worry, our judges will take photosduring their inspections. However, photographs taken by Master Builders will remain the property of Master Builders.

3. Ensure you have the photographer’s permissionMaster Builders will not reproduce a copyrighted photograph without appropriate authorisationfrom the photographer or studio.

If you are supplying professional photographs, please complete the photographer authorisation section on your entry form to give Master Builders permission to use the professional photographs.

4. Take advantage of the early bird rateGet your entry in early and take advantage of the early bird rate, which gives you $45 off the cost of each entry.

It’s also important to make sure your billing information is correct, as entries will only be accepted if billing information or a cheque is supplied.

5. Ensure your details are up-to-dateWe validate the details on your entry formagainst those in our membership database and on the Queensland Building and ConstructionCommission (QBCC) public register, so it’simportant to ensure your details, includingbusiness name, trading name and licence number are up-to-date with Master Builders and the QBCC.

As stipulated on the entry form, the namedisplayed on the award will be the licensee name and, if applicable, one recorded tradingname (as per the QBCC public register). If youhave more than one recorded trading name,Master Builders will contact you for clarifi cation.

6. Ensure your entry form is completed correctlyTake the time to carefully go through eachsection of the entry form, ensuring you havecompleted all the fi elds that are relevant to your entry. If your entry form is incomplete it may slow down the process of assessing yourentry.

Once you have completed the form, take thetime to run your eyes over it a second or third time, or get someone else from your business to take a look for you.

7. Make sure you have the owner/client’s permission to enter the projectBefore you submit your project for entry, ensure you have permission to do so from theowner, your client or your contractor. They willneed to sign the owner authorisation sectionof the entry form, so if you don’t have their confi rmed permission, your entry may notprogress.

For more information on entering,

please visit Master Builders website at

www.masterbuilders.asn.au/housing-and-

construction-awards


Success story

Featuring more than 50 categories across housing and construction, the awards programcaters for all types of businesses – from subcontractors to ‘mum-and-dad’ operators andlarge organisations. It also gives members the opportunity to showcase their projects andachievements to the broader building and construction industry, as well as consumers.

We recently took the opportunity to speak with one of our 2013 award winning members, Patrick and Alfi na Winter, from Tropical Trend Homes in Cairns, to ask how success in the Housing & Construction Awards has benefi ted their small business.

Why did you enter the 2013 Housing & Construction Awards?We enjoy entering the awards, we strive for our homes to be of the highest quality, and the awardsare a measure for us that we are achieving our goals.

Winning a Master Builders Housing & Construction Award is not only highly regarded within the industry, but also well recognised by the general public and the media.

What were your expectations when entering? Did you think you had a chance of winning? We never enter the awards expecting to win as we are up against the best in your industry. Theday that we just expect to win, is the day wearen’t putting our all into our homes.

Do you believe there is value gained in entering the awards? Absolutely! The awards give you value withcustomer exposure but are also a great way tofurther advance yourself and become the best you can be.

How has winning an award benefi ted your business? We have benefi ted in client and industryexposure. We are a small business and wish tostay that way, so the awards are a chance to be noticed, not by the amount of homes we build, but by the quality of our work.

Will you continue to enter the awards in the future? Yes, we certainly will!

Would you recommend other members enter the awards?Yes, regardless if you win or not, there is a lot you can learn from the awards.


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Cost escalation – residential contracts

Most residential contracts will incur delaysof some description during the course of the works.

These delays can be caused by a variety of things like, inclement weather, variations,delayed information from the owner, delays insupply of material and authority approvals.

A Master Builders Residential BuildingContract (RBC) makes provisions for a contractor to claim for extensions of time under Clause 15 for this type of delay. It also allows the contractor to claim ‘cost escalation’ (delay costs) under Clause 25 or 26, whether aclaim for an extension of time has been madeor not.

Cost escalation under residential contractsand the RBC are regulated under the Domestic Building Contracts Act 2000,Sections 56 and 90. Section 56 sets out thecriteria around which a contractual provision can be drafted and Section 90 deals with the limit to which cost escalation can be claimed.

Because of the operation of a cost escalationclause contained in the contract, contractors should be aware that an owner may have a right to terminate a contract where thecontract price increases by 15% or more after the contract is entered into.

A Master Builders Residential Building Contract can help minimise the costs of onsite delays.

Contracts & disputesJeff Poultney – Manager Legal & Contracts

In Master Builders RBC, cost escalation is at Item 17 of the schedule, which indicatesthat cost escalation does apply to the contract,but only if the owner has initialled either Clause 25 or 26 depending on the contractprice.

These contract provisions have beenincluded in the RBC to give our members the opportunity to recover the costs they incur when the works under a contract are delayedfor any reason other than delays caused by the contractor.

Master Builders recommends you implementcost escalation as it can, in the fi nal fi nancialsummary of a contract, be used as a goodnegotiating tool, especially where the owner is attempting to apply liquidated damages unreasonably.

For further information, contact


[email protected]

YOU SHOULD IMPLEMENT COST ESCALATIONAS IT CAN, IN THE FINAL FINANCIAL SUMMARY OF A CONTRACT, BE USED AS A GOOD NEGOTIATING TOOL.


Psychiatric or psychological injury

The Act introduces a number of changes to thescheme, including redefi ning the defi nitionof ‘injury’ for the purposes of psychiatric orpsychological injury (PPI) claims.

What is an ‘injury’?Under the Act, the defi nition of injury is a:

“Personal injury arising out of, or in the course of, employment if – for any injury other than a psychiatric or psychological disorder – the employment is a signifi cant contributing factor to the injury”.

In the instance of a PPI claim, applicants will be required to illustrate that their employmentis “the major signifi cant contributing factor” to ”the disorder. This will apply to any claims for compensation from 29 October 2013, includingaggravations of pre-existing conditions.

What is not an ‘injury’?The Act provides for a number of exclusionsthat are considered when assessing a PPI, andclearly states that injury does not include:

“A psychiatric or psychological disorder arising out of, or in the course of, any of the following circumstances—

(a) Reasonable management action taken in a reasonable way by the employer inconnection with the worker’s employment;

The Workers’ Compensation and Rehabilitation and Other Legislation Amendment Act 2013 (the Act) was recently passed in Parliament, bringing about a number of changes to Queensland’s workers’ compensation scheme.

Employment & wagesMikki Richardson – Senior Advisor Workplace Relations

• A decision not to award or providepromotion, reclassifi cation or transfer of, or leave of absence or benefi t in connection with, the worker’s employment.

TIP

Review your performance

management processes to ensure

a fair and reasonable approach

is taken when disciplining

employees

Review your workplace bullying

and harassment policy and carry

out annual refresher training for

all employees.

Deciding on a claim When making a decision on a PPI claim,WorkCover will apply the criteria andexclusions outlined in the Act. This includesexcluding as a contributing factor anyreasonable management action taken in areasonable way.

When making a claim the onus of proof is on the worker to provide suffi cient evidence insupport of their claim. This includes factualevidence on:

• Date and time of when the events took place

• Who was involved

• What happened/what was said/the manner in which it was said

• Name and contact details of witnesses who directly saw it happen.

This information is then provided to theemployer who is provided an opportunity to respond to the allegations. Once all of the information is collected, a decision will generally be made within 20 days.

For more information, contact


[email protected]

Disclaimer: This information is provided asgeneral advice on the workplace relations system. It does not constitute legal advice and it is always advisable to seek further information regardingspecifi c workplace relations issues.

(b) The worker’s expectation or perception of reasonable management action beingtaken against the worker;

(c) Action by the Regulator or an insurer inconnection with the worker’s applicationfor compensation.

Examples of actions that may be reasonable management actions taken in a reasonableway include:

• Setting reasonable performance goals,standards and deadlines

• Rostering and allocating working hours where the requirements are reasonable

• Transferring a worker for operationalreasons

• Informing a worker about unsatisfactory work performance when undertaken in accordance with any workplace policiesor agreements such as performance management guidelines

• Informing a worker about inappropriate behaviour in an objective and confi dential way

• Action taken to transfer, demote, discipline, redeploy, retrench or dismiss the worker if done in a reasonable way

WHEN MAKING A DECISION ON A PPI CLAIM, WORKCOVER WILL APPLY THE CRITERIA ANDEXCLUSIONS OUTLINED IN THE ACT.


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Changes to apprentice rates of pay

Does this affect me?This decision will only aff ect those employers paying under the Modern Award and for changes to wage rates, only those apprentices who commence their apprenticeship on or after 1 January 2014.

Employers aff ected by this change are:

• Constitutional Corporations (Pty Ltd) established on or after 27March 2006; and

• Sole traders and Partnership established on or after 1 January 2010.

Any apprentices engaged by an aff ected employer prior to 1 January 2014 will experience no change to their wage rates.

The changesWages

The relativities for junior apprentices will be amended as follows:

From 1 January 2014:

Year of

apprenticeship

% of the standard rate

(apprentices who have

not completed year 12)



completed year 12)

1st year 50 50

2nd year 60 60

3rd year 75 75

4th year 90 90

A recent decision of the Fair Work Commission addressing a range of apprentice conditions was handed down by the Full Bench on 22 August 2013.

Employment & wagesMikki Richardson – Senior Advisor Workplace Relations

From the fi rst pay period commencing on or after 1 January 2015:

Year of

apprenticeship



not completed year 12)



completed year 12)

1st year 50 55

2nd year 60 65

3rd year 75 75

4th year 90 90

These changes will only apply to apprentices commencing from1 January 2014.

No reduction in pay

An existing employee must not suff er a reduction in their minimum rateof pay.

An employee who has worked full-time for an employer for at least sixmonths, or for 12 months as a part-time or casual employee, before commencing an adult apprenticeship with the same employer, will not suff er a reduction in their minimum rate of pay.

Competency-based wage progression

Competency-based wage progression has been introduced, eff ective 1 January 2014.

This will provide an opportunity for apprentices to progress to thenext year level upon completion of the relevant proportion of the totalunits of competency, rather than through the traditional time basedapproach.

For those employers excluded by these changes, who respond to the Queensland Training Order of the QIRC, competency-based training isalready established.


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Employment & wages

THIS DECISION WILL ONLY AFFECT THOSE EMPLOYERS

PAYING UNDER THE MODERNAWARD.

Travel time, travel and accommodation costs, and recognition of

training

Apprentices will receive compensation for ‘excess travel costs’ forattendance at block release training that requires an overnight stay, except where there is the opportunity for the apprentice to attend analternative RTO at a location closer to the usual workplace, and the distant RTO was not mutually agreed to by the employer and apprentice.

This variation will apply to all apprentices (regardless of commencementdate) from 1 January 2014.

Training costs, fees and text books

All fees charged by an RTO and the cost of all prescribed textbooks for the apprenticeship, which are paid by an apprentice, shall be reimbursedby the employer:

• Within six months of commencement of the apprenticeship; or

• At a stage of the apprenticeship; or

• Within three months of the commencement of training provided bythe RTO, whichever is the later, unless there is unsatisfactory progress.

An employer may meet its obligations under this clause by paying any fees and/or cost of textbooks directly to the RTO.


Notice of termination under the National Employment Standards

An apprentice’s minimum notice or payment in lieu is based on length of service.

Period

Employee’s period of continuous service

with the employer at the end of the day the

notice is given.

Period

1 Not more than one year One week2 More than one year but not more than three years Two weeks3 More than three years but not more than fi ve years Three weeks4 More than fi ve years Four weeks

The period of notice is increased by one week if the employee is over 45years old and has had at least two years’ service.

Employee giving notice to employer: Same as above, except no additional weeks’ notice if the employee is over 45 years old.


Wage circularsCirculars are now available on our website for members to access.

For more information, contact Master Builders on (07) 3225 6407 or

email [email protected]


Changes to Australian Standard for fi xed platforms, walkways, stairways and ladders

The 1992 version of the standard is currently a referenced document within both Volume 1 and 2 of the National Construction Code (NCC). It is expected that the new version of the standard will now be referenced within the 2014 edition of the building codes.

The revised standard was prepared by theCommittee SF–013, which has representation from Master Builders and government, withinput from the construction sector and work health and safety experts.

It is envisaged that this new standard will help to reduce ambiguity, provide guidelines formanufacturers and bring greater safety for users who access fi xed ladders, platforms and walkways.

On 10 December 2013, Standards Australia published a new version of AS 1657–2013 Fixed platforms, walkways, stairways and ladders – design, construction and installation.

Building & planningTony Mitchell – Manager Building Services

What is AS 1657–2013?This standard sets out requirements for the design, selection, construction and installationof fi xed platforms, walkways, stairways and ladders that are intended to provide safe access to places used by operating, inspection,maintenance and servicing personnel.

This standard also applies to the following:

• Movable platforms that are permanentlyconfi gured but that may be site adjustableor site assembled/modifi ed

• Permanently installed roof access, where such access is for the purpose of installing, operating, inspecting, maintaining orservicing equipment that is located on, or is accessible from the roof

• Permanently installed access for inspectionand maintenance of the roof itself

• May also be used for guidance in providingaccess to some parts of mobile plant, light and telecommunication towers, wind turbine towers and water and sewerage facilities.

What is excluded from the standard?This standard does not apply to the following:

• Scaff olding that may be used in similarsituations

• Access for people with disabilities

• Temporary access, e.g. by means of portable ladders

• Access and egress to buildings covered by the NCC

• Attic-type ladders

• Access to lift machine rooms.

Contractors are advised that the changes to the standard may aff ect building costs on particularprojects. Contractors should reconfi rm their costings for projects that will achieve development approval after 1 May 2014.

IT IS ENVISAGED THAT THIS NEW STANDARDWILL HELP TO REDUCE AMBIGUITY, PROVIDE GUIDELINES FOR MANUFACTURERS ANDBRING GREATER SAFETY FOR USERS WHO ACCESS FIXED LADDERS, PLATFORMS AND WALKWAYS.


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What has changed?For the building and construction industry thiswill aff ect the ‘deemed to satisfy’ provisions and ‘acceptable construction practices’ underthe Building Code for non-habitable rooms andareas such as attics, storerooms, fi xed platforms,walkways, stairways, machinery rooms, boiler houses, lift machine rooms, plant rooms and the like.

The committee initially considered a numberof International Standards on the subject of platforms, walkways, stairways and ladders for gaining access to machinery. However, thesewere considered unsuitable to adopt as anAustralian Standard and only some of that material has been used.

The committee also considered the need to improve compatibility with the NCC, whichprovides a uniform set of technical provisionsfor the design and construction of buildings throughout Australia.

Changes to the new version of AS 1657–2013 include the following:

• The inclusion of single stile ladders, as they are used in other parts of the world

• Access to roofs for the installation ormaintenance of equipment, e.g. air-conditioning plants

• References to the regulatory authority have been removed

• All requirements pertaining to a particular form of access (e.g. stairways, ladders etc.) are grouped together

• A broader scope of testing of products and more complete test methods have been included

• The issue of slip resistance of walkingsurfaces has been highlighted, andinformative references to relevantAustralian Standards and handbooksincluded

• Testing of a wider range of products has been introduced for use when verifi cation by engineering analysis is not possible, practicable or when the products are

proprietary products and proof of performance is required.

SummaryThe revised standard sets out the requirements for the design, selection, construction and installation details for various areas requiring access within buildings. Contractors areadvised to discuss these obligations withtheir suppliers, building designer and certifi erbefore they price works that would achievedevelopment approval after 1 May 2014.

Contractors can also purchase their own copy of the standard by visiting our website atwww.masterbuilders.asn.au/building-and-planning/australian-standards

For more information, call


[email protected]


Design and siting standards for class 1 and class 10 buildings

There are two standards currently in place:MP 1.1 Design and siting standard for single detached housing – on lots under 450m² andMP 1.2 Design and siting standard for single detached housing – on lots 450m² and over.However, local government planning schemes, local laws, State Acts and other Integrated Development Assessment System codes mayimpose additional or alternative requirements.

Purpose of siting standardsThe purpose for a design and siting standardis to provide good residential design thatpromotes the effi cient use of a lot. Thestandard also provides acceptable solutions foracceptable amenity to residents and off streetparking.

MP 1.1 Design and siting standard for single

detached housing – on lots under 450m²

The standard has three elements, these are:

1. Element 1 – Design and siting of buildingsand structures, which outlines the location of the building and what the minimumsetbacks need to be. The front setback could alter if there are existing houses already built with diff ering setbacks. Theside and rear setbacks will alter depending on the size of the lot and the height of the building.

This element will also provide requiredsetbacks for garages and carports and required screening where the adjoiningdwelling is within 1.5 metres and does not have adequate privacy.

2. Element 2 – Space for on-site car parking, which provides requirements for suffi cientparking on-site to satisfy the need of theresidents and visitors.

3. Element 3 – Outdoor living space, whichensures a detached dwelling has its own individual outdoor living space and it is a suitable size and slope.

The Queensland Development Code (QDC) provides the standard requirements for the siting of class 1 and class 10 buildings.

Building & planningKaren Haworth – Manager Planning Services

lots are identifi ed as being lots under 450m² and/or less than 15 metres average width andif it is a rear allotment, has an area less than 600 square metres. The boundary setbacks areusually set by a small lot code within the local planning scheme.

Standard lots – over 450m²

Under a local planning scheme a standard lotis 450m² or more, is more than 15 metres wide and if a rear allotment, has an area more than600 square metres. Boundary setbacks aredefi ned by the QDC.

Some local councils could also have rural lotsor the like in their planning scheme. Whilst the QDC standard gives you a general standard requirement to comply to, I strongly suggest you also refer to the local planning scheme forany siting variation.

For more information, call


[email protected]

MP 1.2 Design and siting standard for single

detached housing – on lots 450m² and over

The standard has two elements, these are:

1. Element 1 – Design and siting of building and structures, which providesrequirements for boundary setbacks, fordwelling and garage and/or carport. Also provides requirements for screening for privacy of adjoining dwellings.

2. Element 2 – Space for on-site car parking, which provides requirements for suffi cient parking on-site to satisfy the need of the residents and visitors.

Small lots – under 450m²

Generally, under local planning schemes small

THE PURPOSE FOR A DESIGN ANDSITING STANDARD IS TO PROVIDE GOOD RESIDENTIAL DESIGN THAT PROMOTES THEEFFICIENT USE OF A LOT.


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Concepts in contemporary and traditional balustrade

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Void-edge protectionIn casual usage, the term balustrade is no longer taken to mean an array of traditionalspindle-moulded balusters.

In a modern architectural context, arrays of vertical balusters are rarely employed, with an array of alternative structural (e.g. cantileveredpanels or stanchions) and infi ll materials (glass panels, solid wall framing, folded metal, etc.) being preferred.

Where vertical infi ll members do exist (e.g.timber or stainless steel battens), they rarelyserve the traditional role of providing structuralsupport to the top rail of the structure. Thisis partly because advances in materials andconstruction methods have removed the design constraints that determined the use of rows of vertical balusters.

The evolution and dominance of the modernistaesthetic since the 1920’s has led to a varietyof forms being preferred over the relatively ornate and detailed appearance of traditional balustrade.

The diversity of possible designs and structuralapproaches means it is no longer possible to

The traditional defi nition of balustrade is being a row of repeating balusters – small posts that support the upper rail of a railing. However, balustrade is also taken to mean ‘void-edge protection’ – a phrase that describes the function or role of the structure, rather than relating to its appearance or specifi c construction methodology.

Feature

equate the function of balustrade with thetraditional construction methodology of usingan array of vertical balusters.

Though the term ‘balustrade’ is now routinelyinformally used to describe the function of providing a barrier to protecting individualsfrom falls, this usage is technically incorrect.

Therefore most professionals, such as architectsand builders, prefer the usage of the term

‘void-edge protection’ on technical documents and plans to refer to the barrier structure.

However, the term ‘balustrade’ continues incommon use, but is now taken to refer to the general concept of void-edge protection, rather than the traditional and ‘correct’ defi nition.

Traditional defi nitions and historyBalustrades are historically defi ned, moulded poles that support the handrail of a staircase orcreate the individual shafts in parapets, fencing, gates and railings.

The earliest representations of balustrade havebeen noted in ancient Assyrian bas-reliefs as window balustrades.

A single vertical member is called a ‘baluster’,and the plural form is ‘balustrade’.

The term ‘balustrade’ developed from theItalian word ‘balaustra’, meaning pomegranate fl ower, because of the similarity to the curved form of the half-open fl ower.


The degree of complexity or ornamentationvaries, and does depend on the historical style in consideration. The Baroque style, for instance,was particularly ornate and decorative.

A traditional ‘Queenslander’ homesteadbalustrade incorporates balusters of a relatively simple profi le, but may include various forms of ornamentation in the posts or between balusters.

Modern balustradeIn contrast to traditional designs, contemporary balustrade design tends to aimfor simplicity, through clean lines and thedefi nition of geometric shapes. Ornamentationis virtually eliminated.

In line with other trends in modern architecture, it makes an impact generallythrough the use of contrasting materials.

A common modern design priority is to createthe impression of space and openness. Thestrength inherent in stainless steel or mild steelstanchions or posts means that, when they areemployed, they can be situated at relatively long intervals.

The use of glass infi ll panels also contributes tothe sense of light and space.

Another feature of modern balustrading is the ‘frameless cantilevered’ approach, where the glass itself is a structural element that supports the handrail from a structural connectionto the fl oor or void edge through a vertical cantilever. This allows the architect to eliminate not only the balusters, but also the stanchions/posts, in the balustrade design.

Clearly, these newer approaches to balustrades display a trend towards minimalism andfunctionalism, consistent with the broaderarchitectural movement in modernism that hasbeen occurring for more than a century.

New directions in balustradeWith the current trend towards more organicand playful approaches to architecture, it willbe interesting to observe how this aff ectsbalustrade design.

The increased use of new materials, such as solid surface acrylic products, seems certain.

Since transparency will probably always be a priority, ‘high tech’ materials that permit light to penetrate, but aren’t yet strong enoughto fulfi l the role of void edge protection, will probably play a role.

Whatever comes next for balustrade, it isprobably safe to say that the traditional turned baluster will never again make an appearance.

This article was contributed by Arden Architectural Stairs. Arden Architectural Staircases design, supply and install high quality products in the residential and commercial building construction sector. Arden provides comprehensive design, fabrication and construction services for stair and balustradeprojects in Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne.

Ancient balustrades were moulded and hand-carved from material such as bronze, marble,or timber. In the 20th century, traditional designs have been recreated in materials such aspolystyrene, various hardwoods and softwoods, wrought iron, glass, polymer stone, cast stoneand plaster.

Wooden and stone balustrades are classically shaped on a turner’s lathe, which spins an unshapedblock to cut and sand it with symmetry. Ornamental lathes can create balustrades of amazingcomplexity, using two centres or axis of rotation. Concrete, iron, plaster and polymer balustradesare created from cast moulds.

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The importance of contemporaneous notes in building and construction disputesContemporaneous notes are notes made at, or around, the time of theevents being noted in building and construction industry disputes. They are also made with regards to other legal issues, such as workplace health and safety incidents and insurance claims, often making themcrucial.

In fact, they can sometimes mean the diff erence between a successful outcome and an unsuccessful outcome.

Usually, these notes are either diary notes (from site diaries, personaldiaries, etc.) or minutes of meetings.

This article will briefl y discuss the benefi ts of keeping a detailed diaryand noting relevant events, as well as the importance of keeping otherforms of contemporaneous notes, including all contract correspondence.

Contemporaneous notes are important in disputes because, often,formal written correspondence like letters, delay notifi cations andvariation documents, which detail relevant events, are either non-existent or insuffi cient.

The absence of formal written correspondence, or minimalcorrespondence, combined with the fact that most building and construction disputes don’t normally arise until a signifi cant period of time has lapsed from when the original events occurred, creates diffi culties in proving or defending a claim, especially as the recollection of key personnel may be hazy at best.

This can mean that it is not possible to prove a claim to the required civilstandard (being on the balance of probabilities), or defend a claim (suchas, for example, a variation claim from a subcontractor, or a claim for liquidated damages).

To combat this problem, we recommend that, in addition to allcontractual notices and documentation, you also keep a daily diaryrecording all relevant events in relation to each project. This applies regardless of whether you are a contractor or subcontractor, and whether or not you carry out domestic or commercial work.

Laws, codes & regulationsDarren Ho – BCCS Law

THERE IS NO RIGHT OR WRONGWAY OF RECORDING THEINFORMATION, PROVIDING THAT THE INFORMATION IS KEPT AND CAN BE REFERRED TO SUBSEQUENTLY.

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Under workplace health and safety legislation, builders must erect appropriate safety signs on site. Master Builders discounted signage canhelp you avoid fi nes and non-compliance.

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AUTHORISED PERSONS ONLY

HEARING & EYE PROTECTION MUST BE WORN ON THIS

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SITE RULES

• No childrenallowed on site

• All personsworking on sitemust have aGeneral SafetyInduction Card

• Electricalleads andpower toolsmust be testedand tagged.

QMBA-5315 04_08


Laws, codes & regulations

Whilst the more detailed the information the better, the diary should atthe least record:

• Details of any meetings held on site, including who attended, what was discussed, and the outcome of those discussions

• Details of any delays to the project, including specifi c details of the reason for the delay, and of any action taken to mitigate the eff ectsof the delay

• Details of the staff and subcontractors present on the site duringthat day (and ideally the starting and fi nishing times)

• Details of any directions or variations given by you or to you

• Details of any notifi cations given by you or to you in relation to delays or variations

• Details of any information requested by you or given to you.

Obviously the more information you include, the better.

Depending on the size of your business it may be easier for you to maintain a single diary for all of your projects. Alternatively, you could maintain a separate diary for each project, in which case the diary can be left on site and potentially maintained by multiple people.

There is no right or wrong way of recording the information, providing that the information is kept and can be referred to subsequently.

In the event that a dispute occurs, keeping the information located in a diary gives you a single location to obtain the requisite information.

Extracts from the diary can also be taken and attached to any necessaryaffi davit (in a proceeding in a court or tribunal) or any necessarystatutory declaration (given in support of any adjudication applicationor adjudication response under the Building and Construction Industry Payments Act 2004), to support the statements of events contained in theaffi davit or statutory declaration.

Examples of circumstances where diary notes have assisted in favourablyresolving disputes include:

• When proving that variations to a contract were requested or directed, including domestic building work contracts where therequirements for variations, specifi ed in the Domestic Building Contracts Act 2000, have not been complied with

• In proving delays caused to the project by alternate trades, or by the head contractor, for claiming extensions of time

• In defending against claims for liquidation damages.

For more information, or to discuss a dispute, please contact

Darren Ho from BCCS Law on (07) 3106 7212.

Disclaimer: The contents of this article are in the nature of general comment only and do not purport, and are not intended, to provide advice to any person or class of persons on any matter whatsoever. A reader of this articlemust not rely on, or act on the basis of, any of its contents, and should always obtain appropriate legal advice specifi c to his or her own particular circumstances.


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Are you showing innovation in the area of work health and safety?

With entries for the 2014 Master BuildersHousing and Construction Awards now open members, who have developed leading edgesolutions for safety problems faced while managing projects, are invited to enter theInnovation in Workplace Health and Safetycategory.

We are looking for members who have designedor developed a procedure or product thatexceeds current industry best practice or isunique in its application. While the hazard or risk may be a common industry matter, the solutionshould be innovative and improve eff ectiveness.

Previous winners have won the category for redesigning a piece of plant or equipment to

reduce risks, developing safer tools and altering aconstruction process to improve safety outcomes.

Last year’s winner designed a rotating pad for trucks so there was no need for reversing after delivering their inventory.

Whether you are a sole trader, a large companyor anything in between, we encourage everyoneto consider challenges faced and innovativeways they have been overcome.

It’s an opportunity to share with the industry and the public your business’ forward thinking in safety.

For more information about entering the

awards, see page 20.

Health, safety & environment


Review of OHS Accreditation Scheme

The Australian Government Building andConstruction OHS Accreditation Scheme (the Scheme), which is administered by theOffi ce of the Federal Safety Commissioner,was introduced following the Cole RoyalCommission into the building and constructionindustry, where recommendations were made for the Australian Government to infl uence andimprove occupational health and safety (OHS)performance within the industry. It has been applied to approximately 1,000 projects since it was introduced in 2005.

The scheme is an OHS accreditation scheme for Australian Government building and construction work, and only builders whoobtain accreditation under this scheme canenter into head contracts for building work that is funded directly or indirectly by theAustralian Government.

For this reason it has been designed toset a high benchmark in relation to safetymanagement and systems, and as a result of this, obtaining and maintaining accreditation can be a lengthy and detailed process. Somebuilders have advised that it has taken them up to a year to reach the standards which arerequired in order to be accredited.

The accreditation process is currently atwo-stage process consisting of a desktopassessment and an onsite audit and accreditation is valid for up to three years fromthe date of accreditation.

While Master Builders is supportive of theScheme, it has been brought to our attentionby our members that there are aspects thataren’t working as eff ectively as they could be. For this reason Master Builders is also supportive of an independent review in orderfor these aspects to be rectifi ed.

Master Builders Australia is currently in the process of drafting a submission to the Offi ce of the Federal Safety Commissioner which will put forward the issues raised by our memberswho are accredited under this scheme.

The government has recently agreed that the Department of Employment will conduct a review of the Australian Government Building and Construction OHS Accreditation Scheme in the fi rst half of 2014.

Health, safety & environmentStephanie Gaylard – Manager Workplace Health & Safety

Copies of the new codes can be found on theWorkplace Health and Safety Queenslandwebsite at www.deir.qld.gov.au/workplace/law/codes/index.htm

On 1 January 2014 there were also changesmade to the Queensland electrical safetyCodes of Practice. This was done to align thecodes with the amended Electrical Safety Act 2002 and new Electrical Safety Regulation 2013, which also commenced on 1 January 2014.

The following electrical safety Codes of Practicenow apply in Queensland, and the industry should familiarise themselves with:

• The Electrical Safety Code of Practice 2013 – Managing Electrical Risks in the Workplace,which replaces the Electrical Safety Code of Practice 2010 – Electrical Work.

• The Electrical Safety Code of Practice 2010 – Working Near Overhead and Underground Electric Lines, which has been renamedand updated. It replaces the Electrical Safety Code of Practice 2010 – Working Near Exposed Live Parts.

• The Electrical Safety Code of Practice 2010 – Electrical Equipment Rural Industry andythe Electrical Safety Code of Practice 2010 –Works, which have both been updated.

Copies of these codes, as well as the amendedElectrical Safety Act 2002 and new ElectricalSafety Regulation 2013 can be found on the Electrical Safety Offi ce website at: www.justice.qld.gov.au/fair-and-safe-work/electrical-safety/laws-and-compliance

For more information regarding the

review of the Australian Government Building

and Construction OHS Accreditation Scheme

or the new Codes of Practice, contact


[email protected]

New Codes of Practice introduced in QueenslandAs part of the national harmonisation of work health and safety laws, the Honourable Jarrod Bleijie MP, Attorney-General and Minister forJustice has approved eight new national Codes of Practice which took eff ect on1 December 2013.

It is important that the industry familiarisethemselves with the new Codes of Practice and make any appropriate adjustments to their systems and work practices. The Codes introduced on 1 December 2013 include:

• Abrasive Blasting Code of Practice 2013

• Demolition Work Code of Practice 2013

• Excavation Work Code of Practice 2013

• Managing Risks of Hazardous Chemicals in the Workplace Code of Practice 2013

• Managing Risks of Plant in the WorkplaceCode of Practice 2013

• Safe Design of Structures Code of Practice 2013

• Spray Painting and Powder Coating Code of Practice 2013

• Welding Processes Code of Practice 2013

In addition to the new codes, the Tunneling Code of Practice 2007 has been replaced by the 7Safe Work Australia Tunneling Guide.

IT HAS BEEN DESIGNED TO SET A HIGHBENCHMARK IN RELATION TO SAFETY MANAGEMENT AND SYSTEMS.


Recent changes to falls from heights legislation

The amended falls from heights legislation clarifi es requirements for what is required by a person who conducts a business or undertaking (PCBU) when the risk of a fall is less than three metres in housing construction work, or less than two metres in other construction work, or constructionwork on a roof with a slope not over 26 degrees.

These requirements include:

• Ensuring that each hazard that may result in a fall or cause death or injury if a person were tofall is identifi ed;

• That these hazards are assessed;

• That control measures are implemented to prevent or minimise the risk to workers and others.

When there is a risk of fall of at least three metres in housing construction, or at least two metres in other construction work, or construction work on a roof with a slope over 26 degrees, a PCBUmust ensure that a person cannot fall any distance.

If prevention is not reasonably practicable a PCBU must use control measures to assess a person’s fall and ensure those measures prevent or minimise the risk of death or injury. These controlmeasures are outlined in the Work Health and Safety Regulation 2011.

Although specifi c control measures are only prescribed when working at the heights specifi edabove, when working under these heights it is important that PCBU’s keep in mind that a risk assessment still needs to be undertaken to ensure there are no additional risks present, such

The Queensland Government recently announced amendments to the management of falls from heights legislation in the Work Health and Safety Regulation 2011.

Health, safety & environmentRachael Vickers – Workplace Health & Safety/Environment Advisor

as working near a fence line or over steel orother objects. If risks such as these are present, additional controls will need to be put in placeregardless of the height at which the person is working.

Principal contractors will need to ensure thatWork Health and Safety Management Plansand work procedures are reviewed to align with the changes. PCBU’s will need to review their Safe Work Method Statements (SWMS) to ensure the tasks they undertake consider the amendments.

Consultation between principal contractors and sub-contractors is important to managethe changes and ensure that everyone isaware of their new responsibilities, not only forprocedural matters but also as to the supply of fall control equipment.

For more information about the legislation

amendments, contact Master Builders on

(07) 3225 6404 or email

[email protected]

PRINCIPAL CONTRACTORS WILL NEED TO ENSURE THAT WORK HEALTH AND SAFETY MANAGEMENT PLANS AND WORK PROCEDURES ARE REVIEWED TO ALIGN WITH THE CHANGES.


Master Builders helps members operate more profi table businesses through a range of exclussive member discounts and special deals on products and services.

With 130 years’ experience delivering solutions to big and small, commercial and housing, buiilders and trade contractors across Queensland, Master Builders has the buying power and the knoww-how to help members save time and money.

For more information about these discounts and other special off ers and competitions, go tto

www.masterbuilders.asn.au/member-discounts or call 1300 55 11 61.

Offi ce suppliesMaster Builders members receive up to 25%off Offi ceMax’s large range of offi ce products,technology, furniture, medical, café and cleaning supplies.

Phones & internetMaster Builders members receive signifi cant savings on a wide range of Telstra mobile,landline and internet products.

Fuel cardsOur exclusive deal with Caltex saves members more than 50% off the monthlyfee on StarCard fuel cards and 3 cents per litre off the pump price for diesel and unleaded fuel.

Motor vehiclesNeed a new vehicle? Master Builders can take care of all your motor vehicle needs –from sourcing and purchasing vehicles, to vehicle fi nance, maintenance, servicing and fuel.

EuropcarMaster Builders members can get away for less with an exclusive 10% off the best car rental rate of the day with Europcar.

Training & licensingMembers can receive up to 30% off MasterBuilders range of practical and fl exible training courses and licensing services, which havebeen developed specifi cally for the industry.

Member discounts


Ongoing support for our MATES in ConstructionThe Master Builders Foundation will provide ongoing funding for a Queensland Field Offi cer at MATES in Construction (MIC), covering the period October 2013 to September 2014.

Community projects

The Foundation will also be a major statepartner with MIC, initially for a period of two years.

MIC has now reached a signifi cant milestonewith 35,094 workers having now participated in General Awareness Training since the program commenced in 2008, while 2,688 workers have undertaken Connector Trainingand 333 are now trained in suicide fi rst aid(ASIST).

The organisation has provided case management to 1,949 workers, and assistedworkers in fi nding alternatives to theirthoughts of suicide on 263 occasions. Over thisperiod of time, MIC has engaged with 621 sites in the industry and in the month of December 2013 was active on 30 sites, with 12 gaining MIC Accreditation.

MIC originated in Queensland, providing acommunity development program of suicideprevention and intervention to the Queensland construction industry. The continuing supportof Master Builders and other organisations has enabled the program to expand to rural and regional areas in the state, including the Surat and Bowen basins.

On top of this, MIC was awarded Suicide Prevention Australia’s Life Award in 2009, 2010, 2011 and 2012, and the National Safety Council Award in 2012.

Two new fi eld offi cers, Phil Hortz and Dave Bobovic, have also been working with MIC since 1 July 2013.

Phil has had extensive involvement with MICwhile working for Abigroup and the Gold Coast Light Rail Project, where he worked in community engagement, making his contributions invaluable.

Dave was a carpenter/builder who ran hisown business for a number of years, and more recently developed extensive experience in training. He has been allocated to working with the contractors that form Master Builders.

In July 2013, a group of Master Builders staff participated in General Awareness Training sessions in the Brisbane offi ce. This one-hourconversation gave staff the opportunity tolearn more about suicide and mental health, and will be off ered to more staff in futuresessions.

If you’re interested in partnering with MIC,

contact Ian Godbold, MIC Marketing Manager

on (07) 3833 1140 or email

[email protected]

THE ORGANISATION HAS ASSISTED WORKERS IN FINDING ALTERNATIVES TO THEIR THOUGHTS OF SUICIDE ON 263 OCCASIONS.


Building industry challenges

Are you eff ectively managing all of the belowchallenges? Tick the boxes if you are.

Cash fl ow issues

Insolvent clients

Quality issues

Marketing

Jobs gone bad

Australian Taxation Offi ce

QBCC compliance

Sub-contractor problems

Creditor pressure

What’s your score?In order to eff ectively run your business, it is essential to ensure you are across the range of industry challenges that can arise on a day-to-day basis.

The building industry is gradually entering a period of steady and sustained growth, wherewell-managed and well-placed companies cangenerate strong profi tability. This comes on the back of a long period of diffi cult tradingwhere a lot of builders have gone to the wall and where others have been hanging on by theskin of their teeth.

The building industry has always beenchallenging, and the successful companieshave always addressed the key challengesthrough strong management.

As a builder, do you have the management breadth to overcome all the typical industry challenges you may face throughout your career?

Mastering your business

It doesn’t need to be an expensive exercise but if it’s smart, it will produce strong sales.

Another timely issue to keep in mind is ensuring your business complies with theQueensland Building and ConstructionCommission (QBCC), which recently replaced the BSA. Compliance is essential to continue trading, and it’s important to ensure your details are always up to date. Expertise in this fi eld can present the business’ position in an optimum manner and take pressure off thecompliance process. If you are struggling in this fi eld, get help.

Spend some time getting on top of these issues and your business will reap the benefi ts.

This article was contributed by AMR Commercial – a management consultancy fi rm with over 20 years’ experience, specialising in businessdevelopment and business turnaround. They have signifi cant experience in the buildingindustry and are happy to hold discussions with businesses in the building industry on a no cost, no obligation basis. Feel free to contact David Rosenblum on (07) 3394 1722.

If a proprietor of a business isn’t personallyacross all strategic issues, then those issues must be covered by internal management staff or external consultants brought in for advice,as required.

One of the most common weaknesses manybuilding industry businesses face is marketing.This is typical in a lot of trade-based industries, and this is often where a lot of good businessescan fall down.

A good marketing strategy helps you defi neyour vision, mission and business goals, andinvolves careful targeting. It should be plannedand developed in consultation with your teamand outline the steps you need to take toachieve your business goals.

IT IS ESSENTIAL TO ENSURE YOU ARE ACROSS THE RANGE OF INDUSTRY CHALLENGES THAT CAN ARISE ON A DAY-TO-DAY BASIS.


9 keys to small business growth for 2014

Have you returned to work feeling refreshed and energised about what you can achieve this year?

Even if you didn’t have a break, now is a great time to start afresh and take the opportunity to review things for better fi nancial performance in 2014.

Use the New Year as an opportunity to take a ‘helicopter view’ of your business and formulate a business growth plan to achieve better profi t,cash fl ow and effi ciency.

Here are some key tips for small businessgrowth:

1. Income – what can you do to improve it?What are your Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) impacting income? Can youcapitalise on modern marketing methodse.g. digital marketing? What are the keydrivers to achieve sales numbers in yourbusiness?

2. Cost of Goods (COGs) – what are they and how are they diff erent from overheads?

Make 2014 the year to make your small business grow and succeed.

Mastering your businessSue Hirst – Co-founder of CFO On-Call

of doing things. There could be tens of thousands of dollars in savings lurking here.

5. Net Profi t – the result of your GrossProfi t less Overheads. Check out howyours compares to those in your industryby percentage. Are you getting a goodenough return for your eff orts?

6. Accounts Receivable – there are manyfactors aff ecting how long customers taketo pay – from how/when you invoice themto how/when they pay up. Find ways to speed it up.

7. Accounts Payable – on the other sideof the ledger – how can you fi nd ways to stretch your terms with suppliers without damaging relations? Improve terms in your favour.

8. Work in Progress – i.e. jobs in progressthat haven’t been invoiced to customers yet, including labour and materials. A sure way to improve cash fl ow is to fi nd waysto speed up fi nishing jobs, so they canbe invoiced. Also reducing rework and any excuses for customers not to pay for fi nished work. Improve profi t on jobs withfocus on labour productivity and materialsmanagement.

9. Stock management – think of stock as dollar bills piled up on the stock room fl oor.You want it sitting there for as little time aspossible i.e. enough for customers’ needs,but not too much to suck up precious cash.

Happy New Year and good luck with your smallbusiness growth and development plans!

CFO On-Call is a team of Financial and Business Advisors, who work with open-minded peoplecommitted to business growth and achievingsuccess. For more information call 1300 36 24 36or visit www.CFOonCall.com.au.

COGs are the costs directly associated with your product/service e.g. service labour andmaterials, product purchase, freight inwards,customs. etc. How can they be more costeff ective and effi cient? Think ‘productivity’.

3. Gross Profi t – the result of your income less COGs. Check out yours compared toothers in your industry by percentage.Percentage is the easiest and most accurate way to do the comparison.

4. Overheads – this is always a good place tofi nd savings, effi ciencies and modern ways

NOW IS A GREAT TIME TO START AFRESH AND TAKE THE OPPORTUNITY TO REVIEW THINGS FOR BETTER FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE IN 2014.


CALL 1300 88 13 72 TO GET CONNECTEDQMBA-18103 12-13

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How much is your driver’s licence worth?Mobile phones are an important means of communication, especially for people in thebusy building and construction industry. Withlimited downtime, it’s tempting to catch-up onthings when you’re driving, but doing so canincrease the risk of an accident.

Research conducted by the Australian Government shows that making a voice call on a mobile phone while driving increases the risk of being involved in a motor vehicle accident by as much as four times. Shockingly, sendinga text message while behind the wheel canincrease this risk to 23 times.

Despite the dangers and illegality,approximately 25% of recently surveyed Queensland drivers reported using their hand-held mobile phone on a daily basis to answeror make calls, as well as read text messages,while 14% reported using their hand-heldphone to send a text message on a daily basis.

Phones & internet

So, there is little wonder why all Australian states and territories have outlawed the use of a mobile phone while driving. But, did you know that ‘using a device’ includes holding a mobilephone or resting one in your lap, resting it in the cup holder of your car, even if you’re at traffi clights or not even engaged in a phone call?

Smart drivers are preparing themselves by installing a car kit for their mobile phone. As a member of Master Builders, you have access to a great range of car kit and installation options for most handsets.

Don’t risk a fi ne, or worse an accident. Keep your licence and stay safe by installing a car kit for your mobile phone.

Call the Master Builders Telecommunications helpdesk on 1300 88 13 72 for details.

MAKING A VOICE CALL ON A MOBILE PHONE WHILE DRIVING INCREASES THE RISK OF BEING INVOLVED IN A MOTOR VEHICLE ACCIDENT BY AS MUCH AS FOUR TIMES.

mbb [ 48 ] february/march 14

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Fresh direction for Master Builders membership services

Sue-Ann joined Master Builders after 20 years in sales and advertising, bringing with her a wealth of knowledge and experience.

Originally from Toowoomba, Sue-Ann began hercareer at APN with the Toowoomba Chronicle asan Advertising Sales Executive, after completing studies in business and marketing. From thereshe moved to News Ltd (The Courier-Mail andThe Sunday Mail), where she worked her way upfrom Advertising Sales Executive to AdvertisingOperations Manager and Sales Director.

In her most recent position as Queensland’sGeneral Manager – Operations for News Ltd, Sue-Ann was responsible for managing operations across Queensland locations,

including Cairns, Townsville, the widerBrisbane area and the Gold Coast. As such, shebrings with her a strong focus on regional development and value creation for members.

Sue-Ann’s business development, strong commercial acumen, marketing expertise andproduct development skills complement thealready strong leadership team at Master Builders.

“My focus is value creation for our members andpartners by developing products and servicesthat meet their evolving needs,” Sue-Ann said.

“I’ve already had the pleasure of meeting some of our many members from across thestate, while travelling with the recent Outlook & Opportunities Forum and at our Brisbane

Master Builders recently welcomed Sue-Ann Fresneda as the new Director – Membership Services & Business Development, in a bid to strengthen our key membership services and focus on business development.

Spotlight on

Smoko, and I’m looking forward to meetingand working with many more in the future.”

Sue-Ann will lead the Membership, Business Services, Training, Display Villages, andCommunications & Marketing teams, working closely with all other critical divisions of MasterBuilders.


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Changes to super from 1 January 2014

Eff ective from 1 January 2014, employers must make superannuation contributions for employees who have not nominated a preferred fund (through the completion of asuper choice form), to a fund authorised tooff er a MySuper product.

What is MySuper?MySuper is a super product that will replaceexisting default products off ering a simple setof features, irrespective of who the fund is.

Its introduction is aimed to remove anyunnecessary and complicated features thatmembers may not necessarily use, and indoing so reduce the fees associated with such a product.

The standards that a MySuper product

must meet are set out in legislation and will be enforced by the Australian PrudentialRegulation Authority (APRA). Thesestandardised features across all funds willallow for employers and members to moreeff ectively compare products and funds.

Is the default fund I am using an authorised fund? For almost all employers it is anticipated that your existing default fund will off er a MySuper product.

A full list of funds authorised to off er aMySuper product can be found on the APRAwebsite at www.apra.gov.au

If you fi nd that your existing default fund is notauthorised to off er a MySuper product you will

A new, simple and cost effective super product will replace existing default products from 1 January 2014.

SuperannuationMikki Richardson – Senior Advisor Workplace Relations

need to switch to a fund that is authorised.

If an employee provides you with a superchoice form, their chosen fund is not requiredto be MySuper authorised to accept employercontributions.

To do list Confi rm that your current default fund

is authorised to off er a MySuper product on the APRA website

If authorised, you can continue to make contributions to your existing default fund

If you fi nd that your default fund is not authorised you will need to switch to a fund that is. If you do this, you will need to provide an updated choice of fund form to all employees that have not nominated a chosen fund within 28 days of the change.


[email protected]


PJH is building lifestyles… one story at a time

A strong focus on customer service, team culture and company values has helped Paul Harms turn his Gold Coast-based business, PJH Constructions, into a thriving success.

If you had asked Paul fi ve years ago where he would like to be in this moment, he probably would have told you that he’d be running his own successful business.

Fast-forward fi ve years and he has achieved this... plus much more.

Paul completed his carpentry apprenticeship in Dalby. He believes that something he learned very early on was what was promised to clients is what had to be delivered.

“I think that kind of honesty and integrity made me realise what was important. If Iwanted to do well at my apprenticeship and be a part of the business, I had to get on board very quickly,” Paul refl ected.

“I was trusted to do my job as long as I turned up with the right attitude, was willingto learn and pulled my own weight. It was a great learning experience and it helpedme to form a large part of the way I run my business now.”

After completing his apprenticeship and working in a partnership for a while,Paul quickly realised it wasn’t the ideal structure for him and decided to start PJHConstructions on the Gold Coast.

In the beginning it was a one-man-show, but Paul’s ambition and goals were togrow a business that would make a positive impact on the industry.

Members


Within 12–18 months the business was at apoint where Paul could really start to focus onwhere he wanted to take the company in terms of size, image and culture.

Today, PJH specialises in major home renovations, extensions and additions andemploys around ten staff .

“Our clients are mainly families or couples who want to add more space to their home and improve their lifestyle,” Paul explains.

“In terms of types and size of jobs, when we say major renovations, these are typicallyanywhere from $50,000 up to jobs of half amillion dollars or more. The jobs are usually acombination of new additions and extensionsalong with a major internal renovation to theexisting home.”

Starting a business was not an easy feat andPaul is the fi rst to admit there were challengesalong the way.

“At the start the biggest concern was not beingsure of what would unfold and how it would unfold. I knew what I wanted to achieve, but wasn’t really sure how I was going to make it happen,” Paul said.

I THINK THE BIGGEST CHALLENGE WAS CREATING A PLAN OF HOW I WAS GOING TO BUILD THE BUSINESS TO THE LEVELS

THAT I KNEW I WANTED TO GET TO.

Members


“There were defi nitely some nerves becauseeverything was so new and every single day the learning curve was steep and fast. Aftergetting through that initial period, I think the biggest challenge was creating a plan of howI was going to build the business to the levelsthat I knew I wanted to get to.

“By that point, I realised that there were many components outside of the actual building andconstruction side of the business. I needed tobe more than a builder... I needed to brush up on my business owner and entrepreneurialskills and learn more about what that meantand what I needed to do and learn to be successful.

“That mindset really helped me from that pointon because it provided a constant reminder to what I needed to focus on. This, for me, is

Members

AS AN INDUSTRY WE CAN RAISE THE BAR BY WORKING ON HOW WE CREATE MORE BUSINESS OWNERS WHO ARE BUILDERS.

certainly about providing a great end product,but also all of the other components that comewith it, such as the marketing, sales, fi nance,administration, team building, leadership,systems and a whole range of items within those.”

“Without great people, we simply wouldn’thave a business. Our team is amazing and we all work really hard on upholding our teamculture and company values,” Paul explains.

“Additionally, we spend a lot of time and energy on our ‘business assembly line’, which is marketing, sales, delivery, fi nance and admin. We keep refi ning the workfl ow from the fi rstenquiry all the way through to a fi nished project. Within that workfl ow we have a wide range of processes, procedures, systems andtools that keep things running smoothly.

“The strategy for PJH is very clear and every single team member knows where we are going and how we’re going to get there. This has also played a key part in helping us grow.”

Paul engaged a business coach to help him formalise and clarify his ideas, bring in somenew ideas and viewpoints, and to keep the team focused on where the business was goingand how it would get there.

Customer service is also a big part of what Paul and the team focus on, which led to thecreation of the ‘PJH Customer SatisfactionGuarantee’ – a seven-point guarantee around specifi c deliverables and components of whatis promised to customers.

It’s this seven-point guarantee that made Paul stand out from the crowd at the 2013 Housing & Construction Awards, where he took home the Rising Star award at both a regional andrstate level.

Paul defi nes this as one of his biggest career highlights to date, describing the ability to enter these awards as one of the many benefi ts of being a Master Builders member.

“Being a member of Master Builders allows me to keep up to date with what’s happening in thebuilding industry in terms of other companies, legislation changes and guidelines. It also gives me the opportunity to meet and build relationships with other professionals, allowing us to support and help each other grow.”

In terms of guidance for future rising stars, Paul’s best advice is to remain vigilant and notbecome complacent against the sometimesunfortunate reputation the building industry has.

“There’s also the continuing need for builders to learn the trade of being a business owner.As an industry we can raise the bar by working on how we create more business owners who are builders –as opposed to builders who areindeed great builders, but lack the necessary business skills,” Paul recommends.


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Medibank Corporate health cover

Here are some of the benefi ts you can look forward to when you join Medibank Corporatehealth:

• An ongoing 8.3% discount – that’s likegetting one month of cover free each year*

• Tailored packages for every stage of life

• No hospital excess for kids on familymemberships+

• 100% back on optical items at opticalretailers, up to your annual limits#

• Medibank hospital cover includes access to a range of health support services,including a 24/7 health advice line

• If you have a fl ybuys account, link yourMedibank and fl ybuys accounts to start earning rewards. See medibank.com.au/fl ybuys for details.

For more information call 131 680, ask in

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Note: Waiting periods apply including 12 monthsfor pre-existing conditions.*Discount based on premiums of equivalent and eligible Medibank retail covers and applies for the life of your corporate cover. Over 12 months, the 8.3% discount

Master Builders has partnered with Medibank to bring you a great deal on health cover for you and your family.

Member benefi ts

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Builders professional indemnity insurance

Professional indemnity insurance has becomea fairly common contractual obligation for builders and many other construction industryparticipants, especially when providing services that involve the application of professional or specialist expertise.

These services can be wide and varied and mayinclude activities such as:

• Project or construction management

• Design and construct

• Building design work

• Design interpretation and drafting

• Building consultancy

• Design modifi cations, undertaken by builders at request of owners

• Management services.

However, it should be noted that professionalindemnity insurance is neither designed nor intended as a policy to pay for the rectifi cationcosts of general building defects.

Due to its complex nature and to provide formembers’ ongoing needs for this form of policy,Master Builders Insurance retains respected and well known professional indemnityadvisor, Australian Indemnity, as an authorisedrepresentative. Through these arrangementswith Australian Indemnity, members canreadily obtain dependable advice and

assistance in arranging the professional indemnity policy that is right for their ownparticular requirements.

Australian Indemnity has access to major localand international professional indemnity insurance markets and provides the necessary expertise to assist members in sourcing qualitycoverage at extremely competitive pricing.

Some aspects to consider when buying professional indemnity insuranceWhenever you buy a professional indemnitypolicy, there are some very important aspects that must be remembered.

1. Professional indemnity policies require

that claims made against you or

incidents that might cause a claim under

the policy, are reported to the insurer

during the period the policy is actually

in force.

This means that if your policy expireswithout you notifying the insurer of any suchcircumstances that may have occurred, a subsequent claim or legal action against youwill not be covered.

This is why it’s imperative that policies beeither maintained continuously as an annualcover, or if arranged on a project specifi c basis,an appropriate additional period of coveragebeyond the construction phase is included.

The importance of ensuring you buy the right policy.

Insurance Ken Bowen – General Manager Insurance

2. Professional activities you wish to insure

must be adequately noted in your policy.

Always remember that your policy will onlyrespond to the business activities stated in it.

The fact that you may hold professional indemnity insurance does not automatically mean that you are covered for any business activity in which you are, have been, or maybecome engaged.

In general terms, insurance policies can be very diff erent in that some exclude risks thatothers insure. This is particularly the case with professional indemnity policies. It is therefore very easy to buy a policy that fails to providethe fi nancial protection required.

Some insurance policies can exclude risks thatothers insure, so without the right advice, it’s easy to buy a policy that fails to provide the fi nancial protection you need.

The Australian Indemnity solution includes detailed advice on the diff erences between the many policies available. Some of the facilities already in place for Master Builders membersthrough Australian Indemnity include:

Design and construct professional indemnityWhen taking on design and construct contractsthe builder has professional indemnity risk exposure arising from the performance of professionals engaged in the project, along with the risks arising from responsibility to co-ordinate the professional output.

Whilst as a builder you should ensure that each professional you engage on the project holds

Start using eDocs today!Master Builders eDocs – electronic documents and online core services – system is nowavailable!

Access to the new eDocs system is exclusive to Master Builders members and makes creatingcontracts easier, faster and more intuitive than ever before.

Activate your account and start using eDocs today! Visit www.masterbuilders.asn.au/edocs.


Insurance

PROFESSIONAL INDEMNITY INSURANCE ISNEITHER DESIGNED NOR INTENDED AS APOLICY TO PAY FOR THE RECTIFICATION COSTS OF GENERAL BUILDING DEFECTS.

Spread the cost of your annual

insurance premium with monthly

payments.

Free up cash and retain working capital

Quick and easy set up, over the phone

Insurance policy used as security, no

additional guarantees needed

Competitive fi xed interest rate protects

against rate fl uctuations

Interest charges usually tax deductible

*Credit facilities provided by Premium Funding Pty Ltd ABN 34 057 360 171

Call Master Builders on 1300 13 13 26

QMBA-17781 09-13

current professional indemnity insurance,you can still be at risk from the consequencesof their professional negligence. In theevent of a claim, and assuming the circumstance is covered by their policy,consultants’ insurers will defend themvigorously and often at the expense of the builder and other professionals.

In addition, the builder may have been responsible for consultant selection and most likely will be held responsible for the co-ordination of the professional contributions.

Design and construct professional indemnity policies available through Australian Indemnity are structured to cover these risks and they canbe purchased on an annual or project-specifi c basis. A major benefi t, which we suggest beincluded in design and construct policies,is the agreement by the insurer to pay forrectifi cation of work that would eventuallyresult in a claim under the policy.

This feature mitigates losses arising fromprofessional mistakes, by reducing delay and keeping any legal costs to a minimum.Usually the project can proceed, with claim funds available from the insurer and eventual responsibility for the rectifi cation costs beingestablished as a separate issue.

Building consultants’ professional indemnityThis policy is designed primarily for basic pre-purchase inspection work and is available for both residential and commercialproperty reports. Coverage is compliantwith Queensland Building and Construction

Commission (QBCC) licensing requirements,with premiums and policy excesses at very competitive levels.

If your practice is involved in any additionalactivities, such as quality assurance, disputeresolution, workplace health and safety audits, pest reports, conciliation, arbitration,mediation, expert witness, managementservices, etc., – remember the golden ruleof disclosing the full extent of such activitiesto the insurer, to ensure that appropriate coverage is included in your policy.

In summary, do not treat your professionalindemnity insurance as just another insurancepolicy. It is an extremely complex contract,designed for professionals. It demands the

attention of a professional insurance advisor who will act in your interests.

For more information, call Master Builders

Insurance on 1300 13 13 26 and we will

arrange for Paul Ellison, Principal of

Australian Indemnity, to contact you for a

detailed evaluation of your professional

indemnity insurance requirements.

Note: Details of insurance coverage in this article are a summary only of policy coverage. We are pleased to provide full copies of policy documentation on request should you wish toreview the complete terms of cover as these will apply in the event of any claim. Informationcontained herein is of a general nature and hasnot taken into account the particular insurance needs of any individual business or person.


In a prickly situation with a client? Master Builders can help you manage the dispute.

Call us on 1300 30 50 10.

Providing a risk score for bowel cancer

Associate Professor Graham Radford-Smith, who is also a gastroenterologist at Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital (RBWH), said demand for colonoscopies was outstrippingsupply and leading to lengthy waiting lists.

“It’s great that a growing awareness of bowel cancer is convincing more people to take up the option of screening, particularly whenthey’re over 50 and the risk increases,” ProfessorRadford-Smith said.

“But one major concern is the lack of correlationbetween symptoms and the presence or absence of polyps or bowel cancer.

“This is a gap in clinical practice. Patientswith serious bowel disorders may be in the colonoscopy queue alongside individuals witheither a benign disorder or no abnormalitybecause the process of colonoscopy prioritisation – also known as “triaging” – is based upon symptoms and not objectivelaboratory tests,” Professor Radford-Smith said.

Over 500,000 colonoscopies are performed inAustralia every year. Most of those patients will have gone to their GP with worrying symptomsincluding stomach pain, or rectal bleeding.However, only a limited number undergo further relevant tests before having their colonoscopy.

“By collecting detailed health information, and conducting blood and faecal tests, we hope to develop a risk score to predict a person’s risk of

A QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute scientist has launched an Australian-fi rst study designed to prioritise high-risk patients on colonoscopy waiting lists.

Health & wellbeing

abnormality in the bowel, and determine howurgently a colonoscopy is required. This will bedriven by a combination of good clinical andscientifi c research,” Professor Radford-Smithsaid.

He will recruit 1,000 GP-referred patients overtwo years, in conjunction with RBWH andPrince Charles Hospital.

Watch Associate Professor Graham Radford-

Smith explain this research further at

www.youtube.com/watch?v=RvkZmacZa8Q

About bowel cancer: 14,000 Australiansare diagnosed withbowel cancer each year and 4,000 of them will die from the disease, making bowel cancer the second most common internal cancer.

$0

MISSION: POSSIBLEReduce your membership fee to

Simply tell us about a mate who might be interested in becoming a Master Builders member and we’ll give them a call. If they join, we’ll give you $250 off your next membership renewal*.

Call Master Builders on 1300 30 50 10 or email [email protected] and refer a mate today!

* Terms & condi ons apply. Go to www.masterbuilders.asn.au for full terms & condi ons.


Brisbane Christmas SmokoMembers and their partners gathered at Master Builders head offi ce in Brisbane on Thursday, 12 December to celebrate Christmas with a few drinks and a BBQ put on by Brisbane staff members. A special thanks to sponsors, TradeTools and BUSSQ, for their involvement and support at the event.

People & events


President’s Christmas DrinksGuests gathered at Master Builders head offi ce in Brisbane on 18 November for the annual President’s Christmas Drinks. The Attorney-General and Minister for Justice, The Hon. Jarrod Bleijie, spoke about the industry on behalf of the government.

People & events

All members who pay their membershiprenewal by the due date go in the drawto win an Apple iPad Mini each month.Congratulations to all of our latest winners.

Apple iPad winners

Lex Schuster from Anaconda Concre ng in Brisbane

John Tonc from Magne c Island


Outlook & Opportunities ForumThe Outlook & Opportunities Forum recently travelled the state, talking about the outlook for the building and construction industry over the next few years. (Read more about the event onpage 62)

People & events


Congratulations to construction manager, Steven Winkelman, from Total Lifestyle Builders in Brisbane, who took home a bottle of Penfolds Grange just for fi lling out our quarterly Surveyof Industry Conditions.

Survey of Industry Conditions winner

People & events

Regional Christmas partiesMembers across Queensland got into the festive spirit at our Christmas parties late lastyear, taking the opportunity to mingle withother members and enjoy a great atmosphere.


Industry’s year ahead

Builders and trade contractors gained valuable insight into the building industry’s future when the Outlook & Opportunities Forum took to the road in November last year.

Events

The 2013 forum (aff ectionately known in the industry as Roadshow) was an ideal opportunity formembers to hear what’s in store for their region over the coming years and fi nd out what Master Builders is doing to support industry growth and activity.

The 2013 Forum visited ten regional centres across Queensland and saw a range of speakers,including local builders, developers, and mayors and other senior local government offi cials, discuss important local issues, as well as key opportunities and projects.

Master Builders Deputy Executive Director, Paul Bidwell, said the forum was a great success,attracting more attendees than last year.

“The increase in numbers clearly demonstrates the industry’s desire to understand what’shappening in the future and why,” Mr Bidwell said.

“The panel discussed local issues, future projects, planning approval processes, economicconditions, and problems with infrastructure charges, as well as providing advice on how to tapinto the key projects and opportunities happening in those areas.

“With the industry showing signs of recovery after an extended period of lacklustre demand, our panel of experts were on hand to fi eld questions and talk about getting your business involved and ready for the next few years.”

A range of exhibitors at each event also gave attendees access to information about the latestproducts available in the building industry.

Some great prizes were also on off er, with one lucky person at each event winning a $500 voucherto spend at a local hardware store. All attendees also went in the draw to win a Master Builders tradesman’s trailer, which was valued at over $4,770.

Rick Chelman Builder Pty Ltd from the Mackay region was lucky enough to win the major prizeand recently picked up his new trailer from Mackay & Whitsunday Regional Manager, Malcolm Hull.

We look forward to seeing you all when Roadshow travels the state again later this year!

Roadshow was proudly supported by:

APA Group, BlueScope Steel, Bondor, BUSSQ Building Super, Cleantech, Construction Skills Queensland, Dulux Acratex, Garland Waddington, J&B Pest Control, Kingspan, McKays Solicitors, QAMS, QIS, Reece,Ritek Building Solutions, Sunshine Injury Management, SV Partners, TEC-NQ, Telstra Country Wide, Festool & Protool, Viewpoint and Workplace Health and Safety Queensland.

Explore business opportunities in Asia and the Pacifi c

Master Builders Australia is organising a mission to the 41st IFAWPCA Convention in Jakarta, Indonesia on 2–3 March 2014.

The International Federation of Asian and Western Pacifi c Contractors Associations (IFAWPCA) Convention is your opportunity to meet with leading building and construction organisations and fi rms from the Asian and Western Pacifi c countries and identify business opportunities.

IFAWPCA’s members represent the key construction and building contractors in the Asian and Western Pacifi c region. IFAWPCA conventions are held each eighteen months and bring together around 800 delegates from leading construction organisations and contractors from 16 countries. Australia is a founding member of IFAWPCA whose members include India, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, Nepal, New Zealand, Philippines, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Bangladesh and Maldives.

Missions to IFAWPCA Conventions are led by Master Builders National President and CEO. This senior Master Builders representation provides a strong delegation presence at the convention.

Registered participants will be assisted to meet delegates to discuss, buy/sell products or services, identify distributors, agents, joint venture partners and investment in Indonesia and IFAWPCA countries.

Mission members will be able to view the latest innovations and styles in building and construction and interact with senior executives from participating countries. The Convention will be a meeting ground for closer cooperation, exchange of ideas, sharing of experiences of building and construction technology among the member nations.

For further information and to receive

an information pack, contact Keith Stubbs,

National Manager, International Division

on (03) 9411 4555 or email

[email protected]


MASTER BUILDERS

OFFICE LOCATIONS

BRISBANE

417 Wickham TerraceBrisbane, QLD 4000 Ph: (07) 3225 6444 Fax: (07) 3225 6545 [email protected] www.masterbuilders.asn.au

GOLD COAST

John DuncalfeRegional Manager Master Builders House18 Central Park AveAshmore, QLD 4214 Ph: (07) 5582 7100 Fax (07) 5597 7044

DOWNS & WESTERN

Tony RyderRegional Manager 166 Hume StreetToowoomba, QLD 4350Ph: (07) 4659 4200 Fax: (07) 4639 5144

SUNSHINE COAST

Michael HopkinsRegional ManagerLevel 1, 91 King Street PO Box 1458Buderim, QLD 4556Ph: (07) 5456 9800 Fax: (07) 5453 4670

BURNETT WIDE BAY

Michael HopkinsRegional Manager162 Boat Harbour DriveHervey Bay, QLD 4655Ph: (07) 4303 2400 Fax: (07) 4124 7235

CENTRAL QUEENSLAND

Dennis BryantRegional Manager35 Derby StreetPO Box 631Rockhampton, QLD 4700Ph: (07) 4923 1900 Fax: (07) 4921 3235

MACKAY & WHITSUNDAY

Malcolm HullRegional Manager Suite 2, 40 Evans AvenuePO Box 3188North Mackay, QLD 4740Ph: (07) 4969 4500Fax: (07) 4951 3418

NORTH QUEENSLAND

Melissa CoulterRegional ManagerMaster Builders HouseUnit 1(B), 316 Sturt StreetTownsville, QLD 4810Ph: (07) 4417 1800 Fax: (07) 4771 5777

FAR NORTH QUEENSLAND

Ron BannahRegional Manager310–314 Gatton StreetManunda, QLD 4870PO Box 806Earlville, QLD 4870Ph: (07) 4042 8800Fax: (07) 4041 7663

Master Builders offers new training opportunities in 2014

These programs will be led by industry professionals and have been specifi cally designed to address the currentwants and needs of the building and construction industry.

The fi rst program to debut this year will be Master Builders Performance Management & Development Workshop.

We understand that it can be very diffi cult for supervisors to eff ectively manage staff performance anddevelopment, especially considering there is no one-size-fi ts-all approach. This workshop will provide students with the basics of how to plan, conduct and evaluate performance reviews in order to better manage staff performance on a day-to-day basis.

Our experienced and professional trainers will lead students through a number of topics including generalperformance management, interpreting company policy and industrial legislation, helping people improvetheir own skills for managing performance, and developing action plans.

This one-day workshop will run across all Queensland regions, so make sure you contact your local offi ce to fi ndout course dates.

This year will also see the introduction of Master Builders Manage Personal Work Priorities and ProfessionalDevelopment Program.

This course has been designed by the Master Builders Housing Sector Committee to support the skill andprofessional development needs of builders, leading hands, site managers, supervisors, estimators and otherrelevant personnel in the residential sector.

Throughout these four, half-day workshops, students will cover a myriad of topics, including managing their own work performance, setting and meeting work priorities, and developing and maintaining professional competency.

With the opportunity to interact face-to-face with our experienced trainers and fellow classmates, participantswill leave with the skills and knowledge to present confi dently, prepare for personal responsibilities in the workplace, and provide opportunities for personal professional development.

This program will be off ered by all Master Builders offi ces throughout Queensland, and we encourage you to contact your local offi ce to register your interest.

For more information on both of these programs, as well as the many other training courses Master Builders has

to off er, visit www.masterbuilders.asn.au/training-and-licensing or call 1300 13 60 02.

This year is set to be an exciting one for Master Builders, with the announcement of two new training courses on offer.

Training & licensing

Australian residential builders looking for an energy-

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For more information contact: www.insulliving.com.au or Bondor Queensland on 07 3323 8500

What’s new

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What s What’s new


What’s on in March

Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday1 2

Asbestos Worker Program(Burnett Wide Bay)

3 4 5 6 7 8 9

Testing & Tagging(Downs & Western)

Atherton IndustryUpdate

Gold Coast Industry Update

Cairns IndustryUpdate

MaryboroughIndustry Update

ResidentialContracts Workshop (Far North Qld)

Tully/Mission BeachIndustry Update

Asbestos Worker Program(Mackay & Whitsunday)

Innisfail Industry Update

Asbestos WorkerProgram(Mackay & Whitsunday)

BusinessManagement(Far North Qld)

BusinessManagement(Far North Qld)

10 11 12 13 14 15 16

General Safety Induction(Brisbane)

Lawyers in theHouse (Gold Coast)

Testing & Tagging (Brisbane)

Residential BuildingInspectors (Far North Qld)

Residential BuildingInspectors (Far North Qld)

BusinessManagement(Gold Coast)

BusinessManagement(Brisbane)

Testing & Tagging (North Qld)

Tully/Mission BeachGolf Day

BusinessManagement(Gold Coast)

BusinessManagement(Brisbane)

Testing & Tagging (Mackay & Whitsunday)

17 18 19 20 21 22 23

Business Management(Central Qld)

BusinessManagement(Central Qld)

Sunshine Coast Construction Sector Forum

Asbestos Worker Program (North Qld)

Testing & Tagging (Central Qld)

Asbestos Worker Program (North Qld)

Asbestos WorkerProgram (Brisbane)

Central Qld BusinessPartners Dinner

2014 IBC Conference

Asbestos WorkerProgram (Brisbane)

BusinessManagement(North Qld)

BusinessManagement(Sunshine Coast)

BusinessManagement(North Qld)

BusinessManagement(Sunshine Coast)

24 25 26 27 28 29 30

Lawyers in theHouse (Gold Coast)

Testing & Tagging (Far North Qld)

Asbestos WorkerProgram(Downs & Western)

Asbestos WorkerProgram(Central Qld)

Asbestos Worker Program(Downs & Western)

Asbestos WorkerProgram(Central Qld)

31

Asbestos Worker Program(Mackay &Whitsunday)

To book your place at a Master Builders event or training course, go to www.masterbuilders.asn.au or call 1300 30 50 10.

Note: Dates are subject to change.

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What s What’s new

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Call your nearest Master Builders Insurance offi ce on 1300 13 13 26, or email [email protected].

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003LONGER WARRANTYCOLORBOND® steel now provides a longer warranty*of up to 36 years, backed by BlueScope. Class leadingpaint technology together with advanced substrate technology ensures bettercorrosion resistance.

001SIX NEW COLOURS TOCREATE WITH EVEN GREATER CONFIDENCEAn extensive research anddevelopment process byBlueScope has resulted in theaddition of six highly resilient colours to the COLORBOND®steel palette. In the firstcolour refresh since 2008,four new shades of grey– Basalt®, Wallaby®, Gully™and Cove™ – a eucalyptgreen called Mangrove®, anda rich red called Terrain® have been added to theCOLORBOND® steel palette.

004GUARANTEED COMPLIANCEIn order for any pre-painted steel to meet AS2728and deemed to satisfy requirements of the BCA, the substrate must meetAS1397. COLORBOND® steelis guaranteed to meet both AS2728 and AS1397.

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COLOURS

*Warranty subject to application and eligibility criteria. For full terms and conditions visit bluescopesteel.com.au/warranties. ^Results will depend on level of insulation, building shape and function.†Thermatech® technology is not available in the colour Night Sky®. COLORBOND®, Thermatech®, Coolmax®, BlueScope, the BlueScope brand mark and ® colour names are registered trade marks ofBlueScope Steel Limited. ™ colour names are trade marks of BlueScope Steel Limited. © 2014 BlueScope Steel Limited ABN 16 000 011 058. All rights reserved. MBM32857CRF

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MB magazine - February/March 2014

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Transcript of MB magazine - February/March 2014