2013 Sep-Oct Master Builders WA Magazine

OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE MASTER BUILDERS ASSOCIATION OF WESTERN AUSTRALIA VOLUME 10 NUMBER 4 SEP-OCT 2013

PP 424022/1825 $9.90

GATSBY GLAMOUR AND GOLDFIELDS GLITTER AT AWARDS

Election wrap

McLean’s 30 years

State budget: FHO grant helps

Master Builders’ website relaunched

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MBAWA BOARD OF MANAGEMENT:President: Robert ShawSenior Vice President: John RippTreasurer: Chris LillisImmediate Past President: George AllingameBoard Members: Simon Birkhead, David Crothers, Jason Kunkler, Andy Peppercorn, Dan Perkins, Jack Pleiter, Robert Spadaccini, Michael Vermey

SENIOR STAFF:Director: Michael McLeanHousing & Economics Director: Gavan ForsterContracts & Administration Manager: Charles AndersonConstruction Director: Kim RichardsonMembership Services Manager: Veronica MillCommunications Director: Geoff CooperMarketing Manager: Kelly Dewar-MatusikEvents Manager: Pippa TearneTechnical Advisor: Romina De SantisTraining Director: Neil Du RandTraining Manager: Michael Fitzgerald

SUBSCRIPTION ENQUIRIES: Master Builder is

available for subscription at a cost of $55/year. Contact

Membership Services Manager Veronica Mill via email

at [email protected] for further information.

Master Builder is the of� cial publication of The Master Buil-ders Association of Western Australia. It is produced � ve ti-mes per year and published by Crowther-Blayne & Associates Pty Ltd. Master Builders Association of Western Australia was established in1898 and is the state’s oldest building industry organisation. The MBAWA is part of the Australia-wide Ma-ster Builder movement. Master Builder is produced to keep members informed of matters affecting them. Opinions and/or statements in any editorial and/or advertisements are not necessarily those of the publisher and/or the MBAWA. The publisher reserves the right to reject any material deemed unsuitable for publication. Other than for the purposes of and subject to the conditions prescribed under the copyright Act 1968, no part of Master Builder may in any form or by any means (electronic, mechanical, microcopying, photocopying, recording or otherwise) be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted without prior written permission from the MBAWA or Crowther-Blayne & Associates Pty Ltd.

HEAD OFFICE:35-37 Havelock Street, West Perth WA 6005Post: PO Box 167, West Perth WA 6872 Phone: (08) 9476 9800 (Country) 1300 550 262 Fax: (08) 9476 9801 Email: [email protected]: www.mbawa.com

MASTER BUILDERS TRAINING CENTRE594 Hay StreetJolimont WA 6014Phone: (08) 9441 8000Fax: (08) 9441 8001Email: [email protected]

REGIONAL BRANCHES:Albany-Great Southern: Linda Gibbs Ph 9841 6232Bunbury-South West: Geoff Bosustow Ph 9721 6547Geraldton-North West: Dianne Gilleland Ph 9921 5061Kalgoorlie: Jade Hayes Ph 0412 487 970Esperance: Doug Backhouse Ph 0437 184 366

MEMBERSHIP INQUIRIES: Veronica Mill Ph (08) 9476 9800

Forewords

President’s File ................................................... 2

Director’s File .................................................... 4

Reports

Master Builders General News .......................... 6

Master Builders Branches ................................ 28

Awards

Goldfi elds esperance Awards .......................... 32

excellence in Construction Awards ................. 38

Updates

Personal Pars .................................................. 42

Building Business ............................................ 48

Membership ................................................... 52

Safety .............................................................. 54

Industrial Relations ......................................... 56

Members’ health ........................................... 58

Member Profi le .............................................. 60

Legal .............................................................. 62

Technical ......................................................... 64

housing .......................................................... 67

Insurance ........................................................ 69

Training .......................................................... 72

Feature Project

Wickham Recreational Precinct ....................... 74

Features

equipment hire ............................................... 78

Foundations /Pilings ........................................ 82

What’s New ................................................... 84

The 2013 Gold� elds Esperance Building Excellence Awards saw RJ Donaldson Building Contractor and Westralia Homes sharing the honours. See pages 32-36 for details. And Brook� eld Multiplex reigned supreme at the Great Gatsby-themed Excellence in Construction Awards night – pages 38-41.

WA Master Builder 1

local government reform essential - but just part of the solutionBuilders generally have more personal contact with the third tier of government, local authorities, than we do with State and Federal government. Our assessments of dealings with local government are very much infl uenced by our personal experiences.

Acknowledging the Support of our 2013 Partners:

Builders require competent and obliging local government staff and

effi cient systems to process building applications satisfactorily. The

move to a hybrid private certifi cation system with local government

endorsement certainly has been a welcome initiative for the building

industry and has prompted a number of local government authorities

to review their internal processes. Why? Because more businesses are

going to the private certifi ers than the local government staff. This form

of competition is good for builders and our clients. Surely 100 percent

private certifi cation cannot be far away.

Master Builders recently met the new Local Government Minister Tony

Simpson to discuss the Government’s plans to reform local government.

We all were impressed with Mr Simpson’s understanding of the big

ticket issues and what needs to be done to fi x some of the problems.

he now has to get his bureaucracy and local government authorities on

side to achieve his objectives.

The Barnett Government has a clear mandate to reform local

government. A previous steering committee concluded that 61 of our

139 local governments are unsustainable. It also found that 82 percent

of local government lacked adequate integrated long-term planning

strategies in the areas of asset and fi nancial management.

Master Builders provided a submission to the Metropolitan Local

Government Review. We supported most of the recommendations

in the report, including an amalgamation of local governments,

appropriate training for elected councillors and the establishment of a

Local Government Commission to oversee the reform process. We also

recommended one Minister for Planning and Local Government as the

two portfolios overlap considerably and both require an overhaul.

One of the major reasons for our Association supporting a reduction

in local government authorities is to reduce the inconsistencies that

prevail between many of them. Builders would be familiar with the

different crossover requirements, different fencing materials, limitations

on roof colours and materials, different building orientations and even

landscaping required from one area to another. For project builders,

in particular, who operate on standard display home designs, it has

become a nightmare keeping up with the variety of local government

special conditions. The Building Code of Australia and Residential

Design Codes were introduced to avoid these inconsistencies but

unfortunately, some over-zealous councillors have chosen to interfere

with previous uniform practices with adverse implications for builders.

Although Master Builders looks forward to the Government’s reforms,

what is really required is a change in culture at a local government

level. The focus should be on achieving a good outcome, not on rigidly

following a detailed process. There are some local authorities that have

staff who consistently work with industry to achieve commonsense

outcomes in the context of their regulatory obligations. These are the

ones we need to clone! Those authorities who do this well enjoy an

excellent relationship with most builders. Regrettably, there are just as

many local authorities whose staff don’t have a customer service focus

and continue to fi nd ways to reject building applications rather than

assist builders and their clients.

It is an interesting time for local governments. Some will embrace the

reforms ahead of them positively while others will cling to their power

base like the captain of a sinking ship. For the building industry it is a

time to be supportive of the Government’s plans and be patient with

some of the teething problems that will follow.

There is no doubt in my mind that Local Government Minister Tony

Simpson understands what is required and knows that the end users of

local government will be better off with what lies ahead. Bring it on!

exempting single detached housing that complies with the R-Codes

from the planning process is the next logical step. Master Builders

is working hard for affordable housing and commercial projects by

reducing red tape!

Robert Shaw

President

2 WA Master Builder

foReWoRd: President’s File

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Refl ections over 30 yearsThey say time fl ies when you’re having fun. After 30 years with Master Builders I honestly can say it’s been a lot of fun with never ending challenges and changes. I take this opportunity to refl ect on some notable memories over those three decades.

When I commenced in August 1983 as industrial relations manager,

disputes with the BLF, BWIU and other unions dominated; so much

so, that another three industrial offi cers were employed to deal with

demarcation disputes, lost time claims, concrete bans, no-ticket-no-start

disputes, wage claims, award interpretation and employment issues.

Giving evidence in the BLF deregistration proceedings and advocating

cases before the IR Commission against eminent legal counsel kept you

on your toes and even resulted in some satisfying wins against the odds.

Involvement in the Cole Royal Commission highlighted IR’s dark side

and why an effective government agency dealing with unlawful

industrial relations practices is so important. I’m glad current project

managers are not subject to the same ordeals.

A turning point came with a market downturn, the Association’s

decision not to enter into industry agreements with the unions, Graham

Keirath’s commitment to a Code of Practice and Task Force and BGC’s

ability to withstand union pressure not to enter union agreements

which encouraged others to follow suit. New safety legislation in 1987

also was signifi cant - moving from a prescriptive regime to duty of care

regulation. Delivering State-wide training on the new legislation made

me an unanticipated instant expert! Introduction of green card safety

inductions facilitated a unique Master Builders-CFMeU alliance which

eliminated multiple inductions on every construction site.

Other milestones which stand out include:

• National industrial disputation which lead to Cbus and industry

superannuation to circumvent National Wage Fixing Principles in 1984.

• establishment of the State’s portable long service leave scheme in 1987.

• establishment of a redundancy fund in 1989, again following

disputation and numerous IR Commission hearings.

• Our 1998 centennial celebrations which triggered the Robert Law

Award (named after our fi rst president) at our annual CeO lunches.

• Introduction in 2005 of the Ric New Medal and Rising Star

Award presented at our Apprentice of the Year Awards.

• Building our Geraldton offi ce, followed by purchase and

refurbishment of Albany and Bunbury properties.

• Our training program’s growth and establishment

of the dedicated Jolimont Training Centre.

Acknowledging the Support of our 2013 Partners:

• The move from a general insurance broker to MBA

Insurance Services, vindicated through comprehensive

industry products and dividends back to members.

• establishment of a health alliance raising awareness of

important industry health issues and proactive health care.

Working with eight presidents has taught me a lot about the industry.

As a membership organisation, each offi ce bearer, committee

representative and volunteer plays an important role but none more so

than our presidents. I have been fortunate to form life-long friendships

with each of these individuals who have dedicated many hours to

bettering our Association and industry.

It has been pleasing to watch the number of our alliance partners and

sponsors grow. Some, like Jackson McDonald and Butler Settineri,

have been involved since I commenced, while others - like Bankwest,

Toyota, Telstra, RSM Bird Cameron and Caltex - have greatly enhanced

membership value.

The director’s job can be demanding, juggling lobbying, staffi ng

budgets, editorials and networking, but it has brought enjoyment and

job satisfaction. This has come about largely through the quality of

people I have met and dealt with. I feel privileged to have met so many

high achievers and dedicated individuals, not only within our staff and

member ranks, but also within the political fraternity, bureaucracy,

statutory authorities, kindred organisations and business circles.

Fortunately, I remain fi t and well to carry on for a few more years. Good

health and high energy are prerequisites for success so an exercise regime

including the odd corporate golf day, tennis afternoon or participating

at our lawn bowls club might be more helpful than boardroom lunches,

members’ sundowners, support staff breakfasts or special event dinners.

In these refl ections, I would be remiss not to recognise the support

I have received from my wife Anna on both the home front and in

accompanying me to numerous awards and other functions.

Michael McLean

Director

4 WA Master Builder

foReWoRd: Director’s File

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The Perth Arena, designed by ARM Architecture & Cameron Chisholm Nicol - Joint Venture Architects, has taken out the highest overall honour, the George Temple Poole Award, at the Australian Institute of Architects WA Architecture Awards announced in July.

The AIA says the George Temple Poole jury viewed an impressive array

of outstanding architecture in determining the award, presented each

year to the project judged most worthy of all the award winners in

each category.

“Visually, the Perth Arena is a building that delivers an aesthetic

unlike anything previously existing in WA and regardless of whether

it is revered or reviled, it generates enormous interest and stands as

an outstanding example of what architects contribute to the built

environment,” the jury said.

“The architects have delivered a building of great visual complexity,

outstanding functionality, a building that has captured the imagination

of the general public and which delivers for Perth an iconic piece of

public infrastructure.”

The Perth Arena also took home the Jeffrey howlett Award for Public

Architecture, the Colorbond Award for Steel Architecture and an

Architecture Award in the Interior Architecture category.

Another major city development, Brookfield Place by hASSeLL and

Fitzpatrick + Partners, also featured prominently in the presentations at

the Perth Concert hall, taking out the Margaret Pitt Morison Award for

heritage, the John Septimus Roe Award for Urban Design and the Ross

Chisholm and Gil Nicol Award for Commercial Architecture.

Other significant awards went to Kerry hill Architects (the Marshall

Clifton Award for Residential Architecture), Jonathan Lake Architects

(the Peter Overman Award for Residential Architecture - Alterations and

Additions) and Formworks Architecture (the harold Krantz Award for

Residential Architecture – Multiple Residential).

Projects from the awards progress to the Australian Institute of

Architects National Awards to be held in November.

The Perth Arena, described by the George Temple Poole jury as iconic

public infrastructure.

‘Iconic’ Arena wins WA architecture awards

6 WA Master Builder

RepoRts: General News

The Institute’s accreditation panel includes Sally Allen (AIB national

education manager), Professor hisham elkadi (Deakin University), Atul

Kumar (The Village Company) and two WA Chapter representatives.

To date, AIB has conducted six accreditation visits nationally, with

another seven university visits scheduled before the end of 2013.

The panel continually considers changes to meet the dynamic

environment of the building profession.

AIB says its WA Chapter is ideally placed to

provide support to industry through its CPD

calendar, strong ties with Master Builders,

Curtin University and the Young Builders

Alliance and builder-supported site visits.

For further information on AIB go to

www.aib.org.au or contact the WA Chapter.

AIB CARRIeS out accreditations of all Construction Management and

economics Degrees at Australian universities. The Institute says it is an

important role that largely goes unrecognised by many in the building

and construction industry.

“Without this important role, industry will not get graduates who

have exposure to industry requirements,” AIB says. “The accreditation

includes a series of reviews and face-to-face meetings with university

personnel. Once accreditation approval is granted it remains in place

for five years and is reviewed annually in conjunction with industry and

the university. The importance of industry participation with AIB in this

process cannot be emphasised enough because it is at this point that

the learning outcomes to be delivered by the degree are determined.”

In WA, AIB has had a long association with Curtin University. The

Institute says Curtin continues to produce outstanding construction

managers and other professional positions for industry. Curtin’s

Bachelor of Construction Management and economics Degree was last

accredited by AIB in 2007. Ron Kilcullen (Kilcullen Constructions) is WA

chair of the course accreditation committee, assisted by Greg Downing

(Downing Construction Support Services).

AIB reviews Curtin courseThe Australian Institute of Building is conducting a review of Curtin University’s Bachelor of Construction Management and economics Degree. Building industry representatives attended an industry liaison meeting with the AIB accreditation panel at Master Builders’ West Perth headquarters early in August.

sterling stirling bowlingContractors and Association staff temporarily abandoned their posts to take to the Stirling Bowling Club greens with the Master Builders Bowling Club in June. The rainy forecast didn’t dampen any spirits with a great turnout from the club and members who thoroughly enjoyed the afternoon.

RAY SARICh, Cyril Drew and Angelo D’vua, along with debutant

Monique Milne from the Master Builders’ events team, took first place.

Runners up were Paul Loveland, Darrell Sweeny and Brian Vuleta. First

round winners were Don Manning, Ivan Franich and enzo Gianotti and

second round, Jack Greenway, Glynn Stiles and Barrie head.

Master Builders sponsors the annual members’ bowls day meet in

conjunction with the Association’s Bowling Club. The club itself plays

once a month at different bowling clubs around Perth and is always

keen to welcome new members. No previous experience is necessary.

Contact Bill Pitt on 0412 943 167 for more information.Action on the Stirling Bowling Club greens

during the annual Master Builders bowls day.

Bowling Club patron and Master Builders’ director Michael McLean with Ivan Franich, Enzo Gionotti and Don Manning.

WA Master Builder 7


CLAReMONT on the Park, which borders Claremont Oval and is

close to the local shopping precinct, will feature medium to high

density housing including apartments, townhouses and a number of

specialty boutiques, cafes and offices.

Lands Minister Brendon Grylls says LandCorp will work with the

developer and the Town of Claremont to deliver quality housing that is

well connected to community facilities.

“Claremont on the Park will deliver more housing and retail options,

building on, and further utilising, existing amenities,” Mr Grylls said.

“The proposed design complements the Claremont Oval precinct,

taking full advantage of the view and providing easy access from the

apartments down to the oval.”

Claremont on the Park is in line with the State Government’s Directions

2031 and Beyond initiative addressing WA’s population growth and

urban sprawl.

Cbus chairman moves onFormer Victorian Premier Steve Bracks has resigned as chairman of the Cbus superannuation scheme to take up an Australian diplomatic post in New York in September.

IN AN address to a group of Master Builder members in

Melbourne recently, Mr Bracks said Cbus is now the fourth

biggest super fund in Australia with more than $21 billion in

funds. This is predicted to double in eight years. There currently

is about $1.4 trillion tied up in all superannuation funds. Mr

Bracks said Cbus, formed in 1984, has generated an average

rate of return on members’ funds of over nine percent.

Cbus Property has about $2.5 billion in property around Australia,

including 140 William Street in Perth. The project won a Master

Builders’ Construction excellence Award for Probuild several years ago.

Master Builders’ director Michael McLean met Cbus representatives Elissa Gallichio and Chris Lockwood at the Association’s West Perth offices recently.

New apartments for Claremont developmentThe State Government recently announced an underutilised parcel of land in the heart of Claremont will be transformed, with Georgiou Capital to develop the first apartment complex at LandCorp’s Claremont on the Park development.

“Through projects such as Claremont on the Park we are helping

to address WA’s growing demand for housing and revitalising

underutilised spaces in some of Perth’s established and most sought-

after suburbs,” the Minister said.

Claremont on the Park will include public spaces for community events,

along with extensive walkways and cycleways to connect with transport

and the Claremont town centre.

Town of Claremont CEO Stephen Goode (left), LandCorp general manager Luke Willcock and Georgiou Capital executive director John Siamos survey the site of Claremont on the Park’s first apartment complex from the vantage point of nearby Claremont Oval. The project will deliver more than 70 apartments in the sought-after suburb.

Mr Bracks said 11-12 percent of Cbus funds are invested in infrastructure

and this has provided a good rate of return of approximately 10

percent. however, Mr Bracks said the Federal Government would need

to relax liquidity ratios if super funds are to be able to invest more

in costly infrastructure projects. he also said Australia needs better

infrastructure to meet the needs of a growing and ageing population.

8 WA Master Builder


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WA Master Builder 9

AT FeBRUARY, there were 132,010 people working in the industry with

an annualised average of 127,030 in the previous 12-month period. The

industry workforce rose by 3920 in the last quarter but fell by 6670

from a peak of 138,680 in May 2011.

On a year-to-year comparison to the end of January 2013, there was a

10.34 percent reduction in construction apprentice commencements

and a signifi cant reduction in electrical apprentice commencements of

12.87 percent. As at January, the industry including electrical, employed

almost 39 percent of all WA’s apprentices.

WA’s population grew by 3.3 percent for the year to June 2012. This

fi gure compares favourably with Queensland (1.9 percent) and Victoria

(1.6 percent). The WA unemployment rate increased to 4.7 percent

during March 2013, up from a rate of 4.6 percent in February. This

compares favourably to the national rate of 5.6 percent. The seasonally

adjusted participation rate in WA dropped to 68.5 percent in March

from 68.9 percent the previous month.

It is estimated that approximately 29,000 construction industry employees

are working on resource industry infrastructure construction projects.

In the year to December 2012, the value of residential and non-

residential construction work, excluding heavy engineering, increased

by 2.75 percent compared to December 2011. The engineering

construction sector, excluding heavy engineering, grew by 37.48

percent between December 2011 and December 2012.

The housing sector continues to be suppressed with annual dwelling

unit approvals to February 2013 at 21,428 (16,790 houses), compared to

a previous peak of 26,191 (20,886 houses) at February 2007.

Seasonally adjusted, building approvals for all dwelling units increased

by 5.35 percent between January and February following a 7.94

percent increase over the three months to February. This was in

sharp contrast to a decrease of 49 percent in April 2012 which was

partially attributed to changes in the approvals process. Trend building

approvals in WA decreased by 0.9 percent between January and

February but rose by 18.5 percent over the year. Seasonally adjusted,

dwelling commencements increased by 23.65 percent in the quarter

to September 2012; however, on an annualised basis compared to

September 2011 they decreased by 10.04 percent.

CtC snapshot generally positiveThe latest Construction Training Council Western Australian Construction Industry Snapshot publication says WA’s construction industry contributes almost 10 percent of the Gross State Product and currently employs 9.74 percent of the State workforce.

perron enters hall of fame

Developer Stan Perron has been inducted into the Property Council hall of Fame. Mr Perron is owner and chairman of the Perron Group of Companies with

a property portfolio valued in excess of $3 billion comprising 11 major shopping centres, several large offi ce buildings and numerous commercial and industrial properties.

The PROPeRTY Council established its hall of Fame to honour

individuals who have provided sustained leadership, made a major

pioneering contribution and left an outstanding legacy to the property

industry and Australian community.

Mr Perron is chairman of the Stan Perron Charitable Foundation which

supports more than 100 charitable organisations with a focus on

children’s charities and medical research. The Foundation is entirely

funded by guaranteed process from the Perron Group operations. Mr

Perron has been the recipient of numerous awards including the Order

of Australia.

In accepting the award Mr Perron said it was a great honour to be

nominated and joked that he didn’t think people had even “heard of us

from the wild west”.

“I operate as Perron Group, a family company with a very dedicated and

long-serving staff with the object of being honest and ethical in all our

operations and keeping things simple,” he said. “Our fi rst commercial

building was St Georges Court in Perth in 1969. It was a 12-storey offi ce

block of some 12,000 square metres built by John Roberts in his early

days at a cost of $1.2 million.

“In 1973, we purchased Phoenix Park Shopping Centre and fortunately,

Ian Armstrong came with the centre. Ian has been in charge of our

operations ever since. We have grown over the years and are now

involved with 11 shopping centres together with offi ce blocks, car parks

and so on throughout Australia. I thank the Property Council for the

Award, and with special thanks to my very loyal staff together with my

wife and family for their support.”

Stan Perron

10 WA Master Builder


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Energy efficient

Support for local government reformMaster Builders has welcomed the proposed reduction in the number of local authorities as the first step towards an improved planning and building approvals process in WA

MASTeR BUILDeRS’ director Michael

McLean says that the amalgamation

plans will reduce inconsistency in the

requirements and likely outcomes of

planning and building applications

between local authorities. For builders

and homebuyers this would mean

more certain outcomes, decreased

approval turnaround times and

reduced holding costs on new

developments. however, Mr McLean

said amalgamations will not by

themselves produce a more efficient

process. Rationalisation of various town

planning schemes also needs to occur.

“For years builders have been

frustrated by divergence in

requirements for planning and building

permit applications between local

governments,” Mr McLean said. “This

new plan provides some hope for

greater certainty of approvals for the

building industry but represents only the

first step in the whole reform process.

“The reform process will benefit builders

and their clients to be able to transact

business with fewer local authorities in

a more transparent manner. hopefully

those local authorities which already

have developed a good customer

service culture will be able to pass this

on to others.”

Mr McLean said that during the

transition period, local councils will

need to sort out the differences in their

town planning scheme requirements

to generate greater consistency and

efficiency in the approvals process.

“We look forward to a speedy

introduction of the proposed reforms,”

he said.

stiff penalties for incorrect advertisingBuilders, painters and building surveyors have been reminded by the Building Commission that they must observe new advertising provisions of building legislation which took effect from August 2011.

UNDeR SeCTION 8 of the Building Services

(Registration) Act, a building service

contractor must ensure that any advertising

in respect of availability to carry out

prescribed building services contains the

contractor’s registration number. This covers,

for example, newspaper, radio, television, or

website advertisements. A penalty of up to

$25,000 applies.

A building service contractor is either

a builder, painter or building surveyor,

registered by the Building Services Board,

and entitled to carry out a building service

prescribed by the regulations for that class

of contractor.

Practitioners who are not also contractors

are not entitled to contract for, or carry out,

a prescribed building service but can be

nominated supervisors for partnerships or

companies. People registered as practitioners

only, or who are unregistered, are not

entitled to advertise for work using another

contractor’s registration number.

Competitiveness agenda welcomeMaster Builders Australia CeO Wilhelm harnisch says the national competitiveness agenda announced recently by the Prime Minister is an important turnaround as Australia makes the transition from a resources driven economy.

“The BUILDING and construction industry

must feature large as the economy transitions

from the mining resources boom,” he said.

“The new agenda must result in an increase in

global and domestic competitiveness as well

as increasing productivity.

“Master Builders would support an agenda

that focuses on business productivity,

addressing the regulatory impost on

business, education, skills and training,

infrastructure and improving the small

business environment.”

Mr harnisch said that while the national

competitiveness agenda will have a focus on

the labour market, Master Builders disagrees

with the Prime Minister that the Fair Work Act

represents the right balance in the workplace

relations system.

“The building and construction industry

needs a more flexible workplace relations

system that supports productivity and makes

it easier for businesses to hire more workers

and train apprentices,” he said. “The Fair

Work Act is dramatically skewed towards the

trade union movement and acts as a barrier

for building industry employers, especially

small businesses, to take on more workers.

Conversations about the labour market must

also focus on returning to a respect for the

rule of law in the building and construction

industry, particularly by trade unions. The

national competiveness agenda should also

include reforms to our tax system.”



Mates work together

MASTeR BUILDeRS says its relationship with MATeS in Construction

WA Ltd has strengthened each year since it began in 2011 and this is

evidenced by the Association’s commitment to deliver the MATeS in

Construction national On Site newsletter with Master Builder magazine.

The Association says it will provide information to allow many more

Master Builder members to easily get high quality help for any concerns

they or their families are experiencing.

The MATeS program was developed in direct response to the high levels

of suicide in the building and construction industry. Research suggests

that every year around one in 500 Australians attempts suicide and one

in 20 has suicidal thoughts. Workers are twice as likely to die by suicide

as in an industrial accident and with young workers this increases to six

times more likely.

With the support of Master Builders and other industry partners,

almost 3000 workers have completed mental health training through

the MATeS program and, importantly, almost 200 people have been

assisted through a difficult time in their lives.

The simple but highly effective MATeS program has led to two prestigious

National Safety Council Awards for Best Workplace health and Wellbeing

Program and excellence in Occupational health and Safety.

MATeS in Construction WA Ltd says companies not yet on board

the program are fast becoming the exception and their workers are

missing out. To find out more, take a look at the On Site newsletter

accompanying Master Builder.

Industry sentiment faltersThe JUNe quarter Master Builders National Survey of Building and

Construction saw builder sentiment drop back, leaving the industry in

the doldrums. The survey of more than 450 builders and contractors

across the country reported business conditions and business

confidence took a step backwards after improving in the March quarter.

Peter Jones, Master Builders Australia’s chief economist, says there has

been no tangible recovery in the building and construction industry

despite interest rate cuts and early signs of improvement in some

Australian Bureau of Statistics indicators.

“The survey reveals an industry bouncing around the bottom and at

best indicates that business conditions may have troughed,” Mr Jones

said. “The big question for builders is the timing of a substantive

upturn. Promised improvement down the track does not help pay the

bills in the here-and-now and is putting many businesses at risk.

“Survey results for display centre traffic and enquiries fell back in the

June quarter but are still trending upwards after a sharp rise in March.

There was a slight improvement in the sales index, but it remains below

50, meaning sales are not growing.

“As a key forward indicator, a pick-up in display centre and enquiries is

a hopeful signal that the market is slowly responding to lower interest

rates and that the worst may be behind the industry. To accelerate the

move to a sustained upturn in the industry, the Reserve Bank must

retain its bias towards lower interest rates.

Mr Jones said the next Federal Government also must implement

policies that help restore business and investor confidence, seemingly,

the missing ingredient at the moment.Master Builders’ staff endorsed the benefits of the program after undergoing a MATES general awareness training sessionin August last year.

Master Builders Australia chief economist Peter Jones says the latest national survey shows low contractor confidence.

WA Master Builder 13


MR FLeSKeNS addressed the high incidence of copper theft and the

need for industry to inform police or the Name and Shame team about

site theft. “Let us know,” he stressed on several occasions.

Name and Shame consultant Nicola Weaver quoted Australian Institute

of Criminology research commentary that theft and vandalism may be

underestimated. The research found that the most common reason

given by victims of theft and vandalism for not reporting to the police

was they believed the incident “was not worth reporting or not

serious enough” (66 percent for unreported thefts and 73 percent

for unreported vandalism incidents). She said that theft, vandalism,

damaged goods and graffiti have an impact on builders and also on

subcontractors, suppliers and clients.

Master Builders’ communications director Geoff Cooper said the findings

were consistent with reports the Association had received from members.

“Our understanding is that many builders don’t report crimes due to

the time involved in completing reports and the perceived difficulties in

apprehending culprits,” he said. “But the overall costs to the industry

of theft are huge, so it is worth reporting to help measure and address

crime that impacts on the affordability of housing and commercial

buildings in WA.”

Happy hour tops for site theftsConstruction site theft peaks on Fridays between 4 pm and 6 pm, a Name and Shame industry breakfast was told in July. Mark Fleskens, WA Police state coordinator for crime prevention and diversity, said there was not a lot of night theft on construction sites. Friday “happy hour” thefts allowed the stolen goods to be moved over the weekend.

Meridian Security director Kevin Minchinton also re-affirmed the need

for the industry to join the Name and Shame initiative to help collect

data to identify trends and to address costly site crime.

“Our aim is to deter thieves and vandals, make it easier to catch and

convict them, and then publicly name and shame them so everyone

knows who the bad guys are,” he said. “We need industry support.

Criminal activity impacts upon everyone, but with deterrent campaigns,

security patrols, surveillance and police liaison and reporting functions,

Name and Shame gives builders the tools to fight crime. And it gives

members of the public real rewards of up to $3000 for their help.”

“even the theft of cement bags still has to be reported,” Mr Minchinton said.

Griff Morris, director of Solar Dwellings, stressed the need for cultural

change. “Theft is something that is allowed,” he said. “You need to create

a culture where stealing is unacceptable. A cultural shift is required. You

cannot say it isn’t my problem. engage with tradies, your staff and people

on the street who can report everything. engagement with everyone is

the most important thing, and then you can shift the culture.“

Visit nameandshamewa.com.au to find out more. Send any comments

to [email protected].

Nicola Weaver addresses the Name and Shame industry breakfast.



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INDUSTRY LeADeRS are concerned that some

building and construction operators are not yet

aware of the first of the new Taxable Payments

Annual Reports which fell due by 21 July. Under

the reporting scheme, businesses are required

to provide the ATO with details of payments

they have made to contractors engaged for

building and construction services.

Master Builders’ chief Wilhelm harnisch says

that while the scheme was designed to gather

additional information about contractors

who under-report income or fail to submit

tax returns, the obligation to document

and report every payment to a contractor is

creating a red tape nightmare for building

industry contractors and businesses.

“Master Builders has previously questioned

the fairness of adding another layer of red

tape for the vast majority of contractors

and businesses who comply with the law

in order to catch the minority involved in

tax evasion,” Mr harnisch said. “We will

continue efforts to work with the ATO to

ensure that the administration of the new

tax reporting scheme will not impose further

unnecessary burdens and compliance costs

on law abiding building and construction

industry operators.”

ATO reporting adds to red tape overload

Master Builders is looking for August’s interest rate cut to reignite much needed confidence and stimulate greater activity across all segments of the building industry. Director Michael McLean says the cut was welcome but underscored the need for further policy action to strengthen the building and construction industry so it can play a more important role in the transition from the resources boom.

“ALThOUGh hOUSING approvals are up 25 percent in WA, there is much more capacity

within the industry to build more homes and commercial properties,” Mr McLean said. “The

announcement and the banks’ passing on of the cut also was particularly good news for people

struggling with mortgage repayments.”

Mr McLean said banks must play their part in stimulating the economy.

“The immediate challenge ahead is to restore confidence to enable a private sector recovery in

the housing and commercial building markets,” he said. “To date, the private sector housing

recovery has been tepid and the industry is banking on rate cuts helping to boost confidence in

an uncertain market.”

Rate cut should boost building

Hepburn, Celebration Homes’ Housing Excellence Awards winning home in Landsdale. Housing approvals are up and

the August interest rate cut is welcome, but much of the building industry is operating well below capacity.

small business assistance initiatives win applauseThe Federal Government’s recent announcement of initiatives to assist small business, in particular, the commitment to consult with business to lessen the impact of late payments, has met with Master Builders Australia approval.

“The AUSTRALIAN building industry includes thousands of small and

medium enterprises which struggle with cash flow as they help build

the homes and community infrastructure of their communities,” Master

Builders’ boss Wilhelm harnisch said. “Master Builders welcomes the

Government’s recognition that small business plays a crucial role in the

economy and welcome measures which will enhance their ability to

create jobs and a stronger economy.

“Also encouraging is the Government’s commitment to give business

greater access to the Superannuation Complaints Tribunal to include

complaints by small business against APRA regulated super funds.

“Regulatory bodies such as the SCT collectively have a significant

impact on the running of small building businesses and enhanced

access and dispute resolution procedures on a par with members and

beneficiaries is a positive development.”



National awards to complement

Canberra conference

The 2013 Master Builders’ National excellence in

Building and Construction Awards will be held

in Canberra in November in conjunction with

the Building Australia conference. WA builders

collected a record seven wins at the 2012 awards

including Young Builder of the Year to Master

Builders WA Board member Chris Lillis and

National Residential Builder of the Year to the

much-acclaimed Brian Burke homes.

Lifting the bar yet again, the awards move from

Parliament house’s Lesser hall to the Great hall

for the 2013 awards in what promises to be a

fi tting fi nale to Building Australia.

And lifting the bar at the conference is a

formidable array of leading national and

international speakers including leadership

guru Lisa McInnes-Smith, economists Chris

Richardson and Peter Jones, IBISWorld

founder and chairman Phil Ruthven and

businessman and Winter Olympic gold

medallist Steven Bradbury.

Another highlight will be the Friday evening

conference dinner at the National War

Memorial ANZAC hall. Delegates will enjoy pre-

dinner drinks in the WW1 aircraft display area

and the “Over the front” feature before moving

into dinner at the G for George Lancaster

Bomber area which includes a dramatic sound

and light show. Keynote speaker is the most

highly decorated serving member of the

Australian Defence Force, Victoria Cross winner

Ben Roberts-Smith. Corporal Roberts-Smith’s

motivational and inspirational presentation

will draw on his life in the military and actions

while serving in Afghanistan where he earned

the Victoria Cross and Medal for Gallantry on

separate occasions.

Conference organisers say it will be an

inspirational opportunity to hear Corporal

Roberts-Smith deliver his presentation,

Frontline Leadership – the Battle for

Success, focusing on leadership, teamwork,

preparation and leading by example to inspire

others to be the best they can.

The Master Builders National Building

Australia conference is in Canberra from

November 14 to 16 as part of the capital’s

centenary celebrations. The formal program

is complemented by an exciting social and

partners’ program. To fi nd out more

visit www.masterbuilders.com.au/events/

national-conference.

The Building Australia conference will provide an ideal opportunity to explore the beautiful surroundings of Canberra.

New training fund boardTraining and Workforce Development Minister Terry Redman has appointed a new Construction Training Fund Board for the next three years. The board manages the Construction Training Fund. Its members are drawn from the building industry and it has an independent chairperson.

IT PRePAReS an annual operational plan for approval by the Minister. The plan

considers the training needs of the whole industry and includes allocation of

funding of about $30 million to programs managed by the Fund.

The new board comprises Ian hill (chairman), Max Rivett (Cooper and Oxley),

Susan Bailey (hIA nominee), Les Wellington (Construction Skills Training

Centre), hayley McBride (Brookfi eld Johnson Controls and NAWIC), Mick

Unger (ertech) and Les McLaughlan (electrical Trades Union).

Ralph Dawson provides the secretariat services to the Board as the CTF

executive director. For information on how CTF operates, phone 9244 0177.



The STATeMeNT has spurred Master Builders’ director Michael McLean

into action to set the record straight. In an email shot off to Mr Buchan,

Mr McLean says he feels obliged to challenge the statement made in

Construction Worker, namely that “The Master Builders Association are

intense in their dislike for unions...”

“This is not true,” Mr McLean said in his email. “Our Association has

no policies which remotely suggest we intensely dislike or simply dislike

unions. The fact that our Association works co-operatively with your

union and others on such boards as My Leave, ReddiFund and Cbus

should clearly dispel such a position.”

Mr McLean said that Master Builders also worked co-operatively

with the union and others on the Construction Training Fund board,

WorkSafe’s Construction Safety Advisory Committee Committee, MATeS

in Construction and other consultative forums.

“On none of these bodies do our representatives display any form of

dislike (intense or otherwise) to your union or others,” the email said.

“Although we may support a range of policies which your union might

disagree with, such as the re-establishment of the ABCC, this should

not be construed as a philosophical dislike of unions. Our support for

the ABCC, for example, is in line with our support for a body that can

deliver a lawful industrial relations environment in the building and

construction industry.

“Similarly, the fact that your union pursues policies which we might

disagree with, such as a 35 percent increase in fi rst year apprentice

wages or a union eBA on every commercial construction project, should

not lead you to the conclusion that our Association dislikes unions.”

Mr McLean said that the notion of dislike had not been refl ected in any

dealings that he had had with the union over the last 30 years and he

didn’t envisage this changing.

“The fact that several of our members are prepared to advertise in your

magazine should also be noted,” he continued in the email. “Most

of these members would probably have employees who are union

members and respect their right to do so.

“It is not the dislike of unions but certain union actions and behaviours

that our Association dislikes. There have been numerous examples

published in the media, recorded by previous Royal Commissions and

transcribed in Industrial Relations Commission proceedings over the years.

I hope this communication clarifi es our Associations position on unions.”

Unions: you gotta love ‘emAccording to CFMeU state secretary Mick Buchan in his union’s latest Construction Worker magazine, the Master Builders hates unions intensely.

Master Builders’ director Michael McLean was moved to a measured response to

CFMEU rhetoric accusing the Association of an “intense dislike for unions.”

Women face challenges in the construction industryA discussion paper commissioned by the National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC) reveals challenges for women in securing and maintaining a career in the construction industry.

NAWIC’S CeO Sheryle Moon says that female employees

represented only 11.7 percent of the construction workforce.

“The INDUSTRY suffers from a range of misperceptions, such

as the unsuitability of roles for women, which act as signifi cant

barriers to women choosing construction careers,” Ms Moon

said. A number of cultural barriers to women’s participation in the

sector remained, from infl exible workplaces through to a lack of

female role models.

“A lack of control with regard to fl exibility, often due to women

accepting the role of family carer, appears to be at the heart of

why women leave the industry,” Ms Moon said.

The discussion paper encouraged the industry to support fl exible

working hours and female friendly networking opportunities. Ms

Moon said such changes would benefi t the industry as a whole.

Reducing the gender disadvantage would enable the construction

industry to open up its talent pool to build and develop current

skill levels and drive innovation. The full report can be found at

www.nawic.com.au.

A NAWIC-commissioned discussion paper calls for fl exible employment arrangements to encourage more women into construction industry careers.



federal election opinionBuilders want policy road maps to strong economy

AT ThIS Federal election, Master Builders Australia, the voice of the $100 billion building and construction industry, will judge the policies of Australia’s political parties by whether there are real road maps for reform, not empty slogans or meaningless promises.

The major parties must deliver policies for a strong building and construction sector

if it is to be the engine of economic growth and employment as Australia transitions

to a post resources economy. Master Builders will endorse policies that are based on

substance and not the rhetoric of an election campaign ‘announceable’.

Master Builders wants whichever party wins government to radically change Australia’s

public policy narrative with forward looking policies to address the challenges facing

the economy, the building and construction industry and the needs of our community.

The immediate priorities for the next Government should be:• Take urgent and responsible steps to reduce the structural budget

defi cit and set an economic strategy based on sound economic

principles to give confi dence back to investors and consumers.

• ensure that Australians have access to more affordable housing options to reduce the

cost of living and improve opportunities for more families to enter home ownership.

• Find better ways for the public and private sectors to fund and

build more new and better community infrastructure.

• Genuinely engage with the whole spectrum of Australian

business, to help develop business-friendly policies.

• Return to a balanced industrial relations system that is easily understood

and makes it easier for employers to employ and retain employees.

• Restore the powers of the Australian Building and Construction Commission to tackle

the ongoing unlawful industrial behaviour in the building and construction industry.

Master Builders has put these policy priorities to the major parties and looks forward to

a positive response.

STRONG BUILDING STRONG ECONOMYStrong building creates a strong economy. Strong building creates more jobs. Strong building creates better communities.

This Federal Election, remember: Strong Building. Strong Economy.

WWW.STRONGBUILDING.COM.AU

®

Authorised by W. Harnisch. Master Builders Australia. 16 Bentham St Yarralumla.Authorised by W. Harnisch. Master Builders Australia. 16 Bentham St Yarralumla.

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state budget to boost construction jobs

AROUND 5000 jobs will be created as a result of the State Government’s Budget decision to increase the fi rst home owners grant and improved affordability for new home buyers.

Master Builders housing and economics director Gavan Forster says that an increase of

$3000 for new home buyers from 15 September could combine with low interest rates

to produce an additional 900 new dwellings this year. Realignment of the scheme in

favour of new homes will also add to WA’s housing supply.

“We estimate that as a result of lower interest rates and now this new incentive,

there will be a $300 million boost to new housing industry this year,” Mr Forster

said. “This will provide a buffer to the State’s economy and offset the current

downturn in other industries.”

In the commercial building sector there were few new projects announced which

would commence construction this year. Several projects were announced but work is

not scheduled to start for several years.

“Much of the infrastructure spending is on existing large new projects. Not surprisingly

in a climate of fi scal restraint, capital works outlay on new projects is restrained,” Mr

Forster said.

Master Builders’ housing and economics director Gavan Forster.



Master Builders backs Coalition IR policies

Master Builders Australia has welcomed the Coalition’s proposal to fast track re-establishment of the Australian Building and Construction Commission should it win government. CeO Wilhelm harnisch says Master Builders has consistently called for the ABCC to be resurrected to address unlawful industrial action in the building industry.

“The CAMPAIGN of ugly industrial thuggery

directed against Grocon by building unions clearly

demonstrates the need for the restoration of the

agency and the return of its stronger powers,” he said.

“Fair Work Building and Construction has been shown

to be ineffective in countering unlawful industrial

action such as in the Grocon dispute and there has

been an upsurge in industrial activity on its watch.

“Master Builders’ policy is that, regardless of which

party forms government after the next Federal election,

the restoration of the ABCC and the laws and powers

it applied is essential for a strong building industry and

strong economy. Prior to the establishment of the ABCC,

unlawful industrial action in the building industry was

commonplace and a dead weight on the productivity of

the industry and the wider economy for decades.

“Independent research commissioned by Master

Builders shows that a productivity boom followed

the establishment of the ABCC, with the building

industry out performing other sectors of the

economy and delivering a $6 billion a year dividend

to the Australian community.”

Mr harnisch said that Reserve Bank governor Glenn

Stevens had highlighted that productivity gains are

essential to a strong building industry capable of

driving Australia’s economic prosperity post the

resources boom.

“Master Builders will be presenting evidence to the

working group announced by the Coalition which

will demonstrate why reforms to restore the ABCC

are fundamental to achieving these objectives,” the

CeO said.

his organisation also has expressed support for a

crackdown on corruption as an appropriate step in

reform of Australia’s industrially registered organisations.

Mr harnisch said no party in the workplace should

receive special treatment.

“The Coalition’s proposal in its policy Better

Transparency and Accountability of Registered

Organisations, to impose personal fi nes and jail terms

for offi cials of registered organisations who break the

rules, is one facet of reform which should be given

careful consideration,” Mr harnisch said.

he said Master Builders would be releasing a detailed

submission to provide the Government and Opposition

with the building and construction industry’s fi rst

priority and fi rst step for reform of the industrially

registered organisations legislation.

“People with management and control of registered

organisations would need to prove before being

appointed, that they have not been convicted of certain

criminal offences,” he said. “This test would be the fi rst

hurdle that would need to be passed. Master Builders

also will recommend that the current fi t and proper

person test, which regulates whether or not a union

right of entry permit is granted under the Fair Work Act,

should be strengthened.

“Master Builders’ second priority is that people with

management and control of registered organisations

would need to prove they are of good character.”

Master Builders Australia CEO Wilhelm Harnisch.



Master Builders, Australian Christians meet on policyAUSTRALIAN ChRISTIANS WA state director Gary Kleyn recently met with Master Builders’ director Michael McLean to discuss issues facing the building industry. During the discussion Mr McLean outlined legislative changes that industry is dealing with and stressed the need to support the building sector.

Mr Kleyn indicated Australian Christians was keen to speak to Master

Builders, recognising the important role the building sector plays in

WA. The party believed it was important to work closely with WA’s

peak building industry body as it developed its policies in the lead up

to the Federal election. Mr. Kleyn said several prominent Master Builder

members support Australian Christians and believe the party will back

the building sector, if elected to Parliament.

Australian Christians housing and accommodation policy sets out that

Australians should have the opportunity for housing whether they choose

to rent or buy. It believes that the best government policy is one which

encourages and does not burden people providing for their own basic

housing needs. Australian Christians is keen to explore ways to reduce

taxes and red tape on the building sector and believes there is benefit in

decentralising populations to regional areas through taxation and other

government incentives to industry, small business and home buyers.

Australian Christians is a national party which is fielding candidates across

Australia at the upcoming election. It was the first party to endorse

candidates for all 15 house of Representative and two Senate positions in

WA. It is expected to play a pivotal role in determining the makeup of the

next Federal Parliament, working closely with other parties.

Master Builders board member and director of Genesis homes Jack Pleiter

says he is impressed with the housing polices of Australian Christians.

“This party has very sound and well balanced policies that deserve the

attention of people in the building industry,” Mr Pleiter said. “Quite

regularly I meet people who work in the building industry that are

looking for a voting alternative. I enjoyed speaking with the Australian

Christians’ Senate candidate Jamie van Burgel about some of the issues

faced by those in the building and construction industry.”

For more information on Australian Christians visit

www.australianchristians.com.au.

Red tape must be addressedThe COALITION’S policy announcement on boosting productivity and reducing regulation is part of a critically important policy debate for the Federal election, says Master Builders Australia. A spokesman said Master Builders welcomed the Coalition’s policy for discussion and looked forward to seeing the Government’s approach to boost productivity and reduce regulation in response.

“The building and construction industry is one of the most intensely

regulated industries in Australia, with legislation and red tape applied

at all three levels of government,” the spokesman said. “Time spent

dealing with red tape and duplicative compliance processes diverts

precious resources from the industry and stops it from doing what it

does best – creating jobs, driving the economy and building homes,

hospitals, schools, roads and other vital community infrastructure.

“There has been a raft of legislation and regulation introduced in

recent years that is anti-productivity and which adds unnecessary costs.

Policy discussion focussing on increasing productivity and decreasing

regulation is certainly welcome. In recent times legislation has been

introduced without robust and transparent consultation.

“Master Builders believes new legislation should only be introduced

with an accompanying Regulation Impact Statement that cannot be

circumvented by the Government of the day. Providing incentives for

Government and bureaucrats to reduce the amount of regulation and

red tape imposed by legislation and setting aside Parliamentary sitting

days to repeal of out of date legislation is a welcome approach.”

The Coalition’s commitment to give small business a greater voice on

regulatory bodies also won Master Builders’ support. CeO Wilhelm

harnisch said measures giving business a greater voice on regulatory

bodies are welcome. he said building industry businesses are struggling

against strangulation by over-regulation.

“Red tape might not get the general public’s pulse racing, but

Australians need to understand the negative impact it has the cost of

building. Less red tape would improve housing affordability, commuting

times and people’s ability to access new and better community

infrastructure where they live,” Mr harnisch said. “At the election, we

want to see policies from the major parties which outline real reforms

and ensure the voice of business is genuinely heard and acted on.”

Michael McLean and Australian Christians’ Gary Kleyn following

discussions on policies of concern to Master

Builder members.

Australian Christians’ Senate candidate Jamie van Burgel with Master Builders

board member Jack Pleiter.



AdveRtoRIAl

A CLOUD of unnecessary pessimism has descended in WA, blanketing

our view of the positive long term trends that underpin our economic

success. Uncertainty about short term mining investment levels is the

mist that is causing the confusion.

It is true that a recent spike in mining investment peaked in 2012.

Cyclical retreats in commodity prices, combined with continued project

cost increases, had the immediate effect of deterring investment in

mining. Capital market funding tightened quickly, some planned mining

projects in WA were put on ice, and contracts under negotiation were

abruptly halted.

You have to wonder what our regulators were thinking when they

imposed signifi cant additional costs on resource investors in the last

three years. These included an unexpected mining tax, an ineffectual

carbon tax that drove investment overseas, costly labour market

changes that facilitated a more adversarial dispute settlement process,

and the imposition of higher costs and delays in the process of

recruiting foreign workers.

But let’s look at the bigger picture.

Mining investment, even if it has peaked for now, remains at

signifi cantly elevated levels from a decade ago. Oil and gas projects and

exploration in particular are still underway to meet the apparently ever

growing demand for energy.

WA also now has the benefi ts of the production phase of long life

resource projects. Our mines and their transport infrastructure will need

to be maintained and operated to deliver cash fl ows to owners, driving

ongoing employment and investment.

But we shouldn’t get bogged down with mining investment, which is,

after all, only one element of our economy. While it is an important

employer, the mining sector – post all its investment in the last few years

– only employed 8.2 percent of Western Australians or 108,000 workers

in 2012, even though some other employment directly fl ows from

mining investment. More people still are employed in construction – 9.8

percent or about 128,000 workers. More people also work in retail trade

– 134,000 – and health care – 144,000 (see ABS Cat 1306.5). It has

been too quickly forgotten or ignored that WA has many other sectors

that can drive growth and economic success for our WA community.

Master Builders’ communications director Geoff Cooper.

Residential construction in WA is already responding to lower interest

rates. It has picked up an impressive 26 percent in the last 12 months.

Given below par residential construction in recent years, there is further

scope for housing growth provided that employment remains steady.

By the time you read this, interest rates may have been cut again to

stimulate even more activity in this important sector.

Commercial construction will rely on further commitments by tenants.

Lower interest rates will boost confi dence. There are several signifi cant

size buildings already going up around the Perth CBD for offi ce,

residential and hotel accommodation that will keep a large proportion

of the industry busy. Construction has a strong multiplier effect on

economic activity, and fl ows through to manufacturing, importing and

retail businesses.

The WA economy is also set to benefi t from the tailwind of a lower

Australian dollar. A recent fall of more than 15 percent from its peak

value is good news for important sectors in WA (and Australia):

• Tourism is one obvious benefi ciary, with more foreign tourists able to

holiday in WA. Domestic tourism becomes more price-competitive.

• Domestic manufacturers will benefi t from weakened importers.

• higher education providers will be better placed to attract

foreign students to our colleges and campuses.

• Agriculture, a large generator of wealth in WA, will

become more competitive and lift income levels.

Low infl ation is another positive which reduces wage cost pressures

that have been evident in previous decades in WA. Relatively solid

employment levels, even allowing for some softening, should support

our economy, notwithstanding a softer mining sector.

The fi nal point is that WA has not seen an end to resource investment

despite a retreat from the peak. The lower Australian dollar improves

our competitive position. The high levels of completion among mining

contractors will make projects more viable again. So the mining cycle

will at some point return to growth.

So keep focused on the substantial positives in WA and make the

most of any opportunities that present! Send your comments to Geoff

Cooper - [email protected].

headline grabbing economists and politicians have carelessly latched onto a short term peak in mining investment to herald the end of a boom in WA, says Master Builders’ communications director Geoff Cooper.

No gloom, no end of boom, look long term



Website upgrade for Master Builder

members

Master Builders’ refreshed website will help members quickly find the information they need,

says the Association’s marketing manager Kelly Dewar-Matusik.

“One thing that Master Builders has is plenty of information!” Ms

Dewar-Matusik said on the relaunching of the website in August.

“The popular mbawa.com site attracts hundreds of visits a day to

access this information.

“But it’s often hard to find the right page, and that has meant

that there has been a lot of cross-referencing and clicks to

get what you want. So Master Builders has relaunched the

membership website with a new look and feel and with powerful

new search functions.”

Ms Dewar-Matusik said key word searches will allow users to find

building information, details on upcoming or past events, media

releases and information from past issues of the weekly express

newsletter. She said quick links also will assist and the new page

structure is more intuitive.

“New features added to the website include online event ticket

booking and payment, opportunity for comment via our blog

section, one central area to view all events across the State and a

ready access training calendar,” she said. “You still have the ability

to update your details in the Members Only section with access

being gained by using your member business name and number.

Master Builders’ website has a new image.

“Consumers will be able to easily search for members using the ‘find

a member’ function on the front page of the website. The Building

Directory is still there, along with many of our standard features

which are now at your fingertips, such as buying contracts and

making payments online, information on careers and a list of member

savings. You will now be able to make comments on these topics.”

“The site is mobile and tablet friendly, which will help members

who access on the road (not while driving, of course) or on site.

Check all of this out and more on your computer or phone and

watch this space for more exciting features which will be added in

the coming months!”

If you have any questions regarding the website or would like to

provide feedback, don’t hesitate to contact Ms Dewar-Matusik

via [email protected].

Marketing manager Kelly Dewar-Matusik says the Association’s refreshed

website will make finding information much easier.



Masters launches timber range

Masters, Australia’s newest hardware and home improvement store, is please to be offering LP

SolidStart™ lumber veneer laminate (LVL) sourced exclusively from the US, in all stores, all year round.

Offering several advantages over traditional lumber, LVL is an

excellent choice for most load-bearing applications in building

construction. engineered for straightness and consistent

performance and dimensions, LVL resists warping, twisting,

bowing and crowning, which means less waste and more

effi cient use of resources - saving time and money!

Manufactured from ultrasonically graded veneers, bonded

with exterior-grade adhesives LVL is remarkably strong and

offers greater design fl exibility than lumber. LVL is a great

substitute for alternate timber products such as hardwood

beams, which are becoming diffi cult to source in long

lengths and are subject to natural defects.

Kilogram for kilogram, LP SolidStart™ LVL delivers more

load-bearing capacity than typical grades of sawn lumber,

allowing for longer spans. Plus LP’s procurement processes

are certifi ed to ensure forest sustainability.

Masters will be offering LP SolidStart™ LVL with h3

treatment, which allows timber to be used outside above

ground. Protecting against moderate decay, borers and

termites, h3 treatment can be used for cladding, fascias,

pergolas and decking. h3 treated LVL’s will be available

early October. Imported especially for Masters, the entire

LP SolidStart™ LVL range is available in Masters stores

nationally in 3.6 metre and six metre lengths with load

bearings of e14/F17. These can be found in the pigeon holes

in the trade area all year round.

What’s more, Masters’ Trade Member Program provides

trade customers with unbeatable trade-only offers, product

updates, incentives, competitions and promotions and is

valid across all Masters stores. To redeem a fi ve percent

discount*, trade customers must scan their Masters Trade

Member Card at the checkouts and make payment using

their Trade Account card.

The Trade Account^ has been built to meet the needs

of trade business owners, and includes benefi ts such

as monthly statements with receipt information, job

referencing, GST itemisation, no annual Card fee or online

account management fees, and up to 60 credit-free days.

Masters is a joint venture between Woolworths and leading

US home improvement retailer Lowe’s.

For more information contact:Website: www.masters.com.au

* Excludes gift cards, commercial quantities, trade packs and quotes.^ American Express approval criteria applies. Subject to Terms and Conditions. Charges may apply. Cards are offered, issued and administered by American Express Australia Limited. American Express Australia Limited (ABN 92 108 952 085). Registered Trademark of American Express Company.


AdveRtoRIAl

Step into your local Masters and you’ll find Australia’s most trusted brands in trade covering everything from timber, electrical and hardware to landscaping, paint and building supplies – all with our best price guarantee.

And if we don’t stock what you’re after, our Trade Specialists can arrange to order it in for you.

It’s our way of ensuring you get everything you need at a price you’ll love.

Check out the range at your local Masters store or visit masters.com.au

MORE PRODUCTSTHAN YOUCAN POKE AJACKHAMMER AT

*5% discount excludes Gift Cards & Trade Packs. 340505_MBA_WA

Simply present your Trade Member Card and Trade Charge Card for 5% off storewide*

Find out more and shop online at masters.com.au or call 1300 337 707

TRADE

DISCOUNT

BALDIVIS | BIBRA LAKE | ELLENBROOK | FORRESTDALE

340505_Trade Services_JackHammer_MBA_Sept_WA_210x297.indd 1 8/08/13 3:16 PM

leeder in chargeLuke Leeder has been elected unopposed as chairman of the Master Builders’ Great Southern Branch at the Branch’s recent annual general meeting. Mr Leeder is project manager for Greg Leeder Building Service.

ABOUT 70 Master Builder members gathered at the

Association’s new function room in Graham Street

Albany for the AGM. Outgoing chairman Anderson

Dufty opened the meeting. After two productive

years in the top position, he stood down but will

continue contributing in a committee role.

Mr Leeder said he was honoured to take on this

chairmanship. ”I now take on this role to continue

the great work that has been done and to bring

new vision for the future of Master Builders,”

he said. “It is testament to the efforts of the

Great Southern committee that I look forward

to strengthening the presence of Master Builders

within the Great Southern region. Being involved

with Master Builders since 2011 as a committee

member then as deputy chair certainly inspires me

to tackle this role head on.”

SINCe 2009, the South West region’s population has grown by 11 percent according

to government data but Master Builders’ regional manager Geoff Bosustow says the

Association’s South West Branch membership has grown by more than three times that

amount in the same period.

“It proves that we are doing things right in regional areas,” Mr Bosustow said. “Our South

West members together with suppliers from all over the State have been busy over the

last eight months undertaking the massive task of delivering our new Bunbury premises

which are now very close to completion. I would like to thank everyone who has been so

generous with the donation of their time and energy along with the provision of product

that has shaped the new home of Master Builders in the South West.”

Mr Bosustow said the Bunbury centre would be a hub for regional building businesses

and provide an ideal training venue. he encouraged regional members to familiarise

themselves with the training opportunities available in the region.

“If you are seeking specific training for one, two, 20 or 30 staff Master Builders can

arrange it,” he said. “We take all of the hard work out of organising training and

as a Registered Training Organisation we process any Construction Training Fund

requirements leaving contractors’ pockets heavier and shoulders lighter and with more

time on their hands to do what they do best.

South West membership outstrips population growth

Members of Master Builders’ South West Branch committee outside the Association’s new Bunbury premises (l-r): John Buckingham, Andrew McIntyre, Sam Karamfiles, Christine Pidgeon, Charles Grist, John Hovey, Rade Ristovic, Geoff Bosustow and Graeme Davis.

Master Builders’ Great Southern committee elected at the 2013 Branch AGM (l-r): Asher Schlager,

Anderson Dufty, Tammi Owens, Murray Philip, Andrew Holmes, Luke Leeder, Marcus Hodge.

Jacqueline Barker, Tim Trouchet and Anthony Probert enjoy a drink at the AGM at

the Association’s new Albany premises.

Could it be you?MASTeR BUILDeRS has opportunities for tenants at its completely refurbished Bunbury

premises. Regional manager Geoff Bosustow is inviting prospective lessees to view the

available space within the centre. he says there are two office suites and a warehouse

area ideal for tenants to maximise exposure to the building and construction industry.

Contact Mr Bosustow on 9726 0939 to discuss this rare opportunity to co-locate with

the leading construction industry Association in the South West.


RepoRts: Branches

forward to these days,” he

said, “not just for the fun we

have but to also catch up with

other families who understand

what they are going through.

having events locally is great

for families as Perth is just that

little bit too far to drive for a

fun day.”

Acting manager for Midwest

Men’s health Shane hill said the funds will go towards Midwest region

men’s programs such as suicide prevention.

The presentation also was attended by Combined Metal Industries’ Gary

Smith and the vice president of the Wonthella Bowling Club Dirk erzten.

ReGIONAL MANAGeR Di Gilleland says the fundraiser, the second such

event run by the Branch and sponsored by Combined Metal Industries,

not only raised funds for worthy causes, but also raised awareness of

those being supported.

“Master Builders became aware of Camp Quality through their lock-

up-your-boss fundraiser and we decided it was a worthy organisation

to support,” Ms Gilleland said. “And Midwest Men’s health plays an

important role in this community. The funds raised from the lawn bowls

day were split between both charities and we hope that our small

contributions can make a difference.”

Local Camp Quality volunteer group leader Steve Pawelski thanked

Master Builders and Combined Metal Industries and said that the

donation will allow all local Midwest Camp Quality families to attend

one of the organisation’s family fun days. “Our families really look

Cheques make a differenceMaster Builders’ Geraldton North West Branch and Combined Metal Industries recently presented cheques worth almost $4000, the proceeds of the Branch’s barefoot bowling fundraiser, to Camp Quality and Midwest Men’s health.

Corrina Cassin, Dirk Ertzen, Brian Day, Megan Parker, Shane Hill and Karina Day at the presentation of donations raised through

the Geraldton North West Branch barefoot bowling event.


RepoRts: Branches

GeRALDTON NORTh West Branch past chairman Andrew Crothers,

known to most as Mint because of his love of mint leaves, celebrated

his fiftieth birthday recently. Given his many years of service to Master

Builders, it was only fitting that the Branch provided him with a cake to

mark the occasion – suitably trimmed with the appropriate confectionary.

Leafy treat for Andrew

IN A FReSh approach, the Geraldton North West Branch-City of

Geraldton working group, set up following the amalgamation of the

Greenough Shire and the City of Geraldton, met over dinner in late July.

The working group stems from a meeting in 2007 which brought

together the new City of Greater Geraldton and builders, architects and

designers for informal discussions on local issues including planning

approval time-frames. It was a great success and the working group

was set up and continues to meet six years on.

Industry and City meet over dinnerThe July meeting was the first time a dinner function had been held.

BlueScope Steel sponsored the dinner and business development

manager Tim Carson provided the attendees with information on the

company’s upcoming launch of its colour range. Guest speaker, Master

Builders’ technical adviser Romina DeSantis, addressed changes to the

Building Act and participated in interactive discussion with the audience.

Branch regional manager Di Gilleland thanked BlueScope Steel for its

sponsorship of the dinner and the City of Greater Geraldton for its

continuing relationship with the Branch.

Working group dinner participants (l-r) Jo Van Kints, Romina De Santis, Dave Gibson, Paul Mandosio and Tim Carson.


RepoRts: Branches

one of these is an inferior copy.

the other comes with a full rondo written warranty.

Only Rondo metal finishing beads come with a full written Rondo warranty that guarantees the quality of the surface coatings used, to ensure the beads have an appropriate

protection for their intended purpose. So why risk it?The Rondo Warranty is the only way to make sure you are getting the real thing.

The Real Deal on SteelLooking the same doesn’t make it the same. Make

sure you are getting the real deal.

With the high Australian dollar we are seeing more and more

imported products enter our country, contractors now have

local access to light gauge steel products from a range of

offshore manufacturers. The risk this creates for the building

trade is the absence of knowledge on how these products

have been tested and whether or not they comply with

Australian Standards.

Although some inferior copies may look identical,

only Rondo metal render finishing beads come with a

comprehensive Rondo Warranty that guarantees the quality

of the protective coating used and ensures the beads are fit

for purpose, whether installed internally or externally.

A cheap copy may even feel sturdy, but that is usually only

due to the extra thickness of the metal used at the expense

of a thinner surface coating, and it is the coating that

provides the protection.

Rondo internal corner bead products (R01, R02) have a Zinc

coating known as Z275 (the equivalent of 275gms of Zinc

per surface square metre of steel). This coating provides

protection to the bead when installed indoors in dry

conditions and is the industry standard for all internal steel

wall framing components.

The exterior texture coat finishes zinc coating of Z450 is

applied to Rondo eP32 Corner Bead (suitable for Blue Board

applications) and a zinc coating of Z200 is applied to Rondo

eP17, eP50 and eR11 Stopping Beads. All of which are

additionally protected by powder coating after manufacture.

This is why Rondo confidently guarantees the performance

of all of their beads. So why risk it?

For more information and to see a copy of the Rondo Warranty, visit www.rondo.com.au or call your local Rondo WA Office on (08) 9251 9400.


AdveRtoRIAl

GoldfIelds GlIsteR, pARIs GlAMouR

RJ DONALDSON Building Contractor earned the major plaudits on the

night, winning the MBA Insurance Services Best Country home for a

project on Peek Road, esperance. The home also took a swag of general

awards including best appointed kitchen and bathroom and excellence

in wall and fl oor tiling and fl oor treatments.

The Bankwest Best Commercial Building Award was taken out by

Westralia homes, for the company’s Pira Avenue, Kalgoorlie project.

It was the crowning achievement for Westralia homes on a highly

successful night where it also won awards for contract homes in the

$250,000 - $275,000 and $275,000 - $300,000 categories and for

multi-residential developments both under and more than $800,000.

In addition, Darron Champion, Westralia homes’ site supervisor, was

awarded the Regional Member of the Year Award.

For the third year running, the John Truman Award was presented to

Goldfi elds homes which also was the recipient of the gong for excellence

in Building Practice. The John Truman Award recognises consistent high

quality work across the winning company’s range of projects.

More than 100 guests gathered in the School of Mines hall for the night

of congratulations, music, camaraderie and fantastic food. The awards

were run jointly by recently appointed Master Builders’ regional liaison

offi cers Jade hayes and Doug Backhouse of Kalgoorlie and esperance

respectively. The Association’s affable housing director Gavan Forster

was master of ceremonies and in addition to the smooth progress of

the awards presentation, he and Master Builders’ president Robert

Shaw kept the crowd up to speed on the football and rugby scores

throughout the night.

The Curtin School of Mines Graduate Hall was glammed-up to give a little taste of Paris for the Master Builders Bankwest Goldfi elds Esperance Building Excellence Awards.

The Curtin University WA School of Mines Graduate hall was transformed with a Paris theme for the Master Builders Bankwest Goldfi elds esperance Building excellence Awards in July.


GoldfIelds espeRANCe AWARds

Best Country Home Award winner Rob Donaldson of RJ

Donaldson Building Contractor proudly displaying his award plaque with Master Builders’ president Robert Shaw (left) and MBA Insurance Services

WA state manager Nick Vernon.

The John Truman award is presented at the Goldfi elds

Esperance Building Excellence Awards to the company

judged to consistently build its projects to a high standard.

Goldfi elds Homes has had something of a mortgage on the award and, for the third

successive year, Nigel Byrd was happy to accept the trophy

from Robert Shaw.

GoldfIelds GlIsteR, pARIs GlAMouR

Darron Champion, representing Westralia Homes, holds the

Best Commercial Building Award which the company won

for its Pira Avenue, Kalgoorlie entry. Mr Champion gained

prestige in his own right, winning the Regional Member

of the Year Award. He is pictured with Master Builders’

president Robert Shaw.



A peek at Peek Road’s

winning qualities

The GOLDFIeLDS esperance Building excellence Awards

Best Country home, built by RJ Donaldson Building

Contractor has more than one winning quality. The house,

on Peek Road in esperance, is a sprawling, split level, single storey home nestled into the

sloping terrain adjacent to Salmon Beach.

It comprises four bedrooms, two bathrooms, powder

room, laundry, home theatre, offi ce and a large open plan

kitchen, dining and lounge area and was designed to capture panoramic ocean

views from almost every part of the house. Award winning quality is evident throughout.

As well as the overall top award, it was best contract

home over $1 million and took awards for the best

appointed bathroom and best appointed kitchen.

The project also received a number of trade awards for

cabinet-making, wall and fl oor tiling and fl oor treatments.

Trent Chalmers and Dave Green were also awarded

the Tradesperson of the Year Award for their work on the tilingone of the highlights of

the masterly home.

This year’s Best Country Home in the Goldfi elds Esperance

Awards has sweeping views over Salmon Beach. (Top)

The impressive living area of the award winning RJ Donaldson

Building Contractor home. (Bottom)



Winning project a boon to disabledWestralia homes faced challenges in completing its Best Commercial Building Award winning project in Pira Avenue, Kalgoorlie. The seven bedroom, three bathroom residence was built to house disabled indigenous adults in need of 24-hour care.

IT INCLUDeS hospital-like amenities, a fully monitored and Department

of Fire and emergency Services linked fire protection system and remote

controlled commercial style glass sliding door to the rear veranda.

In constructing the specialised building, schedulers, supervisors and

the all-important trades had to adapt to ensure BCA and Australian

Standards requirements were met in relation to the disabled living

features. The project was built in seven months, on budget and with

high quality workmanship throughout.

Westralia Homes award winning Kalgoorlie project is designed to provide specialised disabled accommodation.

AWARD SPONSORS



CONTRACT hOMeS $350,000 - $400,000Golden Hind HomesTindals Cres. hannans

CONTRACT hOMeS $400,000 - $500,000Goldfi elds HomesRiseberry Way Somerville

CONTRACT hOMeS $800,000 - $1,000,000KJ Norton Building CoOrmonde St esperance

CONTRACT hOMeS OVeR $1,000,000RJ Donaldson Building ContractorPeek Rd esperance

COMMeRCIAL BUILDING OPeN VALUeWestralia HomesPira Ave Kalgoorlie

MULTI-ReSIDeNTIAL DeVeLOPMeNTS UNDeR $800,000Westralia HomesCollins St Kalgoorlie

MULTI-ReSIDeNTIAL DeVeLOPMeNTS OVeR $800,000Westralia HomesTali Mews Kalgoorlie

BeST APPOINTeD KITCheNSponsor: The Laminex GroupRJ Donaldson Building ContractorPeek Rd esperance

BeST APPOINTeD BAThROOMSponsor: The Laminex GroupRJ Donaldson Building ContractorPeek Rd esperance

eXCeLLeNCe IN PAINTINGSponsor: esperance expressM Tyrell PaintingChantilly Circuit Castletown

eXCeLLeNCe IN ROOFINGSponsor: StratcoBrett Trockiniski - BJT CarpentersChantilly Circuit Castletown

SILVeR TROWeL AWARDSponsor: BrikmakersBenjamin Ritchie – Goldfi elds HomesSanders Close Somerville

BeST COUNTRY hOMeSponsor: MBA Insurance ServicesRJ Donaldson Building ContractorPeek Rd esperance

BeST COMMeRCIAL BUILDINGSponsor: BankwestWestralia HomesPira Ave Kalgoorlie

BeST KALGOORLIe hOMeGolden Hind HomesTindals Cres. hannans

JOhN TRUMAN AWARDSponsor: J & A Truman Pty LtdGoldfi elds homes

TRADeSPeRSON OF The YeARSponsor: CbusTrent Chalmers and Dave Green – T. Chalmers TilingPeek Rd esperance

ReGIONAL MeMBeR OF The YeARSponsor: Boral Midland BrickDarron Champion – Westralia Homes

BeST CUSTOMeR SeRVICeSponsor: BankwestGJ Gardner Homes Esperance

eXCeLLeNCe IN BUILDING PRACTICeSponsor: Building CommissionGoldfi elds Homes

JUDGeS’ AWARDSponsor: First National Real estate KalgoorlieJmac BuildingAuraliaChantilly Circuit Castletown

CONTRACT hOMeS UNDeR $250,000Dixon ConstructionJohns St esperance

CONTRACT hOMeS $250,000 - $275,000Westralia HomesCollins St Kalgoorlie

CONTRACT hOMeS $275,000 - $300,000Westralia HomesFrank St Boulder

CONTRACT hOMeS $300,000 - $325,000Jmac BuildingChantilly Circuit Castletown

CONTRACT hOMeS $325,000 - $350,000GJ Gardner Homes EsperanceThistle Ave esperance

MOST AFFORDABLe FAMILY hOMeSponsor: Department of housingDixon ConstructionJohns St esperance

eXCeLLeNCe IN PLASTeRINGSponsor: Disability Services CommissionNeil WilsonCastletown Quays esperance

eXCeLLeNCe IN FLOOR TReATMeNTSSponsor: Kalgoorlie MinerKim Gillespie and Neil Harland – K Gillespie PavingPeek Rd esperance

eXCeLLeNCe IN CeILINGSSponsor: Jackson McDonaldGavin Rae and Chris Drake - CTD ContractingRiseberry Way Somerville

WATeRWISe AWARDSponsor: Water CorporationGolden Hind HomesTindals Cres. hannans

eXCeLLeNCe IN CARPeNTRY (INTeRNAL/eXTeRNAL)Sponsor: ToyotaMarcus Boers – Boers Construction and Nathan Bright - NLB ConstructionOrmonde St esperance

eXCeLLeNCe IN WALL & FLOOR TILINGSponsor: VV Tiling ShopTrent Chalmers and Dave Green – T. Chalmers TilingPeek Rd esperance

eXCeLLeNCe IN CABINeT MAKINGSponsor: MBA Insurance ServicesRamon Dellaca – Esperance CabinetsPeek Rd esperance

eXCeLLeNCe IN STeeLSponsor: Roofmart KBDixon Constructionhockey Pl. West Beach

Award Results



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Construction excellence celebrated 1920’s styleMore than 670 guests donned their slickest tuxedos and most glamorous gowns and went back to the Great Gatsby styled 1920’s to celebrate WA’s premier event for commercial builders, the Master Builders Bankwest excellence in Construction Awards in June.

The AWARDS, held at the newly refurbished Crown Perth for the fi rst time, featured

singing, dancing, acting heart throb Tim Campbell as host.

With more than 60 entries this year, the sense of rivalry among the attendees was keen

with some of the biggest names in commercial building hanging out to see who would

take home the top prize. Notable winners on the night included Brookfi eld Multiplex

Constructions for Brookfi eld Place, BGC Construction

for Perth Arena, Perkins Builders for the All Saints

Performing Arts Theatre and Doric Contractors for the

Wickham Recreation Precinct.

The crowd was serenaded by the sultry sounds of Ali

Bodycoat, and danced late into the night with Tim

Campbell, who followed his MC gig with a party set.

Special guests included Commerce Minister Michael

Mischin, Master Builders Australia CeO Wilhelm harnisch

and Master Builders National president Peter Kennedy.

Versatile awards MC Tim Campbell.

Commerce Minister Michael Mischin addresses guests at the Excellence in Construction Awards.

On a night of hot competition, Ali Bodycoat provided cool entertainment.

With Baz Luhrmann’s fi lm the talk of the town, Crown Perth was taken back in time to the 1920s Great Gatsby era for this year’s Master Builders Bankwest Excellence in Construction Awards


exCelleNCe IN CoNstRuCtIoN AWARds

A UNANIMOUS favourite among the judges, the project also won a record

five other awards, including Best historic Restoration and Renovation,

excellence in energy efficiency Over $40 million, Best Retail Over $5

million, Best Building Fit-out Over $10 million and Best Office Building

Over $30 million.

Brookfield Place is a 45-storey office tower and is the tallest side core

building in the southern hemisphere. Five heritage buildings were

refurbished in the construction of the building which comprises about

75,000 square metres. It has been fitted out with a childcare centre,

gym and 10 tenancy cafe court.

Master Builders’ director Michael McLean congratulated Brookfield

Multiplex for its outstanding work in winning the top construction

award for 2013 – the seventh such win for the company in 23 years.

“Brookfield Place is one of the most important office buildings

in Perth and presents a striking feature on the city’s skyline,” Mr

McLean said. “The project also created an impressive retail, office

and entertainment precinct in some of Perth’s most sympathetically

restored historical buildings.”

Brookfield Multiplex tops construction

awardsBrookfield Multiplex’s Brookfield Place in the

Perth CBD was announced Best Project winner at the Master Builders Bankwest excellence in

Construction Awards in June.

The Master Builders Bankwest excellence in Construction Awards

showcase the quality of construction in the areas of structure,

external finishes, services, internal finishes and civil works. Other areas

considered are time management, value for money, innovation, site

management, form and function. There were 60 entries in the 2013

awards totalling more than $2.5 billion in contractual value which Mr

McLean said reflected ongoing solid levels of activity in commercial

construction in WA.

Brookfield Place wasn’t the builder’s only success on the night with its

Queen elizabeth II Medical Centre Central energy Plant a finalist for Best

Project and winner of the Best State Government Building and Best Civil

engineering Works Awards.

Other winners on the night included DORIC Contractors, which won the

Best Regional Project for Wickham Recreation Precinct and Perth Rigging

Co which won the Cbus Subcontractor of the Year for structural steel on

the Perth Arena.

Most of the WA winners will compete in the national Master Builders

awards in Canberra in November.

The already familiar form of Brookfield Place which took off the 2013 Best Project Award at the Master Builders Excellence in Construction Awards.

The complex structural steel work on the Perth Arena won Perth Rigging Co the title of Subcontractor of the Year.

Best Project presentation: Bankwest’s Brid Hutchinson and Chris Hutchins (together, centre) with the Brookfield Multiplex award winners and Master Builders’ director Michael McLean (left).


exCelleNCe IN CoNtRuCtIoN AWARds

Wealth of experience in awards judgingJUDGING The excellence in Construction Awards is a

demanding and involved process but with a collective

two centuries of experience, the expert panel makes

it look like a breeze. The judges, featured here left to

right, were Peter Bruechle, Michael Croudace, Rod

Sproule and Geoff Allen. Mr Allen and first time judge

Mr Sproule come from the building fraternity while

Mr Bruechle and Mr Croudace were on hand to give

engineering and architectural advice respectively. They

are pictured with Pippa Tearne (left) and Monique

Milne, the Master Builders’ events Team.

sponsors



exCelleNCe IN CoNstRuCtIoN AWARds Results

2013 BeST PROJeCTSponsor: Bankwest Brookfield Multiplex ConstructionsBrookfield Place

2013 BeST ReGIONAL PROJeCTSponsor: Building CommissionDoric ContractorsWickham Recreation Precinct

SUBCONTRACTOR OF The YeARSponsor: CbusPerth Rigging Co Pty LtdPerth Arena

BeST hISTORIC ReSTORATION OR ReNOVATIONSponsor: Crowther BlayneBrookfield Multiplex ConstructionsBrookfield Place

BeST ReFURBIShMeNT OR ReNOVATION UNDeR $10 MILLIONSponsor: BrikmakersGeorgiou GroupGeorgiou Collaboration and Case Study Centre

BeST ReFURBIShMeNT OR ReNOVATION OVeR $10 MILLIONSponsor: BrikmakersProbuild Constructions:Crown Casino Stage 1 Gaming Floor expansion and Day Spa Refurbishment

eXCeLLeNCe IN WASTe MANAGeMeNTSponsor: Instant Waste ManagementBrookfield Multiplex ConstructionsFiona Stanley hospital

BeST STATe GOVeRNMeNT BUILDINGSponsor: Building CommissionBrookfield Multiplex ConstructionsQueen elizabeth II Medical Centre Central energy Plant

BeST MULTI-UNIT DeVeLOPMeNTSponsor: Cockburn CementGeorgiou GroupBirra Birra Village Camp B

eXCeLLeNCe IN eNeRGY eFFICIeNCY UNDeR $40 MILLIONSponsor: AutoControl SystemsPS StructuresCannington Leisureplex

eXCeLLeNCe IN eNeRGY eFFICIeNCY OVeR $40 MILLIONSponsor: AutoControl SystemsBrookfield Multiplex ConstructionsBrookfield Place

BeST heALTh/AGeD CARe BUILDINGSponsor: Jackson McDonaldJohn HollandAlbany health Campus

BeST ReTAIL BUILDING UNDeR $5 MILLIONSponsor: haysBuckingham Redevelopment CompanyCottesloe Beach hotel Courtyard

BeST ReTAIL BUILDING OVeR $5 MILLIONSponsor: haysBrookfield Multiplex ConstructionsBrookfield Place

BeST INDUSTRIAL BUILDINGSponsor: LevesysBroad Construction Services (WA) Pty LtdParts Distribution Centre

BeST eDUCATION BUILDINGSponsor: KonePerkins BuildersAll Saints College Performing Arts Theatre

BeST BUILDING FITOUT UNDeR $10 MILLIONSponsor: West Australian Mechanical ServicesLeeda Projects Pty LtdPrint hall

BeST BUILDING FITOUT OVeR $10 MILLIONSponsor: West Australian Mechanical ServicesBrookfield Multiplex ConstructionsBrookfield Place

BeST OFFICe BUILDING UNDeR $30 MILLIONSponsor: ReddiFundPS Structures Pty LtdDepartment of Fire and emergency Services

BeST OFFICe BUILDING OVeR $30 MILLIONSponsor: ReddiFundBrookfield Multiplex ConstructionsBrookfield Place

ARChITeCTS AWARDSponsor: ToyotaPeter Hunt Architect

BeST PUBLIC USe BUILDINGSponsor: StramitBGC ConstructionPerth Arena

BeST CIVIL eNGINeeRING WORKSSponsor: hansonBrookfield Multiplex ConstructionsQueen elizabeth II Medical Centre Central energy Plant

JOhN ROBeRTS BeST NeW BUILDeRSlatter Constructions

Subcontractor of the Year Awards

CLADDING CURTAIN WALLSponsor: MBA Insurance ServicesAlcom FabricationsPerth Arena

FINISheS CABINeTWORK/JOINeRYSponsor: MBA Insurance ServicesStylewoods Commercial InteriorsAll Saints College Performing Arts Theatre

FINISheS CeILINGSSponsor: MBA Insurance ServicesC&L CeilingsCrown Casino Stage 1 Gaming Floor & Day Spa Refurbishment

STRUCTURAL STeeL Sponsor: MBA Insurance ServicesPerth Rigging Co Pty LtdPerth Arena

SeRVICeS PLUMBING/hYDRAULIC/FIReSponsor: MBA Insurance ServicesCooke & DowsettAlbany health Campus



Personal Pars proudly sponsored by Hays

The National Centre for Vocational Education Research has appointed Rodd Camm as managing director. Rod is a former CEO with Skills Queensland. He takes over from Dr Tom Karmel who was had been in the position since 2002.

Brian Bentley has been elected secretary of the newly formed Plumbers and Gas� tters Union in WA. Plumbers formerly were aligned with electricians in an amalgamated union. Les McLaughlan is the secretary of the new Electrical Trades Union.

Donald McKenzie is the relatively new CEO of Skill Hire, based in Kewdale.

Brue Arlow has rejoined the Apprentice and Traineeship Company as its Perth-based manager.

Jodie Cleverly has been appointed group training co-ordinator with Skill Hire following the departure of Lisa Legena.

Condolences to Carolyn Fitzgerald, Master Builders’ safety co-ordinator, on the passing of her father in June after a short illness.

Congratulations to the team at Home Base Expo in Subiaco on celebrating their twenty-� fth anniversary. Master Builders was directly involved in the Home Base Expo during its � rst � ve years and subsequently via the late Trevor Smith who was the general manager for 20 years. Gino Premici is now the GM.

Bill Fiddian has stepped down from Master Builders’ Construction Council and left Mirvac and has relocated to the Margaret River region to dabble in the odd building project.

Alan Hughes will be retiring from Cbus as its inaugural employee co-ordinator in September. Alan has done a great job in promoting Cbus Superannuation to building workers over the last 29 years and has been a � rst class ambassador for the fund in WA. Enjoy your retirement, Alan.

There’s further movement at Cbus: Elisa Gallichio has been appointed key partnerships national manager, based in Melbourne. Reporting to Elisa in WA is James Moore who commenced in June as WA partnerships manager. The newly created role will see Cbus engaging

more with key employers and identifying growth opportunities. James previously worked for ME Bank for seven years, most recently as its business development manager. Cbus also has appointed two employer account managers in Perth, Salma Sallie and Igor Zecic.

Former NECA and Department of Training employee Ray Harris is now working as an executive director of the Central Institute of Technology in Perth.

Well done Dale Alcock Homes in donating $40,000 to the Salvation Army’s Red Shield Appeal this year. If your business has contributed to a charity Master Builders would be pleased to promote your efforts to other members. The building industry has always been generous in its support for a diverse range of charities and other worthwhile causes.

WA’s Equal Opportunity Commissioner Yvonne Henderson retired in June after 10 years in the job. Commerce Minister Michael Mischin has commissioned a review of the Equal Opportunity Commission by the Public Sector Commission.

John Gillies has left Brook� eld Multiplex to take up a position with a construction � rm in Thailand. John also has stepped down as Australian Institute of Building vice president.

Stacey Rimene, the construction manager for Home Group WA, has been appointed to the national board of the National Association of Women in Construction.

Condolences to the family and friends of Dimo Christides who died after a short illness earlier this year. Dimo was employed by Jackson McDonald in its construction law team. He was a true gentleman and will be sadly missed.

The Department of Planning has made a number of senior appointments, including: Ann Hill as, strategy, policy and projects executive director, Lance Glare (strategic projects director) and Ben Harvey (strategy and projects director).

A big cheerio to Don Couzens (EMCO) and Peter Hunt (Peter Hunt Architect) who are battling ill health.

Layton moves on from AMCAThe SeRVICeS of Alan Layton as executive director

for the last seven years of the Air Conditioning and

Mechanical Contractors Association were made

redundant at the end of June. Alan is now the

executive director of the WA Pony Club. Maree

Licastre’s administrative position at AMCA also has

been made redundant. WA AMCA president Richard

Udinga (hexagon Services) is the new contact for the

Association. Alan (centre) is pictured with Peter Tuck

(NeCA CeO), left, and Master Builders’ Michael McLean.


updAtes: Personal Pars


In-Vogue is building this year’s Telethon Home at Honeywood Estate in Wandi. The site was donated by the Satterley Property Group and Wandi Anketell Holdings. Some of the major contributing suppliers are Boral Group (bricks, paving, concrete, plasterboard and timber � ooring), James Hardie (exterior cladding) and Monier Roofi ng (roof tiles). Members are encouraged to check out the home when it opens to the public in September prior to being auctioned on the Telethon weekend on 20 October.

David McDonnell has left Dale Alcock Homes to form his own IT business, House into Home. David was the recipient of last year’s Ric New Medal. He has developed an app which assists building supervisors and home-buyers identify problems and communicate better during the building process.

The Combined Small Business Alliance of WA has appointed Graham Pridham (Independent Contractors Association) and Aiden O’Grady (NECA) to replace Glenn Hutchinson and Ray Harris as board members.

Bradley Rea has been employed as specialist OHS lawyer with Master Builders Australia, based in Canberra.

Andy Thomas (One Steel) has been elected president of the National Fire Industry Association in WA.

Congratulations to Colin Emmott (Mann Judd) and his team at the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation on raising $440,000 at its annual charity ball in Perth in June. This is an Australian record which once again highlights the generosity of WA businesses and citizens.

Lester Anderson, a long-serving member of Crothers Construction staff, died in June after a short illness. Lester was a highly regarded project manager and a previous winner of Supervisor of the Year in Master Builders mid-west Building Excellence Awards. Condolences go to Lester’s family and many friends within the industry.

ABN Training has appointed Jeff Williams as trade development manager.

CONGRATULATIONS TO

ReIWA president David Airey

on celebrating 40 years in the

real estate industry. David does

a great job in representing the

real estate industry in WA,

having previously been the

national president.

RAY SPUTORe (pictured) has

resigned as managing director of

Decmil. Jonathon holmes (formerly

at John holland) commenced as

executive general manager in July.

Daniel Hunt has been appointed general manager of WA Mechanical Services and has joined Master Builders’ Construction Council.

Dan Young has been appointed general manager of Advance Drilling and Sawing. Dan now sits on Master Builders’ Safety Committee.

Graham Teede has been appointed senior site supervisor with Pyramid Constructions, currently based on a Baldivis project.

At its AGM in July, the Australian Institute of Building elected Graham Teede president taking over from Peter Iancov (Doric). Rod Sproule (Perkins Builders) was elected vice president.

The Department of Housing has appointed Will Carroll to the new position of business development director. Will’s focus will be on developing pro-active initiatives to deliver more affordable housing options to communities across WA through the Department’s Affordable Housing Strategy. Collaboration and forging partnerships with the private, government and not-for-pro� t sectors are clearly part of the program.

Tony Tate has retired from Curtin University’s Research and Development Department after 11 years and is now the chair of the Animal Resource Authority as well as having involvement on three research advisory bodies at Curtin. Having more time to spend with his two grand-children is the highlight of his week.

SOMeONe ReCeNTLY spotted Ralph Dawson, the executive

director of the Construction Training Fund, in exmouth

fi shing. We believe Ralph was enjoying a well earned holiday

rather than looking for skilled workers in the area. Check out

the coral trout Ralph caught on a charter fi shing trip.




CONGRATULATIONS

TO Dale Alcock and his

400-plus supporters

who helped raise

$134,812.60 for the St

Vincent de Paul Society

by participating in this

year’s CeO Sleepout

Campaign in June. All

of the funds raised

go to supporting

homeless people.

New chief at JacMacMALCOLM SheLTON-AGAR has relocated from Singapore to take on the Jackson McDonald CeO role held by John McLean for the last 14 years. Malcolm’s CV includes managing director of DLA Phillips Fox and COO of Allen & Gledhill LLP, Singapore’s premium law fi rm. Jackson McDonald say that, having worked in both national and regional fi rms, Malcolm is eminently suited to his new role with the fi rm in Perth.

James Komninos has been re-appointed managing partner of RSM Bird Cameron based in Perth. RSM Bird Cameron is Master Builders’ business advisory and accounting services partner with of� ces in all major regional centres around WA.

Congratulations to the team at Silver Thomas Hanley, an architectural � rm specialising in health facility planning and design, on celebrating its sixtieth anniversary.

Condolences to the family and friends of Warren Owens who died in June, aged 87. Warren was a senior public servant with Homeswest for many years.

Gary Bovell has decided to retire as a Geraldton-based builder and as a result Admiration Homes has ceased trading after being a Master Builder member for 30 years. Enjoy the sunset over the beach, Gary.

The Swimming Pool and Spa Association of Australia has appointed Brendan Watkins as CEO, based in Melbourne. David Syme takes on the national manager role.

Doric has appointed Vince Mulholland as commercial construction general manager. Vince was previously employed with John Holland. Joe Martin and Keith Somers have left Doric.

Former Master Builders’ membership of� cer Christine Moran is now working for Engineers Australia (WA Division) as business development manager.

John Stokes has been appointed executive director of the Master Builders Association of South Australia. He was previously the state manager of the Australian Institute of Management in Adelaide.

Ben Carter has replaced Mitchell Fox as media relations of� cer with Master Builders Australia, based in Canberra. Mitch has decided to relocate to London with the love of his life.

Former Master Plumbers Association CEO and Liberal Member for Hasluck Stuart Henry has relocated back to Perth from the USA. Stuart is the deputy chairman of the World Congress of Plumbers. This year’s World Plumbing Conference is being held in New Delhi in November.

Congratulations to Thomas Jacobs on being appointed a partner at Master Builders’ alliance partner Jackson McDonald.

Jill Jameson has been appointed managing director of Polytechnic West, replacing Wayne Colyer.

There have been changes aplenty at Master Builders where Kelly Watt has left and Skye McCartney has taken on the daunting task of executive assistant to director Michael McLean. Melissa Buckley has started membership assistant helping membership services manager Veronica Mill. Siobhan Harvey has been promoted to membership services of� cer and Kimberley Alexander has been promoted to communications of� cer.




WhY DID you apply for a job with Master

Builders? I had relocated to Perth from Port

hedland for family reasons after working

for Mt Newman Mining for three-and-a-half

years and the industrial relations job seemed

interesting and challenging.

Who employed you? harvey McLeod, the

then director.

When did you start? 25 August 1983.

Who was previously employed in the industrial

relations role? John Bamford.

how many staff did Master Builders have

in those days? Seventeen, including current

staffers Gavan Forster and Charles Anderson.

Who was the President in 1983? Tom Oxley of

Cooper and Oxley.

What was the industrial relations scene like

when you commenced? Rather unstable. The

unions were claiming site allowances on most

major construction projects as a way around

the Wage Fixing Principles and there were lots

of disputes.

What were the issues that caused the most

strikes in the 1980s? Non-unionists working

on site, the employment of union activists,

inclement weather disputes, safety issues and

pay claims.

Who were the main union officials you were

dealing with? Kevin Reynolds (BLF secretary),

Ron Kinney (organiser), Mark Cuomo

(industrial officer), Bill ethell (BWIU secretary),

Rick Todd (organiser) and Graham Young

(industrial officer).

What was the longest dispute? In 1988 the

building unions campaigned for a $52 weekly

wage rise; $20 per week ended up as a

redundancy payment and there were two $16

per week wage increases.

What was the most significant dispute? In

the mid-1980s, the union representing roof

tilers decided to pursue a wage claim for tilers

in the housing sector. This had the potential

to unionise the housing industry. There was

concerted resistance among the project

builders and manufacturers to defeat the

threat. The union was unsuccessful.

how bad was the IR scene in those days?

Chaotic, unpredictable and unlawful. It was

a time when building unions would take 24,

48 and even 72 hour strikes because a builder

had allegedly breached an agreement. They

would then pursue payment via a private

arbitrator and generally get paid for the lost

time. Shocking!

What about the IR Commission? They were

powerless to reign in the industrial action and

sometimes just institutionalised the problem

by sanctioning commercial settlements.

What contributed most to improve the IR

scene? A combination of factors – a down-

turn in the economy, Master Builders deciding

not to enter into industry-wide agreements

with the unions, the ability of BGC to resist

union pressure in the commercial sector

and the commitment of Graham Kierath to

introduce a Code of Practice and Task Force

in 1993.

Which politicians have impressed you the

most? Labour Relations Ministers Graham

Kierath and Peter Dowding and housing

Ministers Kevin Prince and Keith Wilson.

What have been some of the greatest changes

you have observed since 1983? The impact of

the mobile phone and internet, the increased

jurisdiction of the Federal Government,

smaller lot housing developments, tilt up

construction, transportable/modular housing

and a more stable IR environment.

Who has had the most influence on your

thinking? All of the eight presidents I have

had the pleasure to work with but also life

members Rob Torrance and Ron Doubikin

who are very astute people.

Your greatest achievements? Surviving this

long and still being passionate about the job

is something I am very proud of. helping to

establish the State’s portable long service

leave scheme in 1987 which now has about

$340 million of funds invested, nearly 5000

employers and more than 120,000 workers

registered with more than 76,000 now being

contributed for on average every quarter.

Weaning Master Builders’ IR representation

away from the employers Federation also

fulfilled an objective for my employment.

Being involved with a television show,

home in WA, for nearly 15 years to promote

members and topical issues is also gratifying.

Organising a variety of events to both

commemorate and celebrate our Association’s

centenary in 1998 was memorable; especially

as our CeO Lunch and Robert Law Award

have become annual events.

Most memorable victory? Advocating a case

before a Full Bench of the IR Commission

involving which union should have coverage

of mobile plant operators. Lawyers Paul

Marsh (BLF) and Derek Schapper (BWIU) were

arguing for exclusive rights for their unions

whereas the Commission decided in Master

Builders’ favour as we suggested a clever split.

When did you start as MBA Director?

September 1996 after harvey McLeod retired.

What was the transition like? having had

13 years’ previous experience with the

organisation, helped a lot but I didn’t realise

when I accepted the promotion how little

I really knew about being a CeO and the

building industry generally. Letting go of the

IR job was hard initially.

30 questions for 30 years With 30 years’ service at Master Builders under his belt, we put 30 questions to director Michael McLean about his time with the Association.




So, what are you primary responsibilities?

Overseeing the entire operation of the

Association – fi nancial, staffi ng and services.

This entails providing a secretariat to our

Board, representing the Association at

numerous meetings and functions, policy

development and lobbying at a state and

national level and assisting staff as required.

Is there much travel involved in your job? Yes.

Quarterly meetings of our national Board and

executive directors which tend to be rotated

around the various capital cities. The last one

WA hosted was in Karratha last August. I also

try to get to each of our regional offi ces once

every year.

Any novel places visited? A site allowance

claim during the construction of the casino

and resort on Christmas Island was interesting.

What drives you to keep going after 30 years?

The dynamic nature of the industry, variety

and challenging nature of the work and the

large number of dedicated and talented

people who are involved in our industry.

Do you have any regrets? There are generally

too many things happening to get bogged

down on regrets. The circumstances

surrounding the demise of the MBA Group

Apprenticeship Scheme in 1999 was very

disappointing and could have been avoided.

I wish more members would include the

Master Builders’ logo in their advertising.

Who do you admire most in the industry?

There are too many champions to mention,

including some who are no longer with us

like Lyn Bennett, Ken Brine, Ric New, Kevin

Guidice and John Roberts. Our industry

has many contemporary leaders like Len

Buckeridge, Dale Alcock and lots more who

have a much lower profi le.

What are the economic prospects for the

building industry in WA? Being an optimist,

I’m somewhat biased but I believe with our

population growth and resources rich State,

there will be lots of opportunities for builders

and specialist contractors in WA for many

years to come. Unfortunately there will always

be downturns along the way.

What are the biggest challenges confronting

our industry? The fi rst is attracting a skilled

workforce through both apprenticeship

training and overseas labour to meet

future demand. Secondly, providing more

affordable land, for fi rst home-buyers in

particular. Thirdly, reducing and overcoming

the increasing regulatory environment/red

tape that is stifl ing productivity and proving a

disincentive to employ more labour.

how much longer do you intend to keep

going? While my health, energy levels and

job satisfaction prevail, I’ll take it a year at a

time. I intend to liaise with our Board on an

appropriate succession plan in due course.

It will be important to eventually have a

reasonable hand-over period to share some of

my corporate knowledge with my successor –

who no doubt will be more IT savvy than me.

CONGRATULATIONS

TO Richard eaton who

celebrated 20 years with

ReddiFund (the WA

Construction Industry

Redundancy Fund) as its

accountant in July. Well

done, Richard!

ROB MCLAUGhLIN has been appointed

state manager of Badge Construction.






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/MBA



Prado 5 Door Kakadu

toyota.com.au



LC70 Wagon GXL

So what makes a successful USP and guarantee?For a start, it has to have IMPACT - it needs to

make people sit up and take notice, and it has

to get them thinking and talking. You need to

think of the aspects of your service that make

a difference to people. Your uniqueness needs

to tackle your competitors head on, and your

guarantee needs to answer the most common

frustrations your customers face.

A successful USP should be:• Truly unique.

• exciting to your target market.

• Something that will get people talking.

• Something that can’t be easily copied, or if it can be copied, it

will be an obvious rip-off on the part of the offending business.

A successful and powerful guarantee should be:• Specifi c.

• Something that addresses the main frustrations and fears

of the customer when dealing with your industry.

• Complete - it should say ’either this happens or we’ll do this’.

• Impressive.

Now of course, it’s a tall order to do all of that, especially if you’re

in a mature industry where most angles already have been tackled.

Sometimes it pays to get an outsider’s perspective. Chances are, you’re

probably too wrapped up in your own business to look outside it. Just

ask the person on the street - what would you like to see a business

in my industry offer? When you get a few opinions, don’t think about

why it can’t be done - give some thought to how it CAN be done.

So why do they work?People have been burnt before - they’ve used products and services

which they were told fantastic things about, only to be bitterly

disappointed. You must take that risk away for them. Remember, when

customers buy, they are not buying your product or service, they are

buying the benefi t of owning or experiencing whatever you sell.

Rueben Taylor

What makes your business unique?If there is nothing different or unique about you, people will only buy from you because of convenience or price, nothing more. Added to that, you’ll never be able to raise your prices: if there’s anyone doing it cheaper, people will buy from them. You need to work out what is special about you, and then make a big deal about it. We use a unique selling proposition or USP to position you against your competitors and to develop powerful guarantees that get to the heart of your customers’ frustrations.

For example, customers don’t buy food, they buy satisfaction, survival

and the pleasure of eating. In the case of a restaurant, they also are

buying an experience and a social occasion. If you guarantee to give

people the benefi t that they are after in the fi rst place, there is a high

chance that they’ll want to deal with you.

If people are unsure that they will get the main benefi t from dealing

with you, they may hesitate when it comes to actually buying, or they

may buy from someone else who makes them feel more secure. When

people feel as though they have nothing to lose, they are more likely

to buy and take action. Most action is delayed forever, simply because

people are afraid of what will happen if they make a mistake.

A myth about guaranteesMany people are frightened of guarantees - they honestly think that

customers will rip them off. The truth is, most guarantees are never

taken advantage of, even when the customer is genuinely dissatisfi ed.

There are two reasons why. First, people are lazy, and couldn’t be

bothered. Second, it takes a lot of confi dence to stand up and say ’hey,

I’m not happy, give me my money back’. The fact is, most people lack

this confi dence.

So, what can you guarantee? Defi ne what makes your business unique

and use it in all your marketing - you’ll be amazed at the results.

For 12 years, Rueben Taylor has helped Perth businesses achieve

sustainable growth, strong cash fl ow and to run smoothly without

the business owners constantly being there. He has written a special

report for the building and construction industry, 5 Ways to Double

Your Customer Base in the Next 90 Days, available exclusively to Master

Builder members by emailing [email protected].


RepoRts: Building Business

MS DIXON began her role in July bringing with her considerable experience of work in

the engineering and advanced manufacturing industry in the UK. While working for the

UK-based Sector Skills Council, she was employed in a national role which focussed on

strategic workforce planning with employers within the automotive, metals, mechanical

and electrical sector.

The role involved working closely with trade associations and employers of all sizes

to provide support in identifying current and future skills requirements and driving

qualification development to meet these needs.

She also was involved in programs to change the image and attractiveness of the sector

through the promotion of opportunities for young people to enter the wide range of

highly skilled and technical roles offered in the industry.

She says there are very good reasons why employers in the construction industry

should be involved with ReddiFund.

“I’m really keen to have the opportunity to present the benefits offered by the fund

to employers who are not yet members,” she said. “ReddiFund is an organisation that

offers advantages to employers as well as employees. While it provides redundancy

entitlement security to employees, it also offers employers the benefit of being

regarded as preferred employers which is something of value in today’s highly

competitive marketplace.

“employers benefit further by taking advantage of the fact that contributions are

tax deductible in the year made, if they are making contributions via ReddiFund.

This is something they’re not able to benefit from if making their own provision for

redundancy internally. Further, ReddiFund enhances the chances of quality workers

being retained in the industry if they were to lose their jobs as a result of a business

going under.”

Ms Dixon said ReddiFund gives a feeling of security to what can be quite an uncertain

industry, as well as giving the employee the funds needed when in a difficult situation.

“ReddiFund offers a win-win for both employees and business operators alike,

something that I suspect many employers are not aware of,” she said.

For more information on how ReddiFund can help you and your business, contact Jill

Dixon on 9481 0259, 0437 554 330 or [email protected].

Reddifund: employers benefit tooFollowing its recent rebranding, ReddiFund (formerly the WA Construction Industry Redundancy Fund) has appointed Jill Dixon as business development manager with the aims of making industry more aware of the organisation and of attracting construction industry employers to become members.

Consider your target audienceSocial media expert, Linda Le, has urged Master Builder members to think about their companies’ target audience when using social media as a marketing tool. Speaking at Master Builders’ first Business Basics Workshop recently, Ms Le encouraged members to determine where their clientele are ‘living’ online and invest time in that particular social media.

“TheRe ARe hundreds of social media to choose

from,” she said. “however, the best thing you can

do is pick one or two and do them well.”

She encouraged members to consider posting

when their target audience is most likely to be

online. Posts outside business hours have a 20

percent higher engagement rate. She surprised

workshop participants by stating that what

companies post the most is what consumers like

the least.

“Companies post more links on their pages than

anything else,” she said. “however, consumers are

not as interested in links as they are in photos and

videos. eight-five percent of consumers are more

likely to purchase a product if they learn about it

by watching a video, rather than reading about it.”

Master Builders’ communications director Geoff

Cooper says Master Builders is looking to engage

members through social media.

“We currently are utilising Facebook and Linkedin

to provide our members with photos of events,

videos - especially home in WA, and industry

information,” he said. “To connect with Master

Builders on Facebook and Likedin, search for

Master Builders Association Western Australia and

‘like’ us!”



the real cost of replacing an employeeThe cost to a business when a good employee leaves is hard to recover, but it can be reduced by better people management. have you ever been disappointed when a good employee resigns without warning? Do you know the real cost of replacing such an employee?

UNFORTUNATeLY, many employers underestimate, by a very large

amount, the actual cost of employee replacement. More often than not,

a manager will also fail to identify the real reasons a good employee

has moved on. The fault often can be traced back to inefficient human

resources management and an absence of policies, procedures and skills.

Cost reductionNumerous case studies have revealed that the financial cost of

replacing a good employee can be between 100 percent and 150

percent of the new employee’s salary. For example, a replacement

employee paid $80,000 per year could cost an employer a further

$100,000 to get to the level of productivity and efficiency of the

previous employee.

These costs arise from obvious upfront activities like advertising,

interviews, induction and training, as well as the not-so-obvious,

including lost productivity, customer dissatisfaction (external and

internal), lost business, lost intellectual property and lost corporate

culture. Knowing how these costs arise and where they can be

reduced requires human resource management. More specifically, it

requires employee retention and employee satisfaction techniques. It is

necessary because it saves a lot of money.

Reducing staff turnoverTo reduce staff turnover, managers need a plan to neutralise the

most common reasons employees will leave their jobs. These

reasons may include:

• The relationship the immediate supervisor or manager has

with the employee. An unhappy working relationship without

communication, objectivity and support from the employee’s

manager is fertile ground for employee dissatisfaction.

• Opportunity for flexibility in work and life. Within reason, an

employee expects to be recognised for more than just the

role they perform at work. Family obligations, or personal

arrangements that cannot be accommodated by an employer,

will eventually lead to an employee moving to a more flexible

workplace. The National employment Standards enable flexible

working arrangements for parents with young children.

• Meaningful work gives confidence and status. An employee will stay

longer in a job that provides recognition, both within and outside the

work itself. Relationships with co-workers also play a key part in why

employees attend work and stay in that employment environment.

• Wages and conditions of employment. These often will

factor into why an employee decides to change employers.

however, it is rarely the primary reason, and it is not uncommon

for employees to change jobs for less pay, when one or

more of the above reasons is the determining factor.

Managing a retention programIn order to manage your employees, you need to be able to measure

your workforce. When it comes to staff retention, you should take

some time to consider the costs, why it is occurring and how to

increase retention. The most effective method of retaining employees

is to adopt a whole-of-business policy to improve communication,

share information, acknowledge worthy performance, quantify the

improvement and reward the effort. The techniques will vary from

one company to another, however, it will require training in people

management skills, regular performance assessments, information

sharing or updates on business performance and a general review of

human resource policies and procedures.

Getting startedMaster Builders’ human Resources Manual is a must for employers

in the building and construction industry to develop a platform for

managing people. It contains a ready-to-use disk of templates, forms

and policies. Master Builders can provide further assistance in training

and consultation to ensure you get the best possible results on reducing

staff turnover and costs. For more information contact Master Builders

on 9476 9800. To order a copy of the Master Builders hR Manual

contact [email protected].

An edited version of this article was first published in the Queensland

Master Builder Magazine.



Master Builders’ communications assistant Kimberley Alexander reports on a recent Futurenet breakfast briefing delivered by award-winning entrepreneur and social media expert Tenille Bentley. Ms Bentley’s key message...

Your business needs a social media presenceAT The Futurenet breakfast briefing, Tenille Bentley explained that social

media can and should be used by companies to build trust and loyalty

with clients.

Australians spend an average 1.6 hours a day on Facebook, more than

any other country in the world, and our consumption of the networking

site is on par with that of television. While it was previously seen as

something for Gen Y to take part in, the fastest growing group of

participants now is women over the age of 55.

But it’s not just Facebook that Australians are crazy about. It seems

we’re also addicted to Twitter, Instagram, Linkedin and any other form

of social media we can get our hands on.

But how does this affect your business?

One of the biggest concerns for many companies is that it is difficult to

see the direct cost benefit of employing a staff member to spend time

on Facebook. What you should know is that 40 percent of Australians

make a purchase after searching for the product on social media. This

means your business is missing out if you cannot be found, as many

consumers will search for, and buy from an alternative business that

does have a social media presence.

Social media should be used to create an ongoing community with

clients. People will talk about your company on social media, regardless

of whether or not you have a presence there. If a negative comment or

situation arises, it will be far more beneficial for your business to deal

with it quickly and openly, rather than to let it manifest and tarnish your

brand by not responding.

This is not to say that more traditional forms of media are becoming

irrelevant. The goal should be to connect with your current and

potential clients through a range of traditional and social media. In the

words of erik Qualman “We don’t have a choice on whether we do

social media. The question is how well we do it.”



Travelling? Make sure you’re one step ahead of your SmartphoneFollow these tips and…Don’t be outsmarted by your phone!

SMARTPhONeS provide access to an array of services and features, for both business and pleasure – email, web browsing, music, video, gaming,

pictures, mobile TV, navigation or messaging are just some of the common uses. These features all consume data.

What is data?Put simply, mobile data is access to the internet on your phone (via the mobile phone network).

Data is used when you browse the internet, use email, use Twitter or Facebook, and download

and use any apps installed on your phone or mobile device (such as a tablet). Most mobile

phone plans for Smartphones (including the Master Builders–Telstra plan) have an included data

allowance or ‘pack’ for data used while you are in Australia. But, if you take your phone on

holidays with you, data used overseas is not included.

Travel tipshere are some tips to ensure you don’t arrive home to a huge mobile bill.

• Contact Master Builders Telco on 1300 88 13 72 prior to travel. Our consultants

can give you information about our international roaming data packs.

• Manage your automatic notifications and software updates. If data roaming

is switched on while you are overseas, you can reduce your costs by switching

automatic notifications and software updates on/off as required.

• Download maps before you go or only when using a free Wi-Fi hotspot. Do your research

before you leave home by saving maps and directions to your device, or download

them only when you are accessing the internet using a free Wi-Fi connection.

• Check current rates. It’s important to check the current rates that apply to voice or video

calls, SMS, MMS and MessageBank retrieval in the countries you’ll be visiting. Remember that

any included allowances you get as part of your mobile plan can only be used in Australia.

• Advise family and friends of the best way to contact you. Charges apply to both calls

made and received overseas. SMS is a great way to keep in touch with family and

friends while overseas, as it will only cost 75 cents to send an SMS from any country.

International casual traveller data packs

Once-off charge $29 $85 $160 $350 $550 $1050 $1800

Included data 20MB 60MB 120MB 300MB 500MB 1GB 2GB

International casual traveller data packs are a great way to minimise the amount paid for data

overseas, but there are other precautions to take. email, automatic notifications and apps (such

as map services) use considerable amounts of data as does downloading music files, gaming or

streaming video. even short sessions can be extremely expensive. Turning these features off before

travelling can help avoid incurring charges.

It is also useful to know how much data is used to perform certain tasks on your phone. For

example, an email with a 1MB attachment will cost $15.36 to download. Your international data

pack will only cover this if you have included data to use.

If you don’t want to purchase an international data pack, a good option is simply to turn your

data off and use available free Wi-Fi hotspots. Most hotels now offer free Wi-Fi. To find out how

you can turn off data on your phone, visit the Telstra website for travelling tips and videos at

www.telstra.com.au/info/roaming or check your phone’s manual.

Remember that data used outside of your data allowance will be charged at 1.5 cents per KB

(which equates to $15.36 per MB). Telstra also has a series of videos for five of the most popular

handsets on their YouTube channel at www.youtube.com/user/TelstraCorp.

To discuss your telecommunications options, call Master Builders on 1300 88 13 72 or email

[email protected].

Good reasons to become a Master TradesmanIF YOU’Re an individual subcontractor

and have a commitment to quality

building workmanship, you should

become a Master Tradesman. The

Master Builders’ initiative, which

seeks to promote higher standards

in WA’s construction industry, is

gaining momentum.

Master Tradesmen can promote their

businesses on the Master Tradesman

website, which consumers visit

regularly to find subcontractors they

can trust. They also have access to vital

industry information to keep them up

to speed with changes to the business

and regulatory environment and access

to a large range of training courses

and qualifications to suit the needs of

construction businesses.

Master Tradesman classification is only

$99 for the year. To find out more

about becoming a Master Tradesman,

call Skye McCartney on 9476 9800.

Skye McCartney can assist subcontractors with information on the Master Tradesman classification.


updAtes: Membership

Master Builders welcomes the following new membersAccento Home 08 9385 4575

Ace Construction & Maintenance Pty Ltd 0424 511 227

ADCO Constructions Pty Ltd 03 9832 1400

Anderson Sheds 08 9534 9990

Baessler Construction 0409 683 639

Brun Kitchens Co Ltd

CAB Trust 0433 565 824

Climate Roof Restorations 08 9470 5244

Contract Solutions International 08 9400 8500

Cubic Building Solutions 0409 411 939

David Russell 08 9306 9602

Diamond Carpentry & Construction 0432 390 592

DJ Personnel 0405 826 348

DLF Homes 1300 20222

Exclusive Limestone Render Pty Ltd 0411 988 251

Glory Construction 08 9248 5111

Grand View Homes (WA) Pty Ltd 08 9445 2442

Home Re-Styling 08 9248 5111

Hot Cleaning Services 08 9921 2544

Ian Hardisty 0403 363 323

JazCorp Australia Pty Ltd 1300 667 709

Jim’s Fencing (Bibra Lake) 08 9494 1037

Kleenit (Cottesloe) 08 9255 4533

Leeson Developments Pty Ltd 0408 087 272

Marrbuilt Homes 0407 633 882

Midwest Electrical Service 08 9923 2277

Perth Extensions 0487 445 752

Pilbara Industries Construction

& Maintenance 0419 881 198

PJ & T Ellis Builders 0404 081 966

PoolWerx WA 0417 914 085

PrimeMark Building & Construction 0405 282 610

RIOCM Australia Pty Ltd 08 6323 1149

Shelford Constructions Pty Ltd 08 9592 3177

TADWA 08 9379 7400

WA Glass Pool Fencing 0402 232 113

pINs add security to Caltex fuel cardsMaster Builder members who have signed up for hundreds of Caltex fuel cards, saving time when buying fuel and on monthly tax statements, should be aware that Caltex has made important changes to improve card security.

PeRSONAL IDeNTIFICATION numbers (PINs) are to be added to all fuel cards with Caltex

advising this will provide a number of benefi ts to cardholders. The PIN increases card

security and helps minimise fraud by protecting cardholders where a card is lost or stolen.

In addition, PINs give cardholders added convenience and fl exibility in accessing outdoor

payment and Pay@Pump terminals.

Adding a PIN to existing cardsNew cards will not be issued. Caltex changed all existing cards to ‘active PIN status’

overnight on 4 June. Cardholders who have not done so already will need to choose and

enter a PIN. Follow these instructions:

• Re-fuel the vehicle.

• Swipe the card at the counter.

• enter the odometer reading (only if the odometer option is assigned to the card).

• Select and enter a PIN (which must be between four and

eight digits). The PIN will be saved in the system.

• Remember the PIN, as it will need to be entered each

time the card is used from this point forward.

If cardholders forget their PINs they should call Caltex Customer Service on 1300 36 50 96.

Tips to help safeguard cards and PINs• Don’t use a recurring series of numbers (such as 0000 or 1111), the

last four digits of the card number or 1234 as a PIN – these offer poor

security and are often the fi rst combinations used for stolen cards.

Caltex recommends choosing a PIN that is diffi cult to guess.

• Only communicate PINs to others on a needs basis and be aware of who is listening.

• Don’t write down the PIN and store it in an easily accessible

location, such as the vehicle glove box.

• Set daily and/or monthly purchase limits on all Caltex cards to reduce

exposure. Purchase limits help control fuel and shop spend and can limit

exposure to unauthorised use. When combined with PIN security, purchase

limits provide a higher level of security and added peace of mind.

• Keep fuel cards in a safe place. Caltex advises against

keeping cards in vehicles where practical.

To get a Caltex fuel card, or to fi nd out more about existing

cards and the PIN change, call Master Builders on 9476 9800

and talk to Kimberley Alexander.


updAtes: Membership

“ThANKS TO the excellent feedback and input from Northerly, we

have built a fit-for-purpose tool that we know meets the needs of

construction companies,” says Synaptor managing director Justin

Strharsky. “Synaptor Training’s automatic reminders ensure that staff

and contractor certificates and tickets remain current. The easy-to-use

training matrix simplifies reporting and records management.”

Northerly Group’s OhS&e officer Kathleen McCloskey says Synaptor

Training is a much better solution than that which the company

previously used. “I love the ability to sort our records by role,” she said.

Synaptor Training follows on

the success of the company’s

first product, Synaptor

Observations, a tool for building

live, interactive maps of the

hazards on construction sites. It

assists companies to meet their

obligations under OhS legislation

relating to hazard identification

and reporting. The company also

has released a free training app

for iPad. Synaptor hazard Observation Training is available from the

iTunes App Store.

Special plans and pricing on Synaptor products are available for Master

Builder members. Contact the Association’s Michael Fitzgerald on

9441 8000 or email [email protected] for details.

Northerly, synaptor fine tune safety appsMaster Builder member Northerly Group has assisted Perth-based company Synaptor to produce a new tool tailored to construction industry safety needs. Synaptor Training is a web application for managing the certifications and qualifications of staff and contractors.

TeRRY’S Crane hire Pty Ltd and director Terrence Brown pleaded guilty

to failing to provide a safe work environment and, by that failure, causing

serious harm to a contractor and were fined in the Perth Magistrates

Court. The company was fined $51,000 and Mr Brown $20,000.

In August 2010, Mallon Company Pty Ltd was engaged to replace the

roof of commercial premises in Osborne Park after it was damaged

in hailstorms. Mallon then engaged Debri Pty Ltd to perform the re-

roofing work and Terry’s to provide a crane to land the new roofing and

lift down the removed roofing.

In September, Debri employees had commenced work on the roof,

removing asbestos sheeting from the rear and moving the wrapped

sheets to the front of the roof. Debri’s job safety analysis had identified

rusty tin sheets and damaged polycarbonate sheeting at the roof

frontage and the company had agreed on how it would access the roof

to avoid these hazardous areas.

The crane and two Terry’s workers – a crane operator employed by

Terry’s and a 19-year-old dogger who was an independent contractor

engaged by Terry’s - arrived on site with the crane and began the task

of removing the packs of asbestos sheeting and landing the packs of

new metal sheets. The dogger accessed the roof frontage to guide

the crane operator to land a pack of metal sheets, and was warned

by the Debri employees to be aware of the rusty sheets and damaged

polycarbonate sheeting.

The dogger walked across the damaged sheets, and was again warned

about them, but subsequently stepped onto the end of one of the

polycarbonate sheets while trying to remove the slings from a pack of

metal sheets. The sheet collapsed and the dogger fell to the cement

floor approximately 3.3 metres below. he suffered serious head and

neck injuries.

At the time of the incident, safety mesh to prevent falls was installed

below the roof of the building, but it did not continue through to the

frontage area, although it was planned to install it there after all the

asbestos had been removed.

Terry’s had not ensured that the dogger they contracted had been

trained in, or informed of, the risks associated with working at heights

or with fragile roofing, and he was not adequately supervised by

anyone when he carried out the work. Terry’s also did not ensure that,

before commencing work, the worker was inducted via a job safety

analysis or otherwise adequately informed of any particular hazard on

the job or the risk of falling.

Crane company, director fined $71,000 over fallA crane hire company and its director have been fined a total of $71,000 (plus more than $1600 in costs) over an incident in which a worker was seriously injured when he fell through a roof.

OHS&E officer Kathleen McCloskey is a fan of Synaptor Training developed in collaboration between Northerly Group and Synaptor.

Synaptor Training in use.


updAtes: Safety

WorkSafe WA Commissioner Lex McCulloch said the case was yet

another reminder of the importance of fall prevention in workplaces

and the wide-ranging responsibility for keeping workers safe.

“Falls are a significant cause of workplace death, and 16 Western

Australian workers have died as a result of falls in the last four years,” he

said. “Many others have been seriously and permanently injured as a result

of falls, and it’s really disappointing when we keep finding people working

at heights without all the possible preventative measures in place.

“This incident has resulted in the prosecution of six entities, all of whom

had a part to play in the safety of the workers at the site, whether

they were actually in direct control of the workplace or not. The court

case should serve as a reminder that contractors must ensure that any

subcontractors they send out to jobs are either adequately trained or

fully informed of the risks at specific workplaces.

“A Code of Practice on fall prevention has existed in WA for more than

20 years. The current code is comprehensive, providing information on

the identification of common fall hazards. I urge any person or entity in

control of a workplace that presents a risk of falls to ensure safe systems

of work are in place and that this code is available in the workplace at

all times.”

Further information on the prevention of falls can be obtained by

telephoning WorkSafe on 1300 307877. The Code of Practice on

the Prevention of Falls in Workplaces can be downloaded from the

WorkSafe website at www.worksafe.wa.gov.au.

“The OCCUPATIONS that account for the greatest number of

mesothelioma cases have changed over the years from miners and

millers, product manufacturers and insulation workers to other

end-users of asbestos-containing materials, in particular workers

in the building and construction industry and in shipyards,” Mr

harnisch said.

“Although the level of individual risk is lower for such end-users, the

higher number of workers in building and construction means that

these workers contribute greater absolute numbers to the national

mesothelioma toll.

“Master Builders recommends that the additional funding given to

the Asbestos Safety and eradication Agency be spent on education

programs that encourage home owners who plan to renovate a pre-

1990 home to engage a licensed asbestos removalist to identify and,

if required, remove asbestos from the home.”

Currently, 600 Australians are diagnosed with mesothelioma every

year. Diagnosis of mesothelioma and other asbestos-related conditions

is rising with the number of people suffering from asbestos related

diseases expected to peak in 2020. By then it is estimated there will be

up to 40,000 cases of asbestos-related disease.

Mr harnisch said Master Builders supports the introduction of best

practice for asbestos management, control and removal. however,

support for Asbestos safety Agency fundingMaster Builders Australia has commended the recent Government announcement of additional funding of $6.4 million for the Asbestos Safety and eradication Agency. Wilhelm harnisch, Master Builders’ chief executive, says that asbestos-related diseases are moving away from heavy exposures during the mining, milling and manufacture of the mineral to diseases resulting from exposure during the abatement of loose asbestos and the use and removal of asbestos-containing materials.

the organisation has some concerns about the National Strategic Plan

for Asbestos Awareness and Management 2013-2018 which also was

released recently.

“One of the strategies is for the development and implementation

of a Prioritised Removal Program of asbestos in commercial and

government buildings. Such a plan would create unnecessary risks

to workers involved in the removal, transport and disposal of the

asbestos and to the public,” Mr harnisch said. “The risks posed

by asbestos depend on the nature and condition of the materials

and the potential for exposure. Left undisturbed, bonded asbestos

material in good condition does not pose a risk to health.

“Master Builders’ preferred approach is that, wherever possible,

asbestos should not be disturbed. Where there is a risk of

deterioration of the asbestos material, such as with the weathering

of asbestos roofing, Master Builders recommends that the asbestos

containing material only be removed by a licensed removalist.”

he also expressed concerns over the disposal of asbestos materials

if a Prioritised Removal Program was given the green light, saying

there currently are no disposal facilities in the Northern Territory that

accept commercial quantities of asbestos. This results in asbestos

products needing to be transported interstate to facilities such as in

Dublin, South Australia.


updAtes: Safety

Master Builders opposes state right of entry proposalMaster Builders met Commerce Minister Michael Mischin earlier this year and canvassed several issues of signifi cant importance to the WA construction industry. One important matter raised with the Minister was the very generous union right of entry provisions proposed as part of the state Labour Relations Bill tabled in late 2012.

Master Builders’ construction director Kim Richardson says WA’s union right of entry laws need scrutiny.

MASTeR BUILDeRS has opposed from the very get go what is an

ill-conceived section of the Bill which simply ignores the history of

construction unions using safety as an industrial relations weapon.

Master Builders was comfortable with the Minister’s response on this

important issue and his undertaking to look at it.

In essence, the Bill proposes to continue to allow unions to enter a

workplace to investigate alleged breaches of the OSh Act, something

Master Builders does not oppose so long as it is conducted in a

responsible manner. however, union offi cials have no authority under

the OSh Act to make these investigations and never have had. Union

offi cials can only express an opinion about what might be an alleged

safety breach. The Bill does not remedy that and nor does Master

Builders see any need for change on this point. Only appointed

government inspectors under the OSh Act should have enforcement

and compliance powers for reasons of transparency and accountability.

Regrettably, the construction unions have a long, sorry history of

abusing safety for their own vested reasons.

Curiously, the Bill sets out that a union offi cial can seek entry to a

worksite to investigate an alleged safety breach but does not have to

advise the site occupier, usually the builder in the construction industry,

what the alleged safety breaches are for up to 24 hours after entering

site. That smacks of a fi shing expedition and simply is a nonsense. It

also undermines the importance of safety: why would a union offi cial

claiming there was a safety risk on site, and aware of it, not advise the

occupier to begin with? That simply defi es the average person in the

pub test.

Of real concern to Master Builders is that, in the event a builder or its

site supervisor challenges a union offi cial under this proposal about

what the alleged safety breaches are, that builder or supervisor will

be in breach of the State union right of entry laws. Why? Due to

obstruction. Far fetched some might say, but no. Master Builders

raised two prosecutions by State and Federal departments in 2003

and 2010 in which builders were prosecuted for asking construction

union offi cials to identify what the alleged and unspecifi ed safety issues

were when the offi cials wanted to enter a building site. The courts

have found that the mere asking of a reasonable question was an

offence under existing State and Federal IR laws. The proposed change

reinforces the risk to site supervisors who ask what the alleged safety

risks are and puts them in breach of union right of entry.

Other case law of construction unions convicted of unlawful industrial

action but attempting to cloak their illegal activity behind safety was

put to the Minister. One example involved the CFMeU raising 109

alleged safety issues on a major CBD construction site in 2009 with the

court fi nding none was justifi ed. That is a major example of union abuse

of safety. Notably, the CFMeU appealed a $100,000 damages award

against it in that case but did not challenge the court fi nding dismissing

its 109 safety breaches claims as false. The union clearly agreed it did

abuse safety.

Master Builders has been liaising with other State employer groups on

this issue which share our concerns. hopefully, the Minister will listen

to common sense arguments against a proposal that simply fails any

reasonable test.

Disappointment as Fair Work Amendment Bill passes

The BUILDING industry’s peak body, Master Builders Australia, expressed deep disappointment at the passage

of the Fair Work Amendment Bill through the Senate late in June, saying the legislation brings on another

counterproductive, anti-business measure.

Master Builders described the legislation as productivity-sapping and compliance driven. CeO Wilhelm

harnisch says the building industry is a big driver of the economy but such legislation continually makes things

more diffi cult. he said the Bill’s full impact hasn’t been considered. It adds confusion between existing State

legislation on bullying and further skews the balance of power unfairly towards unions. The Bill was hastily

developed and avoided proper scrutiny through, for example, a regulation impact statement.Master Builders Australia CEO Wilhelm Harnisch.


updAtes: Industrial Relations

Damages claim for not being sacked?A Canberra public servant recently lost a compensation claim for not being made redundant despite wanting that outcome. As a result, he claimed mental anxiety and depression due to keeping his job. The public servant then took sick leave and refused to return to work and was sacked. Working as a public servant must be onerous.

Do not abuse the motherFWC recently dismissed an unfair dismissal claim by a local resource company Chinese national for verbally abusing a fellow countryman. Abuse of the fellow employee was bad enough but making abusive comments about the other employee’s mother was a de� nite cultural taboo resulting in immediate termination of employment.

Dispute over facebook?The Victorian union movement is the last bastion of unions nationally. A recent example is the Victorian � re-� ghters’ union demand that management revoke a direction to � ries they be limited to one hour of social media access per day during work hours.

From the other sideA Queensland-based employer facing an underpayment claim probably thought it was ended when the former employee passed away. The employer was wrong as the employee’s estate made a complaint to the FWO which successfully prosecuted the employer, recovering $19,000 with another $53,000 in costs.

And the change is?The day after becoming PM, again, Kevin Rudd immediately � ip-� opped on knocking back some of the more severe amendments to the 457 visa programme. He initially indicated he would knock them out but a few hours later changed his mind and pushed them through Federal Parliament. Should his Government survive, it does not bode well for improved relations with the business community.

Minister falls shortWorkplace Relations Minister Bill Shorten also back-� ipped in Federal Parliament on extending union right of entry under the FWAct by advising employers he would withdraw certain contentious and strongly opposed provisions, but that same day reinstated them and pushed them through Parliament.

Minister backs junior wage increaseA major wage claim increasing 20-year-old shop assistants junior wage rates to 100 percent of adult wages has been strongly supported by Minister Shorten in the FWC. With the retail sector struggling and shop assistant jobs decreasing the Minister’s action is curious as it disregards the negative impact on jobs for junior employees in the retail sector and others if this claim gets up.

The FAIR WORK Commission’s decision and determination provides

the outcome of the 2012 Modern Award Review for the building

and construction industry. The decision arising from the review of

the Building and Construction General On-Site Award 2010 shows

the sheer complexity confronting building and construction industry

employers and employees when faced with interpreting the modern

award safety net.

The Commission’s decision provides only a fraction of the clarity needed

to make this key award workable for the industry.

One positive outcome of the 2012 review was the conciliated

agreement reached with the CFMeU and other unions on the

meaning of ordinary hours of work in the award. While this is one

area where progress has been made and employers will be better

able to understand their legal obligations, the fact that something so

fundamental to the award as the meaning of payment for ordinary

hours was so poorly set out and contradictory reveals how the modern

award system can act as a barrier to employment or to inadvertent

breach of the law.

Disappointingly, the union’s spirit of cooperation was not always

evident. employers rebuffed the CFMeU’s attack on daily hire

engagement which would have radically narrowed daily hire

employment and compounded the complexity of the award.

Dauntingly for employers, the lack of progress in simplifying

the building and construction modern award means that issues

fundamental to the operation of the building and construction industry

must now be reviewed during the Commission’s 2014 Modern Award

Review. In particular, all of the allowances under the award must

be addressed so they are relevant and applicable to the industry’s

operation. Master Builders will also continue its campaign to ensure

that modern awards do not regulate workplace health and safety by

the payment of irregular and out of date allowances. Reform of the law

by government should make it a priority that documents like modern

awards do not require a law degree to interpret them.

user-friendly Modern Award remains distant prospectMaster Builders believes that a worker or a small business operator in the building and construction industry should be able to understand the basic safety net conditions that underpin their employment. however, a decision by the Fair Work Commission in July maintains the complexity and density of the modern award safety net.


updAtes: Industrial Relations

BROUGHT TO YOU BY THE MASTER BUILDERS HEALTH ALLIANCEHolyoake (www.holyoake.org.au), Perth Integrated Health Clinics (www.pihc.com.au), Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia (www.prostate.org.au),

Conan Fitness (www.conanfi tness.com), The Well Men Centre (www.wellmen.com.au), Usana Health Sciences (www.cheeseman.usana.com)

prostate Cancer foundation fi res up the barbieSeptember is International Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, and once again, the Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia is kicking off its national Big Aussie Barbie campaign, encouraging Australians to get behind the cause and host a BBQ to raise funds for prostate cancer research.

“Let’s raise $1 million to help men like my father survive prostate cancer,” says former Australian cricketer and Big Aussie Barbie supporter Matthew Hayden.

eVeRY YeAR, 20,000 Australian men are told

they have prostate cancer. each year, 3300

men die of it. More men now die of prostate

cancer than women die of breast cancer.

September is a great month for a barbie.

Spring is in the air, the footy fi nals are on and

Father’s Day falls on the fi rst day of the month,

so there’s no shortage of good excuses to dust

off the grill and host a barbie. This year we’re

asking Australians once again to help us turn

up the heat on prostate cancer.

Visit our website to register your Big Aussie

Barbie – www.bigaussiebarbie.com.au.

WA is launching the campaign with a Big

Aussie Barbie in Central Park, Perth CBD,

on 6 September 11 am to 2 pm, with Tod

Johnson as MC and a special appearance by

Divalicious. Come down and enjoy a gourmet

sausage in a bun and join in the fun.

Companies can get involved during

September by either hosting a Big Aussie

Barbie for their staff, asking the staff

to donate with the company matching

donations, or by helping to promote our

campaign to their staff encouraging them

to host a barbie during September for their

work colleagues, family and friends.

Raising awareness of this disease and

educating men about testing is very important.

early detection is the key to saving lives. PCFA

provides ambassador speakers to companies

and community groups to help educate people

about prostate cancer, recommendations on

testing and what men need to do to take care

of their prostate health.

For information on prostate cancer, our WA

support group services, or to book a Prostate

Cancer ambassador speaker, call our WA

offi ce on 9381 7444 or go to

www.pcfa.org.au.


updAtes: Members’ Health

productivity, performance and

recoveryOne of the biggest issues facing Australian

business today is productivity. Costs of goods, manufacturing and processes have all increased at a greater rate than our ability to

improve productivity.

How does this impact the worker?Personal life and work life often are considered two different worlds.

Work-life balance is a pretty popular concept these days but it’s easy to

spend disproportionate amounts of our life in work mode. Ideally our

work and life should feed off each other and thrive as opposed to one

facet existing by itself; much like the principle of synergy, where the

whole is greater than the sum of the parts.

So how do we maximise the productivity of business by maximising

the performance of the worker at home and work?

PerformanceIn the business realm the biggest challenge of our modern day is

keeping up with productivity and the fast-paced world of endless

demands. In the personal realm of life there is an endless number

of activities that people might spend their waking hours on. Yet the

biggest challenge reported by most people is not having enough time.

So how do we keep increasing productivity at work and home to exceed the growth of cost and demand? We need to continually improve our personal effectiveness, be it

through better time management, improved systems and automation,

or decreasing resource costs as much as possible. Our ‘Performance’ is

the measure of our personal effectiveness across all areas of our life. To

stay on top of our game we’re not just interested in our performance

criteria being exceptional in one area to the detriment of another,

because as we know, the person is and functions as a whole.

Any stressor placed on the body (immune, physical, emotional,

cognitive) will result in a stress response that, depending on the

tolerance of that person and their current state of resilience, will

inevitably cause a minor post-incident dip in energy reserves. Before we

recover from stress, the body is weaker, energy reserves are lower and

the body is more vulnerable. This consequential decrease in energy and

productivity causes us to ‘fire on all cylinders’ and push even harder in

an attempt to maintain the original productivity. This gradual decrease

in productivity per work hour leads to longer hours to make up the

shortfall. This in turn leads to further burnout and diminishing returns.

RecoveryIt all comes down to recovery. An athlete must rest to gain the benefit

from their physical stressors, and so too must balanced individuals

recover from their physical, mental and emotional stressors before they

become stronger from them instead of weaker. Only then can they

continue to tackle greater tasks and perform more.

So what does recovery entail? There are many ways to approach

recovery, but below are the top four to focus on for optimal recovery.

• Sleep – optimising the mind and body’s natural recovery.

Includes parasympathetic predominance and general rest.

• Food and energy – fuel for optimal performance and

nourishment as well as physical activity sufficient to

improve and optimise energy and endurance.

• Stress – resilience and state management strategies.

• Personal Discipline – time management, strengthening the body

and mind, clarifying goals and targets with more disciplined focus.

These four key areas comprise the core

of our wellness programs. emphasis in

these four areas will progressively drive an

increase in performance and productivity

and providing that progress is managed

and monitored, the maximum potential of

the individual will be more attainable. For

more details call 1800 791 484.


updAtes: Members’ Health

The COMPANY specialises in commercial construction, fit out and

refurbishment projects throughout Perth and WA with work for both

government and private clients.

Mark ensures that the company provides professional and personal

service and delivers quality commercial fit out and construction. The

Slatter Group WA has delivered this level of excellence on various

general projects including building construction, interior fit outs

and refurbishments, project management and property services,

maintenance, repairs and insurance work.

Looking back to his start in the industry, Mark remembers the “father/

son career talks” had little effect on him until the house next door

underwent renovations. Mark took a strong interest in the construction

activities and was very keen to offer help whenever the builders would

let him. he remembers thinking that the work looked difficult but very

satisfying at the same time.

After leaving high school, Mark studied and graduated with an

Associate Diploma in Construction, Quantities and Administration.

Then, while he was in full time employment, he completed a Diploma of

Building and Construction part time to gain the necessary experience to

apply for his Builder’s Registration.

Mark had always been interested in property development and he

believed that real estate, valuation, quantity surveying and/or building

would provide a pathway to becoming a property developer. he

eventually chose quantity surveying and building, as he believed these

careers best suited his skills and passion.

Now he is something of a veteran, having been in the building industry

for 23 years. In 1992 he commenced as a trainee scheduler with project

homebuilder JWh, formerly J-Corp, before switching to Dale Alcock

homes as an estimator. After five years’ employment in the residential

sector, he moved on to commercial construction to work as a contract

administrator with BGC Construction. From there, he became a project

manager with Merit Projects.

In 2004, Mark decided to take the leap into owning his own business.

he co-founded a multi-award winning commercial building company

where he enjoyed several years of growing the business. This experience

was invaluable to Mark and just five years later he sold his share and

founded The Slatter Group WA.

Mark attributes his passion and competitiveness to wanting to be

the best. Whether it is in the sporting arena or business, he finds

achievement is satisfying. “In sport, it means winning the contest, in

business it is winning clients’ satisfaction,” says Mark. “Technology

and innovation help drive ‘better, faster, cheaper’ which is what we are

measured by every day, ‘time, quality and cost.’”

Mark has achieved merit in his own right and is quick to recognise

his mentors in the field. he feels fortunate to have gained valuable

experience from market leaders in both the residential and commercial

sectors. he says he often calls upon lessons learned to guide him as he

continues to develop his company, where his primary focus is taking

care of new business and company strategy.

Mark slatter - taking care of business

Slatter Constructions (now The Slatter Group) won this year’s excellence in Construction

John Roberts Best New Builder award. Since starting the business in 2010, managing

director Mark Slatter has overseen significant progress and an impressive growth rate.

Mark Slatter


updAtes: Member Profile

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Mark was influenced by the energy and drive of Dale Alcock as an

enthusiastic leader who nevertheless always remains approachable.

Other mentors who have made an impact on Mark and who have shared

invaluable knowledge include Martin Goddard, who worked with Mark

on the Armadale health Campus and Alan Dodd of BGC Construction.

Mark believes that the most challenging and satisfying project his

company completed was the Perth Zoo Wetlands enclosure and

Penguin Plunge Pool.

“Whenever someone asks if we have built a specific project type which

we don’t have on our company CV it is great to be able to give the

example of the Perth Zoo project,” Mark says.

“Not only had we never built anything like it before, we may never

get the opportunity to build something similar again. Our role as

builders is to build to the design documents. If we can interpret

plans and understand the client’s expectations, we should be able

to undertake the works and provide a successful outcome no matter

what the project is.”

This can-do spirit has paid off. Not only is Mark at the helm of a rapidly

growing business, he has been noticed for his entrepreneurial spirit and

business ability. In 2009, Mark was recognised by WA Business News as

one of the pre-eminent business leaders under 40 years of age and in

2013 he was awarded Master Builders’ Best New Commercial Builder.

Mark sees one of the biggest challenges for the industry’s future is the

cost of training future trade apprentices. This has been of great concern

especially where there is the lure of potentially more money in the

mining sector in the North West.

As The Slatter Group WA grows and develops further, Mark plans to

continue to apply the lessons he learned from his mentors. he also

stands strong by Slatter’s commitment to provide “exceptional service

and quality work at every turn, guaranteed!”


updAtes: Member Profile

The NeW SOUTh WALeS Supreme Court in Maiden Civil (P & e) Pty Ltd;

Richard Albarran and Blair Alexander Pleash as receivers and managers

of Maiden Civil (P & e) Pty Ltd & Ors v Queensland excavation Services

Pty Ltd [2013] NSWSC 852 (the Maiden Civil Case) confi rms that if an

owner of goods leases them to someone else, then the owner: “…

cannot rely on its title to protect its interest in the goods, instead, the

owner must register its interest on the PPS register. Failure to do so

may result in the owner losing the goods to other creditors;…”

What does this mean? Simply put, all owners who lease or hire out

goods to third parties should take steps to protect their interest in

those goods under the PPSA or risk losing them. Mere title over these

goods in itself will not necessarily protect an owner’s security interest.

The Maiden Civil Case confi rms the (unsurprising) reality of the PPSA

and highlights the importance for lessors and owners to perfect their

security interests or risk losing their ownership rights.

Maiden Civil Case – the facts in briefQueensland excavation Services Pty Ltd (QeS) purchased certain

caterpillar brand wheel loaders and excavators (Caterpillars) and leased

the Caterpillars to Maiden Civil (P&e) Pty Ltd (Maiden) on an informal

basis (no agreement in writing).

QeS did not register its interest on the relevant Northern Territory

register that was applicable prior to the PPSA coming into effect. had

it done so, that registration would have been ‘migrated’ across to the

Personal Property Securities Register (PPS Register) and QeS would have

had a perfected security interest.

In about March 2012, Maiden sought short term fi nance from Fast

Solutions Pty Ltd (Fast). Maiden granted security to Fast over all

its assets under a General Security Deed (GSD), and included the

Caterpillars in the list of assets to be charged under the GSD. Fast

registered its interest on the PPS Register. Maiden subsequently went

into administration and then liquidation.

Comply with the ppsA or risk losing your propertyThe fi rst signifi cant Australian judgement relating to determining priorities between competing creditors under the Commonwealth Personal Property Securities Act 2009 (PPSA) sends a clear message that what matters is having what is known as a ‘perfected’ security interest not ‘title’.

Decision The Court held that the arrangement between QeS and Maiden was

a ‘PPS Lease’ which gave QeS a deemed security interest under the

PPSA (s 12(3)). As QeS did not register its security interest, it held an

unperfected security interest in the Caterpillars. Fast had registered its

security interest and held a perfected security interest in the Caterpillars.

Under the new PPSA law, when there are two competing security

interests in the same goods, ownership becomes irrelevant in

determining who might be entitled to the goods. Instead priorities

are determined based on the statutory rules – in this case, the relevant

rule is that a perfected security interest ‘beats’ (has priority over)

an unperfected security interest. On this basis, Fast had a perfected

security interest and QeS did not and so QeS essentially ‘lost’ its

ownership rights.

In addition, pursuant to section 267 of the PPSA, QeS’s unperfected

security interest ‘vested’ in Maiden upon the company going into

administration. The Court confi rmed that the practical effect of this

section is that QeS’s security interest is extinguished and Maiden held

the Caterpillars subject only to Fast’s perfected security interest.

Lessons learned and action to takeThe Maiden Civil Case reinforces the fundamental changes to the laws

relating to ownership of all personal property (basically, property other

than land). The key messages are:

• All owners of goods who enter into an arrangement to let a third

party operate or use or otherwise have access to their property

(Leases or Bailments) should take steps to ensure that if they

have a ‘deemed’ security interest in those goods (i.e. a PPS Lease)

then they must protect that interest or risk losing their ownership

rights. This area of law is complex and the rules are very precise

– although the PPSA website encourages people to register

themselves, we recommend taking legal advice as we have seen a

lot of registrations that are incorrect and would be likely to fail.

• If an owner was to supply a company with goods under a Lease

or Bailment recognised by the PPSA as being a ‘PPS Lease’ (an

arrangement that is capable of existing for more than one year

or 90 days for serial numbered goods) and that company still

possessed those goods when it went into liquidation then:

• Mere title will not of itself protect an owner’s rights and trump

other competing interests in all circumstances; and

• Whereas under the old laws owners would go in and repossess

goods that were not paid for, this is no longer a remedy available

to them if they do not have a perfected security interest in the

goods when the liquidation occurs.

Hilary Hunt


updAtes: Legal

• If you have an existing Lease or Bailment or ROT contract dated

earlier than 30 January 2012, you have ‘temporary perfection’ status

until the end of January next year. If the Maiden Civil case had been

this time next year, registration would not have been enough to

protect the owner’s rights because the security agreement was not in

writing. It is essential that you make sure all your security agreements

are in writing and otherwise comply with the rules in section 20 of

the PPSA (enforceability against third parties). If not, you will have

an unperfected security interest (even if you register on the PPSR).

This article was prepared by Jackson McDonald Partner Hilary Hunt and

Special Counsel Tania Jeyamohan.

The rules relating to what is a ‘serial numbered’ goods are complex.

The term itself has a particular meaning and we recommend you seek

advice. For example, a large crane would not be serially numbered

goods but a trailer with a VIN would be.

• While not relevant to the facts in the Maiden Civil Case, the same

rules would apply in a situation if an owner supplied goods under

a retention of title arrangement (ROT); in a liquidation scenario,

if the owner did not have a perfected security interest, the

owner could lose its interest in those goods. As an example:

Bank registers on the PPSR

BUILDER

DEVELOPER(IN LIQUIDATION)Windows are still

on site (not affi xed)

BANK

Supplies window frames on 90 day payment terms

to developer

Does not register on the PPSR

Developer grants charge over all assets in favour of its bank

Builder loses its rights as owner in the windows - Bank’s charge takes priority

Bank registers on the PPSR


updAtes: Legal

Romina De Santis

ThIS TRANSITION means there are a number of the new clauses or

amendments in Volumes 1 and 2 which might be applied to a building

at the discretion of the building surveyor issuing the Certifi cate of

Design Compliance. One of these clauses is Protection of Openable

Windows (Clause D2.24 in Volume 1 and Clause 3.9.2.5 in Volume 2).

Because this new requirement was included in the BCA for occupant

life safety, and where buildings are subject to the requirement, builders

should construct to the 2013 BCA provisions.

The Australian Building Codes Board explains the requirements in the

following advisory note.

The National Construction Code includes important new

requirements to protect certain openable windows to reduce the

risk of young children falling from those windows. The NCC requires

protection for openable windows in new early childhood centres and

in bedrooms of new residential buildings (i.e. houses, apartments,

hotels and the like), where the fl oor below the window is more than

2m above the surface beneath.

Research has shown that young children are most at risk from window

falls in these buildings. For example, in a bedroom, where young children

often play unsupervised, it is common to fi nd beds and other furniture

which children can climb onto placed under or near windows. Therefore,

these new measures are included in the BCA to minimise the risk.

The changes in more detailThe changes in Clause D2.24 of BCA Volume 1 and Clause 3.9.2.5 of

BCA Volume 2 require the affected window to be fi tted with either a

device to restrict the window opening, or a suitable screen, so a 125mm

diameter sphere (representing the size of a young child’s head) cannot

pass through. The device or screen also must be able to withstand an

outward horizontal force of 250 N.

The device or screen can have a child resistant release mechanism which

can enable the device or screen to be removed, unlocked or overridden.

Master Builders’ technical consultant Romina De Santis notes that the Building Regulations provide a 12-month transition period for adoption of the annually updated National Construction Code (which includes the Building Code of Australia Volumes 1 and 2).

New safety requirements for windows

Where a child resistant mechanism is utilised, the window also must be

provided with a barrier below it that has a minimum height of 865mm,

does not permit a 125mm sphere to pass through it, and does not

have any horizontal or near horizontal elements between 150mm and

760mm that facilitate climbing. Fixed glazing under the openable part

of the window which meets the height requirements (i.e. transom at

least 865mm above the fl oor etc.) would satisfy the barrier requirement.

Where a device or screen is securely fi xed in position (eg a screen pop

riveted to the window frame) so it cannot be unlocked, overridden, or is

very diffi cult to remove without, for example, a drill, the 865mm barrier

would not be required as the securing method is considered a fi xture

and not a child resistant release mechanism. Protection of the opening

is not required for windows where the lowest part of the opening is

1.7m or more above the fl oor.

What is meant by the term child resistant?The BCA allows a screen or window opening restricting device which

protects an openable window to be installed in a manner that allows

it to be removed, unlocked or overridden. This would be useful, for

example, in the event of a fi re or other emergency or to allow for

cleaning. In these situations, the unlocking device must be child

resistant. A child resistant release mechanism could include a device

which requires a key to unlock, a coordinated two handed operation to

release, or the use of a tool such as a screwdriver, spanner or allen key

to remove the screen or shift the window to the fully open position. The

ABCB considers that a block which is screw fi xed to the window track

to restrict the opening of a window is a device with a child resistant

mechanism and not a fi xture.

There are a number of hardware solutions available, such as short

chain winders and barrier screens which will allow windows to comply

with the new requirements. Sliding window locks which key lock the

sash so a 125 mm sphere cannot pass through, but allow the sash

to open fully when unlocked meet the requirements. The screen or

opening restricting device must be able to resist of force of 250 N. Care

should be taken to ensure that the water performance of the sill is not

compromised by the opening restricting device.

How do you identify the surface beneath?The openable window protection provisions apply where the fl oor

below the particular window is more than 2m above the surface

beneath. While there is no change in the BCA to the term ‘above the

surface beneath’, questions have been raised as to whether a roof or

ledge below the window complies with the term ‘surface beneath’.

Compliance with this provision would need to be assessed by the

relevant building certifi er or surveyor on a case by case basis, but in

general, the ABCB’s view is that a roof or ledge that


updAtes: Technical

is not protected at the edge by a BCA compliant balustrade or

barrier would not be suitable. The purpose of the window protection

provisions is to limit the potential fall height of a young child through

the openable window. If a young child can readily fall from the surface

beneath the window and onto another surface further below, the ABCB

considers that the BCA intent has not been achieved.

How will the changes impact on other NCC Provisions?Questions have been raised as to whether the window barrier changes

will impact on other BCA provisions such as natural ventilation or

energy efficiency.

Natural VentilationThe deemed-to-satisfy provisions of BCA Volume 1 Clause F4.6 and

BCA Volume 2 Clause 3.8.5.2 require that natural ventilation must be

provided to a habitable room and must consist of permanent openings,

windows, doors or other devices which can be opened. The aggregate

opening or openable size must be not less than five percent of the floor

area of the room required to be ventilated.

If window barriers are installed which restrict the opening of the

window to less than 125mm, it raises the question whether compliance

with the natural ventilation provisions is affected. The short answer is

no. The BCA provisions include the words ‘windows, doors or other

devices which can be opened and the openable size must not be less

than five percent”. Therefore, the window is not required to be always

fully open; it just needs to be openable or capable of being opened.

In other words, even with a window restricting device, whether the

device has a child resistant release mechanism or not, the window sash

is still capable of being fully opened and thus the ventilating area is

measured as the size of the sash. This is the case regardless of the type

of window i.e. whether it is an awning, casement or sliding window.

For an awning window, the ventilation calculation area is the area of

the sash.

Energy efficiencyThe deemed-to-satisfy provision of BCA Volume 2 Table 3.12.2.1

recognises the potential for high air movement provided by the

ventilation opening area. Similar to the wording used in relation to

ventilation above, the definition of ‘ventilation opening’ in Clause 3.12

refers to an openable part of a window, a door or other device which

can be held open.

Therefore, the use of window barriers does not affect the energy

efficiency provisions as the ventilation area is measured as the area of

the window sash.

Source: www.abcb.gov.au.

Designing homes with benefits for life

ReSOURCeS developed by the Disability Services Commission with

support from the housing and building industry, including Master

Builders, can deliver enormous benefits to a home over its entire life.

Available at www.liveablehomes.net.au, essential Liveable homes

design features help improve the adaptability and accessibility of

new housing designs or homes under renovation.

By enhancing their accessibility, designers, builders and home-buyers

are able to meet the changing needs and abilities of people at any

stage of life.

Number one on the essential criteria list is a need for a flat level walkway

to the house’s main entrance. The path should have an even, firm, slip-

resistant surface and be a minimum 1000mm wide with a level transition

and threshold, have reasonable shelter from the weather and a level

1200mm by 1200mm landing area at the door.

Accessible homes also should have one level entrance (at least) so

people can enter and exit easily. It must incorporate waterproofing

drainage and termite risk management that complies with Building

Code of Australia performance requirements.

Flush entry doors should have a clear 820mm width. Corridors

should allow for comfortable and unimpeded movement between

spaces and have a minimum 1000mm clear width. Inside,

doorways also need to have a clear 820mm width and a level

transition and threshold.

Showers and bathrooms should be designed for easy and

independent access—one bathroom should feature a slip-resistant,

step-free shower recess in the room’s corner. This allows for grab

rails to be installed in the future.

A toilet should be on the home’s entry level to support easy access and

have a minimum clear width of 900mm between the bathroom walls,

if located in a separate room. Also required is a minimum 1200mm

clear circulation space forward of the toilet pan, exclusive of the door’s

swing. Walls around the shower, bath (if provided) and toilet should

be reinforced for the safe installation of grab rails. Solid masonry or

concrete walls are exempt from this requirement.

Building Code of Australia items such as fire safety, water proofing

of internal wet areas, termite protection, window location and size,

stairways, floor surfaces in wet areas and on stairs and external weather

proofing, are also requirements when designing accessible homes.

This St James home has been built using essential Liveable Homes design features. More details are at www.liveablehomes.net.au.


updAtes: Technical

Water proofing challenges

WeT AReAS remain a hot topic for technical advice and result

in a high number of disputes between builders and clients. By

understanding the minimum standards to be adhered to for

residential buildings, plans and specifications can include the right

information and references to better explain the builder’s intended

finished construction versus client expectations.

Bathrooms must comply with the BCA and Australian Standards for

water-proofing. A combination of client pressure and builders not fully

appreciating the minimum requirements can result in issues arising after

completion. Bathrooms are one of the more expensive areas of a home

to build, so getting it right the first time makes sense.

The main client complaints include water not draining to the floor waste

provided, water from the shower leaking outside the shower recess and

ponding within the shower recess.

Technical requirementsThe following performance criteria and deemed-to-satisfy (DTS) Clauses

must be complied with for domestic construction:

• P2.4.1 Wet areas

• To protect the structure of the building and to maintain the amenity

of the occupants, water must be prevented from penetrating

behind fittings and linings or into concealed spaces of sanitary

facilities, bathrooms, laundries and the like (NCC 2013).

The Acceptable Construction Practice that meets this performance

criterion is found in BCA Part 3.8.1 and wet areas must comply with

AS3740 - Water-proofing of wet areas in residential buildings.

Floor wastesIn domestic construction, the BCA does not require installation of

a floor waste. however, where it is installed, the floor must have a

fall so that water flows to the floor waste and does not pond. The

recommended ratio is 1:80-100. Where the fall cannot be achieved,

as long as the water does drain and not remain resulting in a

safety issue or deterioration of building elements over time, then

compliance is achieved.

Ponding in shower recessesIn shower recesses, the fall should be between 1:60-80. however, the

Australian Standard clarifies that this might not be suitable or possible

due to:

• Finished height requirements at doorways.

• height of fixtures or fittings.

• Dimensions of tiles (adequate falls become more

difficult to achieve as the size of tiles increases).

• Area of the floor to be drained.

• Requirements of persons with disabilities.

If your client has chosen large floor tiles, it is important that the impact of

this choice be explained. More suitable shower drains or grates that run

along one side of the recess for better water flow to the waste rather than

a central waste are recommended. This needs to be discussed early to

ensure correct placement and installation of required floor wastes.

It also is important to note that the Australian Standard does not

refer to a time-frame within which water must be removed. Residual

water always remains on tile surfaces due to surface tension. however,

the safety of occupants is the factor that must be considered for the

suitability of a proposed fall (no pun intended) in a wet area.

Bath InstallationIt was confirmed in October 2010 by the WA Building Commission

that a detail for bath installation was needed as this was often cited in

disputes as a non-compliance with the BCA. The Commission’s Advisory

Note 11 provides the detail for interpretation of Part 3.8.1 of BCA

Volume 2. The current BCA no longer contains detailed construction

practice, instead referring to the Australian Standard. however, the

Advisory Note detail remains applicable today.

Showerscreen installationsA hob or a minimum 25mm set-down of the floor within a shower area

is recommended for maintaining water within the shower area. Many

bathroom designs now omit the hob for design or liveable home design

requirements. Without a barrier or set-down installed between the

shower and bathroom floor, it is more difficult to maintain water within

the shower area relying on gradients alone.

A shower screen is required and should be installed in accordance with

AS 3740. This nominates the screen be installed:

• Flush with the shower area side of the hob.

• Overhanging into the shower area; or

• Inside the hob.

In WA, the hob traditionally is installed with a slight fall toward

the shower and the screen fixed to the outside edge of the hob.

This method is continued today. This is not in accordance with the

requirements of the Standard but might be suitable if documented to

address the performance criteria of the BCA demonstrating equivalence

to the Acceptable Construction Practice.

Maintenance and water-proofingWaterproofing must be installed to shower areas and around the bath

perimeter. There are a number of systems and products available that

meet the requirements of the BCA and Australian Standard 3740. The

Standard also requires installers to consider any movement in masonry

construction to ensure a suitable product/method is selected to avoid

the failure of water-proofing installations.

To reduce the number of claims by clients regarding water-proofing

failures, builders must advise clients how to clean and maintain wet areas,

the importance of checking grout has not come away and for any cracked

tiles so that the water-proofing provided is maintained. It is difficult for

builders to defend their work if suitable records are not maintained about

water-proofing products/methods used and advice on maintenance. This

would include advice regarding providing adequate ventilation to prevent

mould and drying up water splash from cabinetry to prevent water

damage. Master Builders’ home Buyers Construction Guide gives your

client a manual to their new home and includes maintenance and use tips

for all areas of their home - including bathrooms.


updAtes: Technical

Carine’s former TAFe site is set to transform into a welcoming new community with construction work commencing at the Carine Rise residential development. Cedar Woods, LandCorp and St Ives are working together on the 7.93 hectare infi ll project which ultimately will deliver comfortable housing opportunities to cater for Perth’s rising population.

DeSIGNeD TO cater for young families through to empty-nesters,

retirees and seniors, Carine Rise will incorporate approximately 110

residential townhouses and apartments, an aged care facility catering

for 120 people, a retirement village with 161 apartments and 3400

square metres dedicated to retail, offi ces and medical facilities.

Cedar Woods’ state manager Stuart Duplock says the recent

appointment of DM Civil to undertake initial construction work was a

milestone for the Carine Rise project.

“The start of construction signifi es an exciting new phase in the

evolution of Carine Rise,” he said. “It is an important infi ll development

for WA and supports the State Government’s Directions 2031 and

Beyond strategy aimed at addressing Perth’s growing population which

is expected to reach 3.5 million by 2031.

“Carine Rise will provide a new way of living in the comfort of Carine.

It will optimise the use of otherwise unoccupied land and deliver fresh

housing and business opportunities to the area. Its design as a safe,

walkable community and seamless integration into the surrounding

community will provide convenient access to existing public transport

facilities and infrastructure to benefi t residents and visitors to the

neighbouring areas.”

The initial construction work for Carine Rise is expected to be complete

by mid-2014. The public can visit the newly launched project website

at www.carinerise.com.au to register interest in purchasing property

at Carine Rise, whether the 32 single residential lots, group housing or

St Ives’ retirement living or aged care. The sales process for property at

Carine Rise will start in early 2014. Retirement village off-plan sales also

will commence in early 2014.

For more information on Carine Rise, visit www.carinerise.com.au or call

the Carine Rise Community Infoline on 1300 635 233.

An artist’s impression of the transformation of the Carine TAFE site.

Turning the fi rst sod at the Carine Rise development late in August:

Luke Willcock (LandCorp), local MP Tony Krsticevic, Cedar Woods’ Stuart Duplock and Michael Heath (St Ives).

Carine Rise project on the move


updAtes: Housing

Industry consultation for Building CommissionA new advisory committee which met for the fi rst time in July will set a stronger foundation for collaboration between the Building Commission and the building, plumbing and painting industries. The Building Commission Advisory Committee is chaired by building commissioner Peter Gow and is comprised of Building Commission directors and staff and representatives of 11 key industry organisations.

little to crow about in national surveyWA builders are cautious about the future despite a recent improvement in housing activity. That is the conclusion from the latest Master Builders National Survey of Industry Conditions. Key statistical indicators in the survey for employment, investment intentions and likely sales levels were surveyed.

“The BUILDING Commission is committed to an innovative and

productive building and construction industry in Western Australia

and to pursuing opportunities that will allow us to work more

closely with industry members on matters that may affect them,”

Mr Gow said.

“The Building Commission Advisory Committee will have a

two-way function. It will bring to the table matters raised by

building and construction industry groups and help the Building

Commission get industry input on key issues.”

Committee discussions will focus on industry needs and

development, information and education, regulation and Building

Commission operational issues. BCAC has representation from the

Australian Institute of Architects, Australian Institute of Building,

Australian Institute of Building Surveyors, housing Industry

Association, Local Government Managers Australia, Master

Builders Association, Master Painters and Decorators Australia,

Master Plumbers and Gasfi tters Association of WA, Property

Council of Australia, Swimming Pool and Spa Association and WA

Local Government Association.

MASTeR BUILDeRS’ housing and economics director Gavan Forster says

that although the housing sector has improved signifi cantly in 2013,

there still are concerns about the longevity of the housing upturn.

“Downturns in mining activity, election uncertainty and a tight State

Government budget have moderated optimism in the housing sector,”

he said. ”The stimulus effect of low interest rates and rapid population

growth still is likely to be felt throughout 2013. Trade shortages like

those currently being experienced for bricklayers are likely to fi lter

through to plasterers as the house construction cycle continues.”

In the commercial building sector competition is tight, the survey

shows. According to Mr Forster, the State Budget, while providing

ongoing funding for mega projects like elizabeth Quay, did not provide

many new building opportunities for medium sized contractors.

Housing and economics director Gavan Forster.

Members of the Building Commission Advisory Committee at their fi rst meeting late in July.


updAtes: Housing

MBA Insurance Services’ WA state manager Nick Vernon and his team have the expertise to assist building businesses with their workers’ compensation requirements.

Covering all workers down the contractual chainThe Workers’ Compensation and Injury Management Act states, if a

person (the principal) contracts with another person (the contractor) to

perform work which is for the purpose of the principal’s normal trade or

business, then both the principal and the contractor are liable to cover

any workers the contractor may employ. Both parties are jointly, and

severally liable to cover the contractor’s workers. In other words, each

must have a workers’ compensation policy.

If the contractor in turn subcontracts the work to a subcontractor,

then all parties – including the principal, the contractor and the

subcontractor – are liable to cover any workers the subcontractor might

employ. If one of the subcontractor’s workers is injured at work, a

compensation claim could be made on the principal, the contractor or

the subcontractor. Therefore, principals should ensure that contractors

have current workers’ compensation policies, and all workers should

check that they are covered.

Contractors and SubcontractorsA contractor or subcontractor may be defi ned as a worker if they are

engaged to do work by another person for the purpose of the other

person’s trade or business, and they are paid in substance for their

personal manual labour or services. examples of people who work under

a contract for service and are likely to be considered workers include:

• Contractors or subcontractors who perform the actual

activities of the employer’s trade or business (e.g.

bricklayer or plasterer contracted by a builder).

• Contractors or subcontractors who perform activities for

the effi cient conduct of any employer’s trade or business

(e.g. a fencing contractor contracted by a farmer).

It is important to note that if you contract or subcontract work to a

Pty Ltd company which is responsible for providing its workers with

workers’ compensation insurance, you are not automatically absolved

from your responsibility to provide workers’ compensation insurance for

those workers while on your site.

Working DirectorsA working director, as defi ned by the Act, is a director who performs

work for, or on behalf of, the company and whose earnings as a

director are in substance for personal manual labour or services.

It is optional for working directors to be covered under the company’s

workers’ compensation policy. however, it is very important to

understand that if a working director opts out of the company’s policy,

then he or she is opting out of the workers’ compensation scheme

altogether and will not be covered under any workers’ compensation

policy (i.e. principal, contractor or subcontractor).

MBA Insurance Services urges working directors who do opt out of the

workers’ compensation scheme to consider other forms of insurance (such

as income protection) or risk uninsured medical bills and/or loss of income.

MBA Insurance Services can ensure you are appropriately covered and

welcomes any opportunity to discuss your workers’ compensation

requirements. We can be contacted on 9486 9898.

Workers CompensationTheRe IS no denying that workers’ compensation legislation is confusing and diffi cult to understand. It’s next to impossible to provide a defi nitive set of questions that allows you, the builder, to determine exactly who is responsible for each worker on the work site in every different circumstance. The following best explains your responsibilities and best practice.

If you employ workers in the construction industry you may be required by law to register in the Construction Industry Long Service Leave Scheme.

Find out by visiting www.myleave.wa.gov.au or by calling 08 9476 5400.

It’s your business to register.


updAtes: Insurance

pen portrait: victoria Gash

MBA Insurance Services in owned by five of the Master Builders

Associations round Australia. It has been operating for more than

25 years with profits injected back into the building and

construction industry. In WA, its professional staff have been

earning a growing reputation for excellent service. Further

strengthening the team is the recently appointed and well-

credentialed Victoria Gash.

What is your role with MBA Insurance Services?As an Account executive I service a portfolio of builders and trades-

people looking after their wide range of insurance requirements

including contract works, public liability, tools of trade, workers’

compensation, builders’ indemnity, motor vehicle, business and

office packages and strata insurance, as well as putting together

tailored packages across all aspects of general insurance to meet our

members’ requirements.

What where you doing before joining MBAIS?I have been in the Insurance industry for more than seven years working

in various areas. I worked in the claims department for Insurance

Australia Group in Christchurch, New Zealand, and Brisbane from 2006

till 2011, including specialising in disaster response, a skill which is very

handy in both Christchurch and Queensland. I have been in Perth since

2011 gaining broking experience in trade, business, farm, industrial

special risks, commercial strata and office packages, as well as all

aspects of domestic insurance.

How have you settled into your new role?Although I have only been in this role for a short period of time I am

lucky to be supported by Nick, Kathryn, Rob and Peter, an experienced,

friendly and knowledgeable team of building and construction

insurance specialists who have been helping me settle in and teaching

me the ropes. I am really enjoying the team spirit at MBA Insurance.

With everyone always happy to help and answer any questions, it has

made my transition a very stress free experience.

Before joining MBAIS, what did you know about Master Builders?I was aware that the Master Builders Association was an organisation

built on the membership of industry-leading builders, and that it owned

a specialist insurance team.

What have you learnt about Master Builders since joining MBAIS?I am pleasantly surprised about the extent of benefits and support

Master Builders WA offers its members, and the experience and

knowledge within the organisation. The benefit of being able to insure

all risks through an organisation which specialises in the building and

construction industry is that it ensures specialist knowledge and correct

coverage and advice, something that few insurance brokers can offer

their clients.

How will you be able to help our members?By helping with any insurance question, queries or requirements they

have, as well as utilising the large network of insurers and underwriters

associated with MBAIS to keep premiums competitive and coverage

appropriate. I’m a firm believer that issues occur in our industry when

people aren’t fully informed, aware of the products they require and the

policies they are purchasing.

When you’re not at MBAIS, what keeps you busy?I enjoy spending my free time cooking, travelling, catching up with

friends and anything outside on a hot sunny day, especially if it involves

the beach, BBQs, live music or bumper boats.

MBA Insurance Services’ recently appointed account executive Victoria Gash.


updAtes: Insurance

The Training Fund has introduced a range of new incentives

for eligible employers of apprentices in construction trades,

with up to $19,000 in cash now available to help reduce the

costs of adding a new apprentice to your business.

The minimum standard grant available to an eligible

employer is now $4,000 (for a 12 month traineeship), rising

to a maximum of $10,000 for a 48 month apprenticeship in

core construction trade areas. In addition to the standard

grants, the Training Fund can provide a one-off bonus

to an eligible employer of up to $4,000, depending on

trade qualifi cation. existing allowances for employment

of indigenous and regional trainees/apprentices remain,

bringing the maximum grant available to a total of $19,000.

Construction Training Fund

Members of MBA know how the Construction Training Fund can reduce the costs of

employing apprentices in WA’s building and construction industry.

Employ and register a new apprentice or trainee in a recognised qualification after 1 July 2013 and you may be eligible to claim a grant of up to $19,000 from the Construction Training Fund.

Visit bcitf.org or call 9244 0100 to find out how you can reduce your training costs.

RECEIVE UP TO $19,000 CA$H WHEN YOU

EMPLOY A NEW APPRENTICE

The new grants are available to employers of trainees/

apprentices registered with the Department of Training

& Workforce Development on or after 1 July 2013. Direct

indenture employers receive the grant in three equal

instalments. The fi rst is paid after probation and six months

of employment; the second at the half-way point of the

indenture and the fi nal payment is made after successful

completion of the qualifi cation.

Trade bonus payments – up to $4,000 – are paid to the

employer together with the fi rst instalment.

You’ll also receive the grant from the Training Fund if you

host an apprentice through a group training organisation

(GTO). The GTO claims the grant on your behalf each month

and then passes it on to you in full as a reduction in the

GTO’s hire-out rate. Look for the note on the GTO’s invoice

that says “Less Construction Training Fund subsidy”. The

new one-off trade bonuses will be claimed by GTOs after

the apprentice has completed six months of employment,

and then passed on in full to the host(s) that employed

the apprentice.Visit bcitf.org or call 9244 0100 for more

information about the Construction Training Fund’s

apprenticeship grants and other support programs for the

construction industry.

It’s your training fund.


AdveRtoRIAl

vet in schools to produce work ready apprenticesemployers looking for apprentices will benefit from a new VeT in Schools qualification recently introduced into WA’s secondary school system.

The NeW Certificate II in Building and Construction Pathways

qualification gives WA secondary students the opportunity to begin

a career in the building industry as part of their Western Australian

Certificate of education. Students leave Year 12 with a Certificate II in

Building and Construction and employers benefit from a pool of skilled,

work ready graduates trained to pre-apprentice standards.

The qualification was developed by the Construction Training Fund in

consultation with industry and the WA Schools Curriculum Standards

Authority. It was designed to reduce the number and complexity

of existing VeT in Schools construction courses and to produce

consistent, quality outcomes for industry employers in the market for

new apprentices.

The qualification is divided into two distinct pathways, one for trades

and one for para-professional occupations.

The trades pathway offers students entry into a choice of 10 different

construction trades. In Year 11, the first year of the course, students

train in the core areas common to these trades and undertake

compulsory site-based work experience. In Year 12, students

specialise and choose one of the 10 trades. Their training becomes

trade specific and the students also must complete additional site-

based work experience

The para-professional pathway offers students entry into the industry

in some non-trade areas including estimating, scheduling and site

management. Students complete core areas of training and undertake

compulsory work experience, generally in a building company office

environment, across Years 11 and 12.

The Construction Training Fund has committed $1 million in 2013-14

for training delivery of the new VeT in Schools qualification, in addition

to funding already allocated by the Department of Training and

Workforce Development. The additional funding from the Training Fund

will provide an opportunity for more students to complete the course

should Department funds be exhausted.

The Training Fund also will provide a scholarship of $250 to students

who successfully complete either the trades or para-professional

pathway as part of a VeT in Schools course.

The Fund says that for employers, it means work ready, motivated

apprentices who already have completed two thirds of their off-the-job

training and who are going to be immediately productive in

the workplace.

The new VET in Schools Certificate II qualification is designed to bring on Year 11 and 12 secondary students to a productive workplace level.


updAtes: Training

WILheLM hARNISCh, chief executive officer of Master Builders Australia, said the cap is acting as

a significant disincentive for building industry professionals to expand their skill and expertise.

“The building industry is disappointed an extremely low cap for tax deductions on self-education

expenses has been introduced,” he said. “It will affect many ordinary workers in the industry.

It acts as a disincentive to obtain vital licensing qualifications such as diplomas or certificates in

building, which often cost in excess of $5000.

“It will also act as a disincentive for builders and contractors from attending important industry

professional development opportunities to learn about the latest innovations in building practice

and safety.

Mr harnisch said the cap was another example of legislation brought in by the Labor Government

without proper consultation and one that worked against business, entrepreneurship and innovation.

It also discriminated against those who might not have access to Government subsidised training.

“Australia should be encouraging workers to expand their skills and expertise,” he

said. “Self-education has an important role to play to achieve a highly skilled national

workforce.”Reconsidering the cap on tax deductions on self-education expenses is an excellent

opportunity for the Government, of whichever persuasion, to show a genuine commitment to the

business community.”

Industry calls for self-education expenses cap reviewMaster Builders has joined growing calls for the Government to reverse the $2000 cap on tax deductions for self-education expenses announced in May’s Federal Budget.

Wilhelm Harnisch

New training subsidy rates for 2013-14

The BUILDING and Construction

Industry Training Board has

introduced a range of new subsidy

rates for 2013-14. A new differential

funding model has been introduced

for employers of apprentices and

trainees, with maximum grants of up

to $19,000 available.

The rates for Supplementary Skills

and Oh&S short training courses have

increased for all training delivered on or

after 1 July. For detailed information,

visit www.bcitf.org or download the

new Subsidy Guidelines document.

passage of 457 laws disappointsMASTeR BUILDeRS has expressed extreme disappointed that only days before the announcement of the Federal election date, the house of Representatives voted to allow continued unwarranted attacks on 457 visa workers and employers by passing the Migration Amendment (Temporary Sponsored Visas) 2013 Bill.

Master Builders Australia CeO Wilhelm harnisch said skilled overseas workers play a vital role

addressing skills shortages and boosting the nation’s productivity and the Rudd Government had

not got off to a good start on a commitment to re-engage with business.

There was no proven evidence of a breakdown in the 457 visa system nor had there been

any consultation beyond the Government receiving anecdotal evidence from the trade union

movement. Mr harnisch said there was a need for Government to engage with the business

community and stop counterproductive, anti-business legislation.


updAtes: Training

Doric’s Kimberley Pilbara Building excellence Awards winning Wickham Recreation Centre project is a 3500m2 multipurpose recreation facility that successfully provides a focal point for families in the region to build communities and encourage work life balance.

The ReCReATIONAL and sporting infrastructure involved the upgrade

to the existing ovals and new tennis, netball, basketball, beach volleyball

and outdoor and indoor cricket facilities. A major lighting refurbishment

also occurred, which is essential for year-round participation in outdoor

sports in the hot climate.

The new precinct also includes a purpose-built centre with a

gymnasium, children’s play area, change rooms, restaurant and

alfresco café which is operated for the community by a service provider

contracted to Rio Tinto. There are new car parking facilities and dual use

pathways throughout the precinct. Around the precinct is a red asphalt

cycle path approximately 2.3 kilometres long.

The location of the new precinct is in the Wickham townsite

approximately 1600 kilometres from Perth and 13 kilometres north

of Roebourne in the Pilbara region. The town has a population of

approximately 1800. Mining dominates the landscape and is the main

operation in Wickham which houses a large fly-in-fly-out population.

The Recreation Precinct is the first community facility of its kind in the

town and provides a focal point for families to build communities and

encourage work life balance.

The town residents can now dine at the recreation centre’s restaurant

and alfresco café rather than dining at the regular mining camp kitchen.

In addition, major sporting events can be watched from the comfort of

the bar area and café.

Local sporting teams can use the ovals and new tennis, netball,

basketball, dual use rugby and soccer fields, baseball facilities and

indoor cricket facilities. The major lighting refurbishment that occurred

on the outdoor ovals has enabled year round participation in outdoors

sports particularly in such a hot climate. Synthetic turf has been used for

durability on the tennis and cricket courts on the outside areas. Local

sporting teams are able to access the facilities using electronic key card

access for security, ease and control.

As the area is a cyclone zone, the building has a Region D Cyclone

rating. In addition, all glazing on the recreation centre consists of

cyclone rated glass and frames, and all buildings are firmly anchored to

concrete footings.

The exterior structure was finished to a very high standard for the region.

Feature walls are made from local Karratha Stone and appear as

the main external feature. The stone blends well into the natural

environment providing contrast with the earthy red soil of the region.

Local decorative stone was also used on the exposed aggregate

footpaths creating an architectural feature.

The roof sheeting is from the Colorbond metallic range selected for its

appearance and its hardwearing weather properties.

The louvers are an architectural feature placed strategically to provide

shadowing and to allow natural light by accommodating the different times

of the day. They also provide an optimum amount of light and temperature.

A 400m long retaining wall of red earth blocks extends around the

perimeter of the site. This was added to elevate the site resulting in the

wall becoming a viewing platform for local football and rugby games.

Cyclone impact protection was achieved by providing 0.55 mm of sheet

metal installed behind the hardies Scyon Matric (compressed fibre cement)

expressed joint sheeting. Glass and frames are cyclone rated and external

cyclone rated roller shutters also were installed for further protection.

Internal finishes have been kept relatively simple in line with the scope:

to be clean, neat, durable and suitable for the area. Perforated plywood

ceilings are used in the main habitable areas including the bar, café and

gym. Featured stonework has been incorporated into the bar to add

an aesthetic appeal and some variety to the bar area. Corton tiles and

stone have been used in the change rooms for durability.

WICKHAM RECREATION PRECINCT


feAtuRe pRoJeCt

The remote location of Wickham created a challenge with the

availability and continuity of labour. Local contractors were carefully

selected in an attempt to reduce mobilisation down-time.

The project team faced a number of difficulties including three tropical

cyclones and above average rainfall during the 2010-2011 wet season which

caused delays. This attributed to 22.5 days of extension of time claims.

Working within an operational area was a challenge. It was a

requirement that the pool and oval be kept operational for the duration

of the project.

The team was able to deliver separable portions of the contract as

required by the client. New lighting to the ovals was supplied early and

prior to the local Australian Rules football pre-season training, which

meant the facilities could be operational. Change rooms were handed

over prior to the start of the football season.

The Wickham Recreation Precinct project engaged both local (30

percent) and Perth based subcontractors, which required specific

coordination in terms of travel and delivery times.

Doric followed guidelines set out by ISO14001 in complying with

environmental procedures. The site team recycled waste materials to the

best of the available facilities in Wickham. Steel disposal bins were used

across the site, dedicated wash out areas for painters were set up and

spill kits were at hand for the event of any chemical spills.

Surplus building materials were offered to the community and local

clubs. Some of the materials recycled included light towers, fencing,

play equipment and bollards. The recycling of the materials prevented

excess going to landfill.

STRUCTUREThe Wickham Recreation Precinct structure is an in-situ build consisting

of a steel frame that is designed, fabricated and installed to meet

Region D Cyclone rating. Additional welded steel and external wall

framing complete the structure of the buildings. The buildings are

designed to withstand the effects of category 5 cyclone uplift.

A total of 123 mass concrete footings were poured and formed for the

building. The largest footing is approximately 2250 mm square by 2000 mm

deep. The entire precinct, including slab on ground, sporting court slabs and

all sub-buildings included over 1,200 cubic metres of concrete poured.

The building’s structure was developed with a BIM 3D construction model.

This model was utilised by all services contractors to eliminate reworks

caused by services clashes and to ensure a high level of accuracy.

Materials required included:• 67 tonnes of primary structure steel

• 17 tonnes of secondary steel

• 240 cubic metres of mass concrete

footings to resist cyclone uplift

• 1200 cubic metres of concrete poured throughout the precinct

• Mass concrete footings each approximately 12 cubic metres

around the 25m light poles (Australian Rules football field)

Playmaker Sports, WA owned and operated since 1989, is pleased to have been associated with the Wickham

Recreation Precinct and Doric Group.

We specialise in supply and installation of high quality sporting surfaces for clubs, schools, mine

camps, resorts and private residences.

Contact us for synthetic turf and acrylic sports surfaces, PU gymnasium / multi-use sports fl ooring, sports equipment such as basketball goals, netball goals, tennis nets and posts,

fencing, lighting, sports netting, cricket surfaces and much more.

24 years “hands on” experience

worldwide ensures you get expert

knowledge, quality workmanship and

a� ordable prices.knowledge, quality workmanship and

P: 08 9271-1902 | M: 0407 777 897E: [email protected]


feAtuRe pRoJeCt

the architect’s perspective

The Wickham Recreation Precinct Master Concept Plan was prepared by Franco Carozzi Architects and was based on an assessment of reports prepared by leisure consultant ABV, feed back from users of the recreation facilities, extensive consultation with Rio Tinto and independent analysis and research.

FRANCO CAROZZI Architects worked

closely with Rio Tinto Project Managers to

ensure optimum results for the community.

FCA provided full design and contract

documentation services to Rio Tinto and also

assisted during the construction phase.

The exterior image and materials were

designed to be in context with the Pilbara

Region and the interior spaces and

fi nishes selected to create an inviting and

interesting atmosphere.

An experienced team of consultants was

engaged to ensure services to the buildings

were designed for the harsh environment.


feAtuRe pRoJeCt

New ClubhouseThe new elevated clubhouse is located in a central

position so as to be easily accessible from the new

centrally located car park, playing fi elds, swimming

pool and new outdoor courts.

The layout is designed to allow fl exibility in use and

to provide easy movement within and around the

building. It is a pavilion style building with various

roof shapes to provide visual interest and with

verandahs for shade.

Facilities include a gymnasium and associated

change rooms, café/function room, sportsmen’s bar,

commercial kitchen, change rooms for Australian

Rules football, change rooms for rugby and soccer,

forecourt areas and landscaping and elevated terrace

areas overlooking the sporting fi elds.

Sporting FacilitiesSporting fi elds have been re-arranged and

comprise an Australian Rules football oval, two

soccer fi elds, rugby fi eld and cricket pitch and

practice nets.

The new lighting levels have been designed for

small ball sports such as cricket, tennis and baseball.

The new central location of netball, cricket, tennis,

and basketball courts allows for convenient access

from the car park and to the new clubhouse. A

central parking area for 157 cars has been provided

in front of the clubhouse, new swimming pool

entry and outdoor courts and a new dual use

landscaped path to cater for people walking,

cycling or skating, has been incorporated around

the perimeter of the recreation facility.

Landscaping Large shade trees have been selected to

complement existing trees on site and allow

breezes to fl ow through. They also will permit

surveillance and eye level vision to the facilities and

surrounding areas. Garden bed areas comprise

ground covers and prostrate shrub species selected

from local plants.

Energy and sustainability considerationsThe new clubhouse is a well insulated building

incorporating extensive wall, ceiling and roof

insulation to maximise the thermal rating and

to minimise energy consumption. The walls and

glazing are well shaded by verandahs and large

eave overhangs. hot water is supplied using energy

effi cient heat pump technology. The playing

fi elds are reticulated with recycled water from the

town effl uent system. All new planting has been

selected from water wise plants.

FCA is proud to have been selected for the design of the new Wickham Recreation Precinct Buildings

FCA thank Rio Tinto Project Managers for their invalu-able support and congratulate Doric Constructions on winning the Bankwest Best Commercial Building for this project.

FCA ARE EXPERIENCED ARCHITECTS IN THE DESIGN OF:• Recreational Facilities• Community Buildings• Schools• Performing Arts Buildings• Group and Community Housing• Multiple and Individual Housing• Commercial Buildings

A r c h i t e c t sF r a n c o C a r o z z i

125A Royal Street, East Perth WA 6004Telephone: 08 9221 8226Facsimile: 08 9221 8990Email: [email protected]. 28 069 710 943


feAtuRe pRoJeCt

Helping businesses and industries meet expected demand quickly and

easily, without huge capital outlay, storage problems, maintenance

overheads or knowing whether that piece of equipment will ever be

needed again, is the business of the hire and rental industry in Australia.

With over 700 rental company members and valued at $3.8bn

in 2003 (IBIS – estimated to be $5bn in 2013), the hire and rental

industry, represented by key industry body, the Hire and Rental

Industry Association (HRIA), covers a range of equipment across varied

industries, from general plant hire, access and portable buildings, to

temporary power generation and excavation equipment.

The Equipment in Action Day at last year’s HRIA Convention

on the Gold Coast provided opportunity for hands on

equipment demonstrations.

Members include rental companies, suppliers and service providers with

rental members ranging from national multi-location companies to single

location, owner-manager hire shops.

HRIA members nationwide all work to a self-regulated industry ‘Code

of Ethics’ which focuses on safety, reliability and quality of equipment

and support.

HRIA members take pride in sourcing and providing the latest

technology and equipment, offering reliable, well-serviced and well-

maintained equipment, which is fully supported by education and

instruction on the safe and correct use of that equipment.

The business of hire and rental

Whatever the application, from providing portable toilets and buildings to road works and building construction or keeping essential services running during scheduled maintenance periods, the business of the hire and rental industry in Australia is all about providing peace of mind to customers and allowing them to focus on managing their core business.


equipment hire

Phil Newby, Chief Executive Offi cer, HRIA Ltd.

Meeting demand and allowing businesses to focus on their core

concerns is vital across many industries, and the HRIA covers them all.

Industries utilising the services of the hire and rental industry include the

building and construction industries, mining, arborist and horticultural/

landscaping, excavating and earthmoving, road construction, materials

handling and working at heights as well as the broad spectrum of the

events industry.

Reducing overheads Refl ecting on the diffi cult couple of years just faced by Australian

Industries, HRIA Chief Executive offi cer, Phil Newby said the good news

is hiring, not buying, frees up scarce capital in the short term, and is

good economic sense.

“Hiring equipment is fully tax deductible which makes good economic

sense during tough economic conditions. By hiring, contractors can

offset any outlays, recoup some of their operational costs, and limit

their overall capital equipment purchases, all the while enabling a wider

range of jobs outside what they might normally do,” Mr Newby said.

“Also, contractors can have immediate access to a huge range of

modern equipment. New equipment can be trialled, via hiring, on the

job for the days required without any capital outlay or the need to take

on new debt.

“once the job is fi nished, the equipment can be returned, without

the worry of depreciation, repairs, maintenance and storage costs, or

whether that piece of equipment will ever be needed again.

“All the costs are up front for the equipment hired, and, making even

better economic sense, the hire fee can be charged back to the client.

Products HireProducts Hire


Regulatory requirements identified by the Workplace Safety and Health

Act, and overseen by WorkSafe inspectors in the field, are stringently

adhered to by HRIA members companies to ensure the highest standard

of safety for both employees and hirers of equipment.

The HRIA, as a national industry association, maintains a close eye

on changes to safety legislation and works with its members and

regulators to develop national codes of business management to ensure

safety measures are identified, adopted and implemented into HRIA

member businesses.

All rental equipment is thoroughly checked and maintained prior to

each hire and electrically tested and tagged as applicable. All rental

equipment is hired out complete with written operating instructions,

warning decals and labels, and support manuals as required.

The hirer is instructed on the use of the equipment and further advice is

available through brochures and videos. The hire company also checks

the hirer’s qualifications to operate certain types of plant where a

licence is required.

“Adding to the benefits, equipment hired from an HRIA member company

guarantees equipment reliability and efficiency,” Mr Newby said.

“Hiring equipment can also help builders and contractors meet peak

demands by offering and supplying more equipment when business is

at its busiest.

“The hire and rental industry in Australia professionally meets frequent

and widely variable business needs with safe, up-to-date and specialist

equipment for dedicated jobs,” Mr Newby said.

Operator and workplace safety makes good business sense End users have the opportunity to be instructed in the safe

operation of equipment simply by hiring the equipment from an

HRIA member business.

Members of the HRIA work hard to make operators aware of

the importance of safety. As part of the process of hiring out

equipment, hire companies conform to a rigorous set of regulatory

requirements plus have additional systems and services in place for

operator education.

designs


equipment hire

Hiring offers savings on: • labour costs by supplying the right

equipment for the right job

• problems with equipment/machinery registration

• insurance

• depreciation

• storage

• repairs

To increase end user accessibility, the HRIA website features a

comprehensive database and search engine capable of locating

specifi c equipment to the nearest rental supplier location. Making

this location identifi er even easier, the new HRIA website also

features Google maps which displays local street maps and directs

users to their nearest hire location.

Not just plant and equipment - party and event tooThe HRIA covers all aspects of the hire and rental industry in Australia,

including the party and event side of the hire market, which is a popular

and growing market segment.

Most businesses require event planning and catering as some time,

whether for an exhibition, to celebrate business or employee milestones

or for annual celebrations like Christmas parties. The party and event

hire industry covers all aspects of party and event hire from marquees

and furniture to BBQ or linen and crockery hire.

We provide crane hire services, which extends to include rigging, specialised transport and construction capabilities including

complete project execution and mine site relocations.

Providing additional construction services is what sets Capel Crane Hire apart from other crane companies and is received well with our clients.

This allows our clients to deal with one company throughout their project.

STATE WIDE SERVICE – YOU NAME IT ... WE LIFT IT....

Ray Payne/ Director 0408 931 794 Graham Jones/ Director 0417 961 599

Mike Gardiner/ Transport Manager 0419 836 398Peter Hickey/ Public Relations/Logistics 0438 271 114

Dan Acatinca/OHS Manager/ Workshop Coordinator 0459 672 295

WORKSHOP 08 9727 2511 Fax 08 9727 2118LOT 47 Ilmenite Cres CAPEL WA 6271

“We are committed to a working relationship with our clients, adopting the roles as a business partner who works with them, not only for them”

Long & Short Term HireSales • Service • Parts

30 years in Materials Handling Equipment

219 Bannister Road, CANNING VALE, WA, 6155

Tel: (08) 9455 2077 | Fax: (08) 9455 2076Email: [email protected]

• maintenance

For more information about the HRIA:

Phone: 02 9998 2255


Web: www.hireandrental.com.au


equipment hire

PRofESSoR Barry Lehane, Civil and Resource Engineering at the

University of Western Australia, recently spoke to Construction

IQ about the different types of piling techniques available in the

industry, the strategies needed to test the reliability of pile capacity

predictive approaches and how to determine which approach is best

suit to a project.

What types of methods can be used to test the reliability of pile capacity predictive approaches?The only real way to test the reliability of a given approach is to perform

a load test on a pile. If it’s a static capacity which is required, as it

usually is, then you need to perform a static load test. All predictive

techniques currently in use are empirical. I think it’s therefore essential

that as many good cases as possible are well documented, so that

independent checks of predictive approaches can be made.

What types of pile testing techniques are available in the industry at the moment? What strategies can companies use to determine which is the most reliable or best suited technique to use in a project?A static pile test can be formed using reaction piles, or using an

osterberg cell embedded near the base of a pile. Static capacity can

also be inferred from much cheaper dynamic testing of piles by simply

dropping a large weight on top of a pile, or by propelling a smaller

weight, in the case of statnamic testing. In both dynamic and statnamic

tests, instrumentation is fixed to the top of the piles to infer a capacity

using the wave equation theory.

In terms of reliability, the static pile testing method is clearly the most

reliable method. There aren’t really any strategies that can be used to

determine which testing method is best suited to a given project. In

some projects, it may be more economical to conduct a larger number

of cheaper dynamic tests to improve confidence in the static capacity

that is available from the piles.

However, projects where the pile tension capacity is required or where

an accurate estimate of pile movements at working load is required are

less suited to dynamic testing. In general, I think static pile testing, if

possible, should be performed.

What factors need to be considered during the design phase of a project to ensure the durability and reliability of a pile and what types of implications can arise when these factors are not considered?Probably the most important aspect to consider is whether or not a pile

is constructable.

In a highly competitive and complex industry, piling contractors and geotechnical engineers have been forced to cut costs and push points of differentiation. The piling industry is responding by developing different types of piling, piling designs and geotechnical solutions to ensure sustainability, innovation and of course remain competitive.


foundations

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• WA owned and operated

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for example, are the ground conditions suitable for pile driving,

or for boring, or CfA, can you use casings, are you going to use

bentonite etc. A good site investigation at the design phase is

therefore important, and this would often dictate the kind of pile

that will be used.

The site investigation will also clearly provide the necessary

parameters to allow an estimate to be made of the static capacity

using the kind of predictive approaches I mentioned earlier.

Implications of not conducting a thorough site investigation are

well known, but could, for example, lead to a costly change in pile

type if the original selection was found to be infeasible when work

began on site. If estimates of the static capacity made during the

predictive approach were not substantiated by the static testing or

dynamic testing on the site, there may be a need to lengthen piles

or increase their diameter.

What can the industry do to ensure that clients are well educated in terms of the importance of quality investigations?In theory, we should all advertise the various problems that we’ve

come across as a result of poor investigations. In practice, this is

less straight-forward due to the various claims, rightly or wrongly

made by clients, contractors, and designers. There are nonetheless

plenty of examples in literature which can be used to educate

clients and on-going publication of the various lessons that we

learn is clearly in the interests of the profession.

Can you tell us a little about your experience in the industry and your current role?I’ve been practising geotechnical engineering since 1984, when I

started to work with Arup consulting engineers in London. Since

then I’ve been involved in geotechnical engineering, both as a

practitioner (via Arup Consulting) and also within universities, in

Imperial College in London and Trinity College in Dublin, and now

here in UWA. Throughout my career I have retained strong links

with industry and enjoyed participating in and getting involved

in many different projects, in particular piling projects (which is

the subject of my PhD). I am currently the Technical and Research

leader of Arup Geotechnics Australasia and am a core member of

the American Petroleum Institute (API) piling committee.

Article by Construction IQ reproduced with permission. The

interview with Professor Barry Lehane was part of the Piling &

Deep Foundations 2012 conference. For information about the

2013 conference please visit www.pilingtechniques.com.au,

call 61 2 9229 1000 or email [email protected].


foundations

With increasing demand for steel framing

in the residential market, timber fabricators

are adopting new technologies and software

and expanding their offering to include

TRUECoRE® steel framing.

Since its introduction to the market almost

50 years ago, steel framing has increased in

distribution and demand and is now widely

used as an alternative to the more traditional

timber frames. Many of Australia’s largest and

most successful builders, manufacturers and

building solutions companies now supply steel

framing as standard as it is widely available

and made in Australia to Australian standards.

AusSteel – innovators in the steel frame and

truss industry – has developed a completely

engineered, fully designed steel building

system to meet the rapidly growing demands

for steel framing in Australia.

“It’s an exciting time to be involved with

Light Gauge Steel (LGS),” said Simon Love,

General Manager APAC at AusSteel. “We are

seeing significant and rapid growth across

many regions and it’s no secret that the

largest residential builder in NSW now builds

exclusively with steel,”

“Coming solely from a timber frame and truss

background initially, we noticed significant

gaps in the support, services and products

that were readily available to the timber frame

and truss industry, but not there for LGS

manufacturers. To counter this, we developed

and built a complete system for our own use,

before quickly realising we had something

that others would value as much as we did.”

The AusSteel system is based on providing

a product on site that carpenters can easily

understand and trades can easily work with.

The designs, site plans and layouts replicate

the efficiencies of timber frame and truss

techniques with what AusSteel believes

are advantages of LGS; it’s lightweight,

dimensionally stable, structurally consistent

and straight.

from a fabricators perspective, the AusSteel

system streamlines the process from quotation

to design engineering, manufacturing,

material handling and packaging for transport.

A partnership with Buildex – specialists in

industrial fasteners – has also helped AusSteel

develop and refine fastener systems for

quicker and easier assembly.

over the past decade, many timber frame

and truss plants have closed their doors.

Mr Love explains how businesses are now

adopting a LGS system as a method of future

proofing their business; “Adopting a LGS

system opens new doors for manufacturers.

The skills and capabilities required to detail

and manufacture LGS replicate the efficiencies

of timber fabrication and are therefore

already in place. The set up cost, including all

equipment, is also lower than the cost of the

more popular linear saws.”

With greater options for builders and

homeowners to build with steel, AusSteel

has been successful in partnering with timber

manufacturers to provide an efficient steel

framing system in line with their timber

business. “We have been fortunate enough to

work with several major building companies

across NSW, Queensland and Western

Australia to supply a LGS frame and truss

package that meets the growing demand

from investors, home owners and builders.”

said Mr Love.

originally called Timber Trader Cockburn,

Worldwide Timber Traders in Bibra Lake,

Western Australia commenced operation in

1966 and are recognised specialists in timber

engineering and manufacture. Mr. Serge

Guerini, a company director and engineer

identified that adding a LGS frame and truss

system provided opportunity for profitable

growth in their business. After assessing many

Strength of steel opens options for timber fabricators

options Worldwide Timber Traders selected

the AusSteel System because the product,

manufacturing and engineering processes

made sense with their knowledge of timber

manufacturing and construction techniques.

“The AusSteel system has engineering

advantages that are not possible with timber

wall frames. The simplicity of the system has

also opened opportunities in the category

“D” cyclonic regions of Western Australia,”

said Mr. Guerini.

“Because it closely replicates the timber set

out, we essentially had the technical design

and manufacturing skills in house. This also

meant there was greater acceptance from our

builders with a system that was very easy to

understand, cost efficient and incorporates

TRUECoRE® steel which carries a warranty of

up to 50 years.”

For more information about the Aussteel LGs steel framing system, call 02 4955 5422 or visit www.aussteel.net.au.

For more information about TRueCORe® steel call 1800 022 999 or visit www.truecore.com.au.


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CAD Image Takeoff allows you to simply load a plan, whether it be PDF, BMP, PNG or a JPEG file, select the type of measurement you would like to make and you’re away. Start clicking on the perimeter of a house to measure the entire floor area, click on the plan to get the length of pipes needed for a plumbing job or count the number of doors needed for the house.

CONTRACTS Prepare variations, update quantities, raise purchase orders, create construction timelines, track quotes, scheduling and progress tracking. To make your work even easier Beams now offers BeamS Mobile an app for iPhone or iPad that allows you to, from site, access the plans, orders and construction time lines in real time, back in the office. How’s that for convenience. The possibilities are endless.

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Beams Software AD.indd 1 20/06/13 2:17 PM

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