…and/or commence action for the recovery of the monies, particularly if there has been no communication or commitment to pay.
There are also mandatory reporting obligations for delayed or disputed payments under the 2016 Building Code. For further information…
…person responsible for ensuring that the site is as safe and secure as reasonably practicable. A site, regardless of the stage of construction, is a dangerous place and the purpose of securing your site is to prevent loss or injury…
…managing the public holiday correctly and that employees are paid their due entitlements.
Employees have a right to be absent from work on a public holiday and be paid their base hourly rate for the ordinary hours they would…
…for completion of the project and potentially leaving you liable for liquidated damages under the contract.
If you need any advice in relation to contracts, please reach out to our Workplace Relations and Legal Team on (02) 6175 5900.
…
The Fair Work Commission has announced that it will hand down the increase of the annual wages on Monday, 3 June 2024, after which MBA ACT will be preparing wage summary sheets for the following awards:
Building and Construction…
…Legal Team can provide your team with tailored training and information on relating to Right of Entry including changes resulting from the Closing Loopholes reforms.
For more information reach out to the Workplace Relations and Legal team on 02…
…changes was to provide a clear and comprehensive path forward to prevent and address sexual harassment within the workplace. These changes have been enacted via the Sex Discrimination and Fair Work (Respect at Work) Amendment Act 2021 (Respect at Work…
…spending an additional $2.7 billion to extend the BAC. This subsidy is for new apprentices that commenced in training from 4 October 2020.
What does this mean for you?
A continuation of the BAC wage subsidy, extended for a…
…in 2023 and educate the community about the obligations of personnel at all levels of an organisation under the Competition and Consumer Act.
Possible penalties
Entering into a cartel agreement is illegal and can carry a penalty of…
…or when in contract with the Territory and ensuring that any subcontractors you engage are certified and comply with the Code.
If you are undertaking Territory-funded works and have questions/concerns that arise at commencement or during the project, you…
This program is delivered and assessed by Southern Training Organisation RTO 91378. This course is designed to provide participants with the ability to operate a slewing mobile crane (up to 60 tonnes) safely and equip them.
GENERAL INFORMATION
…
…to attain 200,000 completions.
We have four key policy priorities for jobs and skills in 2022-23 and beyond:
Establish a Building and Construction Industry Cluster: to lead workforce planning and training development Clarify and address current and future workforce…
…other projects which were due for commencement this year have had tender timeframes extended, leaving many local contractors in limbo about where their next job will be coming from.â€Â
“Spending by the ACT Government on infrastructure projects has been…
…Master Builders ACT CEO, Michael Hopkins said, “Master Builders ACT is disappointed that no new announcements were made for investment in the building and construction sector today.â€Â
“While we welcome the commitment to major projects such as the SPIRE…
…training to apprentices,†he said.
Mr Hopkins said, “It is vital that candidates commit to the continuation of full funding for vocational education and independent training providers.â€Â
“The Strong Building, Strong Territory campaign provides our members and…
WorkSafe ACT is carrying out inspections on construction sites to ensure PCBUs are complying with the new silica dust regulations. Prohibition and infringement notices have been issued to PCBUs who are non-compliant.
Members are reminded that the cutting
…
…to explore, vandals to target or provide opportunists a chance to pick up any loose items. As the builder, you are also deemed to be the person conducting a business or undertaking (PCBU) and therefore the person responsible for ensuring…
…Safely with Asbestos Containing Materials (mandated for certain occupations)
Another issue that was highlighted included employers not holding workers compensation insurance for apprentices. If you would like to discuss workers compensation insurance, you can contact the Master Builders Insurance…
…the Chief Minister’s establishment of a new Coordinator General for Housing, however unless the Coordinator General has responsibility for planning controls and delivery of land release it will be setup to fail,” Mr Hopkins continued.
Mr Hopkins said, “The…
A contractual chain is formed where multiple contractors and subcontractors are engaged to work on the same site. It is common to form a contractual chain in the building and construction industry. In a contractual chain, each contractor or
…
…Silica Training on or after 1 October 2023?
Yes. You will be fined up to $6000 (for an individual) and $30,000 (for a company).
Who is required to complete Silica Training?
All workers in the Work Health…
…vicariously liable for the colleague’s wrongful act.
The employee worked at a resort and was required under his employment contract to live on the island. His employer arranged shared accommodation for him and his colleague. The employee awoke one…
…trades or materials due to a shortage of trades or materials beyond the control of the Builder; or extras or missions associated with compliance to altered statutory provisions.
Clause 15 requires a written variation notice must be served on
…
…but is not limited to –
persistent lateness excessive usage of mobile phone for personal matters bad language misuse of company equipment.
However, behaviour that is wilful and deliberate or causes a serious and imminent risk to the reputation,…
MBA ACT has been busy this week with the continued advocacy for changes to the silica regulations, which came into effect from 18 October 2022.
The Work Health and Safety Amendment Regulation 2022 (No 2) (‘Amendment Regulation’) does
…
…a duty to take reasonable care for their own health and safety and that they do not adversely affect the health and safety of other persons. Workers must comply with any reasonable instruction and cooperate with any reasonable policy or…
…2024.
The MBA ACT is currently preparing wage summary sheets for the following awards:
Building and Construction General On-Site Award 2020 Clerks Private Sector Award 2020 Joinery and Building Trades Award 2020 Plumbing and Fire Sprinklers Award 2020
…
…the health and safety of workers and other persons in the workplace. The WHS legislation defines a worker as a person who carries out work in any capacity for a PCBU, including a student gaining work experience and a volunteer….
…male dominated industry, and she encourages other women in male dominated fields to put themselves forward.
Emily recently received a Judges Commendation for the Professional of the Year category for the 2020 Master Builders ACT and Asset Construction Hire…
…required components are in place (including tie offs), ensuring that scaffolding is not being overloaded and are only being used for its intended purposes. A failure to comply with WHS obligations can have serious implications for the business – such…
…delayed payment for completed works by 72 business days, the ABCC initiated an audit of Auscare to assess its compliance with its SOP obligations under the Code for Tendering and Performance of Building Work 2016.
Auscare failed to comply…
It is common knowledge that most of the industry shuts down for at least two weeks from 23 December (or thereabouts). This also means that your subbies, suppliers and even transport companies are also likely to be closed during
…
…acted upon appropriately and in a timely and professional manner.
There have been numerous instances where the mishandling of investigations or brushing complaints under the carpet results in a larger fall-out for the company and those involved. To avoid…
…acted upon appropriately and in a timely and professional manner.
There have been numerous instances where the mishandling of investigations or brushing complaints under the carpet results in a larger fall-out for the company and those involved. To avoid…
Code Covered entities are reminded of their reporting obligations for Security of Payment (SOP) disputes and delayed payments.
Reporting to the Australian Building and Construction Commission (ABCC) is a strict requirement and must be done as soon
…
…serious defects and recovery of linked costs, and tightened requirements for designers, engineers and builders working. Many of the reforms focused on new residential unit and apartment buildings. The next area to be subject to his focus is a scheme…
…the complaint is acted upon appropriately and in a timely and professional manner.
There have been numerous instances where the mishandling of investigations or brushing complaints under the carpet results in a larger fall-out for the company and those…
The Fair Work Commission (FWC) has updated their Workplace Sexual Harassment learning module to reflect the extended sexual harassment jurisdiction that commenced on 6 March 2023. The module can be accessed here.
The module:
explores what workplace sexual…
On 6 June 2023 a number of additions and amendments to the Fair Works Act 2009 will take effect. Employers should be conscious of these changes and be equipped to properly respond to their effect and any enquiries by
…
…risks to health and safety, to consult with duty holders and provide information, training and instruction. It is common for more than one person to have a duty in relation to the same matter under WHS legislation.
In SafeWork…
…to ensure that the new silica dust regulations are being complied with and we have had reports that several penalties and improvement notices have been issued against companies for failure to comply with the WHS legislation.
If you have…
Over the last few weeks, the IR and Legal Team have fielded a number of calls relating to building contracts and the challenges associated with tricky clients.
Members are encouraged to ensure that they comply with their
…
In a recent case the Fair Work Commission (FWC) compensated an employee who was dismissed for threatening a co-worker, finding that the employer failed to act on his prior complaints about the colleague trying to fight him in the
…
Members are reminded that a company or partnership that holds a building licence must have a written record of policies and procedures for effectively managing and supervising the nominee and the corporation’s or partnership’s obligations under the licence, including
…
…and partnerships that hold a building licence, must also have a written record of policies and procedures for effectively managing and supervising the nominee and the corporation’s or partnership’s obligations under the licence, including arrangements for communicating regularly with the…
Stay Safe and Stay Compliant
There are now travel restrictions in place for people travelling from Victoria to the ACT and strong ACT Government advice about travelling from parts of Sydney. Now is the time for everyone
…
Before moving to Australia, I worked at a boutique firm in Pretoria South Africa that specialised in Labour Law and Administrative Law. I acted as the head of department for the Administrative Law leg of the firm and dealt
…
…transition period or exemption for out of state workers.
All workers in the Work Health and Safety (Crystalline Silica Awareness Training Course and Occupations) Declaration 2022 (Specified Occupations) and those who are reasonably expected to work with silica-containing materials…
…holders must consult and coordinate to put appropriate reporting and notification arrangements in place.
Within 48 hours of the initial phone call, email or fax, you must notify WorkSafe ACT in writing by completing the Notification of Incident form.
…
This week, the Australian Building and Construction Commission (ABCC) instigated proceedings, the first of its kind relating to security of payment laws, against an NSW company for failing to comply with a compliance notice requiring it to pay a
…
A new version of the Environment Protection Guidelines for Construction and Land Development in the ACT is now out for consultation.
These draft Guidelines provide guidance and advice to builders and land developers on their legal obligations to
…
The Master Builders Association of the ACT received correspondence from Chief Minister Andrew Barr advising of the ACT Government’s decision to immediately move to remediate sites contaminated by asbestos.
WorkSafe ACT and the ACT Government Taskforce, led by
…
…Code provides specific control measures on the prevention of vehicle roll-aways and safe immobilisation.
Click here to view a copy of the updated Code.
For more information about your obligations under the Work Health and Safety laws, reach…
…workplaces for psychosocial hazards and include them in their WHS management plans if they have not done so.
If you have any questions about managing psychosocial risks, please contact our Workplace Relations and Legal Team on (02) 6175 5900.
…
…Closing Loopholes No.2 Act introduced an “opt-out” option for contractors who earn above the high contractor threshold to elect not to be covered by the new “employee” definition that will come into effect on 26 August 2024. That is, a…
…with the National Energy Laws, until such time as a regulation is in place. Public and stakeholder consultation regarding the potential scope and timing of the future regulation will commence before the end of this year and continue in 2023.
…
…status quo”.
Do you understand your rights and obligations?
With the Government committing to abolish the ABCC, it is more important than any time that members understand their rights and obligations under the Right of Entry Provisions…
…completed north and south of the river.
The ACT Government project team would like companies interested in this project to be aware that the JGD3C Development Application (DA) package has been publicly notified on the Environment Planning and Sustainable
…
…to be completed this year, please ensure that applications for Provisional Certificate of Operation for completed works are submitted no later than 27 November 2020.
We understand this notice has come with very short notice and may…
From 6 June 2023 or an earlier date to be fixed by proclamation, changes to multiple-employer bargaining will come into effect. This means employers and employees can be compelled to multi-employer bargaining. Small businesses will be exempted from multi-employer
…
…from small residential builders and trade subcontractors through to large commercial contractors, have responsibilities to ensure the health and safety of their workers, contractors and visitors on site (including psychological health and well-being).
MBA ACT offers several training courses…
…twice, you will find it easy, and you will have added a heap of good level of security to your private accounts.
For more information contact Omni IT:
Ph: (02) 6230 3839
Email: support@omniit.com.au
…
The NSW SafeWork Regulator has recently accepted several substantial proposed undertakings by a commercial company following an injury on site, in lieu of prosecuting the company.
During September 2019 a commercial construction company (‘the Builder’) received notice from
…
…engaged by a hydraulics company had its email account hacked the day before an invoice was issued to the hydraulics company. This resulted in the hydraulics company receiving an email advising the bank details of the Canberra equipment hire company…
…about how to search for your business on the PPSR, as well as some general definitions of key terms you may notice in your search results.
To read the guide, or access any of our other resources for small…
…ACT. Come along and hear from prospective employers of carpentry apprentices, graduates, and trainers about how a carpentry apprenticeship has given them the career of their dreams.
Stay tuned to see what’s in store for our next Careers evening!
…
…your ideas on the MBA’s submission or would like to be involved in reviewing a draft of the MBA’s submission is encouraged to contact Michael Hopkins on canberra@mba.org.au.
Further information is available at the Legislative Assembly web site https://www.parliament.act.gov.au/parliamentary-business/in-committees/committees/egee/inquiry-into-the-future-of-the-working-week
…
…2020 election candidates understand than the most important issue for Canberra’s business community is electing a business friendly government?â€Â
View the Master Builders ACT 2020 ACT Election Priorities in further detail here.
Authorised by Michael Hopkins…
…industry over the next 12 months.
Updated MBA Australia industry forecasts confirm what our members have told us – over the next twelve months there will be a sharp decline in residential and commercial building activity, followed…
…Contractors and Deputy Chair of the Civil Contractors Federation of the ACT said, “we are all very committed to recruiting more women into the civil sector, and this program allows the candidates to see and hear firsthand from women already…
…and red tape for small businesses.
The Treasurer in his address to the National Press Club said IR flexibility saves jobs and that any changes proposed by the IR working groups comprised of unions and employers must pass the
…
…On 4 August 2022, the Minister for Planning and Land Management approved Variation 357.
Members are advised that the commencement date for V357 End of Trip Facilities is Wednesday 30 November 2022. This means that development applications lodged on…
A number of initiatives that relate to homeowners and residents of properties affected by loose fill asbestos insulation, commenced on 1 July 2020, under the Loose-fill Asbestos Legislation Amendment Act 2020.
On 1 July 2020, the Affected
…
…can apply to the Fair Work Commission for an order to stop the sexual harassment. Importantly, orders can be made following a single occurrence.
Further information is available here. If you have any questions, please contact the Member Services…
Help Provide a Wonderful Christmas for Canberrans in Need
Master Builders ACT is again running our Communities@Work Christmas Appeal, for much needed donations for local families.
Many families and children were struggling before the recent COVID-19 lockdown, which
…
…are some transition periods provided for specific provisions and these are:
Commencing 1 October 2023 – New livable housing requirements and new energy efficiency and condensation mitigation requirements. Commencing 1 September 2025 – new low lead in plumbing product requirements….
…for Variation 369 is anticipated to be 1 September 2022 and will apply to:
Development applications submitted for completeness check on or after 1 September 2022; and Building applications determined on or after 1 September 2022.
Variation 369 will…