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The leading publication for electrical and communications contractors in Australia.
Citation preview
themaster
the interview Julia Gillard talks business
economic downturnYour survival guide
head to headCFLs vs LEDs
insiDE
Reg
iste
red
by A
ustr
alia
Pos
t Pub
licat
ions
No.
PP
4240
22/2
346
Su
mm
eR
09
our nEwEst powEr
stationgood things
come in small packages
wE put thE nEw trD
hiLux to thE tEst
2 www.masterelectricians.com.au 3the master electrician : SummeR 09
It is hard not to notice the panic emitting from various sources over the current economic climate and rise in unemployment. One cannot turn on the television or open a newspaper without seeing some doom and
gloom story on how the global economy is deteriorating.
All is not lost! In this issue of The Master Electrician we feature a number of interviews on what this means for Australia and specifically how this affects business owners. Stephen Horton, of financial planning practice Whittaker Macnaught, gives us his tips on successful business strategies for managing the downturn on page 8.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Education, Employment and Workplace Relations, Julia Gillard also spoke to The Master Electrician on the economy as well as the changes to the workplace environment with the new Fair Work bill. Turn to page 34 to find out what the new workplace relations system means for you.
In November Master Electricians Australia and the Electrical and Communications Association recognised exceptional talent in our industry at the 2008 Excellence Awards. Students through to industry veterans were among eight awards winners on the night including Luke Pritchard the first ever Master Electrician Of The Year. Turn to page 28 for all the highlights.
Jessie BadgerAssociAte editor
Editor’snotEWelcome to the second issue of The Master Electrician magazine.
Disclaimer: The statements and opinions expressed in this publication are offered solely in pursuance of the objects of the electrical and communications association and master electricians australia to provide an informative service to contractors in the electrical industry on legal, commercial and other issues and problems related to the industry. The electrical and communications association and master electricians australia are not aware that any person intends to act or rely upon such statements and opinions contained in this publication or the manner in which it might be possible to do so. The electrical and communications association and master electricians australia issues no invitation to any member or other persons to act or rely upon such statements or opinions or any of them and it accepts no responsibility for any of them. it intends by this provision to exclude, to the extent permitted by law, all liability for any such statements and opinions.
Editorial Contacts & Contributors
General Enquiriesmaster electricians australia
57 Berwick street, Fortitude valley
po Box 2438, Fortitude valley Bc
Queensland 4006
phone 1300 889 198
fax 07 3251 2400
email [email protected]
web www.masterelectricians.com.au
abn 97 131 416 183
editor malcolm richards
associate editor Jessie Badger
advertising enquiries Jeff mullin
phone 1300 889 198
fax 07 3251 2400
email [email protected]
design and print pomo 07 3844 3873
kEEpup-to-datE
yEarly subscriptions
(4 issuEs) just $38.50
09Su
mm
eR
EConomiC Downturn
Your survival
guideread more paGE 8
our nEwEst powEr
stationgood things come in
small packagesread more paGE 16
thE intErviEw
Julia gillard talks Businessread more paGE 34
www.masterelectricians.com.auor call 1300 889 198
contents04 up front with the regulators
14 work life balance
20 recognition for Australia’s new masters
23 meet a master electrician
25 news from distributors
28 excellence awards
32 the buzz
38 technical talk
40 workplace relations
42 news from head office
44 gadget guide
46 test drive
48 events calendar
49 your best (or worst) day on the job
49 your best (or worst) photo
50 last word cover photo: newgen kwinana power station
2 www.masterelectricians.com.au 3the master electrician : SummeR 09
It is hard not to notice the panic emitting from various sources over the current economic climate and rise in unemployment. One cannot turn on the television or open a newspaper without seeing some doom and
gloom story on how the global economy is deteriorating.
All is not lost! In this issue of The Master Electrician we feature a number of interviews on what this means for Australia and specifically how this affects business owners. Stephen Horton, of financial planning practice Whittaker Macnaught, gives us his tips on successful business strategies for managing the downturn on page 8.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Education, Employment and Workplace Relations, Julia Gillard also spoke to The Master Electrician on the economy as well as the changes to the workplace environment with the new Fair Work bill. Turn to page 34 to find out what the new workplace relations system means for you.
In November Master Electricians Australia and the Electrical and Communications Association recognised exceptional talent in our industry at the 2008 Excellence Awards. Students through to industry veterans were among eight awards winners on the night including Luke Pritchard the first ever Master Electrician Of The Year. Turn to page 28 for all the highlights.
Jessie BadgerAssociAte editor
Editor’snotEWelcome to the second issue of The Master Electrician magazine.
Disclaimer: The statements and opinions expressed in this publication are offered solely in pursuance of the objects of the electrical and communications association and master electricians australia to provide an informative service to contractors in the electrical industry on legal, commercial and other issues and problems related to the industry. The electrical and communications association and master electricians australia are not aware that any person intends to act or rely upon such statements and opinions contained in this publication or the manner in which it might be possible to do so. The electrical and communications association and master electricians australia issues no invitation to any member or other persons to act or rely upon such statements or opinions or any of them and it accepts no responsibility for any of them. it intends by this provision to exclude, to the extent permitted by law, all liability for any such statements and opinions.
Editorial Contacts & Contributors
General Enquiriesmaster electricians australia
57 Berwick street, Fortitude valley
po Box 2438, Fortitude valley Bc
Queensland 4006
phone 1300 889 198
fax 07 3251 2400
email [email protected]
web www.masterelectricians.com.au
abn 97 131 416 183
editor malcolm richards
associate editor Jessie Badger
advertising enquiries Jeff mullin
phone 1300 889 198
fax 07 3251 2400
email [email protected]
design and print pomo 07 3844 3873
kEEpup-to-datE
yEarly subscriptions
(4 issuEs) just $38.50
09Su
mm
eR
EConomiC Downturn
Your survival
guideread more paGE 8
our nEwEst powEr
stationgood things come in
small packagesread more paGE 16
thE intErviEw
Julia gillard talks Businessread more paGE 34
www.masterelectricians.com.auor call 1300 889 198
contents04 up front with the regulators
14 work life balance
20 recognition for Australia’s new masters
23 meet a master electrician
25 news from distributors
28 excellence awards
32 the buzz
38 technical talk
40 workplace relations
42 news from head office
44 gadget guide
46 test drive
48 events calendar
49 your best (or worst) day on the job
49 your best (or worst) photo
50 last word cover photo: newgen kwinana power station
up front w
ith the regulators : state
ne
ws
4 www.masterelectricians.com.au 5the master electrician : SummeR 09
decided it was safe to perform the work “live”.
The victims have made good recoveries, but it
could have been much worse for them.
WorkSafe Victoria has launched a new
campaign targeting young workers aged between
15 and 24, their families and employers in a bid
to reduce the rate of workplace injuries among
this age group. Research has revealed that the
likelihood of younger workers being admitted to
hospital emergency departments compared to
their older counterparts is close to double.
It is hoped the incidents serve as a reminder
to the electricity industry that everyone involved in
the supervision and training of apprentices - and
the apprentices themselves - exercise proper care
and responsibility at all times.
new south wales
New South Wales unlicensed electrician puts consumers in danger again
the Commissioner for Fair Trading, Lyn Baker,
issued a public warning to New South Wales
consumers on 16 December 2009 regarding an
unlicensed trader, mr George Harellis of Sans
Souci, who purports to be an electrician but is
unlicensed and whose work is defective and
potentially life threatening.
The Commissioner said consumers should
not deal with mr Harellis, who is believed to be
trading as Georges electrical. His work vehicle
is a 1995 Toyota Town Ace van with NSW
registration number uAZ 140.
The Commissioner advised that anyone who
has had work done by mr Harellis should contact
the NSW Office of Fair Trading immediately on
13 32 20 and get a qualified electrician to check
that work for defects.
Fair Trading investigated mr Harellis in
2004 and he was subsequently prosecuted
for unlicensed electrical work (installation of a
switchboard) and fined $4,000.
It is evident that mr Harellis has continued
to carry out unlicensed specialist work
despite having been previously spoken to and
prosecuted by Fair Trading Investigators.
In April 2008, a further complaint was
received by Fair Trading, advising that
George Harellis, again trading as Georges
electrical, had contracted and carried
out unlicensed specialist work (electrical
wiring) at a residential property in east Hills
between November 2007 and January 2008.
Covert surveillance by Fair Trading building
investigators positively identified the offender
as George Harellis. upon investigation, the
work was again found to be defective and
potentially life threatening.
Statements were obtained from the consumer
and the rectifying qualified electrician, and
photographic evidence of the defective work
was obtained.
A qualified electrician carried out a physical
inspection of all accessible electrical wiring
and fixtures at the east Hills property. During
that inspection he observed evidence of recent
electrical wiring work which did not comply with
the Australian and New Zealand Standard AS/
NZ:3000 and AS/NZ:3008. He noted that the
defective electrical wiring work was a safety
hazard and extremely dangerous. The defects
included one circuit being connected before
the main switch (potentially life threatening); no
main earth system; no water bond, no earth
rod, an instance where an earth wire had been
used instead of a live wire; exposed live wires
lying in the roof cavity; all visible connections
of live wires bound only with electrical
insulation tape instead of being encased in a
victoria
energy Safe Victoriaongoing investigations in victoria regarding recent injuries
energy Safe Victoria (eSV) and the state’s
electricity industry are concerned that there
have been four serious electricity-related incidents
in recent months involving apprentices and
young workers. The incidents are currently under
investigation.
In two of the incidents, the victims had to be
revived after their hearts stopped beating. Apart
from determining what happened, investigations
are also focusing on whether it was inexperience
and carelessness on the part of victims themselves
, or whether a lack of appropriate supervision by
those responsible for the safety of apprentices
and young workers was responsible.
The injuries have prompted eSV to remind the
Victorian electricity industry of the comprehensive
and well established “Supervision Guidelines for
Apprentices Working on electrical Installations”
which explain quite clearly what apprentices can
and cannot do at each stage of their apprenticeship
and the level of supervision which is required.
The guidelines are available on the eSV website
at www.esv.vic.gov.au. They can be accessed
easily under “Quick Links” on the right hand
column of the home page.
the incidents involve:n A 20-year-old electrical apprentice
suffered a severe electric shock working
on a switchboard at an outer melbourne
shopping Centre.
His heart stopped beating and he was
revived by a security guard using a
defibrillator.
n A 17-year-old carpentry apprentice was
reported to be “clinically dead” by an
ambulance official when he received a severe
shock performing non-electrical work at a
community hall in the regional centre
of Wodonga. n A first year electrical apprentice, aged 20,
received a severe electric shock while
changing a light fitting at a major melbourne
hotel. It turns out the lights in question had
been imported directly from China and were
unapproved in Australia. n A 25-year-old electrician spent almost a
week in hospital recovering from his injuries
after receiving a shock when working “live”
changing over a circuit breaker at a busy
restaurant in a northern suburb of melbourne.
He had very little experience working solo.
He admitted he was under pressure from
the customer to keep things operating and
regulatorsup front with the
up front w
ith the regulators : state
ne
ws
4 www.masterelectricians.com.au 5the master electrician : SummeR 09
decided it was safe to perform the work “live”.
The victims have made good recoveries, but it
could have been much worse for them.
WorkSafe Victoria has launched a new
campaign targeting young workers aged between
15 and 24, their families and employers in a bid
to reduce the rate of workplace injuries among
this age group. Research has revealed that the
likelihood of younger workers being admitted to
hospital emergency departments compared to
their older counterparts is close to double.
It is hoped the incidents serve as a reminder
to the electricity industry that everyone involved in
the supervision and training of apprentices - and
the apprentices themselves - exercise proper care
and responsibility at all times.
new south wales
New South Wales unlicensed electrician puts consumers in danger again
the Commissioner for Fair Trading, Lyn Baker,
issued a public warning to New South Wales
consumers on 16 December 2009 regarding an
unlicensed trader, mr George Harellis of Sans
Souci, who purports to be an electrician but is
unlicensed and whose work is defective and
potentially life threatening.
The Commissioner said consumers should
not deal with mr Harellis, who is believed to be
trading as Georges electrical. His work vehicle
is a 1995 Toyota Town Ace van with NSW
registration number uAZ 140.
The Commissioner advised that anyone who
has had work done by mr Harellis should contact
the NSW Office of Fair Trading immediately on
13 32 20 and get a qualified electrician to check
that work for defects.
Fair Trading investigated mr Harellis in
2004 and he was subsequently prosecuted
for unlicensed electrical work (installation of a
switchboard) and fined $4,000.
It is evident that mr Harellis has continued
to carry out unlicensed specialist work
despite having been previously spoken to and
prosecuted by Fair Trading Investigators.
In April 2008, a further complaint was
received by Fair Trading, advising that
George Harellis, again trading as Georges
electrical, had contracted and carried
out unlicensed specialist work (electrical
wiring) at a residential property in east Hills
between November 2007 and January 2008.
Covert surveillance by Fair Trading building
investigators positively identified the offender
as George Harellis. upon investigation, the
work was again found to be defective and
potentially life threatening.
Statements were obtained from the consumer
and the rectifying qualified electrician, and
photographic evidence of the defective work
was obtained.
A qualified electrician carried out a physical
inspection of all accessible electrical wiring
and fixtures at the east Hills property. During
that inspection he observed evidence of recent
electrical wiring work which did not comply with
the Australian and New Zealand Standard AS/
NZ:3000 and AS/NZ:3008. He noted that the
defective electrical wiring work was a safety
hazard and extremely dangerous. The defects
included one circuit being connected before
the main switch (potentially life threatening); no
main earth system; no water bond, no earth
rod, an instance where an earth wire had been
used instead of a live wire; exposed live wires
lying in the roof cavity; all visible connections
of live wires bound only with electrical
insulation tape instead of being encased in a
victoria
energy Safe Victoriaongoing investigations in victoria regarding recent injuries
energy Safe Victoria (eSV) and the state’s
electricity industry are concerned that there
have been four serious electricity-related incidents
in recent months involving apprentices and
young workers. The incidents are currently under
investigation.
In two of the incidents, the victims had to be
revived after their hearts stopped beating. Apart
from determining what happened, investigations
are also focusing on whether it was inexperience
and carelessness on the part of victims themselves
, or whether a lack of appropriate supervision by
those responsible for the safety of apprentices
and young workers was responsible.
The injuries have prompted eSV to remind the
Victorian electricity industry of the comprehensive
and well established “Supervision Guidelines for
Apprentices Working on electrical Installations”
which explain quite clearly what apprentices can
and cannot do at each stage of their apprenticeship
and the level of supervision which is required.
The guidelines are available on the eSV website
at www.esv.vic.gov.au. They can be accessed
easily under “Quick Links” on the right hand
column of the home page.
the incidents involve:n A 20-year-old electrical apprentice
suffered a severe electric shock working
on a switchboard at an outer melbourne
shopping Centre.
His heart stopped beating and he was
revived by a security guard using a
defibrillator.
n A 17-year-old carpentry apprentice was
reported to be “clinically dead” by an
ambulance official when he received a severe
shock performing non-electrical work at a
community hall in the regional centre
of Wodonga. n A first year electrical apprentice, aged 20,
received a severe electric shock while
changing a light fitting at a major melbourne
hotel. It turns out the lights in question had
been imported directly from China and were
unapproved in Australia. n A 25-year-old electrician spent almost a
week in hospital recovering from his injuries
after receiving a shock when working “live”
changing over a circuit breaker at a busy
restaurant in a northern suburb of melbourne.
He had very little experience working solo.
He admitted he was under pressure from
the customer to keep things operating and
regulatorsup front with the
6 www.masterelectricians.com.au 7the master electrician : SummeR 09
up front w
ith the regulators : state
ne
ws
junction box or connectors; the light circuit was
not protected by a RCD or safety switch; and
the power source to the external in-ground pool
was incorrectly installed and defective.
At a considerable cost to the owner, the
qualified electrician carried out extensive
rectification works to make the electrical wiring
compliant and safe.
A brief of evidence is being compiled by Fair
Trading against George Harellis for breaches
of the Home Building Act 1989, electrical
(Consumer Safety) Act 2004, and associated
Regulations.
Fair Trading holds grave concerns that
mr Harellis will continue to seek work as an
electrician, putting the public at further risk.
Accordingly the Commissioner issued the
public warning statement to alert members of
the public and hopefully avert a potential future
tragedy.
Photographs of mr Harellis and his vehicle are
available at www.fairtrading.nsw.gov.au.
south australia
SafeWork SA safe working distances for overhead powerlines
safeWork SA and the Office of the Technical
Regulator have developed a joint safety
guideline, in consultation with construction
and power distribution industry stakeholders,
to clarify safe working distances when working
near overhead powerlines.
Currently, the Occupational Health, Safety
and Welfare (OHSW) Act and Regulations
administered by SafeWork SA, makes
reference to one set of safe working distances
and the electricity Act and Regulations
administered by the Office of the Technical
Regulator stipulates another set of safe
working distances.
This has created confusion in the industry,
as information provided on safe working
distances varies depending on which
authority is contacted.
In order to clarify this situation, an
understanding has been reached between
the Office of the Technical Regulator and
SafeWork SA, whereby any work being
carried out near overhead powerlines by
employees, contractors and sub-contractors
is considered as undertaken in a workplace
and therefore the requirements of OHSW
legislation shall apply at all times.
two separate scenarios applY:
work environment 1 (we1)
All work activities must comply with the safe
working distances, as required under the
OHSW Regulations 1995, the Approved Code
of Practice (AS/NZS2550) and the applicable
Australian Standard (AS/NZS4576).
work environment 2 (we2)
Where compliance with Work environment 1
is not possible or reasonably practical, the
safe distances specified in the electricity
Act/Regulations may be applied if all of the
following requirements are satisfied:n Written permission from the electricity
network operator has been obtained;
and -n All conditions specified by the electricity
network operator and Technical Regulator
are complied with;
and -n The electricity network operator is notified
before commencing work;
and -n A spotter (competent person with the
duty of observing and warning against
unsafe approach of the crane, its lifting
attachments or its load to powerlines)
carries out spotting duties at all times;
and -n A documented risk assessment is
carried out before any work commences
in consultation with all relevant parties
involved in the work.
more information can be found at
www.safework.sa.gov.au.
western australia
energySafety WA reporting electrical accidents
regulation 63 of the electricity (Licensing)
Regulations 1991 requires that ‘immediately
after a person becomes aware of an electrical
accident (including ‘electric shocks’), the person
must report the matter to the relevant network
operator.’
This is a change to the requirements that existed
before 1 July 2008 when the person had to report
to the network operator and to the Director of
energy Safety.
Where the report is to be made to Western
Power or Horizon Power, the incident should be
directed to the relevant call centre:n call 13 13 51 Western Powern call 13 23 51 Horizon Power
The call centre, upon receiving notification, will
direct the information to the appropriate area of
the network operator for appropriate investigation.
The network operator will also advise the Director
of energy Safety of the occurrence.
An employee who becomes aware of an
electrical accident must also report the incident
to his or her employer. employers will then report
the incident to the network operator and other
relevant agencies, such as WorkSafe, Resources
Safety etc.
Where the network operator cannot be identified,
the incident must immediately be reported to
the Director of energy Safety [energySafety] by
telephoning 1800 678 198.
“THIS HAS CReATeD CONFuSION IN THe
INDuSTRy, AS INFORmATION PROVIDeD ON SAFe
WORkING DISTANCeS VARIeS DePeNDING ON WHICH
AuTHORITy IS CONTACTeD.”
Renewable energy technologies and safety
the surge of renewable energy technology
in the marketplace has prompted the
electrical Safety Office (eSO) to investigate
the electrical safety issues of new technology
and initiate a project to ensure safety issues
are understood by industry and government
partners.
Society’s push to reduce its carbon footprint
has seen an increase in the use of renewable
energy technology like photovoltaic solar
panels, wind turbines, motor generator sets
and associated batteries typical for individual
remote area supply.
eLeCTRICAL SAFeTy RISkS HAVe BeeN
IDeNTIFIeD, INCLuDING THe RISk OF FIRe
CAuSeD By: n arcing of solar panelsn electric shock from contact with ‘live’
solar panelsn electric shock to line workers if power is
fed back into the supply grid.
OTHeR POTeNTIAL SAFeTy ISSueS ARe:n live workn protection of electricity distribution
workersn installer qualifications and competencen remote area workn operating voltages.
The eSO is working on a number of
initiatives to minimise the electrical safety risk
and will keep readers informed.
the electrical Safety Office (eSO) and other
electrical safety regulators across Australia
are monitoring fire safety, particularly fires
caused by recessed down-lights which
operate at very high temperatures.
In October 2006 a fire occurred after an
insulation business filled a roof space of a
home with loose fill cellulose-type insulation,
covering the transformer and dichroic down-
lights, the smouldering insulation causing
charring to the house trusses. The magistrate
fined the company $15,000 and ordered it to
pay investigation and court costs.
The eSO recently wrote to members of
the Queensland insulation industry with
information to highlight their responsibilities
under the Australian Standard for thermal
insulation (AS/NZS3999:1992) and to inform
them of their obligations under the electrical
Safety Act 2002 to ensure their business is
conducted in a way that is electrically safe.
The eSO has also been undertaking
statewide audits targeting businesses
installing thermal insulation in roof spaces.
These audits assess the knowledge and
operational aspects of insulation installers
who install insulation near electrical
equipment.
queenslanD
Insulation installers and down-light dangers
6 www.masterelectricians.com.au 7the master electrician : SummeR 09
up front w
ith the regulators : state
ne
ws
junction box or connectors; the light circuit was
not protected by a RCD or safety switch; and
the power source to the external in-ground pool
was incorrectly installed and defective.
At a considerable cost to the owner, the
qualified electrician carried out extensive
rectification works to make the electrical wiring
compliant and safe.
A brief of evidence is being compiled by Fair
Trading against George Harellis for breaches
of the Home Building Act 1989, electrical
(Consumer Safety) Act 2004, and associated
Regulations.
Fair Trading holds grave concerns that
mr Harellis will continue to seek work as an
electrician, putting the public at further risk.
Accordingly the Commissioner issued the
public warning statement to alert members of
the public and hopefully avert a potential future
tragedy.
Photographs of mr Harellis and his vehicle are
available at www.fairtrading.nsw.gov.au.
south australia
SafeWork SA safe working distances for overhead powerlines
safeWork SA and the Office of the Technical
Regulator have developed a joint safety
guideline, in consultation with construction
and power distribution industry stakeholders,
to clarify safe working distances when working
near overhead powerlines.
Currently, the Occupational Health, Safety
and Welfare (OHSW) Act and Regulations
administered by SafeWork SA, makes
reference to one set of safe working distances
and the electricity Act and Regulations
administered by the Office of the Technical
Regulator stipulates another set of safe
working distances.
This has created confusion in the industry,
as information provided on safe working
distances varies depending on which
authority is contacted.
In order to clarify this situation, an
understanding has been reached between
the Office of the Technical Regulator and
SafeWork SA, whereby any work being
carried out near overhead powerlines by
employees, contractors and sub-contractors
is considered as undertaken in a workplace
and therefore the requirements of OHSW
legislation shall apply at all times.
two separate scenarios applY:
work environment 1 (we1)
All work activities must comply with the safe
working distances, as required under the
OHSW Regulations 1995, the Approved Code
of Practice (AS/NZS2550) and the applicable
Australian Standard (AS/NZS4576).
work environment 2 (we2)
Where compliance with Work environment 1
is not possible or reasonably practical, the
safe distances specified in the electricity
Act/Regulations may be applied if all of the
following requirements are satisfied:n Written permission from the electricity
network operator has been obtained;
and -n All conditions specified by the electricity
network operator and Technical Regulator
are complied with;
and -n The electricity network operator is notified
before commencing work;
and -n A spotter (competent person with the
duty of observing and warning against
unsafe approach of the crane, its lifting
attachments or its load to powerlines)
carries out spotting duties at all times;
and -n A documented risk assessment is
carried out before any work commences
in consultation with all relevant parties
involved in the work.
more information can be found at
www.safework.sa.gov.au.
western australia
energySafety WA reporting electrical accidents
regulation 63 of the electricity (Licensing)
Regulations 1991 requires that ‘immediately
after a person becomes aware of an electrical
accident (including ‘electric shocks’), the person
must report the matter to the relevant network
operator.’
This is a change to the requirements that existed
before 1 July 2008 when the person had to report
to the network operator and to the Director of
energy Safety.
Where the report is to be made to Western
Power or Horizon Power, the incident should be
directed to the relevant call centre:n call 13 13 51 Western Powern call 13 23 51 Horizon Power
The call centre, upon receiving notification, will
direct the information to the appropriate area of
the network operator for appropriate investigation.
The network operator will also advise the Director
of energy Safety of the occurrence.
An employee who becomes aware of an
electrical accident must also report the incident
to his or her employer. employers will then report
the incident to the network operator and other
relevant agencies, such as WorkSafe, Resources
Safety etc.
Where the network operator cannot be identified,
the incident must immediately be reported to
the Director of energy Safety [energySafety] by
telephoning 1800 678 198.
“THIS HAS CReATeD CONFuSION IN THe
INDuSTRy, AS INFORmATION PROVIDeD ON SAFe
WORkING DISTANCeS VARIeS DePeNDING ON WHICH
AuTHORITy IS CONTACTeD.”
Renewable energy technologies and safety
the surge of renewable energy technology
in the marketplace has prompted the
electrical Safety Office (eSO) to investigate
the electrical safety issues of new technology
and initiate a project to ensure safety issues
are understood by industry and government
partners.
Society’s push to reduce its carbon footprint
has seen an increase in the use of renewable
energy technology like photovoltaic solar
panels, wind turbines, motor generator sets
and associated batteries typical for individual
remote area supply.
eLeCTRICAL SAFeTy RISkS HAVe BeeN
IDeNTIFIeD, INCLuDING THe RISk OF FIRe
CAuSeD By: n arcing of solar panelsn electric shock from contact with ‘live’
solar panelsn electric shock to line workers if power is
fed back into the supply grid.
OTHeR POTeNTIAL SAFeTy ISSueS ARe:n live workn protection of electricity distribution
workersn installer qualifications and competencen remote area workn operating voltages.
The eSO is working on a number of
initiatives to minimise the electrical safety risk
and will keep readers informed.
the electrical Safety Office (eSO) and other
electrical safety regulators across Australia
are monitoring fire safety, particularly fires
caused by recessed down-lights which
operate at very high temperatures.
In October 2006 a fire occurred after an
insulation business filled a roof space of a
home with loose fill cellulose-type insulation,
covering the transformer and dichroic down-
lights, the smouldering insulation causing
charring to the house trusses. The magistrate
fined the company $15,000 and ordered it to
pay investigation and court costs.
The eSO recently wrote to members of
the Queensland insulation industry with
information to highlight their responsibilities
under the Australian Standard for thermal
insulation (AS/NZS3999:1992) and to inform
them of their obligations under the electrical
Safety Act 2002 to ensure their business is
conducted in a way that is electrically safe.
The eSO has also been undertaking
statewide audits targeting businesses
installing thermal insulation in roof spaces.
These audits assess the knowledge and
operational aspects of insulation installers
who install insulation near electrical
equipment.
queenslanD
Insulation installers and down-light dangers
Barely more than 12 months ago the
stock markets were at all-time highs
and the party had every reason to
continue because, according to the
experts, companies were strong and Australia
had plenty of the resources the rest of the world
needed. Unemployment was at record lows,
Australia was banking record budget surpluses,
and the economy was humming along so soundly
that our biggest problem was the prospect of
further interest rate rises as a mechanism to keep
us from racing along too quickly.
But how quickly this has all turned on its
ear. Those of us who keep an eye on our
superannuation investments know that the
financial markets have been in turmoil since late
2007, but the speed at which this has spread to
the general economy has been staggering.
The Reserve Bank’s official Cash reached a
high of 7.25 percent in March 2008 and was still
at 7.0 percent as recently as September 2008.
Just a few months later, at the time of writing,
the cash rate is 3.25 percent with further
reductions tipped throughout 2009. Some
analysts are forecasting the rate to drop as low
as 2.75 percent.
Oil prices and the Australian/US dollar exchange
rate have also reversed direction dramatically,
reflecting the speed at which global conditions
have impacted on the economy. As recently as
July 2008 oil reached US$147 per barrel yet four
months later it traded below US$50 per barrel.
And over the same period of time, the Australian
dollar fell by 32 percent against the US dollar
reflecting the flow of capital out of Australia and
around the globe.
These statistics show how suddenly things
have hit the wall, generating a sense of great
uncertainty in the business community. Exactly
how a US housing and debt crisis had a world-
wide economic ripple-effect is a story on its
own. The issues are real and they are now
staring us in the face.
what now for australia?
Clearly our economy is slowing down along with
those of every other developed country in the
world, and most economists believe this will be
the case throughout 2009 and into 2010.
Whether or not we will officially enter a
recession – two consecutive periods of negative
growth for those interested – is academic and at
this stage there are equal ‘yes’ and ‘no’ camps.
The ‘no’ camp, at least until very recently, included
major players such as the RBA, the Treasury, and
the big banks so we can find comfort in this from
a domestic viewpoint. It is clear, however, that
the US and a number of European economies are
in a recession or headed there very quickly.
The sheer enormity of foreign economies,
particularly the US economy which makes
up about 30 percent of the global economy,
means we must take notice of what happens
elsewhere. It means we are influenced by
them, but there is positive news to be found
for Australians and our economy.
n Our government will inject large sums of
cash into the economy courtesy of the multi-
billion dollar budget surpluses of recent yearsn Our interest rates were high enough at 7.25
percent that the government can afford to
stimulate our economy via interest rate cutsn Consumer sentiment now seems to be
improving through a combination of lower
interest rates, lower fuel costs, and the recent
cash payments to pensioners and parents.
There is debate about what method of
stimulus is best, but at least action can be and
is being taken.
n On the global front, the world’s governments
and central banks have finally begun to take
decisive, unified actions to ensure banking
systems do not failn They have moved to pump large sums of
money into the networks to improve liquidity
and this will flow through domestically and
with their trading partners. For example,
the Chinese government’s injection of
nearly a trillion dollars into infrastructure
projects with large packages also planned
in the US n Improved ‘credit spreads’ show the banks are
starting to feel more comfortable dealing with
each other which will free up more funding n Growth in China has slowed but many
economists are predicting this may be
short-livedn The change in government in the US. Events
such as this are often a catalyst for a change
in sentiment.
Is is almost irrelevant whether we ‘officially’
go into recession or not, but it means there
are enough reasons not to talk ourselves into
one.
What is significant is the part that sentiment
plays in the state of the economy. Whittaker
MacNaught founder and respected author
Noel Whittaker often recounts a story to point
out the importance of sentiment in financial
markets and economies. It is a story about an
old man who lived by the side of a road and
sold hot dogs.
He had no radio and he didn’t read the
newspapers, but he did sell great hot dogs.
He put up signs telling people how good
the hot dogs were and business grew so
he increased his meat and bun orders and
eventually bought a bigger stove to handle
the increasing demand.
But one day it all changed. He had a visit
from his son who was on university holiday.
The son said, “Haven’t you been reading
the newspapers? There’s a big recession. The
European situation is terrible. The domestic
situation is worse.”
Whereupon the father thought, “Well,
my son’s been to university, he reads the
newspapers and he listens to the radio. He
ought to know.”
So he reduced his orders, took down
advertising signs - and sales fell almost
overnight.
“You’re right, son,” the old man said to
his boy. “We’re certainly in the middle of a
great recession.”
what can business owners Do about it?
We may officially enter recession or we may
narrowly avoid one. The truth is, it really doesn’t
matter because what we do know is leaner
times are upon us and businesses that operate
effectively stand a better chance of surviving the
inevitable downturns. And, unfortunately, casual
or undisciplined practices often developed
through the good times come back to haunt
us when we really need to be at our peak
performance levels. As investment guru Warren
Buffett says, “it’s only when the tide goes out
that we see who’s been swimming naked”.
Recent events in the child-care industry have
shown no business is recession proof so, as you
would expect, it all comes back to management
ability and being prepared. Identify those areas
of your business that need improvement and
set about fixing them, quickly. Similarly, identify
what your business does well and maintain those
standards, and even strive to improve on them.
More than ever you will need to manage
your time carefully and get organised. Ensure
the important tasks are addressed in a timely
manner. Do not allow yourself to be distracted
by minor matters when, for example, you need
to be chasing debtors. And on the subject of
debtors, have a clear credit policy and stick to it.
Do not allow the cashflow problems of others
to become your problems. Plenty of profitable
businesses go under in tough times due to lack
of cashflow.
In their book, Driving Small Business (Simon &
Schuster, 2002) Des Knight and Noel Whittaker
observe that unfavourable market conditions
put business operators under pressure and bad
decisions are commonly made because operators
take a short term view. Emotions often play a part
too. This is understandable when you have put so
much effort into building a business. But it is true
decisive and sensible decisions are rarely made
when emotion is involved. Make your decisions
with a clear purpose in mind. Your main focus
must be the business and the task at hand.
Don’t be afraid to seek professional advice.
Accounting, HR, legal, marketing or insurance
matters – advice should be viewed as an
investment in your business that will repay you
many times over.
And finally, it is vital you build and maintain
open and honest communications with your
staff, customers, bank, and suppliers. You’ll
need their support and assistance when times
are tough and stretching credit terms without
making prior arrangements and avoiding phone
calls is the single fastest way to alienate those
you depend on most.
8 www.masterelectricians.com.au 9the master electrician : SummeR 09
feature : ec
on
om
ic d
ow
ntu
rn
survivalguide to the economic downturn
It seems like only yesterday we were reading the reports of booming
economies, businesses and export commodity exports.
10new year’s
resolutions for your business1 Be disciplined and committed to your business, staff, and customers
2 Stay focused on the core business tasks - don’t allow yourself to be distracted
3 Get organised and manage your time properly
4 Work towards achieving flexibility in all areas of your business - flexibility equals freedom of choice
5 Focus on staff training and mentoring of apprentices - they will be your most valuable asset through good times and bad
6 Review your Business Plan. Redefine your business goals and measure actual achievements against your list of goals
7 Reassess your customer base, reacquaint yourself with your customers’ needs, and re-evaluate your reasons for being in business
8 Constantly monitor systems and procedures - aim to achieve continuous improvement
9 Seek professional advice. Good advice will pay for itself many times over
10 Review your business structure with an insurance expert - what happens if one partner dies, falls ill, divorces, or retires?
* Stephen Horton is an adviser with Whittaker Macnaught, a division of CBA. This advice is general in nature and readers should seek their own expert advice before making financial decisions.
Barely more than 12 months ago the
stock markets were at all-time highs
and the party had every reason to
continue because, according to the
experts, companies were strong and Australia
had plenty of the resources the rest of the world
needed. Unemployment was at record lows,
Australia was banking record budget surpluses,
and the economy was humming along so soundly
that our biggest problem was the prospect of
further interest rate rises as a mechanism to keep
us from racing along too quickly.
But how quickly this has all turned on its
ear. Those of us who keep an eye on our
superannuation investments know that the
financial markets have been in turmoil since late
2007, but the speed at which this has spread to
the general economy has been staggering.
The Reserve Bank’s official Cash reached a
high of 7.25 percent in March 2008 and was still
at 7.0 percent as recently as September 2008.
Just a few months later, at the time of writing,
the cash rate is 3.25 percent with further
reductions tipped throughout 2009. Some
analysts are forecasting the rate to drop as low
as 2.75 percent.
Oil prices and the Australian/US dollar exchange
rate have also reversed direction dramatically,
reflecting the speed at which global conditions
have impacted on the economy. As recently as
July 2008 oil reached US$147 per barrel yet four
months later it traded below US$50 per barrel.
And over the same period of time, the Australian
dollar fell by 32 percent against the US dollar
reflecting the flow of capital out of Australia and
around the globe.
These statistics show how suddenly things
have hit the wall, generating a sense of great
uncertainty in the business community. Exactly
how a US housing and debt crisis had a world-
wide economic ripple-effect is a story on its
own. The issues are real and they are now
staring us in the face.
what now for australia?
Clearly our economy is slowing down along with
those of every other developed country in the
world, and most economists believe this will be
the case throughout 2009 and into 2010.
Whether or not we will officially enter a
recession – two consecutive periods of negative
growth for those interested – is academic and at
this stage there are equal ‘yes’ and ‘no’ camps.
The ‘no’ camp, at least until very recently, included
major players such as the RBA, the Treasury, and
the big banks so we can find comfort in this from
a domestic viewpoint. It is clear, however, that
the US and a number of European economies are
in a recession or headed there very quickly.
The sheer enormity of foreign economies,
particularly the US economy which makes
up about 30 percent of the global economy,
means we must take notice of what happens
elsewhere. It means we are influenced by
them, but there is positive news to be found
for Australians and our economy.
n Our government will inject large sums of
cash into the economy courtesy of the multi-
billion dollar budget surpluses of recent yearsn Our interest rates were high enough at 7.25
percent that the government can afford to
stimulate our economy via interest rate cutsn Consumer sentiment now seems to be
improving through a combination of lower
interest rates, lower fuel costs, and the recent
cash payments to pensioners and parents.
There is debate about what method of
stimulus is best, but at least action can be and
is being taken.
n On the global front, the world’s governments
and central banks have finally begun to take
decisive, unified actions to ensure banking
systems do not failn They have moved to pump large sums of
money into the networks to improve liquidity
and this will flow through domestically and
with their trading partners. For example,
the Chinese government’s injection of
nearly a trillion dollars into infrastructure
projects with large packages also planned
in the US n Improved ‘credit spreads’ show the banks are
starting to feel more comfortable dealing with
each other which will free up more funding n Growth in China has slowed but many
economists are predicting this may be
short-livedn The change in government in the US. Events
such as this are often a catalyst for a change
in sentiment.
Is is almost irrelevant whether we ‘officially’
go into recession or not, but it means there
are enough reasons not to talk ourselves into
one.
What is significant is the part that sentiment
plays in the state of the economy. Whittaker
MacNaught founder and respected author
Noel Whittaker often recounts a story to point
out the importance of sentiment in financial
markets and economies. It is a story about an
old man who lived by the side of a road and
sold hot dogs.
He had no radio and he didn’t read the
newspapers, but he did sell great hot dogs.
He put up signs telling people how good
the hot dogs were and business grew so
he increased his meat and bun orders and
eventually bought a bigger stove to handle
the increasing demand.
But one day it all changed. He had a visit
from his son who was on university holiday.
The son said, “Haven’t you been reading
the newspapers? There’s a big recession. The
European situation is terrible. The domestic
situation is worse.”
Whereupon the father thought, “Well,
my son’s been to university, he reads the
newspapers and he listens to the radio. He
ought to know.”
So he reduced his orders, took down
advertising signs - and sales fell almost
overnight.
“You’re right, son,” the old man said to
his boy. “We’re certainly in the middle of a
great recession.”
what can business owners Do about it?
We may officially enter recession or we may
narrowly avoid one. The truth is, it really doesn’t
matter because what we do know is leaner
times are upon us and businesses that operate
effectively stand a better chance of surviving the
inevitable downturns. And, unfortunately, casual
or undisciplined practices often developed
through the good times come back to haunt
us when we really need to be at our peak
performance levels. As investment guru Warren
Buffett says, “it’s only when the tide goes out
that we see who’s been swimming naked”.
Recent events in the child-care industry have
shown no business is recession proof so, as you
would expect, it all comes back to management
ability and being prepared. Identify those areas
of your business that need improvement and
set about fixing them, quickly. Similarly, identify
what your business does well and maintain those
standards, and even strive to improve on them.
More than ever you will need to manage
your time carefully and get organised. Ensure
the important tasks are addressed in a timely
manner. Do not allow yourself to be distracted
by minor matters when, for example, you need
to be chasing debtors. And on the subject of
debtors, have a clear credit policy and stick to it.
Do not allow the cashflow problems of others
to become your problems. Plenty of profitable
businesses go under in tough times due to lack
of cashflow.
In their book, Driving Small Business (Simon &
Schuster, 2002) Des Knight and Noel Whittaker
observe that unfavourable market conditions
put business operators under pressure and bad
decisions are commonly made because operators
take a short term view. Emotions often play a part
too. This is understandable when you have put so
much effort into building a business. But it is true
decisive and sensible decisions are rarely made
when emotion is involved. Make your decisions
with a clear purpose in mind. Your main focus
must be the business and the task at hand.
Don’t be afraid to seek professional advice.
Accounting, HR, legal, marketing or insurance
matters – advice should be viewed as an
investment in your business that will repay you
many times over.
And finally, it is vital you build and maintain
open and honest communications with your
staff, customers, bank, and suppliers. You’ll
need their support and assistance when times
are tough and stretching credit terms without
making prior arrangements and avoiding phone
calls is the single fastest way to alienate those
you depend on most.
8 www.masterelectricians.com.au 9the master electrician : SummeR 09
feature : ec
on
om
ic d
ow
ntu
rn
survivalguide to the economic downturn
It seems like only yesterday we were reading the reports of booming
economies, businesses and export commodity exports.
10new year’s
resolutions for your business1 Be disciplined and committed to your business, staff, and customers
2 Stay focused on the core business tasks - don’t allow yourself to be distracted
3 Get organised and manage your time properly
4 Work towards achieving flexibility in all areas of your business - flexibility equals freedom of choice
5 Focus on staff training and mentoring of apprentices - they will be your most valuable asset through good times and bad
6 Review your Business Plan. Redefine your business goals and measure actual achievements against your list of goals
7 Reassess your customer base, reacquaint yourself with your customers’ needs, and re-evaluate your reasons for being in business
8 Constantly monitor systems and procedures - aim to achieve continuous improvement
9 Seek professional advice. Good advice will pay for itself many times over
10 Review your business structure with an insurance expert - what happens if one partner dies, falls ill, divorces, or retires?
* Stephen Horton is an adviser with Whittaker Macnaught, a division of CBA. This advice is general in nature and readers should seek their own expert advice before making financial decisions.
10 www.masterelectricians.com.au
Those mature enough to remember the 80’s can reminisce over our last economic downturn and regale
Generation y with tales of interest rates at 18%,
five applicants for every one job and employees who stayed with their
employer for life.
11the master electrician : SummeR 09
feature : ec
on
om
ic d
ow
ntu
rnimpact
on skill shortages & apprenticeships
The ‘good old days’ are how many
employers refer to the ‘lost decade’
and now yearn for the loyalty,
commitment of a fully functioning
workforce that a downturn can produce.
what is a skills shortage?
Put simply, a ‘Skills Shortage’ is a supply and
demand equation. The supply of suitably qualified
electrical workers simply does not meet the
demand of the electrotechnology industry.
There are many aspects that add stress to the
skills shortage crisis: n A consistent unemployment rate which as at
October 2008 was at 4.3% (Australian Bureau
of Statistics);
n Rapid technological advancements
especially involving product development;n A resources boom that provides substantially
higher wages to electrical workers.
As we face the very real prospect of another
economic crisis, we need to remember how
we came to have a skill shortage in the
first place - a skill shortage that we are still
trying to affectively address by employing
more apprentices, retaining existing staff and
importing skilled labour.
When the first signs of the economic crisis
came to light in the early 1980s numerous
organisations immediately terminated their
apprentices. Many current electrical contractors
were caught up in this practice whilst
attempting to complete their apprenticeships
and can recite their story of applying for
another job, arriving for the interview only to
see five of their mates also vying for the same
position. This cycle continued for several
years and was paramount to the creation of
the current skill shortage. We as an industry
need to consider the alternatives and learn
from our mistakes of the past.
Each year the National Centre for
Vocational Education Research (NCVER)
conducts surveys that assist us in identifying
trends and planning for the future. In 2007,
29.1% of employers nationally had at least
one apprentice employed in their business.
This combined with 44.4% of employers
who reported having difficulty in recruiting
staff makes training apprentices vital to the
continuing growth of not only the Industry
but also our economy.
Currently, employers are looking to downsize
their workforce to combat the anticipated drop
in work. This will have a direct effect on the
ongoing indenture of apprentices which is a
critical factor in the skill shortage crisis.
what are your options as a business?
As an employer there are several options you
should consider prior to terminating your
apprentice due to lack of work including:n Look at availability to get your apprentice into
their ‘off the job training’ or increasing their
‘off the job’ training that they are currently
attending.
n Does your apprentice have leave
entitlements available to take?n Can you partner with another Electrical
Contracting company to place your
apprentice on a ‘temporary’ basis until
work increases?
All of the above options should be exhausted
and termination should only be considered as
a last resort.
who can you talk to?
each state and territory has a training
Authority who can provide accurate
advice and assistance to employer and
apprentices. You can access your state or
territory training Authority by searching
on: www.dest.gov.au
Your Australian Apprenticeship centre can
also provide you with advice and if you are
left with no other option but to terminate
the apprenticeship, they can also link you
with a Job Network Provider who can assist
your apprentice to find employment.
Your Australian Apprenticeship centre
was the organisation who ‘signed up’ your
apprentice into their training contract.
You can find your local Australian
Apprenticeship centre at:
www.australianapprenticeships.gov.au
Members can also contact Master
electricians/ecA who can provide options
for you to consider.
www.masterelectricians.com.au
www.ecaq.asn.au
The current financial market:Japanese scientists Kill Bacteria By electrocutiona science team led by tokyo university of technology has developed a membrane that electrocutes infectious agents such as legionella bacteria found in bathwater.
the membrane was made simple and safe to use by applying electromagnetic induction – a phenomenon whereby an electric current passes through an object as it moves around a magnet.
www.yomiuri.co.jp
10 www.masterelectricians.com.au
Those mature enough to remember the 80’s can reminisce over our last economic downturn and regale
Generation y with tales of interest rates at 18%,
five applicants for every one job and employees who stayed with their
employer for life.
11the master electrician : SummeR 09
feature : ec
on
om
ic d
ow
ntu
rnimpact
on skill shortages & apprenticeships
The ‘good old days’ are how many
employers refer to the ‘lost decade’
and now yearn for the loyalty,
commitment of a fully functioning
workforce that a downturn can produce.
what is a skills shortage?
Put simply, a ‘Skills Shortage’ is a supply and
demand equation. The supply of suitably qualified
electrical workers simply does not meet the
demand of the electrotechnology industry.
There are many aspects that add stress to the
skills shortage crisis: n A consistent unemployment rate which as at
October 2008 was at 4.3% (Australian Bureau
of Statistics);
n Rapid technological advancements
especially involving product development;n A resources boom that provides substantially
higher wages to electrical workers.
As we face the very real prospect of another
economic crisis, we need to remember how
we came to have a skill shortage in the
first place - a skill shortage that we are still
trying to affectively address by employing
more apprentices, retaining existing staff and
importing skilled labour.
When the first signs of the economic crisis
came to light in the early 1980s numerous
organisations immediately terminated their
apprentices. Many current electrical contractors
were caught up in this practice whilst
attempting to complete their apprenticeships
and can recite their story of applying for
another job, arriving for the interview only to
see five of their mates also vying for the same
position. This cycle continued for several
years and was paramount to the creation of
the current skill shortage. We as an industry
need to consider the alternatives and learn
from our mistakes of the past.
Each year the National Centre for
Vocational Education Research (NCVER)
conducts surveys that assist us in identifying
trends and planning for the future. In 2007,
29.1% of employers nationally had at least
one apprentice employed in their business.
This combined with 44.4% of employers
who reported having difficulty in recruiting
staff makes training apprentices vital to the
continuing growth of not only the Industry
but also our economy.
Currently, employers are looking to downsize
their workforce to combat the anticipated drop
in work. This will have a direct effect on the
ongoing indenture of apprentices which is a
critical factor in the skill shortage crisis.
what are your options as a business?
As an employer there are several options you
should consider prior to terminating your
apprentice due to lack of work including:n Look at availability to get your apprentice into
their ‘off the job training’ or increasing their
‘off the job’ training that they are currently
attending.
n Does your apprentice have leave
entitlements available to take?n Can you partner with another Electrical
Contracting company to place your
apprentice on a ‘temporary’ basis until
work increases?
All of the above options should be exhausted
and termination should only be considered as
a last resort.
who can you talk to?
each state and territory has a training
Authority who can provide accurate
advice and assistance to employer and
apprentices. You can access your state or
territory training Authority by searching
on: www.dest.gov.au
Your Australian Apprenticeship centre can
also provide you with advice and if you are
left with no other option but to terminate
the apprenticeship, they can also link you
with a Job Network Provider who can assist
your apprentice to find employment.
Your Australian Apprenticeship centre
was the organisation who ‘signed up’ your
apprentice into their training contract.
You can find your local Australian
Apprenticeship centre at:
www.australianapprenticeships.gov.au
Members can also contact Master
electricians/ecA who can provide options
for you to consider.
www.masterelectricians.com.au
www.ecaq.asn.au
The current financial market:Japanese scientists Kill Bacteria By electrocutiona science team led by tokyo university of technology has developed a membrane that electrocutes infectious agents such as legionella bacteria found in bathwater.
the membrane was made simple and safe to use by applying electromagnetic induction – a phenomenon whereby an electric current passes through an object as it moves around a magnet.
www.yomiuri.co.jp
To help our clients take the
first step, we have asked one
of the leading business advisory
firms in Brisbane, Brightwater
Partnership, to provide a series
of small group workshops for our
clients. These workshops are open
to ECA members and accredited
Master Electricians at the special rate
of $150.
Take the first step to get your
house in order and reserve a place.
To reserve your seat or for more
information about any of the tips
call Jolynda Bos at McKays Solicitors
on (07) 3223 5907 or email her at
failcontractor’s businesses
Contractors have experienced
unprecedented good times in the
last ten years. Many of them have,
during these good times, failed to
pay attention to some very important aspects of
their business because… “we are too busy”!
In the bad times, all those issues which
should have been attended to, but which have
not been attended to are likely to come home
to roost... often resulting in businesses failing
and worse still, in the personal bankruptcy of
the individuals behind the businesses.
Perhaps the last point is the most important.
If you get your business sorted out during these
tough times (when you are likely to have more
time to do it by the way) you will be
well placed when the good times
return.
quick tips to help you survivedo not work For people who do not paY – use your rights under the law to stop work when someone does not pay you;
PromptlY recover Your deBts – use the recovery systems available, especially subcontractor’s charges where you think the builder might go broke and payment claims. if you do not get paid, you will not be able to pay your debts and you will end up on the business scrapheap;
sort out Your Business structure issues – with less money coming in the prospect for partnership disputes and shareholder fights is drastically raised. get it sorted out now before the times get too tough. if you have a partnership or shareholder’s fight, i can guarantee you that it will cost you tens and possibly hundreds of thousands more than it will if you have a properly documented shareholders or partnership agreement in place;
Fix Your Business Fundamentals – spend the money and get a reputable business advisor with a proven track record to have a look at your business, identify the problem areas and help you with a plan to overcome them.4
3
21
12 www.masterelectricians.com.au 13the master electrician : SummeR 09
feature : ec
on
om
ic d
ow
ntu
rn
In tough economic times you don’t have to
play the victim. Think back to the late 80’s and
early 90’s. There was the pilot’s strike, galloping
inflation and massive industrial unrest.
Anthony Davis of business adviser organisation,
Brightwater Partnership, says it was the savvy
business people who used that time to their
advantage and saw the benefit for the next 20
years.
“I am not suggesting that there will not be
some tightening in the economy. There will
be some failures, and we will all need to look
harder for the opportunities. But one thing
of which you can be sure is that there will be
opportunities,” Mr Davis said.
be prepareD to Do a bit more
Anthony believes this is an ideal time to work
harder and smarter and do some of those extra
things you might have been thinking about.
“Create a budget and stick to it, add one or
two new marketing strategies, create some new
strategic alliances, work more on your business,
develop a mission statement. The list goes on.”
Don’t just Do more of the same
According to Anthony the definition of ‘insanity in
business’ is to continue to do the same thing over
and over and to expect a different result.
“Look into all areas of your business. Smart
business owners know what it means to look into
all areas within their business and identify ways to
do this differently.”
If you wish to ‘prepare’ your business with
Brightwater Partnership please call 1800 242 366
or visit www.brightwater.com.au.
tips to create
nyour mission Statement must include your Vision (your big picture for your business), your unique Selling Proposition – uSP (what separates you from your competitors in the mind of your customers) and your Purpose (the reason your business exists both for you and for your customer.)
nmission Statements are written: in the present tense; in positive language; short enough to be memorable; long enough to be meaningful; with emotional value; to be inspiring, technical, and, down to earth.
nResist the urge to create a ‘motherhood’ statement. ensure that yours is unique to your business. Be proud to use it everywhere you can and over time you will become your mission Statement.
...some tips to surviveThe difficult economic times and in particular, the
credit tightening by the banks already has a number of contractors being forced out of business.
mission statement
your own
To help our clients take the
first step, we have asked one
of the leading business advisory
firms in Brisbane, Brightwater
Partnership, to provide a series
of small group workshops for our
clients. These workshops are open
to ECA members and accredited
Master Electricians at the special rate
of $150.
Take the first step to get your
house in order and reserve a place.
To reserve your seat or for more
information about any of the tips
call Jolynda Bos at McKays Solicitors
on (07) 3223 5907 or email her at
failcontractor’s businesses
Contractors have experienced
unprecedented good times in the
last ten years. Many of them have,
during these good times, failed to
pay attention to some very important aspects of
their business because… “we are too busy”!
In the bad times, all those issues which
should have been attended to, but which have
not been attended to are likely to come home
to roost... often resulting in businesses failing
and worse still, in the personal bankruptcy of
the individuals behind the businesses.
Perhaps the last point is the most important.
If you get your business sorted out during these
tough times (when you are likely to have more
time to do it by the way) you will be
well placed when the good times
return.
quick tips to help you survivedo not work For people who do not paY – use your rights under the law to stop work when someone does not pay you;
PromptlY recover Your deBts – use the recovery systems available, especially subcontractor’s charges where you think the builder might go broke and payment claims. if you do not get paid, you will not be able to pay your debts and you will end up on the business scrapheap;
sort out Your Business structure issues – with less money coming in the prospect for partnership disputes and shareholder fights is drastically raised. get it sorted out now before the times get too tough. if you have a partnership or shareholder’s fight, i can guarantee you that it will cost you tens and possibly hundreds of thousands more than it will if you have a properly documented shareholders or partnership agreement in place;
Fix Your Business Fundamentals – spend the money and get a reputable business advisor with a proven track record to have a look at your business, identify the problem areas and help you with a plan to overcome them.4
3
21
12 www.masterelectricians.com.au 13the master electrician : SummeR 09
feature : ec
on
om
ic d
ow
ntu
rn
In tough economic times you don’t have to
play the victim. Think back to the late 80’s and
early 90’s. There was the pilot’s strike, galloping
inflation and massive industrial unrest.
Anthony Davis of business adviser organisation,
Brightwater Partnership, says it was the savvy
business people who used that time to their
advantage and saw the benefit for the next 20
years.
“I am not suggesting that there will not be
some tightening in the economy. There will
be some failures, and we will all need to look
harder for the opportunities. But one thing
of which you can be sure is that there will be
opportunities,” Mr Davis said.
be prepareD to Do a bit more
Anthony believes this is an ideal time to work
harder and smarter and do some of those extra
things you might have been thinking about.
“Create a budget and stick to it, add one or
two new marketing strategies, create some new
strategic alliances, work more on your business,
develop a mission statement. The list goes on.”
Don’t just Do more of the same
According to Anthony the definition of ‘insanity in
business’ is to continue to do the same thing over
and over and to expect a different result.
“Look into all areas of your business. Smart
business owners know what it means to look into
all areas within their business and identify ways to
do this differently.”
If you wish to ‘prepare’ your business with
Brightwater Partnership please call 1800 242 366
or visit www.brightwater.com.au.
tips to create
nyour mission Statement must include your Vision (your big picture for your business), your unique Selling Proposition – uSP (what separates you from your competitors in the mind of your customers) and your Purpose (the reason your business exists both for you and for your customer.)
nmission Statements are written: in the present tense; in positive language; short enough to be memorable; long enough to be meaningful; with emotional value; to be inspiring, technical, and, down to earth.
nResist the urge to create a ‘motherhood’ statement. ensure that yours is unique to your business. Be proud to use it everywhere you can and over time you will become your mission Statement.
...some tips to surviveThe difficult economic times and in particular, the
credit tightening by the banks already has a number of contractors being forced out of business.
mission statement
your own
14 www.masterelectricians.com.au
A balanced life is said to be a less stressful life but what happens when the equilibrium
is upset? emily Clark investigates...
15the master electrician : SummeR 09
feature article : wo
rk
liFe B
ala
nc
ebalancea hard act to master?
Balance between a person’s work and
personal life is critical, but Australians
are working more and more and as
our work days get longer, the time
left for life is diminishing.
Very long working hours tend to be more
common in occupations where self-employment
in small business is prevalent. For electrical
contractors this scenario is all too familiar.
According to the Australian Bureau of
Statistics (ABS), almost 25 percent of full time
tradespeople in Australia perform more than 50
hours each week.
Small business owners are amongst the
hardest workers in Australia with more than 50
percent performing 50 hours each week.
achieving a work life balance
Despite the long weeks of an electrical
contractor, employment and work issues expert,
Dr Paula Donaldson said the key to a balanced life
lies in our satisfaction.
“Work should provide some satisfaction but
leave room for other areas of life to be equally
satisfying.
“A balance occurs when satisfaction
is gained from work life and from other
critical areas such as family and social life,”
Dr Donaldson said.
Electrical contractors are often sole
traders and employ family members to
support the business. Often these family
members are contributing their
time to the business, without
taking a salary.
The ABS found almost 60 percent of contributing
family workers perform 50 hours or more each
week and more than 25 percent of contributing
family workers perform more than 70 hours each
week.
Tracey and Jason Price are successful small
business owners and parents to two-year-old,
Cooper.
Jason works at least five 10-hour days each
week for their company JTP Group.
Tracey oversees the operations of the business
from their Brisbane office, contributing four eight-
hour days each week.
With a background in management and human
resources, Tracey realised early that their business
needed to support their life, not dictate it.
“I used to get on a bus everyday and head
into the city, but I was just a number – running a
business is hard but if you manage it right, it can
be really rewarding.”
Tracey insists that in small business, work does
not stop when the doors to the office are locked
at the end of the day.
“We have strict office hours but Jason and I are
always available to our clients on our mobiles, we
take calls until late at night.
“It can become quite testing, trying to juggle
a company and a family, but our reputation and
service is important so we can’t lose control of
that,” Tracey said.
ABS research uncovered almost 60 percent
of self-employed workers performed 50 hours
or more each week while almost 15 percent
of self-employed workers worked 70 hours or
more per week.
“Yes the hours we work are long, but as our
business, and family, has grown we’ve had to
learn to switch off to a degree.
“We take weekends off to just be a family,”
Tracey said.
when the balance is unsettleD
With large workloads Dr Donaldson insists it is
important to switch off and focus on the things
that bring the most satisfaction because when
work and life overlap, the mixed result can be
hard to handle.
“A balance is critical for different people in
different ways.
“It might be important for someone to have
balance to reduce stress, to reduce work-life
conflict, to feel like they receive adequate
pleasure, or to feel like an adequate parent,”
Dr Donaldson said.
“When individuals lose balance they can
experience high levels of stress or turn to drugs
and alcohol but an imbalance can be the crucial
contributor to a family break down,” she said.
Many electrical contracting businesses are run
by husband and wife teams and Tracey insists
maintaining a personal relationship is often a
struggle.
“Apart from trying to balance family and
work life
balancing the work-life
tightrope n Develop a family culture at your workplace to gain more satisfaction from your job and to bring work closer to lifen If you work with your spouse remember to talk. Talk, outside of business hours, about things unrelated to your business n Do positive business building tasks together. Take each other to new business development meetings and engage as business partners rather than as an ‘electrician’ and an ‘office manager’n Foster trust amongst your employees and have confidence in them to look after your business without you. This will make taking holidays easier.
tips
work life it is important to remember how to
have a marriage.
“It’s quite trying to have a business
relationship and then go home and try to
be romantic – it’s not second nature, it takes
work,” Tracey said. HAZARDOUS AREA AND
HIGH VOLTAGEINSTALLATION
AUDITS
✓ ESO Compliance Audits✓ Area Classifications✓ Risk Assessments✓ Pre-installation/design review
Call Steve Downey on
1300 724 744to arrange an inspection
www.jantec.com.au
14 www.masterelectricians.com.au
A balanced life is said to be a less stressful life but what happens when the equilibrium
is upset? emily Clark investigates...
15the master electrician : SummeR 09
feature article : wo
rk
liFe B
ala
nc
ebalancea hard act to master?
Balance between a person’s work and
personal life is critical, but Australians
are working more and more and as
our work days get longer, the time
left for life is diminishing.
Very long working hours tend to be more
common in occupations where self-employment
in small business is prevalent. For electrical
contractors this scenario is all too familiar.
According to the Australian Bureau of
Statistics (ABS), almost 25 percent of full time
tradespeople in Australia perform more than 50
hours each week.
Small business owners are amongst the
hardest workers in Australia with more than 50
percent performing 50 hours each week.
achieving a work life balance
Despite the long weeks of an electrical
contractor, employment and work issues expert,
Dr Paula Donaldson said the key to a balanced life
lies in our satisfaction.
“Work should provide some satisfaction but
leave room for other areas of life to be equally
satisfying.
“A balance occurs when satisfaction
is gained from work life and from other
critical areas such as family and social life,”
Dr Donaldson said.
Electrical contractors are often sole
traders and employ family members to
support the business. Often these family
members are contributing their
time to the business, without
taking a salary.
The ABS found almost 60 percent of contributing
family workers perform 50 hours or more each
week and more than 25 percent of contributing
family workers perform more than 70 hours each
week.
Tracey and Jason Price are successful small
business owners and parents to two-year-old,
Cooper.
Jason works at least five 10-hour days each
week for their company JTP Group.
Tracey oversees the operations of the business
from their Brisbane office, contributing four eight-
hour days each week.
With a background in management and human
resources, Tracey realised early that their business
needed to support their life, not dictate it.
“I used to get on a bus everyday and head
into the city, but I was just a number – running a
business is hard but if you manage it right, it can
be really rewarding.”
Tracey insists that in small business, work does
not stop when the doors to the office are locked
at the end of the day.
“We have strict office hours but Jason and I are
always available to our clients on our mobiles, we
take calls until late at night.
“It can become quite testing, trying to juggle
a company and a family, but our reputation and
service is important so we can’t lose control of
that,” Tracey said.
ABS research uncovered almost 60 percent
of self-employed workers performed 50 hours
or more each week while almost 15 percent
of self-employed workers worked 70 hours or
more per week.
“Yes the hours we work are long, but as our
business, and family, has grown we’ve had to
learn to switch off to a degree.
“We take weekends off to just be a family,”
Tracey said.
when the balance is unsettleD
With large workloads Dr Donaldson insists it is
important to switch off and focus on the things
that bring the most satisfaction because when
work and life overlap, the mixed result can be
hard to handle.
“A balance is critical for different people in
different ways.
“It might be important for someone to have
balance to reduce stress, to reduce work-life
conflict, to feel like they receive adequate
pleasure, or to feel like an adequate parent,”
Dr Donaldson said.
“When individuals lose balance they can
experience high levels of stress or turn to drugs
and alcohol but an imbalance can be the crucial
contributor to a family break down,” she said.
Many electrical contracting businesses are run
by husband and wife teams and Tracey insists
maintaining a personal relationship is often a
struggle.
“Apart from trying to balance family and
work life
balancing the work-life
tightrope n Develop a family culture at your workplace to gain more satisfaction from your job and to bring work closer to lifen If you work with your spouse remember to talk. Talk, outside of business hours, about things unrelated to your business n Do positive business building tasks together. Take each other to new business development meetings and engage as business partners rather than as an ‘electrician’ and an ‘office manager’n Foster trust amongst your employees and have confidence in them to look after your business without you. This will make taking holidays easier.
tips
work life it is important to remember how to
have a marriage.
“It’s quite trying to have a business
relationship and then go home and try to
be romantic – it’s not second nature, it takes
work,” Tracey said. HAZARDOUS AREA AND
HIGH VOLTAGEINSTALLATION
AUDITS
✓ ESO Compliance Audits✓ Area Classifications✓ Risk Assessments✓ Pre-installation/design review
Call Steve Downey on
1300 724 744to arrange an inspection
www.jantec.com.au
The first thing that strikes you about
Australia’s newest power station is
its size – or more precisely, its lack of
size.
Those more accustomed to coal-fired
electricity, as most Australians are, would have
grown used to the idea that power stations
are enormous structures that dominate their
landscapes.
The gas-fired NewGen Kwinana plant is
significantly smaller than most people would
expect.
Also on the small side is its greenhouse gas
output. In fact, carbon emissions are around
half of the levels produced by coal-fired power.
But that lack of size doesn’t result in reduced
power output.
Kwinana is a 320MW base-load facility,
meaning it provides power around the clock into
Western Australia’s South-West Interconnected
System.
It took around $400 million and 31 months to
build, and it is among Australia’s most modern
and high-technology electricity generation
projects.
The power station’s 330kV switchyard is
connected to the Western Power switchyard by
a three core insulated underground cable rated
for 330 kV, 50 Hz operation. Each core measures
800 square millimetres, and the power transfer
capability is 420 MVA. The cable was supplied
by Taihan Electric Wire Co Ltd in Korea.
NewGen Power Kwinana Chairman Trevor St
Baker said the power station was among the most
efficient in the country, and was helping Western
Australians reduce their carbon footprint.
“This is a combined cycle power station,
which means that it produces electricity from
two sources – gas and steam,” he said.
“The plant harnesses and uses the steam
produced from the waste heat in the exhaust of
the gas turbine to run a steam turbine, which
means we are able to produce more power
using less fuel, and significantly reduce the
greenhouse gas emissions from the project.”
The low-emissions technology used at Kwinana
will deliver approximately 1.25 million tonnes of
carbon pollution abatement every year when
compared with coal-fired power generation.
Over 25 years, it will represent a cut of 30
million tonnes of carbon pollution.
Because of its ability to produce power
around the clock and throughout the year, it
will provide more greenhouse abatement than
1,000MW of wind generation.
Kwinana’s environmental credentials also
extend to its construction. Lead developer
ERM Power and major contractor Smithbridge
Australia received a prestigious environmental
construction award for their work on the
construction of the supporting infrastructure.
The Civil Contractors’ Association National
Earth Award was presented in recognition of
the pioneering and innovative approach used
in building the power station’s cooling water
outfall.
Mr St Baker said Kwinana – which began
operations seven weeks ahead of schedule
and under budget – would bring an estimated
economic benefit in excess of $1billion to the
region during its operating life.
“Most importantly, the NewGen Kwinana
power station is capable of delivering
approximately ten per cent of Western
Australia’s electricity demand,” he said.
16 www.masterelectricians.com.au 17the master electrician : SummeR 09
feature article : ne
w g
en
er
ation
kw
ina
na
po
we
r s
tation
moreLess is
for Australia’s newest power station
The leading-edge 320mW NewGen kwinana power station shows that good things really do come in small packages.
“BeCAuSe OF ITS ABILITy TO PRODuCe POWeR
AROuND THe CLOCk AND THROuGHOuT THe yeAR,
IT WILL PROVIDe mORe GReeNHOuSe ABATemeNT
THAN 1,000mW OF WIND GeNeRATION.”
The first thing that strikes you about
Australia’s newest power station is
its size – or more precisely, its lack of
size.
Those more accustomed to coal-fired
electricity, as most Australians are, would have
grown used to the idea that power stations
are enormous structures that dominate their
landscapes.
The gas-fired NewGen Kwinana plant is
significantly smaller than most people would
expect.
Also on the small side is its greenhouse gas
output. In fact, carbon emissions are around
half of the levels produced by coal-fired power.
But that lack of size doesn’t result in reduced
power output.
Kwinana is a 320MW base-load facility,
meaning it provides power around the clock into
Western Australia’s South-West Interconnected
System.
It took around $400 million and 31 months to
build, and it is among Australia’s most modern
and high-technology electricity generation
projects.
The power station’s 330kV switchyard is
connected to the Western Power switchyard by
a three core insulated underground cable rated
for 330 kV, 50 Hz operation. Each core measures
800 square millimetres, and the power transfer
capability is 420 MVA. The cable was supplied
by Taihan Electric Wire Co Ltd in Korea.
NewGen Power Kwinana Chairman Trevor St
Baker said the power station was among the most
efficient in the country, and was helping Western
Australians reduce their carbon footprint.
“This is a combined cycle power station,
which means that it produces electricity from
two sources – gas and steam,” he said.
“The plant harnesses and uses the steam
produced from the waste heat in the exhaust of
the gas turbine to run a steam turbine, which
means we are able to produce more power
using less fuel, and significantly reduce the
greenhouse gas emissions from the project.”
The low-emissions technology used at Kwinana
will deliver approximately 1.25 million tonnes of
carbon pollution abatement every year when
compared with coal-fired power generation.
Over 25 years, it will represent a cut of 30
million tonnes of carbon pollution.
Because of its ability to produce power
around the clock and throughout the year, it
will provide more greenhouse abatement than
1,000MW of wind generation.
Kwinana’s environmental credentials also
extend to its construction. Lead developer
ERM Power and major contractor Smithbridge
Australia received a prestigious environmental
construction award for their work on the
construction of the supporting infrastructure.
The Civil Contractors’ Association National
Earth Award was presented in recognition of
the pioneering and innovative approach used
in building the power station’s cooling water
outfall.
Mr St Baker said Kwinana – which began
operations seven weeks ahead of schedule
and under budget – would bring an estimated
economic benefit in excess of $1billion to the
region during its operating life.
“Most importantly, the NewGen Kwinana
power station is capable of delivering
approximately ten per cent of Western
Australia’s electricity demand,” he said.
16 www.masterelectricians.com.au 17the master electrician : SummeR 09
feature article : ne
w g
en
er
ation
kw
ina
na
po
we
r s
tation
moreLess is
for Australia’s newest power station
The leading-edge 320mW NewGen kwinana power station shows that good things really do come in small packages.
“BeCAuSe OF ITS ABILITy TO PRODuCe POWeR
AROuND THe CLOCk AND THROuGHOuT THe yeAR,
IT WILL PROVIDe mORe GReeNHOuSe ABATemeNT
THAN 1,000mW OF WIND GeNeRATION.”
18 www.masterelectricians.com.au
“This will ensure the state’s electricity
supplies will be well covered this summer and
for many years to come”
The plant was officially opened on November
7 by Western Australia’s Energy Minister
Peter Collier.
The Minister said the project would ensure
reliable power supplies to industry and underpin
the State’s ongoing economic growth.
“One of the State Government’s primary
objectives this year is to improve power reliability
across the State,” he said.
“The Kwinana power station is an integral
part of this initiative and will bring much-
needed additional capacity to meet WA’s
electricity requirements.”
Mr Collier said the station would provide
low-cost, environmentally friendly electricity
to WA, using gas from the North West Shelf
delivered through the Dampier to Bunbury
Natural Gas Pipeline.
“The gas-fired operation reduces greenhouse
gas emissions by up to half and water
consumption by up to 90 per cent compared
with a conventional plant,” he said.
Since its inception, the NewGen Kwinana
power station has used local skills and created
more than 300 jobs during the construction
phase. A further 20 ongoing jobs will be
created.
The output from NewGen Kwinana power
station is contracted to Western Australia’s
major electricity retailer, Synergy, from 1
December 2008.
NewGen Power has also commenced
construction of a 330MW open cycle gas
turbine peaking power station in Neerabup,
north of Perth.
Together, the Neerabup and Kwinana power
stations represent an investment of more than
$800million investment in Western Australia’s
electricity infrastructure.
feature article : new generation kwinana power station
electrocuted rat spurs stocKholm power outagethe electrocution of a fat rat in an electric station caused a three hour power outage in stockholm’s central train station.
the rat had sneaked into a secondary substation and came into contact with parts that caused it to short circuit.
the rat’s size was determined as there is a certain distance between the parts it touched. the blow was so forceful that the rat actually burst.
www.foxnews.com
Why become a Master Electrician?
Consumers trust the ‘Masters’ brand, and are more likely to choose a Master Electrician over the competition. Buyers equate Master Electricians with experience, quality, reliability and integrity.
Through our extensive advertising to public and industry on the benefits of using a Master Electrician, you will be in demand from the public, builders, principle contractors and government.
When you become a Master Electrician, you get the following benefits:■ Use of the Master Electrician branding■ A strong point of difference over your competitors■ Increased recognition by public and industry
Master Electricians Accreditation also provides you with unlimited access to:■ A wiring rules hotline■ A large technical and standards advice team■ Industry training and education■ Employment and workplace relations advice■ Expert advice on commercial and business matters■ Regular up-to-date news and information■ Networking opportunities with industry supporters, suppliers, other allied trades and associated organisations.
Master Electricians deliver the highest levels of quality, electrical safety, integrity and energy advice.
To find out how you can become a Master Electrician call 1300 889 198 or visit www.masterelectricians.com.au
quality safety reliability
Are you a Master Electrician?
08351_ECA_ME_FP.indd 1 25/2/09 9:22:17 AM
18 www.masterelectricians.com.au
“This will ensure the state’s electricity
supplies will be well covered this summer and
for many years to come”
The plant was officially opened on November
7 by Western Australia’s Energy Minister
Peter Collier.
The Minister said the project would ensure
reliable power supplies to industry and underpin
the State’s ongoing economic growth.
“One of the State Government’s primary
objectives this year is to improve power reliability
across the State,” he said.
“The Kwinana power station is an integral
part of this initiative and will bring much-
needed additional capacity to meet WA’s
electricity requirements.”
Mr Collier said the station would provide
low-cost, environmentally friendly electricity
to WA, using gas from the North West Shelf
delivered through the Dampier to Bunbury
Natural Gas Pipeline.
“The gas-fired operation reduces greenhouse
gas emissions by up to half and water
consumption by up to 90 per cent compared
with a conventional plant,” he said.
Since its inception, the NewGen Kwinana
power station has used local skills and created
more than 300 jobs during the construction
phase. A further 20 ongoing jobs will be
created.
The output from NewGen Kwinana power
station is contracted to Western Australia’s
major electricity retailer, Synergy, from 1
December 2008.
NewGen Power has also commenced
construction of a 330MW open cycle gas
turbine peaking power station in Neerabup,
north of Perth.
Together, the Neerabup and Kwinana power
stations represent an investment of more than
$800million investment in Western Australia’s
electricity infrastructure.
feature article : new generation kwinana power station
electrocuted rat spurs stocKholm power outagethe electrocution of a fat rat in an electric station caused a three hour power outage in stockholm’s central train station.
the rat had sneaked into a secondary substation and came into contact with parts that caused it to short circuit.
the rat’s size was determined as there is a certain distance between the parts it touched. the blow was so forceful that the rat actually burst.
www.foxnews.com
Why become a Master Electrician?
Consumers trust the ‘Masters’ brand, and are more likely to choose a Master Electrician over the competition. Buyers equate Master Electricians with experience, quality, reliability and integrity.
Through our extensive advertising to public and industry on the benefits of using a Master Electrician, you will be in demand from the public, builders, principle contractors and government.
When you become a Master Electrician, you get the following benefits:■ Use of the Master Electrician branding■ A strong point of difference over your competitors■ Increased recognition by public and industry
Master Electricians Accreditation also provides you with unlimited access to:■ A wiring rules hotline■ A large technical and standards advice team■ Industry training and education■ Employment and workplace relations advice■ Expert advice on commercial and business matters■ Regular up-to-date news and information■ Networking opportunities with industry supporters, suppliers, other allied trades and associated organisations.
Master Electricians deliver the highest levels of quality, electrical safety, integrity and energy advice.
To find out how you can become a Master Electrician call 1300 889 198 or visit www.masterelectricians.com.au
quality safety reliability
Are you a Master Electrician?
08351_ECA_ME_FP.indd 1 25/2/09 9:22:17 AM
21the master electrician : SummeR 09
workplace relations : C
LImATe
CH
AN
Ge
20 www.masterelectricians.com.au
mastersAustralia’s new
When devastating storms swept
across Brisbane one evening in
November, they left thousands
of families without electricity
and facing lengthy delays to have their homes
reconnected.
As the State Government and Brisbane City
Council scrambled to assemble a crisis response
team, they turned to Master Electricians Australia
for urgent expert assistance.
For CEO Malcolm Richards, it was confirmation
that the newly created Master Electricians
program had already established a position
of credibility and trust in the minds of senior
politicians and key bureaucrats.
Over the following 48 hours, Master
Electricians was to become firmly entrenched
in the minds of storm victims as well, with
the dedicated storm response centre receiving
hundreds of calls for assistance.
The call centre was able to mobilise 400 Master
Electricians and licensed members of the Electrical
and Communications Association to help ease the
heartache of devastated home owners.
Just weeks after it started operations, Master
Electricians had demonstrated its worth as both
an industry leader able to work cooperatively at
the highest level of government, and as a valuable
service provider for consumers.
“We felt the phone line was a really important
service for the residents to get honest answers on
a range of queries,” Mr Richards said.
“Homeowners were calling up with issues
ranging from the repair of rain-damaged
appliances to complete safety inspections to allow
homes to be reconnected to the electricity grid.
“At a time when they were dealing with so
much turmoil and trauma in their lives, they
could take some comfort in the knowledge
that trusted electrical contractors were available
to assist them.”
In just a few months since it was launched,
Master Electricians has changed the face of
electrical contracting in Australia.
gain widespread recognition
Electrical contractors Australia-wide have
applied to become Master Electricians, recognising
the benefits of offering higher standards of safety
and reliability to their customers.
December last year saw the accreditation of the
first New South Wales Master Electricians, Hall and
Hedderman Pty Ltd.
Callers to the Master Electricians’ hotline
and visitors to the website have also provided
extremely strong positive feedback on the
12-month warranty and code of practice.
“In just a very short time, the Master Electricians
brand has gained a high level of trust among
consumers, and is becoming a very powerful
business tool for electrical contractors,” Mr
Richards said.
“The proof is right there in the number of
customers using the website service to find master
electricians, and the number of contractors keen
to become part of the program.
“The number one problem that people have
with hiring a tradie is the potential to hire a
‘cowboy’ who takes advantage of their lack of
knowledge by doing the job in an unprofessional
and sometimes dangerous manner.
“Hiring a Master Electrician takes away that
risk.”
The media has also been quick to recognise the
significance of the creation of Master Electricians.
A number of newly-certified Master Electricians
around Australia have been able to leverage their
achievements for coverage in their local media,
while the launch of the organisation has also
gained media attention.
Coupled with an extensive radio advertising
campaign in major cities, this has created a very
high level of recognition for the program, and
has prompted media organisations to turn
to Master Electricians Australia for expert
comment on electrical safety issues.
Mr Richards was interviewed by a number of
media organisations late last year after problems
with equipotential bonding forced the closure
of the Gold Coast’s public swimming pools.
As well as providing expert commentary on
the possible cause of the problem and likely
solutions, Master Electricians issued a timely
reminder to pool owners that they should
ensure they have a safety switch installed
on external electrical equipment, and test it
regularly.
“While we are always concerned about
electrical safety incidents such as we witnessed
on the Gold Coast, they do present an
opportunity to remind the public of just how
dangerous electricity can be and why they
must only deal with qualified professionals.”
In 2009, Master Electricians will continue
to highlight industry issues – particularly
safety issues – in the media. Mr Richards said
contractors who become aware of issues that
should be made public can report them to
Master Electricians Australia.
“The program was created to ensure that
we have the safest possible environment for
electrical contractors, their staff and their
clients in the general public.
“We’re very happy with what the program
has been able to achieve in just a few months
of operation, and we will continue to pursue
these goals in every state of Australia in the
year ahead.”
Since its launch late last year, master electricians Australia has quickly established a position as a national leader in electrical safety and quality.
21the master electrician : SummeR 09
workplace relations : C
LImATe
CH
AN
Ge
20 www.masterelectricians.com.au
mastersAustralia’s new
When devastating storms swept
across Brisbane one evening in
November, they left thousands
of families without electricity
and facing lengthy delays to have their homes
reconnected.
As the State Government and Brisbane City
Council scrambled to assemble a crisis response
team, they turned to Master Electricians Australia
for urgent expert assistance.
For CEO Malcolm Richards, it was confirmation
that the newly created Master Electricians
program had already established a position
of credibility and trust in the minds of senior
politicians and key bureaucrats.
Over the following 48 hours, Master
Electricians was to become firmly entrenched
in the minds of storm victims as well, with
the dedicated storm response centre receiving
hundreds of calls for assistance.
The call centre was able to mobilise 400 Master
Electricians and licensed members of the Electrical
and Communications Association to help ease the
heartache of devastated home owners.
Just weeks after it started operations, Master
Electricians had demonstrated its worth as both
an industry leader able to work cooperatively at
the highest level of government, and as a valuable
service provider for consumers.
“We felt the phone line was a really important
service for the residents to get honest answers on
a range of queries,” Mr Richards said.
“Homeowners were calling up with issues
ranging from the repair of rain-damaged
appliances to complete safety inspections to allow
homes to be reconnected to the electricity grid.
“At a time when they were dealing with so
much turmoil and trauma in their lives, they
could take some comfort in the knowledge
that trusted electrical contractors were available
to assist them.”
In just a few months since it was launched,
Master Electricians has changed the face of
electrical contracting in Australia.
gain widespread recognition
Electrical contractors Australia-wide have
applied to become Master Electricians, recognising
the benefits of offering higher standards of safety
and reliability to their customers.
December last year saw the accreditation of the
first New South Wales Master Electricians, Hall and
Hedderman Pty Ltd.
Callers to the Master Electricians’ hotline
and visitors to the website have also provided
extremely strong positive feedback on the
12-month warranty and code of practice.
“In just a very short time, the Master Electricians
brand has gained a high level of trust among
consumers, and is becoming a very powerful
business tool for electrical contractors,” Mr
Richards said.
“The proof is right there in the number of
customers using the website service to find master
electricians, and the number of contractors keen
to become part of the program.
“The number one problem that people have
with hiring a tradie is the potential to hire a
‘cowboy’ who takes advantage of their lack of
knowledge by doing the job in an unprofessional
and sometimes dangerous manner.
“Hiring a Master Electrician takes away that
risk.”
The media has also been quick to recognise the
significance of the creation of Master Electricians.
A number of newly-certified Master Electricians
around Australia have been able to leverage their
achievements for coverage in their local media,
while the launch of the organisation has also
gained media attention.
Coupled with an extensive radio advertising
campaign in major cities, this has created a very
high level of recognition for the program, and
has prompted media organisations to turn
to Master Electricians Australia for expert
comment on electrical safety issues.
Mr Richards was interviewed by a number of
media organisations late last year after problems
with equipotential bonding forced the closure
of the Gold Coast’s public swimming pools.
As well as providing expert commentary on
the possible cause of the problem and likely
solutions, Master Electricians issued a timely
reminder to pool owners that they should
ensure they have a safety switch installed
on external electrical equipment, and test it
regularly.
“While we are always concerned about
electrical safety incidents such as we witnessed
on the Gold Coast, they do present an
opportunity to remind the public of just how
dangerous electricity can be and why they
must only deal with qualified professionals.”
In 2009, Master Electricians will continue
to highlight industry issues – particularly
safety issues – in the media. Mr Richards said
contractors who become aware of issues that
should be made public can report them to
Master Electricians Australia.
“The program was created to ensure that
we have the safest possible environment for
electrical contractors, their staff and their
clients in the general public.
“We’re very happy with what the program
has been able to achieve in just a few months
of operation, and we will continue to pursue
these goals in every state of Australia in the
year ahead.”
Since its launch late last year, master electricians Australia has quickly established a position as a national leader in electrical safety and quality.
22 www.masterelectrician.com.au 23the master electrician : SummeR 09
This edition features NSW’s first master electrician.
who is hall & heDDerman?
We are an electrical contracting company that
provide electrical, communications, security, fire
detection, audio visual and automation services
to the domestic, commercial and industrial
sectors. We are located in Rosebery, though we
service all areas of the Sydney metropolitan area,
Central Coast, Newcastle and districts. Established
in 1997, over the past few years we have grown
from 2 tradesmen to over 40 employees.
what Do you see as the biggest issue facing
the inDustry?
With the downturn of the economy over the past
few months, electrical contractors are getting more
competitive with pricing projects. Unfortunately, it
is common knowledge that electricians undercut
each other and drop prices regardless of knowing
what the true costs are to complete the project.
To become an electrical contractor you should
have to complete an estimating and job costing
course prior to applying for your licence. There are
some ridiculous prices going around at the
moment, and it’s not doing our trade any favours.
why DiD you seek master electrician
accreDitation?
We believe we provide a superior service over the
competition and our Master Electricians status
highlights that point of difference. It emphasises
our ability to provide superior customer service
through quality control, time management, health
& safety and competitive pricing. We also like being
able to brand ourselves as Master Electricians just
like builders and plumbers. I’ve always thought
there should be Master Electricians branding, so
it wasn’t a difficult decision to jump on board.
what are the benefits for you anD other
business owners?
Master Electricians Australia is out there promoting
the brand as a recognizable force. Having the
Master Electricians accreditation next to your
name may be the deciding point when a customer
chooses you over someone else.
how important is the accreDitation process?
The accreditation process is essential for any
contractor. The more companies that meet the
minimum requirements the better. Our industry
is in need of a higher standard of electrical work
and we need to be working towards a common
goal. Having a safety system means there is a
minimum standard companies need to adhere
to. We have spent a lot of money on OH&S
over the years because every single job you
do you have to fulfill certain requirements
and having a comprehensive system means
it’s already in place.
how Do you feel about becoming the first
master electrician in new south wales?
Excited. We hope to be one of many to lift the
name of Master Electricians.
electrician
meet a
mastername:
geoff hall
companY: hall & hedderman services
meet a m
aster electrician : ge
oFF h
all
for more details visit www.masterelectricians.com.au
Reap the benefits.
Private Health Cover.Join mBF Health and receive all the benefits of private health insurance through a specially negotiated mBF corporate plan. With mBF you gain access to a range of products and services provided by Australia’s largest, privately managed health insurer.
eFTPOS Facilities. Take advantage of eFTPOS merchant Facilities at a special discounted rate. The Commonwealth Bank’s eFTPOS merchant facilities provide a fast, secure and reliable method of electronically processing credit, debit and charge cards. This convenient payment method is also offered as a mobile service, allowing you to accept payments wherever you are. Benefit from discounted credit card sales rates, as well as the waiving of the normal $79 joining fee.
Insurance Cover. Through our partnerships with Comsure Insurance Brokers and Concept Benefit Planning, we can provide comprehensive and competitive insurance cover tailored to protect your business and personal needs. Our partners are constantly monitoring new industry trends to ensure your insurance cover provides complete protection.
Fuel Scheme. Our fuel plan is a convenient way for your to manage and reduce your bills. use your BP fuel card to receive discounted rates and receive a simple monthly fuel bill for all your vehicles. All your business and private vehicles are eligible to participate in the fuel scheme. you can even extend the privilege to staff as an extra benefit of employment.
quality safety reliability
to find out how you can become a master electrician call 1300 889 198
When you become an ECA member or Accredited Master Electrician you gain access to a wide variety of exclusive benefits and discounts.
22 www.masterelectrician.com.au 23the master electrician : SummeR 09
This edition features NSW’s first master electrician.
who is hall & heDDerman?
We are an electrical contracting company that
provide electrical, communications, security, fire
detection, audio visual and automation services
to the domestic, commercial and industrial
sectors. We are located in Rosebery, though we
service all areas of the Sydney metropolitan area,
Central Coast, Newcastle and districts. Established
in 1997, over the past few years we have grown
from 2 tradesmen to over 40 employees.
what Do you see as the biggest issue facing
the inDustry?
With the downturn of the economy over the past
few months, electrical contractors are getting more
competitive with pricing projects. Unfortunately, it
is common knowledge that electricians undercut
each other and drop prices regardless of knowing
what the true costs are to complete the project.
To become an electrical contractor you should
have to complete an estimating and job costing
course prior to applying for your licence. There are
some ridiculous prices going around at the
moment, and it’s not doing our trade any favours.
why DiD you seek master electrician
accreDitation?
We believe we provide a superior service over the
competition and our Master Electricians status
highlights that point of difference. It emphasises
our ability to provide superior customer service
through quality control, time management, health
& safety and competitive pricing. We also like being
able to brand ourselves as Master Electricians just
like builders and plumbers. I’ve always thought
there should be Master Electricians branding, so
it wasn’t a difficult decision to jump on board.
what are the benefits for you anD other
business owners?
Master Electricians Australia is out there promoting
the brand as a recognizable force. Having the
Master Electricians accreditation next to your
name may be the deciding point when a customer
chooses you over someone else.
how important is the accreDitation process?
The accreditation process is essential for any
contractor. The more companies that meet the
minimum requirements the better. Our industry
is in need of a higher standard of electrical work
and we need to be working towards a common
goal. Having a safety system means there is a
minimum standard companies need to adhere
to. We have spent a lot of money on OH&S
over the years because every single job you
do you have to fulfill certain requirements
and having a comprehensive system means
it’s already in place.
how Do you feel about becoming the first
master electrician in new south wales?
Excited. We hope to be one of many to lift the
name of Master Electricians.
electrician
meet a
mastername:
geoff hall
companY: hall & hedderman services
meet a m
aster electrician : ge
oFF h
all
for more details visit www.masterelectricians.com.au
Reap the benefits.
Private Health Cover.Join mBF Health and receive all the benefits of private health insurance through a specially negotiated mBF corporate plan. With mBF you gain access to a range of products and services provided by Australia’s largest, privately managed health insurer.
eFTPOS Facilities. Take advantage of eFTPOS merchant Facilities at a special discounted rate. The Commonwealth Bank’s eFTPOS merchant facilities provide a fast, secure and reliable method of electronically processing credit, debit and charge cards. This convenient payment method is also offered as a mobile service, allowing you to accept payments wherever you are. Benefit from discounted credit card sales rates, as well as the waiving of the normal $79 joining fee.
Insurance Cover. Through our partnerships with Comsure Insurance Brokers and Concept Benefit Planning, we can provide comprehensive and competitive insurance cover tailored to protect your business and personal needs. Our partners are constantly monitoring new industry trends to ensure your insurance cover provides complete protection.
Fuel Scheme. Our fuel plan is a convenient way for your to manage and reduce your bills. use your BP fuel card to receive discounted rates and receive a simple monthly fuel bill for all your vehicles. All your business and private vehicles are eligible to participate in the fuel scheme. you can even extend the privilege to staff as an extra benefit of employment.
quality safety reliability
to find out how you can become a master electrician call 1300 889 198
When you become an ECA member or Accredited Master Electrician you gain access to a wide variety of exclusive benefits and discounts.
24 www.masterelectricians.com.au 25the master electrician : SummeR 09
news from
distrib
utors : wh
at’s h
ap
pe
nin
g in
Yo
ur
ind
us
trY
from distributorshorizon power
solar innovation powers up remote communities
=Horizon Power has announced plans to build
two state-of-the-art solar power stations in marble
Bar and Nullagine, in the east Pilbara region of
Western Australia. The power stations are the first
high penetration hybrid solar photovoltaic diesel
power stations in the world.
The project will include the installation of up
to 2000 solar panels in total across both towns.
The solar arrays in both towns will feature solar
tracking systems that will follow the path of the
sun in each town throughout the day. The ground-
mounted systems will be the largest solar tracking
PV systems in Australia.
Flywheel technology will also be used to
smooth the energy from the solar panels and to
stabilise power quality between the diesel power
station and the solar farm. It will also maximise the
utilisation of the solar energy.
The solar energy systems will generate over 1
GWh of renewable energy per annum, supplying
over 60 per cent of the daytime energy demand
from sunlight. This equates to a saving of 35-40
per cent of diesel and 1100 tonnes of greenhouse
gas emissions every year.
Horizon Power is working with development
partners PowerCorp Pty Ltd and SunPower
Australia to build, own and operate the new
power stations.
energy minister, Peter Collier, said “Solar power
is an abundant, reliable, clean source of energy.
Horizon Power is leading the way by innovatively
combining conventional diesel generation with this
state-of-the-art renewable energy option.
“This new technology will lessen our carbon
footprint and improve our environment for the
future,” he said.
Horizon Power’s managing Director, Rod
Hayes, said ”Horizon Power is excited to be driving
a project that will set a new standard in large-scale
renewable energy technology in Australia.
“The project will replace ageing power stations
with modern, efficient and more environmentally-
friendly power stations that will be able to meet
the needs of local communities for the next twenty
years,” he said.
“Horizon Power vigorously pursues renewable
energy options for power generation and is
pleased that regional Western Australians will be
able to experience the benefits of leading-edge,
large-scale renewable energy technology as a
result of our partnership with SunPower and
PowerCorp.
Construction will begin in march 2009. Horizon
Power will provide regular community updates
on the progress of the construction of the
power stations.
projectsnapshot
the new power stations will:n Generate 1048 mWh of solar energy per year
n Provide 65% of day time energy demand from solar power
n Save 1119 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions per year
n Save between 35-40% diesel consumption per year (412,000 litres of fuel per year)
n Provide 60% of the annual energy for both towns
news
24 www.masterelectricians.com.au 25the master electrician : SummeR 09
news from
distrib
utors : wh
at’s h
ap
pe
nin
g in
Yo
ur
ind
us
trY
from distributorshorizon power
solar innovation powers up remote communities
=Horizon Power has announced plans to build
two state-of-the-art solar power stations in marble
Bar and Nullagine, in the east Pilbara region of
Western Australia. The power stations are the first
high penetration hybrid solar photovoltaic diesel
power stations in the world.
The project will include the installation of up
to 2000 solar panels in total across both towns.
The solar arrays in both towns will feature solar
tracking systems that will follow the path of the
sun in each town throughout the day. The ground-
mounted systems will be the largest solar tracking
PV systems in Australia.
Flywheel technology will also be used to
smooth the energy from the solar panels and to
stabilise power quality between the diesel power
station and the solar farm. It will also maximise the
utilisation of the solar energy.
The solar energy systems will generate over 1
GWh of renewable energy per annum, supplying
over 60 per cent of the daytime energy demand
from sunlight. This equates to a saving of 35-40
per cent of diesel and 1100 tonnes of greenhouse
gas emissions every year.
Horizon Power is working with development
partners PowerCorp Pty Ltd and SunPower
Australia to build, own and operate the new
power stations.
energy minister, Peter Collier, said “Solar power
is an abundant, reliable, clean source of energy.
Horizon Power is leading the way by innovatively
combining conventional diesel generation with this
state-of-the-art renewable energy option.
“This new technology will lessen our carbon
footprint and improve our environment for the
future,” he said.
Horizon Power’s managing Director, Rod
Hayes, said ”Horizon Power is excited to be driving
a project that will set a new standard in large-scale
renewable energy technology in Australia.
“The project will replace ageing power stations
with modern, efficient and more environmentally-
friendly power stations that will be able to meet
the needs of local communities for the next twenty
years,” he said.
“Horizon Power vigorously pursues renewable
energy options for power generation and is
pleased that regional Western Australians will be
able to experience the benefits of leading-edge,
large-scale renewable energy technology as a
result of our partnership with SunPower and
PowerCorp.
Construction will begin in march 2009. Horizon
Power will provide regular community updates
on the progress of the construction of the
power stations.
projectsnapshot
the new power stations will:n Generate 1048 mWh of solar energy per year
n Provide 65% of day time energy demand from solar power
n Save 1119 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions per year
n Save between 35-40% diesel consumption per year (412,000 litres of fuel per year)
n Provide 60% of the annual energy for both towns
news
improvements are occuring progressively in stages as follows:
energex
enhancements to energex’s new connections process and Form 2 For se QueenslandeNeRGeX is committed to improving the
existing new connections process and are
currently working towards optimising this
process with the following goals:
n Streamlining the new connections process to
efficiently deliver connection servicesn Aligning practices with other states to co-
ordinate with the operation of national
electricity retailersn enabling eNeRGeX to better meet the
expectations of electrical contractors,
customers, and retailers with the provision of
information on the connection progress,
status updates and timely connections.
eNeRGeX are reviewing the way we work
with industry, customers and electricity retailers
to meet these objectives. The key in this review
is the way in which we match the new account
request from the retailer with the Form 2,
(which is now referred to as the electrical Work
Request) from the electrical contractor, and how
we keep all involved with the progress of the
new connection arrangements from request to
completion.These improvements are occurring
progressively in stages as listed below.
For the effective processing of electrical Work
Requests (Form 2), eNeRGeX encourages the
use of our online facility as well as nominating
the electricity retailer.
The changes below will be rolled out
progressively over the next few months and
further information and dates will be provided
as these proceed.
Should you have any questions regarding these
changes, please contact eNeRGeX’s electrical
Contractor Line on 1300 762 397
26 www.masterelectricians.com.au 27the master electrician : SummeR 09
news from
distrib
utors : wh
at’s h
ap
pe
nin
g in
Yo
ur
ind
us
trY
integral energy
$11.2 million crackdown on copper theFtmore than $11.2 million is being invested across
Integral energy’s network upgrading surveillance
equipment and other security measures to
crackdown on the theft of copper cable,
minister for energy Ian macdonald announced
today.
“Stealing from public utilities is not only a
dangerous crime, it’s also a disgraceful waste
of taxpayer’s money,” mr macdonald said.
“Thieves and vandals not only risk serious
injury and severe penalties, but they put the
community at risk and impose huge costs on
public utilities and other businesses.
“As part of the NSW Government led
campaign, Police and the NSW utilities Copper
Theft Security Committee have been working
with energy retailers, scrap metal dealers, the
construction industry and other businesses to
stop thieves in their tracks.”
Integral energy’s Security manager Graham
Courtney said the investment includes
upgrading security fences at electrical
substations and field service centres, and the
increasing use of CCTV and alarm systems.
“Along with making it harder to gain entry to
our sites, we have increased security patrols
and quicker response times to alarms,” mr
Courtney said.
“Increased CCTV use allows security staff
to better direct police and security patrols to
incidents.”
Since July, Integral energy has had 45
Incidents of copper theft compared with 72
incidents for the same period the previous
year.
“While there is a reduction in the number
of incidents overall, 82% of copper theft
experienced by Integral energy has been from
power poles,” mr Courtney said.
“With over 300,000 power poles in our
network, customers and the general community
can play an important role in reporting any
suspicious activity or information to Crime
Stoppers on 1800 333 000. Information can be
supplied anonymously.
“We’re continually upgrading our security
measures to ensure the safety of the public and
the security of power supplies.
“In 2006, Integral energy became one of the
first utilities in NSW to start using permanent
DNA tracing technology on its copper wire to
help police trace
the copper.”
Integral’s Graham
Courtney is also the convener of
the NSW utilities Copper Theft Security
Committee which is helping to drive a
national campaign against copper theft.
Integral energy’s network provides power to
over 850,000 customers, or 2.1 million people,
in households and businesses across a network
franchise spanning 24,500 square kilometres in
Greater Western Sydney, the Illawarra, the Blue
mountains and the Southern Highlands.
media contact: peter payne (integral energy)
9853 6209 or 0409 664 608
ergon energy
dismantling or relocation oF overhead service lines
There appears to be a disturbing trend emerging where some electrical Contractors are dismantling or relocating overhead services. This practice seems to be an attempt to avoid ergon energy Distribution Service Charges.
Contractors are reminded that overhead service lines are an ergon energy owned asset, and contractors are not permitted to dismantle or relocate them under any circumstances.
Contractors performing this unauthorised work will be reported to the electrical Safety Office (eSO) for further action.
Dismantling or relocation of overhead services can be arranged by calling the National Contact Centre (NCC) on 13 10 46.
Bypass switches are not permitted on controlled tariff loads
The Queensland Government Gazette provides that any loads eligible to be connected to a controlled tariff must be permanently connected.
It also provides that supply to controlled tariff loads is not permitted to be duplicated on any other tariff.
This means that bypass switches are not allowed to be wired in the controlled tariff circuit to provide alternate supply on another tariff during the “off” period.
Any controlled tariff metering found to have loads which are not permanently connected or have bypass switches in circuit, will result in the tariff being changed on the meter to the principal tariff at the installation until the situation is rectified.
Stage one:
eNeRGeX will forward a copy of ‘new
connections’ electrical Work Requests (Form
2) to the nominated electricity retailer.
This will assist the electricity retailer to
establish the new account if it has not
already been set up, and will ensure the
same customer and address details are
matched with the electrical Work Request
(Form 2), and the Retailer Service Order
(known as a B2B).
Stage two:Secondly, eNeRGeX has improved the
content and layout of the paper-based
electrical Work Request (Form 2). These
changes improve communications between
eNeRGeX and the electricity retailers, which
in turn will assist in improving the scheduling
of jobs. The new format of the electrical
Work Request (Form 2) will form the basis
of a new web interface for the submission of
new requests.
Stage three:The final stage of improving the
current new connections process is to
introduce new functions available via
the online submission process. Planned
improvements include the provision of
a unique reference number to track the
progress of the new connection, and online
/email /SmS updates of the progress of
the new connection through the electricity
retailer and field despatch process.
umBrella lights your way in the rainkorean designer sang-kyun park’s lightdrops creation lights your way in the rain.
the outside canopy has a conductive membrane called pdvF. as rain comes down, the impact generates electrical energy that powers built-in leds on the umbrella. the harder the rain hits, the brighter the light.
news.cnet.com
news from distributors : what’s happening in Your industrY
improvements are occuring progressively in stages as follows:
energex
enhancements to energex’s new connections process and Form 2 For se QueenslandeNeRGeX is committed to improving the
existing new connections process and are
currently working towards optimising this
process with the following goals:
n Streamlining the new connections process to
efficiently deliver connection servicesn Aligning practices with other states to co-
ordinate with the operation of national
electricity retailersn enabling eNeRGeX to better meet the
expectations of electrical contractors,
customers, and retailers with the provision of
information on the connection progress,
status updates and timely connections.
eNeRGeX are reviewing the way we work
with industry, customers and electricity retailers
to meet these objectives. The key in this review
is the way in which we match the new account
request from the retailer with the Form 2,
(which is now referred to as the electrical Work
Request) from the electrical contractor, and how
we keep all involved with the progress of the
new connection arrangements from request to
completion.These improvements are occurring
progressively in stages as listed below.
For the effective processing of electrical Work
Requests (Form 2), eNeRGeX encourages the
use of our online facility as well as nominating
the electricity retailer.
The changes below will be rolled out
progressively over the next few months and
further information and dates will be provided
as these proceed.
Should you have any questions regarding these
changes, please contact eNeRGeX’s electrical
Contractor Line on 1300 762 397
26 www.masterelectricians.com.au 27the master electrician : SummeR 09
news from
distrib
utors : wh
at’s h
ap
pe
nin
g in
Yo
ur
ind
us
trY
integral energy
$11.2 million crackdown on copper theFtmore than $11.2 million is being invested across
Integral energy’s network upgrading surveillance
equipment and other security measures to
crackdown on the theft of copper cable,
minister for energy Ian macdonald announced
today.
“Stealing from public utilities is not only a
dangerous crime, it’s also a disgraceful waste
of taxpayer’s money,” mr macdonald said.
“Thieves and vandals not only risk serious
injury and severe penalties, but they put the
community at risk and impose huge costs on
public utilities and other businesses.
“As part of the NSW Government led
campaign, Police and the NSW utilities Copper
Theft Security Committee have been working
with energy retailers, scrap metal dealers, the
construction industry and other businesses to
stop thieves in their tracks.”
Integral energy’s Security manager Graham
Courtney said the investment includes
upgrading security fences at electrical
substations and field service centres, and the
increasing use of CCTV and alarm systems.
“Along with making it harder to gain entry to
our sites, we have increased security patrols
and quicker response times to alarms,” mr
Courtney said.
“Increased CCTV use allows security staff
to better direct police and security patrols to
incidents.”
Since July, Integral energy has had 45
Incidents of copper theft compared with 72
incidents for the same period the previous
year.
“While there is a reduction in the number
of incidents overall, 82% of copper theft
experienced by Integral energy has been from
power poles,” mr Courtney said.
“With over 300,000 power poles in our
network, customers and the general community
can play an important role in reporting any
suspicious activity or information to Crime
Stoppers on 1800 333 000. Information can be
supplied anonymously.
“We’re continually upgrading our security
measures to ensure the safety of the public and
the security of power supplies.
“In 2006, Integral energy became one of the
first utilities in NSW to start using permanent
DNA tracing technology on its copper wire to
help police trace
the copper.”
Integral’s Graham
Courtney is also the convener of
the NSW utilities Copper Theft Security
Committee which is helping to drive a
national campaign against copper theft.
Integral energy’s network provides power to
over 850,000 customers, or 2.1 million people,
in households and businesses across a network
franchise spanning 24,500 square kilometres in
Greater Western Sydney, the Illawarra, the Blue
mountains and the Southern Highlands.
media contact: peter payne (integral energy)
9853 6209 or 0409 664 608
ergon energy
dismantling or relocation oF overhead service lines
There appears to be a disturbing trend emerging where some electrical Contractors are dismantling or relocating overhead services. This practice seems to be an attempt to avoid ergon energy Distribution Service Charges.
Contractors are reminded that overhead service lines are an ergon energy owned asset, and contractors are not permitted to dismantle or relocate them under any circumstances.
Contractors performing this unauthorised work will be reported to the electrical Safety Office (eSO) for further action.
Dismantling or relocation of overhead services can be arranged by calling the National Contact Centre (NCC) on 13 10 46.
Bypass switches are not permitted on controlled tariff loads
The Queensland Government Gazette provides that any loads eligible to be connected to a controlled tariff must be permanently connected.
It also provides that supply to controlled tariff loads is not permitted to be duplicated on any other tariff.
This means that bypass switches are not allowed to be wired in the controlled tariff circuit to provide alternate supply on another tariff during the “off” period.
Any controlled tariff metering found to have loads which are not permanently connected or have bypass switches in circuit, will result in the tariff being changed on the meter to the principal tariff at the installation until the situation is rectified.
Stage one:
eNeRGeX will forward a copy of ‘new
connections’ electrical Work Requests (Form
2) to the nominated electricity retailer.
This will assist the electricity retailer to
establish the new account if it has not
already been set up, and will ensure the
same customer and address details are
matched with the electrical Work Request
(Form 2), and the Retailer Service Order
(known as a B2B).
Stage two:Secondly, eNeRGeX has improved the
content and layout of the paper-based
electrical Work Request (Form 2). These
changes improve communications between
eNeRGeX and the electricity retailers, which
in turn will assist in improving the scheduling
of jobs. The new format of the electrical
Work Request (Form 2) will form the basis
of a new web interface for the submission of
new requests.
Stage three:The final stage of improving the
current new connections process is to
introduce new functions available via
the online submission process. Planned
improvements include the provision of
a unique reference number to track the
progress of the new connection, and online
/email /SmS updates of the progress of
the new connection through the electricity
retailer and field despatch process.
umBrella lights your way in the rainkorean designer sang-kyun park’s lightdrops creation lights your way in the rain.
the outside canopy has a conductive membrane called pdvF. as rain comes down, the impact generates electrical energy that powers built-in leds on the umbrella. the harder the rain hits, the brighter the light.
news.cnet.com
news from distributors : what’s happening in Your industrY
award
s : ou
r e
lec
tric
al in
du
str
ies
Br
igh
tes
t spa
rk
s
28 www.masterelectricians.com.au
awardshonour electrical industry’s brightest sparks
Exceptional achievements in the electrical
industry have been recognised at the
Master Electricians and Electrical and
Communications Association (ECA)
Awards for Excellence, held at the Sofitel hotel
in Brisbane
Leading members ranging from students
through to industry veterans were among
eight award winners on the night. The awards
also recognised cutting edge new products
and services.
The evening climaxed with the inaugural
MASTER ELECTRICIAN OF THE YEAR AWARD,
presented to Luke Pritchard from Redcliffe
company Prestige Power, for his commitment
to excellence in customer service, safety,
work quality and the application of modern
technology.
Master Electricians and ECA CEO Malcolm
Richards said the awards provided worthy
recognition for outstanding accomplishments
in the industry.
“The night is about rewarding the
enormous amount of hard work undertaken
by proud electrical contractors and workers
that strive for innovation and high levels of
service,” he said.
“These companies and individuals advance
the reputation of the entire industry through
their professionalism and desire for excellence.
“In recognising the elite performers in
our industry, we are providing others with a
benchmark to work towards.”
No electrical contractor has provided a better
role model of success than Minelec owner Tom
Birt, who was honoured with the President’s
Award for his long-time leadership that has
helped move his organisation into Queensland’s
top 400 companies.
In the future, President’s Awards may be given
to Apprentice of the Year Danial Subonj from
TH Cock, who achieved superb results in his
testing and also to Business Student of the Year
Brett Hughes from Power Safe Electrical, who
completed a Diploma of Project Management
29the master electrician : SummeR 09
“IN ReCOGNISING THe
eLITe PeRFORmeRS IN OuR
INDuSTRy, We ARe PROVIDING
OTHeRS WITH A BeNCHmARk
TO WORk TOWARDS.”
thanks to our excellence award supportersGold Sponsors Silver Sponsors
award
s : ou
r e
lec
tric
al in
du
str
ies
Br
igh
tes
t spa
rk
s
28 www.masterelectricians.com.au
awardshonour electrical industry’s brightest sparks
Exceptional achievements in the electrical
industry have been recognised at the
Master Electricians and Electrical and
Communications Association (ECA)
Awards for Excellence, held at the Sofitel hotel
in Brisbane
Leading members ranging from students
through to industry veterans were among
eight award winners on the night. The awards
also recognised cutting edge new products
and services.
The evening climaxed with the inaugural
MASTER ELECTRICIAN OF THE YEAR AWARD,
presented to Luke Pritchard from Redcliffe
company Prestige Power, for his commitment
to excellence in customer service, safety,
work quality and the application of modern
technology.
Master Electricians and ECA CEO Malcolm
Richards said the awards provided worthy
recognition for outstanding accomplishments
in the industry.
“The night is about rewarding the
enormous amount of hard work undertaken
by proud electrical contractors and workers
that strive for innovation and high levels of
service,” he said.
“These companies and individuals advance
the reputation of the entire industry through
their professionalism and desire for excellence.
“In recognising the elite performers in
our industry, we are providing others with a
benchmark to work towards.”
No electrical contractor has provided a better
role model of success than Minelec owner Tom
Birt, who was honoured with the President’s
Award for his long-time leadership that has
helped move his organisation into Queensland’s
top 400 companies.
In the future, President’s Awards may be given
to Apprentice of the Year Danial Subonj from
TH Cock, who achieved superb results in his
testing and also to Business Student of the Year
Brett Hughes from Power Safe Electrical, who
completed a Diploma of Project Management
29the master electrician : SummeR 09
“IN ReCOGNISING THe
eLITe PeRFORmeRS IN OuR
INDuSTRy, We ARe PROVIDING
OTHeRS WITH A BeNCHmARk
TO WORk TOWARDS.”
thanks to our excellence award supportersGold Sponsors Silver Sponsors
30 www.masterelectricians.com.au 31the master electrician : SummeR 09
award
s : ou
r e
lec
tric
al in
du
str
ies
Br
igh
tes
t spa
rk
s
images (leFt to right):
BReTT HuGHeS - BuSINeSS STuDeNT
OF THe yeAR; CLIPSAL - INNOVATIVe
SeRVICe OF THe yeAR; DANIAL SuBONJ -
APPReNTICe OF THe yeAR; DeB HARLe
- WOmeN IN CONTRACTING, WOmAN OF
THe yeAR; HPm - INNOVATIVe PRODuCT
OF THe yeAR; Luke PRITCHARD -
mASTeR eLeCTRICIAN OF THe yeAR;
TOm BIRT - PReSIDeNT’S AWARD.
awards : our electrical industries Brightest sparks
while managing his own business in Warwick.
This year saw a number of outstanding
entries in the Innovative Service of the Year
category with Clipsal being named the
winner for their “Clipspec” software program
that aims to improve customer satisfaction
and professionalism when selling electrical
accessories, offering consumers a greater range
of electrical products and options.
The awards also recognised cutting edge
innovation in the electrical industry. Judges
praised HPM Legrand’s “G2 Slide Connect
Emergency Exit Light,” a revolutionary emergency
lighting and exit signal system, which utilizes a
single, high brightness, long life LED.
Other winners on the night included Debra
Harle from Harle’s Electrical who was presented
with the Women in Contracting Business Woman
of the Year award and Matt Electric, the recipient
of the Excellence in Safety Management Award.
Mr Richards said the awards demonstrated the
Master Electricians and ECA’s determination to
boost customer service standards and innovation
in the electrical industry.
“Consumers can feel very confident in
choosing a member of the ECA for their
electrical work,” he said.
eCA excellence Award Winners:
hpm legranD apprentice of the year:
danial subonj - t h cock Danial’s marks across the board of both practical
test and interview were exceptional. Danial’s
marks in five out of eight criteria sections were
between 90 and 100%, with the remaining three
sections resulting between 80 and 100%. The
judges recognized his technical knowledge and
personal conduct (in particular) to be of a very
high standard
lawrence & hanson
business stuDent of the year:
brett hughes - power safe electricalBrett completed his Diploma of Project
Management through the ECA Lawrence &
Hanson BusinessConnect school. Brett completed
this over a 20 week period, whilst still managing
his own business in Warwick.
women in contracting
business woman of the year:
debra harle - harle’s electricalWhilst being the support network of Harle’s
Electrical with her husband Steve, Debra cares
for their family and is also a school teacher.
Debra employed the services of a business
coach to assist her in growing the business.
innovative service of the year:
clipsal - ‘clipspec’Clipspec is a software program that aims to
improve customer satisfaction and professionalism
when selling electrical accessories, offering
consumers a greater range of electrical products
and options.
innovative proDuct of the year:
hpm legrand - ‘g2 slide connect emergency exit light’Slide Connect is a world first emergency lighting
and exit sign system which uses a single, high
brightness, long life LED. The owner benefits from
reduced energy costs, reduced evacuation lighting
quantities, and reduced maintenance costs.
excellence in safety management awarD:
matt electricMatt Electric are a small private domestic and
commercial installation and service company.
Matt Electric display an ‘above and beyond’
approach to customer service and present an
excellent attitude to staff safety and culture.
presiDent’s awarD:
tom birt - minelecTom Birt started Minelec with his business
partner and former boss Mick Davidson in
1991. Tom has been integral in placing Minelec
in the top 400 QLD companies in 2006. Other
notable achievements include assisting with the
construction of the Ronald McDonald House
alongside the Townsville Hospital at Douglas,
encouraging many local business people to
donate either material or labour to build
the facility. Tom has also been instrumental
in raising $600,000.00 to go towards the
construction of the Palliative Care Unit at the
Townsville Hospital.
master electrician of the year:
luke pritchard - prestige powerLuke Pritchard from Prestige Power is the first
Master Electrician of the Year. Prestige Power
are a young domestic and commercial private
company based on the Redcliffe Peninsula.
Prestige Power demonstrate excellence in
several areas, including customer feedback
and an outstanding standard of business
presentation. They excel in their marketing,
and in ensuring control and consistency at all
levels, as well as maintaining modern practices
and technology. A big congratulations to
Luke Pritchard and the team at Prestige
Power for being the first Master Electricians of
the Year.
30 www.masterelectricians.com.au 31the master electrician : SummeR 09
award
s : ou
r e
lec
tric
al in
du
str
ies
Br
igh
tes
t spa
rk
s
images (leFt to right):
BReTT HuGHeS - BuSINeSS STuDeNT
OF THe yeAR; CLIPSAL - INNOVATIVe
SeRVICe OF THe yeAR; DANIAL SuBONJ -
APPReNTICe OF THe yeAR; DeB HARLe
- WOmeN IN CONTRACTING, WOmAN OF
THe yeAR; HPm - INNOVATIVe PRODuCT
OF THe yeAR; Luke PRITCHARD -
mASTeR eLeCTRICIAN OF THe yeAR;
TOm BIRT - PReSIDeNT’S AWARD.
awards : our electrical industries Brightest sparks
while managing his own business in Warwick.
This year saw a number of outstanding
entries in the Innovative Service of the Year
category with Clipsal being named the
winner for their “Clipspec” software program
that aims to improve customer satisfaction
and professionalism when selling electrical
accessories, offering consumers a greater range
of electrical products and options.
The awards also recognised cutting edge
innovation in the electrical industry. Judges
praised HPM Legrand’s “G2 Slide Connect
Emergency Exit Light,” a revolutionary emergency
lighting and exit signal system, which utilizes a
single, high brightness, long life LED.
Other winners on the night included Debra
Harle from Harle’s Electrical who was presented
with the Women in Contracting Business Woman
of the Year award and Matt Electric, the recipient
of the Excellence in Safety Management Award.
Mr Richards said the awards demonstrated the
Master Electricians and ECA’s determination to
boost customer service standards and innovation
in the electrical industry.
“Consumers can feel very confident in
choosing a member of the ECA for their
electrical work,” he said.
eCA excellence Award Winners:
hpm legranD apprentice of the year:
danial subonj - t h cock Danial’s marks across the board of both practical
test and interview were exceptional. Danial’s
marks in five out of eight criteria sections were
between 90 and 100%, with the remaining three
sections resulting between 80 and 100%. The
judges recognized his technical knowledge and
personal conduct (in particular) to be of a very
high standard
lawrence & hanson
business stuDent of the year:
brett hughes - power safe electricalBrett completed his Diploma of Project
Management through the ECA Lawrence &
Hanson BusinessConnect school. Brett completed
this over a 20 week period, whilst still managing
his own business in Warwick.
women in contracting
business woman of the year:
debra harle - harle’s electricalWhilst being the support network of Harle’s
Electrical with her husband Steve, Debra cares
for their family and is also a school teacher.
Debra employed the services of a business
coach to assist her in growing the business.
innovative service of the year:
clipsal - ‘clipspec’Clipspec is a software program that aims to
improve customer satisfaction and professionalism
when selling electrical accessories, offering
consumers a greater range of electrical products
and options.
innovative proDuct of the year:
hpm legrand - ‘g2 slide connect emergency exit light’Slide Connect is a world first emergency lighting
and exit sign system which uses a single, high
brightness, long life LED. The owner benefits from
reduced energy costs, reduced evacuation lighting
quantities, and reduced maintenance costs.
excellence in safety management awarD:
matt electricMatt Electric are a small private domestic and
commercial installation and service company.
Matt Electric display an ‘above and beyond’
approach to customer service and present an
excellent attitude to staff safety and culture.
presiDent’s awarD:
tom birt - minelecTom Birt started Minelec with his business
partner and former boss Mick Davidson in
1991. Tom has been integral in placing Minelec
in the top 400 QLD companies in 2006. Other
notable achievements include assisting with the
construction of the Ronald McDonald House
alongside the Townsville Hospital at Douglas,
encouraging many local business people to
donate either material or labour to build
the facility. Tom has also been instrumental
in raising $600,000.00 to go towards the
construction of the Palliative Care Unit at the
Townsville Hospital.
master electrician of the year:
luke pritchard - prestige powerLuke Pritchard from Prestige Power is the first
Master Electrician of the Year. Prestige Power
are a young domestic and commercial private
company based on the Redcliffe Peninsula.
Prestige Power demonstrate excellence in
several areas, including customer feedback
and an outstanding standard of business
presentation. They excel in their marketing,
and in ensuring control and consistency at all
levels, as well as maintaining modern practices
and technology. A big congratulations to
Luke Pritchard and the team at Prestige
Power for being the first Master Electricians of
the Year.
32 www.masterelectricians.com.au
the buzz : is
su
es
aFFe
ctin
g Y
ou
r in
du
str
Y
buzzthe
save money at trade exposWith the economic downturn in full swing
businesses are now faced with the prospect of
having to cut costs wherever possible.
For many business owners the thought of
having to replace tools and buy new ones to
keep up with changes in technology can be a
daunting task.
Now in its fourth year, the National
Tradesman’s expo offers tradesmen the
opportunity to buy discounted tools and
services from a variety of retailers in one
place.
Held in capital cities across the country, the
expo has grown even bigger in 2009 with over
100 exhibitors showcasing over 300 brands,
according to event Director Paul mathers.
“Shopping for tools can take up valuable
time and cost you important, money-earning
jobs. The National Tradesman’s expo allows
you to try out all the latest quality tools of the
trade and secure the best deals on the market
at a one stop shop,” mr mathers said.
Admission to the National Tradesman’s
expo is $10, children under 15 years of
age are admitted free. Accredited master
electricians and eCA members are entitled
to a 50 per cent discount on presentation of
their membership card, or discount coupon.
For more information visit www.ntx.com.au. The Precinct was the first NSW Government
building to achieve a five-star rating from the
Green Building Council of Australia.
The $300 million, state-of-the-art project
features advanced Schneider electric power
control distribution and monitoring technology,
including more than 100 PowerLogic power
meters, 50 custom-made distribution boards
and six main switchboards incorporating the
company’s technology for the high security
complex of nine trial courts, a new six-court
complex for hearing children’s matters, a 20,000
square metres administration centre and a
refurbished hospital.
“This is a landmark energy management project
on any scale,” said Star Group Project manager
Ric Fewtrell.
Site electrical contractors Star electrical specified
Schneider electric solutions because they were
readily available at short notice and backed up by
their energy management expertise.
Schneider electric’s energy-monitoring
technology allows management and analysis
of the day-to-day costs of efficiently running the
lifts, lights, heating and all the mechanical and
electrical services associated with operating the
entire site. The technology allows the end-user to
drill down to the final distribution board to access
all current, voltage and power parameters.
“Given that buildings in general consume one
third of the world’s resources – and [in Australia]
use 42 per cent of [our] energy – it’s only common
sense that major projects such as this be used
as a showpiece for more sustainable practices,”
mr Fewtrell said.
Schneider electric’s energy management
technology was chosen partly because it was
easy to adapt and very flexible, according to
Schneider electric Switchboard manufacturers
Sales engineer Robert Christensen, who worked
with Star electrical and switchboard manufacturer
SmB Harwal electric Pty Ltd on the project.
“The close relationship between Schneider
electric and the Star and Harwal groups helped
ensure that a very tight project was delivered on
time and on budget, despite several challenging
design reviews,” said mr Christensen.
“The flexibility of the technologies chosen was
important. For example, dozens of masterpact
NW Air circuit breakers were selected for the
critical role of switching up to 2500A. many
were used to switch between mains supply and
generators, and when the scope of the works
was extended to incorporate synchrocoupling
[SCTT] transfer, they were able to accommodate
the task as part of their standard mode of
operation.”
The Parramatta Justice Precinct was
constructed by Brookfield multiplex for the
Attorney General’s Department.
when justice meets powerschneider Electric has played a vital role in the new parramatta Justice precinct in sydney – a model of energy management and conservation.
33the master electrician : SummeR 09
origin energy drives domestic solar energy solutionOrigin energy, Australia’s largest retailer of
residential solar energy systems, has recently
appointed O’Donnell Griffin, part of the Norfolk
Group, to drive the installation of its streamlined
domestic solar energy solution across homes in
SA, WA and NSW.
With rapid growth forecast for the solar
energy industry due to a greater general
awareness of the impact of carbon intensive
electricity generation, Origin energy sees the
domestic market as primed and ready for
broader adoption of a solar energy solution.
This, coupled with the fact that customers
will be eligible for a Federal rebate of up to
$8,000 on a standard $10,000 1 kilowatt
panel, meant that Origin energy were keen to
choose a service and installation partner who
were able to respond quickly and who had a
national capability to tie in with the expected
future national growth in the domestic solar
energy market.
Both Origin energy and O’Donnell Griffin
are confident that the take-up by consumers
will be strong as they face rising electricity bills
and a growing demand to take environmentally
positive action. ‘Solar energy is fast becoming
an ideal centralised, distributed generation
source given its low impact in terms of noise,
aesthetics and maintenance and its long term
reliability,’ adds Drenen. We are delighted that
O’Donnell Griffin also sees the future for this
product as significant.’
projecteD national rollout:
Whilst the first stage of this installation project
will commence in December with 80 installations
planned across NSW, WA and SA, a multimillion
dollar national rollout of an estimated 20,000
1 kilowatt solar panels is projected by 2013.
The ODG/Origin partnership allows domestic
home-owners to order the rooftop panels
directly from Origin energy, either by phone
or over the internet. O’Donnell Griffin have
committed to installation of the panels within
12 weeks, anywhere in Australia, correlating to
the time it will take for consumers to process
their Federal Government rebate (up to 80%
depending on which suburb and State they
live in). This approach should ensure that
the customer is not out of pocket for the full
amount.
As an additional financial incentive to
customers, users are also able to supply excess
power back into the grid to further shorten the
payback period on their solar energy units.
legislative changes in victoria
equal opportunity act 1995:
On 31 march 2008, employment activity was a
new ground of unlawful dismissal added to the
equal Opportunity Act. employment activity is
defined as an employee making a request of
their employer about their entitlements (e.g.
wage rates) or communicating to an employer
their concern about the employer’s failure to
provide them with their entitlements.
On 1 September 2008 the equal Opportunity
Act also introduced that an employer must
not unreasonably refuse flexible working
arrangements for parents and carers.
workers wage protection act 2007:
The Victorian Workers’ Wage Protection Act
commenced operation on 1 December 2008.
This Workers’ Wage Protection Act regulates
when an employer in Victoria can make
deductions from their Victorian employees’
wages and that in order to make deductions
that employers must have written authorisation.
Here’s the latest news and information from the electrotechnology industry across Australia.
KaraoKe priest electrocuteda Filipino priest has been electrocuted by a defective karaoke microphone after finishing a swim during a beach party.
the 32 year old catholic priest had just finished swimming and was dripping wet when he took the microphone of the karaoke machine in a resort in marong. he lost consciousness and was declared dead on arrival in a nearby hospital.
www.cathnews.com
32 www.masterelectricians.com.au
the buzz : is
su
es
aFFe
ctin
g Y
ou
r in
du
str
Y
buzzthe
save money at trade exposWith the economic downturn in full swing
businesses are now faced with the prospect of
having to cut costs wherever possible.
For many business owners the thought of
having to replace tools and buy new ones to
keep up with changes in technology can be a
daunting task.
Now in its fourth year, the National
Tradesman’s expo offers tradesmen the
opportunity to buy discounted tools and
services from a variety of retailers in one
place.
Held in capital cities across the country, the
expo has grown even bigger in 2009 with over
100 exhibitors showcasing over 300 brands,
according to event Director Paul mathers.
“Shopping for tools can take up valuable
time and cost you important, money-earning
jobs. The National Tradesman’s expo allows
you to try out all the latest quality tools of the
trade and secure the best deals on the market
at a one stop shop,” mr mathers said.
Admission to the National Tradesman’s
expo is $10, children under 15 years of
age are admitted free. Accredited master
electricians and eCA members are entitled
to a 50 per cent discount on presentation of
their membership card, or discount coupon.
For more information visit www.ntx.com.au. The Precinct was the first NSW Government
building to achieve a five-star rating from the
Green Building Council of Australia.
The $300 million, state-of-the-art project
features advanced Schneider electric power
control distribution and monitoring technology,
including more than 100 PowerLogic power
meters, 50 custom-made distribution boards
and six main switchboards incorporating the
company’s technology for the high security
complex of nine trial courts, a new six-court
complex for hearing children’s matters, a 20,000
square metres administration centre and a
refurbished hospital.
“This is a landmark energy management project
on any scale,” said Star Group Project manager
Ric Fewtrell.
Site electrical contractors Star electrical specified
Schneider electric solutions because they were
readily available at short notice and backed up by
their energy management expertise.
Schneider electric’s energy-monitoring
technology allows management and analysis
of the day-to-day costs of efficiently running the
lifts, lights, heating and all the mechanical and
electrical services associated with operating the
entire site. The technology allows the end-user to
drill down to the final distribution board to access
all current, voltage and power parameters.
“Given that buildings in general consume one
third of the world’s resources – and [in Australia]
use 42 per cent of [our] energy – it’s only common
sense that major projects such as this be used
as a showpiece for more sustainable practices,”
mr Fewtrell said.
Schneider electric’s energy management
technology was chosen partly because it was
easy to adapt and very flexible, according to
Schneider electric Switchboard manufacturers
Sales engineer Robert Christensen, who worked
with Star electrical and switchboard manufacturer
SmB Harwal electric Pty Ltd on the project.
“The close relationship between Schneider
electric and the Star and Harwal groups helped
ensure that a very tight project was delivered on
time and on budget, despite several challenging
design reviews,” said mr Christensen.
“The flexibility of the technologies chosen was
important. For example, dozens of masterpact
NW Air circuit breakers were selected for the
critical role of switching up to 2500A. many
were used to switch between mains supply and
generators, and when the scope of the works
was extended to incorporate synchrocoupling
[SCTT] transfer, they were able to accommodate
the task as part of their standard mode of
operation.”
The Parramatta Justice Precinct was
constructed by Brookfield multiplex for the
Attorney General’s Department.
when justice meets powerschneider Electric has played a vital role in the new parramatta Justice precinct in sydney – a model of energy management and conservation.
33the master electrician : SummeR 09
origin energy drives domestic solar energy solutionOrigin energy, Australia’s largest retailer of
residential solar energy systems, has recently
appointed O’Donnell Griffin, part of the Norfolk
Group, to drive the installation of its streamlined
domestic solar energy solution across homes in
SA, WA and NSW.
With rapid growth forecast for the solar
energy industry due to a greater general
awareness of the impact of carbon intensive
electricity generation, Origin energy sees the
domestic market as primed and ready for
broader adoption of a solar energy solution.
This, coupled with the fact that customers
will be eligible for a Federal rebate of up to
$8,000 on a standard $10,000 1 kilowatt
panel, meant that Origin energy were keen to
choose a service and installation partner who
were able to respond quickly and who had a
national capability to tie in with the expected
future national growth in the domestic solar
energy market.
Both Origin energy and O’Donnell Griffin
are confident that the take-up by consumers
will be strong as they face rising electricity bills
and a growing demand to take environmentally
positive action. ‘Solar energy is fast becoming
an ideal centralised, distributed generation
source given its low impact in terms of noise,
aesthetics and maintenance and its long term
reliability,’ adds Drenen. We are delighted that
O’Donnell Griffin also sees the future for this
product as significant.’
projecteD national rollout:
Whilst the first stage of this installation project
will commence in December with 80 installations
planned across NSW, WA and SA, a multimillion
dollar national rollout of an estimated 20,000
1 kilowatt solar panels is projected by 2013.
The ODG/Origin partnership allows domestic
home-owners to order the rooftop panels
directly from Origin energy, either by phone
or over the internet. O’Donnell Griffin have
committed to installation of the panels within
12 weeks, anywhere in Australia, correlating to
the time it will take for consumers to process
their Federal Government rebate (up to 80%
depending on which suburb and State they
live in). This approach should ensure that
the customer is not out of pocket for the full
amount.
As an additional financial incentive to
customers, users are also able to supply excess
power back into the grid to further shorten the
payback period on their solar energy units.
legislative changes in victoria
equal opportunity act 1995:
On 31 march 2008, employment activity was a
new ground of unlawful dismissal added to the
equal Opportunity Act. employment activity is
defined as an employee making a request of
their employer about their entitlements (e.g.
wage rates) or communicating to an employer
their concern about the employer’s failure to
provide them with their entitlements.
On 1 September 2008 the equal Opportunity
Act also introduced that an employer must
not unreasonably refuse flexible working
arrangements for parents and carers.
workers wage protection act 2007:
The Victorian Workers’ Wage Protection Act
commenced operation on 1 December 2008.
This Workers’ Wage Protection Act regulates
when an employer in Victoria can make
deductions from their Victorian employees’
wages and that in order to make deductions
that employers must have written authorisation.
Here’s the latest news and information from the electrotechnology industry across Australia.
KaraoKe priest electrocuteda Filipino priest has been electrocuted by a defective karaoke microphone after finishing a swim during a beach party.
the 32 year old catholic priest had just finished swimming and was dripping wet when he took the microphone of the karaoke machine in a resort in marong. he lost consciousness and was declared dead on arrival in a nearby hospital.
www.cathnews.com
34 www.masterelectricians.com.au 35the master electrician : SummeR 09
the interview : c
uttin
g th
e r
ed
tap
e w
ith Ju
lia g
illar
d
With the Australian economy undergoing significant financial and structural upheaval, the Deputy Prime minister and minister for education, employment and Workplace Relations, Julia Gillard, speaks with The master electrician about how contractors and small business employers can survive and thrive in 2009.
interviewwith Julia Gillard
minister, what role Does the government
see for small business such as electrical
contractors in generating employment,
particularly at a time when so many large
organisations are laying off staff or
Deferring any new employment?
Australia’s independent contractors and small
businesses are vital contributors to national
prosperity and job creation. The government’s
emphasis on mitigating climate change will
provide opportunities for small businesses to
expand into new area of electrical expertise.
On 15 December 2008, the Government
released a White Paper on the Carbon Pollution
Reduction Scheme which lays the foundation for
a whole of economy strategy to tackle climate
change. The strategy includes the Climate
Change Action Fund which provides funding to
assist small businesses invest in energy efficiency
enhancing equipment.
Implementing this scheme represents the
biggest structural economic reform in decades.
Treasury modelling suggests that a shift to a
low carbon economy will not only drive future
economic growth but will also create millions
of new jobs. Some of these employment
opportunities are in the electrical area such as
those related to setting up decentralised and
renewable energy systems, energy efficient
buildings and alternative transport.
what message Do you have for business
owners who may be forceD to lay off
valueD members of staff simply as a result
for economic conDitions?
In times of economic stress, it is important for all
businesses, including small business, to manage
and structure their operations in the best way
possible so that they are able to remain competitive
and viable. Importantly, retaining valued workers
will help businesses to position themselves beyond
the current economic downturn. The Rudd Labor
Government through its multi-billion dollar
Economic Security Strategy has put in place the
programs and investments in infrastructure and
other areas that will help Australian workers to be
employed and stay skilled.
In particular, the Rudd Government’s $10.4
billion Economic Security Strategy contains five
key measures:n$4.8 billion for an immediate down payment
on long term pension reform. n$3.9 billion in support payments for low and
middle income families. n$1.5 billion investment to help first home buyers
purchase a home. n $187 million to create 56,000 new training
places in 2008-09.
Accelerate the implementation of the
Government’s three nation building funds and
bring forward, the commencement of investment
in nation building projects to 2009.
how Does the government expect its recent
fair work legislation will change the
employment lanDscape in australia?
The fair work bill will put in place a new workplace
relations system built on:n a fair and comprehensive safety net of
minimum conditions n a system that has at its heart bargaining in
good faith at the enterprise level n protections from unfair dismissal for all
employees n protection for the low paid n a balance between work and family life, and n the right to be represented at the workplace
Businesses will benefit from reduced regulation
under simpler modern awards, simpler unfair
dismissal processes and the one-stop-shop of
Fair Work Australia, the Australian Government’s
new independent umpire.
particularly, how will the changes
containeD in the fair work bill impact on
small business owners?
The new system will have a simpler safety net
of modern awards and National Employment
Standards. The Government acknowledges that
small businesses with fewer than 15 employees
can face particular challenges when managing
employee engagement and dismissal. For this
reason, the National Employment Standards
maintain the small business redundancy pay
exemption, consistent with existing redundancy
pay standards across the federal, New South Wales,
Queensland and Western Australian workplace
relations systems. Further, all modern awards will
include an award flexibility term to enable small
businesses and their employees to make individual
flexibility arrangements to suit their needs. The
new unfair dismissal system strikes an appropriate
balance between allowing businesses to manage
their workforce with confidence and protecting
employees from being dismissed unfairly. The
reforms make the workplace relations system
fairer, restoring the balance between the interests
and needs of employers and those of employees.
what can small business employers Do
to ensure they comply with all their
responsibilities unDer the new legislation?
It will be much easier in the new system for small
business employers to understand their rights and
obligations under the Fair Work legislation.
Particular effort has been made to assist small
business employers in relation to unfair dismissal.
The Fair Work Bill provides for a longer qualifying
period of 12 months for employees in businesses
with fewer than 15 employees to make an unfair
dismissal claim.
In addition, a Small Business Fair Dismissal Code
will set out the steps that a small business needs
to take to make a dismissal fair. The Code will
provide clear advice for small business employers
contemplating dismissal action. By following the
Code, small businesses will be able to dismiss
unsatisfactory employees without fear of unfair
dismissal claims being brought against them.
The Australian Government will also ensure that
small business employers have access to advice
and assistance in relation to the new workplace
relations system through its new independent
umpire, Fair Work Australia.
minister, electrical contractors are
acutely aware of the national skills
shortage anD the impact it has on
businesses. can you outline the steps the
government has taken to boost the number
of skilleD workers available in inDustries
such as electrical contracting?
The Government is very aware of the shortages
currently being experienced in the electrical
contracting industry. The occupations of
34 www.masterelectricians.com.au 35the master electrician : SummeR 09
the interview : c
uttin
g th
e r
ed
tap
e w
ith Ju
lia g
illar
d
With the Australian economy undergoing significant financial and structural upheaval, the Deputy Prime minister and minister for education, employment and Workplace Relations, Julia Gillard, speaks with The master electrician about how contractors and small business employers can survive and thrive in 2009.
interviewwith Julia Gillard
minister, what role Does the government
see for small business such as electrical
contractors in generating employment,
particularly at a time when so many large
organisations are laying off staff or
Deferring any new employment?
Australia’s independent contractors and small
businesses are vital contributors to national
prosperity and job creation. The government’s
emphasis on mitigating climate change will
provide opportunities for small businesses to
expand into new area of electrical expertise.
On 15 December 2008, the Government
released a White Paper on the Carbon Pollution
Reduction Scheme which lays the foundation for
a whole of economy strategy to tackle climate
change. The strategy includes the Climate
Change Action Fund which provides funding to
assist small businesses invest in energy efficiency
enhancing equipment.
Implementing this scheme represents the
biggest structural economic reform in decades.
Treasury modelling suggests that a shift to a
low carbon economy will not only drive future
economic growth but will also create millions
of new jobs. Some of these employment
opportunities are in the electrical area such as
those related to setting up decentralised and
renewable energy systems, energy efficient
buildings and alternative transport.
what message Do you have for business
owners who may be forceD to lay off
valueD members of staff simply as a result
for economic conDitions?
In times of economic stress, it is important for all
businesses, including small business, to manage
and structure their operations in the best way
possible so that they are able to remain competitive
and viable. Importantly, retaining valued workers
will help businesses to position themselves beyond
the current economic downturn. The Rudd Labor
Government through its multi-billion dollar
Economic Security Strategy has put in place the
programs and investments in infrastructure and
other areas that will help Australian workers to be
employed and stay skilled.
In particular, the Rudd Government’s $10.4
billion Economic Security Strategy contains five
key measures:n$4.8 billion for an immediate down payment
on long term pension reform. n$3.9 billion in support payments for low and
middle income families. n$1.5 billion investment to help first home buyers
purchase a home. n $187 million to create 56,000 new training
places in 2008-09.
Accelerate the implementation of the
Government’s three nation building funds and
bring forward, the commencement of investment
in nation building projects to 2009.
how Does the government expect its recent
fair work legislation will change the
employment lanDscape in australia?
The fair work bill will put in place a new workplace
relations system built on:n a fair and comprehensive safety net of
minimum conditions n a system that has at its heart bargaining in
good faith at the enterprise level n protections from unfair dismissal for all
employees n protection for the low paid n a balance between work and family life, and n the right to be represented at the workplace
Businesses will benefit from reduced regulation
under simpler modern awards, simpler unfair
dismissal processes and the one-stop-shop of
Fair Work Australia, the Australian Government’s
new independent umpire.
particularly, how will the changes
containeD in the fair work bill impact on
small business owners?
The new system will have a simpler safety net
of modern awards and National Employment
Standards. The Government acknowledges that
small businesses with fewer than 15 employees
can face particular challenges when managing
employee engagement and dismissal. For this
reason, the National Employment Standards
maintain the small business redundancy pay
exemption, consistent with existing redundancy
pay standards across the federal, New South Wales,
Queensland and Western Australian workplace
relations systems. Further, all modern awards will
include an award flexibility term to enable small
businesses and their employees to make individual
flexibility arrangements to suit their needs. The
new unfair dismissal system strikes an appropriate
balance between allowing businesses to manage
their workforce with confidence and protecting
employees from being dismissed unfairly. The
reforms make the workplace relations system
fairer, restoring the balance between the interests
and needs of employers and those of employees.
what can small business employers Do
to ensure they comply with all their
responsibilities unDer the new legislation?
It will be much easier in the new system for small
business employers to understand their rights and
obligations under the Fair Work legislation.
Particular effort has been made to assist small
business employers in relation to unfair dismissal.
The Fair Work Bill provides for a longer qualifying
period of 12 months for employees in businesses
with fewer than 15 employees to make an unfair
dismissal claim.
In addition, a Small Business Fair Dismissal Code
will set out the steps that a small business needs
to take to make a dismissal fair. The Code will
provide clear advice for small business employers
contemplating dismissal action. By following the
Code, small businesses will be able to dismiss
unsatisfactory employees without fear of unfair
dismissal claims being brought against them.
The Australian Government will also ensure that
small business employers have access to advice
and assistance in relation to the new workplace
relations system through its new independent
umpire, Fair Work Australia.
minister, electrical contractors are
acutely aware of the national skills
shortage anD the impact it has on
businesses. can you outline the steps the
government has taken to boost the number
of skilleD workers available in inDustries
such as electrical contracting?
The Government is very aware of the shortages
currently being experienced in the electrical
contracting industry. The occupations of
36 www.masterelectricians.com.au 37the master electrician : SummeR 09
workplace relations : C
LImATe
CH
AN
Ge
electrician (special class), general electrician,
electrical powerline tradesperson and electronic
equipment tradesperson are included on the
National Skills Needs List.
This means that in addition to the standard
employer incentives a range of other incentives
are available to the apprentices to ease the
financial difficulties experienced in the early
years of their apprenticeships, including Tools
for Your Trade, the Commonwealth Trade Learning
Scholarship, and the Apprenticeship Wage Top-Up
initiative. Commencements in apprenticeships
in the electrical trades have been increasing
steadily over the last five years.
Those occupations are also included on the list
of priority occupations for the Productivity Places
Program, which will create more than 700,000
new training places over five years. This provides
additional training places both for jobseekers
entering the workforce and for existing workers
to increase or update their skills. In addition to
these measures, the Government has worked
closely with industry representatives and has
funded a range of other projects to look at how
the skills shortages in the electrical contracting
industry can be addressed. Two recent projects
were funded under the National Skills Shortages
Strategy. The first project provided over $400,000
to the Electrical and Communications Association
to develop flexible delivery resources and to train
electrical workers to deliver training. The second
project funded the National Electrical Contractors
Association to develop a comprehensive profile of
current and future employment and skills needs
for the industry.
how DiD last november’s meeting of the
ministerial council for vocational anD
technical eDucation aDvance the issue of a
national training system?
Ministers agreed that a reformed National Industry
Skills Committee (NISC) would continue to
provide national industry advice to the Ministerial
Council and further options around NISC’s role,
membership and relationships with State and
Territory Governments and other stakeholders
would be dealt with out of session.
The Ministerial Council agreed to further
discussion in relation to broader VET reforms
following the implementation of the new
financial arrangements.
what progress has been maDe on the
government’s program of traDes training
in schools?
The Trade Training Centres in Schools Program
was one of the Government’s key commitments
as part of the Education Revolution. In July 2008,
funding of more than $90m was awarded for
Round One (Phase One) of the program to 34
lead schools representing a total of 96 schools.
Negotiations are currently under way between
the Commonwealth, education authorities and
schools to finalise funding agreements for these
projects. Rollout of the projects is expected to
commence next year.
Round One (Phase Two) of the Program, which
closed on 17 October 2008, will allocate up to
$310m to establish Trade Training Centres. The
successful applicants will be announced in 2009.
The Commonwealth, State and Territory
Governments, non-government education
authorities, and schools have developed
strong partnership arrangements through
the implementation process. This process
will deliver better training opportunities for
secondary students.
what results is that program expecteD to
Deliver, anD over what time perioD?
The Trade Training Centres in Schools Program
aims to ensure that students have access to
high quality, relevant education and training
opportunities that continue to engage and
encourage them to complete their studies. Linking
high schools with industry and making high school
education and skills formation part of the same
process will assist students acquire the skills they
need for their future employment. In turn, this will
assist the Government to increase productivity and
build Australia’s future workforce.
The Australian Government is working towards
a national target of increasing the proportion
of students achieving Year 12, or an equivalent
qualification, to 85 per cent by 2015 and 90
per cent by 2020. The Trade Training Centres in
Schools Program was established to help achieve
this target and to address skill shortages in
traditional trades and emerging industries.
as a minister for eDucation, Do you think
australia has the balance right between
tertiary eDucation an technical training
options for school leavers?
We know Australia needs more qualified people
across the tertiary sector to build Australia’s future
prosperity. This is in both vocational education
and training (VET) and higher education.
That is why we have invested in more than
700,000 new training places as part of the
Productivity Places Program, and commissioned a
Bradley Review of Australian Higher Education to
look at the best way forward in that sector.
I received in December the final report of
the Review of Australian Higher Education
by the independent, expert panel led by
Emeritus Professor Denise Bradley AC. One of
the areas the report looks at is the relationship
between vocational education and training and
universities.
The Rudd Government will consider the
recommendations and findings of the review
and will provide a response to its directions
in 2009.
the interview : with Julia gillard
“THe FIRST PROJeCT PROVIDeD OVeR $400,000
TO THe eLeCTRICAL AND COmmuNICATIONS
ASSOCIATION TO DeVeLOP FLeXIBLe DeLIVeRy
ReSOuRCeS AND TO TRAIN eLeCTRICAL WORkeRS TO
DeLIVeR TRAINING.”
KEEP YOUR POWER ON!KEEP YOUR POWER ON!CALL US FOR ALL YOUR GENERATOR NEEDS!
RENTALS - NEW & USED SALES
WE SPECIALISE IN PROVIDING PETROL AND DIESEL GENERATOR SETS.FROM 500 WATTS TO 3,000 KVA
As the manufacturer, we are easily able to modify standard specifications
and produce a tailor-made unit if necessary.
www.genelite.com.au
And our keen prices are well-renowned.
36 www.masterelectricians.com.au 37the master electrician : SummeR 09
workplace relations : C
LImATe
CH
AN
Ge
electrician (special class), general electrician,
electrical powerline tradesperson and electronic
equipment tradesperson are included on the
National Skills Needs List.
This means that in addition to the standard
employer incentives a range of other incentives
are available to the apprentices to ease the
financial difficulties experienced in the early
years of their apprenticeships, including Tools
for Your Trade, the Commonwealth Trade Learning
Scholarship, and the Apprenticeship Wage Top-Up
initiative. Commencements in apprenticeships
in the electrical trades have been increasing
steadily over the last five years.
Those occupations are also included on the list
of priority occupations for the Productivity Places
Program, which will create more than 700,000
new training places over five years. This provides
additional training places both for jobseekers
entering the workforce and for existing workers
to increase or update their skills. In addition to
these measures, the Government has worked
closely with industry representatives and has
funded a range of other projects to look at how
the skills shortages in the electrical contracting
industry can be addressed. Two recent projects
were funded under the National Skills Shortages
Strategy. The first project provided over $400,000
to the Electrical and Communications Association
to develop flexible delivery resources and to train
electrical workers to deliver training. The second
project funded the National Electrical Contractors
Association to develop a comprehensive profile of
current and future employment and skills needs
for the industry.
how DiD last november’s meeting of the
ministerial council for vocational anD
technical eDucation aDvance the issue of a
national training system?
Ministers agreed that a reformed National Industry
Skills Committee (NISC) would continue to
provide national industry advice to the Ministerial
Council and further options around NISC’s role,
membership and relationships with State and
Territory Governments and other stakeholders
would be dealt with out of session.
The Ministerial Council agreed to further
discussion in relation to broader VET reforms
following the implementation of the new
financial arrangements.
what progress has been maDe on the
government’s program of traDes training
in schools?
The Trade Training Centres in Schools Program
was one of the Government’s key commitments
as part of the Education Revolution. In July 2008,
funding of more than $90m was awarded for
Round One (Phase One) of the program to 34
lead schools representing a total of 96 schools.
Negotiations are currently under way between
the Commonwealth, education authorities and
schools to finalise funding agreements for these
projects. Rollout of the projects is expected to
commence next year.
Round One (Phase Two) of the Program, which
closed on 17 October 2008, will allocate up to
$310m to establish Trade Training Centres. The
successful applicants will be announced in 2009.
The Commonwealth, State and Territory
Governments, non-government education
authorities, and schools have developed
strong partnership arrangements through
the implementation process. This process
will deliver better training opportunities for
secondary students.
what results is that program expecteD to
Deliver, anD over what time perioD?
The Trade Training Centres in Schools Program
aims to ensure that students have access to
high quality, relevant education and training
opportunities that continue to engage and
encourage them to complete their studies. Linking
high schools with industry and making high school
education and skills formation part of the same
process will assist students acquire the skills they
need for their future employment. In turn, this will
assist the Government to increase productivity and
build Australia’s future workforce.
The Australian Government is working towards
a national target of increasing the proportion
of students achieving Year 12, or an equivalent
qualification, to 85 per cent by 2015 and 90
per cent by 2020. The Trade Training Centres in
Schools Program was established to help achieve
this target and to address skill shortages in
traditional trades and emerging industries.
as a minister for eDucation, Do you think
australia has the balance right between
tertiary eDucation an technical training
options for school leavers?
We know Australia needs more qualified people
across the tertiary sector to build Australia’s future
prosperity. This is in both vocational education
and training (VET) and higher education.
That is why we have invested in more than
700,000 new training places as part of the
Productivity Places Program, and commissioned a
Bradley Review of Australian Higher Education to
look at the best way forward in that sector.
I received in December the final report of
the Review of Australian Higher Education
by the independent, expert panel led by
Emeritus Professor Denise Bradley AC. One of
the areas the report looks at is the relationship
between vocational education and training and
universities.
The Rudd Government will consider the
recommendations and findings of the review
and will provide a response to its directions
in 2009.
the interview : with Julia gillard
“THe FIRST PROJeCT PROVIDeD OVeR $400,000
TO THe eLeCTRICAL AND COmmuNICATIONS
ASSOCIATION TO DeVeLOP FLeXIBLe DeLIVeRy
ReSOuRCeS AND TO TRAIN eLeCTRICAL WORkeRS TO
DeLIVeR TRAINING.”
KEEP YOUR POWER ON!KEEP YOUR POWER ON!CALL US FOR ALL YOUR GENERATOR NEEDS!
RENTALS - NEW & USED SALES
WE SPECIALISE IN PROVIDING PETROL AND DIESEL GENERATOR SETS.FROM 500 WATTS TO 3,000 KVA
As the manufacturer, we are easily able to modify standard specifications
and produce a tailor-made unit if necessary.
www.genelite.com.au
And our keen prices are well-renowned.
38 www.masterelectricians.com.au 39the master electrician : SummeR 09
technical talk : tele
co
mm
un
icatio
n w
irin
g r
ule
s u
nc
ov
er
ed
The humble light bulb is about to
become history as Australia turns its
back in favour of more energy efficient
solutions, and technologically superior
forms of light.
Lighting represents around 12 per cent of
greenhouse gas emissions from households, and
around 25 per cent of emissions from the
commercial sector. In February 2007, the
Government announced their intention to
phase-out inefficient incandescent lamps. The
aim of this project is to significantly reduce
Australia’s greenhouse gas emissions, and
forces Australians to examine their personal
impact on our environment. The traditional
pear-shaped incandescent bulbs are the least
efficient type of light and waste 90 per cent of
the energy they use, mainly as heat. They will
be phased out first, with an import restriction
that came into effect in November 2008,
followed by a retail sales ban from November
2009. The two main contenders to fill the void
are Compact Fluorescents (CFL) and LED’s.
Legislation, in relation to CFL’s, has been
introduced to ensure consumers are satisfied with
the performance of CFLs. The global market for
CFLs has expanded rapidly in recent years with
sales of 550 million worldwide in 2005 which is
expected to double by 2012 based on existing
growth rates.
In the 1960’s, LED’s were introduced as an
option to the vaunted CFL. Since then, continued
innovations in the design of LED’s, from leading
manufacturers, means that they are now powerful
enough to offer an alternative to conventional
sources with significant advantages in aesthetics,
longevity, flexibility and, of course, efficiency. LED’s
can now match the colour produced by any other
lamp and last up to 50 times longer.
However, all these points are useless without
some hard figures. Below is a simplified domestic
cost comparison between a 60 watt incandescent
an 11 watt CFL, and an 8 watt LED over 60,000
hours. An average cost of 16 cents per kWh has
been used.
As you can see, in over 60,000 hours of use,
both the CFL and the LED cost a great deal less
than the incandescent. LED’s save nearly $500
and the CFL saves around $490. These are figures
that all domestic consumers would be interested
in and should have commercial users salivating
with expected savings when the addition of
labour costs and air conditioning load savings are
factored in.
quick comparisonlamp expected life purchase price per/unit usage price per/Kwhr total cost per/60,000hr
8 watt LeD 60,000 $30.00 $1.28 $106.80
11 watt CFL 10,000 $3.00 $1.76 $123.60
60 watt Incandescent 1,000 $0.50 $9.60 $606.00
led’s last, on average, 60,000 hours with a cost of around $30.00. 8w x 60,000 hours = 480kw x 16c = $76.80cFl’s last 10, 000 hours so 6 are needed at a total cost of $18.00. 11w x 60,000hours = 660kw x 16c = $105.60incandescents last 1000 hours so 60 are needed for a total cost of $30.00. 60w x 60,000 hours = 3600kw x 16c = $576.00
CFLs vs LeDs
Telecommunications wiring rules uncovered
Our Technical Officers are only too pleased
to help and support you with your
queries, but we do ask you to get a copy
(free) from the reference below and try
to be familiar with the key points.
The wiring rules cover a similar range of subject
matter, and are similar in layout to the Electrical
Wiring Rules. Compliance with AS/ACIF S009:2006
Installation requirements for customer cabling (Wiring
rules) are a legal requirement, having been proclaimed
in the Telecommunications Act.
Attention is drawn to the fact that cabling work
must be performed or supervised by a person
with the appropriate cabling provider registration.
This requirement is determined by legislation and
subordinate regulatory instruments administered by
the Australian Communications and Media Authority
(ACMA). The requirements of the different classes of
cablers, and the attendant restrictions for each class of
cabler are further detailed in the Telecommunications
Cabling Provider Rules 2000.
for more information:copies of the relevant legislation can be downloaded without cost.
As/AciF s009:2006 installation requirements for customer cabling (Wiring rules) from: www.commsalliance.com.au/documents/standards/S009_2006
telecommunications cabling Provider rules 2000 from: www.acma.gov.au/WEB/STANDARD/pc=PC_2072
The Telecommunications Wiring Rules AS/ACIF
S3009 was last updated in 2006 but a disturbing number of contractors are unaware of their
existence, occasioning many calls to our Safety & Technical query line.
electricity Broadcasting technology may maKe electrical wiring historya ground-breaking technology that broadcasts electricity may render electrical wiring ancient history, say its inventors.
the device called witricity beams power to laptops, mobile phones and stereos without cables or sockets by converting electricity into an invisible heat laser, and shooting it across a room. as soon as the laser hits a solar cell inside any electric appliance it is converted back to electricity.
presently, the gizmo can beam 1.5watts of power to a solar cell 30ft away, and that can easily be scaled up. in future, witricity is expected to operate like internet wi-Fi with hotspots, where all gadgets would power up automatically.www.newspostonline.com
technicaltalk
38 www.masterelectricians.com.au 39the master electrician : SummeR 09
technical talk : tele
co
mm
un
icatio
n w
irin
g r
ule
s u
nc
ov
er
ed
The humble light bulb is about to
become history as Australia turns its
back in favour of more energy efficient
solutions, and technologically superior
forms of light.
Lighting represents around 12 per cent of
greenhouse gas emissions from households, and
around 25 per cent of emissions from the
commercial sector. In February 2007, the
Government announced their intention to
phase-out inefficient incandescent lamps. The
aim of this project is to significantly reduce
Australia’s greenhouse gas emissions, and
forces Australians to examine their personal
impact on our environment. The traditional
pear-shaped incandescent bulbs are the least
efficient type of light and waste 90 per cent of
the energy they use, mainly as heat. They will
be phased out first, with an import restriction
that came into effect in November 2008,
followed by a retail sales ban from November
2009. The two main contenders to fill the void
are Compact Fluorescents (CFL) and LED’s.
Legislation, in relation to CFL’s, has been
introduced to ensure consumers are satisfied with
the performance of CFLs. The global market for
CFLs has expanded rapidly in recent years with
sales of 550 million worldwide in 2005 which is
expected to double by 2012 based on existing
growth rates.
In the 1960’s, LED’s were introduced as an
option to the vaunted CFL. Since then, continued
innovations in the design of LED’s, from leading
manufacturers, means that they are now powerful
enough to offer an alternative to conventional
sources with significant advantages in aesthetics,
longevity, flexibility and, of course, efficiency. LED’s
can now match the colour produced by any other
lamp and last up to 50 times longer.
However, all these points are useless without
some hard figures. Below is a simplified domestic
cost comparison between a 60 watt incandescent
an 11 watt CFL, and an 8 watt LED over 60,000
hours. An average cost of 16 cents per kWh has
been used.
As you can see, in over 60,000 hours of use,
both the CFL and the LED cost a great deal less
than the incandescent. LED’s save nearly $500
and the CFL saves around $490. These are figures
that all domestic consumers would be interested
in and should have commercial users salivating
with expected savings when the addition of
labour costs and air conditioning load savings are
factored in.
quick comparisonlamp expected life purchase price per/unit usage price per/Kwhr total cost per/60,000hr
8 watt LeD 60,000 $30.00 $1.28 $106.80
11 watt CFL 10,000 $3.00 $1.76 $123.60
60 watt Incandescent 1,000 $0.50 $9.60 $606.00
led’s last, on average, 60,000 hours with a cost of around $30.00. 8w x 60,000 hours = 480kw x 16c = $76.80cFl’s last 10, 000 hours so 6 are needed at a total cost of $18.00. 11w x 60,000hours = 660kw x 16c = $105.60incandescents last 1000 hours so 60 are needed for a total cost of $30.00. 60w x 60,000 hours = 3600kw x 16c = $576.00
CFLs vs LeDs
Telecommunications wiring rules uncovered
Our Technical Officers are only too pleased
to help and support you with your
queries, but we do ask you to get a copy
(free) from the reference below and try
to be familiar with the key points.
The wiring rules cover a similar range of subject
matter, and are similar in layout to the Electrical
Wiring Rules. Compliance with AS/ACIF S009:2006
Installation requirements for customer cabling (Wiring
rules) are a legal requirement, having been proclaimed
in the Telecommunications Act.
Attention is drawn to the fact that cabling work
must be performed or supervised by a person
with the appropriate cabling provider registration.
This requirement is determined by legislation and
subordinate regulatory instruments administered by
the Australian Communications and Media Authority
(ACMA). The requirements of the different classes of
cablers, and the attendant restrictions for each class of
cabler are further detailed in the Telecommunications
Cabling Provider Rules 2000.
for more information:copies of the relevant legislation can be downloaded without cost.
As/AciF s009:2006 installation requirements for customer cabling (Wiring rules) from: www.commsalliance.com.au/documents/standards/S009_2006
telecommunications cabling Provider rules 2000 from: www.acma.gov.au/WEB/STANDARD/pc=PC_2072
The Telecommunications Wiring Rules AS/ACIF
S3009 was last updated in 2006 but a disturbing number of contractors are unaware of their
existence, occasioning many calls to our Safety & Technical query line.
electricity Broadcasting technology may maKe electrical wiring historya ground-breaking technology that broadcasts electricity may render electrical wiring ancient history, say its inventors.
the device called witricity beams power to laptops, mobile phones and stereos without cables or sockets by converting electricity into an invisible heat laser, and shooting it across a room. as soon as the laser hits a solar cell inside any electric appliance it is converted back to electricity.
presently, the gizmo can beam 1.5watts of power to a solar cell 30ft away, and that can easily be scaled up. in future, witricity is expected to operate like internet wi-Fi with hotspots, where all gadgets would power up automatically.www.newspostonline.com
technicaltalk
40 www.masterelectricians.com.au 41the master electrician : SummeR 09
workp
lace relations : the
aB
cc
’s r
ole
workplace
An example of this was on Tuesday
2nd December 2008 when a mass
rally was held in Melbourne in which
union leaders told workers to break
the law and not cooperate with the ABCC (The
Age Newspaper, Wednesday 3rd December
2008). Unions have also been running television
commercials attacking the ABCC as part of its
“Right to Strike” campaign (The Sydney Morning
Herald Newspaper, Monday 25th August 2008).
These campaigns may have caused some
confusion about their role, responsibility and
powers.
There is evidence to show that since the
introduction of the ABCC in 2005 there has
been a significant increase in productivity in the
construction industry. The “Economic Analysis of
the Building and Construction Industry Productivity:
2008 Report” suggest that productivity gains have
been between 7.3% and 13.6%.
The Rudd Government has announced that
the ABCC will continue until 2010 when it will
be replaced by Fair Work Australia.
the role of the abcc
The ABCC role is to ensure the enforcement
of workplace relations laws in the building
and construction industry. The ABCC also
educates the building and construction
industry participants about their rights and
obligations.
what is the abcc responsible for?
The ABCC is responsible for the following matters
in relation to the building and construction
industry:n Investigating alleged breaches of the
Building and Construction Industry
Improvement Act 2005 (BCII Act) and
the National Code of Practice;
n The application of the provisions of
the Workplace Relations Act 1996 (WR
Act) relating to freedom of association,
coercion in agreement making, right of
entry and strike pay;n Investigate alleged breaches into the
collective agreement or awards;n Provide advice and assistance on the
application of the BCII Act, WR Act,
Independent Contractors Act, federal
awards, collective agreements and related
legislation;n Monitoring and the enforcement of the
National Code of Practice;n Education and liaison programmes;n Intervenes in matters before the
Australian Industrial Relations
Commission or court proceedings that
involve building work or a building industry
participant.
abcc investigation powers
The ABCC investigates contraventions in relation
to the WR Act, BCII Act and the Independent
Contractors Act. If necessary the ABCC can take
legal action against those alleged to contravene
these Acts. Additionally the ABCC can refer alleged
breaches to the relevant authorities or agencies,
i.e. the police or the Department of Education,
Employment and Workplace Relations.
When entering a site to investigate an alleged
contravention the ABCC inspection can:n Interview any person on the premisesn Request a person to produce a document n Inspect and make copies of any documentsn Inspect any work, material, machinery,
appliance, article, or facilityn Take samples of any goods or substances
This information must be provided to the ABCC
inspector either at the premises or at a time
specified by the ABCC Inspector. The ABCC
inspection must advise that they are authorised to
enter the premises and show their identity cards.
Do i have to comply wiith the abcc
inspector’s request?
Yes, you must comply with the ABCCs request
for information. If you ignore the request
then the ABCC inspector can serve you with
written notice to produce the documents.
If you don’t comply with the inspectors
requests then you are committing one of the
following offences:n Refusing or unduly delaying entry to the
premises by an ABCC inspector (maximum
penalty of $110,000)
n Obstructing, hindering, intimidating or
resisting an ABCC Inspector (maximum
penalty of up to $13,200 and/or 2 years
imprisonment)n Knowingly misleading an ABCC inspector or
providing false information, including false or
misleading documents (maximum penalty of
$6,600 and/or imprisonment of 12 months).
Do i have a right to legal representation at
an examination?
Yes, you do have the right to legal representation
at an examination.
freeDom of association
Freedom of association is governed by the WR
Act and the BCII Act. Freedom of association
allows employers, employees and independent
contracts with:n Freedom to chose whether or not to join a
union or employer associationn Protection from discrimination or victimisation
due to membership or non-membership of a
union or employer associationn Entitlements to compensation when freedom
of association rights are infringedn Penalties and deterrents for infringements of
a person’s freedom of association rights.
freeDom of association
What can I do if someone is trying to make
me join a union?
The ABCC can take legal action against the
party suspected of breaching the WR Act
of the BCII Act. If you are being forced or
threatened to join a union you can make a
complaint to the ABCC.
Under the BCII Act trying to force union
membership is prohibited conduct. The Act also
prohibits:n The coercion of a person to, or not to, employ,
engage, designate, or allocate responsibilities
to a building employee or contractor;n The coercion or undue pressuring of a person
not making, varying, terminating or extending
an industrial instrument;n The coercion of a person into nominating a
superannuation fund applying to building
employees;n Discriminating against a person because
they are covered/ not covered by a particular
industrial instrument.
unlawful inDustrial action
Unlawful industrial action is action taken by
employees that interrupts or restricts normal
work and this is prohibited under the Workplace
Relations Act.
However, if employees are engaged in lawful
industrial action it is against the law for the
employer to pay the employee for the time the
action lasts. If the duration of the industrial
action is:n Less than four hours, deduct four hours payn More than four hours, deduct pay for the
duration of the industrial action.
penalties for not DeDucting strike pay are
up to: n $110,000 in respect of strike payments by a
corporation.n $6,600 in respect of strike payments by or to
an individual.
There has been a lot of media attention about the Australian Building and Construction Commissioner (ABCC) recently, as unions are stepping up pressure on the Rudd Government to shut it down.
relations
the ABCC’s role
40 www.masterelectricians.com.au 41the master electrician : SummeR 09
workp
lace relations : the
aB
cc
’s r
ole
workplace
An example of this was on Tuesday
2nd December 2008 when a mass
rally was held in Melbourne in which
union leaders told workers to break
the law and not cooperate with the ABCC (The
Age Newspaper, Wednesday 3rd December
2008). Unions have also been running television
commercials attacking the ABCC as part of its
“Right to Strike” campaign (The Sydney Morning
Herald Newspaper, Monday 25th August 2008).
These campaigns may have caused some
confusion about their role, responsibility and
powers.
There is evidence to show that since the
introduction of the ABCC in 2005 there has
been a significant increase in productivity in the
construction industry. The “Economic Analysis of
the Building and Construction Industry Productivity:
2008 Report” suggest that productivity gains have
been between 7.3% and 13.6%.
The Rudd Government has announced that
the ABCC will continue until 2010 when it will
be replaced by Fair Work Australia.
the role of the abcc
The ABCC role is to ensure the enforcement
of workplace relations laws in the building
and construction industry. The ABCC also
educates the building and construction
industry participants about their rights and
obligations.
what is the abcc responsible for?
The ABCC is responsible for the following matters
in relation to the building and construction
industry:n Investigating alleged breaches of the
Building and Construction Industry
Improvement Act 2005 (BCII Act) and
the National Code of Practice;
n The application of the provisions of
the Workplace Relations Act 1996 (WR
Act) relating to freedom of association,
coercion in agreement making, right of
entry and strike pay;n Investigate alleged breaches into the
collective agreement or awards;n Provide advice and assistance on the
application of the BCII Act, WR Act,
Independent Contractors Act, federal
awards, collective agreements and related
legislation;n Monitoring and the enforcement of the
National Code of Practice;n Education and liaison programmes;n Intervenes in matters before the
Australian Industrial Relations
Commission or court proceedings that
involve building work or a building industry
participant.
abcc investigation powers
The ABCC investigates contraventions in relation
to the WR Act, BCII Act and the Independent
Contractors Act. If necessary the ABCC can take
legal action against those alleged to contravene
these Acts. Additionally the ABCC can refer alleged
breaches to the relevant authorities or agencies,
i.e. the police or the Department of Education,
Employment and Workplace Relations.
When entering a site to investigate an alleged
contravention the ABCC inspection can:n Interview any person on the premisesn Request a person to produce a document n Inspect and make copies of any documentsn Inspect any work, material, machinery,
appliance, article, or facilityn Take samples of any goods or substances
This information must be provided to the ABCC
inspector either at the premises or at a time
specified by the ABCC Inspector. The ABCC
inspection must advise that they are authorised to
enter the premises and show their identity cards.
Do i have to comply wiith the abcc
inspector’s request?
Yes, you must comply with the ABCCs request
for information. If you ignore the request
then the ABCC inspector can serve you with
written notice to produce the documents.
If you don’t comply with the inspectors
requests then you are committing one of the
following offences:n Refusing or unduly delaying entry to the
premises by an ABCC inspector (maximum
penalty of $110,000)
n Obstructing, hindering, intimidating or
resisting an ABCC Inspector (maximum
penalty of up to $13,200 and/or 2 years
imprisonment)n Knowingly misleading an ABCC inspector or
providing false information, including false or
misleading documents (maximum penalty of
$6,600 and/or imprisonment of 12 months).
Do i have a right to legal representation at
an examination?
Yes, you do have the right to legal representation
at an examination.
freeDom of association
Freedom of association is governed by the WR
Act and the BCII Act. Freedom of association
allows employers, employees and independent
contracts with:n Freedom to chose whether or not to join a
union or employer associationn Protection from discrimination or victimisation
due to membership or non-membership of a
union or employer associationn Entitlements to compensation when freedom
of association rights are infringedn Penalties and deterrents for infringements of
a person’s freedom of association rights.
freeDom of association
What can I do if someone is trying to make
me join a union?
The ABCC can take legal action against the
party suspected of breaching the WR Act
of the BCII Act. If you are being forced or
threatened to join a union you can make a
complaint to the ABCC.
Under the BCII Act trying to force union
membership is prohibited conduct. The Act also
prohibits:n The coercion of a person to, or not to, employ,
engage, designate, or allocate responsibilities
to a building employee or contractor;n The coercion or undue pressuring of a person
not making, varying, terminating or extending
an industrial instrument;n The coercion of a person into nominating a
superannuation fund applying to building
employees;n Discriminating against a person because
they are covered/ not covered by a particular
industrial instrument.
unlawful inDustrial action
Unlawful industrial action is action taken by
employees that interrupts or restricts normal
work and this is prohibited under the Workplace
Relations Act.
However, if employees are engaged in lawful
industrial action it is against the law for the
employer to pay the employee for the time the
action lasts. If the duration of the industrial
action is:n Less than four hours, deduct four hours payn More than four hours, deduct pay for the
duration of the industrial action.
penalties for not DeDucting strike pay are
up to: n $110,000 in respect of strike payments by a
corporation.n $6,600 in respect of strike payments by or to
an individual.
There has been a lot of media attention about the Australian Building and Construction Commissioner (ABCC) recently, as unions are stepping up pressure on the Rudd Government to shut it down.
relations
the ABCC’s role
42 www.masterelectricians.com.au 43the master electrician : SummeR 09
news : Fr
om
he
ad
oFFic
e
national licensing
Concerns over the implementation of a national
licensing system are being addressed through
bi-partisan discussions with key industry
stakeholders.
Following initial consultation sessions,
master electricians Australia was invited to a
special meeting with the Council of Australian
Government (COAG) working group to address
the implementation of the system and proposed
outcomes.
COAG’s objective in establishing the national
licensing system is to remove overlapping and
inconsistent regulation between states and
territories. It is master electricians Australia’s belief
that the proposed harmonisation will ensure safety
standards are not compromised through the
acceptance of less rigid licensing systems.
master electricians Australia are playing
a vital role in shaping the future direction of
occupational and contractor licensing with
participation in the framework for a national
licensing system. The key issue is that industry
will have a say in its future through setting up a
framework to engage with the industry before
any key changes are enacted.
master electricians Australia will continue to
monitor and feed into the process to ensure an
acceptable outcome is achieved.
master electricians meets
with justice wilcox
master electricians Australia has met with
Honourable murray Wilcox QC, a former Australian
Federal Court judge, to discuss the retention of the
powers contained within the Australian Building
and Construction Commission (ABCC).
The Government has stated its intention to
establish a new workplace relations body called
Fair Work Australia and to replace the ABCC with
a Specialist Division within this body. The functions
of the ABCC would fall within the Office of the Fair
Work Ombudsman and commence operations
on 1 February 2010.
Justice Wilcox was appointed to consult with
key stakeholders on the structure, independence,
powers, resourcing of the new specialist division
and will report to the Government by the end of
march 2009.
The Government has stated that the extensive
consultation process will “ensure that the transition
to those new arrangements will be orderly, effective
and robust”.
master electricians Australia advised Justice
Wilcox of the value the ABCC has provided to the
industry since its inception, and strongly urged him
to report back to the government recommending
the retention of the ABCC’s powers in the new
Act, and the benefits this will provide to both
employers and employees.
federal government introduces new industrial relations bill the minister for employment and
workplace relations, the hon Julia gillard
mp, introduced the fair work bill 2008 into
the australian parliament on 25 november
2008. the bill replaces the workplace
relations act 1996.
The Bill has been debated by the House of
Representatives and the government has
sought to refer it to a Senate Committee that
will report on 27 February 2009.
the bill, once passeD, will put in place a
new workplace relation system, that:
n introduces a new safety net, comprised of
the National employment Standards (NeS)
and modern awards, andn brings back unfair dismissal protection for
most employees (and limits, but does
not entirely remove the operational
requirements exclusion for redundancy).
the bill also contains some suprises,
such as:
n Despite discussion to the contrary,
genuine non-union agreements are likely
to become a thing of the past, particularly
for large employers where unions are
traditionally active, andn Arbitrated workplace determinations will
be available in a wider range of situations,
including where protracted industrial
action is causing significant economic
harm and where there are sustained
breaches of bargaining orders. n union right of entry has been expanded to
permit union access to premises in
respect of members, including the right to
inspect non-members’ pay and
employment records.
The Fair Work Bill 2008 will commence on
1 July 2009 following its passage through
the Parliament. Separate legislation will be
introduced in the first half of 2009 to set out
transitional and consequential changes to
ensure a smooth, simple transition to the new
system.
master electricians Australia will make
a submission to the Senate Committee
on behalf of industry and will advise of the
outcome in upcoming editions of The Master
Electrician.
newsfrom head office
elephants electrocuted after Beer-fuelled rampageSix Asiatic wild elephants were electrocuted as they went berserk after drinking rice beer in India’s remote north-east. The 40-strong herd uprooted an electric pole while looking desperately for food. The elephants are known to have a taste for rice beer brewed by tribal communities in north-eastern India. www.guardian.co.uk
42 www.masterelectricians.com.au 43the master electrician : SummeR 09
news : Fr
om
he
ad
oFFic
e
national licensing
Concerns over the implementation of a national
licensing system are being addressed through
bi-partisan discussions with key industry
stakeholders.
Following initial consultation sessions,
master electricians Australia was invited to a
special meeting with the Council of Australian
Government (COAG) working group to address
the implementation of the system and proposed
outcomes.
COAG’s objective in establishing the national
licensing system is to remove overlapping and
inconsistent regulation between states and
territories. It is master electricians Australia’s belief
that the proposed harmonisation will ensure safety
standards are not compromised through the
acceptance of less rigid licensing systems.
master electricians Australia are playing
a vital role in shaping the future direction of
occupational and contractor licensing with
participation in the framework for a national
licensing system. The key issue is that industry
will have a say in its future through setting up a
framework to engage with the industry before
any key changes are enacted.
master electricians Australia will continue to
monitor and feed into the process to ensure an
acceptable outcome is achieved.
master electricians meets
with justice wilcox
master electricians Australia has met with
Honourable murray Wilcox QC, a former Australian
Federal Court judge, to discuss the retention of the
powers contained within the Australian Building
and Construction Commission (ABCC).
The Government has stated its intention to
establish a new workplace relations body called
Fair Work Australia and to replace the ABCC with
a Specialist Division within this body. The functions
of the ABCC would fall within the Office of the Fair
Work Ombudsman and commence operations
on 1 February 2010.
Justice Wilcox was appointed to consult with
key stakeholders on the structure, independence,
powers, resourcing of the new specialist division
and will report to the Government by the end of
march 2009.
The Government has stated that the extensive
consultation process will “ensure that the transition
to those new arrangements will be orderly, effective
and robust”.
master electricians Australia advised Justice
Wilcox of the value the ABCC has provided to the
industry since its inception, and strongly urged him
to report back to the government recommending
the retention of the ABCC’s powers in the new
Act, and the benefits this will provide to both
employers and employees.
federal government introduces new industrial relations bill the minister for employment and
workplace relations, the hon Julia gillard
mp, introduced the fair work bill 2008 into
the australian parliament on 25 november
2008. the bill replaces the workplace
relations act 1996.
The Bill has been debated by the House of
Representatives and the government has
sought to refer it to a Senate Committee that
will report on 27 February 2009.
the bill, once passeD, will put in place a
new workplace relation system, that:
n introduces a new safety net, comprised of
the National employment Standards (NeS)
and modern awards, andn brings back unfair dismissal protection for
most employees (and limits, but does
not entirely remove the operational
requirements exclusion for redundancy).
the bill also contains some suprises,
such as:
n Despite discussion to the contrary,
genuine non-union agreements are likely
to become a thing of the past, particularly
for large employers where unions are
traditionally active, andn Arbitrated workplace determinations will
be available in a wider range of situations,
including where protracted industrial
action is causing significant economic
harm and where there are sustained
breaches of bargaining orders. n union right of entry has been expanded to
permit union access to premises in
respect of members, including the right to
inspect non-members’ pay and
employment records.
The Fair Work Bill 2008 will commence on
1 July 2009 following its passage through
the Parliament. Separate legislation will be
introduced in the first half of 2009 to set out
transitional and consequential changes to
ensure a smooth, simple transition to the new
system.
master electricians Australia will make
a submission to the Senate Committee
on behalf of industry and will advise of the
outcome in upcoming editions of The Master
Electrician.
newsfrom head office
elephants electrocuted after Beer-fuelled rampageSix Asiatic wild elephants were electrocuted as they went berserk after drinking rice beer in India’s remote north-east. The 40-strong herd uprooted an electric pole while looking desperately for food. The elephants are known to have a taste for rice beer brewed by tribal communities in north-eastern India. www.guardian.co.uk
44 www.masterelectricians.com.au 45the master electrician : SummeR 09
workplace relations : C
LImATe
CH
AN
Ge
“ Bp ultimate Diesel, a high-performance diesel fuel that can be used in any diesel vehicle, was first
launched in perth and now is available in the greater Brisbane area.”
Sony USB oUtpUt tUrntaBle pSlX300USBDo you still have some classic vinyl? Would
you like to transfer those albums to your PC,
Walkman music player or even your iPod
music player? Well now you can bring those
albums into the digital world with the PS-
LX300uSB uSB stereo turntable from Sony.
using the uSB connection, you can import
all that music into your computer and create
mP3 files to store on a PC or bring along
with you on your favourite portable player.
The supplied Audio Studio software makes it
easy for you to archive your music from vinyl,
optimize the sound, and store it on your PC.
The PS-LX300uSB uSB turntable is also
a fully functional turntable that can connect
to your current system and playback your
classic vinyl albums. rrp $299
ISolIte tranSformer ISolatorProtect from the risk of fire and allow
insulation up to and around your downlights
with the Isolite Transformer Isolator. An
addition to the Isolite downlight guard, the
Isolator houses your transformer safely away
from insulation.
Transformers by their nature drain
energy and cost you money to run. Check
out Arrowform’s range of energy efficient
downlights that do not require transformers
for the most efficient solution. When you can’t
do away with your transformer, house it safely
and insulate effectively with the Transformer
Isolator. Phone Arrowform on 1800 852 741.
SIemenS operator panelSiemens has developed a new operator panel
in widescreen format. The Simatic HmI TP
177B 4“ has a fully graphical 4.3 inch touch
screen and four tactile function buttons.
The new product from the 170 family of
panels is notable for its compact format and a
visualisation screen that is one third larger than
that of comparable devices on the market.
The LeD backlighting of the display can
be dimmed to 20% of its normal brightness
and can be switched off completely by the
integrated screensaver.
To find out more visit www.siemens.com.au.
fUjItSU General SplIt SyStem aIr CondItIonerThe latest Fujitsu General under-ceiling air
conditioner uses all DC components including
fan motors and the outdoor unit features a DC
twin rotary compressor.
The ABTA30LBT unit’s air flow can be set in a
combination of left/right and up/down directional
swings across 5 selectable steps in each plane,
which allows for a 3-dimensional air direction
control providing effective performance.
The ABTA30LBT offers very long distance
airflow up to a maximum throw of 18 metres on
either cooling or heating modes. Consequently,
the ABTA30LBT model is particularly suitable for
large, spacious buildings. rrp $4,799
Bp UltImate dIeSel no ordInary dIeSelWith ongoing use, BP ultimate Diesel can provide better fuel economy, more power and a cleaner engine than ordinary diesel. It contains an anti-foaming agent that reduces the foaming and splashback that can occur during the refuelling process.
It can also deliver reductions in the level of exhaust, carbon monoxide, unburnt hydrocarbons and particulates compared to ordinary diesel.
why care about a cleaner engine?
A cleaner engine will run more efficiently and smoothly. Overtime you should expect a cleaner engine to last longer compared with a dirty engine. A cleaner engine can also improve your fuel economy, cut down emissions, and provide more power and sharper acceleration compared to ordinary diesel.
where can i buy bp ultimate Diesel?
In selected BP service stations in Perth and Brisbane. For more information or a full list of BP ultimate Diesel service stations visit www.bpultimate.com.au.
gadgetguide
44 www.masterelectricians.com.au 45the master electrician : SummeR 09
workplace relations : C
LImATe
CH
AN
Ge
“ Bp ultimate Diesel, a high-performance diesel fuel that can be used in any diesel vehicle, was first
launched in perth and now is available in the greater Brisbane area.”
Sony USB oUtpUt tUrntaBle pSlX300USBDo you still have some classic vinyl? Would
you like to transfer those albums to your PC,
Walkman music player or even your iPod
music player? Well now you can bring those
albums into the digital world with the PS-
LX300uSB uSB stereo turntable from Sony.
using the uSB connection, you can import
all that music into your computer and create
mP3 files to store on a PC or bring along
with you on your favourite portable player.
The supplied Audio Studio software makes it
easy for you to archive your music from vinyl,
optimize the sound, and store it on your PC.
The PS-LX300uSB uSB turntable is also
a fully functional turntable that can connect
to your current system and playback your
classic vinyl albums. rrp $299
ISolIte tranSformer ISolatorProtect from the risk of fire and allow
insulation up to and around your downlights
with the Isolite Transformer Isolator. An
addition to the Isolite downlight guard, the
Isolator houses your transformer safely away
from insulation.
Transformers by their nature drain
energy and cost you money to run. Check
out Arrowform’s range of energy efficient
downlights that do not require transformers
for the most efficient solution. When you can’t
do away with your transformer, house it safely
and insulate effectively with the Transformer
Isolator. Phone Arrowform on 1800 852 741.
SIemenS operator panelSiemens has developed a new operator panel
in widescreen format. The Simatic HmI TP
177B 4“ has a fully graphical 4.3 inch touch
screen and four tactile function buttons.
The new product from the 170 family of
panels is notable for its compact format and a
visualisation screen that is one third larger than
that of comparable devices on the market.
The LeD backlighting of the display can
be dimmed to 20% of its normal brightness
and can be switched off completely by the
integrated screensaver.
To find out more visit www.siemens.com.au.
fUjItSU General SplIt SyStem aIr CondItIonerThe latest Fujitsu General under-ceiling air
conditioner uses all DC components including
fan motors and the outdoor unit features a DC
twin rotary compressor.
The ABTA30LBT unit’s air flow can be set in a
combination of left/right and up/down directional
swings across 5 selectable steps in each plane,
which allows for a 3-dimensional air direction
control providing effective performance.
The ABTA30LBT offers very long distance
airflow up to a maximum throw of 18 metres on
either cooling or heating modes. Consequently,
the ABTA30LBT model is particularly suitable for
large, spacious buildings. rrp $4,799
Bp UltImate dIeSel no ordInary dIeSelWith ongoing use, BP ultimate Diesel can provide better fuel economy, more power and a cleaner engine than ordinary diesel. It contains an anti-foaming agent that reduces the foaming and splashback that can occur during the refuelling process.
It can also deliver reductions in the level of exhaust, carbon monoxide, unburnt hydrocarbons and particulates compared to ordinary diesel.
why care about a cleaner engine?
A cleaner engine will run more efficiently and smoothly. Overtime you should expect a cleaner engine to last longer compared with a dirty engine. A cleaner engine can also improve your fuel economy, cut down emissions, and provide more power and sharper acceleration compared to ordinary diesel.
where can i buy bp ultimate Diesel?
In selected BP service stations in Perth and Brisbane. For more information or a full list of BP ultimate Diesel service stations visit www.bpultimate.com.au.
gadgetguide
46 www.masterelectricians.com.au 47the master electrician : SummeR 09
test drive : to
Yo
ta h
ilux
2007 Formula Ford Rookie of the year, Andre Borell, spends a good deal of his time in the driver’s seat so we asked the 2007 Rookie of the year to give us the low down on the versatile Toyota HiLux. In this edition, Andre goes head to head with the Dual Cab and TRD models.
test driveT
oyota HiLux is a trusted name for
tradesmen, so this issue we decided
to compare the standard Dual Cab
HiLux with the all new TRD (Toyota
Racing Development) model.
At first glance the TRD may appear to
be identical to the standard HiLux with the
addition of nice decals and rims, however, the
differences run far deeper.
The most notable in its drive is the suspension
system. The TRD sits on German-made Bilstein
shocks which provide stunningly good handling.
The ride is comfortable yet stiff enough for
serious cornering and proves outstanding for
off-road driving on the weekends. The standard
HiLux also boasts a soft ride and good off-road
capabilities, but it cannot match the superior
TRD capabilities.
In the power department, the standard HiLux
packs a decent punch with 126kW of power
and 343Nm of torque, more than enough for
day-to-day driving. The TRD in contrast has
a massive 225kW, and 453Nm. This higher
power output gives the vehicle a sporty feel
but of course comes at a cost at the pump.
The standard dual cab is fitted with a 4 cylinder
Turbo Diesel, while the TRD model is a V6
supercharged petrol engine. Rather surprisingly,
the TRD model with its big V6 has fairly good
fuel efficiency at 12.9L/100km (better than the
petrol model HiLux), however it can’t beat the
standard Diesel HiLux’s 8.3L/100km.
The TRD is an aggressive and exciting
evolution of the standard HiLux. The greater
power, cornering and braking abilities make
the TRD fun to drive and with its slightly refined
bodywork, beautiful leather interior and powerful
brake package, the TRD wins hands down.
Whether the greater price tag and fuel bills
are worth it comes down to how the vehicle will
be used, but there is no doubt Toyota are on
the money with this one.
quick comparisonmake & model toyota trd hilux 4000sl toyota hilux sr
body style dual cab dual cab
engine 4l 6cyl supercharged 3l 4cyl turbocharged
transmission 5 sp manual 5 sp manual / 4 sp auto
co2 emissions 308 g/km 218 g/km
fuel economy 12.9l/100km 8.3l/100km
power 225kw @ 5400rpm 126kw @ 3600rpm
torque 453nm @ 2800rpm 343nm @ 1400-3400rpm
“THe TRD IS AN AGGReSSIVe AND eXCITING eVOLuTION OF THe STANDARD
HILuX. THe GReATeR POWeR, CORNeRING AND BRAkING ABILITIeS
mAke THe TRD FuN TO DRIVe.”
pictured Below: FORmuLA FORD CHAmPION ANDRe BOReLL
46 www.masterelectricians.com.au 47the master electrician : SummeR 09
test drive : to
Yo
ta h
ilux
2007 Formula Ford Rookie of the year, Andre Borell, spends a good deal of his time in the driver’s seat so we asked the 2007 Rookie of the year to give us the low down on the versatile Toyota HiLux. In this edition, Andre goes head to head with the Dual Cab and TRD models.
test driveT
oyota HiLux is a trusted name for
tradesmen, so this issue we decided
to compare the standard Dual Cab
HiLux with the all new TRD (Toyota
Racing Development) model.
At first glance the TRD may appear to
be identical to the standard HiLux with the
addition of nice decals and rims, however, the
differences run far deeper.
The most notable in its drive is the suspension
system. The TRD sits on German-made Bilstein
shocks which provide stunningly good handling.
The ride is comfortable yet stiff enough for
serious cornering and proves outstanding for
off-road driving on the weekends. The standard
HiLux also boasts a soft ride and good off-road
capabilities, but it cannot match the superior
TRD capabilities.
In the power department, the standard HiLux
packs a decent punch with 126kW of power
and 343Nm of torque, more than enough for
day-to-day driving. The TRD in contrast has
a massive 225kW, and 453Nm. This higher
power output gives the vehicle a sporty feel
but of course comes at a cost at the pump.
The standard dual cab is fitted with a 4 cylinder
Turbo Diesel, while the TRD model is a V6
supercharged petrol engine. Rather surprisingly,
the TRD model with its big V6 has fairly good
fuel efficiency at 12.9L/100km (better than the
petrol model HiLux), however it can’t beat the
standard Diesel HiLux’s 8.3L/100km.
The TRD is an aggressive and exciting
evolution of the standard HiLux. The greater
power, cornering and braking abilities make
the TRD fun to drive and with its slightly refined
bodywork, beautiful leather interior and powerful
brake package, the TRD wins hands down.
Whether the greater price tag and fuel bills
are worth it comes down to how the vehicle will
be used, but there is no doubt Toyota are on
the money with this one.
quick comparisonmake & model toyota trd hilux 4000sl toyota hilux sr
body style dual cab dual cab
engine 4l 6cyl supercharged 3l 4cyl turbocharged
transmission 5 sp manual 5 sp manual / 4 sp auto
co2 emissions 308 g/km 218 g/km
fuel economy 12.9l/100km 8.3l/100km
power 225kw @ 5400rpm 126kw @ 3600rpm
torque 453nm @ 2800rpm 343nm @ 1400-3400rpm
“THe TRD IS AN AGGReSSIVe AND eXCITING eVOLuTION OF THe STANDARD
HILuX. THe GReATeR POWeR, CORNeRING AND BRAkING ABILITIeS
mAke THe TRD FuN TO DRIVe.”
pictured Below: FORmuLA FORD CHAmPION ANDRe BOReLL
48 www.masterelectricians.com.au 49the master electrician : SummeR 09
best d
ay on the job : B
rin
gin
g in
the
ne
w Y
ea
r
for many of us new year’s eve events tend to blend in together over the years, but for a group of workers of a north queensland distributor, 1993 was not an evening they’re likely to forget.
Around 8pm on a rainy New year’s eve two
workers were called out to locate a fault
causing a power outage.
It turned out a broken cross arm was located
approximately 200 metres off the bitumen road,
along a dirt track.
The workers proceeded to drive along the
rain-soaked track in their 4WD only to get
bogged halfway in.
A second crew was called to the scene to
assist and as luck would have it they too got
stuck on the dirt track, about 30 metres from
the first car.
While waiting for a third crew to turn up, the
workers fixed the broken cross arm and restored
power to the affected area. upon returning to
the vehicles they discovered the third crew
had also been affected by the soggy dirt road
and was bogged 30 metres behind the
second vehicle.
It was at this point that the heavy artillery was
called in; a Bedford truck with a high-powered
winch was on its way.
The line of immovable vehicles was now long
enough for the Bedford to remain on the bitumen
road and attach its winch to the most recently
stuck vehicle. In New years eve spirit, a conga
line was formed with the third vehicle attaching its
winch to the second, and this vehicle attaching its
winch to the first vehicle.
As the winches started in union, the sounds
of Auld Lang Syne could be heard from the
radio bringing in the New year.
Malaysian ‘IP’ ratings
How to disregard earthing and insulation!
your best (or worst) photo
Our malaysian neighbours may share a similar climate but when it comes to electrical work the
differences are remarkable.
On a recent trip to kuala Lumpur, David Pilt of Inaco Brisbane, captured a prime example of
where the malaysians mistook IP ratings to mean Idiotic Practices.
The second photo exhibits the many uses for fencing wire and is a good example of how to
totally disregard earthing and insulation.
bringing in the new yearyour best (or worst) day on the job
mArCh092nd - 5th march national skills Conference Convention & exhibition Centre, Sydney
4th - 6th march L&h Connections Conference Brisbane
18th - 20th march L&h Connections Conference 2009 Sydney
19th - 22nd march v8 supercars - Clipsal 500 Adelaide
26th - 29th march v8 supercars - australian Grand prix melbourne
27th - 29th march Electro Expo/national tradesmans Expo Brisbane RNA Showgrounds, Brisbane
31st march - 2nd april australian Carbon trading Expo exhibition Centre, melbourne
AprIL091st - 3rd april L&h Connections Conference Perth
2nd - 4th april australian auto aftermarket Expo Convention & exhibition Centre, Sydney
30th april - 2nd may Form and Function Convention and exhibition Centre, melbourne
mAy091st - 3rd may v8 supercars Victoria
6th - 8th may L&h Connections Conference Adelaide
15th - 17th may national tradesmans Expo Adelaide Showgrounds
21st - 23rd may Design Build Sydney
29th - 31st may national tradesmans Expo melbourne Showgrounds
eventswhat’s on summer
2009
48 www.masterelectricians.com.au 49the master electrician : SummeR 09
best d
ay on the job : B
rin
gin
g in
the
ne
w Y
ea
r
for many of us new year’s eve events tend to blend in together over the years, but for a group of workers of a north queensland distributor, 1993 was not an evening they’re likely to forget.
Around 8pm on a rainy New year’s eve two
workers were called out to locate a fault
causing a power outage.
It turned out a broken cross arm was located
approximately 200 metres off the bitumen road,
along a dirt track.
The workers proceeded to drive along the
rain-soaked track in their 4WD only to get
bogged halfway in.
A second crew was called to the scene to
assist and as luck would have it they too got
stuck on the dirt track, about 30 metres from
the first car.
While waiting for a third crew to turn up, the
workers fixed the broken cross arm and restored
power to the affected area. upon returning to
the vehicles they discovered the third crew
had also been affected by the soggy dirt road
and was bogged 30 metres behind the
second vehicle.
It was at this point that the heavy artillery was
called in; a Bedford truck with a high-powered
winch was on its way.
The line of immovable vehicles was now long
enough for the Bedford to remain on the bitumen
road and attach its winch to the most recently
stuck vehicle. In New years eve spirit, a conga
line was formed with the third vehicle attaching its
winch to the second, and this vehicle attaching its
winch to the first vehicle.
As the winches started in union, the sounds
of Auld Lang Syne could be heard from the
radio bringing in the New year.
Malaysian ‘IP’ ratings
How to disregard earthing and insulation!
your best (or worst) photo
Our malaysian neighbours may share a similar climate but when it comes to electrical work the
differences are remarkable.
On a recent trip to kuala Lumpur, David Pilt of Inaco Brisbane, captured a prime example of
where the malaysians mistook IP ratings to mean Idiotic Practices.
The second photo exhibits the many uses for fencing wire and is a good example of how to
totally disregard earthing and insulation.
bringing in the new yearyour best (or worst) day on the job
mArCh092nd - 5th march national skills Conference Convention & exhibition Centre, Sydney
4th - 6th march L&h Connections Conference Brisbane
18th - 20th march L&h Connections Conference 2009 Sydney
19th - 22nd march v8 supercars - Clipsal 500 Adelaide
26th - 29th march v8 supercars - australian Grand prix melbourne
27th - 29th march Electro Expo/national tradesmans Expo Brisbane RNA Showgrounds, Brisbane
31st march - 2nd april australian Carbon trading Expo exhibition Centre, melbourne
AprIL091st - 3rd april L&h Connections Conference Perth
2nd - 4th april australian auto aftermarket Expo Convention & exhibition Centre, Sydney
30th april - 2nd may Form and Function Convention and exhibition Centre, melbourne
mAy091st - 3rd may v8 supercars Victoria
6th - 8th may L&h Connections Conference Adelaide
15th - 17th may national tradesmans Expo Adelaide Showgrounds
21st - 23rd may Design Build Sydney
29th - 31st may national tradesmans Expo melbourne Showgrounds
eventswhat’s on summer
2009
50 www.masterelectricians.com.au
In recent years our industry has been subject to
a skills shortage caused by years of failing to
train enough apprentices during the nineties.
Recent initiatives have sought to rectify
the problem resulting in significant growth in
apprentice numbers. Yet, with the first signs of an
economic downturn apprentices have been the
first to go under the banner of belt tightening.
This could not be worse for the long term viability
of our industry.
In the last financial year 12,500 new
apprenticeships commenced in electrotechnology
throughout Australia, though many in the
industry have said this is not enough to meet
the impending shortages through the departure
of the baby boomers. If we drop the ball now
we will have an even larger problem when we
recover from the economic downturn.
Most of our businesses will survive the current
economic downturn but who will be best placed
to take advantage of the growth that will come
out of it? It will be the companies that have
continued to train and invest in their future. They
will get the rewards through loyalty of the new
generation of young tradespeople that will be
capable of supplying the needs in the future. But
it’s more than just not letting apprentices go. We
need to keep the industry turning by taking on the
same amount of apprentices we did last year.
If you need assistance with finding an
apprentice or even managing the entire process,
the Electrical and Communications Association
and Master Electricians Australia can help.
Contact the office on 1300 889 198.
To train, or not to train?During a drought it is pretty
hard to consider planning for the next flood.yet when the flood comes we all look back
and say we should have seen it coming.
last word : malcolm richards
last word
malcolm richardschief executive officer
50 www.masterelectricians.com.au
In recent years our industry has been subject to
a skills shortage caused by years of failing to
train enough apprentices during the nineties.
Recent initiatives have sought to rectify
the problem resulting in significant growth in
apprentice numbers. Yet, with the first signs of an
economic downturn apprentices have been the
first to go under the banner of belt tightening.
This could not be worse for the long term viability
of our industry.
In the last financial year 12,500 new
apprenticeships commenced in electrotechnology
throughout Australia, though many in the
industry have said this is not enough to meet
the impending shortages through the departure
of the baby boomers. If we drop the ball now
we will have an even larger problem when we
recover from the economic downturn.
Most of our businesses will survive the current
economic downturn but who will be best placed
to take advantage of the growth that will come
out of it? It will be the companies that have
continued to train and invest in their future. They
will get the rewards through loyalty of the new
generation of young tradespeople that will be
capable of supplying the needs in the future. But
it’s more than just not letting apprentices go. We
need to keep the industry turning by taking on the
same amount of apprentices we did last year.
If you need assistance with finding an
apprentice or even managing the entire process,
the Electrical and Communications Association
and Master Electricians Australia can help.
Contact the office on 1300 889 198.
To train, or not to train?During a drought it is pretty
hard to consider planning for the next flood.yet when the flood comes we all look back
and say we should have seen it coming.
last word : malcolm richards
last word
malcolm richardschief executive officer