News
The Building Industry Fairness (Security of Payments) Act Workshops If Business is a Game
As the calendar year comes to a close, many businesses are looking to just survive the Christmas crush and get through to the downtime usually associated with the holiday period. World class businesses not only manage their time and energy through to the break effectively, they also use it as a time to reflect on how their business performed through the year. >
New Security of Payment Laws
New security of payments laws.....learn all about it or pay the price >
Wattyl releases colour trend palettes 2018 ACCC Commercial Construction Unit
The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) is currently prioritising anti-competitive conduct in commercial construction markets and has established a Commercial Construction Unit (CCU) focussed on the construction sector. >
PaintRight Acryloc Roofing Training Haymes
Acryloc Roofing TrainingTraining for the trade on Acryloc roofing products >
7 Warning Signs You Have a Difficult Customer
If you have been in business for a while, you may have unfortunately had to deal with a difficult customer that refuses to pay, drags the job out so that it eventually becomes unprofitable, or keeps you up at night because of the way they behave and treat you personally.Every trade or construction business will deal with difficult clients at some point in time. There are several red flags, which are listed below, that may indicate that someone might turn into a problem client. So, when your potential or current client displays one or more of the following, it may be worth considering passing on the job or alternatively charging a premium for the "hassle factor". >
Paintback Collection Event
Trade and DIY painters can dispose of unwanted paint and packaging responsibly at the upcoming Paintback Collection event. Two locations >
Tips for managing a staff member who is routinely absent
Staff absences can have a big impact on the success of a business. Here, we look at two scenarios that often arise and discuss ways to address them.1. I have an employee who books holidays before applying for annual leave, which leaves me feeling I have no choice but to approve the time off, even if it doesn’t suit the business:
2. I have a staff member who regularly takes days off ‘sick’ but I’m not sure whether the absences are genuine:
If you have any questions about this information please call the team at Employer Services on 3220 3500. >
Guide to taking on an apprentice
Hiring an apprentice can be a great investment for your business and gives you the opportunity to guide and mentor the next generation of workers.It’s also an important decision for your business and comes with responsibilities. This guide will help you
understand your obligations and get your apprentice started on the right track.
Taking a few simple planning steps before you start can help you make better hiring decisions, which will save you time and money in the long run. Our 'Hiring employees' online learning course has interactive activities, templates and checklists to help you through these steps – you can complete it for free at www.fairwork.gov.au/learning. >
Big Four Banks Change Loan Contracts to Eliminate Unfair Terms from Small Business Contracts
Following a commitment to further review their small business loan contracts, the big four banks have now agreed to specific changes with ASIC to eliminate unfair terms from their contracts.The banks have all acted on ASIC's and the ASBFEO's calls to change their practices although have taken different approaches – and in some instances, gone further than the law requires – to address concerns about these clauses.
The banks have agreed that all customers who entered or renewed contracts from 12 November 2016 – when the protections for small businesses began – will have the benefit of the changes agreed with ASIC. >
Changes to the Prequalification (PQC) System
The recently released Queensland Government Procurement Strategy sets out the Queensland Government’s vision and new approach to procurement. It demonstrates how the government will harness its spend to prioritise Queensland businesses, help create quality jobs in regional Queensland and help achieve government’s social, environmental and economic objectives. >
Complete Scaffold Solutions
Complete Scaffold Solutions can deliver a complete scaffolding solution for all aluminium projects, large and small, static and mobile. With 30 years experience, our expert team can provide design services, manufacturing and installation for the most complex of projects. >
Employer Super Quick Check
Paying super is an important part of being an employer.Super provides income for your workers in retirement.
Here's how to run a quick check of your super obligations to make sure you've got everything sorted. >
Get involved in Safe Work Month 2017
A range of Safe Work Month events will be held around the state this October, focusing on safety leadership, culture and mental health in the workplace, and providing practical tools and resources to improve work safety and rehabilitation. >
New Building Code 2016 Eligibility Rules and Evidence
From 1 September 2017 contractors will not be able to express interest in, tender for or be awarded directly Commonwealth funded building work if they or their related entities are covered by a non-compliant enterprise agreement unless one of the exemptions outlined in Schedule 5 applies.The exemptions in Schedule 5 relate to:
enterprise agreements made before 25 April 2014 and not since varied in accordance with section 207 of the Fair Work Act 2009;
enterprise agreements made before 2 December 2016, that apply to the contractor, participant or related entity in respect only of building work relating to an expression of interest or tender lodged by the contractor or participant before 2 December 2016; and
the awarding, before 29 November 2018, of building work related to an expression of interest lodged by the contractor in the period beginning 2 December 2016 and ending on 16 February 2017 (unless the contractor is also covered by a non-compliant agreement made on or after 2 December 2016). >
Paintback Site Update List September 2017
As our national footprint continues to expand across Australia, we are pleased to welcome more new sites to the Paintback family. Since launch, we have collected and treated over 4 million kilograms of unwanted paint and packaging and just today welcomed our 71st collection site. >
McKays - QBCC changes tune on defective work
The QBCC has recently released a statement confirming their approach to defective building works and the issuing of Directions to Rectify. Whilst it is good news when the QBCC clarifies their position on such an issue, this particular news may not be good for builders. >
Enter the 2017 Safe Work and Return to Work Awards
Queenslanders are being urged to enter the 2017 Safe Work and Return to Work Awards and put themselves in line for prize money of up to $2000.Industrial Relations Minister Grace Grace said the awards recognise the achievements of those who go the extra yard when it comes to promoting work health and safety and return to work. >
Unlicenced Painters
Master Painters would like to request your help to bring QBCC’s attention to unlicensed Painters operating within Queensland.We would like to encourage you take notice and submit any evidence to MPA so we can submit this evidence on your behalf. We will only submit through our association. Your company or name will not be submitted. >
Queensland Home Warranty Scheme Premiums from 1 July 2017
Insurance premiums for residential construction work in Queensland will increase by 3.5% from 1 July 2017. These increases are regretted however they are essential to ensure the continued sustainability of the Queensland Home Warranty Scheme. >
Cbus – Making Superannuation Easy for your Business
Cbus is the national industry super fund for the construction, building and allied industries. We are focused on maximising retirement outcomes for members, while providing an excellent super service for you and your business. >
Further changes to Contracts, Tendering and Security of Payments
Did you know that the reinstatement of the ABCC has dramatically changed contractual obligations and tendering requirements for Commonwealth funded projects?Did you also know that it impacts on security of payment issues? >
Huge Response to Paint Disposal Scheme
A world-first Australian initiative to keep waste paint out of landfill has been an immediate success.The industry-run Paintback® scheme collected more than a million kilograms of unwanted paint in its first year: equivalent to about 320,000 four-litre paint tins. >
Cyclone Debbie - Building and Tradie Assistance Register
The QBCC Building and Tradie Assistance Register enables home owners to search for licenced tradies in their area for help with making homes secure, safe and habitable.Trades people who wish to register, please email cyclonedebbie@qbcc.qld.gov.au or call 139 333. >
ABCC Guidelines on Compliant Enterprise Agreement
The ABCC has released new guidance material dealing with various (typical) enterprise agreement clauses used in the construction industry, and identifying whether those clauses will comply with the 2016 Construction Code (Code). >
Queensland Building Plan - Have Your Say
This week the government are kicking off face-to-face consultations for the new Queensland Building Plan - the most comprehensive review of the rules governing building and construction in generations.The Queensland Building Plan looks at 10 areas of reform including security of payment for subcontractors, licensing, plumbing and drainage laws, the potential for a single state housing code, and the operation of the Home Warranty Scheme.
To make sure the Government get the plan right we need you to have your say. >
Queensland Building Plan
Master Painters Queensland is working with the Queensland Government to help reform the construction industry. To help ensure that the Painting & Decorating industry have their say, we encourage all Painters & Decorators to Have your say on the future of construction in Queensland. >
All Trades Expo - Friday 24th February 2017
From making connections with new networks, to sourcing the best people, tools, equipment and services for your jobs! Trade Show Organisers are committed to producing quality events to keep you and your knowledge up to date in today’s marketplace. The All Trades Tradie Trade Shows are events which bring tradies together with suppliers and manufacturers in a business and social atmosphere. >
Home Warranty Scheme Notional Pricing Changes
A Guide to notional pricing changes for the Queensland Home Warranty Scheme (The Scheme) >
Christmas Closing Dates
We will be closed over the holiday period from Friday 16 December and re-open in the New Year on Wednesday 4 January 2017.Season's greeting from all the team at Master Painters Queensland. A special thank you to all of our members for your support in 2016. We look forward to a happy and successful year ahead in 2017. >
Home Warranty Scheme Questions Answered
Master Painters Association Qld (MPA) met with representatives from the Department of Housing and Public works and QBCC yesterday afternoon to discuss the new ‘Home Warranty Scheme’. >
Home Warranty Scheme Changes
Please find below a range of materials published by the QBCC to assist you in understanding the new Home Warranty Scheme >
NEWS ALERT - Home Warranty Scheme Changes
Effective from the 28th October, 2016, there are changes regarding the Queensland Home Warranty Scheme which will affect the Painting & Decorating industry. >
Asbestos Awareness Week 2016
Asbestos Awareness Week is on from 19-25 November to raise awareness of asbestos and where asbestos materials could be found within your home. Play it safe with asbestos – before you or your tradesperson renovate, know what asbestos is and how to manage it safely. >
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