INCREASE TO THE ROAD USER CHARGE

On 14 June 2013, the Road User Charge Determination was registered, advising an increase in the road user charge.

FAIR WORK ACT, NATIONAL WAGE REVIEW AND THE NATIONAL BUILDING CODE: AN UPDATE FROM CCF NATIONAL OFFICE

The Fair Work Act amending Bill has been the subject of a number of national information notes and also a submission to the Employment, Education and Workplace Relations Committee. In this National Information Note, CCF outlines the key changes as well as its commitment to continue advocating for important issues as outlined in the national CCF Employment and Workplace Relations Policy.

AMENDMENT TO JOINERY AND BUILDING TRADES AWARD 2010

CCF QLD Contractor Protect would like to alert members to an amendment to the Joinery and Building Trades Award 2010.

OFFICE OF STATE REVENUE TARGETS CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY EMPLOYERS

CCF QLD members should be aware that the Queensland Office of State Revenue is currently reviewing payroll tax compliance in the building and construction industry.  In this article Fair Work Building and Construction provides details of what the review will focus on.

THE BUILDING CODE - WHAT IT MEANS FOR YOU

CCF QLD would like to alert members to information published by Fair Work Building and Construction about what contractors and subcontractors need to know about the new Building Code 2013.

CIVIL TRAIN SHORT COURSES: UPSKILL, REFRESH AND STRENGTHEN YOUR SKILLS

The Civil Train short course program is a new offering which gives businesses and individuals access to both nationally accredited, as well as non-accredited training courses at our new Queensland Civil Industry Training Centre.

It provides employers with the opportunity to up-skill their workers in areas of identified need and minimises the time spent in training; as most courses can be completed in a half or full day.

CIVIL TRAIN SHORT COURSES: UPSKILL, REFRESH AND STRENGTHEN YOUR SKILLS

The Civil Train short course program is a new offering which gives businesses and individuals access to both nationally accredited, as well as non-accredited training courses at our new Queensland Civil Industry Training Centre.

It provides employers with the opportunity to up-skill their workers in areas of identified need and minimises the time spent in training; as most courses can be completed in a half or full day.

2013-14 QUEENSLAND STATE BUDGET ANNOUNCEMENT: ITEMS OF INTEREST FOR CCF QLD MEMBERS

On Tuesday June 4 2013, the Queensland State Budget for 2013-14 was announced. As anticipated the budget has been conservative as the Government continues to focus on improving the financial state of Queensland.  

Read more to find out about items of interest to CCF QLD members.

IMPORTANT CHANGES TO SUPER: WHAT SMALL BUSINESSES NEED TO KNOW

The Australian Tax Office (ATO), has provided CCF with some important information to share with its members about changes to super that will come into effect from July 1 2013.

THE STATE ASSESSMENTAND REFERRAL AGENCY TO BE LAUNCHED ON 1 JULY

On 1 July 2013, the Queensland Government will launch the State Assessment and Referral Agency (SARA). SARA is a key component to the Government's planning reform and will aim to provide a simpler and fairer development assessment system.

CCF QLD OFFICIALLY OPENS THE QUEENSLAND CIVIL INDUSTRY TRAINING CENTRE

On Friday 31 May 2013, the Federal Member for Moreton, Mr Graham Perrett MP, officially opened the Queensland Civil Industry Training Centre (Q-CITC); CCF QLD's new state-of-the-art facility designed to address the training needs of the civil construction industry.

CCF QLD HAS MAJOR BREAKTHROUGH ON QBSA LICENCE REQUIREMENTS

After numerous advocacy activities including submissions to the KPMG review and the parliamentary inquiry, and direct communication with the Minister CCF QLD is pleased to announce the following regarding QBSA licencing.

On 29 May 2013, the Housing and Public Works Minister, Tim Mander released a 10-point action plan to reform building regulation in response to 41 recommendations handed down by last year’s Parliamentary Inquiry. A number of the recommendations will be of interest to CCF QLD members including: the establishment of a new commission that will take on the role of the Queensland Building Services Authority and a review of licencing requirements.

During a briefing on the Government’s response to the Committee’s recommendations, Minister Mander commented on Item 5 (the review of licencing requirements) stating that they have feedback from civil contractors asserting that it is not appropriate that civil contractors have a to have a QBSA licence when they complete a civil project, such as the construction of a road and need to build a small shed or something similar as part of that project. Minister Mander went on to say that it would not be a requirement for those contractors to have a licence but that a licenced builder is able to do that component of the work.

While the complete review of licencing and compliance has not taken place, this is a positive step and reflects that CCF QLD’s message has been received and is being considered by Government.

• Download the complete document

Note: these changes have not taken place and current QBSA licencing requirements are still in force. 

BUILD YOUR BRAND: ADVERTISE IN QLD:INSIGHT

QLD:INSIGHT is the major publication of CCF QLD. Each quarter, 1000 copies of this 32 page full colour magazine are posted directly to all CCF QLD members, state politicians, government departments and other industry associations.

The targeted readership of QLD:INSIGHT ensures that your message is delivered to a qualitative audience creating a greater opportunity for success.

BUILD YOUR BRAND: ADVERTISE IN QLD:INSIGHT

QLD:INSIGHT is the major publication of CCF QLD. Each quarter, 1000 copies of this 32 page full colour magazine are posted directly to all CCF QLD members, state politicians, government departments and other industry associations.

The targeted readership of QLD:INSIGHT ensures that your message is delivered to a qualitative audience creating a greater opportunity for success.

COMMERCIAL ARBITRATION ACT 2013 (QLD) COMES INTO FORCE

The Commercial Arbitration Act 2013 (Qld) (Act) came into force on 17 May 2013 and breathes new life into another form of alternative dispute resolution: arbitration. In this article, McCullough Robertson provides insight into the new legislation and its relevance to the civil construction industry.

CIVIL TRAIN SHORT COURSES: UPSKILL, REFRESH AND STRENGTHEN YOUR SKILLS

Civil Train, has launched its new short course program to be held at the Skills Centre, located in Eight Mile Plains, about 15 minutes from Brisbane’s CBD.

While Civil Train has had a small number of short courses in the past, the short course program is a new offering which gives businesses and individuals’ access to both nationally accredited, as well as non-accredited training courses.

It provides employers with the opportunity to up-skill their workers in areas of identified need and minimises the time spent in training; as most courses can be completed in a half or full day.

PROTECTIVE STRUCTURES ON EARTH MOVING MACHINERY REGULATION TO BE REMOVED

Workplace Health and Safety Queensland intends to remove section 217 (Protective structures on earthmoving machinery) from the WHS Regulation before the provisions commence. This amendment will adopt the decision by Safe Work Australia to make technical amendments to remove section 217 from the model Regulation. This matter will be further discussed at the CCF QLD Safety Summit, taking place on Thursday 23 May, 2013 between 1pm and 3pm at the CCF QLD Skills Centre, 11 Hi-Tech Court, Eight Mile Plains.

STATE PLANNING POLICY CONSULTATION CLOSING SOON

CCF QLD will be developing a submission on the Queensland Government’s proposed State Planning Policy (SPP) and  we would very much appreciate your feedback.

The SPP sets out the State’s interests and related policies that Local Governments must take into account when they prepare or amend local planning instruments, and replaces the multiple SPPs that have previously been in place.

WORKPLACE HEALTH AND SAFETY QUEENSLAND: THE REAL COST OF WORKPLACE INJURY

An injury doesn't just affect the worker involved, it also affects businesses. In this article, Workplace Health and Safety Queensland introduces a simple yet effective tool which may be used to calculate the cost of workplace injury to your business.  

HIGH PRESSURE WATER JETTING

High Pressure Water Jetting (HPWJ) has become more and more popular in the industry to assist in the location of underground networks. This article provides information from Telstra about HPWJ that is designed to help avoid damages to underground networks.

REMINDER: HAVE YOUR SAY ABOUT CCF QLD SERVICES

As part of our commitment to continuous improvement and quality, CCF QLD is currently seeking feedback from contractor and associate members regarding how we are performing.

The feedback is being collected via two online surveys, one for contractor members and one for associate members, and is made up of a series of questions about the services we provide to our members.

LAST CHANCE TO HAVE YOUR SAY ABOUT CCF QLD SERVICES

As part of our commitment to continuous improvement and quality, CCF QLD is currently seeking feedback from contractor and associate members regarding how we are performing.

The feedback is being collected via two online surveys, one for contractor members and one for associate members, and is made up of a series of questions about the services we provide to our members.

TMR PRESENTS AT THE CCF QLD MACKAY DINNER

Last Thursday, the Department of Transport and Main Roads delivered a presentation at the CCF QLD Mackay Dinner. The presentation provided a snapshot of the region, as well as details on TMR projects in the area. 

INFORMATION FROM THE ATO: TAXABLE PAYMENTS REPORTING

Do you work as a contractor in the building and construction industry?

Businesses in this industry that pay you for building and construction services will soon report to the ATO the total amount they paid you for the 2012-13 year.

The ATO will compare this information with income you include in your tax return. It is important to lodge your tax return by the due date and include all your income to avoid penalties.

OPPOSITION LEADER’S REPLY BUDGET 2013-14

CCF's National Office would like to alert members to the Opposition Leader's Reply Budget for 2013-14. His approach has focussed on a direct appeal to voters, with his key and central messages of a "Government living within its means" and a strong message on trust, no surprises and no excuses.

Items of note are detailed in the National Information Note.

FEDERAL BUDGET ANNOUNCED

Yesterday the Federal Government announced the 2013-14 Budget and a forecast budget deficit of $18 billion, however a return to a balanced budget in 2015-16 and a surplus of $6.6 billion in 2016-17 is predicted. Highlights for CCF members include investment in infrastructure, skills and skills training and changes to taxation. 

REMINDER FOR MEMBERS TO REGISTER FOR THE FIRST CCF QLD SAFETY FORUM

On Thursday 23 May 2013, CCF QLD will host the first quarterly CCF QLD Safety Forum at the Skills Centre. The forum will bring together safety representatives from member organisations to discuss safety issues affecting the civil sector. If you are interested in attending read more.

CCF QLD MEMBER SATISFACTION SURVEY: HAVE YOUR SAY

As part of our commitment to continuous improvement and quality, CCF QLD is currently seeking feedback from contractor and associate members regarding how we are performing.

The feedback is being collected via two online surveys, one for contractor members and one for associate members, and is made up of a series of questions about the services we provide to our members.

MAJOR POLICY ACTIVITY IN WORKPLACE RELATIONS

It has been a busy month for CCF's National Office in the workplace relations space. The Coalition has released its fair work reforms, CCF National Office has released its new Workplace Relations Policy and there have been updates in relation to field inspections and individual flexibility agreements and the modern award.

MINISTER ANNOUNCES FLOOD RECOVERY TENDERS TO BE RELEASED IN MAY

CCF QLD would like to alert members to an announcement from the Queensland Government Transport and Main Roads Minister Scott Emerson about the next round of disaster recovery tenders which will go out for tender this month. The tenders, which amount to some $276 million, have been fast-tracked in order to get the work underway.

COALITION'S FAIR WORK REFORMS A GOOD START BUT MORE NEEDED

CCF has welcomed the Coalition's policy to improve the fair work laws. A number of the reforms proposed by the Coalition are a good start, although CCF Chief Executive Officer Trevor Gosatti has commented that we will need to see more of the detail and are disappointed the reforms don't go far enough in some areas.  

COALITION'S FAIR WORK REFORMS A GOOD START BUT MORE NEEDED

CCF has welcomed the Coalition's policy to improve the fair work laws. A number of the reforms proposed by the Coalition are a good start, although CCF National Office Chief Executive Officer Trevor Gosatti has commented that we will need to see more of the detail and are disappointed the reforms don't go far enough in some areas.  

WORKPLACE HEALTH AND SAFETY QLD CAMPAIGN TARGETING MOBILE AND OPERATIONAL PLANT SAFETY STARTS TODAY!

CCF QLD would like to alert members to Workplace Health and Safety Queensland's campaign which will focus on safety around earthmoving equipment and other mobile plant in the construction industry. The campaign will start today and will run for the next two years.  

CCF LAUNCHES ITS NEW EMPLOYMENT AND WORKPLACE RELATIONS POLICY

On Tuesday 6 May 2013, CCF National Office launched the new CCF Employment and Workplace Relations Policy. The Policy has been developed with active input from members, branch executives, the CEO group and the Workplace Relations Committee (WRC), and represents a significant update to the previous Policy, which was published in 2009.

IMPORTANT UPDATES FROM THE ATO

CCF National Office would like to bring members up-to-date with a number of important developments from the Australian Tax Office (ATO). The update includes details on the Living Away from Home Allowance, fuel tax credits and a reminder about taxable payments reporting.

WORKPLACE HEALTH AND SAFETY QLD LAUNCHES THE 2013 SAFE WORK AWARDS

Workplace Health and Safety Queensland's Safety Ambassador Mal Meninga, has encouraged Queensland employers and workers to showcase their work health and safety systems and innovations in the 2013 Safe Work Awards.

FAIR WORK BUILDING AND CONSTRUCTION LAUNCHES A BROCHURE ABOUT EMPLOYEES' RIGHTS IN THE WORKPLACE

Fair Work Building and Construction (FWBC) has developed a brochure about employees’ rights and responsibilities in the workplace. The publication provides basic information about industrial action, minimum pay and entitlements, termination requirements, freedom of association, coercion and sham contracting.

WORKPLACE HEALTH AND SAFETY QLD RELEASES STATISTICS HIGHLIGHTING THE DANGERS IN CONSTRUCTION AND RURAL SECTORS

Workplace Health and Safety Queensland (WHSQ) has reported that recent statistics show that rural and construction workplaces can be particularly dangerous without adequate risk management practices. The January-June 2012 Notified Fatalities Report, recorded six work related deaths in each of these industries over the period January-June 2012.

A REMINDER FOR CONTRACTORS TO RETURN THEIR CONTRACTOR PROTECT AUTHORISATION FORM

CCF QLD would like to remind all financial contractor members to complete and return the Contractor Protect Authorisation Form in order to access the service.

CCF NATIONAL OFFICE MAKES SUBMISSION ON THE FAIR WORK AMENDMENT BILL

Last week, CCF's National Office made a submission to the Parliamentary Inquiry into the Fair Work Amendment Bill 2013 and called for the amendments to be dumped.

YOUR INVITATION TO THE CCF QLD AND NZCF JOINT CONFERENCE

CCF QLD is delighted to invite you to attend the 2013 New Zealand Contractors Federation and Civil Contractors Federation Joint Conference, Civil Construction: A Remarkable Contribution. The Conference will be held in majestic Queenstown from 31 July to 3 August 2013 and will feature a program that includes a diverse range of speakers.

SKILLS CENTRE FACILITIES AVAILABLE FOR HIRE

The CCF QLD Skills Centre is a state-of-the-art facility designed with the specific training needs of the civil construction industry in mind. The Centre is conveniently located at Eight Mile Plains and all facilities are available for hire, from Monday to Friday, 7am-5pm. What's more, CCF QLD contractor members receive one free room hire per year! 

WORKPLACE HEALTH & SAFETY QUEENSLAND ISSUES ALERT ON TRUCK & TRAILER RAMPS

On Monday 22 April 2013, Workplace Health and Safety Queensland issued a safety alert highlighting the risks associated with powered ramps on trucks and trailers. The alert was released after a worker was seriously injured while helping to lower a ramp on a trailer used to transport heavy mobile plant.

CCF QLD TO HOLD THE FIRST CCF QLD SAFETY FORUM

On Thursday 23 May 2013, CCF QLD will host the first quarterly CCF QLD Safety Forum at the Skills Centre.

The forum will bring together safety representatives from member organisations to discuss safety issues affecting the civil sector. 

CCF QLD is aiming to get as many contractor members involved as possible as it helps to ensure all members’ views are heard.

TOM CARN FUTURE LEADERS BURSARY AWARD NOMINATIONS OPEN

CCF QLD is pleased to announce that nominations for the Tom Carn Future Leaders Bursary Award are now open.

The purpose of the Award is to recognise and pay tribute to Tom Carn who is remembered for his ongoing commitment to the civil construction industry, as well as his contribution as the Civil Contractors Federation Queensland Branch’s Regional Chairman for the Cairns region.

It is a special award established to support, engage and develop emerging leaders working within the civil construction industry in Queensland and provides provides financial assistance of up to $3,000 to recipients to upgrade their professional knowledge through unique opportunities.

Free advice for contractor members

Employee or contractor?

Knowing what constitutes an employee and what constitutes a contractor is important as they each have different super and tax obligations.

Employee or contractor?

Knowing what constitutes an employee and what constitutes a contractor is important as they each have different super and tax obligations.

The CCF QLD Safety Forum

Help skill tomorrow's workforce

The Doorways 2 Civil Construction (D2CC) program offers secondary school students in years 10-12, the opportunity to attain pre-apprenticeship qualifications in civil construction. Civil Train is currently delivering the program to 120 students in a number of schools throughout Queensland and is seeking employers who are willing to take students for the Structured Workplace Learning (work experience) component of the program.

Safe Work Australia releases the 2013 Key Work Health and Safety Statistics Booklet

Safe Work Australia has released the 2013 Key Work Health and Safety Statistics Booklet which details the main statistics on work related death, disease and injury. 

Quarterly Queensland Government Proposed Major Works to Competitive Tender Report available now

CCF QLD CONTRACTOR PROTECT

BUSY at Work - New program ensures apprentices built to last

National Information Note - National Code of Practice for the Construction Industry, Guidelines become law from 1 February 2013

National Information Note - National Code of Practice for the Construction Industry, Guidelines become law from 1 February 2013

Disaster Assistance for Brisbane City and Gold Coast

Disaster Assistance for Brisbane City and Gold Coast

Local contractors encouraged to get involved in the Games

Gold Coast businesses have their first opportunity to be a part of the 2018 Commonwealth Games with expressions of interest called for redevelopment of the Gold Coast Aquatic Centre.

Minister for Tourism, Major Events, Small Business and the Commonwealth Games Jann Stuckey said she strongly encouraged local businesses to register their interest with the managing contractor, Watpac, via www.gcaquaticcentre.icn.org.au by Monday 4 February.

Click read more for the full press release.

CCF National Information Note

Chain of Responsibility Laws

Chain of Responsibility Laws

Ladder Safety

Changes to the Fair Work Act

On 1 January the Fair Work Amendment Act 2012 (Cth) (FWA) started. Click read more to view the Holding Redlich Construction & Infrastructure Update which outlines the most significant changes made.

Caterpillar Group President unveils dedicated general construction facility in Brisbane

Building Watchdog Under Review

Use of a Dogger While Lifting loads with an Excavator or Backhoe

Important Information for Contractors in the Building and Construction Industry

CCF's Submission on the Human Rights and Anti-Discrimination Bill 2012

CCF National have released their submission to the Senate Legal and Constitutional Affairs Committee Inquiry into the Human Rights and Anti-Discrimination Bill 2012

National Information Note - Workplace Relations

CCF's National Office has released an information note outlining changes to the Fair Work Act that will be implemented from 1 January 2013.

Civil Construction Training program

Summer is the ideal time to get your staff skilled up and qualified, especially now that CSQ is offering a Civil Construction Training Program that is available to your existing workers as well as new entrants to the industry.

LOGOV Expo 2012

This year at LOGOV Expo the Pavilion Exhibitors Lounge has been extended to host a corporate breakfast by Moreton Bay Council as well as presentations by other Councils on their upcoming capital works programs especially for the benefit of civil construction companies.

Mobile Plant and Overhead Power Lines Safety Alert

Contact with overhead powerlines is a serious risk for plant operators which can result in electrocution, electric shocks and burns.

Changes to Principal Contractor under WHS Laws

The Work Health and Safety Regulation 2011 introduced a number of changes relating to the appointment and duties of principal contractors

Reconstruction Roll Out

2012-13 is the year of reconstruction roll out in Queensland

Qld Government Shakes up Tendering on Road Construction Projects

The Queensland Government says it will give the State’s road construction industry a significant boost with changes to tendering by the state-owned RoadTek.

Civil Train Workshop Dates

Read more to find upcoming dates for courses provided by Civil Train

Queensland Government brings forward Workers Compensation review

Attorney-General Jarrod Bleijie has today announced the Queensland Workers Compensation scheme will be reviewed by a parliamentary committee ahead of a 2013 deadline. Read more for the full press release.

Free Digital and Social Media Training

The Chamber of Commerce and Industry Queensland and the Brisbane City Council are offering free digital marketing and social media training to businesses from flood affected areas in Brisbane.

Roadtek Role Under Review.

The Queensland Government says it will give the State’s road construction industry a significant boost with changes to tendering by the state-owned RoadTek.

Qld Government Shakes up Tendering on Road Construction Projects

The Queensland Government says it will give the State’s road construction industry a significant boost with changes to tendering by the state-owned RoadTek.

Congratulations Civil Train Students

Read more to find out which students have recently completed a Civil Train course

Queensland Government brings forward Workers Compensation review

Attorney-General Jarrod Bleijie has today announced the Queensland Workers Compensation scheme will be reviewed by a parliamentary committee ahead of a 2013 deadline. Read more for the full press release.

Expressions Of Interest for 2012 Civil Construction Careers and Jobs Expo Now Open!

The inaugural 2012 Civil Construction Careers and Jobs Expo, a CCF QLD event, will be held on 16 June in the Guineas Room, at the Eagle Farm Racecourse, Ascot, Brisbane.Formal expressions of interest can now be lodged to exhibit at the expo.

Safety Alert for Pneumatic Tyres on Mobile Equipment

The recent and unfortunate death of a wheel fitter in New South Wales as a result of the explosion of a container handling reach stacker, five-piece split rim wheel assembly, has highlighted the dangers of using pneumatic tyres on mobile equipment

Safety Alert for Excavator Fatality

CCF QLD seeks Exhibitors for Careers and Jobs Expo

Safety Alert issued for Concrete Placement Boom Failure

Workplace Health and Safety Queensland advises Daewoo and Everdigm owners to take action

Workplace Health and Safety Queensland Targeting Major Hazards on Civil Construction Sites

Starting from mid October 2011, inspectors from Workplace Health and Safety Queensland (WHSQ) have been visiting civil construction sites to assess how contractors and subcontractors are managing major safety risks. This campaign will be ongoing until further notice.  

Funding Incentives Available To Take On Trainees

CCF QLD members, should you be planning to expand your business in the short term, or have an immediate need to employ new staff, this is an exciting opportunity for you to be a part of!