Backing for ABCC on the up
21 September, 2016Support for reinstatement of the Australian Building and Construction Commission (ABCC) is gaining ground, with the Australian Mines and Metals Association (AMMA) now weighing in. According to a statement released by the group, Australia can no longer afford to have the cost of construction inflated by 20–35% through "industrial relations bullying and lawlessness".
Conviction and fine over worker death
19 September, 2016Essential Energy has been convicted and fined $300,000 for failing to comply with its duty of care for workers, following the death of a 47-year-old man in 2013.
How well are you managing WHS?
09 September, 2016If you are managing a small business, probably not that well, according to a new report from Safe Work Australia (SWA).
Do you know which standards affect your project?
01 September, 2016Do you know every standard referenced in the Australian National Construction Code (NCC) related to residential premises? Standards referenced in the NCC fall under the NCC's Deemed-to-Satisfy provisions and compliance with these standards represents the most common method of satisfying the NCC performance requirements.
Workplace relations reform needed for resources industry
08 August, 2016The Australian resource industry has urged the Turnbull government to put "fundamental workplace relations reform" back on the political agenda.
Manslaughter charges laid over electrical death
14 July, 2016Manslaughter charges have been laid four years after the death of Jason Garrels, who was killed in heavy rain on a building site in central Queensland.
Get across the minimum wage increase
28 June, 2016Increases to award rates and the national minimum wage are due to take effect from the first full pay period starting on or after 1 July 2016. If you are an employer, you'll need to ensure you are across the changes.
NECA calls for expanded unfair contracts legislation
08 June, 2016In the lead-up to July's federal election, the National Electrical and Communications Association (NECA) is calling on all major parties to adopt an expansion of Unfair Contracts Terms legislation.
Time's up for smoke alarms
24 May, 2016Fire & Rescue NSW (FRNSW) is asking owners and occupiers of residential dwellings to consider higher levels of protection than the law requires with respect to smoke alarms.
Are you SuperStream ready?
19 May, 2016The deadline for compulsory use of SuperStream is looming, so employers need to ensure they are ready. If you have 19 or fewer employees, you need to be using SuperStream by 30 June 2016. All other employers should already be using the SuperStream standard.
The buck now stops with FWBC
17 May, 2016From 18 May 2016, any new enterprise agreements entered into by building contractors or building industry participants need to be compliant with the current Building Code 2013 in order for contractors to be eligible for work on future Commonwealth-funded construction projects.
Wiring rules open for public comment
20 April, 2016The revision of the Australian and New Zealand wiring rules for electrical installations is now open for public comment.
Warranties to be standardised
19 April, 2016Plans are underway to develop a new ISO (International Organization for Standardization) standard for consumer warranties, providing guidelines for development of clear and effective warranty statements. It hopes to improve purchaser, retailer and manufacturer confidence and smooth the way for better trade.
Licence and permit compliance simplified
25 March, 2016The Australian Business Licence and Information Service (ABLIS) offers users a quick and easy way to identify the licences and permits required to run a specific business within Australia.
Are you compliant?
21 March, 2016 by Sarah Bartholomeusz*Legislation and regulations change throughout the year and these have an impact on your business. Perhaps your company took on more employees and has a higher turnover? These are excellent indicators of growth and success but they also have the potential to attract new legal obligations.
