Important information for contractors in the building and construction industry
11 February, 2013From 1 July 2012, if you are a contractor in the building and construction industry, businesses in this industry will have to report to the ATO the total amount they have paid you each year for building and construction services.
Grasping green buildings
10 February, 2013 by Dannielle FurnessIn yet another sector of the industry riddled with acronyms and abbreviations, green buildings can be a minefield of confusing terminology. NABERS, Green Star, GBCA, BEECs, EUAs ... if you’ve wondered what it all means and why you need to know, then read on.
MEA issues scam warning for homeowners affected by storms
24 January, 2013Homeowners affected by storm damage in north Queensland and northern NSW should beware scammers and use only licensed, reputable electrical contractors for repair work, Master Electricians Australia has advised.
457 visas increase despite local job losses, says CFMEU
22 January, 2013The number of 457 visas granted in 2012 increased by 57%, despite job losses and a downturn in the local economy, the CFMEU has said.
AG seeks feedback on Code of Practice for Chemicals of Security Concern
21 January, 2013It’s unfortunate that many of the chemicals that we use every day have also been used in terrorist attacks around the world, such as those in Bali, London, Mumbai and more recently in Oslo. In a bid to detect and prevent the use of chemicals in terrorist attacks, the Australian Attorney-General’s department is seeking feedback on the draft National Code of Practice for Chemicals of Security Concern.
Connection schemes the victim of red tape
10 January, 2013According to Master Electricians Australia, the discontinuation of Horizon Power’s Service Connect and Contractor Connect schemes was caused by additional auditing costs.
Permanent ban for NSW sparky prompts calls for safety measures
21 December, 2012Master Electricians Australia is urging contractors and tradies to employ stricter safety measures in the workplace following the announcement of a NSW electrician’s permanent ban.
New ACMA competency requirements for cablers
13 December, 2012New Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) regulatory requirements for cabling providers announced this past July will require cablers who perform specialised cabling work - namely optical fibre, structured or coaxial - to hold the necessary competencies relevant to that cabling work.
New professional development program for solar installers and designers
06 December, 2012The CEC has launched a continuous professional development program to help household solar power system installers and designers stay up to date with new developments in the industry.
Website addresses new WHS harmonisation laws
26 November, 2012The Group Training Association of Victoria has launched the Safety First website to help small-to-medium employers get to grips with the new WHS harmonisation laws.
WA top state for electrical fatal injury rate in Australia
20 November, 2012Western Australia now has the dubious distinction of having the highest electrical fatal injury rate in the country, prompting Master Electricians Australia to call for a renewed focus on electrical safety training.
MEA lobbying triggers inquiry
12 November, 2012Master Electricians Australia (MEA) has welcomed the announcement of an inquiry into the school building scheme which has left small contracting businesses millions of dollars out of pocket and driven many to the brink of bankruptcy.
“Not correct”: Ausgrid responds to ETU’s asbestos claims
12 November, 2012The Electrical Trade Union’s claims that Ausgrid has suspended asbestos removal programs are “not correct”, the electricity distributor has said.
49 asbestos illness cases in 22 years at Ausgrid, claims ETU
09 November, 2012The ETU claims to have evidence that shows Ausgrid has documented 49 cases of asbestos-related illness in 22 years. The union group has threatened action if an asbestos removal plan is not developed.
Beware of copper-clad aluminium communications cables
08 November, 2012 by Paul StathisCopper-clad aluminium (CCA) has been used in electrical cable for many years, being engineered to provide lightweight reticulation solutions appropriate to specific applications. However, the electrical and communications industries should be aware that CCA is not engineered for use in telecommunications and data cables.
