November Industry News
This Week:
CFMMEU fined heavily for unlawful actions at NSW site
The CFMMEU and its officials face increased penalties totaling $254,000 after the Federal Court ruled on their right of entry law breaches at a Kiama construction project. This underscores the Fair Work Ombudsman’s commitment to upholding lawful conduct in the construction industry.
End of the road for ‘Zombie Agreements’: Fair Work Commission resources
Pre-2010 ‘zombie agreements’ will cease on 7 December 2023. The Fair Work Commission provides an interactive checklist and a fact sheet to guide stakeholders through the upcoming changes, ensuring smooth transitions and compliance with new workplace laws.
Rockhammer Earthmoving ordered to pay for worker underpayment
Brisbane’s Rockhammer Earthmoving Pty Ltd has been ordered by the court to pay $34,128 for failing to comply with a Compliance Notice to back-pay a construction worker. The Fair Work Ombudsman emphasises the importance of adhering to workplace laws and the consequences of non-compliance.
Safe Work Australia launches interactive WHS tool for construction safety
Safe Work Australia introduces an innovative online tool, ‘Know Your Duties’, to assist the construction industry in comprehending and fulfilling their WHS obligations. This interactive resource offers guidance on managing common hazards and ensuring a safer workplace.
Apply for funding to cover up to 70% of year one of the MEA Master Program – that’s a saving of $2,576.00*
Master Electricians Australia have partnered with Construction Skills Queensland (CSQ) to provide Queensland based electrical contractors access to the industry’s leading business skill development program, the MEA Master Program.
The MEA Master Program is designed to help you build strong foundations for your business, and includes business tools, processes, procedures, and systems to set you up for long term success.
Shape the future: Teach at TAFE NSW
TAFE NSW offers industry experts a chance to inspire the next generation by becoming teachers through their Paid to Learn program, Teacher Scholarships, and special pathways for military service veterans. Enjoy a rewarding career sharing your skills and maintaining industry connections.
SafeWork NSW cracks down on incident reporting failures
SafeWork NSW has issued a warning and fines to businesses neglecting to report workplace incidents. With a spike in non-compliance, particularly in the construction sector, the regulator stresses the legal duty to report serious injuries, illnesses, or deaths immediately.
Queensland embraces digital licence revolution
Nearly 100,000 Queenslanders have switched to the new Digital Licence, offering a convenient and secure alternative to traditional physical identification. With advanced security and privacy features, the digital licence sets a new standard for mobile ID solutions.
Queensland’s $8 billion energy boom: Online forum highlights massive opportunities
The upcoming Connecting Renewable Energy Conference Queensland on November 16 will spotlight eight major solar, wind, battery, and hydrogen projects, unlocking over $8 billion in supply chain and employment prospects for businesses across the state.
Electrical Safety Office seeks input on Australian Standards access
The Electrical Safety Office is surveying electrical workers and contractors on their access to and usage of Australian Standards, aiming to understand the feasibility of including digital copies in the licence fee. The survey will inform negotiations with Standards Australia.
Tragic incident: Young construction worker impaled on site
A school-based construction certificate student suffered severe injuries after falling onto a crowbar at a Queensland construction site. The incident highlights the critical need for rigorous safety measures and risk management, especially for young workers in high-risk industries.
Victoria powers up manufacturing with energy tech grants
The ‘Made in Victoria – Energy Technologies Manufacturing Program’ is boosting local production with grants for manufacturers developing products that aid in the transition to net zero emissions. With grants up to $750,000, Victorian manufacturers can innovate towards a greener future.
Act now to avoid the haunt of Zombie Agreements, advises Business SA
Business SA has issueed a warning for the looming deadline for pre-2010 enterprise agreements, dubbed ‘Zombie Agreements’, which will terminate on 7 December 2023. Employers are urged to apply for an extension or transition to modern awards or new enterprise agreements to avoid disruptions.
Changes to allowances for the Electrical Contracting Industry Award announced
The Western Australian Industrial Relations Commission has revised the Electrical Contracting Industry Award, resulting in increased allowances for workers. Effective from late September 2023, the new rates aim to better reflect current industry standards and living costs.
Educational opportunities available with CET
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Heatwave hospitalisations: Urgent call for workplace heat safety
Two workers in the Northern Territory were hospitalised due to heat-related illnesses amid the season’s first heatwave, prompting NT WorkSafe to remind employers of the critical need for heat safety measures. Employers are urged to follow guidelines for managing work in extreme temperatures to prevent such incidents.
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