Security of Payments Reform - 24 January 2019
On 18 January Master Builders provided a response to the State Government on the Security of Payments Reform in the WA Building and Construction Industry – Final Report. Master Builders again raised its concerns around the recommendation of deemed trusts and the longer-term phasing in of the threshold between the principal and the head contractor being equal to or greater than $1 million.
Government Considering New Employer Incentive Scheme - 24 January 2019
Master Builders Executive Director met with the Department of Training and Workforce Development to discuss a new employer incentive scheme (EIS) planned. Funds for the EIS will be supplemented by additional revenue from the recently signed National Partnership on the Skilling Australian’s Funds (NPSAF) agreement between the State and Commonwealth Government. Submission is required by 4 February.
WA Builder and Clients Caught up in Payment Interception Scam - 17 January 2019
Two clients of a WA builder have transferred a total of $72,000 to scammers believing they were paying instalments towards the construction of their homes. The two payments of $38,000 and $34,000 were made when the consumers received emails purporting to be from their builder requesting the payments be made to a different bank account.
McGowan cabinet changes - 10 January 2019
The Premier has made some significant changes to his cabinet with Attorney General John Quigley securing the Commerce portfolio, which will take ownership of the review into security of payments. Bill Johnston received Energy from Ben Wyatt, who secured Lands. Rita Saffioti will now have a heightened focus on delivering Metronet and implementing planning reform across the state.
Funding boost for housing services - 10 January 2019
West Australian housing and homelessness services will be strengthened through a new deal that will deliver approximately $830 million in Commonwealth funding over five years. The Federal Government and West Australian Government signed a National Housing and Homelessness Agreement in December. It will help to provide for crisis and transitional accommodation, long term social housing, maintenance of social housing, builds and acquisitions.
New President - 13 December
Congratulations to Jason Kunkler from Pact Construction who was voted in as Master Builders 56th President at this week’s Board meeting. We look forward to working with Jason during his term as President.
Fiocco’s radical payment plans - 13 December
Tuesday’s Fiocco Report recommends revolutionary industry changes including overhauling security of payment laws and introducing construction trusts. Master Builders backs fair payment but is disappointed that equally effective, even-handed amendments to the Construction Contracts Act were ignored.
Ministerial reshuffle - 13 December
The Premier has today announced changes to his Cabinet. Of relevance to members, Commerce (which includes security of payment) goes to John Quigley; Rita Saffioti has responsibility for delivering Metronet and planning reform and the lands portfolio goes to Ben Wyatt. Master Builders is seeking to meet with each of these Ministers in the new year.
Government expands use of project bank accounts - 6 December
The WA Government this week announced it will expand the use of project bank accounts on government construction projects. Master Builders has responded with our key messages that everyone deserves to be paid what’s due and on time but project bank accounts will increase building costs and don’t protect all subbies and workers.
Master Builders Board - 6 December
The last monthly Board meeting for the year will be held on Tuesday. Topics for discussion include office-bearer elections, pre-Budget submissions, a finance broker alliance partner, ethics, rules changes and plans for 2019.
