Noticeboard
Unite for Queensland Floods - Donate to the flood relief appeal
What would normally be a warm welcome to all for the start of the New Year has been overshadowed by the floods across QLD, northern NSW and now Victoria. This has made the start to 2011 a difficult one for many. Our thoughts are with all of the people who have been affected by this reminder to us all that Mother Nature plays by her own set of rules.
The AWA has contacted members in the affected areas in QLD to offer assistance and enquire about the welfare of businesses and staff. Unfortunately there has been minor flooding to some and the tragic loss of family for another. Our thoughts and sympathy are with all during these difficult times.
The AWA has donated $1000 of member funds to the Premiers Fund, details are below for any members that wish to contribute further.
Donate online
Make a donation to the Premier's Disaster relief appeal using a secure payment form.
Donate by phone
0600 - 2300 7 days on 1800 219 028
Donate by internet banking
The account details for donations are:
Account Name: Premiers Disaster Relief Appeal
BSB: 064 013
Account number: 1000 6800
SWIFT code for international donations: CTBAAU2S
Once your transaction is complete, you should record the receipt number for your transaction. If you do not receive a receipt number, contact your financial institution.
If you would like a receipt for tax purposes, please forward a request, with proof of donation to:
Premier's Disaster Relief Appeal
C/O Department of the Premier and Cabinet
PO Box 15185
City East QLD 4002
CTS Newsletter - Summer 2010
The Cyclone Testing Station of the James Cook University have realesed the Summer issue of their newsletter.
The CTS has identified poor concerns over poor window fixing practices and is pleased to advise that AWA has taken the initiative to develop a window fixing guide aimed at addressing the issues identified.
Click here to read more and view the newsletter
HIA Information Sheet - Guidance on returning to Flood Affected Areas
& MBA Queensland Guidelines for working on fl ood damaged premises
The recent flooding across Queensland and NSW has caused immense damage to properties and lives.
The HIA has prepared an information sheet that contains details for all residents to what to do and look for should they prefer to‘return home' and begin to deal with the damage to individual homes and business.
Click Here to download the HIA information sheet
The MBA Queensland have provided guidelines that will not only help ensure the safety of yourself, your workers and home owners, but also allow you to more accurately quote on the work required to repair/re-build.
Click Here to download the MBA Queensland Guidelines
QUEENSLAND MEMBERS - Deck, Balcony and Window Safety Guideline
The Queensland Government advises a new guideline for decks, balconies and window safety has been released.
In recent years across Australia there have been a number of deck collapses and falls from buildings. Coronial reports regularly recommended that buildings be checked for safety. The guideline decks, balconies and window safety can be used to help occupiers check that their buildings are safe.
A copy of the new guideline available free of charge on the Department's website at www.dip.qld.gov.au/decks-balconies.
Company that Misrepresented Master Builders Membership Fined
ACA Constructions Pty Ltd, trading as Roll Away Shutters, has paid an infringement notice issued by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission.
On 26 July 2010 the ACCC issued the notice because it had reasonable grounds to believe the trader was falsely claiming on its website that it was a member of the Master Builders Association and the Housing Industry Association. The ACCC considered that the trader's conduct contravened section 53(d) of the Trade Practices Act 1974 which prohibits companies representing they have a sponsorship, approval or affiliation they do not have. ACA Constructions paid the $6,600 penalty within the time allowed for payment, so no further action will be taken by the ACCC.
"Building improvements and renovations are a significant expense and membership of industry associations may be a factor which influences consumer and business decisions," ACCC chairman Graeme Samuel said in a recent statement." Traders should not make false membership or industry claims as they risk contravening the Act."
Under powers which came into effect in April 2010, the ACCC can issue an infringement notice where it has reasonable grounds to believe a person has contravened certain consumer protection laws. The ACCC can issue an infringement notice as an alternative to the institution of court proceedings. Once an infringement notice penalty is paid, the ACCC cannot begin court proceedings over the alleged contravention. The payment of an infringement notice penalty is not an admission of a contravention of the Act. Mr Samuel said infringement notices increase the remedies available to the ACCC to quickly address conduct of concern and promote compliance. Information about the ACCC's powers to issue infringement, substantiation and public warning notices is available via: www.accc.gov.au/notices.
Important information for AWA members importing from and exporting to the ASEAN region
AGREEMENT ESTABLISHING THE ASEAN-AUSTRALIA-NEW ZEALAND FREE TRADE AREA (AANZFTA) - Making Use of AANZFTA to Export or Import Goods
This pamphlet is intended to provide a simple guide to business on how to make use of
AANZFTA to export or import goods. It:
• provides an overview of the tariff commitments contained in AANZFTA;
• explains where to find details of the tariff commitments for individual products;
• describes the ROO provisions of the Agreement;
Click Here to Download the Pamphlet
IMPORTANT NOTICE TO EXPORTERS USING AANZFTA
This notice describes the changes to AANZFTA Certificate of Origin for Third-Party Invoices
Click Here to Download the Notice
AWA Response to NBESS Framework Public
Late in March this year a Public Discussion Paper was released by the Senior Officials Group on Energy Efficiency for public consultation. The Framework will be used to drive significant improvement in the energy efficiency of Australia's new buildings by delivering national consistency in the way minimum standards for building energy efficiency are set into the future and how the environmental performance of buildings is assessed and rated.
Tracey Gramlick has prepared a response on behalf of the window industry. If you have any comments or concerns please feel free to contact AWA so that we can incorporate everyone's views as these ongoing group discussions progress.
Click Here to download the response