SA election
South Australia is in the final stage of its once in 4 year election cycle. We have lobbied all parties on issues over the past term and have gained support from several on a number of issues. A recent survey of members to determine the main election issues was unanimous – ensuring that small and medium sized contractors have consistent work and the opportunity to work on major infrastructure projects. The Liberal party has released a policy on this and other minor parties have been outspoken on this issue. The CCF SA, after much lobbying, has formed a consultation group with the government (see below).
CCF SA DTEI consultation group
We have formed a high level consultation group with the government to review tendering and procurement in South Australia. The CCF SA has a member representative from a small, medium and a large company, to represent the views and interests of our members. Preliminary discussions have been held with Department of Transport Energy and Infrastructure (DTEI) and Department of Trade and Economic Development (DTED) staff, including the DTEI CEO and DTED executive director. Terms of reference have been established for regular meetings, with initial talks being positive. Action has already started.
SOP legislation
After many years of procrastination and delays, security of payment legislation has been introduced by the incumbent Government and passed through parliament. We have had a long term interest and involvement in this legislation, which, based on the NSW legislation, will provide security to contractor members for payments. CCF SA has held an industry update on this at CCF SA House and will be providing a full days training for its members.
Industry update series
To ensure members are kept well informed and up to date on changes in OH&S and IR, CCF SA is pleased to offer its members a monthly industry update forum at CCF SA House. These will alternate as required between IR and OH&S to ensure members have a working knowledge of changes brought about due to the Fair Work Act and ongoing OH&S updates. So far these have been very successful with each session being fully subscribed. Our internal HSE adviser and IR adviser provide the bulk of the input at these sessions with external experts as required.
Playford alive works
For more than 13 years, Live Works training has been conducted by Civil Train SA at the Land Management Corporation’s (LMC) site at Wingfield, where trainees have been provided with a range of real-life experiences and opportunities to learn and consolidate practical plant operation skills, under the direction of our expert trainers.
2010 brings new and exciting live works training opportunities as part of the Playford Alive project in the Munno Para area. Civil Train SA continues its long association with the LMC in securing a range of training sites in the Playford Alive project area and presents new and exciting opportunities.
The Playford Alive project covers about 1000ha of land, incorporating some existing suburbs along, with new land divisions under the control of the Land Management Corporation. Training opportunities are significant and will allow Civil Train SA to incorporate many more training opportunities for local unemployed people as well as continuing it’s widely recognized industry up-skilling and plant assessment programs. Once again there are opportunities to combine training and production activities allowing participants to develop skills through real activities on an active construction site.
This very exciting opportunity will allow Civil Train SA to further develop models of “best practice” through its Live Works training and make a significant contribution to the development of Playford Alive and the local community.
