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AUTUMN EDITION 2019
Journal
TIME’S UP
SCOMO!
LABOR SET FOR VITAL ELECTION VICTORY!
Labor’s
National
Hydrogen
Plan
CHANGE THE RULES FOR A
... IS GOOD NEWS FOR OUR INDUSTRY FROM THE ORGANISERS
FAIRER AUSTRALIA
PLUMBING AND PIPE TRADES EMPLOYEES UNION JOURNAL www.ppteu.asn.au
President’s Report
A message from your President...
I’M CALLING ON ALL
MEMBERS TO GET OUT THERE
AND CAMPAIGN TO MAKE
SURE WE GET RID OF THE
MORRISON GOVERNMENT
Nazza Ottobre | PPTEU President
Welcome to the Autumn Abbott, then Turnbull and If elected, Labor has
now Morrison, the last six pledged to:
2019 edition of the
years have seen relentless
PPTEU Journal. attacks on unions, and the • Crack down on dodgy
individuals who join, lead labour hire
Every election is and run them.
important, and every • Stop sham contracting
election people say this Through the courts, through and fake casuals
is the most important in their attack dogs like the
Registered Organisations • Restore penalty rates
years. But this one is
genuinely significant. Commission (ROC) and • Crack down on abuse of
the Australian Building and
457 Visas
After six years of a Federal Construction Commission
Coalition Government bereft (ABCC), and through their • Protect local
of leadership and ideas on right wing media mates manufacturers
the key issues our country at the Australian and Sky
News, the Federal Coalition Labor is on track for
faces - like climate change,
has hammered the unions victory in the May election,
the changing nature of the
with lies, false allegations
economy, employment and according to the polls.
and phony figures.
jobs for tomorrow and on But there is a full election
Meanwhile, the Government
infrastructure – our country campaign ahead and you
has done nothing in six
is at a cross roads. On can never take election
years to address the wage
social policy issues like results for granted. I’m
crisis in this country, or
respect for women, respect calling on all members to
the casualisation of the
for religious difference, get involved in grassroots
workforce, or to protect
and respect for Indigenous
local jobs. campaigning through the
culture, the Coalition just
union or your local branch.
doesn’t have what it takes to
lead.
A Shorten Labor It is going to take a united
Government will restore effort to make sure we get
The only thing it does fairness to industrial rid of Morrison, Cash and
have is a pathological relations, protect workers’ co and their anti-worker,
and irrational hatred of rights, and put in place a anti-union agenda for good,
the men and women that system that allows hard and get a Shorten led Labor
make up the Australian working Australians to get government in power in
labour movement. Under a fair go. Canberra.
2 | PLUMBING AND PIPE TRADES EMPLOYEES UNION JOURNAL www.ppteu.asn.au
Inside This Issue...
6-8 Labor’s National Hydrogen Plan
10-13 Change the Rules Campaign
14-15 Restore Building Integrity
16-17 Long Term Member Mick Winnel
18-19 Drug & Alcohol Advice
20 VBA - Work in Progress
22-23 PPTEU Hosting UA
24-25 Better Life Outcomes Initiative
26-28 Around the Traps
29 Calendar
30-38 From the Organisers
AUTUMN EDITION 2019 39 New Commercial Refrigeration Agreement
40-41 Safety on Site - Organiser Paris Andriske
42-44 World Plumbing Day 2019
2019 GENERAL
MEETING DATES 45 World Plumbing Conference
Melbourne 46-47 Vales
52 Victoria Street, Carlton South
48 Maurice Blackburn - Create your Will online
25 Jun 2019 | 24 Sep 2019 | 26 Nov 2019
50-51 Wage Rates
Geelong
52 Digital Union Cards Are Coming
PICAC Building: 66 Tanner St Breakwater
(Please note the change of location)
53-54 Merchandise Order Form
26 Jun 2019 | 25 Sep 2019 | 27 Nov 2019
55 Meme-while
PLUMBING & PIPE TRADES EMPLOYEES UNION – VICTORIAN BRANCH
PRESIDENT OH&S OFFICERS ORGANISERS
Nazza Ottobre | 0407 309 246 Steve Rocco | 0433 875 546 Norm Kelly | 0409 355 665
Chris Giblin | 0433 694 310 Glenn Menzies | 0419 608 288
SECRETARY Paris Andriske | 0414 990 013
Earl Setches Jake Cranny | 0402 817 127
INDUSTRIAL OFFICER
Neil O’Brien | 0438 831 050
Paul Coffey | 03 9662 3388
ASSISTANT SECRETARY Simon Jewell | 0457 310 336
Paddy McCrudden Billy Ramsay | 0447 733 122
NATIONAL FIRE Kevin Fitzgerald | 0499 440 669
COMPLIANCE OFFICER PROTECTION OFFICER Billy Jovanovski| | 0488 060 848
Bob Vaughan | 0407 773 448 Andy Wallace | 0411 255 726 Nick McCubbin | 0412 560 573
PLUMBING
52 Victoria AND
Street, PIPE
CarltonTRADES
South 3053 EMPLOYEES UNION
| Ph: 03 9662 3388 03 9663 2613 www.ppteu.asn.au
| Fax:JOURNAL | xx
| info@ppteu.asn.au | www.ppteu.asn.au
Secretary’s Report
A message from your Secretary...
THE NEXT FEDERAL
ELECTION IS A
MUST-WIN FOR LABOR
Earl Setches | PPTEU Secretary
By the time members are opportunities for more young people, We look forward to a Labor
and skills development and retraining Government scrapping the ABCC
reading this the Federal
opportunities for the huge number and the RoC, putting an end to these
Election campaign will be of Australian workers experiencing mindless inquiries and investigations
well and truly underway. a period of transition away from into unionists who are simply doing
And, to say this is an traditional manufacturing. their job. The ABCC and the RoC
have been a complete waste of
important one for Labor to
And what were we doing money and time and the sooner they
win would be a massive while all this union bashing are removed from the landscape the
understatement. was going on? We are better.
Getting rid of the Coalition and
getting on with the job
We have an opportunity to elect
installing a Shorten led Labor
More members are in work than ever a Labor government that will
Government is vital, not just for our
before, earning better rates than restore fairness for workers, focus
union, or even all working people. It
ever before. We are developing and the economy on the future and
is vital for the future of the country
implementing new programs all the sustainable new economy jobs, take
that we elect a Government with the
time which are focussed on improving real action on climate change and
capability and the will to tackle the
the physical, financial and mental prioritise trades-based training and
issues that really matter, like real.
well-being of our members and their skills development. I’m calling on all
Long term jobs, genuine training
families. Over the past six years we our members, and their families, to do
opportunities for more young people,
have built three training schools all we can to ensure Australia takes
and skills development and retraining
in Victoria, with others underway that opportunity.
opportunities for the huge number
interstate. We have trained hundreds
of Australian workers experiencing Apart from the election, I draw
of apprentices, delivered thousands
a period of transition away from members attention to another big
of hours of safety and related training
traditional manufacturing. The event this year which is the World
and hosted dozens of industry
economy, our industry, the climate Plumbing Conference in Melbourne
events and skills competitions. We
and the community are all changing, in September. A highlight, which is
have supported our members, led
and we need Labor in Office to lead featured inside this edition, will be the
our industry and supported many
us through those changes. visit to Australia by General President
Indigenous and other socially
The Coalition Government has spent disadvantaged young people into We are
of the UA, Mark McManus.
the last six years attacking us and training and employment. honoured to host General
other unions, especially construction President McManus, who
unions. It is vital for the future of the I am extremely proud of will also be on hand to open
country that we elect a government what we have been able to our brand-new state of the
with the capability and the will to achieve together in such a art training and research
tackle the issues that really matter - hostile Federal environment. centre at Narre Warren.
real, long term jobs, genuine training
4 | PLUMBING AND PIPE TRADES EMPLOYEES UNION JOURNAL www.ppteu.asn.au
Assistant Secretary’s Report
A message from your Assistant Secretary...
REGULATION OF THE
BUILDING INDUSTRY
IS A MATTER OF LIFE
AND DEATH
Paddy McCrudden | PPTEU Assistant Secretary
In my recent reports to been before, and that it Amongst other things, the Shergold
members, I have provided Weir Report recommended the
needs to be now. We have
introduction of a national licencing
updates on the progress seen any number of failures, scheme for building practitioners.
of regulatory issues in the from the importation of We believe national licensing should
Industry, and in particular asbestos, to the installation be extended to plumbing and fire
the making of the new of non-compliant fire protection also, as a key public safety
Plumbing Regulations 2018. sprinkler systems, and measure.
buildings constructed with
The new Regulations commenced Building regulation will be a priority
operating in November last year
non-compliant flammable for a Shorten Labor Government.
meaning the core element of
cladding. Labor has already committed to
the regulatory framework for our strengthening building regulation by:
It is fair to say that the general push
Industry, licensing and registration of
over the last decade to deregulate the • A total ban on the Importation,
practitioners, will continue in Victoria
building industry has failed, and we sale and use of flammable
for at least 10 more years.
are only at the tip of the ice berg in polyethylene core aluminium
terms of understanding the sleeping composite panels.
However, despite having a strong
dangers that have been crept in to
regulatory framework in Victoria, • The establishment of a national
our building stock while the regulators
on a national scale, it is hard to licensing scheme for all building
have been turning a blind eye.
remember a time when there has practitioners, with requirements
been more community concern about for continued professional
There have been any number of
the fundamental safety of our built development.
reports and inquiries highlighting
environment. With the Opal Building
failings of building de-regulation with • A penalties regime for all building
debacle in Sydney and most recently
respect to keeping property and practitioners and companies who
the Neo200 building fire in Spencer
the community safe. One of these knowingly use non-compliant
Street it is easy to understand
reports - titled Building Confidence materials.
community apprehension.
– Improving the effectiveness of
compliance and enforcement systems Australians deserve to feel safe –
Things we used to take for for the building and construction especially in their own homes and
granted - that our high-rise industry across Australia, by Professor workplaces. Each day the Morrison
buildings are structurally Peter Shergold and Ms Bronwyn Weir Government fails to respond to
sound and safe - cannot (the Shergold Weir Report) - and the the widespread misuse of these
failures of the Morrison government dangerous products, more Australian
be taken for granted any
to act on their recommendations, lives are put at risk, which is just
longer. The community is is covered in an article inside this another reason we need to make sure
more exposed to risk, from edition. we work together to get a Shorten
fire especially, than it has Labor Government elected this year.
PLUMBING AND PIPE TRADES EMPLOYEES UNION JOURNAL www.ppteu.asn.au | 5
Labor’s National
Hydrogen Plan
is good news for the
environment, and great
news for our Industry
A Shorten Labor Government will invest $1.14 billion in a National
Hydrogen Plan to make Australia a world leader in the burgeoning
hydrogen industry – boosting jobs, exports, fuel security and reducing
pollution in our energy, transport and industrial sectors.
Hydrogen is an emerging industry that has huge
potential to deliver significant economic, jobs, fuel
security and environmental benefits to Australia. From
transforming transport, to providing secure, affordable
and clean energy for industry, the potential of an
Australian hydrogen industry is massive.
As demonstrated by Japan’s making the 2020 Tokyo
Olympics the ‘Hydrogen Olympics’, some of Australia’s
most important trading partners, such as Japan and
South Korea, are committed to transitioning their
economies to clean hydrogen.
Due to Australia’s low-cost renewable energy
and proximity to Asian markets, we are
projected to have a significant cost advantage
compared to other hydrogen producing nations
such as Qatar and Norway. This means that
as well as playing a key part in Australia’s
own transition to clean energy, hydrogen also
represents a huge export opportunity, with
the global market for hydrogen expected to
be worth $215 billion by 2022 according to the
International Energy Agency.
6 | PLUMBING AND PIPE TRADES EMPLOYEES UNION JOURNAL www.ppteu.asn.au
Due to existing LNG infrastructure and a proof The broader six-point plan would see $90 of concept Hydrogen Plant, Labor’s plan million of unallocated funding from the includes establishing a National Hydrogen Australian Renewable Energy Agency go Innovation Hub in Gladstone, about 550 towards hydrogen technologies. Labor’s plan kilometres north of Brisbane,, making the town would place Queensland on the world stage the “hydrogen capital of Australia”. as a leader in exporting renewable energy “We want regional Queenslanders to have and “supercharge” Australia’s renewable good, secure blue-collar jobs for the future in energy industry and create thousands of existing and new industries,” Labor leader Bill regional blue-collar jobs, particularly in Shorten said in a statement recently. Queensland. About Hydrogen A fuel for the 21st century Like natural gas, hydrogen can be used to heat buildings and power vehicles. Unlike natural gas or petrol, when hydrogen is burned there are no CO2 emissions. The only by-products are water vapour and heat. Hydrogen is the most abundant element in the universe, not freely available as a gas on Earth but bound into many common substances including water and fossil fuels. The most immediate economic opportunity for Australia is to establish itself as hydrogen supplier of choice to Japan and other nations such as South Korea that are hungry for hydrogen as a cost-effective route to reducing emissions. Several nations, including Norway, Brunei and Saudi Arabia, are actively pursuing the global hydrogen supply market. Renewable hydrogen is produced by splitting water molecules into hydrogen and oxygen through a process called electrolysis, powered by solar, wind or hydro-electricity. Hydrogen produced this way is known as green hydrogen. Australia has the abundant land area and renewable energy resources required to derive hydrogen by electrolysis at industrial scale. For a largescale export industry, new dedicatedsolar and wind generators will be required. Carbon capture and storage hydrogen (CCS, or “brown” hydrogen) can be produced from Australia’s extensive coal and natural gas reserves, in particular our open-cut brown-coal mines. The processes to make hydrogen from fossil fuels all produce unwanted CO2 emissions as a by-product but the impact can be mitigated by capturing and sequestering the carbon in underground storage sites. This presents enormous opportunities for the Latrobe Valley, which has an abundance of brown coal. PLUMBING AND PIPE TRADES EMPLOYEES UNION JOURNAL www.ppteu.asn.au | 7
In the Australian domestic market, there are many opportunities to use hydrogen as an
alternative to natural gas. Progress in hydrogen technologies will make these opportunities
increasingly attractive over time.
Hydrogen can be safely added to natural gas supplies at 10% by volume without changes
to pipelines, appliances or regulations. Over time, and with modifications to the existing
gas networks and appliances, hydrogen can completely replace natural gas for domestic
cooking, heating and hot water. In the longer term, hydrogen can be used in high temperature
manufacturing processes such as in steel, fertiliser and cement production that currently have
high CO2 emissions.
Our Industry at the forefront of the Hydrogen boom
Our Industry, through the fantastically maintain hydrogen energy generation and
successful PICAC Industry training model and transport facilities.
world class facilities, is ideally placed to deliver
the training the emerging hydrogen industry PICAC’s soon to be completed training and
needs today and will need tomorrow. research facility in Narre Warren in Victoria
will also develop training designed to equip
Gasfitting and pipe skills are going to be key the hydrogen sector, and in time will likely play
to the hydrogen sector taking off, and that’s a big role in training up the workforce of the
why this emerging industry is so important to Latrobe Valley’s potential hydrogen boom.
our members. Existing and future gasfitters
will likely have to undergo tailored training to ACIL Allen Consulting projects that Hydrogen
ensure their skills are sufficiently current to exports alone could contribute $3.6 billion per
allow Labor’s clean energy vision to be realised. annum to the economy and generate nearly
6,000 jobs by 2030. This is projected to grow
That’s why we are incorporating hydrogen to $10 billion of exports per annum by 2040,
specific training facilities and techniques into and 16,000 new jobs, with most of these jobs in
the state-of-the-art gas training room at regional areas.
the new PICAC facility in Beenleigh in South
East Queensland. If Gladstone is to be the Our Industry will be key to Australia being
hydrogen hub, PICAC will be the hydrogen able to take the hydrogen opportunity, and
training hub that delivers the skilled workers thanks to our successful training partnerships,
that will be required to install, service and we have the facilities, the know how and the
people to make a clean energy future a reality.
8 | PLUMBING AND PIPE TRADES EMPLOYEES UNION JOURNAL www.ppteu.asn.au
PPTEU EXCLUSIVE VEHICLE DISCOUNT OFFER
BEAT IT BY 10%
PRICE GUARANTEE
There are many great things about being a PPTEU member. Great rates of pay, safe
working conditions, mates for life, the list goes on. But did you know that being a
PPTEU member now also entitles you to discount vehicle pricing and finance?
Well, thanks to the PPTEU’s new Simply Finance & Automotive extensive industry
partnership with Simply Finance & contacts, streamlined purchasing process and high
Simply Automotive, you are entitled turnovers, give them superior purchasing power
to fleet discounts on new vehicle over an individual buyer and combining this with
purchases with a price beat guarantee, their national fleet discount and the combined
as well as a competitive members group buying power of the Plumber’s Union, they
finance offer.
can deliver new vehicle discounts far greater than
Simply Finance is a Melbourne based business run any individual purchase. So, when Simply Finance
by brothers Adam and Sam Lane. In establishing & Automotive purchase a vehicle on your behalf,
the business, they set out to create a no frills, simple you’re guaranteed better service and a better deal,
and efficient car purchasing and financing service. along with the best value finance.
The team at Simply will assist you in fleet pricing
unachievable by a retail client across all makes and Members can use Simply Finance for a new car
models of vehicles for members and their families.
purchase, but they also offer a broader range of
loans (truck, boat, equipment) as well as other
Simply Finance & Automotive have a wealth of
knowledge and understanding of the industry, financial and insurance products (Car insurance,
which will see you avoid the common pitfalls that Warranty, Vehicle Protection, etc).
come with buying a car or getting a loan. They will
provide a comprehensive range of the most suitable If members are thinking about upgrading
car loan options, giving you more choices that
their wheels, make sure to remember that
ensure your needs are met. They understand what
you need, and how to deliver it in the simplest and your membership will get you a 10 per
easiest way possible. cent best price guaranteed.
Contact Simply Finance at 1300 115 263 and tell
them you’re a member of the PPTEU. Sam Lane,
Adam Lane and the team at Simply will look after
all your requirements.
You can see more about Simply Finance including full Terms and Conditions at
www.simplyfinance.com.au/discount-new-cars/
PLUMBING AND PIPE TRADES EMPLOYEES UNION JOURNAL www.ppteu.asn.au | 7
Change the
Government
On April 10 this year, as many as 150,000 workers,
including many PPTEU members, took to the streets to
campaign for better wages and conditions. The April
rally was the biggest and best in series of rallies over
the past few years as part of the Australian Council of
Trade Unions’ Change the Rules campaign.
10 | PLUMBING AND PIPE TRADES EMPLOYEES UNION JOURNAL www.ppteu.asn.auand “when our workers are under
The Melbourne march was the
attack, what do we do? Stand up
largest of 14 planned around the fight back”.
country, including in regional
It was a carnival-like atmosphere
Queensland and New South Wales,
at times as the singer of a brass
Adelaide, Perth, Canberra and band sang “oh when we all kick
Hobart. The Melbourne march was ScoMo out”. The chanting, flag-
huge. It began at Trades Hall and waving crowd loudly voiced its
moved through the city centre anger over low wages growth and
increasing casualisation of the
and down Swanston Street before
workforce.
finishing at Flinders Street Station.
The president of the Australian
Flooding city streets with high-vis, Council of Trade Unions, Michele
protestors chanted “every background, O’Neil, was among those to
every age, we demand a living wage” address the crowd.
PLUMBING AND PIPE TRADES EMPLOYEES UNION JOURNAL www.ppteu.asn.au | 11“Working people have had to change, and the best
enough with the fact our way to change the
wages are not keeping rules is to change the
up with the cost of living. government.
For nearly six years now,
We need to change the
workers’ wages have rules for fair pay rises.
been stagnant or going
backwards,” she said. Our members have done ok these
past few years, but that’s not the
“Meanwhile the cost of fuel, the cost of case for the majority of Australian
electricity and gas — all the ordinary things workers whose pay isn’t keeping
in life you have to pay for are going up,” Ms up with the cost of living while
O’Neil said. companies are posting record profit.
The overwhelming take-away message The Morrison Government has told
from the day was that the rules needs workers to wait for pay rises to trickle
12 | PLUMBING AND PIPE TRADES EMPLOYEES UNION JOURNAL www.ppteu.asn.audown from their employers, voted eight We need to change the
times to cut penalty rates and ignored
wage theft. A Shorten Labor Government rules to bring back
will restore and protect penalty rates, fix our fairness.
broken bargaining system to make it easier
to win fair pay rises, and introduce big Australia used to be the country
penalties for wage theft of the fair go, but not under the
Coalition. The Morrison Government
We need to change the rules for voted 26 times against a Royal
secure work. Commission into the Banks, despite
Australia has one of the highest rates their terrible record, and tried to give
of insecure work in the world, but the big corporates an $80 billion tax cut.
Morrison Government doesn’t even believe Only Labor will change the rules and
insecure work is a problem. Only Labor will make sur companies pay their fair
address casualisation, and stop employers share of tax.
bypassing local workers to use and abuse
visa workers.
PLUMBING AND PIPE TRADES EMPLOYEES UNION JOURNAL www.ppteu.asn.au | 13restore Building Integrity
EVERY DAY THE MORRISON
GOVERNMENT FAILS TO
RESPOND TO THE WIDESPREAD
USE OF DANGEROUS BUILDING
PRODUCTS, MORE AUSTRALIAN
LIVES ARE PUT AT RISK!
It is hard to remember a time when there has been more community
concern about the fundamental safety of our built environment. With the
Opal Building debacle in Sydney and most recently the Neo200 building
fire in Spencer Street it is easy to understand community apprehension.
Things we used to take for
granted, that our high rise
buildings are structurally sound
and safe, cannot be taken for
granted any longer.
The community is more exposed to risk
– from fire especially, than it has been
before, and that it needs to be now. We
have seen any number of failures, from the
importation of asbestos, to the installation
of non-compliant fire sprinkler systems, and
NEO 200 BUILDING)
buildings constructed with non-compliant
flammable cladding.
at heart, are actively trying to drive down standards
It is fair to say that the general push over and undermine the integrity of the trade with their
the last decade to deregulate the building “Jim’s Testing” quick and dirty approach to fore safety.
industry has failed, and we are only at the tip Unbelievably, in parts of Australia, in the 21st century
of the ice berg in terms of understanding the we have a situation where the fire protection systems
sleeping dangers that have been crept in to on places like child care centres and aged care
our building stock while the regulators have centres are being “maintained” by non-qualified and
been turning a blind eye. inadequately skilled workers.
Yet, despite this, we still have organisations There have been any number of report and inquiries
like the Fire Protection Association out there highlighting failings of building de-regulation with
lobbying for further deregulation. The FPA, respect to keeping property and the community safe.
who have only their commercial interests One of the most significant of those is the report titled
14 | PLUMBING AND PIPE TRADES EMPLOYEES UNION JOURNAL www.ppteu.asn.auBuilding Confidence – Improving the effectiveness
of compliance and enforcement systems for the
building and construction industry across Australia,
report by Professor Peter Shergold and Ms Bronwyn
Weir, which was commissioned in 2017 by the
Building Ministers’ Forum. The report made 20 very
positive recommendations in February of 2018 to
improve the integrity of the built environment on a
national level.
OPAL BUILDING
that the Building Ministers Forum act on
the Shergold and Weir Report and restore
integrity and accountability to the building
industry.
The recommendations of both include the
introduction of a national licencing scheme
for building practitioners. We believe
national licensing should be extended to
NEO 200 BUILDING) plumbing and fire protection also, as a key
public safety measure.
This is why we so strongly supporting
Despite the seriousness of the issues identified in
Federal Labor’s push for greater vigilance
the report, and the importance of implementing the
in the inspection of building materials
recommendations, the Morrison Government has
used in Australia and a national approach
refused to act. The Federal Government however is
to regulation within the building and
doing nothing about it.
construction industry.
Building regulation will be a priority for a
Shorten Labor Government. Labor has
already committed to strengthening building
regulation by:
• A TOTAL BAN ON THE IMPORTATION, SALE
AND USE OF FLAMMABLE POLYETHYLENE CORE
ALUMINIUM COMPOSITE PANELS.
OPAL BUILDING
• THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A NATIONAL LICENSING
SCHEME FOR ALL BUILDING PRACTITIONERS,
WITH REQUIREMENTS FOR CONTINUED
Shergold and Weir recommended that the PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT.
Building Ministers’ Forum prepare a three-
• A PENALTIES REGIME FOR ALL BUILDING
year implementation plan for their over 20
PRACTITIONERS AND COMPANIES WHO
recommendations. But no plan has been released KNOWINGLY USE NON-COMPLIANT MATERIALS.
and the more recent Senate Inquiry into Non-
Conforming Building Products recommended
Australians deserve to feel safe – especially in their own homes and workplaces. Each day the
Morrison Government fails to respond to the widespread misuse of these dangerous products,
more Australian lives are put at risk, which is just another reason we need to make sure we
work together to get a Shorten Labor Government elected this year.
PLUMBING AND PIPE TRADES EMPLOYEES UNION JOURNAL www.ppteu.asn.au | 15LONG
TERM PPTEU
MEMBER
MICK WINNEL
Long term member Mick
Winnell on the road to
recovery after major stroke
Many of our members, After 40 years in the trade Mick was thinking
especially the Sprinkler about joining his brother Trevor in retirement late
Fitters, will know the last year when fate intervened in a dramatic,
Winnell family. unexpected and life changing way. Mick was
eating his breakfast before heading for work one
Trevor and brother Mick morning when he suffered a severe stroke.
Winnell have worked in the
Fire Protection industry for Fortunately, Mick’s partner Irene was on hand
decades. Between them to call an Ambulance quickly and get Mick to
Trev and Mick have over hospital. Time is of the essence when
80 years’ experience of it comes to stroke and Irene’s quick
the Industry, working for thinking no doubt saved Mick’s life.
Wormalds (and others) However, despite being treated quickly, the
and on dozens of jobs. Mick stroke took a heavy toll on Mick, dramatically
and Trevor’s father Ted impacting his mobility and speech.
and uncle Les also both
worked for their whole Sadly, Mick won’t be returning to work in the
careers in Fire Protection career he loved. He is currently undergoing
for Wormalds. intensive rehab therapy, doing the hard work of
16 | PLUMBING AND PIPE TRADES EMPLOYEES UNION JOURNAL www.ppteu.asn.aurebuilding the connections between As well as family and friends, Mick
brain and body that the stroke says the support of the union has
damaged. been important to his recovery
- visiting Mick, and helping with
Mick says the support of his partner
arrangements with Mick’s employer,
Irene, brother Trevor and other family,
workmates and so on. Andy Wallace,
and his good mates has been really
important - keeping his spirits up and PPTEU Organiser was pleased to be
giving him the energy and positivity, able to visit Mick at the rehab centre
he needs to do the hard work of in February this year and present Mick
rehab. with his 40-year member badge and
his Retired Sprinkler Fitters tee shirt.
A keen motorcyclist, Mick has been
doing an annual motor bike riding We wish Mick all the best for
holiday with the same group of his recovery and his hard-
mates for years. This year the boys
earned retirement. We hope to
didn’t go, because Mick’s stroke
see Mick at next year’s Retired
happened, and they wanted to be in
town to support their mate. Mick is Member’s Christmas function.
keen to one day get back on the bike If his recovery keeps going
with the boys and is using that as a well, he might even arrive on a
positive target in his rehab journey. motorbike!
PLUMBING AND PIPE TRADES EMPLOYEES UNION JOURNAL www.ppteu.asn.au | 17A NEW PARTNERSHIP DELIVERING DRUG
AND ALCOHOL ADVICE AND ASSISTANCE
TO PPTEU MEMBERS AND THEIR FAMILIES
– FREE WITH YOUR MEMBERSHIP!
Drug and alcohol abuse exists in every pocket of our community. Throughout
Australia, in family homes, workplaces, sporting clubs and everywhere else drug
and alcohol related problems exist, and they affect us all - directly or indirectly.
The financial cost and community and a range of associated and to our mental well-
impact pf drug and alcohol abuse services direct to workers in being;
are both enormous. Research the workplace. The training is • safety risks posed by
conducted by the Alcohol and Drug designed to assist people to misuse; and
Foundation indicates that each recognise at-risk behaviours,
• the importance of culture
year in Australia to understand the negative and of a supportive
health impacts of drugs workplace environment.
• 5,500 people die from alcohol and alcohol and to assist
related injuries, illness and workmates or family members
accidents. who may be struggling A copy of the ADA Australia
• 157,000 people are with issues of misuse or “Drugs and Alcohol and
hospitalised due to alcohol. dependence. Workplace Risk” handbook is
provided to each workshop
• More people die from drug
overdoses—including from The training also equips participant. As an additional
pharmaceuticals—than die participants to recognise service to PPTEU members,
on the roads. symptoms of associated DAA Australia is offering a
• The cost to the community disorders such as depression, “U turn” day intervention
from alcohol-related harm anxiety and suicide, and to and assistance program for
is estimated to exceed $15.3 assist in getting professional members or families who may
billion. help and advice. be struggling with substance
• For illegal drugs it exceeds use or misuse.
$8.2 billion. Thanks to the new partnership
between the PPTEU and ADA Training is tailored to the
Australia, members and particular needs and issues of
The PPTEU have decided to the member or family member.
their families will be able to
strengthen its commitment to its It can vary in duration, from
access current information
members around drug and alcohol a few sessions to a 4-6 week
and training. Importantly, ADA
related issues. We have entered program.
Australia also offers members
into a partnership agreement
and their families a 24-hour
with Alcohol and Drug Assistance For more information
telephone help-line.
Australia (ADA Australia) to assist
on ADA Australia and its
PPTEU members, through a tailored
information program, to “Stay
Delivered by trainers with “lived programs, please contact
experience” of addiction (and ADA Australia’s Friendly
Safe and Be Well” around their use
who have walked the long road
of alcohol as well as drugs (both Ear on 1800 ADA AUS, or
back to health), ADA workshops
prescription and illicit). contact the PPTEU.
are about:
The training is free to • raising awareness and
“re-programming”
PPTEU members and attitudes to drugs and
their families. alcohol;
• understanding what
ADA Australia provided alcohol these substances are
and drug awareness training, doing to our bodies
18 | PLUMBING AND PIPE TRADES EMPLOYEES UNION JOURNAL www.ppteu.asn.au“IT’S GETTING A BIT
OUT OF CONTROL.
BUT I DON’T QUITE
KNOW WHAT TO DO..”
Alcohol & Drug Awareness Australia are working with your union, the PPTEU to provide:
Awareness training around drugs and alcohol Training on their psychoactive effects and impact
on health Training on detection periods Information on how they compromise and impair
judgment, capability and safety at work Support on how to reach out to co-workers, family or
friends who may be struggling of showing signs of dependance
IF DRUGS OR ALCOHOL ARE AFFECTING YOUR LIFE (OR
THE LIVES OF YOUR FAMILY), IF THEY’RE SPILLING FROM
THE WEEKEND INTO THE WORKING WEEK, AND IF THINGS
ARE STARTING TO FRAY AT HOME, WELL, WE CAN HELP.
PLUMBING AND PIPE TRADES EMPLOYEES UNION JOURNAL www.ppteu.asn.au | 19FOR THE VBA, to get their regulatory focus
right could have serious
UNDERSTANDING
implications for the well-being
of the Victorian community
going forward. If the Industry
THE PLUMBING & FIRE is not well regulated, the
community is at risk, as we
PROTECTION INDUSTRY have all seen, from product
failures and things like
is a work in
flammable cladding, and
from poorly serviced or
maintained gas systems,
or air conditioning systems,
progress!
putting the community at
risk from carbon monoxide
poisoning or legionella.
As well as regulating the
sector to manage these risks
Members will be aware that the PPTEU has and hazards, the VBA also
expressed strong views over the past few years must manage the delivery
about the Victorian Building Authority (VBA), and its basic charter on a day-
where we believe it needs to do better. to-day basis (licensing,
registration, auditing,
compliance etc). In October
Wherever we have had the Compliance Certificates 2017, a new Chief Executive
opportunity - be it in this for regulated work, about was appointed to head up
Journal, in meetings with a third of the VBA’s $50M the VBA, Sue Eddy. And, over
the VBA or the Minister and annual revenue, but we the last year or so, things
in the pages of the many don’t get nearly that have started to improve, with
submissions we have made proportion of regulatory the VBA sharpening its focus
to various reviews and focus, attention or service. on plumbing and related
inquiries - we have been By regulatory focus we issues, which is so important
making the case that the mean things like audit when it comes to keeping
way the VBA has been set rates, inspection rates, the community safe and
up and operates does not skilled inspectors who the confidence levels in the
serve the interest of the understand plumbing and industry high.
industry or the community. fire protection and some
We have expressed that we genuine representation at The PPTEU is actively engaging
are not satisfied with the Board and senior decision- with the new administration
way the VBA has too often making levels of the of the VBA, through the VBA
treated the Plumbing and Authority. Plumbing Advisory Group
Fire Protection as the “poor process, in which we actively
cousin” of the Victorian The VBA is there to participate. The quality
building and construction regulate the entire of industry engagement
sector and we have building industry, between stakeholders and
been pushing for a more not just builders, so a the VBA is improving since
balanced focus from the Board member with Ms Eddy took over, and we
key regulatory body for our an understanding of look forward to continuing
industry. the Plumbing Industry to develop a positive
might be a good idea. working relationship with
The VBA was established in Currently there isn’t one. the VBA going forward, and
2013 and since the outset to restoring the regulatory
has operated in a way that The Plumbing and Fire balance which has been
de-prioritises our industry. Protection Industry faces missing from the Victorian
The nub of our argument is many high-risk challenges, building industry for nearly 8
that we contribute, through and the ability of the VBA years.
20 | PLUMBING AND PIPE TRADES EMPLOYEES UNION JOURNAL www.ppteu.asn.auME is now offering PPTEU members $1,500 cash back2
when you take out a new Basic Home Loan or Flexible Home Loan
with a Member Package1 with ME – and deposit your salary
into a ME Everyday Transaction Account.
Offer only available with a ME Home Loan Specialist.
Application must be submitted before 30 June 2019.
For full terms & conditions and to find out more visit:
mebank.com.au/benefitsppteu
or call 1300 573 943
1
$395 annual fee applies
Home loan discount offer terms and conditions.
2
A $1,500 cash back offer is available to you as a member of PPTEU on new home loan applications or top ups and refinances of an existing ME home loan with a
minimum new lending of $250,000 received between 01-Mar-19 and 30-Jun-19 and settled by 30-Sep-19. This offer only applies to the ME Basic Home Loan and
Flexible Home Loan with Member Package, excluding fixed rate loans. Repayments must be principal and interest and an LVR less than 80%. This offer is limited to one
home loan application (including single or multiple applicants) and cannot be used in conjunction with any other home loan offer. Ongoing salary deposits must be
made into a ME Everyday Transaction Account (ETA) opened in the name of at least one of the borrowers on the loan account within 60 days of settlement. $1,500 will
then be paid into the ME ETA within 30 days of salary deposit being applied. Terms, conditions, fees and charges apply. Applications are subject to credit approval. You
should consider if these products are right for you. This offer is only available on loans originated via a ME Home Loan Specialist. It is not available on applications made
through an independent mortgage broker.
This information is about products and services available to you as a PPTEU member. The PPTEU and ME are not agents or representatives of one another. The PPTEU
does not accept responsibility or liability for any loss or damage caused by the products or services provided by ME. The PPTEU does not receive any commissions as a
result of members using ME products and services.
Members Equity Bank Ltd ABN 56 070 887 679 (ME) holds an Australian Credit Licence 229500 and is the provider of the credit products referred to above.
PLUMBING AND PIPE TRADES EMPLOYEES UNION JOURNAL www.ppteu.asn.au | 13UA GENERAL PRESIDENT
MARK MCMANUS
TO VISIT AUSTRALIA
IN SEPTEMBER
The PPTEU is excited and Sprinkler Fitters, Welders and HVAC
Service Technicians across the United
honoured to be hosting UA General
States and Canada. Like his highly
President Mark McManus when he respected predecessor, Mark McManus
visits Australia later this year. is an influential and respected figure. He
is also a pragmatic, no-nonsense, and
General President McManus, who was
constructive trade unionist, focussed on
elected in 2016 following the retirement
driving mutually beneficial partnerships
of the great General President William P.
Hite, will be in Australia in September. His between labour and management.
visit will coincide with the World Plumbing
The fact that General President McManus
Conference in Melbourne and the scheduled
is taking the time out of his busy schedule
grand opening of the state-of-the-art training
to visit his Australian union brothers and
and research centre at Narre Warren.
sisters is testament to the high value the
General President McManus represents UA places on the relationship between our
over 350,000 union Plumbers, Pipefitters, two great unions.
22 | PLUMBING AND PIPE TRADES EMPLOYEES UNION JOURNAL www.ppteu.asn.auSince the relationship between the
PPTEU and the UA was formalised in an
Affiliation (2012), the connection between
us has grown steadily stronger and is
delivering major benefits for both parties.
The UA has, for example, provided the inspiration and know-how for several
features of our training set up at PICAC, especially in fire protection and
welding. Some of our knowledge and techniques relating to water capture,
storage, use and re-use has been incorporated into UA training.
General President McManus for over a decade before manner. He has also
began his career with the being tapped for higher challenged his fellow
UA in 1983 when he was office within the UA. Over officers to work towards the
initiated into Plumbers the following years, Mark
betterment of UA members
Local 24 in Newark, New was elected to successively
Jersey. Early in his career, and the general public
more responsible positions
he served as Chairman of at the international level, through various initiatives,
the Board of Examiners culminating in his leadership from fire safety to green
of Master Plumbers for as General President. energy to water quality.
the State of New Jersey,
a position he held for 10 Under General McManus’ We are greatly looking
years. After working as leadership, the UA remains
forward to welcoming
a journeyman plumber, extremely active in all
aspects of the political
General President
McManus was called to
lead his local union and world—national, state McManus to Melbourne
served at the highest level and local—in a bipartisan in September.
PLUMBING AND PIPE TRADES EMPLOYEES UNION JOURNAL www.ppteu.asn.au | 23SIR BOB GELDOF LAUNCHES BETTER LIFE OUTCOMES INITIATIVE Activist, philanthropist and musician Sir Bob Geldof was in Perth on Friday (8 March 2019) to help celebrate World Plumbing Day, which takes place on 11 March every year and to launch a life changing project to deliver sustainable plumbing and sanitation solutions to remote communities around Australia. The program is being driven by the Indigenous Plumbing & Sanitation Foundation, Master Plumbers & Gasfitters Association of WA, Master Plumbers Australia, Nirrumbuk Aboriginal Corporation, Plumbing Industry Climate Action Council, and the Plumbing & Pipe Trades Employees Union of Australia. In his typically irreverent style, Sir Bob began with a barrage of toilet humour before turning his attention to the serious and vital role that plumbing and sanitation had to play in delivering better health, economic and environmental outcomes globally. 24 | PLUMBING AND PIPE TRADES EMPLOYEES UNION JOURNAL www.ppteu.asn.au
Michael Long Senator Pat Dodson
“Nearly every Sir Bob, the driving force behind model of plumbing installation
the global Live Aid movement, and maintenance to remote
civilization since it
told the 300 attendees that as communities around the
sprang up has tried to an industry, plumbers had the country.
do what you do, which power to not only change lives
is to create sanitation in Australia but globally. PPTEU Secretary Earl Setches,
and healthy conditions who was on hand to meet Sir
for society to function “I put it to you that Bob, said this was an important
within,” Sir Bob said. with the ingenuity in step forward “These are
this room alone, with services that must be
“And yet today, poor the organisational permanently available
sanitation is the cause structure that within communities
of more than 1,200 you’ve got here, why and can offer long-
deaths of children aren’t the Aussies term employment
under five per day. To delivering inventions, opportunities for
put that in perspective, re-imaginings of Aboriginal people”
that’s more than what sanitation Earl said.
AIDS, TB and malaria must be, if we are to
combined. stop the collapse of The Better Life Outcomes
program will commence with
communities and
“The lack of effective cities?
pilots being run at communities
sanitation costs the in WA’s Kimberley region and
in regional Victoria. The pilots
world an estimated “The consequences will include an audit of current
$223 billion every year
of what you do on infrastructure and availability of
– every dollar spent on
a daily basis could maintenance services, followed
sanitation provides at by a full needs analysis, cost
radically alter how we
least $5 in economic modelling and training.
manage not just the
return.
structures of a society
“Now apply that to but of the entire
some of the remote global environmental
communities here system.”
and even if you don’t
The Better Life Outcomes
measure the pure program, which has former
economic return in AFL star and indigenous
terms of GDP but in advocate Michael Long as its
terms of human value, ambassador, aims to deliver
Sir Bob Geldof & Earl Setches
it’s extreme.” a sustainable, repeatable
PLUMBING AND PIPE TRADES EMPLOYEES UNION JOURNAL www.ppteu.asn.au | 25STATE LIBRARY REDEVELOPMENT
Members from All Staff Mechanical Services, Melbourne and in regional Victoria, today and
Precision Fire and Signal and Hobbs roofing into the future.
are amongst the dozens of workers currently
renovating the State Library of Victoria in La A focus of the project is the refurbishment of
Trobe Street, Melbourne. The Vision 2020 the historic Queen’s Reading Room which
redevelopment project is transforming Australia’s first opened in 1856. The refurbishment will
oldest and busiest public library and one of strip back paint to reveal the decorative colour
Victoria’s most important cultural institutions. scheme designed in 1860. It will also reveal the
original skylights of the reading room, which
This ambitious $88M project, being managed were covered during a 1970s renovation.
by Built, is intended to ensure that the Library
continues to evolve to meet the changing needs We expect to have members on site for a good
of our vibrant, diverse community, both in while yet, with completion of the refurbishment
not expected before mid-2020.
26 | PLUMBING AND PIPE TRADES EMPLOYEES UNION JOURNAL
AROUN www.ppteu.asn.auND THE TRAPS PLUMBING AND PIPE TRADES EMPLOYEES UNION JOURNAL www.ppteu.asn.au | 27
COLLINS ARCH
Currently the PPTEU has about 100 members on a spectacular eight-story Skybridge spanning 14
the massive Collins Arch project in the heart of metres.
the Melbourne CBD. Construction of this unique
project started in October 2016 and there is still a A total of 202 residential apartments will occupy
way to go before completion, which is expected parts of both towers, including the Skybridge,
in late 2019. providing views across Melbourne.
Located at 447 Collins Street, Collins Arch will be Ellis Air are doing the air conditioning work on
Melbourne’s first truly mixed-use development. this Multiplex development. Geelong Fire are
Spanning a 6,000m2 city block, the development currently on site installing the fire protection
includes luxury apartments, a five-star hotel, system and Allen Insulations are doing the
WELL-rated offices, retail and 2,000m2 of public insulation and Drac Mechanical doing the
open space including a tiered amphitheatre. The mechanical services work.
development’s two 39-level towers are linked by
AROUND THE TRAPS
28 | PLUMBING AND PIPE TRADES EMPLOYEES UNION JOURNAL www.ppteu.asn.au2019 CALENDAR
www.ppteu.asn.au
JANUARY FEBRUARY MARCH APRIL
S M T W T F S S M T W T F S S M T W T F S S M T W T F S
1 2 3 4 5 1 2 31 1 2 1 2 3 4 5 6
6 7 8 9 10 11 12 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 7 8 9 10 11 12 13
13 14 15 16 17 18 19 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 14 15 16 17 18 19 20
20 21 22 23 24 25 26 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 21 22 23 24 25 26 27
27 28 29 30 31 24 25 26 27 28 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 28 29 30
MAY JUNE JULY AUGUST
S M T W T F S S M T W T F S S M T W T F S S M T W T F S
1 2 3 4 30 1 1 2 3 4 5 6 1 2 3
5 6 7 8 9 10 11 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
12 13 14 15 16 17 18 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 11 12 13 14 15 16 17
19 20 21 22 23 24 25 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 18 19 20 21 22 23 24
26 27 28 29 30 31 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 28 29 30 31 25 26 27 28 29 30 31
SEPTEMBER OCTOBER NOVEMBER DECEMBER
S M T W T F S S M T W T F S S M T W T F S S M T W T F S
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 1 2 3 4 5 6 7
8 9 10 11 12 13 14 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 8 9 10 11 12 13 14
15 16 17 18 19 20 21 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 15 16 17 18 19 20 21
22 23 24 25 26 27 28 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 22 23 24 25 26 27 28
29 30 27 28 29 30 31 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 29 30 31
Public Holiday Annual Leave RDO Lock Down Weekends School Holidays Picnic Day World Plumbing Day Return to work on 8th Jan 2020
VICTORIAN SCHOOL TERM DATES PUBLIC HOLIDAY DATES * Please note: Monday 28 January Public Holiday in lieu of Austral;ia Day on Saturday 26 January
TERM 1: 29 January 2019 - 5 April 2019 New Year’s Day: Tuesday 1 January Easter Saturday: Saturday 20 April Queens Birthday: Monday 10 June
TERM 2: 23 April 2019 - 28 June 2019 Australia Day: Monday 28 January Easter Sunday: Sunday 21 April Melbourne Cup Day: Tuesday 5 November
TERM 3: 15 July 2019 - 20 September 2019 Labour Day: Monday 11 March Easter Monday: Monday 22 April Christmas Day: Wednesday 25 December
TERM 4: 7 October 2019 - 20 December 2019 Good Friday: Friday 19 April Anzac Day: Thursday 25 April Boxing Day: Thursday 26 December
52 Victoria Street, CARLTON SOUTH VIC 3053 TEL: 03 9662 3388 FAX: 03 9663 2613
PLUMBING AND PIPE TRADES EMPLOYEES UNION JOURNAL www.ppteu.asn.au | 29FROM THE OR
Senior Organiser,
Andy Wallace’s Report
Hello Comrades
Welcome to what we all hope is the last
PPTEU Journal under this horrible Coalition
Government. Like everyone else who
cares about workers’ rights, I can’t wait to
see the back of this mob with their anti-
union, anti-worker agenda.
As members know,
I love nothing more
than getting out
on jobs and talking
direct to members
about the issues
that are important
to them.
Whether the issues relate to
safety, pay and entitlements,
or any number of other things,
I have always been a believer
in getting out from behind the
desk and getting amongst the
members.
As our industry becomes
more complex, the work
involved behind the scenes, in
terms of policy submissions,
regulations, training package
reviews etc is increasing all
the time. On-site, the industrial
and health and safety related
issues never go away.
30 | PLUMBING AND PIPE TRADES EMPLOYEES UNION JOURNAL www.ppteu.asn.auGANISERS
So we have made some changes In the following pages you can read a report from all
internally to create a new senior the Organisers about what is on their minds, and what is
role with a specific focus on happening in their patch in terms of jobs underway and
co-ordinating all the on-site coming up. If you don’t know the Shop Steward or Organiser
activities of our members and on your job, make it your business to get to know them.
officials – Shop Stewards, Next-
Gen, Safety Committees, Long One of the things that I have noticed since we have formed
Serving and Retiring Members our new Next Gen program, is the number of new recruits
etc. Members will have the turning up to our meetings. This shows me that there is a
opportunity to create a new definite strong interest in the future of our union.
Assistant Secretary position at the
upcoming union elections to take To have so many turn up, in their own time, to have a voice
on these responsibilities. and express a desire to be pro-active – well it just about
brought a tear to my eye. I was so proud to see it, and it
That’s what my new role is all shows me that we have strong future.
about, assisting Organisers and
overseeing all the on-site activities So to all those members, and those that will turn up to future
of our officials. If any members meetings, I say thank you. To them and all our members
don’t know my face yet they soon my message is stay strong, stay proud to be union, and let’s
will. I will be getting around to as back ourselves and keep up the fight.
many of the sites our members
are on as possible. As our Secretary explains in his report, the election coming
up is a massive one for our industry. These Coalition
The same goes for all the team peanuts have been trying to undermine us, and all workers,
of Organisers I lead, who will for 6 years and we have had enough.
continue to be present on jobs
to help Shop Stewards, OH&S The polls are good for us but it won’t just happen. It is going
reps and members. Between to take everyone to do their bit, and get behind Labor. Get
them the group of 10 or so PPTEU yourself involved, and if you don’t know how to, speak to
Organisers have a wealth of your Shop Steward or Organiser of call the Union.
experience and an abundance of
youthful enthusiasm. They are a
passionate and committed group
and my role is to help them to help
you.
TOGETHER WE CAN KICK OUT MORRISON AND HIS
MATES AND GET A LABOR GOVERNMENT IN POWER
THAT RESPECTS YOUR TRADE, RESPECTS YOUR
SKILLS AND RESPECTS YOUR RIGHTS.
PLUMBING AND PIPE TRADES EMPLOYEES UNION JOURNAL www.ppteu.asn.au | 31FROM THE OR
Organiser’s Report, Neil O’Brien
The Eastern suburban region of Melbourne is the boys on the site of the
in line for some large commercial projects in old Fun Factory at the corner
the months and years ahead. of Chapel Street and Toorak
Roads. The site will become
the Capital Grand, high end
Box Hill is fast underway and apartments being built by
becoming a major several others soon to Multiplex. Capital Grand will
satellite city, with the commence. Hamilton be completed by the end of
huge Sky One tower Merino is developing the year. There are also other
under construction. the old Chippy’s Timber apartment developments, by
Union Rep Dave Donchi site opposite Ringwood Icon and Hickory, being built in
has been doing a great Lake, with construction the area.
job looking after the to commence later this
boys on this massive year.
and complex job.
Closer to the city, the
Two more 35-storey Richmond/South Yarra
buildings are going up in area has also seen
Box Hill, being developed plenty of construction
by the Hickory Group, activity with more
and the second phase planned. The Richmond
of the Box Hill Hospital silos, including the iconic
development will kick Nylex clock are being
off later in 2019. This will re-developed. This
involve the demolition Pro Build development
of some of the old will see the creation of
1960’s buildings, and office and residential
the development of a accommodation and
17-storey contemporary will also return the
health facility. famous clock to its
former glory.
In Doncaster and
Ringwood there are Union rep Mick Lowbett
apartment projects has been looking after
32 | PLUMBING AND PIPE TRADES EMPLOYEES UNION JOURNAL www.ppteu.asn.auGANISERS
Organiser’s Report, Simon Jewell
In my 2 years as an Organiser with the PPTEU, the South plumbers for plumbers. It is Australia’s
Eastern suburbs of Melbourne have been booming, with first net xero emissions training facility
a huge amount of construction going on. From Portsea and a big thanks goes out to Cooke &
Dowsett, Entire Mechanical, Entire Fire
down to St Kida back up Dandenong Rd to Gippsland, and
and CCS Roofing for all their amazing
from Phillip Island and through to the NSW boarder thee
work on this project.
have been dozens of projects commenced including
a mind-blowing amount of infrastructure, particularly As you can see there is plenty of work
health and education related. in the South East and I have not even
mentioned the amazing number of
Some of the more notable as new accommodation and schools being built in the south east
projects include the training facilities for the cadets, growth corridor.
Caulfield to Dandenong with members form Geschke
SkyRail Project, which was Plumbing, NSG Plumbing, Entire If there is any new projects we don’t
completed early this year, Fire and Walker Fire all kicking know about give me or the union
and the High Compacity goals. office a buzz and remember to always
Metro Train (HCMT) yard work safe...
project in Pakenham which
Back closer to the CBD in
is also nearing completion. Go Tigers !!!
Mulgrave we have M-City which
Some of the many hospitals
being constructed (and the is a new Shopping Centre
plumbing and fire protection with cinemas, supermarkets,
companies which helped hotels, high rise and townhouse
build them) include: accommodation. The scale
of this project is enormous
• Berwick Hospital (CDC and the boys from Richstone
Plumbing, CGM Plumbing Plumbing, D&E Air conditioning,
and Heating, Precision Fire, and Geelong Fire are all killing it!
and Trio Roofing)
There are also a number of
• Cabrini Hospital (Geschke
apartments being built along
Plumbing, PJM Plumbing and
Dandenong Road from Oakleigh
Precision Fire)
to Caulfield Racecourse.
• Frankston Private
(AXIS Plumbing, P&R Air Further down in Gippsland, the
conditioning, Paramount major projects are the Sale
Fire) Prison, Traralgon Aquatic Centre
and a new Basketball complex
As you are aware there is with Wonthaggi and Traralgon
massive amounts of plumbing Hospitals starting later in the
in Hospitals which is keeping year.
many of our members busy for
now and into the future. Last but not least is the new
Down on Westernport Bay PICAC addition in Narre
there is the overhaul of HMAS Warren. If members have the
Cerberus with our contractors opportunity, they should take
carrying out water, gas, and a look at this state-of-the-
stormwater renewals as well art training centre built by
PLUMBING AND PIPE TRADES EMPLOYEES UNION JOURNAL www.ppteu.asn.au | 33You can also read
