NSW UPDATE - SECURITY INDUSTRY CHANGES

There has been plenty of talk about the NSW’s Government’s changes to the regulatory model for the security industry, with a number of MLAA members voicing their disapproval with the changes made to the SIR.

These changes include:

• The security industry registry (SIR) will assume the role as the main regulatory body
• To reflect the significant change in the SIR's role, it is now part of the NSW Police Force's State Crime Command and it will be renamed the Security Licensing & Enforcement Directorate (SLED)

The MLAA was not consulted on the changes and immediately discussed the issue at Board Level.  Strategies have been developed to ensure our members’ issues and concerns are voiced and heard.  The MLAA will promote a united front, with the interests of locksmiths at the forefront, and will keep you informed about progress in upcoming e-news and on the MLAA website.

WA UPDATE– MOTOR VEHICLE REPAIR BUSINESS LICENSE

Another pressing issue for the MLAA and its West Australian members is the introduction of a motor vehicle repair license.  The WA Department of Commerce has introduced new regulations which require locksmiths to obtain a license if they wish to conduct any work on cars.

Locksmiths fall under the following two categories:

• Electrical accessory fitting work (EAF) – means any work required to install or remove an electrical accessory to a motor vehicle; and
• Mechanical accessory fitting work (MAF) – means any work required to install or remove a mechanical accessory to a motor vehicle.

Again, there was no consultation with locksmiths or the MLAA.  You may have already received letters from the Department of Commerce requesting you comply and forward payments for the new licenses.  The threatening tone of this correspondence is not appropriate, and the MLAA encourages all WA locksmiths affected by the introduction of these licenses to request a stay pending determination.

It should be noted however that our initial communications with the Department have “hit a brick wall”.

VALE – John Carter

The MLAA mourns the passing of John Carter from North West Locksmiths, Tamworth.  Our thoughts are with his family at this sad time.  The funeral will take place on Friday July 23rd at St Paul’s Anglican Church (18 Church Street, Tamworth) at 11 am.

MLAA LOCK & SECURITY EXPO - REGISTRATIONS NOW ONLINE!

The online registration form is now active for members to register for this year’s Lock and Security Expo. 

To be held at Jupiters on the Gold Coast, the event will commence with our Annual General Meeting on the evening of Thursday 30th September.  The Expo/Conference will kick off on Friday morning 1 October and run through to the afternoon of Saturday 2nd October. 

Included in this great package, the cost of which has been reduced from previous years, is the finale function on the Saturday night, our Gala Dinner & Awards Function.

Our Expo is Australia’s largest locksmith and associated industry show, giving members the opportunity to talk directly to the manufacturers displaying the latest products and services in the market, meet industry experts, update your skills with our free training sessions and network with peers.  

Registrations for this year’s event can be made online NOW. 

If you require further information, please visit our 2010 Lock & Security Expo page.

The MLAA is also pleased to announce the continued support of Assa Abbloy, Locksmith Supply Company and Lock & Key as Gold sponsors of the event. 

Further announcements on training, exhibitors and the trade show to be made shortly.

 If you have difficulty processing your application online, please email jarad@masterlocksmiths.com.au and we will provide you with a hard copy.

2010 APPRENTICE, VAN & SHOP AWARDS

Applications for the 2010 John Andrew Apprentice of the Year are closing shortly.  All Business Members are encouraged to support this award by nominating an eligible apprentice.  Applicants must complete their apprenticeship during the year ending 31^st December 2010 and must not have previously participated in the Award.

Applications close at 5.00 pm Friday July 30^th. Please download the entry form below and return to:

Apprentice of the Year
Master Locksmiths Association
Suite 213/370 St Kilda Road, Melbourne VIC 3004

Or fax to (+613) 9645 9997

2010 Apprentice of the Year Application Form (PDF - 103KB)

Introduced in 2009, the Best Van and Shop Award competitions provides business with an opportunity to showcase your business and pick up some handy prizes in the process. Entry is open to current Business and State Members, with 5 high resolution images (JPEG format) to be submitted by Friday September 10^th.

Please email your entries to jarad@masterlocksmiths.com.au or post to Master Locksmiths Association, Suite 213/370 St Kilda Road, Melbourne VIC 3004

An independent panel of respected industry members will judge the competition.

* Please note only one entry per member per category will be accepted. Please ensure your entry is clearly marked with your name and contact details.

2010 ELECTIONS

In accordance with the Association’s Constitution, the following elected positions are available for nomination and election this year:

1. Branch Directors

The following Directors complete their terms of office at this year’s AGM and are seeking re-election for a further term:

Branch Presidents and Executive Committees are elected annually at the respective Branch AGM’s for a one year term.  Nominations are now open for these positions for 2010/2011.

3. Nomination Process

Forms outlining the nomination criteria and process for each of these elections are attached and may also be downloaded from the MLAA website.

Nominations for Branch Director, Branch President and Branch Executive may only be made by a Business Member or eligible Life Member of the respective state (branch).

If only one person is nominated for each vacant position, that person will be deemed to have been elected at the AGM held to declare the results of elections.  If more than one person is nominated for the position of Branch Director or Branch President, a ballot will be conducted in accordance with the Association’s Constitution.

We encourage you to participate in the election process by identifying and nominating members qualified to hold these important leadership positions.

Nominations must be received by close of business Wednesday August 11.

Please fax to (03) 9645 9997 or from New Zealand +61 3 9645 9997

2010 Elections – Branch Director Nomination Form (PDF - 118KB)

2010 Elections - Branch Executive Nomination Form (PDF - 145KB)

JULY 1st – WHAT IT MEANS FOR YOUR BUSINESS 

With the advent of the new financial year, changes in awards and minimum pay rates will take effect on July 1^st, 2010.  These changes will have an effect on the Locksmithing Industry.  

This issue of the MLAA e-news will keep you informed of the changes you need to know. 

MINIMUM WAGE INCREASE 

In June 2010, Fair Work Australia (FWA) handed down its National Minimum Wage Case decision.  An increase of $26.00 per week will apply to all Modern Award Minimum Weekly Wages Rates of Pay .   

The revised rates apply to all Australian employers other than those WA employers who are not corporate entities. 

All increases, if applicable, take effect from the first pay period commencing on or after 1 July 2010.    

ADULT MINIMUM WAGE 

The new Adult Tradespersons rate of pay is $663.60 per week ($17.46 per hour)  

New minimum apprentice wages are as follows:  

The attachment below, details the relevant Wage Determination issued by Fair Work Australia regarding the major Locksmithing Award (Manufacturing and Associated Industries and Occupations Award 2010).  

Manufacturing Wage Determination July 2010 (PDF - 59KB)

TAX CUTS

As of July 1^st, changes to the (PAYG) withholding rates will take effect.   You can download a copy of the Fortnightly Tax table from the ATO website    

If you want further information on Industrial Relations matters, please visit our new IR page on the MLAA website. 

Over the coming months we will continue to add information and the latest news to keep you informed with what’s happening on the IR front.  

Please continue to use the website as a source of information or contact the Association, preferably by email, with your enquiries. Our Industrial & Employee Relations Consultant is also available to assist with your queries. 

QLD BRANCH MEETING & AGM DETAILS

A reminder to our Queensland Branch members, that their next meeting will be held on Tuesday August 24th at Locksmiths’ Supply Company (Jeays Street, Bowen Hills).  Arrive at 6pm for a 6.30pm start. 

The QLD Branch will also hold its AGM on this evening.

Looking for event information on your State?  Check out our updated Branch Events page.

NATIONAL EMPLOYMENT STANDARDS

Following on from our advice on Award Modernisation and Transitional Provisions, this week we start our in-depth look at the National Employment Standards (NES).

The National Employment Standards are a set of ten minimum statutory entitlements contained in the Fair Work Act 2009 that apply to all employees of Federal system employers. On and from 1^st January 2010, employers must (as a minimum) ensure they are complying with the NES with respect to leave entitlements and leave practices at each workplace, plus other aspects of the NES.

These requirements are: 

• Maximum weekly hours of work
• Requests for flexible working arrangements
• Parental leave and related entitlements
• Annual leave
• Personal/Carers’ leave and Compassionate leave
• Public holidays
• Notice of termination and redundancy pay
• Community service leave
• Long service leave
• The Fair Work Information Statement

Over the coming weeks, MLAA e-news will look at each of these statutory entitlements, starting with ‘Maximum weekly hours of work’ and requests for flexible working arrangements.

Maximum weekly hours of work

An employer must not require or request an employee to work more than 38 hours per week plus a reasonable number of additional hours. These provisions are largely the same as under the AFPC Standard.

Modern Awards and enterprise agreements may contain terms which provide for the averaging of hours of work over a specified period.

An employer may reach agreement with an award-free or agreement-free employee to average hours over a specified period of not more than 26 weeks.

Requests for flexible working arrangements

Under the NES, an employee with 12 months service has the right to request, in writing, a change in working arrangements to assist the employee to care for a child under school age or a child under 18 if they have a disability. The employer can refuse the request on reasonable business grounds. Casuals also have the right to request flexible working arrangements if they are long-term casuals with a reasonable expectation of ongoing regular and systematic employment.

The employer must respond to the employee, in writing, within 21 days, and if the request is refused, must set out the reasons.

Fair Work Australia (FWA) does not have the power to settle a dispute about whether the employer had reasonable business grounds except where an enterprise agreement, contract of employment, or other written agreement gives FWA this power.

This is a new entitlement.

Next week we take a look at Parental leave and related requirements

A QUICK NOTE…………..

In a previous e-news edition, we paid tribute to Locksmithing ‘guru’ John Freeman, who sadly passed away in May 2010.

Kerry Dermietzel (nee Freeman) wanted to pass on her thanks to the MLAA and members of the industry, as well as set the record straight!

“On behalf of the family I would just like to say thanks to David [Rees] and the MLAA for such a lovely article.

It has been a huge loss to our family to lose both amazing parents now, but it is rewarding to know how admired and respected they both were, particularly in the Locksmithing industry. Dad was always very proud of his trade and would often tell us many tales of the different situations he could find himself in when working. He always placed value on his profession and instilled in all of us, the importance of honesty and trustworthiness.
 
The MLA (as we always knew it as) was highly regarded by Dad so that article is made more touching because of this.
 
Please pass on my thanks to David and to the MLAA itself, for being such an important part of Dad's, Mum's and, in fact, all of the Freeman family's life for so long.
 
PS...In case anyone ever wants to amend the records...I also worked at Moorabbin Locksmiths in all sorts of odd jobs including secretarial and front counter, keying alike-cylinders and, even once, picked open a padlock!!! My youngest sister, Julie, grew up in the business literally...as a baby, the bassinette was always at work!! 

HOT OFF THE PRESS: MINIMUM WAGE LIFTED $26 PER WEEK FROM JULY 1

Today Fair Work Australia (FWA) handed down its National Minimum Wage Case Decision for 2010.  

FWA (formerly the Australian Industrial Relations Commission) being the body that has now resumed responsibility from the short lived Fair Pay Commission for determining and maintaining minimum rates of pay under Australia’s new Industrial Relations System. 

Under this new system, Minimum Rates of Pay are now contained in Modern Awards (as they were previously) rather than being set out in separate Australian Pay and Classification Scales. 

Today’s Decision has three key elements:

1. An increase of $26.00 per week to all Modern Award Minimum Weekly Wages Rates of Pay with proportionate increases in hourly minimum wages and award annual salaries. 

2. An increase of $26.00 per week ($0.69 per hour) to the standard Federal Minimum Wage (previously $543.90 pw) bringing the new Federal Minimum Wage to $569.90 per week ($15.00 per hour). 

3. Operative date of the first pay period that starts on or after 1 July 2010. 

It was an extensive decision and was at the higher end of expectations in relation to the forecast increase. 

The proportionate increases awarded are not immediately available. All increases if applicable take effect from the first pay period on or after 1 July 2010. 

Further details in relation to the decision and revised Award Rates of Pay will be made available to members shortly.

MLAK KEYS

The Master Locksmith Access Key (MLAK) is an innovative system that allows 24 hours a day access to public facilities e.g. toilets for people with a disability.

The MLAK is designed to increase access to facilities that would under normal circumstances be locked after hours.As locksmiths, you may receive requests from members of the public wanting to obtain a MLAK key. 

Access to MLAK keys is restricted to people who have a disability or those that have written authority from a doctor, disability organisation, local council or community health centre or centre management or owner of a building with an accessible toilet on site.

These people can purchase their own universal key from their local Master Locksmith.

If you require stock of MLAA, they can be purchased from the MLAA @ $5.50 per key.  Door decal stickers (free), keyhead covers ($13.20) and brochures are also available for purchase.  

ARE YOUR CONTACT DETAILS UP TO DATE?

Have you changed premises, set up a new website or updated your email address? If so, please make sure you update your details.  You can log in to the members section on the website, or email jarad@masterlocksmiths.com.au with your new details.  

NZ TRAINING & TRADE WEEKEND

The New Zealand MLAA Branch would like to invite all NZ members, trade partners and visiting locksmiths to its Training and Trade weekend from Friday July 23 to Sunday July 25. 

 The Novotel Rotorua Lakeside Hotel is the venue for the Training & Trade weekend, with accommodation available at discounted rates at the Novotel for those travelling.

A busy weekend has been planned, with several informal and practical training sessions available.  Members and guests will need to book into these training sessions, so please get your enrolment booking forms in early to avoid disappointment.

NSW BRANCH MEETING DATE CONFIRMED

The next meeting of the New South Wales branch has been set for Wednesday August 25 at Lock & Key (Unit B1 2-6 Greenhills Avenue, Moorebank).  We encourage all New South Wales members to make a note of the date in their diaries and get along to the meeting.   

AWARD MODERNISATION AND TRANSITIONAL PROVISIONS

In January 2010, major changes to the Workplace Relations System came into effect.  As a result, the Modern Manufacturing and Associated Industries and Occupations Award 2010 (formerly Metal, Engineering & Associated Industries Award 1998) has become the key Modern Award for the locksmith Industry.  

Over the following weeks, we will provide you with an overview on the Modern Award, how it effects your business and in detail, look at the National Employment Standards – a set of ten minimum statutory entitlements contained in the Fair Work Act 2009.

This week we will summarise the changes to the Award and look at the revised obligations you have as an Employer following January 1st 2010. 

Major Changes to Workplace Relations System from 1 January 2010 

Major changes to the Workplace Relations System took effect from 1 January 2010. Set out below is a summary of those Changes and the revised obligations you have as an Employer following 1 January 2010.   

The most important changes relate to Award Coverage and the commencement of National Employment Standards.  

• The Modern Manufacturing and Associated Industries and Occupations Award 2010 (formerly Metal, Engineering and Associated Industries Award 1998) has become the key Modern Award for the Locksmith Industry.
• All member Companies (other than WA Sole traders and partnerships) now bound to observe this Award
• Transitional provisions apply
• July 1 major date for commencement

Changes to Workplace Relations System from 1 January 2010 

From 1 January 2010, Modern Awards and a new Safety Net (National Employment Standards (NES) commenced operation and essentially replaced existing Federal and State Awards and the Australian Fair Pay and Conditions Standard (the Standard). 

Earlier changes introduced from 1 July 2009 included:

• Two new Organisations to regulate the system – Fair Work Australia and the Fair Work Ombudsman
• Revised Unfair Dismissal provisions
• Revised Enterprise Bargaining Arrangements
• Revised protections dealing with Workplace rights and industrial activities

The new National Workplace Relations System covers almost all of Australia’s Workplaces and will apply to a range of persons that were previously Award free and ‘outside the system’.  

How do these Changes affect your business/workplace? 

Clearly it will vary from company to company, however you need to be aware that all employers in the National system must now comply with new:

• General protections, unfair and unfair dismissal laws
• Agreement making obligations and procedures
• Transfer of Business rules
• Workplace rights specified in the Fair Work Act 2009

 From 1 January 2010 employers in the National system, must:

• Comply with the National Employment Standards (NES)  - The Safety Net of 10 Minimum Employment Conditions, and;
• Ensure that Wages paid to employees at a minimum comply with the Wages now contained in the applicable Modern Award.

As an Employer you must:

• Give each new employee the Fair Work Information Statement before , or as soon as practicable after commencing employment
• Meet minimum rates of pay in applicable Modern Award or National Minimum Wage Order 
• Meet terms and conditions of the applicable modern Award, if one exists and applies
• Meet the terms and conditions of the National Employment Standards Summary 

You need to be able to answer ‘yes’ to the following to ensure Compliance 

• Do you know which Award your business is currently covered by and which Modern Award applies after 1 January 2010 – (other than Sole Traders and Partnerships in WA) the most likely applicable Modern Award is the Manufacturing and Associated Industries and Occupations Award 2010. This Award has become the key Modern Award for the Locksmith Industry.
• Are arrangements in place to ensure that your business is compliant with the National Employment Standards from 1 January 2010
• Are you keeping the required Records and providing compliant Pay Slips
• Are you aware of your options for Agreement making with employees
• Are you aware of and understand the Good Faith Bargaining requirements
• Do you understand and are you able to comply with the Small Business Fair Dismissal Code if applicable

LOOKING FOR AN APPRENTICE? 

MEGT Group Training is the preferred supplier of apprentices and trainees to members of the Master Locksmiths. By hosting apprentice locksmiths or business administration trainees through MEGT, members are free to concentrate on building their business; leaving the hassle of recruitment, employment and payroll to us.

MEGT Australian Apprenticeship Centre (AAC) is the preferred AAC for members of the Master Locksmiths. MEGT AAC will register apprentices that are employed by members and pay applicable government incentives to employers and apprentices.

Further information is available from the MEGT Australian Apprenticeships Centre on 13MEGT (136348), www.megt.com.au or contact Adam Clarke - Industry Employment Consultant on  adam.clarke@megt.com.au 

GOVERNMENT INITIATIVES  

The Australian Government has announced a number of new measures supporting Australian Apprenticeships in the 2010-11 Budget. These initiatives will support employers to take on and retain Australian Apprentices and will ensure Australia’s skills base is protected and maintained. Some of these initiatives include: 

Tools for Your Trade incentive (TFT): The Tools For Your Trade payment initiative provides up to $3,800 to eligible Australian Apprentices over the life of their Australian Apprenticeship.  The money is designed to assist apprentices with costs associated with their trade such as tools, tuition fees, etc. 

The payment initiative is available to Australian Apprentices who meet the required eligibility and who are undertaking an Australian Apprenticeship in a trade occupation listed on the National Skills Needs List. 

Support for Adult Apprentices (SAA): The Support for Adult Australian Apprentices payment initiative provides financial support to Australian Apprentices or their employer during the first two years of an Australian Apprenticeship.

To be eligible to receive the Support for Adult Australian Apprentices payments, the Australian Apprentice must be 25 or over at the commencement of their Australian Apprenticeship on or after 1 January 2010 and be completing an Australian Apprenticeship at the Certificate III or IV level in a trade listed on the National Skills Needs List.  

Apprentice Kickstart Bonus: The Apprentice Kickstart Extension triples the first year incentive payment to small and medium-sized employers who put on a new young apprentice in a skills shortage trade between 12 May 2010 and 12 November 2010 (inclusive).

By accessing the Apprentice Kickstart Extension, employers will receive $3350 in bonus payments in addition to the existing $1500 commencement incentive if they engage and retain young (aged 19 and under) traditional trade apprentices in a skill shortage area.

The existing $1500 commencement incentive payable at the three month point will be boosted by a bonus of $850 plus $2500 paid after nine months.   If you would like further information on the Australian Government Apprenticeships Incentives Program, printable brochures, posters and factsheets are available for download from the Australian Apprenticeships website.    

MLAA LOGO 

MLAA is encouraging master locksmiths to promote their affiliation with the association through use of the MLAA logo. 

Master and General Business members are entitled to use of the MLAA logo as part of their membership. Individual, Trade and Associate members of the Association are able to display the initials MLAA (Ind), (Trade Member) or (Assoc)   

If you want use of our logo on websites, email signatures or to display at your business, please contact Jarad (jarad@masterlocksmiths.com.au) at the Master Locksmiths Association. 

VALE - FREDERICK JOHN FREEMAN (03.11.1930 - 11.05.2010) 

The MLAA mourns the passing of noted locksmithing “guru” John Freeman. John Freeman was born and raised in Essendon Victoria.

He completed his Locksmith training at A F Stewart Locksmiths in Melbourne, before starting his own Locksmith business in the late 1960s "F J Freeman (Cheltenham) & Co", based from his home in Bernard Street Cheltenham. 

In the early 1970s John changed his company name to "Moorabbin Locksmiths" and moved into a small shop at 338 Highett Rd, Highett. In 1975 he moved the business again into a much larger shop at 547 Highett Road. 

Moorabbin Locksmiths went on to become a very large and successful business and by the mid-1980s, employing over 20 people at its large factory & workshop at 198 Chesterville Road, Moorabbin. 

John and his wife Elizabeth had five children of which his three sons became locksmiths in the family business. Over the years John and Liz employed and trained many apprentices at Moorabbin Locksmiths, most went on to become qualified Locksmiths and are an important part of our industry today.  John’s first of many employees was Cliff Forrester (Current MLAA Qld President).

Other locksmiths who were trained at Moorabbin Locksmiths include John’s three sons Geoff, Mark & Chris, Michael O’Beirne (MLAA Vic Sec), Jim Scott, Nick Jarman, Steve Hart, Gary Wilson, Ben Ide, Colin Moss and many more. 

In 1987 John and Liz decided to sell Moorabbin Locksmiths to Chubb Australia, John stayed on and was employed by Chubb as a consultant and sales manager until the early 1990s, before retiring and moving to Phillip Island and later Broome WA. 

Our thoughts and best wishes go to John’s family and friends.