CONSTRUCTION activity continues to sink lower with few signs yet that new infrastructure projects are coming to life on the ground, according to Master Builders Australia’s chief economist Shane Garrett.

"The ABS figures out today indicate that the volume of construction work done during the September 2019 quarter slipped by 0.4 percent compared with the June 2019 quarter," Mr Garrett said. “During the most recent quarter, the volume of construction work actually done was the weakest since the end of 2016. Compared with this time last year, activity is down 7 percent.

“The results are particularly disappointing on the engineering and civil construction side of the market where the volume of work done has dropped by 9.6 percent over the past year. This is the side of the construction industry where the portfolio of new infrastructure projects should be showing up,” he said.

“We should be in the early stage of an infrastructure construction boom but we are not there yet. We need state and territory governments to work with their federal counterparts to get construction activity moving on the ground,” Mr Garrett said. 

“The new data mean that the risk of an economic growth vacuum is getting bigger. Everything must be done to lift short-term demand across the economy - and accelerating the roll out of government-led infrastructure projects is the best way.

“As the Governor of the Reserve Bank pointed out just last evening, monetary policy has its limitations with respect to promoting growth – including the reality that interest rate cuts can take many months to work their full benefits through the economy,” Mr Garrett said. 

“Increasing government spending and accelerating the pace of project work would offer a very immediate way out of the current growth impasse.”

During the September 2019 quarter, six of the eight states and territories experienced falls in construction activity. 

Expansions occurred in Tasmania (+10.0%) followed by Victoria (+3.5%). 

During the September 2019 quarter, the largest reduction in construction work hit South Australia (-5.0%) followed by Western Australia (-3.8%) and the Northern Territory (-3.1%).

The declines in construction activity were a bit more measured in Queensland (-2.1%), the ACT (-0.9%) and New South Wales (-0.5%).

www.masterbuilders.com.au

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THE Australian Institute of Architects (AIA) awarded BVN the 2019 Best in Practice Prize NSW at their End of Year Prize night on Friday November 22. Also honoured was BVN principal and soon to be NSW Government Architect, Abbie Galvin with the 2019 Marion Mahoney Griffin Prize.

Each win demonstrates BVN and its people’s work extending beyond the walls of the practice and making a meaningful impact to the wider profession. By addressing industry issues such as gender equality and long hours, BVN were commended by the AIA jury for “their progressive approach to all aspects of workplace culture".

The Best in Practice Prize jury noted, “BVN recognises that a diverse and inclusive environment supports engagement, empowerment, and performance… There is a clear understanding that cultural change must be led from the top, and, where possible, policies and benefits are open to all staff, junior and senior. These include access to research time, flexible work, parental leave and profit sharing.”

This culture, one that nurtures collective creativity, inclusion and diversity, and importantly supporting women in senior architectural positions, has been the catalyst to produce exemplary architects of the likes of Abbie Galvin.

Cited by the jury as “An architect for her generation”, Ms Galvin has been a principal of BVN for 23 years and was recently appointed first female Government Architect of NSW since the position was created 200 years ago. The bestowment of the Marion Mahoney Griffin Prize celebrates Ms Galvin's accomplishments as a female architect and commitment to design that positively affects daily life.

“Without doubt Abbie will continue to champion a public domain and architecture that breathes an authenticity and integrity, positively affecting the daily life of our state,” said the jury.

BVN is rich in diverse ideas and perspectives. Diversity is “demonstrated through the active inclusion of older staff, Indigenous staff, and gender and cultural mixes through all levels of the studio. There are currently 30 nationalities within the practice, including leaders for whom English is a second language,” said the jury.

The jury noted, “BVN has a reputation for maintaining high ratios of female leadership. Four of the ten (equally paid) principals are women.” Of these four, one is co-CEO of the practice. 

As a direct response to the often demanding hours in the industry, BVN’s flexibility policies and tech solutions support remote working for employee wellbeing and work/life balance. These policies “reduce the guilt and stigma that is too often associated with flexible and part-time work by providing transparency and promoting a ‘redistributed hours’ approach,” said the jury.

About 20 percent of the Sydney studio is now on formal flex arrangements (with part of that figure represented by senior management), while the entire studio utilises informal flex on a daily basis.

Careers are nurtured through a vibrant program of events (in house salons with organisations such as Parlour, Tech and Design Talks, CPD talks), learning and development opportunities such as practice-wide workshops with leadership consultants and sponsorship of the architectural registration process.

A culture of research and experimentation is integrated into the practice through collaborations that explore alternative construction methods and experimentation with robotic fabrication.

The jury noted, “BVN actively explores future possibilities through research work that is integrated into the life and structures of the firm, conducted in partnership with universities and other institutions.”

Brian Clohessy, head of people and character at BVN said, “It is imperative that as an industry, it is understood that we can only deliver a quality built environment by ensuring that talented people are attracted to and stay in the industry. Providing an engaging and supportive workplace and culture is at the core of what we do.”

www.bvn.com.au

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THE Financial Planning Association of Australia (FPA) has welcomed today’s statement from the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) that outlines its approach to advice licensee obligations for the financial adviser code of ethics.

Following significant advocacy efforts by the FPA and other professional associations to government, ASIC and FASEA (Financial Adviser Standards and Ethics Authority), ASIC has today provided additional guidance to licensees on their expectations of how licensees must support financial planners’ compliance with the FASEA Code of Ethics.

Importantly this includes facilitative compliance in relation to Standards 3 (conflicts) and 7 (client fee and benefit agreement) of the code, and makes clear that ASIC will not act as a code monitoring body by monitoring and enforcing compliance against the code.

Dante De Gori CFP CEO of the FPA, said, “The FPA’s advocacy work has raised concerns in relation Standards 3 and 7 and the short time frames with which to comply. We welcome today’s announcement from ASIC which acknowledges these Standards require significant change, and we support a facilitative compliance approach to this.

“We have expressed our concerns that these two Standards – which relate broadly to conflicts of interest (including fee and business models), remuneration models, referral arrangements, and gaining client consent from existing clients – need more clarification.

“ASIC has reiterated that all financial planners must still comply with the Code of Ethics from 1 January 2020. FPA members will continue to comply, as they have done with the FPA Code of Professional Practice for many years.

“It is important to note that facilitative compliance means ASIC will adopt a measured approach where inadvertent breaches arise or systems changes are underway, provided industry participants are making reasonable efforts to comply,” Mr De Gori said.

ASIC expects licensees to take reasonable steps to ensure their authorised planners comply with the code, including:

• Making sure that their advisers are aware that they need to comply with the code from 1 January 2020 onwards;

• Providing training and/or guidance to their advisers on the types of conduct that is consistent/inconsistent with the code;

• Facilitating individual advisers’ ability to raise concerns with the AFS licensee about how the licensee’s systems and controls may be hindering their ability to comply with the code, and acting on those concerns where appropriate;

• Considering whether advisers are complying with the code as part of their regular, ongoing monitoring of adviser conduct; and

• When it is in place, considering the decisions of the new disciplinary body and making any necessary changes to their systems and processes.

The FPA will continue to work with FASEA on amending the Code of Ethics and we will shortly develop further tools and resources to assist members in understanding and building compliance with the FASEA Code of Ethics.

About the FPA

The Financial Planning Association of Australia (FPA) represents the interests of the public and Australia’s professional community of financial planners. The association is unrivalled in its reach of the financial planning market, influence on government and regulators, standards set through a world-class Code of Professional Practice, unique position as the certification body in Australia for the global CFP designation, and reputation for quality professional development. With a growing membership of more than 14,000 members and affiliates, the FPA is home to Australia’s 5,700 CFP professionals. Building on a 20 plus year legacy, the FPA represents the changing face of the financial planning profession. www.fpa.com.au

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THE Joint Standing Committee on Migration is holding a public hearing for its inquiry into migration in regional Australia on November 27.

The committee will hear from the Australian Local Government Association, to discuss local governments’ perspectives on the factors that support successful regional migration and settlement.

“Following the committee’s first regional hearings in Murray Bridge and Mount Gambier, this presents and excellent opportunity to follow up on the issues raised with the national local government peak body,” said Julian Leeser MP, committee chair.

“The committee heard from migrants, volunteers, and local government on the specific issues in two communities in South Australia, and this hearing will provide a chance to examine regional migration and settlement from a national perspective.”

Public hearing details

Date: Wednesday November 27, 2019
Time: 10am
Location: Committee Room 1R4, Parliament House, Canberra

The hearing will be broadcast at aph.gov.au/live.

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THE newly elected president of the nation’s peak building and construction industry advocacy organisation has urged the Senate to pass the Ensuring Integrity laws.

Simon Butt was elected national president of Master Builders Australia on the weekend at a meeting of Master Builders Associations of the building and construction industry in each state and territory. 

“There was an overwhelming consensus from Master Builders’ members around the country that the Ensuring Integrity laws are vital to protecting building businesses from union bullying and restoring the rule of law in our industry,” Mr Butt said. 

“Our industry for years been afflicted by the bullying, intimidation and thuggery of construction unions and their officials, some of whom repeatedly flout the law and bully small building businesses almost every day. We need the Ensuring Integrity laws to make sure there are real consequences that will act as a deterrent for these flagrant re offenders."

Mr Butt has more than 30 years experience in the building and construction industry. He is highly regarded in the ACT and 'Canberra region' where he is a former president of Master Builders ACT.

Mr Butt said is chief executive of Manteena, an award-winning Canberra based construction contractor with a track record of working on some of the most iconic projects in the nation's capital including Parliament House, and completing construction projects across Australia and internationally in 23 countries.

Mr Butt is also a fellow of the Australian Institute of Building and a member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors. In 2018 he was appointed an adjunct professor at the University of Canberra. 

www.masterbuilders.com.au

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THE 2019 Australian Groundwater Conference is hosting more than 500 of Australasia’s groundwater experts, with international speakers, to reveal the latest research into groundwater science and management. 

the conference runs until November 27.

Topics presented today include:

-       Groundwater in a changing world

-       Groundwater resources vulnerability in a changing climate

-       Social engagement, attitudes & connection to groundwater

-       Use of big data & groundwater databases

-       Climate change/variability impacts and water security in tropical & arid climates

-       Water quality management

Details

Australasian Groundwater Conference 2019
24-27 November 2019
Brisbane Convention and Expo Centre
Brisbane Southbank, Queensland
https://www.groundwaterconference.com.au/

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WITH THE PROPERTY markets in Sydney and Melbourne projected to reach new peaks by the end of 2020, it’s back to ‘square one’ for housing affordability. There is also likely to be a new tipping point as well as potential for the reintroduction of macroprudential measures by APRA.

According to RiskWise’s latest Risks & Opportunities Report, Sydney and Melbourne were highly likely to be the top performing markets in Australia next year, well ahead of any others.

However, RiskWise Property Research CEO Doron Peleg said it also meant both Sydney and Melbourne would be back to ‘square one’ when it came to housing affordability and undersupply of family-suitable properties relative to demand driven by population increases, “the biggest (recurrent) issue in the Australian property market since mid-last decade”.

And it could spark the reintroduction of macroprudential measures by APRA if ‘speculation’ by investors rises and increases the risk to the financial stability.

“New peaks are expected in Sydney and Melbourne with additional peaks reached thereafter more frequently until the market reaches a new tipping point,” Mr Peleg said.

“This is the point where consumer confidence in relation to house price materially decreases, houses are severely unaffordable for owner-occupiers and investors’ out-of-pocket expenses will mean they are beyond their tolerance point especially with low rental returns.

“Obviously the key question is when the new tipping point will be. We’re not expecting one in 2020 but without regulatory intervention there will be one.”

He said RiskWise projected strong price increases across a large number of areas in Sydney and Melbourne in the short term, and particularly the long term, thanks to a good (while a somewhat deteriorating) employment market and strong population growth, particularly in Melbourne.

“The RBA’s interest rate cuts (the most recent one in October 2019 with the possibility of a further one in the first half of 2020), some loosening of credit restrictions, significant improvement in buyer confidence and increased auction clearance rates provide very strong indications regarding these markets,” he said.

“Buyer sentiment in relation to housing measures has noticeably improved and the Westpac-Melbourne Institute’s House Price Expectations and Time to Buy a Dwelling Indices show a consistent trend. Auction clearance rates have also recovered and are largely above 70 percent in Sydney and Melbourne.

“As we predicted immediately after the election and in our previous Risks & Opportunities Reports, the market has materially improved with affordable areas that have shown resilience recovering well. Other areas, including lucrative ones that experienced strong price reductions, are now leading the way to this recovery.”

However, he said a significant reduction in dwelling commencements would continue to create a problem of undersupply of family-suitable properties in high-demand areas, while there was also a high level of supply of rental properties in some areas.

September ABS dwelling approvals showed a 32.6 percent drop in Sydney and a 30.3 percent in Melbourne.

“These imbalances are a major issue with a very material impact on dwelling prices particularly those unsuitable for families,” he said.

In addition, a sustained period of ultra-low interest rates and, consequently, a significant increase in housing finance, is highly likely to see a rise in investor activity. Sydney and Melbourne have the largest concentration of investors and an increase in their activity will have a major impact on dwelling prices.

However, he said it was possible APRA would consider the reintroduction of macroprudential measures if increased investor activity contributed to double digit growth.

“A new tipping point is reached when properties become very unaffordable for owner-occupiers and the out-of-pocket costs for investors become so high, they cease investing. Banks will also become more risk aware and apply additional rules and requirements to ensure serviceability,” Mr Peleg said.

“Obviously, if APRA reintroduces tighter lending restrictions, this is highly likely to have a negative impact on price increases, potentially not only in Sydney and Melbourne but also other areas of the country.

“Interest rate reductions have significantly improved serviceability of both owner-occupiers and investors. However, with low economic growth and effective unemployment above the ‘full employment’ target, it is possible that without a material change to the fiscal policy, the RBA will cut interest rates again during 2020 to 0.5 percent.”

Since moving through a trough in May, the value of new owner-occupier home loan commitments has increased by 17.3 percent through to the end of September and the value of investor loan commitments is up 8.4 percent.

Population growth continues to be strong in Sydney at 1.8 percent, and unemployment sits at 4.3 percent. In Melbourne population growth is 2.5 percent (the highest in the country), and unemployment 4.8 percent.

The latest ABS data on new housing credit also shows a sharp rise in the value of home loan commitments, driven by a surge in owner-occupier lending as well as a smaller rise in investment lending.  

“APRA is watching the housing market closely, particularly given record-low interest rates, high household debt and signs of some revival in borrowing for speculative purposes,” Mr Peleg said.

“It should be noted that strong investor activity is perceived by the RBA as ‘speculation’ that increases the risk to the financial stability. Consequently, a major increase in investor activity is likely to trigger the reintroduction of macroprudential measures by APRA.”

RiskWise is now working on specific modelling to estimate the tipping point.

www.riskwiseproperty.com.au

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THE GSMA has welcomed the international spectrum treaty adopted by the World Radiocommunication Conference 2019 (WRC-19), which will unlock the potential for game-changing 5G services around the world.

The conference, which has just concluded in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt, has identified much-needed spectrum for a broad range of new ultra-high-speed and ultra-low latency consumer, business and government services.

Innovative 5G services that rely on the almost instantaneous delivery of large amounts of data are now possible through the identification of millimetre wave frequencies in the 26 GHz, 40 GHz and 66 GHz ranges. These include virtual and augmented reality applications, remote control of industrial robots, autonomous vehicles, as well as entertainment services, such as downloading 4K movies in seconds.

International coordination supported by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) at WRCs is essential to achieving widespread spectrum harmonisation for mobile services. The global identification of mmWave frequencies will help unlock economies of scale needed to accelerate the delivery of innovative and affordable 5G services around the world. A wide range of industries – including manufacturing, transport, healthcare and education – are set to benefit.

“WRC-19 has brought the mobile industry a step closer to making the full power of 5G something everyone can experience,” said Mats Granryd, GSMA director general.. “Countries struck the right balance in opening up groundbreaking possibilities for 5G while protecting existing radio services worldwide.

"The mobile industry’s goal going into WRC-19 was to identify enough 5G spectrum to deliver long-lasting socio-economic benefits. WRC-19 delivered on this goal, and also secured a pathway to 5G’s future success in the agenda for WRC-23.”

As mobile continues to evolve, so do the spectrum requirements. WRC-19 recognised this by setting an agenda for the next WRC in 2023 that will consider identification of additional mid- and low-frequency bands.

Mid-frequency spectrum in the 3 GHz range (from 3.3-4.2 GHz) is already being used for commercial 5G services, providing a good balance of coverage and capacity. Increasing the amount of globally harmonised spectrum in this frequency range at WRC-23 would boost 5G network performance, bring down deployment costs and drive significant economic benefits.

To help spread the benefits of 5G to rural areas and accelerate the Internet of Things (IoT) revolution, the GSMA is also supporting efforts to identify more spectrum below 1 GHz at WRC-23 to improve 5G coverage.

“We want the benefits of 5G to be available to everyone. With more than 5 billion mobile subscribers globally, previous generations of mobile technology have connected more people more quickly than any technology in history,” Mr Granryd said. “WRC plays an essential role in driving the global economies of scale that allow mobile services to transform people’s lives and national economies.”

About the GSMA

The GSMA represents the interests of mobile operators worldwide, uniting more than 750 operators and nearly 400 companies in the broader mobile ecosystem, including handset and device makers, software companies, equipment providers and internet companies, as well as organisations in adjacent industry sectors. The GSMA also produces the industry-leading MWC events held annually in Barcelona, Los Angeles and Shanghai, as well as the Mobile 360 Series of regional conferences. www.gsma.com. Twitter: @GSMA.

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