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Safety crackdown after hundreds of forklift incidents in NSW

SAFEWORK NSW is warning businesses using forklifts they will be visited after the workplace regulator releases astonishing figures noting an incident involving a forklift occurs every day, six days week.

SafeWork NSW executive director of compliance and resolution, Tony Williams, said incidents involving forklifts were one of the biggest issues Safework NSW faced in the manufacturing space and inspectors would be out in force and can fine operators putting people at risk.

“Over the last two years, SafeWork NSW has recorded an astonishing 598 incidents involving forklifts. Tragically five of these incidents resulted in workplace fatalities,” Mr Williams said.

“While not all incidents involve an injury or death, many of these incidents include collisions between forklifts or other vehicles, rollovers, and objects falling off forklifts when loading or unloading.

“The main factor we see in people being killed or seriously injured by a forklift is primarily inadequate separation between pedestrians and forklifts, which leads to pedestrians being hit by a forklift or its load.

“Almost 75 percent of all incidents happen in just five industries – transport, manufacturing, construction, retail and wholesale. We have issued 494 notices to operators in the same time the 598 incidents happened – almost 20 percent of workplaces don’t have simple seatbelt compliance in place.

“The use of forklifts continues to grow and they are great tools for all sorts of businesses, but if we are not doing it safely then people will be forced to stop using them,” Mr Williams said.

SafeWork’s 2021 Manufacturing Sector Plan, Forklift Compliance Project commences this month and will see Inspectors provide education to the industry along with conducting compliance checks against high-risk industries.

“While always checking on compliance, Inspectors will be out educating users on forklift safety and is warning businesses and drivers that if they are doing the wrong thing, they will be held accountable,” Mr Williams said.

“But we will also engage, educate and build strong working relationships with identified high-risk industries, small businesses and locations to embed a culture of forklift safety.

“We have already sent over 850 awareness letters to businesses encouraging them to get their workplaces in order in preparation of Safework inspectors turning up.

“SafeWork will be targeting those in high-risk industries, but any workplace in NSW that uses a forklift should expect a visit from a Safework inspector who will be looking at a range of issues including, licencing, traffic management, seatbelts, and forklift."

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Geofabrics Australasia acquires Plascorp Group

GEOFABRICS Australasia Pty Ltd, Australia and New Zealand’s largest manufacturer and supplier of geosynthetic products, has announced the acquisition of Plascorp Holdings Pty Ltd.

Plascorp is one of Australia’s leading privately-owned manufacturers of industrial products with strong market positions in PVC pipe, mine ventilation, steel reinforcement, ducting and hose.

The acquisition creates one of the largest private companies in Australia and New Zealand, manufacturing and selling highly engineered industrial products. The acquisition complements Geofabrics market leadership in building key road, rail and mining infrastructure through Australian manufacturing and the use of recycled materials.

“This is a very significant milestone for Geofabrics and Plascorp," Geofabrics group managing directorDennis Grech said. "Both companies are leaders in Australian manufacturing and leaders in providing innovative and local solutions to a diversified customer base across multiple segments.

"Individually, Geofabrics and Plascorp are wonderful local businesses with a customer-centric culture, experienced teams and state of the art manufacturing assets. Together, the combination of Geofabrics and Plascorp brings to market a business that provides our customers a broad range of geosynthetic and industrial solutions, using local and recycled content, Australian R&D and the creation of local jobs.”

“Plascorp will continue to operate as a stand-alone business with its own leadership team and Geofabrics looks forward to sharing our expertise in R&D and innovation, access to a deep project pipeline and a diversified product range.”

Plascorp directors George Antonopoulos and Jeff Goldberg will remain in the Plascorp business. Michael Loudovaris has been appointed to the position of Plascorp executive general manager.

“You don’t just build a business, you build people and then people build up that business," Mr Antonopoulos said. "The value of any business is through the support of its staff and its customers. We believe Geofabrics fits the ethos that we have always used in building up Plascorp to its current stage.

"I am certain Geofabrics will take Plascorp to the next level of growth. Jeff and I will continue to work for Plascorp under Geofabrics ownership for a transitional period to ensure a smooth takeover of the business and to help Geofabrics in its endeavour to grow Plascorp to its full potential.”

Mr Goldberg said, “I am very excited to hand over the baton to a very competent and experienced team. Plascorp, as well as Geofabrics, will continue to champion the needs of customers, suppliers, staff and shareholders; ensuring that what is delivered meets our original goals and objectives.

"I would like to thank Geofabrics for the professionalism on all negotiations carried out. My hope is that Geofabrics and Plascorp grows from strength to strength.”

Mr Grech said, “George and Jeff have grown the Plascorp business into a market leader in steel reinforcement, PVC pipes, ducting and mine ventilation. It is wonderful George and Jeff have agreed to remain in the business to transition Plascorp into its next phase of growth.

"I am excited to work with Michael, Jeff and George as well as the Plascorp leadership team to provide our customers with best-in-class infrastructure solutions.”

 

New survey reveals Australians back small businesses on debit card fees

NEW RESEARCH reveals Australian consumers are overwhelmingly in favour of small businesses being given the ability to choose the cheapest option to process debit card payments through Least Cost Routing (LCR).

Eftpos CEO Stephen Benton said, “The new survey found that 83 percent of respondents now think it’s important for merchants to be able to select the lowest cost network, a figure that highlights growing public awareness and concern over business costs in the COVID environment.

“The new research shows that Australians clearly recognise and identify with the pressures small businesses face, and the importance of keeping their costs down”. 

The cost of debit card fees is now critical to small business because they have replaced cash as by far the most common way to pay in Australia, representing nearly 9 billion – and almost 70 percent – of total electronic retail transactions annually. 

The new research shows an eight-point rise since the previous survey three years ago, a jump that demonstrates that consumer support for Least Cost Routing (LCR) has moved up the agenda for everyday shoppers and gained their widespread support.

It also suggests that consumers are increasingly understanding the potential economic benefits to be gained from LCR, with 45 percent of consumers stating that merchants were likely to pass on any fee savings to their customers, up 12 points since the last survey.

Publicly supported by Treasurer Josh Frydenberg as a key competitive mechanism to help level the playing field between small businesses and their larger peers with more market power, LCR lets merchants decide what payment ‘rails’ debit card transactions run down based on the lowest cost.

Mr Benton said the research also showed, that when asked about which payments network Australians would prefer to process their online or tap debit card transactions, 66 percent of consumers have no preference in network or would prefer to use the low-cost Australian eftpos network, rather than international schemes.

Of those that nominated a network preference, eftpos was the preference for 28 percent, with Visa and Mastercard only being preferred by 20 percent and 15 percent respectively.

The vast majority cardholders (91%) believe merchants processing via the eftpos network would not have a negative impact on their payment experience online or instore. 

The research findings echo ongoing public support expressed via an online petition on Least Cost Routing, which has now been signed by over 15,000 people. 

The petition is supported by a leading group of influential industry organisations including the Australasian Convenience and Petroleum Marketers Association (ACAPMA); Australian Association of Convenience Stores (AACS); Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI); Australian Lottery and Newsagents Association (ALNA); Council of Small Business Organisations Australia (COSBOA); Franchise Council of Australia (FCA); Institute of Certified Bookkeepers (ICB); MGA Independent Retailers / Timber Merchants Association (TMA); National Retail Association (NRA); and the Restaurant & Catering Industry Association of Australia (R&CA).

COSBOA CEO Alexi Boyd said she was pleased to see increasing public backing of the need for small businesses to keep their costs down.

“People know that small businesses are under intense pressure right now, and Australians clearly have a preference for merchants to choose their own destiny when it comes to debit card fees – whether it’s in stores, on mobile or online,” Ms Boyd said.

 

About eftpos 

Eftpos is Australia’s debit card system, processing over 2 billion debit card transactions in 2020 worth an average of more than $300 million each day. www.eftposaustralia.com.au

 

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Financial services industry implementing major regulatory changes

THE financial services industry is in the process of implementing one of the most significant and wide-ranging set of reforms ever for the sector.

Financial Services Council (FSC) CEO Sally Loane said the largest of all these reforms, the mandatory Design and Distribution Obligations (DDO), starts on Tuesday, October 5, and should improve consumer outcomes in financial services.

The DDO regime requires financial services businesses to determine which type of customers are in the target market for the products they issue, and work together so that sales are directed towards customers in that target market.

“The FSC recognised the significance of the DDO changes early, given we have members across many affected sectors. Two years ago we set out to design a set of tools to enable alignment and efficiency for businesses in the DDO regime,” Ms Loane said.

“The most important of these tools are the FSC’s target market determination templates and data standards for superannuation funds, platforms and wraps, life insurers and fund managers.

“These templates and standards will make life much easier for product issuers, platforms and financial advisers who would otherwise face confusing and inconsistent compliance requirements. More than 280 non-FSC members have purchased our templates under licence," Ms Loane said.

“We are confident that the FSC, working closely with our members, has done as much as we can to help businesses transition to the new regime. We are also pleased ASIC has said it will take a ‘reasonable approach’ to the start of the regulations, which should assist businesses as they adapt.

“The red tape burden from this raft of reforms is significant and can add to the cost of delivering products and services. We look forward to continuing to work with Government and ASIC on ways to improve consumer benefits and reduce red tape.”

The FSC has also helped its members in life insurance, fund management, superannuation and financial advice with other financial sector reforms, many of which deliver on Royal Commission recommendations, and are taking place on consecutive working days. These include:

  • Individual Disability Income Insurance reforms, starting October 1;
  • Reference checking and information sharing, starting October 1;
  • New breach reporting requirements, starting October 1;
  • Duty to take reasonable care not to make a misrepresentation, starting October 5;
  • Anti-hawking reforms, starting October 5;
  • Deferred sales for add-on insurance, starting October 5'
  • Internal dispute resolution, starting October 5.

 

About the Financial Services Council
The Financial Services Council (FSC) has more than 100 members representing Australia's retail and wholesale funds management businesses, superannuation funds, life insurers, financial advisory networks and licensed trustee companies. The industry is responsible for investing almost $3 trillion on behalf of more than 15.6 million Australians. The pool of funds under management is larger than Australia’s GDP and the capitalisation of the Australian Securities Exchange and is the fourth largest pool of managed funds in the world.

 

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Road Safety Committee to consider road trauma in the workplace and post-crash response

THE Joint Select Committee on Road Safety will hold further public hearings for its Inquiry into Road Safety on October 6 and 7.

The hearing on October 6 will be an opportunity for the committee to hear from industry participants, regulators, and peak bodies about road safety in the workplace, with a focus on the heavy vehicle and freight sector, and the gig economy.

 

Committee Chair, Darren Chester MP, said, "Vehicle use is by far the most significant contributor to work-related trauma. Over 60 percent of worker traumatic injury fatalities involve a vehicle.

"With the expanding gig economy, we are likely to see increases in deaths and serious injuries on our roads unless measures are taken to enhance workplace road safety. Also critical to reducing road trauma is understanding the causes of heavy vehicle crashes, and designing measures to enable heavy vehicles to share our roads safely with other road users.

"Accordingly, the hearing will be an opportunity for the committee to hear about issues facing Australians who use the road as a workplace and measures that may be taken in this area to improve road safety outcomes."

The hearing on October 7 will be an opportunity for the committee to hear from research institutions, as well as peak bodies in the medical and law enforcement sectors, about impacts of road trauma on first responders and medical professionals and measures that can be taken to enhance post-crash response.

Mr Chester said, "In addition to the long-lasting impacts on victims, families and communities, road trauma has a hugely significant impact on first responders, emergency services personnel and medical staff. Post-crash care — including emergency treatment, trauma care and rehabilitation — is also a key pillar of the Safe System approach and is critical to achieving our ambitious 'Vision Zero' targets.

"Accordingly, the hearing will be an opportunity for the committee to gather valuable evidence in relation to the impacts of road trauma on first responders and the medical sector, and the measures that can be taken to reduce the impacts of road trauma through enhanced post-crash care."

Public hearing details

Date:               Wednesday, 6 October 2021
Time:              9.30am to 4.15pm

Witnesses:     

National Heavy Vehicle Regulator
Uber
Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport
Deliveroo
Australian Trucking Association
National Road Transport Association
Toll Group
Australasian New Car Assessment Program (ANCAP)

Date:               Thursday, 7 October 2021
Time:              9.30am to 3.15pm

Witnesses:     

Royal Australasian College of Surgeons
Australasian Trauma Society
Injury Matters
Australian Road Research Board
Police Federation of Australia
Centre for Accident Research and Road Safety – Queensland

Due to health and safety concerns relating to the COVID-19 pandemic, hearings will be held remotely via videoconference and will not be open for public attendance. However, interested members of the public will be able to view proceedings via the live webcast at aph.gov.au/live.

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Key industry groups to discuss procurement

KEY INDUSTRY players, peak bodies and stakeholder groups will discuss major infrastructure projects and procurement when they appear before the House of Representatives Standing Committee on Infrastructure, Transport and Cities at videoconference public hearings on Tuesday, October 5 and Thursday, October 14.

The committee will examine the challenges and opportunities for the construction industry that comes with the Australian Government’s $110 billion commitment to the major infrastructure projects pipeline over the next decade.

Committee Chair, John Alexander OAM MP, said, "While the major infrastructure projects in the pipeline will play an important part in Australia’s economic recovery, the committee recognises that it will also place considerable demands on the construction industry and may exacerbate challenges the industry is already facing, including productivity and skill shortages.

"The key focus of this inquiry is how to improve procurement practices for government-funded infrastructure. Through strategic, effective and efficient procurement practices, governments can: help ensure the delivery of quality projects and value for money; drive important industry changes; and maximise opportunities for Australian businesses."

The public hearings will include panel discussion sessions on key themes. On October 5 selected groups will focus on issues in the construction sector, including driving cultural change. At the October 14 panel session, the committee will explore technology and digital delivery themes with industry groups.

"The committee looks forwards to hearing from these construction and engineering companies, industry peak bodies and stakeholder groups on what is working well in project procurement and delivery, and how the Australian Government can help drive necessary change and grow Australia’s sovereign industry capability," Mr Alexander said.

The terms of reference and submissions received are available on the committee’s website.

Public hearing details

Date: Tuesday, 5 October 2021
Time: 9.15am to 5.30pm
Location: Videoconference

Date: Thursday, 14 October 2021
Time: 9.15am to 5.15pm
Location: Videoconference

Programs for the hearings are available on the Committee’s website.

Due to health and safety concerns relating to the COVID-19 pandemic, this hearing is not currently scheduled to be open for public attendance. Interested members of the public will be able to view proceedings via the live webcast at aph.gov.au/live.

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Exporters and business groups to front two days hearings into CPTPP expansion

THE representatives of the Australia-Taiwan Business Council appeared today ahead of two days of public hearings for an Australian parliamentary inquiry looking at the merits of expanding the membership of the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP).

The CPTPP agreement signed in 2018 is a trade bloc of 11 countries that includes Australia and is an export market of 500 million consumers worth nearly $14 trillion.

The parliamentary inquiry will examine the scope for expanding the CPTPP beyond the existing membership of Australia, Canada, Japan, Mexico, New Zealand, Singapore, Vietnam, Brunei Darussalam, Chile, Malaysia and Peru to include new members.

Today’s public hearing is with representatives of the Australia-Taiwan Business Council, Taiwanese Chamber of Commerce in Australia, Taiwanese Chambers of Commerce in Oceania, MelbourneTaiwaneseChamber ofCommerce, Taiwanese Chamber of Commerce Western Australia, Asia Business Council Western Australia, Taiwanese Association of Australia, Melbourne Chapter, Queensland Federation of Taiwanese Associations, former Prime Minister Tony Abbott AC, Export Council of Australia, Standards Australia, DHL Express (Australia), Australia China Business Council, Dr M Shumi Akhtar, Perth USAsia Centre, Customs and Global Law and the Freight and Trade Alliance, and Article Three.

Tomorrow’s public hearing is with Professor Gabriele Suder, and representatives of the Australian Sugar Milling Council, Australian British Chamber of Commerce, Australian Fair Trade and Investment Network, ActionAid, Australian Taiwanese Friendship Association, the Overseas Community Affairs Council, ROC (Taiwan), Australia New Zealand Chamber of Commerce in Taipei, Chinese International Economic Cooperation Association Taiwan, Taiwanese Barley Products Industry Association, CPC Corporation Taiwan, and the Bankers Association of the ROC.

Further details about the about the inquiry, including today’s program and the terms of reference, details of past public hearings and roundtable discussions, can be obtained from the Committee’s website.

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PJCIS to scrutinise the relisting of Hamas' Izz al-Din al-Qassam Brigades as a terrorist organisation

THE Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security (PJCIS) will hold a public hearing tomorrow examining the relisting of Hamas’ Izz al-Din al-Qassam Brigades as part of its larger Review into the relisting of five organisations as terrorist organisations under the Criminal Code.

Hamas’ Izz al-Din al Qassam Brigades are the paramilitary wing of Hamas and have been listed as a terrorist organisation by the Government since 2003. The Committee will hear from experts on Hamas as well as from Government agencies such as the Department of Home Affairs and ASIO.

Chair of the Committee, Senator James Paterson, said evidence presented to the committee by experts would help determine whether the listing of Hamas’ Izz al-Din al-Qassam Brigades should be widened to include the entirety of Hamas, which is not currently captured.

“The committee has not hesitated in the past to recommend broadening terrorist listings if we believe the evidence supports doing so, for example with Hezbollah. We will carefully consider the case for listing all of Hamas as a terrorist organisation rather than just its paramilitary wing,” Senator Paterson said.

Further information on the inquiry can be obtained from the Committee’s website.

Public Hearing Details

Friday, 1 October 2021
​10am – 1pm (AEST)
​Committee Room 2R1, Parliament House, Canberra

A program for the hearing can be found here and the hearing will be broadcast live at aph.gov.au/live.

 

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Help for taxpayers impacted by fake tax agent

THE Tax Practitioners Board (TPB) are contacting thousands of West Australian taxpayers to offer assistance after they used the services of Jessa Van Stroe (also known as Jessa Layola), who was illegally preparing tax returns.

An order to stop preparing and lodging income tax returns for payment, as she is not and never has been registered with the TPB, was issued to Ms Van Stroe by the Federal Court on August 23, 2021.

Professor Dale Pinto, head of the Taxation Discipline in the Curtin Law School, said, "It is important for anyone who has used the services of unregistered preparers, like Ms Van Stroe, to review their tax returns. Unregistered preparers do not have the necessary skills or expertise to provide tax advice and by using her services these taxpayers have no protection against penalties which could be applied for mistakes Ms Van Stroe may have made."

The TPB is working closely with Curtin University’s Curtin Tax Clinic (CTC), which is offering free tax advice to people impacted by Ms Van Stroe. 

Co-Founders of CTC, Annette Morgan and Donovan Castelyn, said, "CTC is happy to provide free assistance in situations like this as it aims to assist unrepresented taxpayers in meeting or complying with their tax affairs. In return the experiential learning opportunities for students who work under the supervision of experienced tax practitioners in these situations are most valuable."

Only tax agents registered with the TPB can legally charge a fee to lodge income tax returns – find a registered tax agent using the TPB register.

The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) said anyone who has used her services should urgently review their income tax returns and ensure that the details provided to the ATO are correct and substantiated. This can be done by logging into your MyGov account or by contacting the ATO on 13 28 61.

"To get help help reviewing your tax return it is recommended that you seek independent advice from a registered tax agent," the ATO said.

Anyone who has used Ms Van Stroe's services that needs help understanding their tax affairs can contact CTC by phone on (08) 9266 2575 or email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

About the Tax Practitioners Board

The TPB regulates tax practitioners in order to protect consumers. The TPB aims to assure the community that tax practitioners meet appropriate standards of professional and ethical conduct. Twitter_@TPB_gov_au, LinkedIn and Facebook.

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Road Safety Committee to consider critical components of the road safety environment

THE Joint Select Committee on Road Safety will hold further public hearings for its Inquiry into Road Safety on September 29 and 30, 2021.

The hearing on September 29, 2021 will be an opportunity for the committee to hear from driver education programs, allied health professionals, academics and legal organisations about the ‘human’ factors which contribute to road trauma and measures that may be taken in this space to improve road safety outcomes.

Committee chair, Darren Chester MP, said, "The majority of fatalities and serious injuries on our roads result from human error. Indeed, the 'fatal five'—speeding, distraction, fatigue, drug and alcohol impairment, and failure to wear a seatbelt — are all consequences of actions taken by drivers.

"The committee strongly favours a holistic approach to road safety, including ongoing investment in better, safer roads, and considers human factors to be a critical component of the road safety environment. Accordingly, the hearing will be an opportunity for the committee to gather valuable evidence on how human error contributes to road trauma, and measures that can be taken to reduce error and enhance safety on Australian roads."

The hearing on September 30 will be an opportunity for the committee to hear from peak bodies, research organisations and safety authorities about the measures which Australia can take to reduce road trauma via safer vehicles and improvements to the nation’s infrastructure.

Mr Chester said "Ensuring vehicles on Australian roads are as safe as possible — including by encouraging the uptake of proven safety technology — is crucial to addressing road trauma. Equally important is maintaining the quality and currency of road infrastructure and ensuring new and upgraded infrastructure fully considers the safety of road users.

"Accordingly, the hearing will be an opportunity for the committee to hear about measures to ensure the safety of vehicles on our roads, and the infrastructure that is needed to reduce road trauma and ensure Australia is prepared for future vehicle technologies."

Public hearing details

Date:               Wednesday, 29 September 2021
Time:              9.30am to 4.15pm

Witnesses:  Occupational Therapy Australia, Maurice Blackburn Lawyers, Road Safety Education Limited, BRAKE, National Road Safety Partnership Program, Road Safety Matters, Engineers Australia.

Date:               Thursday, 30 September 2021
Time:              9.30am to 5pm

Witnesses:  Institute of Public Works Engineering Australasia, Dr Richard Tooth, Roads Australia, Australian Automobile Association, Human Factors and Ergonomics Society of Australia, Australian Road Safety Foundation, 3M, Electric Vehicle Council. 

Due to health and safety concerns relating to the COVID-19 pandemic, hearings will be held remotely via videoconference and will not be open for public attendance. However, interested members of the public will be able to view proceedings via the live webcast at aph.gov.au/live.

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House Economics to grill ANZ and CBA

"WE NEED BANKS to fuel the economic engine of recovery and back households and small business," said chair of the House of Representatives Standing Committee on Economics, Tim Wilson MP, in the lead up to the forthcoming hearing with ANZ and CBA.

As the country faces the ongoing economic impact of lockdowns, banks continue to play important roles in aiding Australia’s economic recovery by supporting their customers in financial distress.

Following on from its September 9 hearing, the House Economics Committee will this time hear from representatives of CBA and ANZ at a public hearing on Thursday September 23. Again, a central focus of the hearing will be how the lockdowns have impacted home and business loan customers and how the banks are helping these customers pull through this difficult time.

The committee will also grill the banks on their progress in implementing the recommendations of the Hayne Royal Commission.

Mr Wilson said, "While there is light at the end of tunnel with the vaccine rollout, the ongoing lockdowns continue to negatively impact Australia’s economy and put significant pressures on some home and business loan customers.

"It’s vital that banks implement reasonable measures to relieve customers doing it tough as a direct result of the lockdowns, such as by offering loan deferrals, fee waivers and other support packages," Mr Wilson said.

As with the September 9 hearing, this hearing will also cover the implications of common ownership and capital concentration on Australia’s economy.

"The concentration of capital places inordinate power in the hands of a few large institutional investors that can wield their financial power to the detriment of smaller investors, customers and the wider national interest. The committee seeks to understand the extent of this problem and how the legal and regulatory framework should be changed to better manage the negative impacts of this," Mr Wilson said.

For more information about the hearings, or to read transcripts from previous hearings, visit the committee’s website.

Public hearing details

Date: Thursday, 23 September 2021
Time: 9.15am to 4.15pm
Witnesses: CBA and ANZ

Due to health and safety concerns relating to the COVID-19 pandemic, this hearing is not currently scheduled to be open for public attendance. Interested members of the public will be able to view proceedings via the live webcast at aph.gov.au/live.

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