We are pleased to announce that COAG has confirmed the appointment of Graham MacKrill, Executive Director AMCA Queensland, as the representative for AMCA Australia to the Interim Advisory Committee for Refrigeration and Air conditioning mechanics.  The consultation Draft was released for public consultation on the 11th November 2009.

COAG has also organised a series of public briefings.  The Queensland briefing is scheduled for Tuesday 1st December at Chifley at Lennons, George Room, Queen Street, Brisbane, from 11.30 am to 2.30 pm.

The Exposure, Draft and Explanatory Paper can be accessed from the National Licensing website.  Submissions from the Stakeholders in the public arena can be emailed to info@coagskillstaskforce.gov.au.   Submissions will be accepted up to the 27th December 2009.

Our 32nd Annual Golf Day was held on 26th October 2009.

110 players enjoyed a great day of golf.  Our Major Sponsor once again was AHI Carrier (Australia) Pty Ltd.

The team from Permapipe were the overall winners on the day.

AMCA Queensland now subscribes to CHEMWATCH and seeks assistance from Members to produce a master MSDS Database.  Updates from CHEMWATCH to this Database will be issued to Members.

An MOU has been signed with E2Enet giving members access to potential employees, at no charge, via the E2Enet database.  This database provides potential access to all individuals currently listed as undertaking training from the TAFE system.  Further datails of how to register with E2Enet will be advised shortly.

AMCA Queensland has contracted Stack Masula Pty Ltd to continue the provision of OH&S services to Members.  Any OH&S related matters for which Members may require advice can be obtained by contacting Sue Stack of Stack Masula Pty Ltd on (07) 3890 1000.

AMCA's latest publication, an update of the previous Mechanical Contractor's Handbook, is now available.  The cost of the Handbook is $38.50 plus postage and handling.  Contact this office if you wish to order copies.

This 155 page handbook has been revised by John Pilley and Vin Eddy of Pilley McKellar Solicitors with input from Hank Laan and Steven Zorbas, and is an essential tool for all those involved in the subcontracting industry.

Based on the success of the 2008 sessions delivered by John Pilley, we have invited him back to Queensland on Tuesday 26th and Wednesday 27th May 2009.  John will conduct a one day course based on the Specialist Contractors Handbook and will also run a site supervisors half day course in conjunction with the one day course.  Details will be issued shortly and an expression of interest would be welcome.

Occupational Health and Safety is vitally important nowadays.  If not managed properly employee safety is put at risk and companies can incur heavy financial penalties.

Generally the air conditioning and mechanical services industry has a good record - but improvement is always possible. AMCA Australia is instituting a statistical system that will provide data:

• documenting the performance of our industry
• highlighting areas for improvement

Based on the data collected the association will be able to develop strategies to improve performance.

All members are invited to provide input into the statistical information. All data that is published will be aggregated and individual company performances will not be identified. This system will enable individual companies to benchmark their performance against an industry standards.

Current data is available to view via the AMCA-A website www.amca.com.au.

AMCA Australia has launched a National Eye Safety Campaign. 

Details of the campaign including Toolbox Talk No.#9 - Eye and Face protection can be downloaded from the following website: www.nationaleyesafetyweek.com

Try walking around with one eye covered for a while to appreciate the importance of eye safety awareness.