2010 LOCK & SECURITY EXPO TRAINING

We are only four weeks away from this year’s Lock & Security Expo.  Registrations have been coming in thick and fast which is great to see. 

The training schedule with detailed summaries and preference sheet, along with hard copy downloads of Full delegate, Day Delegate (Friday or Saturday) and Expo Only Passes (Friday or Saturday) is available below.

With places limited in some of our planned training sessions, bookings are essential, with first preference given to those registered as FULL DELEGATES.  

Expo Training Sessions & Preference sheet (DOC – 255 KB)

TRAINING SESSION SUMMARY

Auto Transponders - Presented by Immotech (Class of 30)

Offering something for everyone, the Auto Transponders training session is a highlight of this year’s training schedule. The three hour session includes both practical and theoretical work, including:

• Tibbe Picking & Decoding
• 4c Toyota Immobilizer Box manipulation & methods for resetting
• Honda Red Key Immobilizer Box solutions
• Microcontrollers
• BMW EMS systems
• Hyundai i30 entry demonstration
• Question and Answers

Door Control Devices for the Commercial Environment – Presented by ASSA ABLOY (Class of 30 – 50)

This session will cover several components including identifying the need, selection of appropriate product and understanding of installation/maintenance implications for Door Closers and Panic Exit devices.

Forum – Fire Doors & Building Codes – Presented by the O’Neill Group (Class of 50)

Do you know when a door is a fire door or an escape door? Or is it both?  This forum will introduce the professional tradesperson to the Building Codes of Australia and Australian Standards and how they impact upon the locksmithing profession.

Safe Locks – Key, Mechanical & Electronic – Presented by Lock & Key, NMIT & ULTIMO Tafe (Class of 30)

This session will encompass:

• Safe lever lock identification and opening, lock identification and Lock finish, materials, Key hole shapes, curtain and Manufacturers  
• Direction of Locking, positioning of lock, location of talon thickness of lock body
• Opening methods - Pick, impression or drill
• Tool Suppliers, websites & other references
• General Discussion

CCTV – “Seeing is Believing"  Presented by Locksmith Supply Company  (Class of 30 – 50)

No matter what type of locking systems are installed on the door most companies these days want to see who is coming and going. In this two hour session you will learn the reality of CCTV cameras and what they can really do.  Topics covered include:  Basic system design, Correct focal length selection, Choosing the right camera for the job and Understanding TVL & camera resolutions

Promaster 7 Certification Course – Presented by WH Software (Class of 15)

Get Set to Schedule!

ProMaster Hardware Scheduler is the new industry standard for architectural scheduling and supply companies.

Learn how to schedule, quote, add installation charges, send the goods off for final finishing, bring them back and ship them out and then raise an invoice for the total.

If the builder throws a variation in along the way PHS can manage this in a snap - learn how to give your business the professional edge.

Gain valuable tips on data entry and planning to make your job easy, to save time, and to maximise your profits.

Slam dunk the opposition by blowing them away with professional reports, easily emailed from within the application - we'll show you how to get the professional edge.

EXPO EXHIBITORS

The response from Industry partners to this year’s Expo has been terrific.  The MLAA acknowledges the tremendous support it has received from its Gold sponsors in ASSA ABLOY, Locksmiths Supply Company (LSC) and Lock & Key along with Silver Sponsor; the Sieper Group.  We are looking at having a great Expo with some exciting developments and products to be launched from our key partners.  Stay tuned for more information on that front!

There is still an opportunity for you to get involved as an exhibitor with a small number of sites still available.  Please contact Tony on tony@masterlocksmiths.com.au or (03) 9645 9995 to discuss your exhibiting options.

BRANCH INFORMATION

Branch / State information has now been added to the MLAA website.  Located under the Membership menu item, you will find specific information that is relevant to your particular branch/state.  NSW members can view the MLAA’s response to the NSW Government’s changes to the Security Industry Regulations whilst WA members can find updates on Motor Vehicle licensing.

This new section will continue to be updated over the coming weeks.  If you would like to see information specific to your branch, please contact the MLAA or talk to your branch Director and executives.

Member login is required to access this information.  If you have forgotten your user ID or password, please email or contact Jarad at the National Office.

EXPO PACKAGES & TRAINING SCHEDULE NOW FINALISED

Members have a number of options to attend the 2010 Lock & Security Expo .  The MLAA has released its Day Delegate (Friday or Saturday) and Expo Only Pass.  These options provide business owners and employers with flexibility in how they choose to attend this year’s event .

The Day Delegate Package is available for Friday or Saturday and includes coffee/tea break and lunches, trade show entry and eligibility to attend training session/s. The Day Delegate package also allows members to attend our Gala Dinner at a cost of $150 per person.

The Expo Only Pass is exactly that, entry to the 2010 Lock & Security Expo trade show only. It does not include access to training, but does include tea/coffee break and lunches. If you would like to attend the Gala Dinner, it will be $150 per person.

Without question, the best way to experience and enjoy the Expo is to register as a Full Delegate.   Full Delegates and accompanying spouse delegates receive a full refreshment and lunch package for the duration of the event, entry to the trade show, happy hour following AGM (Thursday September 30), priority access to scheduled training sessions and gala dinner.

In addition to our online registration feature, those wanting to attend the Expo as a Day Delegate or acquire an Expo Only Pass can do so via a paper-based copy.  Simply download and print the relevant registration form below, fill out all sections and return either by fax (03) 9645 9997 or post to: MLAA Level 2, Suite 13, 370 St Kilda Road, Melbourne 3004.

If you have any additional questions, please see our Expo page or contact the MLAA on (03) 9645 9995

2010 Full Delegate Registration Form (PDF - 118 KB)

2010 Delegate Day Registration Form (PDF - 118 KB)

2010 Expo Only Registration Form (PDF - 118 KB)  

TRAINING SCHEDULE

It is also with great pleasure that we release this year’s training schedule. Please note that Full Delegates will be given first priority to training sessions.

Expanded descriptions of training sessions will be available on request. Plus the opportunity to select sessions will be provided immediately upon registration.

2010 LOCK & SECURITY EXPO

A reminder that the registrations for delegates, exhibitors and sponsors can now be processed online via the MLAA website, including those from New Zealand joining us on the Gold Coast.

POSITIONS VACANT

New to the MLAA website is the Positions Vacant page – under the training menu item.  If you would like to post your vacant positions, please email the details to jarad@masterlocksmiths.com.au.

We have the following listings currently on the web:

•  SafeSafeguard Security Specialists of Melbourne currently has two positions available – On-road locksmith and a Safe Sales Consultant. For further information, please contact Keith Taylor at Workforce Recruitment Services on 0419 858 885
  
• Lock, Stock & Farrell of Perth is looking for a qualified and SCEC endorsed locksmith to join its team.  Please email craig@lockstock.com.au or phone 0411 335 860 for further information
• A fourth-year apprentice located in Cairns is looking to complete his apprenticeship.  Please contact Jarad at the MLAA for further information

APPRENTICE OF THE YEAR AWARD CLOSED

Applications for the 2010 John Andrew Apprentice of the Year have now cllosed.

NSW TAFE UPDATE – NOTIFICATION OF CHANGES TO STAGE 3 CLASSES

For the 2nd half of this year all NSW Tafe stage 3 classes are completing training in alarm, access control and CCTV systems. We have recently created a new specialist training room for these subjects which fits one group at a time.

Two times during the remainder of this year we will have country block release classes attending the college so the facility will not be available for metropolitan day release students, classes will be cancelled on these days.

For metropolitan students there will be 4 days between now and the end of the year when there will be no classes, these are two vacation weeks & two weeks when block classes attend. The last week of classes for all students is the first week in December.

There will be NO classes on the following dates. Students will be expected to go to work as normal:

• 3A Tuesday: August 31, September 28, October 5 & November 23
• 3B Wednesday: September 1 & 29, October 6 & November 24
• 3C Thursday: September 2 & 30, October 7 & November 2

All other class will run as per normal program.

If you have any questions regarding these changes please contact Mark Nixon Head Teacher Locksmithing on (02) 92173137.

NZ TRADE & TRAINING SUCCESS

The New Zealand branch of the Master Locksmiths Association held its Trade and Training Convention from Friday July 23 to Sunday July 25 with great success. Over 200 locksmiths converged on Rotorua for the weekend of training, testing and exhibiting.

Across the weekend, members were presented with the latest developments in the field of locksmithing and automotive security systems from industry experts and suppliers.  Others took the opportunity to participate in ‘hands on’ training sessions, including impressioning keys, understanding EEPROMS, identifying transponders, advanced transponder Chip theory and remote cloning & transponders.

The conference also provided several locksmiths with the opportunity to become ‘Master Locksmiths’ sitting the MLAA’s Trade Competency Test.  We are very proud to announce that the pass rate was 100%.  Congratulations to each of you that passed the test and now have Master Locksmith accreditation.

A big thank-you must go to Mark Lightfoot and Fraser Burns for hosting and organising this year’s event.  MLAA CEO, Tony Duggan, who made the trip to Rotorua was certainly impressed with how well the event was received by the Locksmithing fraternity in New Zealand.

“A great bunch of blokes, even though they kept reminding me that I’m from NZ’s western State.  Many are also coming to Jupiter’s – to tease me again. It sux”.

VAN AND BEST SHOP AWARDS STILL OPEN

A reminder that the SIEPER GROUP Best Van and Shop Award competitions are still open and we encourage members to send in your entries.  Entry is open to current Business 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

PURCHASING A NEW VAN?

A reminder to all Business Members that Volkswagen are offering a 10% builders fleet and commercial discount on its extensive commercial range, including the new Volkswagen Transporter, awarded 2010 Delivery Magazine “Best van of the year”. 

If you require further information, please contact the MLAA (jarad@masterlocksmiths.com.au)

MEMBERSHIP RENEWALS

A quick reminder that membership fees are now due for the period July 2010 to June 2011.  If you haven’t received your membership renewal notice (e.g you’ve have changed address), please email jarad@masterlocksmiths.com.au and we’ll post or fax your invoice to you.

The 2011 MLAA ID card is also available for business members to download from the website. Simply log in to the members section, select the Membership menu item and click on MLAA documents.  You’ll find the ID card under ‘Business Templates’

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”.

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.

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. 

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.  

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.

MLAA ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

Notice is hereby given that the 2010 MLAA Annual General Meeting will be held at Jupiters on the Gold Coast on Thursday September 30 commencing at 4:30pm

REACH LOCAL                    

A few members in NSW and Victoria have asked about MLAA involvement with this company.  Our investigations have determined that during 2009 MLAA entered an arrangement with ReachLocal to canvass members’ businesses offering to optimise search engine exposure of their websites.  Neither Jarad nor Tony had any involvement in or knowledge of that arrangement, and we don’t personally endorse the product or company.  No parameters were placed on ReachLocal last year relative to their status or their rights in respect of using the MLAA name or logo.  For our part we will again advise ReachLocal not to use our names in marketing, and we will commence discussions to better define their status.

The MLAA is conscious of the decision constantly facing locksmiths as to whether “Yellow Page style” advertising is better value than web-based advertising; hence this option was provided by the previous administration.  Regardless, we are also aware that members have been pleased with the service provided by ReachLocal.

VICTORIAN BRANCH MEETING

The next meeting of the Victorian Branch will be held on Tuesday September 14th at ASSA ABLOY (235 Huntingdale Road, Oakleigh) at 6.00 pm for 6.30 pm seated dinner.  Meeting to start at approx 7.15pm. Please RSVP to jarad@masterlocksmiths.com.au or via fax (03) 9645 9997 by September 10 so we can accomodate for catering.  Dinner is capped at 100 so be quick.

A door prize to the value of $500.00 has been kindly donated by ASSA ABLOY and give-aways will also happen throughout the night.

INTERNATIONAL NEWS – MLA CRACK DOWN ON ROGUE LOCKSMITH

The successful prosecution of a 'rogue locksmith' in the United Kingdom has prompted the Master Locksmiths Association (UK) to warn consumers of the potential dangers of hiring unregulated locksmiths. 

The following has been adapted from the MLA website.  If you would like to read the two articles in full, please visit (http://www.locksmiths.co.uk/pressReleases/).

According to the MLA UK website:

‘One of the UK’s most notorious rogue traders Mark Makowski faces time behind bars as Westminster City Council and Westminster Trading Standards win a landmark case against the rogue locksmith'.

Makowski who has been previously investigated by BBC Rogue Traders, was found guilty to 13 counts of fraud at the Old Bailey.  The jury ruled he was responsible for installing inferior products, charging a premium rate to unsuspecting customers and operating under a number of company names in the biggest case brought against a ‘locksmith’.

Dr Steffan George from the Master Locksmiths Association said:

“We are delighted that the jury found Makowski guilty of all accounts of fraud and  are pleased that the hard work of the Training Standards, Westminster Council and our members have put into the investigation has been rewarded. Rogue traders, although rare give our industry a bad reputation.  Thankfully there are only a handful of them out there and this case is a perfect example of how we wont let them get away with ripping off the public”.

Makowski was found guilty of defrauding 13 customers including two incidents involving training standards officers. Makowski appeared to help stranded customers but instead was found guilty of casuing unnecessary damage by drilling out locks and fitting cheap replacement locks instead of using methods applied by real locksmiths.

Dr George added:

“The public have a right to feel protected when using a locksmith.  Occasionally people like Mark Makowski abuse that trust.  This is one of the reasons why the MLA was set up – in order to police standards in our industry.  All MLA approved companies have to undergo strict vetting procedures including CRB checks, regular inspections and employ a qualified locksmith, and I would urge anyone employing a locksmith to ensure their locksmith is fully MLA licensed”.

Makowski was sentenced to four years behind bars as the jury ruled he was guilty of installing inferior products, breaking down doors, replacing locks unnecessarily, miss-quoting, over-charging and operating under a number of company names.

Sue Jones, Head of Trading Standards said:

“We are delighted that justice has finally caught up with this trader, who charged his customers large sums of money for a very poor quality and often totally unnecessary work.  We hope the fact that his activity was proved to be fraudulent sends out a clear message to other traders who may be tempted to behave in this way”.