Episodes

  • The HAFF Scheme
    May 16 2025

    The Master Builders Podcast is back! Master Builders' National Manager Technical Policy, Max Rafferty, chats with David Denney, the Federal Safety Commission about the OFSC, the HAFF scheme and the WHS Accreditation Scheme.

    Season 4, Episode 1

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    23 mins
  • Defend your right to be your own boss
    Jun 23 2023

    We're bringing back Shaun Schmitke, MBA National Director of IR for more on the sweeping changes to industrial relations happening right now.

    We caught up with Shaun to get the latest about proposed changes to industrial relations legislation and what this will mean for independent contracts, self-employed tradies and people in the industry who want to be their own boss. To learn more visit: www.defendyourrights.com.au

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    27 mins
  • It’s almost tax time! Episode 2 featuring Aaron Froud, Partner at BellchamberBarrett
    May 31 2023

    Are you starting up your first business? Are you setting up your business systems and procedures? Is your business growing?

    Don't let tax time catch you out.

    Our second Tax Time podcast guest says that preparing for paying tax is an essential part of your business planning and financial management.

    Aaron Froud is a Partner at BellchambersBarrett in Canberra with over 20 years professional experience across business, tax and accounting engagements.

    Aaron takes us through, the pitfalls, traps, hot tips, and latest advice on preparing your business for tax time.

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    29 mins
  • It’s almost tax time! Episode 1 featuring Tim Loh, Assistant Commissioner ATO and Spokesperson for Tax Time.
    May 17 2023

    Is it time you caught up on the latest news on tax deductions? Where can I find a one-stop-shop for the latest news on tax for small businesses? Is there an ATO website just for tradies? Where do I reach out for support?

    Our latest podcast guest has the answers and will tell you where to find everything you need to know.

    Assistant Commissioner Tim Loh is the ATO spokesperson for Tax Time. You may have seen him on morning TV breakfast shows across the country, and our Tax Time conversation with Tim has just dropped on Master Builders podcasts with your host Max Rafferty.

    This will be the first of a special two part series featuring conversations with tax experts. Stay tuned for our conversation with Aaron Froud from Bell Chambers Barrett, where we continue to ask the important questions for small business.

    For further information on tax and finding support:

    www.ato.gov.au/about-ato/contact-us

    www.ato.gov.au/cantlodgeorpay

    www.ato.gov.au/tradies

    www.ato.gov.au/business/small-business-newsroom

    www.ato.gov.au/buildingconstruction

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    23 mins
  • Future proofing construction: A workforce blueprint, and we run the numbers with our Chief Economist Shane Garrett
    May 3 2023

    We recently released our blueprint for future-proofing the building and construction industry’s workforce in wake of a shortage of half a million workers.

    With critical shortages across industries and skill levels hindering economic recovery and productivity growth, we chat with Jennifer Lawrence, Manager Industry Policy, about what will be needed in the coming years and the policy priorities for attracting, recruiting, training and retaining workers for the industry.

    We also catch up with our Chief Economist Shane Garrett for the latest on inflation, interest rates and supply costs in the building and construction industry

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    29 mins
  • Revisit the Business of Building Podcast with Jock Merrigan Founding Director of Urban Habitats (first released on 21 April 2021)
    Apr 26 2023

    We’d like to revisit a great conversation we had with Jock Merrigan Founding Director of Urban Habitats (SA) that we first released on our podcast channel in April 2021.

    Jock has over 20 years of experience in the residential building industry.

    We spoke to Jock about achieving unique quality outcomes. He shared with us his experience in growing a successful and sustainable business and giving back to the industry.

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    1 hr and 3 mins
  • Recent changes to industrial relations legislation (Part 2) - we look at what this means for your business
    Apr 5 2023

    This is the second in a 2 episode series featuring Shaun Schmitke - Master Builders Australia National Director - IR/Safety/Contracts.

    We spoke with Shaun about the incorporation of prohibition on sexual harassment in connection with work into the Fair Work Act, and expansion of the circumstances where employees can request flexible work arrangements.

    Shaun takes us through recent changes now in effect, changes soon to come, and what's on the horizon.

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    21 mins
  • Recent changes to industrial relations legislation - we look at what this means for your business.
    Mar 22 2023

    What do recent and further changes to industrial relations legislation mean for your business?

    This is the first in a 2 episode series featuring Shaun Schmitke - Master Builders Australia National Director - IR/Safety/Contracts.

    He takes us through recent changes now in effect, changes soon to come, and what's on the horizon.

    Stay tuned for our second episode soon- looking at steps you can take and where to seek further advice.

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    25 mins