Originally Posted by steve`o (Post 6185647)

i know some one will a similar tale down here
he did some work for a couple quoted 900 bucks they kept on adding bits and his final invoice was in excess of 1100 bucks
they refused to pay stating that they new the limit was 1100 and they would see him in court -
well out of order but bugger all he can do :ohmy:
( legally ;))

Originally Posted by BrisbaneBound2008 (Post 6197987)

I've read this thread with much interest! My OH is a Bricklayer (am imagining its along the same lines in terms ofr work/licence as carpentry)and we're moving to Brisbane in May. On our reccie last year he spoke to the BSA people and they weren't that helpful and it was all quite confusing. Then there was something to do with Master Builders and all sorts!

Are we correct in thinking that if he sub-contracts for a licenced builder, ie on their payroll, then he doesn't need a licence? As much as he'll probably want to work for himself again over there I think he'd rather get settled first. We are aware he'll need a blue card (hear this is easy to get), and some job ads also ask for an ABN. Can he get an ABN if he isn't licenced?

Originally Posted by LoneRanger (Post 6110490)

I know this has probably been discussed many times but as we are nearing our time to head to Brisbane I was looking at the best way to ship out tools and equipment.

I am a Joiner and have just about 2 of everything and all in great condition. The thing is that we had hoped to ship our things out in advance of us arriving but the other side of the coin is the small matter of keeping enough here to earn/ work with up until we leave which will be when our house sale settles.

What did you all do with respect to tools and equipment?

Did you sell off in the UK and buy new in Oz?

Did you keep enough/ basics in UK to tide you over and then ship them over when you're leaving?

I've thought about selling some in the UK but I am loathe to do so as they are all top quality tools and plant but would never get what they are worth on the second hand market and the cost to replace / replenish does not equate! Tools and equipment are different to furniture etc and as all tradesmen know there is nothing better than doing work with your own tools and ones that you are used to.

I am quite sure we have all been faced with this dilemma and it would be interesting to know how everyone tackled this problem.

Looking forward to hearing how you did it!

Lone Ranger

Originally Posted by cresta57 (Post 6198251)

Yep 100% correct, he can work for a bricklaying contractor for wages at first then when he gets a licence in his own right he can become a subcontractor.
Blue card is a simple half day course mainly common sense H&S stuff, costs circa $100 bucks.
By the time you arrive it may have all been simplified, or maybe not this being QLD.
If your O/H is still employed then printing the Bricklaying criteria, it's on the dima link I posted a few posts back, would be beneficial as you can then word a reference around all the skills it says are necessary & get it typed on company letter headed paper. They love seeing things written down here;)

Originally Posted by LoneRanger (Post 6201253)

Hi Cresta

Noticed that you advise wording references around the skills that are deemed necessary on the DIMA link. Are these references similar to the ones required for TRA (Visa Application)?

I had an old mate in Scotland who had a great line to potential employers when seeking a job, he used to say 'Give me a week's work and if you don't like me or my work then sack me!' He wasn't the greatest but seemed to get started 95% of the time and was never out of work!

Seems like a good tactic for good reliable tradesmen to get started in Australia don't you think?

Lone Ranger:thumbsup:

Originally Posted by cresta57 (Post 6198251)

Yep 100% correct, he can work for a bricklaying contractor for wages at first then when he gets a licence in his own right he can become a subcontractor.
Blue card is a simple half day course mainly common sense H&S stuff, costs circa $100 bucks.
By the time you arrive it may have all been simplified, or maybe not this being QLD.
If your O/H is still employed then printing the Bricklaying criteria, it's on the dima link I posted a few posts back, would be beneficial as you can then word a reference around all the skills it says are necessary & get it typed on company letter headed paper. They love seeing things written down here;)

Originally Posted by Pinny (Post 6207927)

Hi
Can i just double check that you can use 240v tools from the Uk in Australia (including on sites) & if this is the case do you use an adaptor or can you change the plug to an Australian plug?
Cheers in advance;)

Originally Posted by cresta57 (Post 6208685)

Yep 240 all the way here. Everything must plug into a safety switch, it's just a four way power box with an inbuilt RCD trip switch. It plugs into the "on site" power & everything else plugs into it.

Originally Posted by Timber Floor Au (Post 6208852)

That is if the sparkies have powered up the sockets.

Then its a fight for the 2 temp sockets in the fuseboard lol

Ste

Originally Posted by cresta57 (Post 6208685)

Yep 240 all the way here. Everything must plug into a safety switch, it's just a four way power box with an inbuilt RCD trip switch. It plugs into the "on site" power & everything else plugs into it.

Originally Posted by cresta57 (Post 6210462)

Yep, how this method can be safer I really don't know:confused: A job the other day there was us tiling, the chippies, plumbers, painters & guy who does the downpipes. I had my safety switch plugged in & everyone else had leads plugged into mine:curse: Just one single power point in the temp supply:thumbdown:

Originally Posted by Pinny (Post 6211281)

So no problem bringing ANY 240V tools from UK then?