Experience Australia’s Finest Kitchen & Bathroom Innovations at an Exclusive Trade & Design Event

Join us for a night of inspiration at Waterview in Bicentennial Park, where the latest kitchen and bathroom design awaits.

Discover project-perfect products, gain insights into emerging trends, and connect with industry leaders, all in a vibrant, engaging environment. You’ll savour drinks andcanapés, network with like-minded professionals, and be in the running for some incredible prizes.

From groundbreaking product launches to invaluable business connections, this is a must-attend event for forward-thinking designers and kitchen manufacturers.

◈ Drinks and Canapés ◈ Lucky Door Prizes ◈
◈ Exclusive Networking with Industry Peers ◈
◈ Meet the Industry’s Top Product Reps ◈
◈ FREE Onsite Parking ◈

As part of ACFA’s merger with the Kitchen and Bathroom Design Institute (KBDi), ACFA Members are receiving an exclusive invitation to attend upcoming KBDi Chapter Events.

To view a complete list & details, head to the website below or keep an eye out for emails sent to members

SA Chapter Event | April 30th

VIC Chapter Event | 6th May

TAS Chapter Event | 7th May

WA Chapter Event | 7th May

Sydney Trade Expo | May 8th

ACFA Welcomes Government’s Housing Construction Apprenticeship Incentive

Calls for Clarity on Eligible Trades

The Australian Cabinet and Furniture Association (ACFA) welcomes the Federal Government’s $626.9 million Housing Construction Apprenticeship Incentive Program, set to launch on 1 July 2025, providing $10,000 in staged incentive payments to eligible apprentices in the residential construction sector.

This initiative is a critical step in addressing Australia’s housing crisis, with a national target of 1.2 million new homes over five years, requiring an additional 90,000 skilled workers in the industry. ACFA strongly supports this investment in workforce development and the Government’s commitment to growing skilled trades.

ACFA has contacted Andrew Giles, Minister for Industry, Skills, and Training, along with Sussan Ley, Shadow Minister for Industry, Skills, and Training, requesting confirmation on whether the MSF30322 Certificate III in Cabinet Making and Timber Technology will be included as an eligible apprenticeship under the program.

Cabinet Making: Essential to Construction and Recognised as a Priority Trade

Cabinetmaking is a fundamental trade within residential and commercial construction, responsible for essential interior elements such as kitchen joinery, bathroom vanities, wardrobes, and bespoke storage solutions. Without cabinetmakers, homes and commercial buildings cannot be completed to a functional and liveable standard.

Furthermore, cabinetmaking is already listed on the Australian Apprenticeships Priority List, acknowledging its critical role in the construction industry and national skills demand. Apprentices training in priority occupations are eligible for additional financial support, reinforcing the need for cabinetmaking to be included in the Housing Construction Apprenticeship Incentive Program.

Clearer Guidelines Needed to Support Workforce Growth

ACFA urges the Government to expedite the announcement of eligible apprenticeships under this program to provide certainty for apprentices, employers, and training providers. Delayed clarification could result in missed opportunities to attract new entrants to the industry, making it harder to meet the Government’s housing targets.

Cabinetmakers are the finishing trade that brings homes to completion, and it makes absolute sense that the MSF30322 Certificate III in Cabinet Making and Timber Technology is included in the incentive program. Without cabinetmakers, homes remain incomplete. The sooner we receive confirmation, the better we can support apprenticeship growth in this essential trade.

ACFA Stands Ready to Support the Implementation

As the leading industry body representing cabinetmakers, joiners, and the broader furniture industry, ACFA is committed to working with the Government and industry stakeholders to ensure apprentices in this vital trade receive the support they need.

ACFA commends the Government for investing in the skilled workforce needed to build Australia’s future, and we look forward to cabinetmaking apprentices being recognised under this initiative.

ACFA calls on the Government to provide clarity sooner than later on the eligibility criteria for apprenticeships under this incentive, ensuring cabinetmaking is rightfully included and apprentices are encouraged to enter and remain in the industry.

Dean Brakell

CEO
Australian Cabinet and Furniture Association (ACFA)

RTO: 90432

Media Inquiries:

For Media Inquiries, please get in touch with our Training Department via 1300 342 248 or info@acfa.net.au

The ACFA Industry Conference was held on Friday 7^th March and attendees enjoyed a fabulous day of sessions to help grow their business beyond tomorrow.

We’re sorry you couldn’t make it on the day but we thought you might enjoy a wrap up of the key points from each of our expert speakers.

Is your business running you, instead of the other way around?

Julian Moore – SMS

• AI is the most powerful tool at your disposal as a business owner.
• Today’s AI is way above PHD level (IQ 200+) smart. It is trained on every university library that has been digitised, every TV and radio archive, every medical document, the whole internet, every social media platform – anything online is read and learned.
• It will be the most intelligent thing on earth by the end of this month.
• AI is much more than just text. AI can video clones or avatars which can be trained on your own voice and can be generated in any language.
• AI can even make and receive phone calls for you and will automatically switch languages if someone answers in another language.
• You can use AI to check files – eg CAD files or spreadsheets – and it will tell you what’s wrong or check for errors.
• AI is now smart enough to recognise the emotion in the conversation it’s having and will respond appropriately.
• New generation AI glasses have a camera in front and microphones near your ears.
• Use the paid version of whatever AI system you want to use – it’s the only way to safeguard your intellectual property.
• There are definitely some issues with protection of intellectual property and copyright issues when using AI so you should always check the output and take care when using AI generated information to ensure you are compliant with relevant legislation.

Struggling with contracts, customer disputes or getting paid?

Andrew Seaton – Easton Belle

• Consumer Guarantees are part of the Competition and Consumer Act and they are the most powerful tool a Consumer has. The Competition and Consumer Act is regulated by the ACCC.
• If you use a warranty document, the Consumer Guarantees operate outside that warranty and you cannot mislead consumers about their rights.
• The courts will always side with the Consumer in a he said/she said scenario. Document every recommendation, decision and discussion in writing.
• A Manufacturer’s Warranty is your own document and you can put anything in it, but you MUST include the mandatory wording as specified by ACCC.
• Fines for breaching the Consumer Guarantees are significant and can be calculated per offence. Individuals (eg Directors) can be personally fined and jail time is also possible.
• If you are found to be in breach of the Consumer Guarantees the remedy will depend on whether it is deemed a major or a minor failure. If a major failure, the Consumer can choose whether to take a refund, replacement or repair. If it’s a minor failure, you choose the remedy.
• You are required to have a written contract for all residential building work depending on the value of the work. All domestic building work should have a contract, regardless of a price.
• Utilise the resources available to ACFA members through your member portal log in to access contracts and other documentation which is guaranteed to be compliant with all legislation.

Built to last: creating a business that thrives without you.

Ben Fewtrell – Max My Profit

• Best practice is to structure your organisation around Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) rather than a people-based organisational chart.
• KPIs are like a warning indicator for your business and you can’t manage what you don’t measure. KPIs can act as an early-warning system if something is wrong.
• Your business has 4 key areas which keep it operating at premium efficiency and effectiveness. They are:
• Lead generation
• Conversion
• Client fulfilment
• Business
• Staff motivation and feedback is a huge part of retention – people want to be challenged and told when they are doing a good job.
• You must know your numbers – this helps you feel braver about putting up prices.
• Consider joining the ACFA/Max My Profit tailored business coaching program, designed specifically for our industry.

A snapshot of the behaviours and beliefs of the new generation of Australian tradies and what they need to succeed

Future Tradie Report – Trout/Nex+/Superseed

• The report surveyed 1071 Australian tradies across various industries. It identified the forces at work that put pressure on tradies who respond in different ways.
• Future tradies don’t think about competitors, more about coworkers and adjacent learners. They want to find and build a community online.
• They value adaptability and want to be connected to a greater purpose. Work/life balance is a priority.
• Sustainability is a real priority for the next generation. Tradespeople want to build sustainable businesses and utilise sustainable practices.
• The next generation want to focus on delivery, service and communication – they know reputation is everything and they want to make every client interaction count. They are hyper aware of their online presence and the value of positive reviews.
• The next generation of tradies are drawn to companies with a positive team culture that actively help people grow within the business.
• Download the Future Tradie Report here.

Shaping the future of cabinet making: an open forum on apprentice training

Panel Discussion – Dean Brakell (ACFA CEO), Glen Cannon (ACFA), Tim Cleary (Skills Insight) and Darren McKavanagh (The Kitchen Maker).

• Access to RTOs and training providers is an issue across all apprenticeship industries.
• The main challenge today is time and opportunity – the perceived time for employers and lack of opportunities for apprentices.
• ACFA’s workplace-based training was identified as a positive as the employer has 20% more factory time from the apprentice (not losing one day per week at TAFE).
• The panel agreed it was time to lobby the government for changes to the Award as lack of viable income is a significant reason for not completing an apprenticeship.
• The panel also agreed that business-oriented units be put forward in the next review of the qualification.
• ACFA welcomes feedback and commentary from members of the industry regarding the training/apprenticeship system that can be passed on via advocacy and lobbying to relevant government departments so please contact the office if you have suggestions.

The Australian Cabinet and Furniture Association (ACFA) is excited to renew our partnership with Kitchen+Bath Show, set to take place from 12-14 June 2025 in MCEC Melbourne.

“Kitchen+Bath Show is Australia’s only design trade show dedicated to the expansive kitchen, bathroom, laundry and home storage industry. Featuring a diverse range of products – from appliances to tapware to components and fittings and everything in between, the show offers a unique environment to learn, network and explore the latest trends and new products that push the boundaries of design, technology and innovation.

If you design, make, sell, specify, select or purchase kitchen, bathroom or home storage products and solutions, then this is your show!

Attendees visiting the ACFA stand can look forward to engaging discussions, networking opportunities, and discover how members have access to a wealth of knowledge and resources tailored to the unique needs of the cabinetmaking and joinery industries.

The ACFA Team will be on hand to offer advice, share industry updates, and discuss membership benefits that can help businesses navigate the complexities of the cabinetmaking and furniture industry.

When & Where

Thursday, 12 June 2025, 10am – 5pm (Trade only)
Friday, 13 June 2025, 10am – 5pm (Trade only)
Saturday, 14 June 2025, 10am – 5pm (Trade + Homeowners)

MCEC Melbourne,
1 Convention Centre Pl, South Wharf VIC 3006

Follow the Kitchen + Bath Show on Social Media

Instagram | Facebook | LinkedIn | YouTube

The ACFA Team have put together a list of the different public holidays seen around the country. Click on a State or Territory for the list to drop down:

As the year draws to a close, we want to take a moment to thank you for being a valued member of the ACFA community. Your involvement and support mean so much to us. This year, we’ve worked hard to keep you informed about the many regulatory updates impacting our industry, while also advocating on your behalf through our ongoing lobbying efforts to create a stronger future for our industry.

From all of us at ACFA, we wish you and your loved ones a Merry Christmas and a safe, joyful holiday season. May 2025 bring you happiness, good health, and continued success.

Thank you for letting us be a part of your journey this year. We look forward to supporting you and your business in the year ahead.

Please see below dates of when the ACFA Office will be closed. 

Upcoming ACFA Office Closures

ACFA Head Office will be closed on Friday 13th December for our End-of-Year Staff Christmas Party. 

The ACFA office will be open again on Monday 16th December 2024 for normal operating hours. 

The ACFA office will close for the Christmas-New Year Break from 4pm on Friday 20th of December and reopen at 8.30am on Monday, 6th January 2025.

Annual Shutdown Support

Workplace Advice & Membership

During both of these closures, if you require workplace advice on a range of employment matters including award rates, interpretation, employment issues etc you can call the Head Office number, 02 4340 2000,  which has been set up with the option to be transferred through to the ACFA Workplace Hotline through Business Australia who will be able to assist you with your inquiry during office hours, for urgent inquiries that the Workplace Hotline other contact details cannot deal with have been provided within the ‘on-hold‘ message.

The ACFA Portal will remain available 24/7 for you to download any resources you need.  For any non-urgent queries, please email membership@acfa.net.au and the team will respond to your email on their return.

Training

Please note, that these times may vary for individual trainers. We recommend checking in with your trainer to confirm when your next session is booked and what assistance is available.  For general training enquries, please email training@acfa.net.au. 

Category – Plant – Traffic management – Failure to ensure the means of entering and leaving a workplace is safe

Fine – $40,000

Costs $4,037

The offender is a nationwide transport and logistics company with a Melbourne branch located in Laverton North (“the workplace”). On 19 December 2022, a WorkSafe Inspector attended the workplace in response to an anonymous call received by WorkSafe from an employee on 14 December 2022. The call was in relation to an alleged incident which was said to have occurred when a forklift was unloading a trailer in the loading area of the workplace.

No offences arose from that incident, however the Inspector observed poor compliance with an existing traffic management plan (“TMP”) and issued an improvement notice. The notice was extended over a period of time by application to the internal review unit, however during that time the Inspector re-attended the workplace on a number of occasions. The Inspector made observations of ongoing poor compliance with the TMP on 19 December 2022, 17 May 2023, 14 July 2023 and 3 August 2023.

The offender pleaded guilty to a single charge under s 26(1) of the Act for failing to eliminate or reduce the risk of serious injury or death to persons working in the vicinity of forklifts. This single charge alleged 4 contraventions on 19 December 2022, 17 May 2023, 14 July 2023 and 3 August 2023. The offender should have ensured:

• A three metre exclusion zone between pedestrians and powered mobile plant was maintained; and/or
• Designated pedestrian walkways and truck driver safety zones were maintained.

In passing sentence the court noted:

• That the offender had pleaded guilty to a single charge alleging 4 contraventions of the Act, over a 7 month period;
• That the plea was on the basis that the offender had not done enough to manage the risks at the workplace;
• That it formed the view that the likelihood of the risk eventuating was moderate to high;
• That the contraventions occurred a short time after the offender had been in court and pleaded guilty to a related offence, for which it had received a significant fine;
• That the sentence needed to accurately reflect the need for specific and general deterrence for this sort of activity in this kind of working environment;
• That the recording of a conviction would send a message to other companies that these risks cannot be tolerated and that remediation and compliance are of paramount importance;
• That it had taken into account the plea of guilty;
• That it accepted that the offender had spent a considerable amount of money on remedial works and was a good corporate citizen.

The offender pleaded guilty and was with conviction sentenced to pay a fine of $40,000 and to pay costs of $4,037.

Pursuant to section 6AAA of the Sentencing Act 1991, but for the plea of guilty the offender would have been fined $50,000 with conviction.

Source: Worksafe Victoria

ACFA Members have access to a range of resources to assist with scenarios like this:

Stay Ahead with ACFA

As part of the recent updates to workplace legislation, the Right to Disconnect laws have been introduced, impacting how employers and employees manage after-hours communication. These laws are crucial for fostering employee well-being by ensuring they aren’t required to respond to work-related messages outside of their agreed working hours, except in special circumstances.

What Does the Right to Disconnect Mean for Your Business?

• Employee Well-being: By ensuring employees can switch off after work, you’ll promote a healthier work-life balance, which can also enhance productivity during work hours.
• Legal Compliance: Employers will need to update policies and employment contracts to comply with these laws, especially in relation to after-hours communication.
• Proactive Management: Being aware of these laws early allows you to adapt without disruption to your business operations, ensuring smooth transitions and continued compliance with Fair Work guidelines.

At ACFA, we understand the challenges of keeping up with legislative changes. That’s why we provide our members with the resources and tools they need to remain compliant.

What Resources do ACFA Members have access to?

In response to the Right to Disconnect laws, we have developed and uploaded several templates and updated employment contracts to our Member Portal to assist businesses with implementation:

• Right to Disconnect Policy
• Right to Disconnect Correspondence for Employees
• Right to Disconnect Correspondence for Managers
• Updated Employment Contracts: Including Apprentice, Casual, and Short Employment Agreements.

Our comprehensive full-time and part-time employment contracts, customised to your business needs, are available to members upon request. While these resources are exclusive to members, they provide peace of mind by ensuring your business is legally compliant and your employees understand their rights and responsibilities.

Members also have access to a comprehensive Employer Guide on the Right to Disconnect.

What Does the Employer Guide Cover?

• Dispute Resolution Framework: Guidance on managing disagreements that might arise under the Right to Disconnect provisions.
• Customisable Templates: Including a sample policy and email communication templates that can be adapted to your business.
• Employer Responsibilities: Key responsibilities under the new laws, including how to handle after-hours communications.
• Practical Examples: Real-life scenarios to help you understand how to implement the Right to Disconnect provisions in your workplace

Important Information for Small Businesses:

If you have fewer than 15 employees, compliance with the Right to Disconnect laws will be required by 26 August 2025. ACFA has provided contracts with the option not to include this clause until then, giving you flexibility while preparing for the transition. Don’t miss out on these essential resources and the wealth of other benefits that ACFA membership provides. Join now to stay compliant and ensure your business thrives.

Why Join ACFA?

• Exclusive Access: Access to templates, policies, and guidance that make legislative compliance easier.
• Member Support: Our Workplace Advice team is available to help you customise employment contracts or answer any questions you may have.
• Pro-rata Membership Rates: Now is the perfect time to join, with pro-rata annual membership rates making it more affordable than ever to access all these benefits through to the end of the financial year, 30 June 2025.

Pro-Rata Memberships are available until 31st December 2024

Exciting Launch of ACFA’s New Connect Magazine – Subscribe Today!

ACFA is thrilled to announce to the industry the launch of Connect Magazine, your go-to resource for the latest news, trends, and insights in the cabinetmaking, furniture, joinery, and interior design industries.

What is Connect Magazine?

Each issue of Connect Magazine is packed with valuable editorial content, special features, and advertorial sections that cover a broad spectrum of topics essential to our industry, including:

• NEWS: Stay updated with the latest developments and must-know updates.
• INNOVATION: Discover new technologies, products, and techniques driving industry advancements.
• DESIGN & TRENDS: Keep informed about the latest design trends influencing the interiors industry.
• SKILLS/EDUCATION: Explore essential skills and the various pathways to gain and enhance them.
• SAFETY: Access information and industry-led initiatives to ensure a safe working environment.
• SUSTAINABILITY: Learn about challenges and innovative solutions in sustainable design, materials, and manufacturing.
• SHOWCASE: See outstanding projects, workmanship, and the people shaping the future.
• HR, IR & EMPLOYMENT: Get insights into human resources and employment matters, including workplace legislation updates and best workforce management practices.

Why is it Important?

Connect Magazine is more than just a publication; it’s a powerful tool for staying ahead in our industry. Connect Magazine has you covered whether you’re looking to stay informed on current trends, discover new innovations, or ensure your business complies with the latest legislation.

Why Should You Subscribe?

By subscribing to Connect Magazine, you’ll gain access to a wealth of knowledge that can help your business thrive. Each issue is crafted to bring you the most relevant and up-to-date information, ensuring that you are always in the know; providing you with a direct line to the latest industry insights.

Distribution Details

Connect Magazine will be distributed complimentary as part of ACFA’s mission to best support the industry. The magazine will be available both as a physical copy and as a digital publication. If you wish to receive a copy, please subscribe via the details belowahead of the first edition being released in November 2024.

Advertising Opportunity

Connect Magazine also offers a unique platform for advertising, giving your brand visibility among industry professionals who value quality and innovation. Align your brand with cutting-edge content and connect with potential clients and partners in our sector.  Email: advertising@connectmagazine.com.au

Don’t miss out on this invaluable resource – subscribe today and be a part of the exciting journey with Connect Magazine.

Subscribe to Connect Magazine

Connect Magazine will be distributed both as a physical copy and as a digital publication. If you wish to receive a copy, use the link below to subscribe ahead of the first edition being released in November 2024. 

Must be subscribed by 23rd October 2024 to receive first edition as physical print