Are You Ready?

Since 2000, at least 28 Australians – including 17 children under the age of five have tragically died due to furniture tip-over incidents. Each year, over 900 Australians suffer injuries requiring medical assistance as a result of toppling furniture. Children under five and older Australians are particularly at risk.

To address this, the Australian Government has introduced the Consumer Goods (Toppling Furniture) Information Standard 2024, which will come into effect on the 4th of May 2025. The new standard aims to raise awareness of the hazards associated with toppling furniture and reduce the risk of serious injury or death in the home.

What is Toppling Furniture?

The standard defines “toppling furniture” as freestanding household furniture that poses a tipping risk. However, it excludes:

• Furniture that was bought by a consumer and is being resold
• Second-hand furniture, including furniture that was previously bought and used commercially
• Furniture designed to be fastened to a wall or other structure and that can’t be used unless it’s attached.

Furniture covered under the standard falls into the following categories:

Category 1 furniture – A clothing storage unit or bookcase with a height of 686 mm or more. A clothing storage unit is an item of furniture designed to be used primarily to store clothes and that contains one or more doors, drawers or other extendable elements.

Category 2 furniture – Entertainment units of any height. Entertainment units are designed to be used primarily to house, support or carry a television.

Category 3 furniture – Hall tables, display cabinets, buffets, and sideboards with a height of 686 mm or greater.

What Are Your Obligations?

From 4 May 2025, businesses that manufacture, import, supply, or sell toppling furniture must comply with the following information requirements:

Point of sale

Clear and legible warnings about the risk of tip-overs and the importance of anchoring must be provided:

• Online: within the product description
• In-store: on or near the product

Affixed to the furniture

Permanent warnings must be attached to each product covered by the mandatory standard. These must be durable, clearly visible when the furniture is empty, and last the lifetime of the product.

Included in the instructions

Assembly or user instructions must include a prominent warning about the tipping risk and instructions for anchoring the product safely.

What Should the Warnings Say?

Each warning must include:

• An alert word in upper case (such as “WARNING” or “DANGER”)
• A statement that children have died from furniture tip-overs
• An internationally recognised safety alert symbol (see below)

Compliance and Enforcement

Compliance and Enforcement The mandatory information standard commences on 4 May 2025. From then, failure to comply with the mandatory information standard may constitute a contravention of the Australian Consumer Law and expose a business or individual to enforcement action by the ACCC with penalties of up to $50,000 per breach.

Guidance materials to help suppliers comply with the mandatory standard can be found on the ACCC website.

NEXT STEPS

We encourage all members to:

• Review the standard and assess which of your products may be affected
• Update product labels, online listings, packaging, and user instructions as required
• Stay informed by monitoring industry updates and official communications

The Australian Cabinet and Furniture Association (ACFA) is proud to announce the official launch of its School-Based Apprenticeship Training (SBAT) program in New South Wales—a game-changing initiative designed to strengthen our industry by investing in the next generation of skilled tradespeople.

The program gives students in Years 10 and 11 the opportunity to start a part-time apprenticeship while completing their Higher School Certificate (HSC), working towards the nationally recognised MSF30322 Certificate III in Cabinet Making and Timber Technology (Kitchens & Bathrooms). It allows students to combine paid, hands-on work with structured learning, building essential skills and experience before they even finish school.

With a minimum requirement of 100 days of paid employment to be completed across Years 10 to 12, students gain meaningful insight into the trade, while employers benefit from having an engaged and trainable team member. Once the student finishes school, they transition straight into the second year of a full-time apprenticeship — saving businesses time and money on recruitment and training.

One of the key benefits of the SBAT program is that all training costs are subsidised by the NSW Government, making it a highly cost-effective way for employers to grow their workforce. Additionally, employers may be eligible for financial incentives, further reducing the cost of hiring and training.

ACFA provides full support throughout the process, including regular workplace visits from qualified trainers/assessors and access to a dedicated SBAT Engagement Officer at the student’s school.

This initiative is more than just a training opportunity—it’s a long-term workforce development strategy. With the cabinet making and furniture industry facing growing skills shortages, SBAT is a proactive way to secure future talent, build capacity, and help shape the future of the trade.

Whether you’re a business looking to expand your team or a student ready to explore a hands-on career, the ACFA SBAT program offers an exciting pathway forward.

To find out more or express interest in participating, contact ACFA or download a copy of our fact sheets:

Let’s build the future of our industry—together.

CONTACT DETAILS: 1300 342 248 or email training@acfa.net.au.

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 ◈

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 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:

Rising Applications to the Fair Work Commission Highlight the Need for ACFA Membership Support

With recent legislative changes broadening the Fair Work Commission’s scope, the importance of compliance has never been clearer. The Commission’s latest statistics for 2023–24 reveal a significant increase in applications across key areas. Here’s a quick look at the current landscape:

• 40,190 applications lodged, a 27% increase from 2022–23, reflecting heightened vigilance and enforcement.
• Unfair dismissal applications led the way, comprising 37% of all lodgements with a total of 14,772.
• General protections involving dismissal applications made up 14%, with Supported Wage System Agreements closely behind at 13%.
• Workplace bullying and sexual harassment accounted for 987 lodgements—showcasing the increased scrutiny around these areas.

These figures highlight the real cost of non-compliance – not only financially but also in terms of reputation. As an ACFA member, you’re already taking proactive steps to stay compliant and protect your business. Your membership provides you with the latest legislative updates and expert advice on workplace matters, ensuring compliance remains straightforward and manageable.

Exclusive Member-Only Resources for Peace of Mind

Through your ACFA membership, you have access to our comprehensive Member-Only Portal, featuring over 600 resources tailored to support your business. The portal includes:

• Downloadable casual and apprentice employment contracts
• Award snapshots specific to our industry
• FAQs and fact sheets
• Detailed employer guides -essential tools for staying compliant and informed
• Customised employment contracts – for tailored needs, our Workplace Advice Team can create specific employment contracts, giving you peace of mind that your documentation is compliant
• And much more, all included in your membership.

Our resources simplify complex requirements, making it easier to navigate employment standards, minimise risk, and ensure your business is prepared for any workplace challenge.

24/7 Access to Stay Compliant Anytime

We encourage you to check out the Member-Only Portal, which offers a vast array of documents and information to support your business needs 24/7. From practical guides to downloadable documents, the portal is designed to help you stay compliant effortlessly.

With new content and updates added regularly these resources are here to support you at any time in addition to the comprehensive assistance you receive as an ACFA member.

Stay Updated with ACFA’s Member Alerts

Your ACFA membership also keeps you connected to essential updates, including weekly member bulletins and regular email alerts on legislative changes and industry news that impact your business.

With unlimited workplace advice, we are only a phone call or email away-just one of the many benefits of being an ACFA member.

Please note: The benefits listed above are exclusive to Business Plus and Premium Membership tiers.

(Data is correct as at 30 September 2024)

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