Letter of the Week
I FEEL compelled to highlight, once again, the plight of our subcontractors and their relationship to the principal builders, more than often on large projects, not being paid for work done.
I refer to (‘Subbies tee off at
builder’, GCB, 14/6/18) where the builder has reportably told the subcontractors they can only expect to receive 50-60 cents in the dollar for the work they contracted to do at another large project on the Coast, let alone how many contractors are in similar situations that we don’t hear about.
The question that needs to be answered, why does the principal builder get their money they claim for, which I presume includes subcontractor claims, but the subcontractor often loses out?
The outcome from this is completely unfair on these people and consequently the impact to their families and their lives (in many different ways), along with suppliers that they obtain their supplies from. Not to mention other issues such as bad credit rating they may receive through no fault of their own. The list just goes on and on.
Surely something must be able to be put in place, sooner rather than later, whereby progress claims are assessed by an independent body before payment is made. In days gone by this was done by a person, such as a Clerk of Works, who was engaged by and looked after the owner’s interests.
I support the subcontractors and the work they do, as without them the building industry would be in turmoil. So let all concerned, builders and subcontractors alike, Have strong opinions, write in an engaging way? You could win our Letter of the Week, and with it a book from our friends and sponsors, the publishers HarperCollins. This month’s book prize is Queen of the North by Anne O’Brien. To those around her she is a loyal subject. In her heart she is a traitor. In 1399 the fight for England’s crown has dire consequences. This is one woman’s quest to turn history on its head. get what they are owed in a fair and equitable manner.
DAVE MAZZER, MOLENDINAR
The Australian Surf Life Saving Championships are scheduled to once again be held on the Gold Coast, in the highly popular Broadbeach precinct. This event could well be followed by an application to host the world titles.
Already naysayers are attempting to cast doubt about the venue in view of past accidents. May it be recorded once and for all that the stretch of beach from Miami to Southport is identical. That is, a long straight beach with varying depths, currents and tidal water movement.
Businesses in the area will benefit and not be subject to offensive barriers and security in the name of “terrorism” as was the Games event just past. Some 6500 or more competitors will converge on the venue, spend plenty and enjoy their stay with a similar number of family, friends and coaching staff.
Success will only be achieved providing we all get behind the event and not try and denigrate it by constantly raising the danger aspect in various media platforms. Lifesavers do not flinch when it comes to performing a rescue in difficult conditions and it is only fair their skills be tested against one another in the form of serious competition in an arena where substantial safety improvements have been adopted in recent years.
If persistent fear-mongering and antagonism is promoted, it is only a matter of time before a patrol captain might deem a rescue too dangerous and not allow his
team to proceed – it could well be you waving frantically out in that deep blue sea. LONG TERM CLUBBIE, KURRAWA SLSC
THE blatant hypocrisy of the Palaszczuk Government becomes clearer every day. To prop up its shaky Budget it gladly accepts royalties from coal – and then does its best to shunt it out the door. Its 50 per cent target for renewable energy by 2030 is only the first step to replace coal with sun and wind. Not even mentioned is the cost.
One figure widely quoted, so far unchallenged, says the government would need to spend between $500 million and $900 million of our money in subsidies to energy companies to meet its target.
But it refuses to reveal this to the paying public. It uses the conman’s trick of “commercial in confidence”.
Like all charlatans it tries to have it both ways. P C WILSON, MIAMI
MORE use should be made of our waterways as people movers.
Ask for expressions of interest from developers and the like for proposals involving water taxis to and from our major centres.
Stations could be made under the approaches to our existing city bridges or pontoons anchored to city parkland.
Let private enterprise have a look at it and see what proposals are forthcoming. What a great way to travel. ALLAN BATE, ASHMORE