From where we started in January 2009, with the global financial crisis, we seem to have escaped what was a fairly gloomy outlook for our industry. It was pleasing to see that membership actually grew in 2009. Whilst the building industry seemed to have a visual downturn our members and potential members found work on the many civil projects happening in the South East corner.

At the beginning of the year we were successful in delivering the next round of EBAs. We delivered the EBAs to the vast majority of our members which is pleasing given the difficult economic climate.

In 2008 there was an accident on the Gold Coast involving a swing stage that resulted fatalities of two workers. It’s satisfying to have a positive outcome out of such a tragedy. The union was involved in the changing of the code of practise for scaffold including the swing stage, and the mandatory training of people who operate swing stages. All in all, this outcome is safer for all building workers.

It was another successful year for OZhelp, which has gone from strength to strength having been recognised nationally in its efforts in assisting workers in their time of need. Our initiative to introduce the Workplace Health Check into the building industry was well received not only by those who participated, but also recognised by the State Government, and was a finalist in the Premiers Award. It was such a success that the government are now looking at introducing health checks throughout all industries in Queensland.

The ABCC was still very active in our world throughout the year and they certainly have reached their use-by date. The BLF will continue to campaign for the abolition of these parasites which plague our industry.

BERT Training Queensland underwent a revamp during the year and is playing an increasingly important role in assisting BERT members by providing many training opportunities. By helping workers to up-skill they can have more employment opportunities and add more value to the building industry.

The BLF Scholarship scheme expanded during 2009 and we now have the potential to take 170 scholarship recipients at any one time.  These scholarships are being managed by two BLF mentors, Brian MacNicol and Bob Williams.

Charitable efforts for the year continued our support for Kids Under Cover and once again our Touch Football Day provided another demountable house for homeless youth.

We are also in dialogue with the Samoan community to support the rebuilding of their nation which was devastated by Tsunami in September. Members will be invited to be involved with this very worthwhile effort in 2010.

The challenges for 2010 will be to rid the industry of the ABCC and support Ark Tribe in his fight for democracy.

In 2010 the BLF will be the start of the national safety harmonisation process and we will have to campaign hard to ensure Queensland’s safety standards aren’t diluted.

Also in 2010 Queensland BLF will celebrate 100 years of Federation. Members are invited to participate in the planned activities around this momentous occasion.

Next year is also the beginning of our amalgamation with the CFMEU to build a bigger and more vigorous union to represent the majority of building workers in this state.

On behalf of the officials and staff of the BLF I’d like to thank all members for their support throughout the year. We look forward to representing all the members’ interests in 2010.

Greg Simcoe