Bechtel's Andy Greig Transfield Services

60 Pages·2013·9.65 MB·English

Issue 005
Spring ‘13 – Summer ‘14
Bechtel’s
Andy Greig
talks Curtis
Island Lng
projects and
60 years in
Australia
Transfield
Services
expanding
its footprint
Industry Minister Ian Macfarlane
Bluestone Mines builds capacity
Abbott and Abetz: policy scorecard
PLUS exclusive feature with Leighton’s global HR boss Dharma Chandran

02 COnTEnTS
COnTEnTS
REGULARS
04 | From the Editor
05 | Chief Executive’s Message
54 | Events calendar
56 | Business Partner Directory
HUMAN RESOURCES
06 | Latest jobseeker trends revealed
08 | Inside Leighton’s skills empire
08
10 | Construction skills demand remains strong
11 | 5 Minutes with an AMMA staffer
MEMBER FEATURE
12 | Future focus Transfield Services’ greatest asset
LEADERSHIP
14 | Big challenges for Macfarlane in familiar role
15 | AFL legend’s leadership centre takes shape
16 | ‘get on’ with reform, says ACCI
16 | A quick word with Clive Palmer
POLICY
18 | Coalition policy score: where do they stack up?
19 | Six key challenges Labor left for Eric Abetz
20 | Bullying changes: obligations and risks
21 | Policy at a glance
MIGRATION
12
22 | new immigration minister looks at 457 scheme
22 | Wrap-up of Labor’s last migration changes
23 | 457 Visa program effective, says migration council
OHS & WELLBEING
24 | Making tracks against kidney disease
26 | Empowering healthy habits
27 | Sodexo fast tracks healthy lifestyles
COVER STORY
28 | People, projects, performance:
60 years of Bechtel in Australia
COVER IMAGE
Andy Greig, Bechtel
RixRyan Photography
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www.amma.org.au | Spring ‘13 – Summer ‘14 |
COnTEnTS 03
DIVERSITY
28
32 | Queensland women say ‘count me in’
33 | Connecting through AWRA e-Mentoring
34 | Ozzie women meet the challenge
36 | Waking up to unconscious bias
36 | Fortescue reaches milestone
37 | Indigenous student of the year
TRAINING & DEVELOPMENT
38 | Bluestone Mines builds training capacity
40 | How to plan for uncertainty
42 | E-campus masters marine training
INNOVATION
44 | Shifting gears with Bernard Salt
45 | Wi-Fi first in Bowen Basin
46 | Keeping on course with community relations
47 | Orica invests in newcastle
ECONOMY
48 | Economist Eslake sees change on the horizon
49 | global competitiveness continues slide
50 | Wages threat to offshore oil and gas
52 | Investment outlook with global experts
EVENTS
54 | Events Calendar
34
Editor | Tom Reid
[email protected]
Deputy Editor | Kylie Sully
[email protected]
Advertising | Tara Diamond
[email protected]
AMMA Contacts
1800 627 771 | [email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
38
| Spring ‘13 – Summer ‘14 | www.amma.org.au
04 REgULARS
From the Editor
ANDY GREIG’S BRISBANE office national construction and mining contractor operates. With 30,000
proudly sports a poster of Star Wars Jedi employees in Australia alone across the Leighton, Thiess, John
master Yoda, superimposed with the Holland and Macmahon brands, he reveals the innovative workforce
Bechtel boss’ face and the accompanying engagement techniques that keep the group at the top of its game.
slogan “Try not, do!” Other stories in this final issue of 2013 include Bluestone Mines’
The cheeky staff gift aptly describes leadership training, Oz Minerals’ award-winning gender diversity
Greig’s measured leadership style as practices, the latest in OHS and migration and a look at wages
he quietly goes about motivating the and competitive challenges in the offshore oil and gas sector.
people designing and building some of the largest projects Economy features investment commentary from Saul
our nation has seen. Eslake and the global mining heads of KPMG and Deloitte
In 32 years with the company, the understated Greig has Touche Tohmatsu. In Innovation we talk to Bernard Salt about
rarely donned a business suit or publicly spruiked Bechtel’s demographics and UQ on community engagement; while
achievements or multi-billion dollar portfolio. As he tells Training explores maritime safety and emergency management.
Resource People in our cover story, his desire is not just to The final piece to our strongest Resource People edition yet
deliver construction of seven major Australian resources projects, is a comprehensive look at the new Coalition Government’s
including three side-by-side LNG developments on Queensland’s workplace policies and how frontbenchers Eric Abetz and Ian
Curtis Island, but to leave behind a positive community legacy. Macfarlane plan to instill greater confidence and stability into
Another AMMA member seizing opportunities provided by our industry, which continues to deliver employment, social and
Australia’s burgeoning LNG investment is asset management and economic benefits for the whole country.
services contractor Transfield Services. CEO of the energy and So whether your interest is big project construction, workforce
mining division, Joe Sofra, tells us why he is bullish on Transfield’s management, economics, training or policy and political matters
diversification strategy and provides insight into the people and – there is something in Resource People for everyone.
planning behind complex project shutdown activities.
In Human Resources, Leighton Holdings’ global HR chief Dharma Tom Reid
Chandran speaks of the competitive environment in which the multi- Editor
www.amma.org.au |Spring ‘13 – Summer ‘14 |
REgULARS 05
This has been our consistent approach regardless of who is in
government.
As analysed within these pages, the Coalition’s Policy to
Improve the Fair Work Laws doesn’t tick all the boxes but it
makes a good start in restoring genuine balance and addressing
the plethora of recent anti-business, pro-union IR re-regulation
that has been so damaging to Australian businesses.
Welcome first moves include restoring the Australian Building and
Construction Commission (ABCC) as an effective building industry
industrial regulator, breaking the union monopoly on new project
agreements and restoring some balance to what have proven to be
excessive and often disruptive union site entry powers.
Another priority area for our sector will be access to
Chief Executive’s Message responsible and economically responsive skilled migration
programs, including the 457 Visa scheme and Enterprise
Migration Agreements (EMA).
THIS EDITION OF Resource People spans an important period
New Immigration Minister Scott Morrison, who has addressed
for Australia’s resource employers as we close out a year that’s
AMMA forums on numerous occasions in recent years, is well
seen some challenges, though none insurmountable, and move
versed and supportive of our sector’s needs and responsible use
towards 2014 with a renewed sense of optimism.
of specifically targeted skilled migration programs.
With a new federal government that has promised a more
We will also be working with the government and maritime
stable and balanced policy platform for doing business in our
authorities to ensure any changes to Australia’s intercontinental
sector and our country more widely, one political catchphrase
migration zone doesn’t wreak havoc on our nation’s $150 billion
we hope to never hear again is ‘the boom is over’.
offshore oil and gas sector.
The industry has never adopted this simplistic ‘boom versus
Just as critical to maintaining our industry’s strength are the
bust’ dichotomy nor have we ever accepted that resources
non-legislative workforce initiatives that AMMA is implementing to
growth is irrevocably coming to an end.
great effect, many in ongoing partnership with the Commonwealth.
Our industry already generates 1.1 million jobs and more than $20
With each edition of Resource People I am proud to read the
billion annually in royalties and taxes, yet Australia is still to reap the
next phase of AMMA Skills Connect is being rolled out across
full social and economic benefits of the production and export phase
the country as this program works to improve labour mobility,
following the past decade’s record resources investment.
transitioning of skills and training of people in trades roles.
There also remains about $350 billion worth of new projects Similarly, online recruitment hub AMMA miningoilandgasjobs.
on the horizon that will continue to fuel large-scale construction com continues to go from strength to strength while the
activity if we get the policy mix right. Australian Women in Resources Alliance (AWRA) is rapidly
Restoring Australia’s reputation as a globally competitive developing new tools and engagement techniques to support
and productive business and investment destination is key to increased female participation in our traditionally male-
bringing this opportunity to market. With the right policies, dominated industry.
investment and growth can become the long term and The training profile of this edition features our work with
sustained norm in Australia. Bluestone Tin and how the company is building the leadership
AMMA is working constructively with Prime Minister capabilities of its people. We can help all our members tap into
Tony Abbott, whom we’ve known well since first elected to the government’s Workforce Development Funding to achieve
parliament in 1994, and his ministerial team to do just that. similarly valuable results.
We’ve encouraged Mr Abbott to hit the ground running and to These efforts and initiatives greatly advance AMMA’s vision
swiftly implement his government’s stated plans. of ensuring Australia’s resource industry is an attractive and
Resource People’s interview with our new Minister for competitive place to invest, employ people and contribute
Industry, Ian Macfarlane, reveals an experienced and considered valuably to the national wellbeing. This is even more important
leadership outlook as the former Howard Government minister with a change in government providing new opportunities for us
takes back control of his old portfolio and once again declares to further progress this.
Australia’s mining sector ‘open for business’. Reading about Bechtel, Transfield Services, Leighton Holdings
Another minister for whom AMMA has great respect and a and the plethora of other success stories in this magazine
strong working relationship with is Senator Eric Abetz, who has demonstrates that collectively, Australia’s resource industry
been assigned the key portfolio of employment. remains on track to continue being a key driver of improved well
AMMA has long advocated for appropriate workplace being and living standards across our community.
relations settings that provide adequate employee protections
but also allow employers to be flexible, innovate and ultimately Steve Knott
drive a highly productive and engaged workforce. AMMA Chief Executive
| Spring ‘13 – Summer ‘14 | www.amma.org.au
06 HUMAN RESOURCES
jOBSEEKER TRAITS AND TRENDS
revealed in new resources index
Trade-qualified men aged 35-55 remain the largest group of resource industry
jobseekers, but a new industry-led demographic index reveals some surprising traits
among people actively pursuing careers across Australia’s mining, oil and gas sectors.
THE AMMA MININGOILANDGASjOBS.COM Jobseeker
Index is a new biannual analysis of the trends, motivations and
demographics of resource industry jobseekers and the first
edition delivered wide ranging results.
“The index shows jobseekers typically have more than 15 years’
experience in the workforce and varying degrees of education,
though many hold diplomas, certificates or trade qualifications,”
says AMMA miningoilandgasjobs.com director Kyla Jones.
“Many are hoping to progress their career within the industry
or want to transfer from another sector and take advantage of
the benefits a resource career offers.
“Jobseekers also appear to be open to flexible work
arrangements, including a range of FIFO rosters with two weeks
on, one week off being the most popular choice.
“While men remain the dominant demographic, it is
encouraging that 30% of all people showing interest in a resource
industry career are women. This shows collective employer efforts
to attract more women and increase the traditional 15% female- KYLA jONES
participation rate, are gaining momentum.” SITE DIRECTOR
The results also show that the remote locations, diverse
AMMA MInIngOILAnDgASjOBS.COM
opportunities and flexible nature on offer within the
resource industry are seeing more jobseekers gather career
information online.
• 72% of jobseekers are aged 35 or older
“Networking online and visiting career websites exposes
• Men represent 70% of the jobseeker audience with an
jobseekers to greater opportunities than the local paper or
average age of 42
recruitment firm,” Ms Jones says.
• 61% of jobseekers have more than 15 years of workforce
“People interested in mining, oil and gas careers are proving
experience
to be very tech-savvy, with 62% actively searching through social
• 23% are Degree educated; 48% are qualified to Diploma,
media channels such as Google+, LinkedIn and Facebook.”
Trade or Certificate I, II, II
Other key findings from the AMMA miningoilangasjobs.com
• Almost a third (32%) hail from Queensland, followed by 18%
Jobseekers Index include:
from Western Australia
• Jobseekers are largely motivated by career progression or a
change in industry
• Jobseekers value information on career development more
than other non-salary benefits
• Workers experienced in skilled trades, administration,
management, engineering and construction represented the
largest respondent groups.
The AMMA miningoilandgasjobs.com Jobseeker Index
is compiled from a national survey of 1,045 visitors to the
resource industry owned-and-operated careers website AMMA
miningoilandgasjobs.com.
The index tracks key demographics, lifestyle and job search
trends to provide a biannual report on the national resource
industry jobseeker audience and recruitment landscape.
www.amma.org.au | Spring ‘13 – Summer ‘14 |

08 HUMAN RESOURCES
INSIDE LEIGHTON’S skills empire
Almost two years into his role as Leighton Holdings’ human resources chief,
Dharma Chandran explains how innovative workforce engagement keeps Australia’s
largest diversified construction and mining contractor at the top of its game.
DESPITE AMASSING 25 years in the international financial The global Leighton Holdings empire includes subsidiaries
services sector before joining Leighton Holdings’ executive team across construction, infrastructure, resources and property. Already
in 2011, Dharma Chandran concedes his current role has given incorporating the Thiess and John Holland brands in its stable, the
him a newfound appreciation for finding competitive advantage. group acquired Macmahon Holdings’ construction business last
“We work in a highly competitive environment, both in the year, taking on more than $570 million worth of additional work.
construction and mining sectors,” Chandran says. Together, the group of companies turns over $23 billion of
“There is a need for businesses to innovate and engage more contracts around the world annually and employs more than
powerfully with our workforces so they have the necessary skills 57,000 people; 30,000 of whom are Australian-based.
to continue to meet the expectations of clients.” According to Chandran, successfully engaging with a skilled
While softening commodity prices has led many in the industry to workforce of this size and diversity requires a three fold approach:
review their investment and expansion strategies, Chandran remains acquiring and building skills; sharing for success; and retaining
focused on innovative ways to engage Leighton’s workforce and Leighton’s best.
foster the skills to stay one step ahead of the competition.
ACqUIRING AND BUILDING SKILLS
“Despite these falling commodity prices, there remains a skills
“The employment brand is a critical component of acquiring and
shortage. The cost cutting is impacting the demand for labour
building skills,” says Chandran, a former Ernst & Young partner in
but the demand for quality, highly skilled labour is still there and
charge of the Asia-Pacific Performance and Reward practice.
is still causing competitive pressures,” he says. “Creating strong recognisable brands ensures that we attract
“Interestingly, even though the demand for workers is the best candidates in the world. Digital communication and
reducing a little, the expectations of our clients are rising. We social media are important channels for establishing our value
have established several creative ways to ensure our business proposition and attracting the best people in our organisation.
continues to grow and remains profitable in these conditions.” “Recently, LinkedIn did a survey of the most in-demand brands
Chandran’s outlook on growth is no understatement. In June on their website and I’m happy to report that Leighton Contractors
2013, Leighton Contractors announced a landmark mining deal ranked third, John Holland ranked fourth and Thiess ranked ninth.”
which set a new record as the largest single contract awarded in Chandran says attracting traditionally under-represented
the company’s history. employee groups is also key to remaining competitive.
The $1.3 billion deal extended its agreement to mine Encouragingly, women comprise about 17% of its Australian
Fortescue Metals Group’s Solomon Hub iron ore project in the workforce, which is a step-ahead of the national average of 15.1%.
Pilbara, bringing the total value of work to a record $2.8 billion. “Through our Women in Mining group together with our
www.amma.org.au | Spring ‘13 – Summer ‘14 |