An AEPMA NSW ACT State Council meeting was held on 4 June 2018 at 4.00 pm at the office of Ensystex, 4- 6 Junction Street, Auburn NSW.
The meeting was well attended and we had the pleasure of again welcoming Mr John Murray from Flick – Anticimex, to talk to us about the case for a review of our current Urban Pest Management Training Package, and new State Council members Mr Dio Naaktgeboren (Flick - Anticimex) and Mr Colin Urey (Drop Dead Pest Control).
For the second time in four weeks, Mr John Murray addressed the meeting and tabled documents to explain the process of training package reform that is currently underway at the direction of the COAG Industry & Skills Council and the Australian Industry & Skills Committee (AISC). Artibus Innovation has been engaged by the AISC as the Skill Services Organisation (SSO), to manage this process. Artibus Innovation has established an Industry Reference Committee (IRC) to review and develop training packages in line with the Australian Governments reform process. Artibus Innovation has, as part of their 2018/2019 work schedule, the requirement to review and reform (if required) the Pest Management training package.
The first step of this process has been to develop a business Case for Change project. “Project 5 – Urban Pest Management” will examine the content, structure, training delivery and student outcomes of the CPP30115 Certificate III in Urban Pest Management. The rationale, priorities, plan and scope of the project is outlined in the documents provided. As training package reform needs to be industry driven, Artibus are seeking further consultation/engagement with all industry stakeholders to obtain feedback on this project. They have requested assistance from AEPMA as the largest industry representative in getting this message out to their members. John Murray is representing AEPMA on the relevant IRC and is assisting with the consultation process. It was suggested that AEPMA might undertake an online survey via newsletter and social media channels to obtain feedback from members, and that Artibus Innovation be invited to attend and possibly speak at the AEPMA Conference later in 2018.
Update: Training Package Redevelopment Project
The Australian Industry & Skills Committee (AISC) has endorsed the Pest Management Case for Change project and green lighted Artibus Innovation to begin the project. The first step will be to undertake a range of engagement activities with industry stakeholders to further scope out the project. A survey questionnaire is being developed and will soon be circulated through AEPMA’s various pest management social media channels. As part of this survey there will also be a call for industry stakeholders to be a part of the Technical Advisory Committee (TAC). The role of the TAC is to assist the IRC by providing technical input to the review and development of the training package. AEPMA has also kindly invited a representative from Artibus Innovation to participate (and who has now accepted) in a panel discussion on Pest Management training at the AEPMA conference on the Gold Coast in September.
So, Pest Managers around Australia, it may be a good idea to look at what we think should be changed in the current training package and voice our recommendations while there is still the opportunity.
John would like to know your comments and take them on board. You can email your comments to the NSW ACT State Council at: Patrick@austrapest.com.au or the National office at info@aepma.com.au.
It was sad to hear of the passing Mr Doug Howick (Life member). Doug or “Uncle Doug” as he was known to many of us, was the National Executive Director of the AEPMA from 1996 till 2006. We will not go in too much detail, as another article will tell more about Doug and his achievements. There is no doubt that Doug’s wit, flair, friendship and true gentleman style will be missed by many.
By now, you should all be aware of the 1st July 2018 compulsory registration of trainees in Pest Management and Fumigation with NSW EPA. The basic licence for Urban Pest Management (require competency units 5, 6 and 18 of the Urban Pest Management training package to apply for their licence). From 1 July, anyone doing Pest Management or Fumigation work and does not hold a licence must have a Trainee Permit, be over 17 years old and be undertaking an approved course of training for that work. Conditions will be attached, especially record keeping, so I recommend to all pest managers and employers to keep a log book or something similar as the new Pesticide Regulation 2017 requires trainees, supervisors and employers to have adequate written records.
The trainee is directly supervised on the job by a supervisor, record what he/she does and the supervisor sign off on it. All, including employers, are to keep a copy of the record, which hopefully does not differ too much from the current process. We must make sure the trainee does not apply pesticides directly unsupervised, until competent to do so.
The permits will be valid for two years. There will be a restriction on the ratio of trainees per licenced operators. Applications for trainee permits can be submitted to NSW EPA at:
https://www.epa.nsw.gov.au/licensing-and-regulation/licensing/econnect-epa. All other requirements by NSW EPA regarding pesticide application records, mandatory notification for pesticide application near sensitive sites, or treatment of common areas in multiple occupancy complexes, still apply.
There is a rumour out there that Pest Managers need to retrain or do a refresher course to re-apply for their licence every five years. NSW AEPMA has been informed by NSW EPA at previous meetings that it is not the case for Licenced Pest Managers or Fumigators.
NSW EPA also informed us of a pending audit of businesses involved in fumigation, especially focusing on the use of Methyl bromide and their fumigations procedures. The campaign will involve visiting 60 fumigation sites.
Several Pest Managers were involved in an NSW EPA commissioned survey. NSW EPA will use some of the information in a pending campaign aimed at raising awareness within the public regarding Pest Management and compulsory licencing.
There has, been no further communications at this stage regarding NSW EPA Code of Practice for the use of Pesticides in Urban Pest Management.
The AEPMA NSW ACT State Council will seek the possibility for another meeting with NSW EPA delegates to discuss all the above matters further. We will let you know when more information is available.
Other items discussed at the meeting were the Codes of Practice existing and pending, Field Biologist course, Pest Manager of the Year Award and extension of applications to 27 July 2018.
Please don’t forget, our own AEPMA National conference at The Star Gold Coast on the Gold Coast in sunny Queensland for 19-21 September 2018 “Pest Management in a Changing Market" – the first day focussing on termite management.
I encourage all members to make a note in your diaries now. Get on the website check the registration form and the program.
A great place to have a few days off! I will be there to learn about new technology and products and being updated on what is going on in Pest Management trends across the globe. I will also catch up and network with colleagues around the country. Make sure you are there!
The Star Gold Coast is conveniently located in Broadbeach, within walking distance to restaurants, shops, beach and plenty to do for all family members. If you have any queries, please feel free to contact the National Office.
Mr Patrick Legey thanks the Ensystex’s team for the use off their office and refreshments for this AEPMA NSW ACT Branch meeting.
The next AEPMA NSW/ ACT State Council meeting will be held on 20 August 2018 at 4 pm at a venue to be announced.
Any queries, I can be contacted on email: Patrick@austrapest.com.au or contact the National office at info@aepma.com.au. I will be away overseas from 18 June to 14 July, however I am still available via email.
Patrick Legey - Chairman for the AEPMA NSW ACT State Council
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