Funding
The ABBTF programs to address the skill shortage in bricklaying are funded by a small levy on the sale of clay bricks and concrete masonry and a matching contribution from brick and block manufacturers. The levy represents $16 on the cost of an average house and $40 for double brick construction which is prominent in Western Australia.
Levy Calculation
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Clay Bricks: |
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Concrete Masonry: |
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Excludes: |
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Funds collected in each state are applied to programs to address the skill shortage in the state.
Note: In Western Australia double height clay bricks attract a levy of $3 per thousand and there is no levy on the sale of concrete masonry.
ACCC Authorisation Press Release
ACCC Allow Industry Levy on Bricks and Masonry Products
The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission has allowed the continuation of an industry agreement that imposes a levy on the sale of clay bricks and concrete masonry products.
The levies fund a national program designed to alleviate shortages of skilled bricklayers. The program creates appenticeship opportunities for school leavers and mature age entrants and provides subsidies for bricklayer directly employing apprentices.
The program also provides support for host employers of apprentices through group training companies which helps reduce the charge out rate of apprentice bricklayers.
The ACCC's decision will enable to Australian Brick & Blocklaying Training Foundation, Think Brick Australia and the Concrete Masonry Association of Australia to continue to impose a levy of $2 per 1,000 clay bricks and 10 cents per square metre on concrete masonry walling products sold in NSW, Victoria, Queensland, SA, WA, Tasmania and ACT.
Based on information provided by the ABBTF, the levies would add $16 to the cost of an average-sized house, given that around 8,000 bricks are used.
Information available to the ACCC indicates that there has been a steady increase in apprenticeship commencements since the first version of the scheme was authorised in 1998.
The ACCC has granted authorisation to the levy arrangements for another five years.
Authorisation provides immunity from court action for conduct that might otherwise raise concerns under the competition provisions of the Trade Practices Act 1974. Broadly, the ACCC may grant an authorisation when it is satisfied that the public benefit from the conduct outweights any public detriment.
The ACCC's determination will be available from the ACCC website www.accc.gov.au/AuthorisationsRegister.
Media inquiries
Mr Graeme Samuel, Chairman, (03) 9290 1812 or 0408 335 555
Mr Brent Rebecca, Media, (02) 6243 1317 or 0408 995 408
General inquiries
Infocentre 1300 302 502
Release # NR 208/09
Issued: 27th August 2009
Relating register records
Australian Brick & Blocklaying Training Foundation Ltd
- Revocation and Substitution - A91133 & A91166