Welcome
 
Welcome to the Australian Environmental Pest Managers Association July 2020 edition.  Please read on below for more details below or visit our website for online version.
AEPMA National Office - Update
 
Dear Members,
 
Welcome the July 2020 edition of the AEPMA Newsletter.
 
In this month’s edition, we have an update from the AEPMA AGM that was held on the 29th June, along with a Presidents report (that can be found here) Thank you to everyone who attended via teleconference and congratulations to all elected office bearers.
 
Unfortunately, we had to postpone our conference for this year but, we are currently looking at options to hold a “Virtual & Venue based” one day event this year (30th September 2020) We are keen to hear your thoughts on a virtual conference, and we would really appriciate if you could fill out our online survey. This will help in planning any future conferences we may hold and ensure that the content you are keen to see will be included. 
 
Please remember that nominations are open for Pest Manager of the Year. Don’t delay in sending in your nomination forms!  The deadline is 6th July.  Nominations may be returned via email to info@aepma.com.au

As always, we are looking for any interesting articles to add into our upcoming newsletters so, if you would like to see your name in print please contact our National Office via email info@aepma.com.au
 
Please note that AEPMA have updated the newsletter editorial guidelines.  Further information may be found here 
 
Thank you for your continued support, and if you have any questions please don’t hesitate to contact us. 
Regards
 
Vasili Tsoutouras
President
AEPMA - Annual General Meeting & NSW / ACT update
 
AEPMA - Annual General Meeting

The AEPMA AGM was held via teleconference on 29th July 2020.  

Congratulations to Vasili Tsoutouras who was re-elected unopposed President of AEPMA.  

Other elected delegates confirmed at the AGM were:

  • Gary Stephenson - National Vice President / National Director –  NSW 
  • Eris Hess - National Director – Associates/Treasurer
  • Victor Morgan- National Director - WA
  • Rob Boschma - National Director - VIC
  • Shane Osborne - National Director - QLD 
  • Mark Wagner - National Director – SA*
  • David Gay - Special Expertise Delegate

Thank you to all who attended via teleconference.

*confirmed by the Board as the National Delegate from South Australia 

NSW / ACT update – Patrick Legey (Chairman)

Dear All,

I hope this report will find you well. 

In my 12 years as AEPMA NSW ACT State Council Chairman and 62 years on this planet, I have never experienced more challenging times than the last six months. 
Know that we are all in the same situation and we wish you, your family and your staff to remain safe!!

Again, it is time to reflect on what the AEPMA NSW ACT State council has achieved on behalf of the members in the last 24 months. 
We have had 4 State Council meetings per calendar year, all in Sydney except for the Hawks Nest / Tea Gardens meetings. 

Read more here

PMITAG NSW Summary Report 2018 to 2020

Urban Pest Management Industry Training Advisory Group NSW (PMITAG NSW) is a Board Committee of AEPMA operating as a ‘think tank’ focussing on training, CPD and related matters and supporting AEPMA NSW Council.

Dr Chris Orton, Secretary PMITAG NSW, tabled a PMITAG NSW Summary Report for period 2018 to 2020
 
Read more here
Pest Manager of the Year - Nominations Closing Soon!
 
Entries are now open for the 2020 Pest Manager of the Year Awards. Organised by AEPMA and proudly sponsored by BASF.  The nomination deadline has been extended until 6th July 2020.
 
“BASF continue to applaud all those whom are nominated for embodying the progressive values which we at BASF share and practice in our own business. Each year, we are a witness to an impressive range of entries, showcasing companies with a genuine commitment to keep raising the standard of service within the Pest Control Business at every level.”

If you would like to nominate for Pest Manager of the Year please click on the link below.  The categories are as follows:

A Pest Management Firm employing more than 10 people

A Pest Management Firm with less than 10 people

Micro Business Award - less than 3 people

South Pacific Pest Manager of the year

Further information and entry guidelines are available here

Survey - AEPMA Virtual Conference

As you may be aware due to Covid-19 restrictions the AEPMA 2020 conference has been postponed until next year.  However, we are currently looking at options to hold a “Virtual & Venue based” one day event this year. We are keen to hear your thoughts on a virtual conference and what you would like to see, hear, and learn.
 
We have put together a short survey to get your feedback on this.  This survey is available here.  We look forward to hearing your thoughts.

Easy Payslip - Single Touch Payroll

Were you aware that the Government legislated all small business to be ATO Single Touch Payroll (STP) compliant? Here's what you need to know. 

Back on July 1st, 2019, legislation was introduced that made it compulsory for all businesses with 19 or less employees to become STP compliant. The ATO would enforce this legislation. 

All businesses with 20 or more employees should already be reporting through STP. However, from July 1st, 2020, the ATO has indicated that fines may apply to non-compliant businesses.

What is STP? 

Single Touch Payroll (STP), is a new way of reporting tax and superannuation information to the ATO. With STP, your business reports employees' payroll information, inclusive of salaries and wages, pay as you go (PAYG) withholding and superannuation, each time you pay your employees through an STP-enabled software.

Read more here 

Australian Chemical Research Fined $25,200 for Alleged Breaches in Relation to Hand Sanitiser

The TGA has fined Sydney-based company Australian Chemical Research Pty Ltd $25,200, for alleged breaches of the Therapeutic Goods Act 1989.

Australian Chemical Research allegedly manufactured and supplied antibacterial/anti-viral hand sanitiser not included in the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods (ARTG), and which was neither an exempt good nor a good that is excluded from the operation of the Act The company allegedly claimed the hand sanitiser kills 99.99% of germs, viruses and bacteria on hands, including the flu virus, the common cold virus and HIV.

The label also stated that the active ingredients of the hand sanitiser included 80% iso-propanol. However, the product contained a large percentage of n-propanol, which is a less effective and potentially hazardous alcohol. Australian Chemical Research was not licenced to manufacture therapeutic goods and did not have approval to do so.    Source: Hand sanitiser penalty
  
Post-Market Review of Face Masks: Cancelled ARTG Entries

The TGA is undertaking a post-market review of face masks included in the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods (ARTG).

During the review many face masks have been cancelled from the ARTG with the latest list displayed here: Face-mask cancellations   (Please also see general overview: Post-market face mask review ) enforce this legislation. 

All businesses with 20 or more employees should already be reporting through STP. However, from July 1st, 2020, the ATO has indicated that fines may apply to non-compliant businesses.

PWAPM - Excellence Award 
 
Nominations opened on the 25th June 2020 for inspiring women within the industry who embody leadership qualities and embrace the principles of corporate social responsibility.
 
The PWAPM Excellence Award winner will be recognised as a woman in the pest control industry that has not only shown outstanding leadership but has dedicated their time and energy in making notable contributions to the development and growth within the industry.
 
Please click here for more info 
 
Bayer : Environmental Science Appoints New Territory Sales Manager (Pest) VIC/SA/TAS

Environmental Science has appointed David Fielder to the role of Territory Sales Manager (Pest) – VIC/SA/TAS, replacing recently retired Territory Sales Manager, Jim Westhead.

Dave comes to Bayer after working for Agserv Pest Control Supplies for the past 10 years as a sales representative for Victoria.  
 
Dave began his career working in the automotive industry, completing an apprenticeship as a diesel mechanic from 1980 to 1989.  Following that, he became a sales representative and sales manager with an automotive battery manufacturer until 1998.  He then spent 11 years in the U.K. working in fleet sales for the Honda Motor Group, arriving back in Australia at the end of 2010.
 
Dave said: “I’m looking forward to working with Bayer and to continue to build relationships and help pest professionals throughout Australia”. 
 
In his new role, Dave will be responsible for providing service and support to distributors and end users in Victoria, South Australia and Tasmania. Dave will report to Daryle Swarz, Market Manager – Pest
 
Contact Dave via
Mobile: +61 418658107  E-mail:  david.fielder@bayer.com
Greenzone

Finally, the wait is over!

Greenzone Termite Management Film is now available. The Film, which is available in 100,150,200,280, 300mm and up to 6m widths made to order will suit most installations no matter what the project.  

“At Greenzone we are so excited to bring the Greenzone Termite Management Film to the market. Australian Pest Managers now have a complete Greenzone Termite Management system to use and can get the job done with full confidence in the System . We know the building industry is competitive so we don’t charge annual fees and have pre cut rolls. 

We want to make it easy for Pest Control companies to deal with us and save them time and money . This means our accredited applicators can get the job done and look after their builders and customers.,” concluded Mr Paterson.
https://www.greenzonebarrier.com/greenzone-product/

Slingshot Reaches New Heights

The phone rings. The customer has a problem with wasps that have taken up residency and claimed the immediate territory as their own, attacking anybody who has the audacity to come anywhere near their nest. You do a deal to send an operator to fix the problem only to look around and find the operator (who actually heard your conversation) you would allocate the job has fled the scene, hiding out of site, hoping somebody else gets it.

Read more here

Premium Protection for Termite Management
 
The ‘insurance’ termite segment can be a really difficult sell. Research suggests up to 73% of Australians haven’t had their home inspected for termites1 and of those that have, many don’t take the next step of installing a protective system to keep termites out. 

Ensuring homeowners are across their options and stressing the need for ongoing protection is an important part of the duty of care for pest managers. The homeowner may reject the recommendation but will appreciate your care and you will have planted a seed that may result in a system installation down the track.

Read more here

New Wild Dog Action Plan Launched 

The National Wild Dog Action Plan (NWDAP) 2020-30 is Australia’s new blueprint for humane, best practice wild dog management.

The Plan, an update of the independently reviewed NWDAP 2014-19, is endorsed by producers, peak farming bodies, the Australian Government, state governments and research and development corporations, and ensures control measures are evidence-based best practice and the most ethical and humane available.

Read more here

Newsletter contributions/comments

AEPMA welcomes any contributions or suggestions for articles that you feel are relevant to the industry. Simply forward to info@aepma.com.au.

Or do you have something to say about an article you’ve read in the Newsletter? Why not leave your feedback on our Facebook page.

  • Pest Manager of the Year nominations close 6th July 2020
  • QLD Branch Meeting - 16th July 2020 at 9am
  • AEPMA Virtual Conference 30th September 2020 
  • SAVE THE DATE!!  AEPMA Conference Pesticon 2021 22nd - 24th September 2021

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