The ABSA Board met in Canberra Friday 5 February. This was the first board meeting for most directors, who were appointed at the AGM late last year. The meeting had been planned some time ago. It was in fact a timely meeting in the circumstances and gave the board an opportunity to raise issues of concern to members.
Green Loans
The first item on the agenda for the board meeting was the Green Loans Program. The meeting started with a series of presentations by DEWHA staff members and was followed by a very valuable, and frank, discussion about governance and operations of the program. The department was left with no doubt as to the members’ concerns regarding the program. The discussion canvassed the respective roles of the Department, education providers and ABSA. It also dealt with issues raised in the press and parliament in the days leading up to the meeting. It also reviewed the audit process instituted by the department and the manner in which the audit had been announced. The Board reiterated its understanding of ABSA’s role in the program. The ABSA Board will continue to provide DEWHA with ideas for improvements to the scheme, and lessons learned.
NatHERS and other Programs
A number of issues to do with NatHERS were also discussed, particularly the development of the National Strategy on Energy Efficiency and Framework. There was also discussion on future programs such as GreenStart, Mandatory Disclosure (residential and commercial) . The Board discussed issues such as continuing professional development, qualifications, and assessor skills into the future.
Setting Strategy for Fees
ABSA is a not-for-profit association, a status that will be maintained. The Board is very conscious that members’ funds must be spent wisely and to the benefit of the membership, and that fees levied must be appropriate. The Board will decide on a strategy on use of members’ funds, priorities for which will be training and industry development. Future fee schedules will also be reviewed.
Member Meetings
This is advance notice that ABSA will conduct a series of member meetings in March in capital cities around Australia. The meetings will provide a forum for communication. This will be your chance provide feedback and be updated on issues to do with your association. Dates and venues will be announced soon.
ABSA Board: 2010
Your ABSA Board members for 2010 are:
- Wayne Floyd (Chairman) - Bill Burns - Michael Plunkett - Edward Roe - Tone Wheeler - Jenny Johanson - Jonathon Casson - Lyn Beinat
Last week ABSA was audited by Price Waterhouse Coopers against the HSAS protocol. The audit was welcomed by the Board and CEO, Alison Carmichael. We are waiting for the draft report but are confident that our registration systems and processes are satisfactory. The CEO was able to point out to the auditors that the Department is (and at all relevant times was) aware the HSAS protocol has not been implemented in full and parts of the scheme are still to be completed by DEWHA. ABSA’s role has been to ensure that members meet probity checks, training and insurance requirements for the Green Loans Program.
Dont Believe everything you read in the Press
We are all aware of the recent media coverage about Green Loans Program.Many reports have been inaccurate, confirming the saying that you can’t believe everything you read in the papers.ABSA will provide a more detailed response to the inaccuracies in due course
'Measuring Progress towards Sustainability'
ABSA Ltd. Level 9, 418A Elizabeth Street, Surry Hills, 2010. ph: 1300889438 e: admin@absa.net.au
We are all aware of the recent media coverage about Green Loans Program.Many reports have been inaccurate, confirming the saying that you can’t believe everything you read in the papers.The board is confident that ABSA’s name will not be damaged in the long term.ABSA will provide a more detailed response in due course.
