30 May 2014

Windscreen cleaning at traffic lights

| tobefair
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I have never been a big fan of windscreen washing at traffic lights.

I was surprised to see it used on the corner of Melrose and Hindmarsh as a bit of a fundraiser a few times for a local women’s Aussie Rules competition, but REALLY surprised to see it used by the Fire Brigade (must have been in the last week or so).

It seems so dangerous… Has the safety and legality of it been opened to discussion before? (Sorry, I was out of town for a few years so may have missed it)

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They get government pensions and handouts but don’t pay tax on their extra earnings? Sounds entirely fair for living off the taxpayer

mathew brown8:08 am 08 Aug 21

I’m a window washer on northbourne People have got to get it out of their heads that I’m making heaps of money washing windows yesterday I worked 11 hours and made $40 and for that I am grateful thankyou to everyone that says yes but as a homeless man trying to survive and even pays for a warm night at the backpackers I am dumbfounded when streetbeggers I know earn minimum 200$ a day sitting on there ass with a sign and I walk over 500laps to cop 90% declined

Felix the Cat10:05 am 02 Jun 14

steveu said :

only a matter of time before the first person to get hit by a car, and the liability issues/lawsuits etc, to come forth.

Most of the window washers have been doing it for years and are pretty traffic savvy so unless some out of control car came hurtling through their intersection I doubt there would be any issues. They are more likely to die from drug overdose or carbon monoxide poisioning.

I’m in two minds about the window washers. Part of me gets annoyed by them as they often do a crap job with dirty water and worn out squeegee and as mentioned they don’t always take no for an answer. But then I respect their work ethic of being out there in all weather conditions for 12 or more hours a day, 6 or 7 days a week (Public Holidays inc), something that many of us wouldn’t/couldn’t do.

dungfungus said :

rosscoact said :

bigfeet said :

Although I have never utilised the the window washers services I assume that like all businesses they give you a receipt which clearly differentiates between the cost for their service and the GST they are paying and also includes their Australian Business Number.

Otherwise how could the ACT Government give them a tacit endorsement?

Legitimate businesses don’t need an ABN unless they earn over $75k per annum. They still need to provide you with a Tax Invoice if you ask for one. After you pay your $2 why don’t you ask the washer for one?

What is a “legitimate business” as opposed to one that isn’t legitimate?

An illegitimate business is one which isn’t legal, therefore doesn’t need an ABN, although I suspect that many do have them.

rosscoact said :

bigfeet said :

Although I have never utilised the the window washers services I assume that like all businesses they give you a receipt which clearly differentiates between the cost for their service and the GST they are paying and also includes their Australian Business Number.

Otherwise how could the ACT Government give them a tacit endorsement?

Legitimate businesses don’t need an ABN unless they earn over $75k per annum. They still need to provide you with a Tax Invoice if you ask for one. After you pay your $2 why don’t you ask the washer for one?

What is a “legitimate business” as opposed to one that isn’t legitimate?

bigfeet said :

Although I have never utilised the the window washers services I assume that like all businesses they give you a receipt which clearly differentiates between the cost for their service and the GST they are paying and also includes their Australian Business Number.

Otherwise how could the ACT Government give them a tacit endorsement?

Legitimate businesses don’t need an ABN unless they earn over $75k per annum. They still need to provide you with a Tax Invoice if you ask for one. After you pay your $2 why don’t you ask the washer for one?

steveu said :

only a matter of time before the first person to get hit by a car, and the liability issues/lawsuits etc, to come forth.

They should be made to have workers comp insurance.

Get used to it. What else will the unemployed youth of today do to support their families after they’ve already learned two degrees?

only a matter of time before the first person to get hit by a car, and the liability issues/lawsuits etc, to come forth.

I am all for it, Ian the Dickson window washer is there rain, hail or 40 degree heat working day and night, however I think they should be required to pay a annual permit. and checked to see if they are on the dole! as I have it on good authority that Ian the Dickson washers on most days cashes in around $200 to $250 a day.

Leon said :

bigfeet said :

I assume that like all businesses they give you a receipt which clearly differentiates between the cost for their service and the GST they are paying and also includes their Australian Business Number.

Obviously bigfeet never shops at the local fruit shop or the local produce markets.

I would bet that anyone with a stall at the Farmers Markets has an ABN and would also give you a receipt if asked.

bigfeet said :

I assume that like all businesses they give you a receipt which clearly differentiates between the cost for their service and the GST they are paying and also includes their Australian Business Number.

Obviously bigfeet never shops at the local fruit shop or the local produce markets.

Mr Gillespie1:57 am 31 May 14

Ms Gallager has shown she endorses this activity, she mentioned how she and her kids were familiar with one who is now deceased. Never mind the fact that they have trouble taking ‘No’ for an answer.

Although I have never utilised the the window washers services I assume that like all businesses they give you a receipt which clearly differentiates between the cost for their service and the GST they are paying and also includes their Australian Business Number.

Otherwise how could the ACT Government give them a tacit endorsement?

well I think Dominos Pizza placing 15 year olds on intersections waving signs is much worse than adults standing there cleaning windscreens.

If you’re at a loose end in Dickson, you can do the windscreen thing, hang outside Woolies with your hat off, or harass people having coffee for your fag money. I suppose at least our windscreen washer is having a “go”.

That said, I also don’t see why anyone would think people need their windscreen washed all the time – I have the dreaded squeegee shoved in my face almost every day in Dickson, no matter how clean or dirty my glass might be (I do keep it clean).

But it’s when the lights go green and you can’t get round the corner because our mate is still in the middle lane that is the problem. I’m sure he must have some bruises! And there have been times there that I have not moved on a green light.

The only time I’ve had mine done is with a “yooor roight maate, there’s naa charge …” and my protestations have not registered. Too friggin right there’s no charge, mate!

Social welfare, nice cash tax free income (wish I could have one of those!) and terrific sunny working conditions blah blah ….

Please just get out the road and let me get around the corner!

I’m always happy to support the firies but this sounds like a bad idea to me. This activity should be illegal.

VYBerlinaV8_is_back3:59 pm 30 May 14

Mattenagger said :

The firies were helping out a local Canberran family (I believe) who were trying to raise money for the ongoing treatment of their ill child. I was quite happy to donate them some money for a good cause and missed out on the wash because of the lights changing.

If they’d stood in a carpark letting kids have a photo with the firetruck, or trying on a hat, or something similar, I’d happily chip in.

The firies were helping out a local Canberran family (I believe) who were trying to raise money for the ongoing treatment of their ill child. I was quite happy to donate them some money for a good cause and missed out on the wash because of the lights changing.

Personally I don’t think it makes sense. I see people pay to have a shotty job done on their windscreen, yet cars have washer-bottles that are automatic, and (for the most part) free.

I’m still baffled as to why someone would pay for that service.

VYBerlinaV8_is_back2:57 pm 30 May 14

I saw the firies there recently and a couple of them had managed to get stranded in the middle of the two straight ahead lanes heading east on Hindmarsh, and were stuck there with cars whizzing past at 80+km/h.

The sooner they outlaw (and enforce) this annoying and dangerous practice the better.

I am not a fan either. I’ve witnessed several near misses, which I would suspect is the reason why this practice is illegal outside the ACT.

It’s actually illegal under the Australian Road Rules but ACT government amended them to make it explicitly legal.

“Windscreen washing is a legally permitted activity under road transport legislation, in the ACT.
Section 22A of the Road Transport (Safety and Traffic Management) Regulation 2000 permits a pedestrian to stand on a road, or move onto a road for a number of purposes including to wash or clean, or offer to clean, the windscreen of a vehicle. ”

http://timetotalk.act.gov.au/storage/CM%20Talkback%20Follow%20up%20%20-%2015%20November%202013.docx

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