About Contractor Accreditation Limited
Fostering an environment of confidence in the building and construction industry in the Northern Territory.
Since 1995, Contractor Accreditation Limited (CAL) has been accrediting contractors in the building and construction industries in the Northern Territory. Through our thorough assessment process, we provide confidence and assurance to industry that the contractors and sub-contractors they choose are up to the job.
We are a 100% Territory-owned and operated and not-for-profit company focussed primarily on ensuring a strong, highly-skilled and reputable building and construction industry.
Our key functions are to:
- Provide a system of accreditation of contractors to perform works and services in the civil, construction and building services industries, based on assessment by experts in those industries.
- Co-ordinate and encourage co-operation and collaboration between the civil, construction and building services industries across the Northern Territory.
- Represent the interests of the building and construction industries on behalf of our stakeholders.
Our Expert Team
Our Board of Directors and members of the assessment panel have a combined total of more than 1100 years’ experience in the industry and in the Northern Territory. They are invested in the industry because they are the industry.
Position
Chairman
BROCK SIMON
45+ years in the Territory
Brock Simon has spent 45 years working in the Northern Territory in motor vehicle sales, real estate, retail sales and construction. Brock was the General Manager of Nortruss Builders Supplies for 14 years before purchasing the business in 2005. Since retiring, Brock has been consulting to small and medium businesses in the areas of sales mentoring, business liaison and succession planning.
Brock has been involved with CAL since its inception in the 1990s being involved in assessment panels since that time. He held a CAL Director position for three years before becoming the Chairman.
Brock’s interests include rugby union, holding the position of Chairman of the Friends of Rugby and Treasurer for Friends of Rugby and Straycats RUFC.
Position
Director
30+ years in the Territory
Holding a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering, John Brears has spent more than 50 years working in the construction industry in Australia and overseas including the UK, Dubai, Jordan, Gambia and Indonesia.
Since coming to the Northern Territory, John has managed construction projects gaining considerable knowledge in local costs, conditions, regulations, resources, adjudication and mediation. John is currently engaged by body corporates and owners to consult on buildings with complex issues.
In addition to his role with CAL, John is the Chairman of the Building Appeals Board, member of the NT Civil and Administrative Tribunal, Mediator for NT Worksafe, Adjudicator for Payment Disputes and Trustee of the Master Builders Fidelity Fund.
Position
Director
KEITH AITKEN
40+ years in the Territory
After working in construction in Victoria and Papua New Guinea, Keith Aitken founded Advance Civil Engineering in Darwin in 1980. The company has delivered services across the Northern Territory including into isolated communities in support of civil engineering, mining and infrastructure projects.
Keith is a member of the Development Consent Authority for Litchfield, a companion in Engineers Australia, a member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors, and a past member of Master Builders Northern Territory, Civil Contractors Federation NT, Civil Contractors Federation of Australia, and the Major Industries Training Council.
Keith was also the Honorary Consul for the Republic of Poland and a life member of Alliance Francaise de Darwin.
Position
Born and bred in the Territory
Born, raised and educated in the Northern Territory, Michael Lynagh was a member of the original working group to establish CAL. He then continued as a board director and panel member.
Michael has been the owner and director of Diesel Contract Services since 1980 and provides training to members of the Australian Defence Force. Diesel Contract Services is the only NT-based builder to manufacture and supply diesel power generation sets for Power and Water.
Since 1993, Michael has been the Director of North Australia Mechanical and Electrical Services, a company maintaining standby and prime power generation sets across the Northern Territory.
Michael is the Past Chairman of the NT Government Procurement Advisory Group and is the current Independent Deputy Chairman of the NT Business Council.
Position
Born and bred in the Territory
Tom Harris has spent his career working to strengthen the Territory economy, industry and community through roles in the hospitality industry, financial markets, and water and mineral drilling sectors.
Tom is currently the Chief Executive Officer of the Civil Contractors Federation of the Northern Territory and is the director of a family company running a vegetable and fruit producing farm in the rural area.
Tom is a Past President and life member of the NT Farmers Association and is a member of the Northern Territory Government appointed Drillers Qualification Advisory Committee. IN addition, Tom has been an industry advocate for the extractive industry and civil construction sectors.
Tom has extensive ties to the Northern Territory dating back to his grandmother who was born here in 1908.
Position
20+ years’ in the Northern Territory
Greg Ireland made his name in the electronic and security industry at technical and management levels in a career spanning more than 35 years. After moving to the Northern Territory in 1997, Greg became the Managing Director of Security & Technology Services, a role he has held since 2004 that has involved him in a range of projects covering project management, installation and technical support.
Greg is the current Chairman of the Chamber of Commerce, having been a board member since June 2012. Greg joined the CAL Board in 2015, bringing his practical board experience skills and strong professional connections with him.
Position
35 years’ in the Northern Territory
Greg Bicknell is the Chief Executive Officer of the Northern Territory Chamber of Commerce & industry; a role he has held since 2013. Prior to becoming the CEO, Greg was the Tradestart Export Advisor from 2000, going on to manage industry councils until his appointment in 2013.
Greg’s experience spans large corporations, government bodies and small to medium business and includes 10 years’ working with the international trade and manufacturing industry.
Greg is a current member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and the Migration Industry Association as well as a number of community associations.
Position
STEPHEN WARD
40+ years’ in the Northern Territory
Stephen Ward joined CAL as the CEO and Registrar in 1998 following a successful 25-year career in the public service including executive level positions in departments concerned with land use and development. During this time Stephen was regularly engaged in in providing advice and support to Northern Territory Government ministers, giving him a unique perspective on government decision-making.
Stephen is a member of the Development Consent Authority, former director of NT Cricket, former NT Cricket Code of Conduct Commissioner and a former Code of Conduct Commissioner for Cricket Australia.
Position
Deputy Registrar
PAULA MILLER-TILBROOK
Time in Territory – 39 years
Paula joined CAL in 1998 as the Deputy Registrar following a career in the retail and service industries. Paula is responsible for managing the CAL team, ensuring our policies and procedures are up to scratch and co-chairing the Technical Assessment Sub Panel meetings.
SUSAN CARNELL
Secretary to the Assessment Panel
20 years in the Territory
Joined CAL in 2011 following a career in the retail sector
HELEN TALIAS
Senior Client Services Officer
20+ years in the Territory
Joined CAL in 2013.
SOPHIE HEWITT
Client Services Officer
10+ years in the Territory
Joined CAL in 2016 following completion of secondary education and employment in the hospitality industry.
DANISHA BLEWIT
Client Services Officer
Born and bred in the Territory
Joined CAL in 2018 following employment in the services and construction industries.