Master Plumber Western Australia - Issue 24 - October 2020

MASTER

PLUMBER Issue 24 | October 2020

Western Australia

Staying Strong Together Hydrogen is Coming

Bigger than the 1970s conversion to natural gas

Workers Compensation and JobKeeper Know your obligations

Contents 4 5 7 7 8 10 16 17

14

President’s Message CEO’s Message Special Thanks MPANZ National Secretariat In the Media Industry News For the Record Letters to Government

Staying Strong Together Publisher The Master Plumbers and Gasfitters Association of Western Australia (Union of Employers)

Editing & Design Razoreye Info@razoreye.com.au

The Master Plumbers and Gasfitters Association of Western Australia (Union of Employers)

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Postal Address PO Box 5218, East Victoria Park WA 6981

Workers Compensation and JobKeeper

Address 353 Shepperton Road East Victoria Park WA 6101 Phone: (08) 9471 6661 www.masterplumbers.asn.au Office Bearers President:

Matthew Johnson

Vice President:

Ron Grant

Immediate Past President: Geoff Kelly CEO:

Murray Thomas

Executive Committee

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Paul Manifis, Paul O’Leary, Derek Rowe, Peter Dawe, Mark Sadler, Max Jones, James Faggetter, John Cugley, Dean Harnett,

Hydrogen is Coming

Carlo Giancola ISSN 2208-2256 (online)

Disclaimer While all care has been taken to ensure the accuracy of the information included in this publication, no responsibility is taken, unless expressly indicated, by The Master Plumbers and Gasfitters Association of Western Australia for any inaccuracies. Inclusion of opinions, statements and comments does not constitute endorsement of such content by The Master Plumbers and Gasfitters Association of Western Australia.

Content within this publication is protected by Australian copyright law and may not be reproduced without express written permission by an office bearer or delegate of The Master Plumbers and Gasfitters Association of Western Australia.

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President’s Message

We always knew this was going to be a significant year for The Master Plumbers and Gasfitters Association of WA because, in January, we assumed the role of Secretariat of Master Plumbers Australia and New Zealand (MPANZ). This made us responsible for administering the peak body that represents our industry in two countries in addition to being the voice of Master Plumbers in WA. Then, without warning, came the unforeseen challenges of COVID-19 that have affected all of us and brought months of uncertainty and financial stress. At the very least, every member has endured some degree of costly and time-consuming business disruption due to the need to undergo activities such as taking extra health precautions at the workplace, finding scarce personal protective equipment or doing COVID-19 training.

in this issue explains, there is strength in belonging to a group that fights for you.

And fight we did, not only in relation to COVID-19 but on other fronts too. For example, in the past months, the WA Government has introduced draft legislation in the areas of industrial relations, industrial manslaughter and payment security. These proposed new laws are problematic to say the least, especially for small and medium business owners. We are actively campaigning for the Government to change them.

On a positive note, it is encouraging to see national licensing reform gaining traction with the publication of the Australian Building Code Board’s draft National Registration Framework.

This is a welcome development and we have collaborated with other MPANZ members to submit a detailed response on behalf of the industry.

Matt Johnson President

Coronavirus The pandemic brought the Association’s role into a sharper focus than ever before. The rapid series of announcements by the Australian and WA Governments created a sharp increase in the number of key messages we had to communicate and the range of resources and support we had to provide. As one of the articles

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CEO’s Message

At the beginning of the year planning was in full swing for the series of industry forums we were going to conduct in regional areas and Perth. Nobody in our office team could have imagined that by mid-March, just a week after celebrating World Plumbing Day, those events and others would be postponed indefinitely, the office would be closed and we would be working from our homes.

As fear of the disease took hold in the community, the lockdown wrought its effects on the economy and there was a stream of government announcements, we had important work to do.

A priority was keeping members informed about the financial assistance available to them and how to respond to COVID-19.

So too was being a public voice for Master Plumbers. At one point, we thought we were on for a battle to keep the plumbing industry open. That threat disappeared but more action was coming on other fronts.

Some events created ripple effects. This was the case when panic shopping caused a shortage of toilet paper, which in combination with the increased interest in personal hygiene prompted a surge in sales and do-it-yourself installation of douche sprays. We led the way in generating media coverage about the health risks and urging government authorities to issue warnings.

Legionnaires’ Disease

We were in the media again with a warning about the risk of Legionnaires’ disease when office workers return to buildings where water has been stagnant in pipes and cooling systems for months. While going public with this message, we emphasised that building owners should use licensed plumbing contractors to perform the required flushing and cleaning work.

As well as giving us a lesson in how quickly the world can change, COVID-19 has demonstrated that plumbing will always be integral to the health of the population regardless of what happens. As Master Plumbers, we must never rest in our efforts to make the public aware of the role of our industry and ensure that unqualified operators, home handymen and opportunistic retailers of plumbing products do not create havoc with public health.

Murray Thomas Chief Executive Officer

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Special Thanks

Geoff Kelly

Bill Busby

Mike Harley

Geoff Kelly, Bill Busby & Mike Harley At the end of December 2019, after six years in office, Geoff Kelly stepped down as President and moved into the role of Immediate Past President.

Bill Busby, who relinquished the Immediate Past President position to Geoff, was President from 2010 to 2012 and served on the Executive Committee from 2013.

We also bid farewell to Mike Harley who served on the Executive Committee from 2015 to 2019.

MPANZ National Secretariat We are now running the National Secretariat of Master Plumbers Australia and New Zealand (MPANZ), which is the peak body for plumbing associations in Australia and New Zealand. The collaborative efforts of MPANZ member organisations give a national and international focus to campaigns and other activities that make our industry stronger.

Kyla Jones, our Manager for Industry and Operations, has the additional and pivotal role of National Secretary MPANZ and is overseeing all Secretariat activities.

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In the Media

Radio and television interviews

Report Illegal Plumbing

CEO Murray Thomas has been getting airtime on Perth radio and television to talk about important plumbing stories.

Our Report Illegal Plumbing (RIP) initiative allows licensed plumbers and members of the public to submit confidential evidence of illegal, unlicensed or unsafe plumbing work. We send this evidence to plumbing inspectors so they can follow it up.

In one Radio 6PR interview during the lockdown period, Murray explained why there was a risk of an outbreak of Legionnaires’ disease when people returned to offices that had been empty.

Murray also stressed the importance of using licensed plumbing contractors to flush out and clean any water systems.

In another 6PR interview at a time when members of the public were looking for alternatives to toilet paper, Murray explained the risks associated with the DIY installation of flexible toilet sprays (douche sprays). Channel 7 later interviewed Murray about the same topic.

There was further publicity for licensed plumbing contractors when ABC Radio 720 interviewed Murray about Water Corporation’s Leak Assist $100 rebate program.

World Plumbing Day World Plumbing Day is on 11 March every year. This year, we celebrated it with a week-long campaign on leading commercial radio stations in Perth and regional towns throughout Western Australia.

The campaign created greater public awareness of the importance of plumbing and qualified plumbers. It included two interviews with President Matt Johnson and CEO Murray Thomas, live reads by radio announcers and paid advertising. There was additional promotion on a radio station in one of Western Australia’s major regional towns.

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The aim of RIP is to help protect the livelihoods of licensed plumbing contractors and make our industry stronger. We encourage you to use the reporting form that is available to download on our website’s Report Illegal Plumbing page.

Member Advantages As well as technical support, industrial relations advice and free business tools (including free access to AS3500 and AG5601) you can get discounts and great service from: Allwest Plant Hire discounted plant and equipment hire

Neto Graphics discounted vehicle graphics and signage

American Express payment solutions (send an email to

Officeworks business pricing and business accounts

office@mpawa.asn.au and ask us to arrange for an American

Optus Business Centre, Perth special deals on plans

Express representative to contact you) Aussie Gold discounted work uniforms including embroidery and printing Cbus expert service from the national super fund for the building and construction industry EBM Insurance TradesPlus Cover for plumbers and gasfitters Europcar discounted vehicle rental

Pragma Legal free 15-minute consultation and cost-effective practical advice Rottnest Express discounted fares SafeX discounted safety management software St John discounted first aid courses and kits Thrifty discounted vehicle rental Toyota Gold Fleet Discount

HBF discounted private health cover Minutolo Drafting Services specialists in construction work including plumbing services Master Plumber | 9

Industry News

National Dictionary of Building and Plumbing Terms Standards Australia, in partnership with the Australian Building Codes Board, has launched Stage 1 of an online dictionary of building and plumbing industry terms. The dictionary aims to help industry, government and consumers understand the range of terminology the industry uses across Australia.

To see the dictionary, search online for ‘National Dictionary of Building and Plumbing Terms’.

Industrial manslaughter If the industrial manslaughter provisions of the Work Health and Safety Bill 2019 become law, we believe they will not make workplaces safer but will put business owners at risk of criminal prosecution with a low standard of proof. The Legislative Committee’s report on the Bill, published in August, made some recommendations the Government must act upon. We are currently examining the recommendations in detail.

Industrial relations and workers compensation The Industrial Relations Legislation Amendment Bill 2020 and the Workers’ Compensation and Injury Management Amendment (COVID-19 Response) were introduced into Parliament without notice to the business community. If they become law, they will create fundamental and disruptive changes to WA’s industrial relations and workers compensation systems.

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Security of payment Contrary to promises made in 2019, the WA Government has released a draft bill covering security of payment in the building and construction industry that does not include mandatory trust accounts for progress payments to subcontractors.

This is an unacceptable move by the Government. We and other industry organisations have made our views known to the relevant minister and are continuing the fight.

Apprenticeship and traineeship re-engagement incentive The WA Government is offering $6000 to any employer who reengages an apprentice whose training contract was terminated or cancelled by another employer on or after 1 March 2020. The payment for re-engaging a trainee is $3000.

This is in addition to other employment incentives and business support schemes.

For details see the Jobs and Skills WA website.

Leak Assist $100 rebate program Water Corporation’s Leak Assist rebate program allows eligible residential customers to claim a $100 rebate on the cost of using a licensed plumber to fix leaks. The program runs until 15 June 2021 or until the number of rebates allowed in the program has been claimed.

For more information see the ‘Leak Assist’ page on the Water Corporation website.

National Registration Framework The Australian Building Codes Board (ABCB) is developing a National Registration Framework (NRF) for building practitioners.

The purpose of the NRF is to reform the building and construction sector by removing inconsistencies in training, qualifications and licencing in different states and territories.

We collaborated with the other plumbing industry associations that are members of Master Plumbers Australia and New Zealand to submit a united national response to the first draft of the NRF.

Plumbing verification qualification The WA Government has accepted a recommendation that only people authorised under the Plumbers Licensing Act should be able to verify that performance solutions meet the Performance Requirements of the Plumbing Code of Australia.

This is a victory for us and other organisations that have campaigned for many years for the introduction of a formal qualification for people who verify performance solutions in WA. We are now part of a Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety working group that will decide how to implement the recommendation.

Water meter relocation Water Corporation has provided updated guidance on the relocation of water meters. A key point is that a licensed plumber must relocate internal pipework before Water Corporation will schedule the relocation of the meter.

For more information see the ‘Relocate a water meter’ page on the Water Corporation website.

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Industry News

Amendment to gasfitting standard An amendment to gasfitting standard AS/NZS 5601.1: 2013 General Gas Installations requires gasfitters to account for external weather conditions before testing for negative pressure and carbon monoxide spillage.

Amendment 3 was published on 24 April 2020 and includes a new baseline conditions test, which must be performed as part of the spillage test requirements under Appendix R – Spillage Test for Flued Appliances.

All gasfitters working on gas appliances must familiarise themselves with the new, updated test procedure.

If you would like to obtain a copy of the updated standard, contact us.

Updated backflow prevention standard AS/NZS 2845.3:2020 Water supply - Backflow prevention devices Field testing and maintenance of testable devices was published in February. It replaces the previous edition that was published in 2010.

If you would like to obtain a copy of the new standard, contact us.

New requirements for plumbing services to survey strata lot developments The Plumbers Licensing Board has issued Industry Bulletin 125 – New requirements for plumbing services to survey strata lot developments. Developers must now provide suitable water supply and drainage services to each lot on a survey strata scheme.

Go to dmirs.wa.gov.au and search for ‘Industry Bulletin 125’.

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Building permit exemptions for ‘manufactured homes’ WA building regulations have been amended so that a ‘manufactured home’ (e.g. a caravan) can be moved from one location to another or have an ‘attachment’ (e.g. an annexe) fitted without a building permit.

National Construction Code videos The 2020 National Construction Code Seminars were unable to occur due to COVID-19. They are available to watch online via the ABCB website.

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Staying Strong Together

I am glad The Master Plumbers and Gasfitters Association is out there, as it is almost impossible to be heard as an individual business owner.”

Luke - ASAP Plumbing and Gas

Like millions of other people everywhere, Western Australia’s licensed plumbing contractors and their employees, subcontractors and families have spent the past few months adjusting to the extraordinary circumstances of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Ready to fight for the industry

When those early reports of a mysterious overseas virus were replaced by headlines about international travel bans, emergency funding packages and business closures, we all began asking “What will happen to us?”

A decision to shut us down wouldn’t just have been a disaster for our members. It would have been complete madness with far-reaching public health consequences.

Our news sources struggled to keep up with rapidly unfolding events, fuelling our fears with stories that sometimes contained as much speculation as fact.

Plumbing in all its aspects, which means everything related to the supply of clean drinking water and the removal of human waste, is the foundation of modern public health. This has been recognised since the plumbing industry began to emerge in the late nineteenth century.

One such story was the one in March about the imminent likely shutdown of all non-essential services. For a few days, many of our members were understandably nervous that this shutdown would include them.

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As the association that represents licensed plumbing contractors in Western Australia, we were ready to fight to keep the industry open.

Some public servants in government departments and some of the politicians who rule them understand why plumbing is an essential service. Most members of the public do not. This is because our industry, with its strong framework of legislation and standards, works so well that they take for granted the benefits it delivers to them.

Keeping plumbing businesses open has That was just the beginning been tough Although the economy is taking its first steps towards recovery, Although the threat of a shutdown disappeared, there was always one more cause of stress after another.

One of these was the risk of exposure to the coronavirus that plumbing work often involves. This meant that sourcing personal protective equipment became a priority, something virtually impossible to achieve when worldwide demand outstripped supply.

Burdens such as worrying about how to pay the bills when work had dried up, grappling with the JobKeeper scheme, understanding COVID-19 workplace health obligations and negotiating contractual issues became the order of the day.

Later, the fact that hygiene-conscious citizens had discovered the existence of douche sprays could have been slightly amusing, but the realisation that many people were doing their own illegal and risky installations was unwelcome proof of the public’s ignorance about the role of qualified plumbers.

A new meaning for ‘business as normal’ Meanwhile, the office team was juggling balls in the air. There were many online meetings and teleconferences with other industry groups and our interstate counterparts in other plumbing associations.

Through media releases and interviews on radio and television, we’ve had success in creating public awareness about the need to keep apprentices employed, the essential service role of plumbers, the dangers of DIY douche spray installation and the risk of a post-shutdown Legionnaires disease outbreak.

we know it’s not going to be easy.

There are many unknowns, not the least of which is how quickly the demand for plumbing services will begin to recover. To a great extent, this will depend on government decisions at national and state levels about stimulating both new construction and the maintenance sector.

Another critical area is apprentice training, which has suffered badly. It must be a government funding priority if we are to avoid a serious skills shortage in a few years.

As well working on post-COVID-19 issues, we will continue our efforts in existing campaign areas such as national training and licensing, the level of lead in brass and industrial manslaughter legislation, to name just a few.

Master Plumbers must stay united There is strength in numbers, in being connected to others, belonging to a recognised group and knowing someone has your back and will fight for you.

On every front, we will be working hard on your behalf to lobby government decision-makers and get the media coverage the industry needs. We will continue to strive to provide excellent value with member benefits and be a hub for information.

Likewise, we need you, our members, to tell us what you need.

Nobody can predict the future, but the decisions we all make now will help to shape it. The best way to get through whatever lies ahead is for all of us to stick together and work together.

Because that’s what industry associations like this are for.

There has been a stream of COVID-19-related information from government and industry sources, which we’ve endeavoured to filter and communicate to members in a way that’s relevant and useful.

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For the Record

CEO’s Diary

April

Murray Thomas is a member of the Plumbers Licensing Board and seven reference groups of the Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety (DMIRS). In addition, he has commitments with Water Corporation, the Australian Building Codes Board (ABCB) and Master Plumbers Australia and New Zealand (MPANZ).

In recent months, he has also discussed specific industry matters with the Department of Water and Environmental Regulation (DWER), other regulatory agencies and industry groups.

Meetings attended as our representative on regulatory agencies

March Meetings attended as our representative on regulatory agencies • Plumbers Licensing Board • DMIRS Water Supply Stakeholder Reference Group • DMIRS Water General Directions and Control Stakeholder Reference Group • DMIRS General Directions and Control Stakeholder Reference Group • DMIRS Modular Plumbing Works Stakeholder Reference Group • Water Corporation Waterwise Action Group

Meetings about specific industry matters • Joint Industry Group forum on industry response to industrial manslaughter law • Department of Finance meeting about procurement and security of payment law

Internal meeting •

Executive Committee

• Plumbers Licensing Board • ABCB Building Confidence Report Industry Leaders Consultative Group

Meetings attended as our representative on industry associations • MPANZ Executive Committee • MPANZ Hydraulic Design Reference Group SubCommittee • Indigenous Plumbing and Sanitation Foundation Board

Meetings about specific industry matters • WA Building and Construction Industry Coalition weekly meetings about industry response to COVID-19 • DWER meeting about residential point of sale Water Rating Scheme

Internal meetings • •

Executive Committee Merchant and Manufacturers Sub-Committee

May Meetings attended as our representative on regulatory agencies • Plumbers Licensing Board • Water Corporation Waterwise Action Group • ABCB Building Confidence Report Industry Leaders Consultative Group

Meetings about specific industry matters •

MPANZ Hydrogen Sub-Committee

Internal meeting • • • • Master Plumber | 16

Executive Committee Housing Sub-Committee Maintenance Sub-Committee Sustainability Sub-Committee

Letters to Government

June Meetings attended as our representative on regulatory agencies • Plumbers Licensing Board • DMIRS General Direction and Control Stakeholder Reference Group • ABCB Continuing Professional Development Working Group

Meetings about specific industry matters •

MPANZ Executive Committee

Internal meeting •

Executive Committee

March • Joint Industry Group letter to Premier Mark McGowan about the industrial manslaughter provisions in the Work Health and Safety Bill 2019.

April July Meetings attended as our representative on regulatory agencies • Plumbers Licensing Board • DMIRS Plumbing Safety Devices Stakeholder Reference Group • DMIRS Water Supply Plumbing Work Stakeholder Reference Group • DMIRS Refresher Training Working Group • DMIRS Department of Water and Environmental Regulation

Meetings about specific industry matters • DWER meeting about residential point of sale Water Rating Scheme

Internal meeting •

Executive Committee

August Meetings attended as our representative on regulatory agencies • Plumbers Licensing Board • Water Corporation Waterwise Action Group • DMIRS Plumbing Designers and Verifiers Stakeholder Reference Group • DMIRS Plumbing Industry Reference Group • ABCB Continuing Professional Development Working Group

Internal meeting • • • •

Executive Committee Housing Sub-Committee Maintenance Sub-Committee Sustainability Sub-Committee

• Letter to Attorney General and Minister for Commerce John Quigley requesting the suspension of liquidated damages provisions in construction contracts during the pandemic.

May •

J oint Industry Group letter to Health Minister Roger Cook and Industrial Relations Minister Bill Johnston about the Joint Industry Group’s COVID-19 health and safety initiative..

June • Letter to Attorney General and Minister for Commerce John Quigley objecting to the limited scope of the retention trust scheme in the Building and Construction Industry (Security of Payment) Bill 2020 (WA) – Exposure Draft.

• Joint Industry Group letter to the Standing Committee on Legislation, presenting the Joint Industry Group’s submission to the inquiry into the Work Health and Safety Bill 2019.

July • Letter to Police Minister Michelle Roberts about the proposed Debarment Regime for barring suppliers from doing business with the WA Government.

August • Letter to Finance Minister Ben Wyatt about concerns with a proposed national framework for recognising occupational licences • Letter to Police Minister Michele Roberts, Small Business Minister Paul Papalia, Housing Minister Peter Tinley and Department of Finance Director General Jodi Cant proposing reforms to laws about stolen copper and brass plumbing materials and products.

• Joint Industry Group letter to Premier Mark McGowan, Commerce Minister John Quigley, Small Business Minister Paul Papalia, Industrial Relations Minister Bill Johnston and Education and Training Minister Sue Ellery expressing concerns with the duty of care for service providers in Section 26 of the Work Health and Safety Bill 2019.

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Recent Submissions Australian Building Codes Board

Australian Industry Standards

• Reporting on the Auditing of Commercial Buildings • Proposed new Technical Specification, Plate heat exchangers WMTS-528:2020 • Proposed new Technical Specification, Waste pipe connection outlets and gratings WMTS-040:2020 • Proposed new Technical Specification, Water meters with integral shut off valve WMTS:530:2020 • National Registration Framework for Building Practitioners • WaterMark Complement to AS 4775 – Emergency shower, eyewash and eye/face wash equipment • Proposal to include minimum accessibility standards for housing in the National Construction Code

• Industry Reference Committee Survey on Digital Skills

Media Releases March • Statement on Australian Government support for apprentices • Licensed plumbing contractors provide essential service in fight against coronavirus

April • Support for WA Government warning about DIY toilet hoses

Asbestos Safety and Eradication Agency • Draft Asbestos-Cement (AC) Water and Sewer Pipe Management Guidelines

Standards Australia • Proposed revisions to Parts 0-4 of AS/NZS3500 Plumbing and Drainage

WA Department of Health

May • • •

WA industry joint media release on COVID-19 Call to recognise industry COVID-19 response Warning about Legionnaires’ outbreak after COVID-19

August •

WA Master Plumbers welcome action on copper theft

• Air-handling and water systems of commercial buildings review – Part 2

Consumer handout on Gas Meter & Pipe Upgrades We have collaborated with ATCO Gas to create a handout you can give to consumers to explain why they may need to upgrade their gas meter or service pipe so their appliances will work properly.

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To download the handout, log into our website’s membersonly area and select it from the ATCO Gas page in Members Resources.

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Western Australian Workers Compensation and JobKeeper

While JobKeeper has been helpful for many in the trades, it can be challenging to stay across the important topic of WA Workers’ Compensation. It is critical to understand your obligations in this area.”

Ryan Cameron - Director – Broking at EBM

The JobKeeper scheme has been a lifesaver for many in the trades. While thousands are tapping into the payments, the issue of workers’ compensation has many scratching their heads and wondering where they stand.

There’s no denying that the trades have taken a financial hit as a result of COVID-19. So for many plumbers and gasfitters, whether self-employed or managing a crew of employees, the Australian Government’s JobKeeper wage subsidy scheme has kept the doors open, staff on the books and some of the stress at bay.

The vast majority of plumbing and gas fitting businesses are eligible for JobKeeper if their income has gone down by at least 30% (50% if they are turning over more than $1 billion) and they are self-employed or have eligible employees.

The construction industry directly employs 1.2 million people, so around 9% of the working population. But it is also an industry with a high rate of injury and disease – accounting for 13% of all serious injuries (according to SafeWork statistics). And for the record, plumbers are the trade with the second highest rate of serious workers’ comp claims (about 8%), surpassed only by chippies in the accident-prone stakes.

About a third of all claims are due to body stressing and another third from falls, trips and slips, while 16% are from plumbers being hit by a moving object.

What this means, is that there’s a possibility that one (or, if you’re really unlucky, more) of your crew will be on workers’ comp during the JobKeeper period (30 March to 27 September 2020).

If work has reduced to a trickle, chances are you’ll want to claim the fortnightly JobKeeper payment for as many employees as possible to keep wages flowing so they can pay their bills even if they aren’t on the tools as much as they used to be. But will you be able to get the wage subsidy for any who are on workers’ comp?

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Can you claim JobKeeper for an employee on workers’ compensation?

As with all workers’ comp claims, this will need to be reviewed on a case by case basis. The Treasury has provided the following guidance.

Employees will not be eligible for the JobKeeper Payment if they are fully incapacitated, unable to work and being supported by a worker’s compensation scheme.

In other cases, employees would be eligible as they are in an employment relationship with their employer, provided their employer has an obligation to pay some component of their salary or wages.

If your employee is fully compensated under your WorkCover insurance, they will be ineligible for the JobKeeper Payment.

For further information on JobKeeper and workers’ compensation payments (for individual claims), please contact your workers’ compensation case manager or insurance broker.

Declaring wages when receiving JobKeeper payments You may be wondering about the impact of JobKeeper Payments and wage declarations when taking out or renewing your workers’ comp insurance policy – as this affects the premiums you pay.

WorkCover WA has released the following table to assist with understanding the impact of JobKeeper Payments. Additional information is also available on WorkCover WA.

Read up on Campaigns We have a detailed guide that explains everything we are fighting for and why.

The far-reaching reforms we are seeking are vitally important for the future of the plumbing industry and the public whose health we protect.

To get your copy of Fighting on behalf of our members and for public health, log in to our website’s members-only area and go to Campaigns.

Category

Employee stood down without pay

Employee currently earning a wage of more than $1,500 per fortnight

Employee currently earning exactly $1,500 per fortnight

Employee currently earning a wage of less than $1,500 per fortnight

Example

Employee does not receive pay

Employer obligation to access JobKeeper Payment Scheme Employer pays employee $1,500 per fortnight (top-up payment) Employer pays employee current wage of $2,500

Employee earns $2,500 per fortnight

Employee earns $1,500 per fortnight

Employee earns $500 per fortnight

The employer receives the JobKeeper subsidy of $1,500

Employer pays employee current wage of $1,500 The employer receives the JobKeeper subsidy of $1,500 Employer pays employee $1,500 per fortnight INCLUDING: 1. current wage of $500 per fortnight 2. $ 1,000 necessary to top-up the employee to $1,500 per fortnight (topup payment)

Fighting of our me on behalf m for public bers and health Our ca mpaigns an d why

they matt er.

Consequence

The $1,500 top-up payment will not be ‘wages’

$2,500 is ‘wages’ and will be required to be included in wage declarations

$1,500 is ‘wages’ and will be required to be included in wage declarations

$500 is ‘wages’ and will be required to be included in wage declarations The $1,000 top-up payment will not be ‘wages’

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Hydrogen is Coming

Hydrogen molecules

Our industry is heading for a transformation as big as the 1970s conversion to natural gas.

The most abundant element in the universe is a perfect fit with the push for renewable energy. It can be produced by using solar power to generate electricity, which in turn is used to split water into oxygen and hydrogen. The oxygen goes into the atmosphere and the hydrogen is stored.

When the stored hydrogen is burnt as a fuel, it produces water instead of greenhouse gases.

Governments around Australia are pushing to find out how to create an economically viable large-scale hydrogen production industry.

For example, in 2019 Australia launched its National Hydrogen Strategy and WA launched its Renewable Hydrogen Strategy. In January this year, the WA Government allocated funding for seven renewable hydrogen feasibility studies .

Meanwhile, ATCO has been using its Clean Energy Innovation Hub in Jandakot to demonstrate how hydrogen performs in a range of applications, including using a hydrogen blend to run domestic natural gas appliances such as cooktops and gas-powered air conditioning.

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With developments like this underway, it is inevitable that the day will come when hydrogen training will be mandatory for anyone doing gasfitting work. That is why Master Plumbers Australia and New Zealand is considering the development of the competencies required for a hydrogen training plan for existing and future gasfitters.

This training is likely to cover:

1. The basic characteristics and chemistry of hydrogen 2. What hydrogen homes of the future will look like 3. Hydrogen safety 4. Hydrogen combusting appliances 5. Water electrolysis 6. Hydrogen fuel cells 7. H ydrogen storage and transmission in local networks This is just the beginning and there is no doubt that hydrogen will be part of our future. When the transition comes, it will be as big as the conversion to natural gas in the 1970s.

ReddiFund celebrates 30 years in the building and construction industry!

ReddiFund has been supporting employers and employees in WA’s building and construction since 1989.

Over

191

$ million

paid out in redundancy payments

Over

Over

101,000 redundancy claims processed

230

Sponsorship of over

received in redundancy contributions

to Mates in Construction

$

million

2.5

$ million

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