Master Plumber Magazine - Autumn 2021

AUTU M N 202 1

EMBRACING THE DIGITAL WORLD OF BUSINESS

Are We in Hot Water When it Comes to Designing Hot Water Systems?

How to Respond to Negative Reviews

5 Questions to Ask When Outsourcing Accounting

Know every plumbing trick in the book?

• • • •

All hot water model specs & dimensions.

Key facts & tips to assist with product selection.

QR code shortcuts for further model information.

Includes all Rheem electric, gas storage, continuous flow, heat pump & solar models.

Register now to receive your free copy at: rheem.com.au/handbook COMES ON STEADY, HOT AND STRONG.

INSTALL A AUSTRALIA’S NO. 1

Lever Handle Pillar Tap

Premium Quality

The FIRST Pillar & Bib Tap range with a fully adjustable time-flow valve!

To ensure 3monkeez® tapware withstands the rigors of any commercial application, our Guardian Tapware® and Clean-A-Jet® range of products are manufactured from 100% stainless steel.

The clean, attractive appearance and premium qualities of stainless steel protect your health and the environment, making it ideally suited to modern fit-outs to provide a lifetime of satisfaction.

See the website for the extensive 3monkeez range of commercial tapware and more.

Australia’s 1st and only 50mm sink waste arrestor!

Setting the right trap.

• Perfect for use in commercial and domestic food preparation areas.

• Innovative and highly effective design prevents scraps entering drains.

• One fixed and one removable dual stainless steel basket system.

• Easy to install, clean and maintain.

• 90mm and 125mm also available.

0053AH_3MONK

Amenities Solutions

• Model: SCRAP-S-50

The Stainless Steel Advantage

3monkeez.com.au | sales@3monkeez.com.au

innovate.

create.

deliver.

CONTENTS

Autumn 2021 10 Technical Are We in Hot Water When It Comes to Designing Hot Water Systems?

What Will the Future of Gas in Our Homes and Buildings Look Like?

13 Workplace Health & Safety Risk of Electric Shock When Working with Metal Pipes

14 Business Embracing the Digital World of Business Discover How Digital Marketing is Driving the Growth of Plumbing Businesses

8 6 Executive 7 Licensing

16

Time Is Running Out to Get Your Licence for Mechanical Services Employees

19 Finance

8 Industry News Medical Gas Pipelines Installation – Why It’s a Job for the Professionals

22 Apprentices

Changes to Asbestos Regulation

24 Workplace Relations

Reducing the Risk of Low Level Lead Exposure from Drinking Water

Subscribe Want to receive your own copy of the Master Plumber publication?

Email advertising@mpaq.com.au with your name and postal address to receive future issues of the Master Plumber magazine.

12

26 World Plumbing Day PUBLISHED BY Master Plumbers’ Association of Queensland 243 Bradman Street, Acacia Ridge QLD 4110 P: 07 3273 0800 F: 07 3273 0873 E: info@mpaq.com.au W: www.mpaq.com.au THE TEAM EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Penny Cornah P: 07 3273 0800 E: penny.cornah@mpaq.com.au EDITORIAL & ADVERTISING ENQUIRIES Ashleigh Stonehewer P: 07 3273 0800 E: ashleigh.stonehewer@mpaq.com.au DESIGN PrintPublish P: 1300 98 94 91 E: info@printpublish.com.au PRINT Printcraft P: 07 3291 2444 E: marketing@printcraft.com.au

4

| MASTER PLUMBER MAGAZINE Autumn 2021

Editor’s Note Welcome to the Autumn edition of the Master Plumber Magazine!

With 2021 shaping up to be a much better year than 2020, I’m cautiously optimistic about all of the exciting plans that MPAQ has in place for this year. We’ve once again got a full calendar of events and training scheduled throughout Queensland, and you can check out our plans for the next few months on pages 30-31.

If last year taught us anything, it’s the growing importance that digital technology plays in every aspect of our lives now, especially in businesses and how consumers interact with businesses. Embracing digital technologies will make your life easier, whether it’s implementing a new piece of software to improve efficiency and reduce admin time, or creating more competent marketing or inventory management processes. Make sure you check out our business section on pages 14-17 for some tips about how your business can embrace the digital world, including an insightful article from our friends at Aiims about utilising digital marketing to stay connected with past, current, and future clients.

Annually, 11 March is recognised as World Plumbing Day across the world. It’s vital that in celebrating the plumbing and gas industry on this

day, we convey its importance to the wider community, so throughout the month of March (and the rest of the year if you’d like) we encourage you to spread the message and remind everyone how plumbing impacts their day-to-day lives, as well as their health and safety.

We’re also planning to get out on the road this year to interview more people in the plumbing and gas industry for Master Plumber, so if you or anyone you know has an interesting story, we’d love to hear it! Send us an email at advertising@mpaq.com.au or call us on 07 3273 0800.

Congratulations to all members reaching milestones in this edition, and a warm welcome to our newest members. Happy Reading!

#

Ashleigh

28 Product News 30 Events & Training 32 Social 34 Member News 36 Member Benefits 37 Milestones 38 New Members

25 MPAQ COUNCIL PRESIDENT Kent Vickers P: 0418 883 999 E: kvickers@qigs.com.au

TRUSTEES Bill Watson AM P: 07 3273 2333 E: bill@connectorsgroup.com.au Bob Kimlin P: 07 4772 6308 / 0419 744 383 E: bobk@live.com.au

VICE PRESIDENTS Don Nunn P: 0418 717 470 E: dgnunn1950@gmail.com Patrick Robertson P: 07 3276 8833 E: info@rpgs.com.au

LIFE MEMBERS G Cottee, F Huysing, MJ Moor, T Morris, J Porter, NF Sharman, BD Wallace, WB Watson AM, R Kimlin, R Weaver

PAST PRESIDENT Kelvin Slade P: 0417 787 284 E: sales@sladebrosplumbing.com.au

MERITORIOUS SERVICE MEMBERS A Chapman, T Morris, D Powell, B Wallace, R Weaver, M Wilshere, D Nunn, J Ritchie

TREASURER John Salmon P: 07 3862 2777 E: john@salmonplumbing.com.au

32

|

32

39 Supporters

COUNCILLORS Dennis Yarrow P: 07 3277 5742 E: admin@yarrowplumbing.com.au Michael Ryan P: 07 3630 4744 E: mryan@beavisbartels.com.au Sam Hannant P: 0405 647 046 E: sam@yesfire.com.au Harle Gall P: 0437 768 409 E: h.gall@laserplumbing.com.au MASTER PLUMBER MAGAZINE Autumn 2021 Ben Crew P: 0400 364 665 E: ben@bcprojectindustries.com

DISCLAIMER Opinions expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of the MPAQ, nor does the MPAQ guarantee the accuracy of statements made by contributors or advertisers or accepts responsibility for statements they may express in this publication. The MPAQ does not accept liability to advertisers, which may be held contrary to the Trade Practices Act 1974. The MPAQ reserves the right to refuse, cancel, amend or suspend any advertisements or inserts without reason.

MASTER PLUMBER MAGAZINE Autumn 2021 |

5

EXECUTIVE

PERSPECTIVE Queensland has taken another step towards ensuring Australia emerges as a global hydrogen superpower. The sod has been turned to mark the start of construction of our $20 million Hydrogen Training Centre of Excellence at Beenleigh.

The new facility will fast track the development of the industry and ensure Queensland is at the forefront as the supplier of choice Penny Cornah, Executive Director for hydrogen. This will be an expansion to the existing training facility located at Beenleigh.

The government’s Queensland Hydrogen Industry Strategy 2019 – 2024 is focussed on developing the hydrogen industry to create jobs, and this facility is a vital part of the plan.

Investing in state-of-the-art training facilities will attract new workers to the industry as well as meet projected demand from existing apprentices and tradespeople.

One of the initiatives is to look at skilling up a hydrogen workforce enabling the State’s future economic development, which is investing into the skills and jobs of the future.

The government is working in partnership with the Plumbing Industry Climate Action Centre (PICAC), to build the new facility at the existing training centre by June 2022.

It will expand training capacity from 600 to 800 apprenticeships per year to train apprentices in fire protection, gas plumbing, carpentry, electrical, and plumbing skills.

The new world-class training facilities will include gas training equipment, lower carbon technology upgrades, roof-access work platforms, special hazards fire systems, and state of the art training rooms. The project

is expected to employ 70 apprentices during construction and support a total of 100 jobs.

If you would like your apprentice to train at PICAC, please contact me on 07 3273 0800 or email penny.cornah@mpaq.com.au.

Glen Chatterton, Ke nt Vickers, Gary O’H the Hon. Cameron Dic alloran, k, Treasurer and Mi nister for Investment, Adrian Shackleton, Penny Cornah, and Peter Daly

(L-R) Pen n Kent Vic y Cornah, Bill W kers, Bru atson AM ce , Ernie Kre tschmer Wallace, and

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE Welcome back to another year. I hope you all had a good break and spent some quality time with your family and friends.

2020 certainly had its challenges, and 2021 does not look a lot different at this stage. We can only hope that the progress we have made in Queensland and Australia carries on and we achieve a positive Kent Vickers, President result.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the plumbing and gas fitting trades were considered “essential services”. When you look at the plethora of other industries that were shut down that we all consider essential, you suddenly realise the important role the plumbing trade plays in our lives. Clean water is essential to life, and sanitation facilities are paramount in controlling disease. It’s no wonder plumbing is considered essential.

One of the things that annoy me is the answer I get when I ask what someone does for a living, and they answer, “Oh, I’m only a plumber”.

6

| MASTER PLUMBER MAGAZINE Autumn 2021

There is no such thing as “only a plumber”. Plumbing is the most important trade in the construction industry. It takes an enormous amount of training and understanding to master the skills required to be a plumber and gas fitter. I think it is about time that we all took a different approach and became proud to be plumbers and gas fitters.

On 11 March every year, we celebrate World Plumbing Day. This is our opportunity to raise the public’s perception of plumbing and get away from the persona that plumbers only fix loos and taps. Plumbing is a specialised field that deserves better recognition, and this year I would like nothing more than to see you all attend the World Plumbing Day breakfast at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre and celebrate our trade. The guest speakers are always amazing, and the event is a great way to kick off the new year.

Plumbing and gas fitting has provided all of us with the opportunity to make a decent living, look after our families, and enjoy life to the fullest. Next time someone asks you what you do, please lift your head and say with pride “I’m a plumber”!

All the best for 2021. Fingers crossed all goes well.

Life’s good!

LICENSING

TIME IS RUNNING OUT TO GET YOUR LICENCE FOR MECHANICAL SERVICES EMPLOYEES Employees who perform mechanical services work for a licensed contractor have until 1 January 2022 to hold the relevant occupational licence.

Contractors who hold a mechanical services licence and have employees are encouraged to discuss licensing requirements with them.

The deadline is fast approaching. We encourage those employed in mechanical services work to review the licensing requirements now to ensure they have the required qualifications in time to be licensed by 1 January 2022. Any additional training that is needed should be considered now.

Apply early so you will have the assurance of knowing you have the required licence in time. For those now applying for their mechanical services occupational licence prior to 30 September 2021, the Queensland Building and Construction Commission (QBCC) will arrange for your licence to not commence until you need it on 1 January 2022, so the first renewal will be 1 January 2023.

Some applicants can use their skills and experience to qualify for a licence under the alternative qualification pathway The good news is there is an alternative qualification pathway with expanded eligibility criteria. Under the pathway, Mechanical Services – Plumbing and Mechanical Services – Medical Gas Site Supervisor and Occupational licence applicants can use their skills and experience to qualify for a licence by 31 December 2021. Under the alternative qualification pathway: • Additional prescribed qualifications will be accepted.

• If your qualifications differ from those prescribed in the Technical Qualifications for Licensing document or Transitional Provisions for

alternative pathways, you may still submit your application, requesting the qualification be considered as equivalent. You may be required to obtain an assessment by a registered training organisation (RTO).

Decisions will be made on a case-by-case basis.

• If you are unable to demonstrate competence for the complete scope of work for the new licence class, the QBCC may be able to grant you a licence with restrictions on the scope of work you are lawfully allowed to perform.

If you’re applying for a Mechanical Services – Plumbing Occupational licence, and have six months’ relevant experience, you can use a plumbing apprenticeship or Plumbing and Drainage Act Water Plumber – Water and Sanitary licence to qualify under the alternative pathway.

For those applying for a Mechanical Services – Air-Conditioning and Refrigeration licence, you can visit the apply for a Mechanical Services – Air-Conditioning and Refrigeration web page on the QBCC website to explore your options for meeting the requirements.

The Queensland Government established the new licensing framework for mechanical services work on 1 January 2020 to address the significant health and safety risk posed by incorrectly installed or maintained mechanical services systems such as heating, cooling, air-conditioning, and medical gas systems. Licensing for mechanical services trades has been changed to reflect the important and specialised skills involved in this work.

Learn more about mechanical services licensing, including technical qualifications, experience requirements, and alternative qualification pathways, at www.qbcc.qld.gov.au. Apply for a mechanical services licence via myQBCC. Article supplied by the Queensland Building and Construction Commission

Grow your plumbing business with a complete job management solution Set your business up for success with features including: Comprehensive scheduling, estimating and invoicing Real-time office to field connectivity Advanced workflow automation Streamlined inventory management Supplier catalogue and pricing Integrations with industry-leading accounting packages 70+ reports for accurate business insights As a Master Plumbers Member, you will receive 20% off the initial implementation costs when signing up as a new simPRO customer.

Learn more at simprogroup.com/au/master-plumbers MASTER PLUMBER MAGAZINE Autumn 2021 |

7

INDUSTRY NEWS

MEDICAL GAS PIPELINES INSTALLATION why it’s a job for the professionals

Plumbers protect the health and safety of the community every day. The last year has demonstrated this like no other, as the importance of access to good sanitation, especially via appropriate hand washing facilities, has been shown to be one of the most effective ways to combat COVID-19.

On the occasions that we must visit a hospital, most of us don’t give a thought to the equipment that will be used during our various procedures. We trust that everything will be in fine working order and usually concentrate on the areas we feel may be more varied such as the skill of the surgeon.

Sadly, there have been some shocking examples of what can go wrong when a person without adequate training is left to perform critically important work without the correct knowledge or understanding of the consequences.

In New South Wales in 2015, two families suffered devastating consequences after a lethal mix-up in medical gas pipes at Bankstown hospital resulted in the death of a newborn baby and another suffering severe brain damage. After years of campaigning, this tragedy led to legislation being passed in the New South Wales parliament in 2020 to mandate that medical gas pipeline installation must be performed by a plumbing professional who has completed specific nationally recognised training.

Thankfully in Queensland, there has not been such a tragedy, but nonetheless, it remains imperative for the health and safety of our community that all plumbing professionals who work on the installation of medical gas installations have relevant, up to date qualifications to perform this critical work correctly.

For information on Medical Gas Pipelines Installation courses at PICAC Beenleigh, contact infoqld@picac.edu.au or call 1300 222 727.

CHANGES TO ASBESTOS REGULATION From 1 May 2021, low density asbestos fibre board (LDB), also known as asbestos insulating board, will be classified as a friable material in all circumstances.

This means LDB can only legally be removed by a class A asbestos removal licence holder.

RVE160

EUROPEAN RANGE RELEASE AUSTRALIAN OWNED. EUROPEAN MADE IDEAL FOR VARIOUS DOMESTIC & COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS www.reefe.com.au/eu-range/ | 1800 807 604 ASCENTO GROUP AUSTRALIA©

8

| MASTER PLUMBER MAGAZINE Autumn 2021

If you’re a class B asbestos removal licence holder and want to be able to remove LDB after 1 May 2021, you will need to apply to Workplace Health and Safety Queensland for a class A asbestos removal licence.

These changes will also affect businesses and tradespeople who carry out maintenance and service work involving LDB installed in buildings and plant or equipment prior to 31 December 2003.

Carrying out work involving LDB will be prohibited unless the task is one of the following and the work is done in the way specified by a regulator-approved method: • repairing damaged LDB • painting LDB • drilling a hole in LDB • moving LDB ceiling tiles; or • installing or removing fixtures or fittings.

All workers performing these tasks must be trained in how to identify and safely handle asbestos-containing materials and how to do the work safely.

Information on how to complete the training is also at asbestos.qld.gov.au.

Article source: www.worksafe.qld.gov.au

INDUSTRY NEWS

REDUCING THE RISK OF LOW LEVEL LEAD EXPOSURE FROM DRINKING WATER Lead is currently used in the manufacture of plumbing products and is permitted by the Plumbing Code of Australia (PCA) and referenced Australian Standards. The exact lead content of products varies by component, although some products in contact with drinking water may contain up to six percent lead as a proportion of raw material.

Lead is added to copper alloy products to make them softer and more malleable. Evidence suggests that the copper alloy products used within the water service are the most likely source of lead contamination of drinking water.

Determining the Sources of Lead Contamination In response to reports of lead levels being detected in water at concentrations higher than those prescribed in the Australian Drinking Water Guidelines, the Australian Building Codes Board (ABCB) has conducted work over the past 24 months to examine the extent of lead contamination in drinking water from lead in plumbing products.

In January 2018, the ABCB commissioned the Macquarie University to undertake a literature review to determine to what extent plumbing products and materials contribute to lead levels of drinking water.

The review resulted in the Lead in Plumbing Products and Materials Report, which confirmed that components containing lead such as copper alloy products used in drinking water supply and plumbing systems can leach lead into drinking water. It is recommended that the ABCB consider reducing the permissible lead levels in plumbing products that are in contact with drinking water.

In addition to commissioning the review, the ABCB held a Lead in Plumbing Products Forum with representatives of plumbing product manufacturers, suppliers, designers, installers, health officials, and representatives from the relevant Standards Australia technical committees to identify options to reduce the lead levels in drinking water and explore the impacts on the industry.

It is important to note that Australia’s drinking water quality is within the top 15% internationally. The rare instances of excessive lead content in

drinking water appear to be typically associated with the use of products that do not conform with the requirements of the PCA and referenced Australian standards, through water having remained stagnant for extended periods of time or other unique circumstances.

Potential Changes Being Considered In 2020 the ABCB developed a Consultation Regulation Impact Statement (RIS), titled Lead in Plumbing Products in Contact with Drinking Water, which was released for public consultation from December 2020 to March 2021.

The RIS aims to determine whether there would be a net societal benefit if the permissible lead content in plumbing products and material specifications were to be reduced. The options under consideration are: 1. Retaining the status quo (no change to the current arrangements).

2. Requiring that all products in contact with drinking water contain a reduced level of lead, a maximum of 0.25 percent.

3. Promoting the increased use of low lead products through an industry-led labelling scheme and recommend changes to government procurement standards.

If option two is supported, this would mean that any copper alloy plumbing products installed in Australia that come in contact with drinking water must meet a weighted average of not more than 0.25 percent lead content. Currently, the maximum allowable lead content of copper alloy products is six percent. The requirement would be outlined within the Public Comment Draft of the 2022 National Construction Code and likely include a suitable transitional period.

If option three is supported, an industry led labelling scheme would be developed to assist consumers to distinguish low lead products. This would enable consumers to make informed decisions about which products they choose to purchase and install.

Comments that have been received during the consultation phase will assist further consideration of these options, and the outcomes of this investigation will be communicated at www.abcb.gov.au.

Article supplied by the Australian Building Codes Board (ABCB) MASTER PLUMBER MAGAZINE Autumn 2021 |

9

TECHNICAL

10

| MASTER PLUMBER MAGAZINE Autumn 2021

TECHNICAL

ARE WE IN HOT WATER WHEN IT COMES TO DESIGNING HOT WATER SYSTEMS? Written by Sean Bell – Senior Hydraulic Designer, SJM Hydraulics

Since the adoption of the National Construction Code 2019 in July 2020, the new AS3500.4 2018 became a reality.

The code uplift came along with minor changes to how we typically do things around hot water but there were some significant ones, and we are now finding ourselves in, well, a bit of hot water!

The introduction of Section 10 – Sizing and Installation of Circulatory Heated Water in AS/NZS 3500.4 2018 has provided some stringent framework about where circulatory pipework can be installed (refer to clause 10.9). These code changes will produce the biggest impact, that I can foresee, on high rise multi-residential apartments. Specifically, luxury high-end apartments.

Code design criteria, such as reductions in circulatory and return velocities, coupled with the inaccuracy or outdated approach to probable simultaneous demands, are already resulting in large, energy thirsty, over designed non “fit-for-purpose” hot water systems, which the end user or building management suffer because of.

Couple these criteria with the new requirements outlined in Clause 10.9 that no circulatory pipework that supplies more than one dwelling shall be located within any private space, and clause 10.10.2 that all control valves shall be located in common areas for multi-residential developments, we are now having to think outside the box on how to effectively design hot water delivery on some projects.

Don’t get me wrong, when the layout of the building promotes wet areas backing onto or within close proximity to each common area, these requirements aren’t as onerous and the design can be pretty straight forward, but we are seeing more and more bespoke, luxury and high end apartments where it’s one apartment per level where the lift lobby or common area is now being absorbed into the net liveable area. So, with no “common area” where does the hot water flow and return go? Is this the death of centralised hot water systems for this type of build?

Oh, and I forgot to mention that the developer has been approached by an energy provider who will supply a centralised hot water plant for the project at zero cost!

What do we do when a Deemed-To-Satisfy design is practically impossible to achieve? Sign up for a lifelong performance solution stepping through the lengthy process the Australian Building Codes Board (ABCB) wishes for us to do via the Performance Based Design Brief?

I literally tried to do this almost a year ago and had to accept defeat as we were not prepared to rewrite each owner’s sale contract to include a “performance solution” in the bill of sale.

Maybe a centralised plant is now not viable? Maybe each apartment now has to provide and generate its own hot water?

When designing hot water systems, it is this writer’s opinion that the hot water plant and distribution pipework, whether a circulatory or dead leg system, considers the following key points: • Effective and uninterrupted delivery of hot water at each fixture, always; • Minimise hot water wastage, e.g., when you first turn on a hot tap, waiting for the cold water to dissipate; and • Understanding end user demographic and usage profiles for peak volumes and simultaneous flow demands Considering the above, there is one item in particular that most end users pay closer attention to and will, at times, provide negative feedback on: hot water wait times.

Our industry is fundamentally silent on the specifics and only provides a holistic statement: “reduce to a minimum the amount of dead (cold) water drawn off before hot water commences to flow at any tap”.

With the introduction of higher WELS rated fixtures promoting sustainable water-efficient flow rates, fixture flow rates are reducing or even halving, driving up wait times and end user’s patience.

Clause 10.3.2 states that flow rates “...shall not be less than specified in Table 10.3.2”. Unfortunately, these flow rates are based on 3 star WELS ratings only. Consider a 15mm dead leg water pipe length of 10m for an ensuite basin at 4L/min (5 Star WELS) with the temperature control device at the fixture—the hot water wait time would be 23 seconds. Using the same pipe size and length but for a 3 Star WELS rating of 6L/min, the hot water wait time reduces to 15.5 seconds.

What this demonstrates is two things: higher WELS rating water efficiency impacts wait times and end user experiences, and the dead leg pipe lengths need to be as short as practical. Both items are challenging to do when the circulatory system is either in the main common area some 2030m away from the ensuite fixtures or your project is governed by a higher Greenstar or NABERS requirement, which is reducing fixture flow rates.

Moving forward we are seeing more and more point of use or instantaneous hot water units coming into the market and being installed to overcome some of these problems. Although these units are effective and significantly reduce the physical hot water pipework within a highrise multi-storey residential tower, when compared to a centralised plant and circulatory system they often come with a higher power consumption price tag, which impacts maximum demands and apartment electrical metering regardless of the hot water diversity of unit activation.

You can start to see that we as hydraulic consultants, must be flexible in design concepts and perhaps think outside the box—the code is forcing our hand. The notion of “this is the way we have always done it” is a sure fast way to a costly failure, but that is a story for another time.

MPAQ members with any questions about this can call the MPAQ Technical team on 07 3273 0800.

MASTER PLUMBER MAGAZINE Autumn 2021 |

11

TECHNICAL

WHAT WILL THE FUTURE OF GAS IN OUR HOMES AND BUILDINGS LOOK LIKE? Reducing emissions in the energy sector presents a number of challenges.

Everybody wants cleaner energy that is both reliable and reasonably priced. Australia has committed to reducing carbon dioxide emissions to between 26 percent and 28 percent below 2005 levels by 2030. To meet these targets, we must decarbonise the gas, electricity, and transport sectors—a massive challenge that requires more options than just electrification.

There’s no denying natural gas is an important part of our energy mix.

6.5 million Australian homes currently rely on natural gas for cooking, hot water, or heating. During winter, natural gas delivers the same amount of energy as the electricity network.

Our need for energy is not going to slow down anytime soon. That’s why Australian Gas Networks (AGN) is investing in the power of renewable gas.

Hon Dan Van Holst Pellekaan MP, Minister for Energy and Mining with Craig de Laine on a Hydrogen Park South Australia Site Visit

What Is Renewable Gas and Its Benefits?

Renewable gas is a term used to describe gases that can be used as a clean energy source that does not produce any additional emissions when you burn them.

There are two primary forms of renewable gas: • Renewable hydrogen – produced by separating hydrogen from water using renewable electricity • Biomethane – gas captured from decomposing organic wastes from landfills, agricultural produce, and wastewater treatment facilities.

By converting renewable electricity to renewable gas, we can store vast amounts of energy within the gas network for use at any time, including when the sun is not shining or the wind is not blowing.

What Does Renewable Gas Mean for the Gas Sector?

Blending or even substituting natural gas with renewable gases, such as hydrogen or biomethane, can decarbonise the gas sector and will also help achieve carbon reductions for the lowest cost, using the same reliable infrastructure we use today: the gas networks. Projects are already underway; this year AGN is blending up to five percent hydrogen with natural gas as part of a demonstration in Mitchell Park, South Australia.

Other projects are in development, including in Central Queensland where renewable hydrogen will be blended into the natural gas network at rates of up to 10 percent to more than 770 customers in Gladstone.

This means customers retain the choice of gas appliances in their home or business, knowing that there is a pathway to achieve 100 percent zero carbon.

To learn more about the renewable future of natural gas visit australiangasnetworks.com.au/renewablegas Article supplied by Australian Gas Infrastructure Group

Corporate Profile Sup po M r tin Me PAQ g mb ers

Established in 1990, 3monkeez has proven itself as a leading supplier of commercial stainless steel products that offer creative solutions for any plumbing and catering application.

Our mission as a company is to always look towards the next evolution in product design and customer service; underpinning this approach is our continuing promise to “innovate, create, and deliver”. These values drive our operations as a company, to ensure that when you choose 3monkeez you are not only choosing a product unmatched in design and ingenuity, but an experience adapted to your specific needs.

12

| MASTER PLUMBER MAGAZINE Autumn 2021

Backed by 30 years of experience, the 3monkeez product ranges have been carefully engineered to withstand the rigours of even the most demanding commercial applications.

Our commitment to constructing our products from complete stainless steel represents an important point of difference when you choose 3monkeez products. This market-forward approach has seen the introduction of our Guardian and Clean-A-Jet ranges that include complete stainless steel Pre-Rinse Units, Bubblers, Mixer Taps, and many more.

At 3monkeez we also match our dedication to product development with our commitment to our customers. With warehouses across Australia, we are committed to ensuring that customer experience and expectations are at the core of our operations.

Visit www.3monkeez.com.au to learn more.

WORKPLACE HEALTH & SAFETY

RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK WHEN WORKING WITH METAL PIPES Plumbers and electricians are reminded that making repairs to or replacing metal pipes and installing water meters can put you at risk of an electric shock and should never be rushed.

If you cut, remove, or work with metal pipes you may be at risk because, under certain fault conditions, metal water or gas pipes may provide a path for electric current.

Queensland’s Electrical Safety Office advises before starting work, plumbers and electricians should plan and follow a safe system of work to prevent or minimise the risk of an electric shock. The safe system of work you use should suit the situation.

Before cutting metal pipes, you should include the following practices: • If a metallic service pipe is to be replaced by non-metallic pipes or fittings, have the electrical installation checked by a licensed electrical contractor and modified, if necessary, to ensure the electrical earthing system for the premises remains effective.

• Prior to starting work, ask if anyone has experienced shocks or tingles from taps or other metalwork within the installation. If yes,

cancel the job and notify the electricity network owner/distributor as this could indicate a potentially dangerous situation.

• Where possible, switch off the electrical main switch (or switches) and attach a tag stating ‘Danger—do not switch on’.

• Wear gloves and long trousers to avoid skin contact with the metallic water pipes being worked on. The use of rubber ground mats should be considered, especially where work involves kneeling or laying on the ground.

• Thoroughly clean the section of metal pipe on each side of the length being repaired.

• Attach an insulated bridging conductor that has appropriate end clamps with insulated grips – the cable must span the length of the pipe being cut or removed.

• If you see anything abnormal such as electric sparks or you feel an electric shock, cease work immediately and notify the electricity network owner/distributor and the householder.

Visit www.worksafe.qld.gov.au to find out more.

Article supplied by the Office of Industrial Relations

31 July

MASTER PLUMBER MAGAZINE Autumn 2021 |

13

BUSINESS

EMBRACING THE DIGITAL WORLD OF BUSINESS Digital transformation is everywhere, and it’s no secret that it’s revolutionising the way we work. In a world where technology is in every part of our lives, it’s hard to believe that so many businesses are not taking advantage of how embracing the new digital world can help them.

Embracing digital technologies will make your life easier, whether it’s implementing a new piece of software to improve efficiency and reduce admin time, or creating more competent marketing or inventory management processes.

Where do you start a digital transformation of your business?

• HR automation and payroll • Customer relationship management • Digital marketing • Social media • Inventory management system • Website • Analytics and reporting Here are a few reasons why your business should be embracing the digital world:

Saves Money

We all know that when it comes to business, time is money. This means it’s important to spend your time and money on things that will contribute to improved productivity and efficiency. Ironically, research conducted

by Deloitte states that 31 percent of small businesses haven’t turned to digital transformation as they believe it will be too expensive^, but failing to embrace technology can actually cost you more money in the long run.

Saves Time on Manual Tasks

If you find that you or your team are spending lots of time doing manual tasks every day, it’s time to get digital. Whether your time is being eaten up by payroll processes, inventories, or managing jobs, there are a number of different systems in the market that can help you manage all of these.

Improved Customer Experience

When growing a business, it’s important to place the experience of your current and prospective customers as your number one priority. Unresponded emails and notifications can become frustrating for your customers if there’s no system in place to manage them, especially when the number of inquiries is increasing.

However, the customer experience doesn’t just include your customer relationship management, but also everything from your website user experience right through to your marketing efforts. Digital transformation allows you and your team to stay on top of everything customer experience related so they can feel comfortable putting their trust in you. It also provides them with a platform on which they can share their positive reviews of your business, which will help you get new customers over the line.

MPAQ has a number of business guides to help members build and grow their business, visit www.mpaq.com.au/members/membership/business-guides-for-mpaq-members to learn more.

FACT:

88% of consumers form an opinion by reading 1-10 reviews.

Are you combatting your negative reviews?

Article reference: https://employmenthero.com/blog/leadership-management/small-business-embrace-digital-transformation/ ^https://www2.deloitte.com/au/en/pages/economics/articles/benefits-small-business-digital-engagement.html

Medical Gas Training Now Available at PICAC Beenleigh The Service Trades College (RTO 31239) is now delivering CPCPMS3034A – Install Medical Gas Pipeline Systems at PICAC Beenleigh 14

| MASTER PLUMBER MAGAZINE Autumn 2021

Contact infoqld@picac.edu.au or call 1300 222 727 for course details

BUSINESS

HOW TO RESPOND TO NEGATIVE REVIEWS Even the world’s best companies get the occasional bad review; it’s just part of doing business. The trick is knowing how to respond.

Many business owners assume that negative responses are always bad for business, but in reality, they’re a unique opportunity to show your humility, responsiveness, and loyalty to the customer. When done right, responding to a negative review can actually have very positive effects.

The experts at Podium have provided MPAQ with a step-by-step guide for business owners to use when responding to negative reviews.

1. Apologise There are few things more difficult than admitting you’ve stuffed up and apologising, but by apologising you show your customers that you care about their experience and listen to their feedback.

2. Stay Calm The worst thing you can do is let your emotions take over.

Something said in the heat of the moment can ruin your reputation for life. Take a pause and come back to the review with a clear head.

3. Offer a Solution Even more important than the apology is offering to fix the problem. Show that you’ve really put some thought into the solution, rather than simply cutting and pasting a response. Cutand-paste answers reek of inauthenticity.

4. Offer to Speak Privately Finally, you should offer to speak to them privately and refer them to someone who can fix the situation. This doesn’t mean you’re hiding something, it’s just easier to communicate over phone or text than going back and forth on a review platform.

It’s as simple as that. Podium highly recommends responding to any negative reviews, rather than ignoring them. They point out that 51 percent of Australian consumers say a business’ response to reviews has changed their perspective of the business.

It is also always worth responding to positive reviews, and asking your happy customers for more. The best time to ask is usually at the completion of a job, when the customer is most pleased with your hard work. A tool like Podium’s reviews solution will make this even easier, both for you and your customers, but asking for a review is always the best starting point.

For more information on Podium’s reviews solution visit www.podium.com.

HOW JOB MANAGEMENT SOFTWARE CAN HELP YOU GROW YOUR PLUMBING BUSINESS For plumbing businesses, an efficient job management process is the foundation that leads to ongoing success and growth potential.

At its core, good job management is about the efficiency of processes and workflows that your business uses to provide exceptional service to your customers. From the initial request for work to invoicing and payment, a cloud-based job management software can improve the efficiency of your processes and enhance the productivity of your team.

Let’s take a look at three ways job management can help your business grow.

1. Clear and Effective Communication Maintaining effective communication is a key component within any industry; however, for a remote workforce it is crucial to each job. For plumbing businesses, communication between office and field should not end once a job has been dispatched. Rather, it should be ongoing and instant, enabling efficient processes and a seamless experience for the customer.

2. Optimised Business Management Investing in cloud-based job management software can lead to reduced overheads through the use of automated workflows, centralised data, and integrations with third party applications. In the office, replacing manual, time consuming tasks such as data entry with automated workflows frees up resources to focus on value adding activities and minimises the risk of error. This automation also enhances visibility of data and makes it easier for a business to base decisions on data and evidence.

3. Clearly Identify Where You Are Making and Losing Money Manual systems make reporting tedious and time consuming.

However, cloud-based software captures all of your data from each job, in one centralised location, accessible from anywhere. This enables you to clearly identify where you are making and losing money through job costing and profitability reporting. Data collected can also be used to make improvements to your workflows, analyse the profitability of customers and even inform hiring decisions.

Want to find out more about simPRO? Head to www.simprogroup.com/au/master-plumbers.

MASTER PLUMBER MAGAZINE Autumn 2021 |

15

BUSINESS

“

YOUR WEBSITE SPEAKS YOUR TRUTH WHILE YOUR SOCIALS PROVIDE THE PROOF Discover how digital marketing is driving the growth of plumbing businesses A guide to getting your website and social media working as hard as you do Written by Kynan Albassit - Product Director, AiiMS

Marketing sounds expensive, digital marketing sounds complicated and expensive, and social media just sounds like an investment in time and effort none of us can afford – after all, we have businesses to run. Right?

Not necessarily.

What if we could agree that almost all of your past, current, and future clients have a mobile phone, and before they call you they use it to research you and your local competition. Add to that, your customers and clients are time-poor and need to make the right decision quickly.

“Now, more than ever, being in the right place at the right time means taking the initiative, seizing the advantage and putting your best digital foot forward.” Kynan Albassit, Product Director, AiiMS

Change Is Happening Faster Than Ever and We All Need to Keep Up The good news is that plumbing businesses that work to stay in the market’s “line of sight” have always thrived. Looking back to the early 2000’s to about five years ago, Yellow Pages and Google search were still important weapons in the marketing armoury. But today, exponentially faster internet speeds and the ability to conduct multiple searches while sighting four to five reviews inside of a minute, have escalated client expectations in the blink of an eye.

So, your aim should be to have your brand’s digital footprint appear everywhere your audience looks when they’re eyeing off plumbing businesses online. But how?

3 Things to Know About Digital That Will Change Everything for Your Business Thanks to the internet and the ability for anyone to search up the details on almost anything, anywhere, at any time, it’s a buyers’ market – at least in terms of information. What do these advances in social media mean for you and your business? It means that: 1. All businesses, large and small, are now competing on a level playing field – there’s nothing more level than the screen your clients are looking at when they search for plumbing businesses.

16

| MASTER PLUMBER MAGAZINE Autumn 2021

2. No more smoke and mirrors. Customer reviews, research, and ratings, allow potential clients to make comparative assessments with just a couple of clicks.

3. Your website together with your social media activity will determine the impact and impression you make on your audience.

That last point is a critical one so let’s dig a little deeper.

Your Website Speaks Your Truth While Your Socials Provide the Proof Let me explain the role of your website and your socials in quick and simple terms using a comparison chart.

Your website:

Your social media platform(s):

Explains how and why we Gives searchers a more objective insight help our customers and clients. into your business.

Emphasises your genuine point of difference or USP (unique selling proposition).

Validates (or invalidates) your claims. It’s easy to say 95 percent client satisfaction, less so if half of your reviews are poor.

Acts as your billboard, displaying your business in the best possible light.

Maintains accountability to the people that count – your clients and customers.

Appeals to your audience because it solves their problem(s).

Rewards you with a high profile and a reputation for quality – if worked properly.

Amplifies word of mouth five, 10 or 50fold.

So, before your new client or customer decides to speak to you, there are four steps they will take using their phone: 1. Find your business via a search engine 2. Check your ratings 3. Click on your website to see if you can help them 4. Cross check against social proof/comments/recommendations from your clients Remember, search engines function to present searchers with the best, most relevant information available – that could be yours if you tick all the right boxes. But if people can’t find you, they won’t trust you.

Your Website and Social Media Checklist... and Some Tips for Free To make it easier for clients to connect with your products and services, here are seven tips I’ve gathered over my 10 years of supporting the digital marketing needs of plumbing businesses: 1. Keep it real, authenticity is the key. Get into the habit of using real photos (not stock images) of your work (before and after).

Share images of you and your staff in uniform, demonstrating your professionalism and expertise.

2. Invest in a bulletproof website – if your website loads slowly, is full of glitches, or forms that don’t load – it’s over. People will simply move on.

3. Go where your customers are... searching. Residential customers may take more notice of what they see on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and Pinterest while for project managers, strata, and corporate clients, LinkedIn and Twitter might be best.

4. Create a content or engagement calendar to remind you to engage with your audience across the appropriate channels in a timely fashion. Ad hoc engagement and posting erratically can really damage trust – consistency is key.

5. Get ready to be ready – you’ll need a phone with a good camera(s) then take pictures, record recommendations, and even air some product reviews (ask for video testimonials from grateful customers while they’re admiring your work).

6. Volunteer helpful tips. Your YouTube channel or video posts can become a “destination” for potential and existing customers. Offering helpful solutions to common problems (changing washers, basic maintenance, etc.), makes your business a trusted, local authority with a reputation for helping out.

7. Build relationships. If you have completed a job well done for a new customer and leave without them knowing your name, you have wasted an opportunity. Engage them, get a recommendation and give them another reason to remember your business.

Two Final Points That Will Definitely Help You Put simply, winning at social media to grow your brand and win more business is essentially a team sport so the key to victory is going to be about assembling the right players with the best capabilities.

• But let’s start with your existing client-base and your mindset.

Plumbing businesses fail because they may do a good job but fail to adapt to the social demands of today’s business environment.

This takes practice and a mindset that embraces the challenge of engaging their audience. Ask your followers for their opinions, their recommendations and ask them to pass on reviews and share content.

You shouldn’t have to do it all and with an active database, you won’t have to. Build these habits, lean into the processes and understand the power of your website and the influence that social media holds over your ability scale or consolidate your plumbing business.

• When you engage a digital marketing agency to take the burden off your shoulders, make sure they know your industry; otherwise, they’ll be experimenting with trial and error, and I know that from my years working with plumbing businesses, guesswork has no business in your business!

Again, success always was and always will be about understanding, connecting and impressing your growing customer/client database and adapting to the way they like to do business – and that’s the bottom line.

Book your free consultation with an AiiMS marketing specialist today at aiims.com.au.

Kynan Albassit is the Product Director at AiiMS, a digital agency specialising in connecting people, businesses and brands, to power growth and profitability.

WORKPLACE RELATIONS

State of Origin. Broncos.

Magic Round. Reds. Wallabies.

The only way to see them all.

Become a Suncorp Stadium Member today.

The membership without leaks.

Benefits include: • Fully transferable tickets. Can’t make a match? Assign your tickets to someone else electronically • Members only bars and dining options • Members only drinks, including full strength beers and exclusive wines • Priority presale access to concert and special event tickets • The best seats in Suncorp Stadium • Save over $1,000 and never miss a moment!

More games. More events. More memories.

Find out more and become a Member at suncorpstadiummembers.com.au/mpaq 18

| MASTER PLUMBER MAGAZINE Autumn 2021

FINANCE

5 QUESTIONS YOU SHOULD ASK WHEN OUTSOURCING ACCOUNTING The decision to outsource any sort of work is one that isn’t easy to come to. There is always the thought to hire in-house instead or upskill the team you already have.

Both of these options are great but they both use up time and a couple of dollars you’re not too keen on spending.

Outsourcing comes as the faster option that will still cost you money but will save you lots of time and helping you earn more money.

Accounting is a sensitive business matter, which requires careful consideration and expert opinion. Before you dive all in, let’s look at the five tradie questions to ask when considering outsourcing accounting.

What Questions Should I Be Asking?

Your tradie accountant is obliged to respond tastefully and truthfully to any questions you might have about outsourcing your accounting. Not to scare you off, but you’ll be sharing very sensitive financial information to a third party about your plumbing business.

For your absolute protection, discretion, and peace of mind, it’s important to ask the relevant questions.

The team of accounting experts at Tradies Accountants compiled a list of five critical questions that plumbers should ask when outsourcing accounting.

1. What Physical Security Do You Use at Your Place of Business?

It’s only natural that the first question should be about security. If you’ve caught up with the times, you’re likely giving your accountant digital data, but what about physical safety?

Ask who else has access to the database and whether there is any screening method being used on employees who have access to the server room.

It’s important to also find out if the server allows the sharing of information to printers or local devices.

2. What Accounting Software Will You Use?

There is a plethora of efficiency software on the market currently.

Chances are your outsourced accountant is using one or the other.

Asking this question won’t only make you sound smart but also showcases your understanding of the evolutions in the business world.

The selection is particularly important due to the variety of integrations present. This applies in particular to Xero software.

As a quick tip, if your outsourced accountant is using software meant for efficiency this could translate to lower fees for you.

Thank us later.

3. What Happens to the Files After You’re Finished with Them?

What do they do after they are done working on your accounting?

Do they save them for a certain period of time? Are they destroyed immediately after work is completed? Or simply keep them for decades?

The thought of your sensitive financial information casually chilling for infinite years is tummy churning.

In order to protect your financial data, ask the outsourced accountant to provide a written agreement of what happens to your information after you’ve terminated the contract or completed work with them.

4. Is There a Possibility for You to Grow with My Plumbing Business?

We all prefer familiar faces and consistency.

This is an even deeper truth when it comes to anything involving finances, accounting, or marriage (only because there are finances in that last one).

You want to assume that this person will be able to grow with your business especially if you’ve grown to love and appreciate the quality of their services.

In the same way, you should be able to return the favour and pay a little higher as your business develops. Do ask about the ability of all this being a real conversation to be had in the future.

5. What Are the Policies You Have in Place When There is a Data Breach?

This is an important one because it’ll tell you about the character of your potential outsourced accountant.

Things happen. Fires, natural disasters, or even theft.

Ask about the policies that are meant to compensate affected companies, recover lost data, and mitigate the damage caused.

In fact, to be absolutely safe, choose an outsourced accountant that has an emergency plan set up to cushion the emergency before it actually happens.

Any outsourced accountant that defers any of these five critical questions probably won’t deliver the peace of mind you require when sharing sensitive information.

Only settle for an accountant that will have all the best interests of your plumbing company in place before entrusting them with the task. This is the company that will truly deliver what you actually need to make your plumbing business smooth and efficient.

For more information or advice, contact Tradies Accountant on 1300 775 048 or email admin@tradiesaccountant.com.

Article supplied by Tradies Accountant

Trying to provide your client with excellent service but stuck with a hard-to-detect leak?

Find Leak Detection can help you!

You remain the lead plumber, we respect you and your client’s relationship.

Our services: Concealed water leaks Acoustic leak detection Line and service tracing Thermal imaging testing

• • • •

Ser •Brisba vicing n •Redla e •Ipswich nds •Lo ga •Gold Coast n

testing •Pressure Drain camera inspections •Shower leak testing • Discounted rate for MPAQ members

MASTER PLUMBER MAGAZINE Autumn 40% off2021 |

19

APPRENTICES

50% WAGE SUBSIDY FOR NEW OR RECOMMENCING APPRENTICES Employing an Australian apprentice can provide your business with real benefits, and it also helps to continue to build and develop our growing plumbing industry.

An apprentice can inject some youthful talent into the business, which brings a whole new dimension to the workplace with fresh perspectives and new ideas. An apprentice can inspire new energy among team members, and they may be pretty handy with some of the tech-savvy ways that businesses need to adapt to in today’s market. Additionally, by employing someone as an apprentice and investing time and energy into them, this could aid in retaining this employee and developing and mentoring them to suit the needs of your business.

Boosting Apprenticeship Commencements Incentive To assist with the recovery from the impact of COVID-19, the Australian Government is providing support to all employers who engage a new Australian apprentice. The Boosting Apprenticeship Commencements wage subsidy is to support employers and Group Training Organisations to take on new apprentices and trainees.

Is My Business Eligible?

Your business may be eligible if: • You engage an apprentice between 5 October 2020 and 30 September 2021; and • Your apprentice is undertaking a Certificate II or higher qualification and has a training contract that is formally approved by the state training authority.

Plumbing apprentices complete a Certificate III in plumbing; therefore, your business would be eligible for the Boosting Apprenticeship Commencement incentive providing you meet the date requirements above.

How Much is the Subsidy?

• Eligible employers can apply for a wage subsidy of 50 percent of the commencing or recommencing apprentice’s gross wage paid.

• The wage subsidy is available for a maximum of $7,000 per quarter per eligible apprentice for wages paid in the 12 month period from the date of commencement.

• The final date for new entrants into the program is 30 September 2021.

The previous cap of 100,000 new entrants has been removed from 9 March 2021.

Who to Contact?

To find out further information on the Boosting Apprenticeship Commencement incentive please contact your local Australian Apprenticeship Support Network (AASN) provider.

SUPER BUILT FOR YOU.

Sarina Russo Apprentices https://www.sarinarusso.com/ apprenticeship/ 13 15 59 Busy At Work

https://www.busyatwork.com.au/ 13 28 79

Employing an Apprentice

Be you with BUSSQ. We’re a leading industry fund that makes super easy with personalised service to help you, your employees and family.

We’re here to help you. Visit bussq.com.au or call us on 1800 692 877.

The information supplied in this advertisement is general advice only and does not take into account or consider your personal objectives, financial situation or needs. Before acting, you should review the relevant Product Disclosure Statement to ensure you have all the information about the relevant BUSSQ product and how it works and consider the appropriateness of the information to your needs or seek independent advice from a properly qualified professional.

Prepared by BUSS(Queensland) Pty Ltd (ABN 15 065 081 281, AFSL 237860) as Trustee for BUSSQ (BUSSQ Fund, ABN 85 571 332 201).

To employ an apprentice, there are essentially two contracts that the business and the apprentice will need to engage in: the training contract and the employment contract for the apprenticeship. MPAQ can assist with the employment contract, and the business will need to work with an AASN provider as listed above to develop the training contract.

Types of Apprenticeships An employer can employ a plumbing apprentice in a full time capacity, or even while the person is still at school. Additionally, if someone is 21 years old or older, they can be engaged as an adult apprentice. An apprentice receives the relevant apprentice wage dependant on their year of apprenticeship, which helps businesses to manage their payroll costs.

With many benefits of employing an apprentice, contact the MPAQ Workplace Relations team on 07 3273 0800 for guidance and advice for your business.

Article source: Boosting Apprenticeships Commencements - www.dese.gov.au

22

| MASTER PLUMBER MAGAZINE Autumn 2021

APPRENTICES

RHEEM KICKSTARTING AUSSIE PLUMBERS’ CAREERS WITH $30K ON OFFER

Rheem Australia is encouraging Australian apprentice plumbers and gas fitters to apply for a share of the $30,000 in grants available from the 2021 Rheem Apprentice Plumber Grants scheme.

Ten deserving apprentice plumbers from around Australia will be rewarded with a grant of $3,000 to support the progression of their study and help kickstart their career.

“Since launching the Rheem Apprentice Plumber Grants program in 2012, we’ve awarded $270,000 in grants to apprentice plumbers around Australia,” says Chief Operating Officer at Rheem, Chris Taylor.

“2021 presents new opportunities and challenges for plumbers and apprentices, with many members of our industry finding unique ways of working and growing as professionals. We at Rheem are engaged with, and committed to, the plumbing community, and our involvement doesn’t stop with products and innovation. One of the most valuable ways we can support the future of our industry is by championing the education and training of Australia’s next generation of plumbers,” adds Taylor.

Grant recipients will receive $2,000 to assist with their TAFE/ RTO fees and textbooks, and $1,000 to help newcomers build their all-important trade toolbox.

“The Rheem Apprentice Plumbers Grants are here to help aspiring plumbers achieve their goals. Since the program’s inception, Rheem has awarded 190 Grants to apprentice plumbers. Many of our applicants have had diverse paths that have led them to where they are today, but they all share two things: the ambition to become the next generation of plumbers and the drive to make that a reality.”

“I urge every apprentice plumber to apply for a 2021 Rheem Apprentice Plumber Grant. We’ve streamlined the application process this year to make it easier to apply than ever before.

Apprentices have nothing to lose and everything to gain,” concludes Taylor.

Applications for the 2021 Rheem Apprentice Plumber Grants program open on Monday 1 March 2021 and close at 11:59pm on Friday 30 April 2021. Successful grant recipients will be announced on Tuesday 8 June 2021.

Applicants must submit the completed form via the website at www.rheem.com.au/apprentice.

MASTER PLUMBER MAGAZINE Autumn 2021 |

23

WORKPLACE RELATIONS

SUPERANNUATION CHANGES COMING IN JULY 2021 Your obligations to employee superannuation will be changing from 1 July 2021. The current 9.5% superannuation guarantee has been frozen since 2014 but that is about to change in 2021.

A definite decision will be made by the Federal Government when they hand down the federal budget in May 2021.

The superannuation guarantee is scheduled to increase from the current 9.5 percent to 10 percent on 1 July 2021.

The rate is set to increase by half a per cent each financial year thereafter until the superannuation guarantee rate reaches 12 percent.

Please take into consideration these changes when looking to employ new staff and check your current employment contracts to ensure you are meeting your obligations.

Further information is available on the Australian Taxation website, www.ato.gov.au, or MPAQ members can call MPAQ’s Workplace Relations team on 07 3273 0800.

IS YOUR NEXT EMPLOYEE WAITING FOR YOU? If you’re an employer on the lookout for a new plumber or apprentice plumber, check out the MPAQ employment page.

Who knows, you might find the perfect person for your business!

MPAQ’s list of resumes is updated on an ongoing basis and consists of people looking for work in the plumbing industry across Queensland.

Visit www.mpaq.com.au/ workplace-relations/employment/ looking-for-work to view the resumes of people currently looking for work.

Protect your business without the need for a cape and tights!

MPAQ Employment Contract Templates are available for MPAQ members.

Call the MPAQ HR team on 07 3273 0800 or find out more at www.mpaq.com.au

24

| MASTER PLUMBER MAGAZINE Autumn 2021

WORKPLACE RELATIONS

WHY USE A WRITTEN EMPLOYMENT CONTRACT? An employment contract is a key element for an employer to manage the employment relationship and is part of governing the rights and entitlements of the employer and the employee.

Combined with the Fair Work Act 2009 (FW Act), the Plumbing and Fire Sprinklers Award 2010 (Award) (or an Enterprise Agreement if you have one), an employment contract is a useful tool to establish obligations and responsibilities between an employer and employee.

Without a written employment contract, the employment obligations are left to the Award and the FW Act, and in many cases, this is not sufficient to protect the employer effectively, especially if the employment relationship sours. Additionally, if an employer deviates in any way from a strict application of the Award (for example, wants to pay an above Award rate rather than pay each Award allowance and entitlement individually) a written employment contract is essential to confirm and record the agreement for the all up hourly rate to cover a multitude of statutory entitlements.

So, it is important to have an employment contract from the beginning of the employment relationship.

What Should an Employment Contract Include?

An employment contract should include the basic rights and responsibilities that the parties will have, including: 1. the duty to act in the employer’s best interest and to use reasonable skill and care; 2. the duty to comply with reasonable and lawful directions; 3. the employee’s role, duties, and hours; 4. remuneration and how it is calculated (wages, allowances, penalty rates, etc); 5. the medical assessment clause if the employer is concerned that due to a medical injury or illness, the employee cannot undertake their work safely; 6. what happens on termination of the employment contract; and 7. the rights and responsibilities relating to confidential information or (if appropriate) any post-employment restraint of trade, or duties regarding the use of a work motor vehicle.

The Off-Set Clause Another very important inclusion in an employment contract is the off-set clause. Employers often want to pay an above Award hourly rate, which is intended to cover the employee’s wages and other Award allowances penalty rates. This is done so employers do not have to calculate every allowance and penalty rate over a pay period. However, unless there is an

express agreement with the employee (in the employment contract) that the above Award hourly rate includes provisions of Award entitlements then it may be determined that the Award entitlements are on top of the Award hourly rate.

So, every employer who pays a set hourly rate (above the award hourly rate) and intends that to be paid as an all up for everything amount, must have a written employment contract. Otherwise, they are at risk of employees “double dipping” and taking the above Award hourly rate then claiming allowances and penalty rates later on in a wage claim.

Another situation in which an off-set clause may be important is for employers who employ casual employees that work regular set shifts. There is some debate about whether an off-set clause that provides casual loading paid to the employee can be used to satisfy any leave entitlements if, later on, the court held that the employee was not a casual but a permanent employee. While we are yet to see a decided case on such a situation, we recommend having a clause like this in any casual employee contract.

What to Do If you do not have employment contracts for your employees, then you should consider having written employment contracts drafted.

If you pay an above Award hourly rate, and you do not have written employment contracts, then you should make it a priority to remedy this and obtain written employment contracts that include an appropriate off-set clause.

If you are concerned that an employee (perhaps a senior employee) could resign from your business and take important clients from your business with them elsewhere, then you should implement a written employment contract that contains an appropriate post-employment restraint clause.

Employment contracts are a vital part of the terms of employment to ensure that employers are properly protected throughout the employment relationship.

MPAQ has a suite of industry-specific employment contracts available for members to purchase. To find out more, visit www.mpaq.com.au or call 07 3273 0800.

Disclaimer This information and the contents of this publication, current as at the date of publication, is general in nature to offer assistance to Cornwalls’ clients, prospective clients and stakeholders, and is for reference purposes only. It does not constitute legal or financial advice. If you are concerned about any topic covered, we recommend that you seek your own specific legal and financial advice before taking any action.

Article written by Cornwalls Law MASTER PLUMBER MAGAZINE Autumn 2021 |

25

WORLD PLUMBING DAY

WORLD PLUMBING DAY – 11 MARCH Every Year... Everywhere!

71%

The proportion of the global population using a safely managed drinking-water service.

68%

The proportion of the global population using improved sanitation facilities.

58%

2.1 BILLION The number of people who have gained access to improved sanitation facilities since 1990.

2 BILLION The number of people worldwide using a drinkingwater source contaminated with faeces.

Proportion of the total diarrhoeal deaths that could be averted through safe drinkingwater, sanitation and hygiene.

842,000 Diarrhoeal diseases deaths per year caused by lack of safe drinking-water and inadequate sanitation and hygiene.

Sup po M r tin Me PAQ g mb ers

26

| MASTER PLUMBER MAGAZINE Autumn 2021

It is a date that has been fixed on the calendars of the world plumbing community since its establishment by the World Plumbing Council (WPC) in 2010 and is now a fixture on the calendars of political and social institutions around the globe.

The international plumbing community has a vital role in promoting the link between good quality plumbing, health, environmental sustainability, and economic prosperity.

Plumbing Is a Public Health Issue for Now Currently 3.2 billion people around the world have a drinking water plumbing system within the household, and 1.8 billion people are served with drainage facilities discharging to some sort of sewerage system. In other words, the proportion of people around the world having access to plumbing systems is extremely small.

Only 50 percent have access to drinking water through piped systems within the household itself and 30 percent have draining discharging to public sewers. Precisely because of these low coverage figures, the prospects of growth are huge. It is crucial that the millions of future plumbing systems be designed, constructed, and appropriately maintained so that health concerns are taken into account and existing systems are maintained or modified to reduce the risks of contamination and ensure that health benefits of the systems are obtained.

Learn more about how MPAQ celebrates World Plumbing Day by visiting www.mpaq.com.au or calling 07 3273 0800.

Article reference: World Health Organisation – www.who.int.

Upskilling your team has never been easier!

The business landscape in our industry changes rapidly. Don’t get left behind. Continue educating your employees with the Master Plumbers’ Association of Queensland suite of online courses.

One of the key elements of increasing employee engagement and satisfaction in the workplace is giving staff members the opportunity to grow and develop. People need to be continually learning, and see that they have the opportunity to move up the career ladder and try new things. As business owners, it is important to encourage your workforce to learn new skills, keep up on the latest trends, develop leadership abilities, and more.

MPAQ offer a suite of online courses* to help you and your employees upskill and build a better business. Courses include: • • • • • • • • •

Social media etiquette Basic estimating and calculating at work Prepare for learning at work Self development How to respond to problems in the workplace Interact effectively in the workplace Communicating in a professional environment Working in hot and cold environments and more!

* Some MPAQ online courses attract subsidies, for more information visit www.mpaq.com.au/training.

1900 - 2020

To find out more about online learning, call the MPAQ training team on 07 3273 0800 or visit www.mpaq.com.au/training.

PRODUCT NEWS

R X 5 6 S C RIDGID DIGITAL R BENEFITS OF O T I N O M G N I T ® R O P E VENT-A-ROOF SYSTEM R I F I W W ITH NOW AVAILABLE THROUGH LYSAGHT

Lysaght has partnered with Australian manufacturer Vent-ARoof to market and distribute the company’s innovative metal roof ventilation system.

The RIDGID SeeSnake CS65XR is a powerful, all-in-one reporting solution for plumbing diagnostics. Built on the time-tested platform of the SeeSnake CS65x monitor, now the CS65XR boasts a crisp 162mm, 1024 x 768 XGA high resolution, and daylight viewable display for exceptional viewing on the job site.

Key Features of the New RIDGID Monitor

• Water-resistant keyboard and full-featured reporting software allow for fast, efficient onsite reporting.

• Integrated Wi-Fi and Bluetooth allow live inspection streaming on an iOS or AndroidTM device with the free HQx Live app, or on a Windows device using SeeSnake HQ software.

• Durable, 128 GB internal SSD provides ample storage for multiple jobs.

• Dual USB ports give you the ability to make up to two copies of the job at once.

• Supports SeeSnake camera reels with TruSense technology for superior image quality and valuable data about the in-pipe environment.

The Ridge Tool Company is a world leading manufacturer of professional quality pipe and tube working tools serving the plumbing, mechanical, construction, HVAC, location, electrical, and facility maintenance industries.

The RIDGID® trademark is recognised by professional tradespersons and engineers for uncompromising product quality, performance, durability, and service.

For more information visit www.ridgid.com.au or contact Ridge Tool Australia on 1800 743 443 or at ridgid.australia@emerson.com.

An innovative passive ridge ventilation system, VENT-A-ROOF ® promotes the circulation of fresh air through roof spaces, ceiling, and building spaces in commercial and light industrial buildings, residential homes, and most metal sheds. Functionality aside, it also offers an aesthetically appealing alternative to traditional ventilation systems such as whirlybirds, powered vents, and commercial ridges on metal roofs.

For greater reliability and durability, the VENT-A-ROOF ® system has no moving parts instead utilising fundamental air flow principles to improve roof ventilation, thereby cooling the roof space and mitigating condensation, humidity, mould, and mildew.

“VENT-A-ROOF ® uses the exact same thermal principles as other natural ventilation systems. As the roof space heats, hot air is drawn towards the highest natural point and expelled through the VENT-A-ROOF ® integrated louvre and down the pan creating a passive, natural, and continuous flow of air,” explained Tony Jamieson, Lysaght’s National Specification Manager.

“Simultaneously, any positive airflow across the ridge of the roof creates a negative pressure, which pulls air out from the ridge vent and brings in fresh air from intake vents in the eves or below. Essentially the two thermal effects create a continuous flow of air allowing cool air into the roof/building space and extracting hot air.”

The patent-protected VENT-A-ROOF ® system is NCC and BAL-compliant and is suitable for use in cyclonic regions and bushfire-prone areas.

The system is compatible with Lysaght’s CUSTOM ORB®, TRIMDEK®, and KLIP-LOK 700 ® profiles and is available in all COLORBOND® steel colours with two common ridge designs, roll-top or low profile folded ridge, providing an attractive and uniform look.

VENT-A-ROOF ® is available nationally from all Lysaght branches and further information is available at www.lysaght.com/vent-a-roof.

New PC55MR-5 from $82 per day No finance repayments until May 2021* Applies to all Mini Excavators from a PC18MR-3 to PC88MR-10.

Call Matt on 0417 218 247 The Australian Government has now extended its $150,000 instant tax write-off.

28

| MASTER PLUMBER TermsMAGAZINE and conditions Autumn apply: https://bit.ly/3dbPDGG Image is for illustration purposes only 2021

PRODUCT NEWS

2021: THE YEAR OF THE JETTER In this second “Year of Corona”, it’s not only councils and water authorities that are having to deal with increased blockages and sewer lines!

Plumbers are also being faced with blocked sewer and stormwater drains.

One Australian company, working with plumbers, pioneered the idea of using high pressure water jetting equipment to clear drains fast and efficiently. Australian Pump Industries were already making pressure cleaners at that point and quickly realised the message from plumbers about the safety and efficiency advantages of going with the relatively advanced technology being used for a whole new application.

Australian Pumps’ philosophy is simple. They conceive, design, and build machines on their 2 ½ acre Castle Hills premises.

“We produce the right equipment, at the right price, and even have free delivery anywhere in Australia (popular models only),” said Aussie Pumps’ Product Manager, Mal Patel. “Plumbers, government departments, councils, and other users tell us that our jetters are safer, cleaner, and more efficient than conventional drain cleaning equipment. Just the range of the jetter alone, 60 metres from the machine, is a huge advantage over any Eel. The Aussie Viper Mini Reel is a huge benefit in terms of convenience and safety,” he said.

Aussie Pump produces trailer-mounted versions with a diesel option as expected by water authorities in country areas.

Australian Pump keeps adding safety features to their machines. All Aussie jetters now come with a safety plate that protects the operator when withdrawing the hose from the drain. Class B machines come with hose restraints and E-stop as well.

The company is now working on a free safety training program, which will not be the substitute for an RTO certification but will make even Class A operators more conscious of the need for the safe operation of a Jetter. The course will be online and will be available to councils, water authorities, plumbers, and any other interested parties.

Further information is available from Australian Pump Industries at www.aussiepumps.com.au.

Get the tools you need to succeed!

Always helpful, would not be in business without the support of MPAQ.

- Roy Walker Plumbing, member since 1971

Membership with MPAQ provides the resources you need to run your plumbing business. Visit www.mpaq.com.au or contact our membership team on 07 3273 0800 to find out more.

1900 - 2020

MASTER PLUMBER MAGAZINE Autumn 2021 |

29

March

EVENTS & TRAINING SUNDAY

MONDAY

1

2 First Day of Autumn

7

8

International Women’s Day

TUESDAY

WEDNESDAY

WPA Speed Networking Launch

3

4

15

FRIDAY

5

SATURDAY

6

MPAQ HR Webinar Brisbane TMV for Employers Course

Brisbane Estimate and Cost Work

9

10 WPA Monthly Virtual Catch Up

Brisbane Backflow Prevention Course

14

THURSDAY

16

17 Gympie Local Member Dinner

11

12

13

18

19

20

26

27

2

3

RLD WO G DAY N MBI st PLU reakfa B

Bundaberg Local Member Dinner

Bundaberg and Gympie Road Trip

21

28

22

World Water Day

29

23

24

30

31

25

Brisbane WPA Monthly Legionella Course Virtual Catch Up

April 1

School Holidays commence Good Friday

4

Easter Sunday

11

5

Easter Monday

12

6

7

World Health Day

8

9

10

14

15

16

17

21

22

23

24

Brisbane Plumbing Legislation Workshop

13

Brisbane Design and Size Course

18

School Holidays Finish

25 ANZAC Day

19

20

Cairns Business Finance Workshop

26

27

28

Brisbane Backflow Prevention Course

Cairns Industry Golf Day

29

30 Brisbane TMV Course

Key TMV - CPCPWT4023A - Commission and Maintain Hot and Heated Water Temperature Control Devices Backflow - CPCPWT4022A - Commission and Maintain Backflow Prevention Devices CWBR - CPCPCM4011A - Carry Out Work Based Risk Control Processes Design and Size - CPCPGS4011C - Design and Size Consumer Gas Installations Estimate and Cost Work - CPCPCM4012A - Estimate and Cost Work RTO Code: 30473

30

| MASTER PLUMBER MAGAZINE Autumn 2021

Visit MPAQ.com.Au for Events & Training information

May

EVENTS & TRAINING

SUNDAY

MONDAY

30

31

2

3

Labour Day PUblic Holiday

TUESDAY

WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY

FRIDAY

SATURDAY

1

4

5 WPA Monthly Virtual Catch Up

6

7

8

MPAQ HR Webinar for Employers Brisbane CWBR Course

9

10

11

12

13

14

15

21

22

QLD Small Business Month Lunch

16

23

17

18

19

Hervey Bay Backflow Prevention Course Warwick Local Toowoomba Local Member Dinner Member Dinner Warwick and Toowoomba Road Trip

24

25

26

20

Mackay Industry Golf Day

27

28

29

Introducing our 2021 Charity partner We’ll be raising funds at our 2021 events for our Charity Partner, Cancer Council Queensland.

Supporting Queenslanders impacted by cancer for 60 years Cancer Council Queensland is supporting Queenslanders impacted by cancer every minute, every hour, every day. The organisation not only provides practical and emotional cancer support, but also implements prevention and early detection programs throughout the Queensland community, and conducts lifesaving cancer research.

Cancer Council Queensland provides support services for all Queenslanders affected by cancer. These include practical support services such as Transport to Treatment, accommodation for rural Queenslanders who must travel to receive treatment and access to wigs and turbans for people experiencing hair loss due to cancer treatment. The charity also assists people with cancer, their family and friends, with emotional support, through its 13 11 20 Information and Support line and cancer counselling services.

Cancer Council Queensland is heavily invested in cancer research and is driven by its vision of a cancer free future. The organisation invests in ground-breaking cancer research projects and conducts its own research at the Viertel Cancer Research Centre. Cancer Council’s flagship annual campaign, The Daffodil Day 21024

Appeal, fundraises solely for cancer research in the hope of creating a brighter future for the next generation and discovering less invasive treatments for all cancers.

Reducing cancer risk is another part of Cancer Council Queensland’s work. The not-for-profit organisation conducts cancer prevention programs and highlights the importance of regularly participating in cancer screening programs to enhance early detection. The Cancer Council Queensland website is a hub of information, providing Queenslanders with the resources they need to understand cancer and what modifiable lifestyle behaviours can reduce their cancer risk.

Cancer Council Queensland is dedicated to improving quality of life for all Queenslanders impacted by cancer.

MASTER PLUMBER MAGAZINE Autumn 2021 |

31

32

| MASTER PLUMBER MAGAZINE Autumn 2021

#MPAQ SOCIAL

Want to f eature on the MPA Q S page? Use ocial our hasht ag on Instag ram so we can see wh at you’ re up t o!

MASTER PLUMBER MAGAZINE Autumn 2021 |

33

MEMBER NEWS

MPAQ LIFE MEMBER CELEBRATES 90TH BIRTHDAY Michael Cross, MA Cross

30 YEARS OF MEMBERSHIP FOR MA CROSS To celebrate MA Cross reaching their 30-year membership milestone, we asked Michael Cross some questions about his business and experience over the years.

Who founded the company and when?

The company was founded by me, Michael Cross, in 1979.

How has the company changed over the years?

I’ve learned to say no to some clients and to qualify which ones to say no to. I’ve also learned it’s easier to keep good customers when you don’t have the customers you don’t want (e.g. ones you have to keep chasing for payments).

I had reached a stage where I was having to chase payments for three quarters of my customers. I decided enough was enough and stopped doing this. I brought in EFTPOS availability and also invoiced onsite. From this strategy I have never needed my own overdraft since.

Has the company won any awards?

Yes, I won Logan City – Best Plumber of the Year 2019.

How many people worked at the company when it started?

It really varied as I used to do commercial work; however, it is just me in the business now.

How do you feel the industry has changed over the years?

The industry has changed for the better, as there’s no asbestos, no lead, and we are aware of what is carcinogenic. Work is safer now—Work Health and Safety has helped with this and organisations like MPAQ. Attitudes to safety is better; for example, we used to use a 25 amp power lead while climbing up and over cast iron stacks. We tied it to ourselves and what we were working on, and we would jump from roof top to roof top.

How has MPAQ membership helped your company?

I really want to help the industry that is helping us, and the best way to give back to the industry is to become a MPAQ member.

Congratulations and thank you to MA Cross for 30 years of MPAQ membership!

Baby News MPAQ is excited to announce that on Sunday 6 December 2020, our Finance Coordinator, Megan Tomkins, and her husband Luke welcomed their first child, Oliver.

Congratulations Megan and Luke!

34

| MASTER PLUMBER MAGAZINE Autumn 2021

Born in Melbourne on 24 December 1930, MPAQ Life Member Trevor Morris recently celebrated his 90th birthday!

During the war years, Trevor was sent to a farm at Dunkeld (Mallee region), returning to Melbourne at the age of 12. After leaving school at 14, Trevor started his first job at Hecla Electrics, which was followed by time working at various factories including metal spinning, Trevor Morris radio, and plastics.

Following a move to Brisbane in 1946, Trevor realised that indoor work was not for him and began looking for a job in the building industry.

He began working as an apprentice first for Wally Miller in Chermside and then Isacc Gill of Kedron—Ike was a father figure to Trevor.

Trevor took to plumbing like a duck to water, and he enjoyed the demanding work.

His dedication to Master Plumbers’ Association of Queensland culminated in him being awarded life membership in 1994.

Specialising in large projects, Trevor pioneered the high rise plumbing industry on the Gold Coast with Chevron Hotel, Kinkabool, and Paradise Towers. These were the first high rise buildings to be built in Queensland. Over the following years, Trevor was involved in other major projects including Southport Hospital, Atlantis East, Paradise Centre 2 Towers, Capricornia, and Tiki Village.

In 1964 Trevor became a partner in the newly formed Gold Coast Plumbing Services, which he purchased in 1984. The business closed down in 1995, and Trevor retired.

In his spare time, Trevor joined the Cats Cycling Club in 1993 and later the Veteran Club. He was also a member of the Burleigh Heads Apex Club in 1964, from which he retired with life membership.

Everyone at MPAQ would like to wish Trevor a very happy 90th birthday!

JACKSON PLUMBING REACHES 25 YEAR MEMBERSHIP MILESTONE Jackson Plumbing is a maintenance plumbing business that was founded in 1995 by Alfred Jackson.

Beginning in a small country town, the company was moved to the Gold Coast, which Alf says is one of the biggest changes Jackson Plumbing has faced, as well as one of its major highlights.

Alfred Jackson, Alf said that the biggest changes he’s seen in the Jackson Plumbing industry is the advancement of technology and products, and plumbing itself has a lot more red tape.

Looking to the future, Alf’s goal for the company is to survive in the current industry and climate.

Congratulations to Jackson Plumbing for reaching this milestone!

Winner of the 2020 MPAQ Renewal Prize On Friday 15 January, the winner of the 2020 MPAQ Renewal Prize Promotion was drawn with the help of Peter, the QLD and NT State Manager of our prize sponsor, Reliance Worldwide Corporation (RWC). RWC is a global market leader and manufacturer of water delivery, control and optimisation systems for the modern built environment.

Congratulations to the winner of the $5,000 holiday voucher, Murray Barnett from Murray Barnett Plumbing in Maryborough!

Murray Barnett with MPAQ’s Jason Searle

MEMBER BENEFITS

TOYOTA FOR BUSINESS

MATES RATES FOR ASSOCIATION MEMBERS? THAT’S GOLD.

HiLux 4x4 SR5 Double-Cab Pick-Up Shown*

Save $3,8001 on the 2020 HiLux 4x4 SR5 Double-Cab Pick-Up with your Gold Fleet Discount We invite you to awaken your unbreakable and experience the legendary performance, durability and bold design of the HiLux 4x4 SR5. With more power2 and more torque2, the enhanced best-selling HiLux 2.8L diesel engine is stronger and more capable than ever. An upgraded suspension system builds upon HiLux’s legendary off-road capabilities, offering drivers superior comfort and handling even in the harshest conditions.

It’s the ute built for real Aussies. Whatever’s around the corner, HiLux SR5 is ready for the challenge.

Your MPA membership unlocks Gold Fleet discounts across the Toyota vehicle range3 to help you find the right car for your lifestyle and budget.

To find out more, visit your Toyota Fleet Dealer or call 1800 679 247 toyota.com.au/fleet

1 Discount offer available to all Industry Association members on the HiLux 4x4 SR5 Double-Cab Pick-Up. 2 2.8L Diesel AT variants. 3 Excluding Special Edition Models. *Left Vehicle: 4x4 SR5 Double-Cab Pick-Up in Crystal Pearl accessorised with tow ball and tow tongue, tub step, tub liner, rear recovery points and Black sports bar. Right Vehicle: 4x4 SR5 Double-Cab Pick-Up in Crystal Pearl accessorised with 18” alloy wheels, premium steel bull bar with full size light bar (light bar fitting kit and driving light harness sold separately), side steps, side rails, snorkel, bonnet protector (Matte Black), weathershields, headlamp covers and body side mouldings (Black). All accessories sold separately. Toyota Genuine Accessories are not applicable to all models/grades. See your Toyota dealer to confirm Accessories suitable for your vehicle. Refer to Owners’ Manual for gross vehicle mass limits. Colours depicted may vary from actual colour due to display process. Visit toyota.com.au/vehiclepayload.

MASTER PLUMBER MAGAZINE Autumn 2021 |

35

MEMBER BENEFITS

MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR MPAQ MEMBERSHIP IN 2021!

2021 As well as offering members technical, workplace relations, and industry support, MPAQ has built relationships with industry partners to offer our members exclusive offers and discounts.

Save Time and Money with Caltex StarCards MPAQ members can utilise Caltex fuel cards for monthly bill payments with approved ATO business expense reporting.

Members can also access a 3.5c per litre discount on all petrol and diesel or 1c per litre discount on LPG.

An Insurance Broker that Represents You Austbrokers Comsure provide insurance solutions and policies specifically tailored to your plumbing business. They will take the lead when you have a claim and provide you with valuable advice and assistance every step of the way.

Discounted Merchant Fees with Payright Are you tired of chasing invoices? Cash flow is one of the biggest challenges for small businesses.

Payright’s Buy Now Pay Later tool solves this challenge by ensuring your business gets paid upfront, directly to your bank account, whilst your customer pays in bite sized payments over time.

Contact MPAQ@payright.com.au to find out more.

To get more information about these offers and to view the full suite of member benefits, visit www.mpaq.com.au/memberbenefits.

mpaq.com.au/find-a-plumber

36

| MASTER PLUMBER MAGAZINE Autumn 2021

Scan to find out how.

Be the one they call when things go wrong.

Update your Find a Plumber profile today.

MPAQ Find a Master Plumber

MILESTONES

CONGRATULATIONS TO MPAQ’S MILESTONE MEMBERS NAME

COMPANY

DIVISION

Brian Costello

MILESTONE

NAME

COMPANY

DIVISION

MILESTONE

North Qld

50

Michael Mitchell Intagas Services

Brisbane South

10

Nigel Read

Readiplumb Services Pty Ltd

Gold Coast

40

Neville Clark

Bundaberg Regional Council

Bundaberg

10

Don Shortis

Our Plumber Pty Ltd

Brisbane South

35

Ben Saywell

Laser Plumbing Bundaberg

Bundaberg

10

Mark Franzmann Franzmann Plumbing Pty Ltd

North Qld

35

Frank Saunders

Aquazon Plumbing

Country

10

Garry Bettiens

Capricornia Plumbing & Drainage

Central Highlands

30

Robert Cooke

Bay City Plumbing

Fraser Coast

10

Kelley Court

Court Plumbing and Drainage

Ipswich

30

Lee Sharp

Lee Sharp Plumbing

Gold Coast

10

Donald Hobson

Don Hobson Pty Ltd

North Qld

30

Mick Curtis

Mick Curtis Plumbing

Mackay

10

David Campbell

The Plumbing Group

Sunshine Coast

30

Steven Lloyd

Ancra Australia Pty Ltd

Outside Queensland 10

Kerry Hentschel

Hentschel Plumbing Pty Ltd

Toowoomba

30

Peter Rossington PL & GL Rossington

Ipswich

25

Kristian Abandowitz

Australian Gas Networks

Brisbane North

20

Darren Stewart

DNT Plumbing and Gasfitting Pty Ltd

Far North Qld

20

Kristie Taylor

K & K Taylor Plumbing (QLD) Pty Ltd

Gold Coast

20

William Muir

Brisbane Plumbing and Gas

Michael Preston Fallon Solutions

Joshua Stimpson JS Plumbing & Supplies

Sunshine Coast

10

Peter Coorey

Laser Plumbing Toowoomba

Toowoomba

10

Jordan Stewart

Barramundi Plumbing

Brisbane North

5

Clinton McArthur Clinton McArthur Plumbing

Brisbane North

5

Thomas Harrington

Plumber Rat Pty Ltd

Brisbane North

5

Penny Hall

Halgan Pty Ltd

Brisbane South

5

Matt McCosker

M & M Plumbing Services

Brisbane South

15

Luke Widdicombe Raynor Plumbing Pty Ltd

Brisbane South

15

Ben Crew

BC Project Industries

Brisbane South

5

Brisbane South

5

Central

5

Robert Hall

Nivek Plumbing Innisfail Pty Ltd Far North Qld

15

Edmund Virzintas

Central

5

John Harte

Far North Qld

15

Daniel Wiseman

Far North Qld

5

Troy Pettiford

Toowoomba

15

Greg Mitchell

Greg & Billie Mitchell Plumbing Fraser Coast Contractors

5

Dane Beazley

Gold Coast Plumbing Company Gold Coast

5

Darren Mackie

DKM Plumbing

Brisbane North

10

Gavin Buechler

GMB Plumbing Pty Ltd

Brisbane North

10

Daniel Lewis

Lewis Plumbing (Qld) Pty Ltd

Brisbane North

10

Bruce Sutton

Liquid Plumbing Solutions Pty Ltd

Brisbane North

10

Paul Nykvist

North West Plumbing (Qld) Pty Brisbane North Ltd

10

25

Ben Harrington

Hindmarsh Plumbing Services

Raymond Dennis David Gordon

GTS Plumbing

Mackay

Outside Queensland 5 5

Toowoomba

5

15

YEAR

MILESTONE

YEAR

MILESTONE

Warren Flor

5

Sunshine Coast

15

YEAR

Tony Fornataro Tony’s Plumbing Service

Dirk Widdowson WES Mackay

MILESTONE

Cameron Burke Burke Constructions (Qld) Pty Ltd MASTER PLUMBER MAGAZINE Autumn 2021 |

37

NEW MEMBERS

WELCOME TO MPAQ’S NEW MEMBERS NAME

COMPANY

DIVISION

NAME

COMPANY

DIVISION

Jonathan Edwards

Brand Hero

Brisbane North

Aaaron Knight

Aaron Knight

Far North Qld

Dean Warren

Buz Plumbing Services

Brisbane North

Guy Mair

Custy’s Plumbing Services

Far North Qld

Daniel Green

Greeny’s Plumbing Solutions

Brisbane North

Cameron Till

Primed Plumbing And Gas

Far North Qld

James Wakefield

Integra Plumbing & Gas

Brisbane North

Samuel Watson

Sam Watson Plumbing Pty Ltd

Far North Qld

Carlos Zamora

Pindari Plumbing

Brisbane North

Wes Ross

AAU Construction and Maintenance Gold Coast

Reece Holmes

Queensland Plumbing Pty Ltd

Brisbane North

Daniel Rho

Dan’s Plumbing

Gold Coast

Thomas Kimber

Transform Plumbing & Gas

Brisbane North

Alister Brush

Piping Up Plumbing and Gas

Gold Coast

Brent Meeds

Bam Plumbing Services

Brisbane South

Philip Curran

Brisbane Pipeline Solutions Pty Ltd Brisbane South

Luke Costello

Streamworks Plumbing and Backflow Pty Ltd Gold Coast

Michael Mcreaddie

Brisbane Taps Toilets and Drains

Brisbane South

Daniel Tomlinson

Reinvent Plumbing

Ipswich

Brendan Angus

G.Q. Industries PTY. LTD

Brisbane South

Cameron Bettini

CJ & ML Bettini Plumbing

Mackay

Nathan Bell

Precision Pipeline Plumbing Services Brisbane South

Jae Druett

Inner Circle Plumbing

North Qld

Luke Howell

Burst Plumbing & Gasfitting

Sunshine Coast

Zane Leviston

Checkmate Plumbing and Gas

Sunshine Coast

Greg O’Shea

GCO Plumbing & Gas Pty Ltd

Sunshine Coast

Jesse Palmer

JP Plumbing and Drainage

Sunshine Coast

Kurt Kentispeare

Kurt Kentispeare

Sunshine Coast

Darren Murton

Murt’s Plumbing

Sunshine Coast

Phillip Voll

PVC Plumbing & Gas

Toowoomba

Charmaine Wrightson South East Maintenance Plumbing

Brisbane South

Thomas Aitcheson

TDA Plumbing Services

Brisbane South

Martin Carpenter

Tubeline Plumbing

Brisbane South

Dominic Wright

Wright Plumbing Solutions

Brisbane South

Kimsley Cramer

Cramers Plumbing Services

Bundaberg

Matthew Brennan

TradeNow PTY LTD

Bundaberg

Peter Dunnett

Central Plumbing and Civil

Central

Jacob Doevendans

JCD Plumbing

Central

WIN Barton Smith Blackjade Pty Ltd

Damien Milk Red Earth Plumbing and Gasfitting

One of Two

Holidays

VALUED AT $2,500 EACH

BY RENEWING YOUR MPAQ MEMBERSHIP! Pay your 2021 Contracting Membership Renewal prior to the due date and you could go into the draw to win one of two travel vouchers worth $2,500.

Incheol Lee Sugar Plumbing Pty Ltd

Raymond Green

38

Jack Cerneaz Anchored Plumbing Co

Ross Blair Pro Plumbing and Gas Pty Ltd

| MASTER PLUMBER MAGAZINE Autumn 2021

VIST WWW.MPAQ.COM.AU/RENEW OR CALL 07 3273 0800 FOR MORE INFORMATION

This competition is available for contracting members renewing their membership with the Association between 1 January 2021 and 31 December 2021. Receipt or confirmation of payment for renewal must be received by the renewal date in order for the member to gain an entry in the 2021 Membership Renewal Draw. This competition is only applicable to contracting members.

Renewing members must elect to enter the draw via a link provided in membership confirmation emails. All entries must be received by 11.59pm AEST on 31 December 2021. The competition is open to MPAQ contracting members who are Australian residents aged 18 years and over. Only one entry per company is permitted. The winner will be drawn at random on 21 January 2022 at noon AEST at 11/243 Bradman Street, Acacia Ridge, Brisbane, QLD 4110. The winner must accept the prize within 10 business days of this date. Full Competition Terms and Conditions Apply - visit www.mpaq.com.au/renew for more details.

PAGE SUPPORTERS HEADING

THE SUPPORTERS OF OUR INDUSTRY Platinum Corporate Supporters Reece Reliance Worldwide Corporation Rheem Australia Pty Ltd simPRO Software Pty Ltd Toyota Australia Tradelink WFI Insurance

Gold Corporate Supporters

Bretts Trade Plumbing Supplies BUSSQ Building Super Construction Skills Queensland Decina Bathroomware Pty Ltd Dial Before You Dig (Qld) Ltd GWA Group Kembla QLeave Zip Heaters (Aust) Pty Ltd

Silver Corporate Supporters

Bunnings Trade FlatRateNOW Halgan Pty Ltd

Corporate Supporters

3 Monkeez Pty Ltd Advanced Enviro-Septic AiiMS Aquacure Water Treatment Pty Ltd Aquaknect Aquatech Solar Technologies Pty Ltd Aroflo Pty Ltd Astivita Limited AusPress Systems Pty Ltd Austbrokers Comsure Australian Gas Networks Australian Industry Trade College Australian Pump Industries Pty Ltd Australian Valve Group AustWorld Backflow Central & Hydromet Bermad Water Technologies Brand Hero Busy At Work Con-Serv Corporation Australia Pty Ltd Construct Law Group Cornwalls Law + More Davey Water Products Pty Ltd Elson Australasia Pty Ltd Emerson Valvcheq Backflow Enware Australia Pty Ltd Everhard Industries Pty Ltd Fair Water Meters Finlease Global Roto-Moulding Pty Ltd Gould Instruments Green Drains Asia Pacific Groundplan Software Grundfos Pumps Pty Ltd Handford Virtual Services Hilti Australia InSinkErator K & R Plumbing Supplies - Toowoomba Lifestyle Tradie Group Pty Ltd Modus Operandi MTS Warehousing and Distribution Ozzi Kleen Payright Plastec Australia Pty Ltd

03 9274 0000 07 3018 3440 07 3412 9200 1300 139 467 1800 679 247 1800 758 624 1300 934 934

07 3203 2105 07 3369 1111 1800 798 488 07 3271 1944 1300 329 375 07 3131 5999 07 3868 7888 07 3212 6811 02 9796 3100

13 30 62 02 7202 6008 07 3208 8339

07 3881 0322 07 5474 4055 1300 641 849 07 3277 6696 07 3805 3800 07 5520 6701 03 9259 5291 07 3726 2000 1300 287 773 07 3434 7800 1300 001 001 www.aitc.qld.edu.au 02 8865 3500 03 9462 2666 1300 780 430 07 5407 0151 03 9464 2374 07 3881 3211 13 28 79 07 3630 5744 07 3139 1874 07 3223 5900 07 3370 3700 02 9625 7899 07 3260 2555 02 8556 4000 13 19 26 1300 324 701 07 3324 2655 07 4697 7099 07 4779 6750 0406 003 446 07 3062 7737 08 8461 4611 0487 000 557 13 12 92 0447 886 648 07 4634 2955 1800 704 822 0421 399 107 07 3865 4811 07 5459 4900 1300 338 496 07 5413 4444

Plumbing Apprentices Queensland Plumbing Plus Queensland Plumbspec Plus Technologies Podium Porters Position Partners Pty Ltd PROTRADE United Queensland Brassware Association Queensland Gas Association QUT Facilities Management Rain Harvesting Rainware Outdoor Showers Rehau Pty Ltd Ridge Tool (Aust) Pty Ltd Rinnai Rostron Carlyle Rojas Lawyers Samios Saniflo Sarina Russo Job Access Shower Sealed Pty Ltd Snap Fire Systems Pty Ltd SolarEast Australasia Pty Ltd Specialised Plumbing Centre Square Stiebel Eltron (Aust) Pty Ltd Stoddart Stormtech Pty Ltd Stratco (Qld) Pty Ltd Studor Australia Pty Ltd Supakwik Water Heaters Pty Ltd TAFE Queensland Taylex Industries Pty Ltd The Bidet Shop The Couta Group The Service Trades College Australia The Wondercap Company Pty Ltd Totally Workwear Tradie Bookkeeping Solutions Tradie Finance Tradies Accountants Valves R Us Viega Pty Ltd Vinidex Pty Ltd Wilo Australia Pty Ltd Xact Accounting Zetco Valves Pty Ltd

07 3273 0800 07 4634 2955 0423 563 030 07 3357 3367 0478 180 191 07 4967 3333 0409 074 201 1300 767 774 0410 194 667 1300 792 239 07 3188 2331 07 3248 9600 0411 660 933 07 5527 1833 03 9930 7000 07 3137 6600 07 3009 8444 07 3907 8399 1300 554 779 13 15 59 1300 519 133 07 3348 9417 1300 668 886 07 3862 1166 1800 760 137 1800 153 351 07 3440 7600 02 4423 1989 07 3451 4444 1300 551 519 07 3800 0575 07 3244 0209 07 3441 5200 07 5591 7744 03 8405 3386 07 3255 5698 07 5539 3665 07 3249 4000 0468 944 130 1300 391 390 07 3174 5010 07 3865 1488 02 8853 7867 07 3277 2822 07 3907 6900 1300 233 723 02 9516 1336

Associate Councils Brisbane City Council Bundaberg Regional Council Gympie Regional Council Isaac Regional Council Livingstone Shire Council (LSC) Logan City Council Mackay Regional Council Mareeba Shire Council Moreton Bay Regional Council Mount Isa City Council Quilpie Shire Council Rockhampton Regional Council Southern Downs Regional Council Sunshine Coast Regional Council Townsville City Council

07 3403 8888 07 4130 4814 1300 307 800 07 4964 5400 07 4913 5000 07 3412 3412 07 4961 9011 07 4086 4720 07 3205 0555 07 4747 3200 07 4656 0500 07 4932 9000 1300 697 372 07 5420 8618 13 48 10

MASTER PLUMBER MAGAZINE Autumn 2021 |

39