Master Plumber Magazine - Winter 2021

WINTER 2021

Plumbing Ambassadors Appointed

Preparing for 2021 EOFY

The Benefits of 3D Laser Scanning

TAPWARE

BRASSWARE PRESS VALVE CIVIL

CONTENTS

Winter 2021 10 Technical The Benefits of 3D Laser Scanning Queensland’s New Fire Protection Licensing Framework Removing Heatpumps

13 Apprentices Developing Skills for Tomorrow’s Plumbers Plumbing Apprentices Queensland

15 Federal Budget 2021-22 Federal Budget Announcement and What It Means Budget Summary at a Glance

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9 16 Business

6 Executive

Prepaing for 2021 EOFY Human Resources and Payroll To Do List

7 Industry News

The #1 Feature to Look for When Purchasing Business Software

Queensland Mobilises Expert Hydrogen Team

Keep Cyber Criminals Out by Keeping Your Device up to Date

Appointment of Small Business Ombudsman

Claim Back What’s Yours!

Plumbing Ambassadors Appointed on World Plumbing Day to Inspire Future Tradies

9 COVID-19 Update Plumbers Eligible for COVID-19 Vaccination

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.

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20 In the Spotlight: Building Resilience and Adapting to Change 24 Workplace Relations 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 EDITOR Ashleigh Stonehewer P: 07 3273 0800 E: ashleigh.stonehewer@mpaq.com.au EDITORIAL & ADVERTISING ENQUIRIES Corbie O’brien P: 07 3273 0800 E: corbieobrien@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

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

In the last 12 months, plumbing and gas businesses in Queensland have had to learn to be agile and able to pivot at a moment’s notice. The skills to keep up with the changing environment comes from resilience and confidence in a business’s ability to adapt and thrive. In May, MPAQ and the Women’s Plumbing Alliance celebrated Queensland Small Business Month with a panel session that saw three of our members, Jess, Sonya, and Tiffany, talk about how their businesses have adapted and changed in recent times and share their experiences with others. We also asked them to share their insights with readers as well. Turn to pages 20-22 to read more.

With another financial year coming to an end, we’ve compiled an end of financial year checklist on pages 16-17, which we hope will help you through the busy weeks to come. However, if you’re an MPAQ member and you still have some questions or need extra support, the MPAQ team is here to help on 07 3273 0800.

Check out page 15 to see our summary of key announcements from the 2021-22 federal budget and what it means for plumbing businesses. A comprehensive summary has been sent out to members via email, but if you

missed it, email info@mpaq.com.au to get it re-sent to you.

Some exciting changes have already started happening at MPAQ. As you may have read in the last edition of Master Plumber one of our team had a baby boy in early December, and I’m excited to announce that another baby boy joined the MPAQ family in May! With three more babies due in the next couple of months, there will be a lot of new faces when you see the MPAQ team out and about at events this year as a number of our staff spend time with their growing families.

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

Ashleigh

26 Mental Health & Wellbeing 28 Product News 29 MPAQ Out and About 30 Events and Training 32 Social 34 Member News 36 Milestones

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38 New Members

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39 Supporters

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 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 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 Winter 2021 |

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EXECUTIVE

PERSPECTIVE Recently, I had the opportunity to participate in one of our regional road trips with Michael Ryan, MPAQ Board Member. Michael and I travelled from Brisbane, stopping at the Sunshine Coast, Gympie, Maryborough, and Bundaberg. We met a number of amazing members on the way up and back and had the chance to hear many stories Penny Cornah, Executive Director of resilience from the past year. All of the members were very appreciative of the advocacy work MPAQ had undertaken to ensure plumbing and gas fitting remained an essential service during the COVID-19 lockdown.

Jason Searle our Sales and Membership Specialist, who is based in Bundaberg, hosted us and 20 members for a dinner in the evening. The dinner provided a great platform to meet with members and understand some of their biggest challenges. The dinner was well received by local members, and thank you to those that made the effort to attend.

MPAQ is committed to getting out and seeing members in regional areas, and we have already visited a number of regions including Dalby, Chinchilla, Roma, Warwick, Stanthorpe, and Toowoomba. The regional communities are bustling with work, which is positive to see; however, they are experiencing challenges with some product and material delays, a price increase for some products, and struggling to find licensed plumbers and gasfitters.

Recently, I met with the Hon. Di Farmer MP, Minister for Employment and Small Business and Minister for Training and Skills Development, to share the biggest challenges members are facing. These include managing cash flow, finding licensed plumbers, uncertainty in the market, managing worklife balance, and managing the administrative requirements of a business.

MPAQ will continue to work closely with the Minister and the department.

MPAQ has recently created online member meetings, and we invite all members to jump online every two months. These meetings provide useful and relevant information and also allow you to ask questions.

To contact me please call 07 3273 0800 or email penny.cornah@mpaq.com.au.

Attendees at the 2021 Bundaberg Regional Dinner

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE Queensland continues to lead the country with an unrelenting diligence to beat the COVID-19 pandemic. Our members are still reporting positive financial results and that is very pleasing to hear.

The economic recovery has already begun, and the Palaszczuk Government is taking positive steps to ensure that Kent Vickers, President Queensland leads Australia back to economic prosperity. One of the key initiatives is the establishment of the Minister for Hydrogen, Mick de Brenni MP. Minister de Brenni and MPAQ have worked closely in the past when he held the Housing and Public Works portfolio. MPAQ has a solid reputation with the Minister, and this will continue in his new role.

Hydrogen is the new BUZZ word in the mining and energy sector and is quickly taking hold with a plethora of industry support. Hydrogen is the next big thing in the renewable energy space, and Queensland is well placed to lead Australia in the development of this valuable resource. Queensland has the climate to generate the renewable energy

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required to successfully produce hydrogen in the facilities already located around the state.

MPAQ is actively involved in the development of the training package to ensure that Queensland plumbers and gas fitters lead the way with this new and exciting renewable energy source. The Plumbing Industry Climate Action Centre (PICAC) at Beenleigh that will be equipped to not only train apprentices, but also upskill our licensed workforce with the knowledge required to safely work with hydrogen.

Hydrogen will be part of our lives in a variety of different ways. It will be injected into the natural gas networks to provide a blended supply to the domestic, commercial, and industrial markets. It will be introduced as fuel cells that generate electricity, and it will provide a huge export market to Queensland with contracts already signed with international customers.

These are exciting times for our trade and, although we are all busy, I would like to remind you of the importance of being vigilant around the people we work with and care about. The legacy of the 2020 pandemic is the enormous financial strains some of us are facing, and the impact it is having on our mental health. Please take the time to ask your friends, family, and mates if they are ok. Listen to them, look out for them, and support them if you notice any tell-tale signs that they are struggling.

Life’s good!

INDUSTRY NEWS

APPOINTMENT OF SMALL BUSINESS OMBUDSMAN The Australian Government has appointed the Honorable Mr Bruce Billson as the new Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman.

QUEENSLAND MOBILISES EXPERT HYDROGEN TEAM The Palaszczuk Government has appointed a specialist hydrogen team of industry experts to unleash Queensland’s hydrogen potential and the thousands of jobs that will flow from it.

Minister for Energy, Renewables, and Hydrogen, the Hon. Mick de Brenni MP, announced in Parliament that Professor Peta Ashworth OAM would lead a seven-member expert taskforce to fast track the establishment of a sustainable hydrogen supply chain.

“Queensland will lead Australia’s effort to be a world leader in renewable hydrogen, and our Hydrogen Taskforce will ensure that we seize this opportunity,” Mr de Brenni said.

“The Hydrogen Taskforce brings together industry, academic, and public sector leaders with expertise in science, energy, international investment attraction and economic development, infrastructure planning, regulations, skills development, and logistics, and Queensland is lucky to have Professor Peta Ashworth at the helm.

“Professor Ashworth is currently the University of Queensland’s Chair in Sustainable Energy Futures, a globally renowned leader in climate and energy technologies and sustainable energy, and already has runs on the board when it comes to hydrogen – including playing a role in the development of Australia’s National Hydrogen Strategy.”

The Hydrogen Taskforce’s primary job will be to work with industry across the supply chain to help accelerate the growth of the hydrogen sector in Queensland.

Professor Ashworth said the Taskforce would hit the ground running, and one of its first tasks will be to assess the current state of play of Queensland’s hydrogen supply chain.

“Based on this, we will then prepare a plan that provides a clear line of sight to a sustainable hydrogen supply chain, including export, to be up and running by 2030 or earlier if possible,” Professor Ashworth said.

“We will also identify short and medium-term actions within the regulatory and planning landscape to facilitate the safe and sustainable development of Queensland’s next major energy commodity.”

Mr de Brenni said the Taskforce’s establishment dovetails the Queensland Government’s $60 million investment across multiple programs and initiatives that are growing the hydrogen industry and future hydrogen jobs in Queensland.

“This includes $32.6 million invested to support training and skills development and $25 million for the Hydrogen Industry Development Fund.

Visit www.epw.qld.gov.au/about/initiatives/queenslandhydrogen-taskforce to find out more about the Queensland Hydrogen Taskforce.

The Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman forms a key pillar of the Australian Government’s commitment to small and family business as a strong voice for the sector.

The role of the Ombudsman, at Mr Billson’s direction, will have a pivotal role in shaping the Australian Government’s response and continuing support of small and family business as they make their way out of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Mr Billson’s term will run for five years and commenced on 11 March 2021.

Visit www.asbfeo.gov.au to learn more.

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

Plumbers Trench Guide is an easy to use, new to the market product perfect to set the fall required in a trench to shape an even decrease across any job site. Mainly available in the regional country areas of Toowoomba, Dalby, and Burke, New South Wales, the Plumbers Trench Guide was developed and designed by Amihoss Pty Ltd owner and director Max Ingelton. With over 55 years in the building industry, Max was determined to find a solution for the persistent strain on his back and body from bending over in the process of checking the fall in a trench or drain.

The idea for the Plumbers Trench Guide was conceived during a sewer trenching job requiring a 40-metre trench with string lines and boning rods where no laser was available. Issues quickly arose as string lines began sagging and got caught up in the excavator bucket. After Max’s quick thinking and ability to overcome any obstacle, the first prototype was created and has been a much-required assistance tool on every job site since.

Made using quality fixtures and materials, the device is simple, quick, and easy to set up and pack down with a robust design to outlive the harshest of conditions.

Plumber, builder, or landscaper, get yourself a Plumbers Trench Angle Guide today. Visit www.plumberstrenchguide.com to learn more.

MASTER PLUMBER MAGAZINE Winter 2021 |

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INDUSTRY NEWS

PLUMBING AMBASSADORS APPOINTED ON WORLD PLUMBING DAY TO INSPIRE FUTURE TRADIES Pictured (left to right): The Hon. Mick de Brenni MP, Minister for Energy, Renewables and Hydrogen and Minister for Public Works and Procurement, Sam Raper, Toni Hillman, Simon Townson, Sonya Hughes, Kent Vickers, MPAQ President, and Penny Cornah, MPAQ Executive Director.

The ambassadors were chosen to represent MPAQ and promote this important trade to school students and career-seekers across the state, focusing on raising awareness to students about studying an apprenticeship and explaining where a trade can take them both professionally and personally. This year, there will also be a focus on engaging with business owners to grow the number of opportunities available to those seeking a plumbing apprenticeship.

Meet the Ambassadors

On Thursday 11 March, Master Plumbers’ Association of Queensland (MPAQ) revealed the 2021 Queensland Plumbing Ambassadors. The announcement was made in front of over 300 attendees at the World Plumbing Day Industry Breakfast, which was held at Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre.

COME WORK FOR US! Hello, I would like to take this opportunity to introduce myself, John Salmon, and my company Salmon Plumbing.

For the more than 30 years Salmon Plumbing has consistently proved to be one of the most reliable and efficient plumbing contractions in Brisbane. It is known for its excellence in quality, service, and professionalism.

At this moment, we’re looking for fully licenced plumbers to join our team at Salmon Plumbing.

If you are interested in accelerated and meaningful career progression, we provide support, training, and opportunity alongside work first and foremost as a plumber, providing practical service, not pushy sales.

We offer a great workplace culture, a tight-knit, supportive and friendly team where you are valued as an individual. Additionally, we offer paid technical, product, customer, and team leadership training to aid you in achieving your career goals.

For more information, please use the QR Code or visit salmonplumbing.com.au/careers.

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Toni Hillman, a licensed plumber and drainer of New Build Plumbing based in Morningside, has been a part of the plumbing and gas industry for over 13 years.

Toni said, “I need to show my face more and feel confident enough to step up to promote the industry and encourage others to follow in my footsteps.”

Toni started out as a school-based apprentice and continued to complete her apprenticeship mainly in the domestic area. She has attended a few different events where she has been a guest speaker and an advocate for the industry—for not only women but men as well.

“I want to participate more in events to promote the industry that I love,” she said.

Sonya Hughes is the Office Manager for Hughes Plumbing Contractors and has been involved in the plumbing industry for around 10 years.

Sonya said, “I am passionate about our industry and how important it is to promote this highly skilled trade as a career for future generations.”

Prior to her appointment as a plumbing ambassador, Sonya held meetings with local schools to promote the trade, with a focus on promoting increased diversity.

“I think that plumbing has a stigma among young people as a dirty job that is suitable only for males; however, I would like to share the variety of plumbing career opportunities available,” Sonya said.

“Regardless of gender or physical strength, plumbing can be a very successful career choice for all.”

Sam Raper is a fourth-year apprentice in his third year with Paul Gray Plumbing Services.

Sam said, “Even though I have only been in the industry for a short period of time, it has given me so much, and I am hoping I can give this back to others who wish to pursue a career in this industry”.

Finding his passion after 33 years, having gone through two companies to find a supportive employer, Sam is currently undergoing night school to complete his Cert 4 and has been awarded the 2020 TAFE Plumbing Apprentice of the Year and 2020 TAFE Outstanding Apprentice of the Year.

“Being an ambassador will help grow my knowledge of the industry and could also open up some doors for me in the future.”

Simon Townson is a licensed plumber, drainer, and gasfitter and the Managing Director at Tri Plumbing Services. He has been in the industry for 18 years and is a big advocate for apprentices and reskilling. He also believes that there is a current struggle for education around employers taking on apprentices.

Simon’s ambassadorship role will be slightly different from that of Toni, Sonya, and Sam, with an employer focus where he will be able to connect with businesses and promote the importance of taking on apprentices and all the advantages this can bring to a company.

If you would like to know more about MPAQ’s Plumbing Ambassador program, contact MPAQ on 07 3273 0800.

COVID-19 UPDATE

PLUMBERS ELIGIBLE FOR COVID-19 VACCINATION Queensland Health has announced that plumbers who work in quarantine hotels are now invited to make an appointment under Phase 1b of the vaccination rollout plan. The government is currently calling for eligible Queenslanders in phase 1a, 1b, and people aged over 50, to receive the vaccination.

Queensland Health has launched an online registration portal for eligible individuals to make a booking to receive a COVID-19 vaccine.

How to Book Your Vaccination 1. Register Your Interest

Visit vaccinebookings.health.qld.gov.au/registerforvaccination and enter your details. In the Cohort section, select Quarantine and Border Workers.

Please note, there is no need to enter a registration code. Once the form is submitted, you will be sent an email confirming your registration.

2. Booking Your Appointment

You will be sent an email with instructions on how to book when clinic times and vaccines are available. Bookings are essential.

On the day of vaccination, patients should bring: • Proof of age (e.g. driver’s licence, birth certificate, passport).

• Proof of 1b eligibility due to the nature of their work (e.g. pay slip, letter from employer, information on the work being undertaken at a quarantine hotel).

• Medicare card if in possession of one. If you are not eligible for Medicare, you can still receive a vaccine at a Commonwealth Vaccination Clinic or state, or territory government vaccination clinic.

Please allow around 45 minutes for your appointment as this allows time for your patient screening, the vaccination, and observation after the injection.

Please continue the recommended public health measures including physical distancing, hand washing, and staying home when you are sick to reduce your risk of getting COVID-19 and help control the spread in the community.

Information about the vaccine, what to expect on the day of your vaccination, and how Queensland Health is committed to protecting your privacy and confidentiality can be found on their website at www.qld.gov.au/health.

WORK HEALTH SAFETY MANAGEMENT SYSTEM

Protect your workers with our system designed specifically for plumbers Our Work Health Safety Management System (WHSMS), a joint initiative with Plumbing Apprentices Queensland, is a documented set of plans, actions and procedures to make it easy for your plumbing business to maintain a safe workplace.

Find out more at mpaq.com.au!

TECHNICAL

THE BENEFITS OF

3D LASER SCANNING What is 3D laser scanning, and can it be useful for plumbers today?

When traditional measurements are not appropriate or would not be practical due to time constraints, three-dimensional (3D) laser scanning is used.

3D laser scanning is a safe, non-contact, non-destructive process that digitally captures the physical shape of an object by using a laser light. This process represents the shape of an object with fine detail in 3D quickly.

3D laser scanning is the fastest, most accurate, and automated way to rapidly capture an accurate 3D representation of a real object, buildings, and locations for creating 3D drawing models. The scanning process is extremely fast.

Scanners are being used for topographic land and building surveying, mobile mapping, recording stages during construction, capturing as constructed services, tagging assets, ongoing services inspections, and monitoring maintenance.

Scanners are generally compact, portable, and are easily carried providing a colourised scanning range of 360 degrees, which involves the use of non-contact, non-destructive technology that digitally captures the shape of physical objects using a line of laser light.

The scanner measures fine details and captures free-form shapes to quickly generate highly accurate point clouds enabling the precise reproduction of the scanned object digitally.

There are various output formats that can be created such as AutoCAD, SolidWorks, Pro-Engineer etc., associated with outputs using DXF, DWG IGES etc., depending on the required application.

A point cloud is a set of X, Y, and Z coordinate data points (known as vertices containing millions of points) that represents a 3D shape or object from external surfaces around an object.

After the point clouds have been created, they are merged into one using specialised construction-specific software to create a 3D CAD model.

With a model of the scanned area, the designer now knows the position and elevation of everything within the scans to within a few millimetres.

This allows designers to accurately prepare and design services pipe routes allowing for natural drainage flows etc.

The CAD model enables the precise reproduction of the scanned object, or the object can be modified in the CAD model to correct imperfections.

Example of 3D Laser Scanning

Partial photo of a pool aeration system

Operation of the 3D Laser Scanning System • The 3D scanning head is first mounted on a tripod.

• The scanning head and data tablet are turned on.

• Details of the project are entered into the tablet together with the scan settings options, which includes a selection of a scan duration time from standard to high sensitivity depending on the resolution required.

• The location of the first scan is determined from the station 1 node.

• The scan is then commenced.

• Once the scan has been completed capturing the images at station 1, the scanning head is then moved to a new line of sight, station 2. For standard scanning, a spacing of 10 metres is recommended. For a lessor quality resolution scanning a spacing of up to 80 metres can be used.

• At the completion of all the scanning, the scanned data is then exported, and a 3D model can be created for the next phase of the design process.

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3D scan of that area*

TECHNICAL

The Advantages of Using a 3D Laser Scanner • Scanners are generally compact, portable, and are easily carried.

• Overall the risks and costly mistakes associated with the traditional measurement processes are reduced by using 3D Laser Scanning.

• The high-resolution 3D model is exactly accurate and helps to assist in surveying, mapping, and designing work.

• Measurements can be taken digitally at a later date, from point to point of an object saving time over using a conventional measurement method.

• Increased productivity by using 3D scanning, which can accomplish a lot of detailed documentation quickly, while it may have previously taken days for completion.

• 3D scanning can be used in high hazardous or hard-to-reach areas without physically accessing an area while reducing costly safety measures.

• Significantly higher quality control processes and measurements can be achieved with 3D laser scanning.

• 3D modelling after the 3D laser scanning can highlight potential clashes and space for new or replacement equipment and services pipework.

• The significant time associated with troubleshooting problems can be reduced by using accurate 3D laser scanning measurements, which provides savings associated with additional construction times on site.

• At the completion of a project, accurate as constructed documentation can be produced showing a before and after comparison of the project works.

• Ongoing benefits include building maintenance of plant and services together with refurbishments.

The Disadvantages of Using a 3D Laser Scanner • It is difficult for a 3D laser scanner to measure any object surface that is out of the scanner’s line of sight.

• The 3D laser scanner requires an amount of ambient light to scan an object. Other difficulties associated with scanning include humidity and ambient temperatures.

• The initial cost of a 3D laser scanner can be between $50,000 and $150,000. Then there are costs associated with operator training and possible yearly equipment calibration.

In Conclusion • 3D laser scanning provides an extremely fast, accurate, safe, non-contact, non-destructive process that digitally captures the physical shapes of an object creating 3D drawing models.

• 3D modelling after the 3D laser scanning can highlight potential clashes and space for new or replacement equipment and services pipework.

• Accurate as constructed documentation can be produced showing a before and after comparison of the project works.

• Ongoing benefits include building maintenance of plant and services together with refurbishments.

• The overall risk of costly errors and mistakes is reduced.

Article written by Ken Crase, First Vice President, Technical of the AHSCA QLD Chapter. Ph: 0432 066 770 *Photo and scan courtesy of Aqualogical.

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 MASTER PLUMBER MAGAZINE Winter 2021 | 11 Contact infoqld@picac.edu.au or call 1300 222 727 for course details

TECHNICAL

QUEENSLAND’S NEW FIRE PROTECTION LICENSING FRAMEWORK On 1 May 2021, a new modernised and rationalised fire protection licensing framework commenced in Queensland.

These important reforms will further strengthen the building and construction industry and protect Queenslanders in the built environment.

To ensure the industry is supported through these changes, the Department of Energy and Public Works (DEPW) worked closely with the industry in the lead-up to commencement. As a result, some minor and technical amendments were made to improve the operation of the framework and the transition for industry.

What Are the Key Changes?

For most fire protection licensees, there will be little or no change to the work they are currently undertaking. However, changes have applied to some existing licensees, depending on the class of fire protection licence they currently hold. The new, streamlined licensing framework includes important transitional arrangements to support implementation.

In response to stakeholder feedback, further minor regulation amendments were made to support industry through the transition, including to: • continue the existing scope of work for current hydrants and hose reels —inspect and test licensees for a further six months until 1 November 2021;

• provide an option for electrical mechanics who can sufficiently demonstrate relevant experience to obtain a new contractor licence to install and maintain fire alarm systems with no upskilling required; • simplify the upskilling requirements for existing fire detection, alarm, and warning systems contractor licensees who also hold an electric mechanic licence; • clarify that licensed electrical mechanics do not require a fire protection occupational licence to inspect and test emergency lighting systems; and • make other minor and technical amendments to clarify terms and provide greater certainty under the new framework.

The current version of the Technical Qualifications for Licensing document has been updated to reflect: • the outcomes of a recent, comprehensive review by Artibus Innovation of the construction industry qualification framework; • commencement of Queensland’s new fire protection licensing framework; and • other minor updates, such as technical changes to reflect updated titles or codes for certain units of competency.

For more information, visit www.epw.qld.gov.au or www.qbcc. qld.gov.au/new-fire-protection-framework. MPAQ members can also call 07 3273 0800 to talk to our Technical Services team.

REMOVING HEATPUMPS When a heatpump water heater is removed or replaced, what is being done with the old unit? A few members have posed the question to the MPAQ Technical team as how to properly dispose of the refrigeration units that contain refrigerant gasses.

Plumbers performing maintenance on water heaters often replace faulty or malfunctioning units. Disposing of the old unit has various options, as there is a scrap value if either you organise the disposal of the old steel/ copper tank for your customer to the local scrap dealer or rubbish tip, or the owner may choose to dispose of it themselves. This isn’t a complicated job as most scrap merchants/rubbish tips will take the unit as is, although some will pay a higher scrap value if the case and insulation are removed from the tank prior to scrapping. All well and good for your average storage cylinder, but not so with the average heatpump.

Heatpumps are comprised of a storage cylinder and refrigeration unit.

Some units are integral and some are split (remote) from the cylinder, either way, the refrigeration unit cannot just be dumped or scrapped whilst it contains the refrigerant gas.

If the heatpump hot water system contains refrigerants that come under the Australian Refrigeration Council (ARC) Tick Licence Scheme, then there is a legal obligation for this gas to be recovered by an appropriately licensed

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person through the ARC, before the systems are discarded/recycled, where there is a risk that the gas may be emitted.

ARC encourages plumbers removing heatpumps to engage an ARC licensed technician to recover the gas prior to disposal of the systems to landfill or a waste transfer station.

Discharging fluorocarbon refrigerant is illegal under the Ozone Protection and Synthetic Greenhouse Gas Management Act 1989 and potential penalties of up to $54,000 for individuals and $270,000 for corporations may apply.

The recovery refrigerant from an end-of-life self-contained hot water heat pump unit must be carried out by a person with a relevant refrigerant handling licence issued by the ARC. This recovery can be carried by someone with either of the following refrigerant handling licences: • RRR12 – Restricted refrigeration and air-conditioning licence – RAC Recovery • RSS03 – Restricted heat pump – split systems – installation and decommissioning licence: • RAC01 – Full refrigeration and air conditioning licence There are several different types as detailed on the ARC website at: https://www.arctick.org/licensing/licence-types/ For further information or technical advice, contact the MPAQ Technical Services team on 07 3273 0800.

APPRENTICES

PLUMBING APPRENTICES QUEENSLAND Take the hard work out of recruitment, onboarding, and contract administration. Access highly-skilled, motivated staff who exceed industry standards.

Ryan Kearney (right) with Wayne Smith, PAQ

Plumbing Apprentices Queensland (PAQ) recruits and trains plumbing, roof plumbing, and refrigeration apprentices, and all staff are hand-picked, trained, and managed by PAQ and hired to you for the duration needed.

With the Boosting Apprenticeship Commencements scheme, PAQ hosts will benefit: • Returned in full any wage subsidies we receive for apprentices • Eligible apprentices employed between 5 October 2020 and 30 September 2021 attract a full 12 months of wage subsidies from the date of employment • Wage subsidies are up to $7,000 per quarter For more information, visit www.plumber.com.au/paq/host-employers or call 07 3273 0800.

DEVELOPING SKILLS FOR TOMORROW’S PLUMBERS Right now, there is plenty of support for businesses who are looking to grow their workforce and put on an apprentice or trainee.

After conducting a study on skills shortages in Queensland, the Queensland Government made it a priority to entice young people to enter trades like plumbing, investing $32 million in funding to pay for the training component for apprentices and help make it more costeffective for businesses.

Zachary Parker (centre) with his host employer Gabriel Bothma (right) from Gabriel Bothma Airconditioning, and Wayne Smith, PAQ

50% Wage Subsidies Available to Employ an Apprentice or Trainee Further to the State Government funding, in response to the economic impact of COVID-19, the Australian Government has made available 50% wage subsidies for businesses who employ an apprentice or trainee, under the Boosting Apprenticeship Commencements initiative.

How Does a Business Employ an Apprentice or Trainee?

Employing an apprentice or trainee involves some paperwork and legwork. You may need help to first find your new apprentice or trainee, there is often some research on the best training course involved, organising the training contract, and submitting your sign-up paperwork.

An Australian Apprenticeship Support Network (AASN) provider is contracted by the Australian Government to handle all the complexities of placing your apprentice or trainee.

What Kind of Apprenticeship or Traineeship?

Whether you are looking to train the next plumber for your business, someone to help in your retail trade store, or you need someone in your office to help with administration, hiring someone under an apprenticeship or traineeship is a smart way to go!

Not only will you be potentially eligible for 50% wage subsidies, but your new employee is also gaining a qualification while learning valuable skills within your specific business requirements.

What to Do Next

The team at BUSY At Work is the largest AASN provider in Queensland and is here to support Queensland businesses who are looking to put on an apprentice or trainee. Available from 8am to 8pm, you can contact BUSY At Work on 13 28 79 or email busy@busyatwork.com.au. Or for further information visit www.busyatwork.com.au.

Article supplied by Australian Apprenticeship Support Network.

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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).

MASTER PLUMBER MAGAZINE Winter 2021 |

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FEDERAL BUDGET

2021-22 FEDERAL BUDGET ANNOUNCEMENT AND WHAT IT MEANS

BUDGET SUMMARY:

At a glance

A small summary from the 2021-22 Budget as the government looks towards building a healthy recovery.

Taxation

• Extra $7.8 billion in tax cuts for low- and middle-income earners, worth $1,080 for individuals or $2,160 for dual-income couples • $25.1 billion of announced personal tax cuts will flow to households in 2021/22

Business

• Extension of temporary full expensing for an extra year to June 30 2023 and temporary loss carryback extended to include the 2022/23 income year • Small businesses to get an easier path to pause or modify tax office debt recovery action through the Administrative Appeals Tribunal • $16 billion in tax cuts for small and medium sized businesses by 2023/24 • Superannuation guarantee will increase to 10% from 1 July

Treasurer Josh Frydenberg handed down a big-spending, pre-election budget on Tuesday 11 May. From an extension to last year’s massive instant asset write-off, to a new franchise registry and more funding for apprenticeships, the budget includes a suite of measures that may make a difference to many SMEs. The construction industry benefitted from a focus on skills and training, infrastructure, and mental health. The JobTrainer Fund received 450,000 new training places to upskill job seekers and young people.

Further, at a cost of $2.7 billion, more than 170,000 new apprenticeships and traineeships will be created. There is support for more women to break into “non-traditional trades”, with training support for 5,000 places.

There was $15 billion in additional infrastructure commitments, but after reviewing the major infrastructure commitments it appears that the Bruce Highway is the main major infrastructure funding project for Queensland.

Mental health is a major issue in the construction industry and the budget included a $2.3 billion commitment to mental health care and suicide prevention. These funds will be spent on more Headspace centres to support more young Australians, expanding this model to those aged over 25, with a new Head to Health national network of 40 centres, greater access to psychiatrists, psychologists, and GPs through Medicare, and a new National Suicide Prevention Office.

Apprenticeship Subsidies Extended

An extra $2.7 billion will be spent over four years to expand the government’s Boosting Apprenticeship Commencements wage subsidies, which reimburse employers for the wages of new apprentices and trainees by up to 50%.

Under the expanded program, the number of eligible places will be uncapped and the duration of the 50% wage subsidy will be increased to 12 months.

Businesses of any size will be able to claim the subsidies for new apprentices and trainees who begin their employment between October 5 2020 and March 31 2022, with a maximum amount of $7,000 per quarter available.

For more information visit www.budget.gov.au, or MPAQ members can call 07 3273 0800.

Housing

• Extension of the HomeBuilder construction commencement period • Further 10,000 places under the New Home Guarantee for first home buyers

Infrastructure

• Extra $15.2 billion in infrastructure spending over the decade • $215.4 million to support investment in dispatchable power generation • $1.2 billion over 10 years for low-emissions technology

The Bush

• $3.5 billion National Water Grid Fund • $414.5 million biosecurity package • $172.5 million to be allocated out of the Future Drought Fund for projects, such as climate and soil data gathering • $250 million extra from the Building Better Regions Fund • Reinsurance pool for northern Australia backed by $10 billion government guarantee • $189.6 million for ‘Our North, Our Future’ five-year plan, developing northern Australia • National Recovery and Resilience Agency and Australian Climate Service to be set up in response to bushfires royal commission

Health

• Mental health plan includes new adult mental health centres, Medicare listings, suicide prevention services, and workforce improvements • Further $1.9 billion investment in the vaccine rollout, expanding the number of doses on order to 170 million • Investigating local production of mRNA vaccines

Indigenous

• $243.6 million Indigenous budget, including skills and jobs programs and improved access to government services in remote areas MASTER PLUMBER MAGAZINE Winter 2021 |

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BUSINESS

PREPARING FOR 2021 EOFY The end of financial year is fast-approaching, which means preparations need to be made to ensure your plumbing business is organised for the 2021 financial year tax season.

Financial Data Making sure your financial data is recorded correctly in your accounting software will save you in accounting fees and ensure your data is accurate when you run management reports.

• Subcontractors: make sure every subcontractor paid is correctly recorded on the books: name, ABN, and address. Check the subcontractors’ ABN through the ABR website to establish if they are registered for GST. If the subcontractor is not registered for GST, the GST component of the invoice (if any) is not claimable and the bill will need to be recorded using a GST-free tax code. Ensuring subcontractors are recorded correctly will also help in completing a Taxable Payments Annual Report (TPAR), which is required to be lodged annually by 28 August summarising subcontractors paid and the amount of GST paid to each subcontractor.

• JobKeeper Payments: JobKeeper payments should be recorded under Other Income. These payments are GST-free and are also assessable for tax purposes.

• Cashflow Boost Payments: the cashflow boost payments need to be recorded separately under Other Income. These payments are GST-exclusive, non-reportable, and non-assessable.

• Personal Expenses: ensure all personal transactions are coded to Director’s Loan account. Business accounts should only contain business income and expenses • Single Touch Payroll: make sure all your pay runs have been filed under Single Touch Payroll (STP). Wages and superannuation data will need to be finalised through STP reporting by 14 July 2021. You are not required to provide payment summaries (including part-year payment summaries) to your employees for the payments you report and finalise through STP.

Temporary Full Expensing of New Assets

Businesses with an aggregated turnover of less than $5 billion can immediately deduct the business portion of the cost of eligible new depreciating assets. The eligible new assets must be first held, and first used or installed ready for use for a taxable purpose, between 6 October 2020 and 30 June 2022. If your business has an aggregated turnover of less than $50 million, temporary full expensing also applies to the business portion of eligible second-hand depreciating assets.

Important to note: A car limit applies to the cost of passenger vehicles designed to carry a load of less than one tonne and fewer than 9 passengers. For the 2021 financial year, the car limit is $59,136 (incl. GST).

Superannuation

The June 2021 quarter’s superannuation is payable by 28 July 2021. If superannuation is paid prior to 30 June, your business will receive a tax deduction for the payment in the 2021 financial year (instead of 2022 FY).

Extra Superannuation Contributions

The concessional contribution cap for the 2021 financial year is $25,000.

Concessional contributions are employer contributions, such as super guarantee and salary sacrifice contributions. One of the options to get an extra tax deduction is to pay extra superannuation before 30 June 2021 (up to the concessional cap). Please contact your accountant/financial adviser to work out how much in extra super contributions you can pay.

Structuring

Your business structure plays an important role in how much tax you pay. For example, being a sole trader is the simplest and cheapest business structure; however, individual tax rates apply to your business income (which marginally increase as the taxable income increases). In comparison, base rate companies pay a 26% flat tax rate (for 2021 FY) on taxable profits.

Tax planning and EOFY preparation may be overwhelming; therefore, if you need any further assistance or have any questions contact Tradies Accountant on 1300 775 048 or email admin@tradiesaccountant.com

Tax Planning Review your 2021 financial year performance (from 1 July 2020 to 30 June 2021).

If your profit and loss report is showing a large profit for the year, you may be able to reduce tax payable using some of the following tips:

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Article supplied by Tradies Accountants

BUSINESS

HUMAN RESOURCES AND PAYROLL TO DO LIST.

With the end of financial year fast approaching there are some things that you need to do. It is important to put a checklist in place to ensure you cover your obligations for employees.

• Update all employees’ personal details – current address, contact number, banking details, tax file number, emergency contact details, etc.

• Update payroll details with the superannuation increase, which will increase to 10% from 1 July 2021.

• It is recommended to adjust any casual employees’ payslips and employment contracts to have two line items of base rate and casual loading rate, which equates to their casual employees total rate as per the recent changes to casual employment legislation.

• Prepare and lodge your quarterly superannuation return as 1 April to 30 June quarter is due on the 28 July.

• Update payroll details with annual wage increase from 1 July 2021 (if applicable).

• Update payroll details with any allowance increases from 1 July 2021 (if applicable).

• The end of June is a good time to review your current employment contracts.

• Policies and procedures should also be reviewed and updated if needed at least once a year If you have any questions or queries please contact the MPAQ Workplace Relations team on 07 3273 0800.

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BUSINESS

THE #1 FEATURE TO LOOK FOR WHEN PURCHASING BUSINESS SOFTWARE We’ve all heard about the importance and amazing benefits of having a structured software system in your business, but what about the struggle to actually integrate and implement it?

Getting a completely new system and processes into your business is harder than a lot of software providers think, and it can bring a company to its knees if not done properly.

Of course, the benefits of software far outweigh the risks of this actually happening, but how can you get past these potential problems to actually see the light on the other side? The answer is customising your implementation.

When working with job or project management providers, one of the most important questions to ask them is if they have implementation consultants. These specialists can sometimes be employed by the software provider themselves, or be a third-party contractor they recommend, to assist businesses with integrating a software system.

An implementation consultant or specialist will spend time in your business, understanding your day-to-day operations, important processes, staff workflows, and more. They use this knowledge, and their expertise, to customise your software build and its structure for easier integration into your operational atmosphere.

They can also work closely with your team members before, during, and after implementing software into your business to ensure they are competent and feel confident using it. Implementation consultants are also great because they don’t just have to be a part of the initial stages of getting software into a business, they can come in to assist and improve at any time.

The presence of these specialists is a good indicator that the software provider you’re working with cares about the implementation and integration process and their customer.

For more information, visit www.findyourmo.com or email seek@findyourmo.com.

Article Supplied by Modus Operandi

KEEP CYBER CRIMINALS OUT

BY KEEPING YOUR DEVICE UP TO DATE The Australian Cyber Security Centre has issued an alert to Australians urging them to update their devices in an effort to strengthen their cyber defences.

Cyber criminals are constantly taking advantage of weaknesses in our devices and software to steal data and money. Below are some helpful tips on how you can stay cyber safe online.

Why Should You Update Your Device?

Cyber criminals, malicious programs and computer viruses are always looking for ways into your devices.

One of the most common ways they do this is through exploiting weakness in software—also known as vulnerabilities. Much like a thief attempting to break into a home, cybercriminals will always look for the easiest way in.

When your software is not up to date, it’s like leaving a window unlocked.

What Can You Do?

By always updating software, you’re essentially plugging any gaps the cyber criminals might try and get in through. Luckily, software developers are constantly releasing updates for their products, to fix any security concerns and improve functionality. Most software will ask you to update when a new version is released, and you should always do this when prompted.

How Do I Remember to Update?

Cyber criminals never stop looking for vulnerabilities, so you need to continually download the latest version of software to your devices.

The easiest way to stay on top is by turning on or confirming automatic updates where possible. An automatic update is a ‘set and forget’ feature that updates your software as soon as it becomes available. This way you can relax knowing you’re always using the most secure version.

To find out more, visit www.cyber.gov.au/updates.

Article source: www.cyber.gov.au/updates

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BUSINESS

CLAIM BACK WHAT’S YOURS! I’ll preface with an acknowledgement: taxes are not sexy, interesting, or high on any plumber’s priority list.

However, having the know-how to claim back hundreds, even thousands of dollars, should make every plumbing business owner sit up straight in their chair and pay attention.

Changes to the ‘Instant Tax Write Off’ – Extended Dates and Terms

The end of financial year is just around the corner, and for a lot of us, that means racking our brains and digging out crumpled receipts from last year.

For plumbing businesses, many of us fared pretty well during the pandemic in 2020, as we were considered an “essential service”. Some of us even used the time to scale up and upgrade our equipment ready for things to pick back up again or used the time to better train staff on systems and processes or new skills.

Now that it’s almost tax time, ask yourself the following questions: • Have you purchased any assets for your business this year? If purchased before 31/12/2020 and you have started using them, you may be able to claim them this financial year as a part of the Instant Asset Write Off Scheme. Check if you’re eligible for this!

• Have you paid yourself superannuation this year? Any super you pay yourself (up to $25,000pa), whether you take it with each owner draw or as a lump sum, qualifies as a deductible concession on your personal income taxes. It’s important to note that paying yourself super is a personal tax deduction!

• Are your commercial insurances up to date? These also qualify as deductible expenses so check their currency before June 30.

• How did you manage during COVID lockdowns? If you qualified for JobKeeper support, be sure your books are up to date.

These questions will have a MASSIVE impact on your tax return this year. Make sure to book an appointment and discuss these points and more, with your accountant, so you have time to prepare for your tax submission deadlines.

Lifetsyle Tradie help plumbing businesses become profitable. Visit www.lifestyletradie.com.au to find out more

Article written by Andy Smith – fellow trade business owner and co-founder of Lifestyle Tradie, a membership and community for tradies in business.

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SPOTLIGHT

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: BUILDING RESILIENCE & ADAPTING TO CHANGE Jess Pasfield, Pasfield Plumbing

Jess is a part owner and office manager at Pasfield Plumbing and also in the middle of completing her plumbing apprenticeship. She was awarded the Women in Business Award at the 2019 Plumbing & Gas Industry Awards.

What does being in the plumbing industry mean to you?

For me, it means turning our dreams into our reality. When my husband, Dan, started his apprenticeship, we used to talk/dream about how we could start and run a plumbing company and how we could make a positive change to our community. Being where we are today, seeing these changes and being a part of MPAQ and their advocating shows just how important our industry is to not only our community but our everyday life.

How did you get into this industry, and what inspired you to stick around?

You can thank my ambitious husband for this one. My background is predominantly within the dental and hospitality industry. Turning the knowledge I gained there into our company procedures only grew our passion. Seeing our all our customers’ gratitude and support confirmed to us that we were onto something great in our community. No turning back now; we wouldn’t be where we are today without our incredible team and their passion for what we do.

Resilience is the ability of a business to withstand, adapt, and thrive in the face of shocks that are internal and external, as well as known and unanticipated.

On Thursday 13 May, at the Women’s Plumbing Alliance Small Business Month Lunch, a panel of influential women were put in the spotlight and asked to share their insight into what makes a plumbing business resilient and adaptable. Here’s a snapshot of what they had to say.

What is resilience to you, and how do you build it?

I believe it’s naturally in our blood: “Aussie battlers” is often the term used to describe our resilience. This is always a hard one to explain as I just get in and do what needs to be done, even when it’s the last thing on the planet I’d want to be doing. I find I push through better when I don’t let my list consume me as a whole, focus on one at a time and think of the reward. For me, it is the freedom of family time when this list is complete.

In the past, when a difficult situation has come up for your business, how have you overcome it, did you grow from it, and what was the biggest lesson you learned?

Research, professional advice, hard work, and learning to be confident in backing our decisions was essential. Anything you put effort into will grow.

I look back at the first six to 12 months often, just to remind myself of where we have come from. We currently have a strong and fun team of eight people, and this is our dream becoming reality (hard work and all).

The biggest lesson, which I’m just learning now, is to be kind to myself.

It is very easy to put unrealistic pressures and timelines on myself, I am learning to minimise this.

With plumbing businesses being so busy at the moment and with staff hard to come by, how do you deal with the potential burn-out of staff or yourself?

As we are so incredibly grateful for the work we have and the support from our lovely clients, this is honestly something that is always at the forefront of my mind. We care greatly for our team and their mental health, so having regular check ins with our team is super important to ensure they are handling the work life balance. We understand and respect that we are only human and there are only a certain number of hours a day to work. I know this is only a season, we will make it through together.

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SPOTLIGHT

Tiffany English, Modus Operandi

Tiffany started Modus Operandi three years ago and has not looked back! Spending her career in general or operation manager roles, Tiffany has a keen eye for identifying inefficiencies. She leads her clients and her teams in developing the best technological solution to suit their business specific requirements.

How are you involved in the plumbing industry?

I’ve been in the trades industry since I could walk, but I managed to hit the plumbing industry at 19 years old. Within a couple of months, I was running teams of residential, commercial, and civil plumbers from Perth to the Pilbara. Since then, I’ve not been able to leave! I saw my role initially as moving through plumbing businesses, supporting them to implement change, before essentially making myself redundant. I decided three years ago I had to work smarter, so now we help hundreds of plumbers to streamline and transform their businesses.

What is resilience to you, and how do you build it?

I really love this question, as I believe resilience is truly different for everyone. Everyone has their own way of overcoming challenges and pushing through boundaries. To me, resilience is the ability to bounce back into shape, which explains why one of our core values is adaptability. The world, and particularly the plumbing industry, is constantly changing—the need to recover quickly and act ‘elastic’ is critical to long term success.

Sonya Hughes, Hughes Plumbing Contractors

Sonya has been in the industry for around 10 years but has been actively working and running the office at Hughes Plumbing Contractors for the past four years.

She is passionate about the industry, and was named one of MPAQ’s 2021 ambassadors, with the aim of promoting the plumbing industry to school students and career seekers. Alongside Jess, Sonya was also awarded the Women in Business Award at the 2019 Plumbing & Gas Industry Awards.

What does being in the plumbing industry mean to you?

I feel very fortunate to be a part of the plumbing industry as I get to work with my son and our amazing and very talented team. I also get to experience different aspects of the trade.

How did you get into this industry and what inspired you to stick around?

I first got into the industry many years ago when my son decided he wanted to do a plumbing apprenticeship. Being so involved during his journey and riding the highs and lows during this time made me very persistent and passionate to see his success.

What are some of the issues that you have seen the plumbing businesses you work with face?

Since I entered the trades world, the adaption of technology has been one of the biggest challenges I have seen trades businesses handle. The average plumber is early to mid-50s, which means it’s no surprise that tech isn’t top of their mind. However, in today’s day and age it has to be. I’ve been pushing for this sort of change for over a decade and COVID-19 has certainly hurried that along. While it may seem daunting, technology is there to support and allow scale, without it business will be a constant challenge.

How would you recommend businesses overcome difficult situations to help their business grow?

I think this is where I circle back to the word resilience! We are constantly going to be challenged to overcome situations we never would have expected, but we’re only ever dealt the cards we can handle. We all have the ability to push ourselves much further than we give our mind and body credit for. Another tip I always remind my team is: will this matter this time next year, or next month, or even tomorrow? If the answer is no, we probably don’t have that big of a problem.

What should businesses do to deal with potential burn-out of staff?

I believe the answer is passion. As individuals, when we are working on something that inspires us, motivates us, and continues to challenge us, we suddenly have endless bouts of energy. If you can create a team culture that instills this passion, and every single employee is working passionately toward the same goal, magical things happen!

“

“Anything you put effort into will grow.

MASTER PLUMBER MAGAZINE Winter 2021 |

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SPOTLIGHT

What is resilience to you, and how do you build it?

Resilience to me is going through the ups and downs of the industry, the economy, and other factors. It’s about diversifying your business with multiple revenue streams and to maximise opportunities during the good and bad times in business. It’s also having a good team that can adapt to an ever-changing industry and customer base.

Was there a difficult time or situation that your business faced?

The starting up of the business and the unknown of what to expect, how to grow, and how to be successful.

How did you overcome it?

Hard work, networking, joining MPAQ, and surrounding ourselves with other business people. Always listen and take opportunities when they present themselves.

How did you and your business grow because of it?

continual growth (with both the team and the business). Listening to other business people and taking advise and adapting it to suit our needs and business model.

What was the biggest lesson that you learnt?

Always think ahead. Think about growing and diversifying the business.

Thinking about the future within the economy and what may impact you.

Always thinking forward for growth and opportunities.

With plumbing businesses being so busy at the moment and with staff hard to come by, how do you deal with the potential burn-out of staff or yourself?

Staff health and wellbeing is a priority. We never over-commit our team and take their personal life into account. Having work-life balance is a key to having a happy and healthy team. Being smart with job scheduling and time management helps maintain a balanced work day without overloading the team.

We started as a sole trader and have grown into the company we are today by constantly working. Working in and on the business and all aspects of

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MASTER PLUMBER MAGAZINE Winter 2021 |

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WORKPLACE RELATIONS

SUPERANNUATION STAPLING Stapling is a proposed change to superannuation legislation that, if introduced, will change the way employers administer super for new employees.

As part of the government’s Your Future, Your Super package, stapling proposes that people will have their existing super account ‘stapled’ to them as they change jobs. It’s designed to stop the creation of multiple accounts that then reduce an employees retirement savings.

Stapling will change the process an employer needs to follow to setup super for a new employee who doesn’t return a choice of fund form.

When a choice of fund form isn’t returned, employers will need to log into the ATO’s online service, enter the employee’s details to find their stapled super account, and pay the employee’s super into that account.

Employers will still need their default fund to create accounts for employees who don’t choose a fund or have an existing super fund (e.g., an employee starting their first job).

Under the proposed changes, from 1 July 2022 searching for an employee’s stapled account will

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become an automated process between payroll systems and the ATO. Stapling is currently proposed to be introduced from 1 July 2021. The Your Future, Your Super draft regulations have been released with the consultation period closing in late May. It is expected that further details on how stapling will work and need to be administered by employers will be available at that point.

If you have any concerns about this proposed legislation we suggest you raise these with your local member of parliament.

Further information on stapling is available from treasury.gov.au/publication/p2020-super, and Troy Wolter from BUSSQ is always available on 0417 702 822 to help answer your queries on superannuation legislation.

Source: Your Future, Your Super https://treasury.gov.au/ publication/p2020-super. The information supplied here is general advice only and does not take into account or consider your personal objectives, financial situation or needs.

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

WORKPLACE RELATIONS

FAIR WORK ACT – CASUAL EMPLOYMENT DEFINITION The Fair Work Amendment (Support Australia’s Jobs and Economic Recovery) Bill 2020 (the Bill) was introduced in Federal Parliament in December 2020, and one particular area of the Bill, which has now been passed, is regarding casual employment.

During the Rossato case in 2020 between Workpac Pty Ltd vs Rossato, it was found by the full bench of the Federal Court of Australia that, although Rossato was employed as a casual employee with a contract, he was actually deemed a permanent employee due to the actual working arrangements and not due to the employment contract that had been agreed. Therefore, Rossato was entitled to untaken paid annual leave, paid personal/carers leave, paid public holidays, and paid compassionate leave.

This particular case is still going to the High Court of Australia; however, with the introduction of the Bill, there is now a legislated definition of a casual employee.

Casual Definition

Under the Bill, a person will be deemed a casual employee: • if an offer of casual employment is made on the basis that the employer makes no firm advance commitment to continuing any indefinite work according to an agreed pattern or work; and • the employee accepts that offer.

This new definition will apply to offers of casual employment that were given before, on, or after the commencement of the amendments, which started on 5 April 2021.

In addition to the above definition, at the time the offer of casual employment is made, the following is to considered: • whether the employer can elect to offer work and whether the person can elect to accept or reject work; • whether the person will work only as required; • whether the employment is described as casual employment; and • whether the person will be entitled to a casual loading or a specific rate of pay for casual employees under the terms of the offer.

Casual Fair Work Information Statement

A Casual Employee Fair Work Information Statement will need to be provided to all existing and new casual employees.

Double Dipping of Wages

The Bill also provides that employees cannot “double dip” (i.e receive a casual loading and an entitlement to undertake annual leave, annual leave loading, etc.) if it can be clearly identified that the casual employee was being paid the casual loading, i.e., separated out on payslips and in employment contracts. If a court was to deem the employee a permanent employee and not a casual employee, the court must reduce any amount payable by the employer to the employee by an amount equal to the loading amount.

Casual Conversion

The Bill also details casual conversion options. The casual conversion is also currently a requirement under the Plumbing and Fire Sprinklers Award 2020.

For further information, or to determine how this new legislated provision applies to your business, please contact our Workplace Relations team on 07 3273 0800.

KEEP YOUR CASH FLOWING WORKSHOPS MPAQ and Tradies Accountant are hosting interactive workshops for plumbing businesses wanting to take control of their finances, investigate the relationship between profit and cash flow, and reduce financial stress.

In this half-day workshop, Bryn from Tradies Accountant will do a deep dive into key aspects of plumbing business bookkeeping and accounting to ensure plumbing businesses have the right tools to understand and manage their business financials.

Remaining Workshops

Wide Bay Wednesday 28 July Sunshine Coast Thursday 29 July Brisbane Friday 30 July This course costs $20 for attendees who are eligible for funding under the CSQ Small Business Program. Go to www.mpaq.com.au/event for more information on costs and to register, or email events@mpaq.com.au.

$53,000 PENALTY – CAN YOUR BUSINESS AFFORD IT? A construction business in Brisbane has found itself in a very expensive situation as they did not follow the orders from a Fair Work Commission decision.

In May 2020, the Fair Work Commission ordered ADADN Pty Ltd to compensate an unfairly dismissed worker, $34,590 in compensation (plus interest) and $2,052 in superannuation entitlements.

The employee sought assistance from the Fair Work Ombudsman (FWO) as compensation payments had not been received. The FWO made several attempts to contact the business before pursuing further legal action.

The case was heard in the Federal Circuit Court and the court imposed an additional penalty of $53,000 ($45,000 for the business and $8,000 for the

individual sole director), on top of the previous Fair Work Commission Order.

The business and Director are now facing order and penalty payments of more than $89,600.

This case is a timely reminder that if your business has been ordered by the Fair Work Commission to compensate an employee, if that payment is not made, further penalties will be imposed.

MPAQ members who have any questions, or if your business has received a notice from the Fair Work Commission or the Fair Work Ombudsman, are encouraged to contact our Workplace Relations team on 07 3273 0800.

MASTER PLUMBER MAGAZINE Winter 2021 |

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MENTAL HEALTH & WELLBEING

R U O FOR

E R E H T N O I T C BEING U R T S N O C N I MATES

All of us know the stresses of working in our industry and how this can impact on our mental health. But did you know suicide rates are significantly higher in construction than the general working age population? We lose a construction worker every second day to suicide, and construction workers are six times more likely to die from suicide than an accident at work.

The Essential First Step.

5Ps of Safe Excavation

Plan Prepare Pothole Protect Proceed

MATES in Construction (MATES) exists to combat these figures. Created in 2008 off the back of a major report on suicide (the ‘AISRAP Report’) within the Queensland commercial building and construction industry. The report highlighted the realities of suicide in our industry and urged action in this space.

The premise of MATES is simple—suicide is everyone’s business.

Everyone must play their part to reduce suicide by looking out for their mates’ wellbeing, and reaching out if they notice someone is struggling.

Training is the cornerstone piece of MATES’ service offering, with an emphasis on the idea of mates looking after mates. We know that asking for help is not easy for many in our industry. But experience also teaches us that our workforce is full of tremendous problem solvers. We build on this strength by training people to become a source of help to others. We train people in how to recognise potential signs of distress in their co-workers and provide practical skills that allow them to reach out and support a mate in need. Delivered by MATES Field Officers, our integrated training program comprises three levels: GENERAL AWARENESS TRAINING (GAT) is a one-hour onsite awareness session that introduces workers to the nature of the problem, encourages conversations about mental health, and provides practical guidance as to how they can assist.

CONNECTOR TRAINING is provided to those people on site who volunteer to become a Connector. Connectors are equipped with the skills and confidence to support co-workers in asking about suicide, mental health, and in connecting individuals to help.

APPLIED SUICIDE INTERVENTION SKILLS TRAINING (ASIST) is a two-day intensive, practical course to help recognise people who may be experiencing thoughts of suicide and empower intervention to prevent the immediate risk of suicide. A trained ASIST worker is comparable to the first aid officer onsite.

MATES’ Field Officers also make regular site visits to support site management and provide an environment conducive to good mental health and wellbeing. In the wake of a worker’s suicide or other critical incidents, the MATES team provides debrief support to workers and provides reinforcement to onsite Connectors and ASIST workers to be vigilant in keeping an eye on their mates. MATES also employs case managers who connect workers in need to other services and supports in response to specific needs (e.g., relationship breakdown, financial stress, or drug and alcohol misuse).

MATES in Construction provides a national 24/7 helpline that can be accessed by anyone with a concern for the mental health of themselves or a mate.

In partnership with Beyond Blue, MATES has launched The Australian Building and Construction Industry Blueprint for Better Mental Health and Suicide Prevention. The Blueprint provides an evidence-based gold standard framework for addressing mental health and suicide in the industry, supported by all major industry stakeholders.

CONNECT WITH MATES! Call the help line 24/7 on 1300 642 111 or visit www.mates.org.au to learn more.

Article supplied by MATES in Construction

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| MASTER PLUMBER MAGAZINE Winter 2021

TOYOTA FOR BUSINESS

NEED ROOM TO MOVE? YOUR GOLD FLEET DISCOUNT DELIVERS.

HiAce LWB Crew Van shown.

Pack in a Gold Fleet discount of $3,4501 on the Toyota HiAce range We invite you to load up with value on the Toyota HiAce range, saving $3,4501 with your Gold Fleet exclusive discount. Awarded a 2019 5-Star ANCAP Safety Rating, Toyota HiAce comes standard with Toyota Safety Sense2 features that give you and your passengers greater peace of mind while keeping your business moving.

With ample cabin space, HiAce gives your fleet versatility and makes it fit for the task. Stay connected while on the road with Apple CarPlay®3 and Android Auto™4 through the 8” colour touchscreen display.

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

Discount available across the Toyota HiAce range. T&Cs apply. 2 Driver assist feature. Only operates under certain conditions.

Check your Owner’s Manual for explanation of limitations. Please drive safely. 3 CarPlay® is a trademark of Apple, Inc. registered in the U.S and other countries. Functionality varies depending on device. See toyota.com.au/connected for compatibility.

Available on certain models and grades only. 4 Android Auto™ is a trademark of Google LLC. Functionality varies depending on device. See toyota.com.au/connected for compatibility. Available on certain models and grades only.

1

PRODUCT NEWS

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

With more than 270 people in offices in Australia, South East Asia, and New Zealand, Position Partners is focussed on the distribution and support of positioning and geospatial solutions for surveying, civil works, mining, and building projects. At Position Partners, we are committed to increasing productivity for our customers and building lasting business relationships around high calibre positioning activities.

Position Partners is honoured to be the exclusive Australian distributor for Topcon machine control and positioning systems, with complementary solutions such as remotely piloted aircraft, laser scanning, and more from leading technology innovators.

For the plumbing industry and other building trades, Topcon laser levels are renowned for their quality, accuracy, and reliability across all manner of construction and alignment tasks. Topcon’s range of construction set out tools including the LN-150 total station, enable contractors to set out and check their own work to reduce survey costs, eliminate costly rework, and maintain accurate records of their work.

Our award-winning Tokara remote access platform provides a digital conduit between field parties and the office, with the ability to send and receive design files and view all machines on site from a single interface. Tokara also enables fast, effective support from Position Partners technicians, who can log in remotely to help solve technical issues, often eliminating the need for on-site service visits.

AllDayRTK is our network RTK service that offers reliable GNSS correction services throughout metro and regional areas of Australia and New Zealand. AllDayRTK benefits all industries requiring accurate, reliable GNSS positioning.

AllDayRTK delivers cm-level accuracy anywhere within a networked area, eliminating the need to set up and maintain a temporary base station.

A full range of leading instruments and systems is backed by superior service and industry expertise to give our customers the support they need for any project. Visit www.positionpartners.com.au to learn more.

WIN AN AUSSIE JETTER! Australian Pump Industries recently carried out a detailed survey of plumbing supply shops across the country. The survey included the big names of the industry as well as individual plumbing stores.

The aim was to understand how far the “jetter revolution” has penetrated through to plumbers. The survey revealed the move from conventional electromechanical drain cleaning devices to jetters is gaining momentum every day.

Aussie Pumps have launched a competition open to any plumber in Australia. To enter, just answer “Why are Aussie Jetters better than mechanical drain cleaning equipment?”

The best entry will win a $12,000 Aussie Jetter package that includes an Aussie Cobra with Honda engine, stainless steel frame, 4,000 psi pump, with reel and Viper Mini Reel as well. A nozzle box, wash-down gun, safety plate, and a 10 litre Aussie wet/dry vac are all part of the package.

“We’ve had terrific support from the plumbing industry about this Jetter program”, said Aussie Jetter Specialist, Anne Wilde. “Plumbers love the idea of ‘getting jetting’, especially with our Cobra stainless steel frame, spaceefficient cube design, and free extended engine and pump warranty”, she said.

The 100% depreciation allowance also makes a big difference! Buying a jetter before 30 June 2021 provides a 100% instant tax write off. Customers buying a jetter are warned by Aussie to be on the alert for Class B machines being sold to them without warning of operator certification.

For further information on the competition scan the QR code or contact Australian Pump Industries on 02 8865 3500 or visit www.aussiepumps.com.au.

SUNRAIN BY SOLAREAST – DEPENDABLE EFFICIENCY FOR QUEENSLAND WINTER Are you living in a part of Queensland that experiences frosts in winter? Will your water heater manufacturer cover warranty if your solar water heater collectors fail due to frost conditions?

Australia is a vast continent with climatic extremes that challenge manufacturers to ensure Australia’s homes and appliances are protected from frosts, and Australian families can continue to enjoy hot water from the sun without concern.

Sunrain Evacuated Tube Solar Water Heaters provide excellent protection against Australia’s frost conditions. All Sunrain solar water heater systems are specifically configured and manufactured for Australia.

28

| MASTER PLUMBER MAGAZINE Winter 2021

• Designed for Australian conditions with high quality componentry • Small collector size allows for versatile architectural integration • Easy tube replacement without the loss of hot water • Large manifold to reduce heat losses • Seven year tank and collector warranty (limited) • Systems full Australian Standard approved and eligible for government incentives (STCs) Winter is almost here! Consider evacuated tube solar water heaters for frost areas in Queensland.

Call SolarEast Australasia Pty Ltd on 1300 668 886 or visit www.solareast.com.au.

MPAQ OUT AND ABOUT

CELEBRATING WORLD PLUMBING DAY

11 March, Every Year, Everywhere

As we all know, 2020 was an interesting year for events with COVID-19 causing a large number of postponements and cancellations for event calendars worldwide. For this reason, MPAQ was especially excited to once again be able to celebrate World Plumbing Day by hosting over 300 attendees for the plumbing and gas industry’s biggest breakfast.

Events like these are not possible without the generous support of all our partners.

Event Partner

Special guests included the Honourable Mick de Brenni MP, Minister for Energy, Renewables and Hydrogen and Minister for Public Works and Procurement, and Gary O’Halloran, State Secretary of the Plumbing and Pipe Trades Employees Union Qld.

Keynote Speaker Partner

Cancer Council Queensland

Each year, MPAQ members choose a charity they would like to support and raise funds for. With 30+ events in this calendar year, attendees across the state have the opportunity to participate and make donations towards the chosen charity.

MPAQ is proud to officially announce Cancer Council Queensland (CCQ) as the charity for 2021 and was lucky to have Rhys Reynolds, Public Relations Manager, present at the event. Rhys discussed a real-life case about baby Imogen and some of the major research projects the Australian Childhood Cancer Registry has been working on.

The MPAQ team sold raffle tickets throughout the breakfast for CCQ and with over $4,000 raised, we thank everyone for their contributions! A special thank you to Justin Cain and Rhys Reynolds who attended the event.

Visit the events page on the MPAQ website (www.mpaq.com.au) for more information about CCQ or how to donate.

ROAD TRIP

Dinners

WOMEN’S PLUMBING ALLIANCE

MC Partner

Social Partner

Barista Coffee Partner

Supporting Partners

CAIRNS

Speed Networking

Finance Workshop

Bundaberg Dinner in March

Roma Dinner in February

MASTER PLUMBER MAGAZINE Winter 2021 |

29

JUNE SUNDAY

MONDAY

TUESDAY

1

First day of Winter

WEDNESDAY

2

THURSDAY

3

Mabo Day

FRIDAY

4

SATURDAY

5

Brisbane Industry Golf Day

Rockhampton Backflow Prevention Course

7

6

8

NEW

9

10

WPA Monthly Virtual Catch Up

11

12

Townsville Industry Golf Day

Brisbane Intro to Estimating Course

13

14

Men’s Health Week

21

20

15

International Bath Day

16

17

18

19

24

25

26

2

3

MPAQ Webinar: Plumbing Set-Out Made Easy

22

23

Term 2 Ends School Holidays

Mackay Backflow Prevention Course

27

28

29

30

JULY 1

Cairns Industry Golf Day

4

National Naidoc Week

5

6

7

8

9

10

16

17

WPA Monthly Virtual Catch Up Brisbane Service Type A Gas Course - FULLY BOOKED

11

12

13

14

Brisbane TMV Course

Brisbane Backflow Prevention Course

Term 3 commences

18

19 Queensland MPAQ Member Meeting

25

26

20

21

28

Cashflow Workshop - Wide Bay Toowoomba Intro to Estimating Course

NEW

22

Queensland MPAQ Member Meeting

23

24

Brisbane Backflow Plumbing & Gas Industry Awards Revalidation Course

Brisbane Legionella Course

27

15

29

Cashflow Workshop Sunshine Coast

30

Cashflow Workshop Brisbane

31

Key WPA - Women’s Plumbing Alliance TMV - CPCPWT4023A - Commission and Maintain Hot and Heated Water Temperature Control Devices Backflow - CPCPWT4022A - Commission and Maintain Backflow Prevention Devices Service Type A Gas - CPCPGS4022A - Service Type A Gas Appliances Estimate & Cost Work - CPCPCM4012A - Estimate and Cost Work RTO Code: 30473

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| MASTER PLUMBER MAGAZINE Winter 2021

VISIT MPAQ.COM.AU FOR EVENTS & TRAINING INFORMATION

EVENTS AND TRAINING

AUGUST SUNDAY

MONDAY

TUESDAY

2

1

Tradies National Health Month

8

3

Townsville Backflow Revalidation Course

9

WEDNESDAY

4

THURSDAY

5

WPA Monthly Townsville Legionella Course Virtual Catch Up

10

NEW

FRIDAY

SATURDAY

6

7

MPAQ Plumbing Workshop for Non-Plumbers Brisbane

11

12

13

14

18

19

20

21

Brisbane Estimate & Cost Work Course

15

16

17

Cairns TMV Course Cairns Backflow Prevention Course

22

23 Cancer Council Daffodil Day

29

30

24

NEW

25

Brisbane Intro to Estimating Course

26

Sunshine Coast MPAQ Member Dinner

Rockhampton Industry Golf Day

27

28

31

Townsville TMV Course

Plumbing & Gas Industry Awards

BEYOND ALL LIMITS

Event Partner

Book your tickets NOW at plumbingandgasawards.com!

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| MASTER PLUMBER MAGAZINE Winter 2021

SOCIAL

#MPAQ

Want to feature on the M Social p PAQ age? Us o ur h as e htag on Instagr see wha am so we can t you ’re up to!

MASTER PLUMBER MAGAZINE Winter 2021 |

33

MEMBER NEWS

50 YEARS: ROY WALKER REACHES MAJOR MPAQ MILESTONE Roy purchased his plumbing business in Dimbulah west of Cairns in 1967 in partnership with Leni Buljubasich, immediately after completing his five year apprenticeship. In 1970, Roy with his wife Phyllis opened Roy Walker Plumbing at its current premises at 45 Tolga Road Atherton.

Roy realised his business future depended on the ability to understand legislation, regulations, and standards, and ultimately sought membership with Master Plumbers’ Association of Queensland.

Roy said there is no doubt his MPAQ membership extends well beyond traditional day to day plumbing work and advice. It stretches to identifying issues ahead of time, notifying members of strategies to increase profitability, meeting statutory requirements, and ultimately giving members peace of mind throughout running their business. Roy said he wouldn’t be in business without MPAQ. Roy commented about the changes in safety standards, reminiscing about the time as a young apprentice, Roy would have to hop on his push bike and ride to the hardware store to pick up a 20 foot (six metres) length of galvanised pipe and ride back with it balancing on his shoulder; roof work on three storey roofs with neither harness nor edge protection, soldering galvanised downpipes, water tanks, and gutters without

Baby News MPAQ are excited to announce that on Tuesday 11 May 2021, our Events and Sponsorship Coordinator, Lupe Paea, and her partner Tom welcomed Spencer Watson Westerlund.

Congratulations Lupe and Tom!

34

any PPE; transporting water tanks with 3.7 metre diameter on its side on a one-ton ute. As his plumbing friend and previous partner Leni has said, “It’s a wonder we are still around, some of the risks plumbers took in days gone by!”

Roy remarked on the developments to the industry over the last 50 years, most significantly earthenware sewer pipes, cast iron stacks, galvanised waste pipes, lead bends under pedestals, and PVC making plumbing jobs so much easier. On weekends during his apprenticeship, Roy would dig with a pick and shovel, septic tank holes for 10 shillings and septic trenches for two shillings per foot.

Roy, believing in the ongoing development and training of the next generation of plumbers, has employed 15 apprentices, with one being named Queensland Apprentice of the Year. A large majority of Roy’s apprentices now own their own successful businesses.

Individually, Roy was runner-up in the Industry Leadership award at the 2017 Plumbing and Gas Awards.

When Roy and Phyllis eventually retire, the Walker name will not be lost to the plumbing industry as their son Trevor powers on with Roy Walker Plumbing.

MPAQ congratulates Roy Walker Plumbing for reaching this milestone!

BURKE CONSTRUCTIONS REACHES 10 YEARS OF MEMBERSHIP WITH MPAQ To celebrate Burke Constructions reaching their 10-year membership milestone, we asked Cameron Burke some questions about his business and experiences over the years.

Who founded the company and when?

I founded the company in 2002.

How has the company changed over the years?

We have learned to evolve with the new client needs and projects being constructed faster.

What does your company specialise in?

New work, industrial, commercial, new units, civil drainage, architectural homes.

What have been the company’s major highlights?

Having a group of long-term, loyal staff and clients.

Has the company/staff won any awards?

I won third and fourth year apprentice awards during my apprenticeship. third year for Redlands local area, and fourth year Queensland Apprentice of the Year. One of our current apprentice’s just won first Year Apprentice of the Year at Queensland Trade Industry College.

How many people work at the company now?

We have 20 staff now.

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

Projects are completed quicker as equipment becomes more modern and trades are more efficient due to

| MASTER PLUMBER MAGAZINE Winter 2021

new technology. Second biggest observation is communication and project information are so much more available now both onsite and office based.

How has your subscription to MPAQ helped the business over the years?

MPAQ has given us a feeling of 3rd party support, with legal or technical advice or just someone to talk to about changes in the industry.

What are your future goals for the company?

Continue to be as motivated as we are now, furthering staff training and delivering excellence for our projects for our clients.

Congratulations Cameron from everyone at MPAQ, we wish you and the team the best for the future!

MEMBER NEWS

10 YEARS OF MEMBERSHIP FOR MILLAR’S PLUMBING SERVICE To celebrate Millar’s Plumbing Services reaching their 10-year membership milestone, we asked Shane Millar some questions about his business and experiences over the years.

HENTSCHEL PLUMBING CELEBRATES 30 YEARS OF MEMBERSHIP Kerry Hentschel from Hentschel Plumbing, celebrates 30 years of membership with MPAQ. Kerry Hentschel started his plumbing apprenticeship 52 years ago in 1969, later opening his own small business in 1982. Today, Kerry still runs his own small business in Warwick, Queensland, servicing all aspects of plumbing and draining on new homes, commercial and domestic maintenance, and solar hot water.

Looking to the future, Kerry only has one employee as he puts everything in place for his nearing retirement.

Congratulations to Kerry for reaching this milestone, and well wishes on your future endeavours!

RTO Code: 30473 This course is eligible for funding under the CSQ Small Business Program.

Who founded the company and when?

The company was founded by me, Shane Millar. I was working for John Britnell at Britnell’s Plumbing Service in Bulimba, and in 2010 John announced his retirement and he assisted me in commencing Millar’s Plumbing Service.

How has the company changed over the years?

The company has continued to grow, change, and thrive over the last few years. Running a business is hard and my wife has her own career, so our family has made many sacrifices.

We value the lessons that being self-employed teaches our children. They witness hard work, commitment and problem-solving skills daily through being home based.

Has the company won any awards?

An accomplishment in our business is that our apprentice has won the 2020 Apprentice of the Year Plumbing and Gas for TAFE Queensland. We support many schools in their vocational programs with taking on work experience students and like to invest in the plumbers of tomorrow.

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

It appears that many have lots of new technology and aren’t afraid of debt! We find that competition is more and more active and, at times sadly the integrity lacking in some.

Luckily, it does not have a great effect on our business as if you do things well your customers will return.

How has MPAQ membership helped your company?

We mainly joined for HR support at the beginning; however, since learning about the member benefits we became very impressed and grateful of the ways MPAQ has supported our business. Thanks to MPAQ, we can feel confident to continually grow with their support and education.

Congratulations and thank you to Millar’s Plumbing Service for 10 years of MPAQ membership!

PLUMBING WORKSHOP FOR NONPLUMBERS

MPAQ have created a workshop that is suitable for admin or support staff to provide a better understanding of the relevant plumbing legislation, standards and practices in order to offer better customer service to your customers.

UPCOMING WORKSHOP: Friday 6 August 8:00am - 12:00pm Find out more at mpaq.com.au/training

MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR MPAQ MEMBERSHIP IN 2021 As well as offering members technical, workplace relations, and industry support, MPAQ has built relationships with industry partners to offer MPAQ members exclusive offers and discounts.

Unblock Your Cashflow with Bill Chaser Let Bill Chaser collect overdue invoices for you. Backed by Australia’s largest independent Debt Collector, Bill Chaser helps you collect overdue and unpaid invoices ensuring you’ve got more time to spend on the enjoyable and profitable parts of your business. Members can access 25% off their pricing and no upfront cost*.

*applies to Pro Live plan only

Streamline and Automate Your Business with Modus Operandi

Modus Operandi works exclusively with trades businesses to streamline and automate operations by providing an endto-end business solution. Members receive a complimentary scoping call to assess your business and system requirements, and discounted consultations.

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

MASTER PLUMBER MAGAZINE Winter 2021 |

35

MILESTONES

CONGRATULATIONS TO MPAQ’S MILESTONE MEMBERS NAME

COMPANY

DIVISION

NAME

COMPANY

DIVISION

Gerard OReilly

GK OReilly

Brisbane North

MILESTONE

35

Michael Brown

All Districts Plumbing

Brisbane North

5

Louise Buhmann

A Ron Buhmann Plumbing & Tiling

Brisbane South

30

Barry Davies

All Plumbing NQ

North Qld

5

Don Nunn

D G and L M Nunn Plumbers and Drainers

Toowoomba

30

Ed Chyer

Aqua Blue Plumbing (Qld) Pty Ltd

Brisbane North

5

Gerard Kerr

Gerard Kerr Plumbing Pty Ltd

Brisbane North

25

Aaron Tully

Atull Plumbing and Drainage

Country

5

Dylan Smith

Valves R Us

Brisbane North

20

Adam McKenzie

Complete Plumbing (QLD) Pty Ltd

Gold Coast

5

Michael Grimley

A+ Plumbing Solutions

Brisbane South

15

David Lawson

D & K Lawson Plumbing

Toowoomba

5

Adam Davidson

ADS Plumbing & Gas

Gold Coast

15

David Lestone

DNA Plumbing & Drainage

North Qld

5

Mark Sparrow

Bay Islands Plumbing, Drainage & Roofing

Brisbane South

15

Laird Cassar

Edgewater Plumbing Pty Ltd

Gold Coast

5

Barry Bennett

Plumbwell

North Qld

15

Dane Beazley

Gold Coast Plumbing Company Gold Coast

5

Brett Beutel

Beutel’s Plumbing Service

Gold Coast

10

Penny Hall

Halgan Pty Ltd

Brisbane South

5

David Treagus

Bones Plumbing & Roofing

Sunshine Coast

10

North Qld

5

Scott Jenkins

Competitive Plumbing Service

Brisbane South

10

Christopher Mackay

Highlands Plumbing Drainage & Gas

Mackay

10

Tony Marshall

Marshalls Maintenance

Toowoomba

10

Neville Elliot

Nev Elliot Plumbing Service

Toowoomba

10

Daniel Griffin

PEG Plumbing Pty Ltd

Brisbane South

10

Phillip Weatherley

Phil Weatherley Plumbing Pty Ltd

Gold Coast

10

Scott Pemble

Plumbing and Drainage Services Mount Isa Pty Ltd

Country

10

Kyle Murphy

Supaflo Plumbing Pty Ltd

Brisbane North

10

Paul Kisiel

Wet & Dry Plumbing & Gas Pty Ltd

Toowoomba

10

Michael Thompson Kerry Anderson

PI Hydraulics Pty Ltd

Brisbane South

5

Bevan Pritchard

Platypus Plumbing Sunshine Coast Pty Ltd

Sunshine Coast

5

Jason Loft

PROTRADE United

Brisbane South

5

Bradley Shaw

Shaw’s Plumbing & Gas

Brisbane South

5

Brian Stower

Stowers Industries Pty Ltd

Toowoomba

5

Adrian Stuart

Stuart Plumbing & Gas Fitting Pty Ltd

Brisbane North

5

Darren Spies

Suresafe Plumbing

Toowoomba

5

Robert Travers

Symmetry Plumbing Pty Ltd

Sunshine Coast

5

Dirk Widdowson

WES Mackay

Mackay

5

50

40

YEAR

36

| MASTER PLUMBER MAGAZINE Winter 2021

40

YEAR

MILESTONE

Roy, Phyllis and Trevor Walker Roy Walker Plumbing

MILESTONE

YEAR

MILESTONE

Nigel and Elaine Read

MILESTONE

Paul & Darryl Flanagan Flanagan’s Plumbing Service

MILESTONES

30

30

YEAR

MILESTONE

Graham Hennessy Hennessy Plumbing

30

30

25

YEAR

MILESTONE

Kerry and Kerrielee Mather Kerry Mather Plumbing

15

15

YEAR

YEAR

MILESTONE

MILESTONE

Michael and Nikki Ruiz Ruiz Plumbing Solutions

YEAR

MILESTONE

Sam Walker and Cath McMillan Fluid Industries Plumbing Pty Ltd

MILESTONE

10

25

YEAR

25

YEAR

Kerry Hentschel Hentschel Plumbing Pty Ltd

MILESTONE

YEAR

Mark Sparrow, Bay Islands Plumbing, Drainage & Roofing

MILESTONE

John and Mary McConaghie with Bob Kimlin (centre), MPAQ Trustee

YEAR

Greg Campbell Childers Plumbing & Drainage

YEAR

MILESTONE

MILESTONE

Lyle McKell L & G Plumbing Service

30

YEAR

MILESTONE

Matt Baker Draincare Qld

Gary Bergman, Gary Bergman Plumbing, with MPAQ Sales and Membership Specialist, Leah Govorko

20

YEAR

MILESTONE

Gary Hannaford Gary Hannaford Plumbing

10

YEAR

MILESTONE

Daniel Griffin PEG Plumbing Pty Ltd

10

YEAR

MILESTONE

Patrick McNamara and Neville Clark, Bundaberg Regional Council

10

YEAR

MILESTONE

Paul Kisiel, Wet & Dry Plumbing & Gas, and Dennis Yarrow, MPAQ Councillor

20

YEAR

MILESTONE

Kristian Abandowitz (centre), Australian Gas Networks, with Pat Robertson (left), MPAQ Vice President, and Kent Vickers (right), MPAQ President

10

YEAR

MILESTONE

Frank and Tammie Saunders, Aquazon Plumbing, with Dennis Yarrow, MPAQ Councillor (left)

10

YEAR

MILESTONE

Tony Marshall, Marshalls Maintenance, with Dennis Yarrow, MPAQ Councillor

MASTER PLUMBER MAGAZINE Winter 2021 |

37

NEW MEMBERS

WELCOME TO MPAQ’S NEW MEMBERS & CORPORATES NAME

COMPANY (TRADING NAME)

DIVISION

NAME

COMPANY (TRADING NAME)

DIVISION

David Cottrell

Accuplumb Pty Ltd

Brisbane South

Darby Shaw

Hilti (Aust.) Pty Ltd

Brisbane North

Danny Morgan

Allways Plumbing Services Pty Ltd

Gold Coast

Henry Jordan

HJ Plumbing

Sunshine Coast

Robin Jenkins

Amihoss Pty Ltd

Brisbane North

Lauchlan Hoey

Hoey Plumbing and Gas Pty Ltd

Sunshine Coast

Katrina Smith

Aqua Cooler Pty Ltd

Brisbane South

Jayden Holt

Holt Plumbing

Sunshine Coast

Darren Miller

Assure Global Plus

Brisbane South

Charles Hurman

Hurman Plumbing Services

Brisbane South

Josh Bauer

Bauers Plumbing

Toowoomba

Josh Walsh

Brisbane South

Brennan Wruck

BNC Plumbing Solutions

Sunshine Coast

Immerse Plumbing & Bathrooms Pty Ltd

Fergus Frater

Bribie Master Plumbers

Toowoomba

Karen Harrison

Innovare Solutions Pty Ltd

Brisbane South

Matt Bastow

Bull’s Eden Pty Ltd

Brisbane South

Jeremy Lait

Jeremy Lait Plumbing Pty Ltd

Brisbane South

Tarni Hale McIlroy

Clear View Plumbing

Brisbane South

Joel Hilditch

Joel’s Plumbing Services

Far North Qld

Jess Laning

Clearwater Plumbing & Gas

Far North Qld

Conrad Cassaniti

Kedron Plumbing Services Pty Ltd

Brisbane North

Anita Ko

Cockatoo Trade Services Pty Ltd

Brisbane South

Nick Koleszar

Mainstream Plumbing & Drainage

Brisbane North

Craig Gill

Craig Gill

Sunshine Coast

Mitch McKee

McKee Plumbing Co

Brisbane North

Campbell Crossley

CRC Plumbing

Brisbane North

Andrew Garden

Brisbane South

Luke Fritz

D.R Francis Plumbing

Country

MRP Hydraulic & Fire Services Consultants Pty Ltd

Beau Morrison

Drainworx Mackay & Whitsunday

Mackay

Josh Gastaldin

Offset Plumbing

Brisbane North

Jonathan Scott

Flush Plumbing and Drainage Pty Ltd Gold Coast

Paul Buckley

Paul J Buckley Plumbing & Carpentry Services

Far North Qld

Francis Voll

Fred Voll Plumbing and Gas

Toowoomba

Earl Mcenaney

Pearly Plumbing and Gas

Brisbane South

Brenda-Lee Patterson G & B Plumbing

Far North Qld

Julie Woods

Ben Vedelago

Gravity Plumbing and Property Maintenance

Brisbane North

Plumbers’ Supplies Co-Operative Limited

Outside Queensland

David Bright

Plumbform Pty Ltd

Brisbane South

Gray’s Plumbing & Gas

Brisbane North

Matt Thomas

Position Partners Pty Ltd

Brisbane South

Wendy Balderston

RJ Balderston Pty Ltd

Central

Danielle List

Sarina Russo Job Access

Brisbane South

Nathan Wrobel

Shark Plumbing

Gold Coast

Scott Grew

SJG Plumbing and Drainage

Toowoomba

Nikita St Ledger

Teznik Pty Ltd

Fraser Coast

Christian Furner

The Plumbing Crew

Brisbane South

Jared Licht

Tidal Plumbing and Gas

Sunshine Coast

Kate Anderson

Toowoomba Regional Council

Toowoomba

Joshua Wust

Wust Plumbing

Brisbane North

Elliot Le Strange

Zero Point Plumbing

Brisbane South

David Gray

WIN

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.

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.

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| MASTER PLUMBER MAGAZINE Winter 2021

Darren Murton Murt’s Plumbing Services (Childers)

Jake Tarlinton, Errol Hearn, Jessica Hearn, and Rhys Wood - Honest Plumbing Solutions

Joshua Holdsworth - Pressure Plumbing and Gas

Matt Brennan Trade Now

Michael McReaddie Brisbane Taps, Toilets and Drains

Thomas Aitcheson - TDA Plumbing Services

PAGE SUPPORTERS HEADING

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

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Gold Corporate Supporters Australian Valve Group Bretts Trade Plumbing Supplies BUSSQ Building Super Construction Skills Queensland Decina Bathroomware Pty Ltd GWA Group Kembla Podium QLeave Zip Heaters (Aust) Pty Ltd

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07 3881 0322 0754744055 1300 641 849 0455 600 473 07 3277 6696 07 3805 3800 07 5520 6701 03 9259 5291 07 3483 1200 07 3726 2000 1300 287 773 1300 001 001 www.aitc.qld.edu.au 02 8865 3500 1300 780 430 07 5407 0151 03 9464 2374 07 3881 3211 13 28 79 07 3434 7800 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 07 3062 7737 0487 000 557 13 12 92 0447 886 648 1800 704 822 0421 399 107

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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 Toowoomba Regional Council Townsville City Council

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MASTER PLUMBER MAGAZINE Winter 2021 |

39

Install it with confidence, as it’s backed by Australia’s number 1.

You can confidently recommend the new Rheem Ambiheat heat pump, backed by extensive R&D and our expert technical support helpline, plus: • • • •

Fitting locations make it an ideal replacement for an electric water heater Saves clients up to 78%1 on energy year round Suitable for all weather conditions from -5°C to 43°C Eligible for Rheem Rewards2 and STCs3

To learn more, or for technical support call 13 10 31 or visit rheem.com.au COMES ON STEADY, HOT AND STRONG.

INSTALL A AUSTRALIA’S NO. 1

1 Energy savings of up to 64% to 78% are based on Australian Government approved TRNSYS simulation modelling using a medium load and apply when replacing an electric water heater with a Rheem 551270 Heat Pump water heater. Energy savings of up to and between 64% to 78% in Zone 1 to 5 on hot water energy consumption when replacing an electric water heater (min. 16 hours/day). Any savings will vary depending upon your location, type of water heater being replaced, hot water consumption and fuel tariff. 2 Eligibility, terms and conditions apply - please visit www.rheemrewards.com.au. 3 Small-scale Technology Certificates (STCs) are a financial benefit to encourage the installation of solar water heaters provided under a Federal Government legislated scheme.