Master Plumber Magazine - Autumn 2024

CELEBRATING

Allproof commercial channels are made from 100% recycled plastic using solar energy.

Editor’s Note

Ashleigh Stonehewer – Editor

As we step into 2025, we are thrilled to bring you the first edition of Master Plumber for the year—one that is particularly special for us all. This year marks a monumental milestone for the Master Plumbers’ Association of Queensland (MPAQ), as we celebrate 125 years of serving and supporting the plumbing industry. It is a testament to the resilience, innovation, and dedication of generations of plumbing professionals who have built this association into what it is today.

To honour this legacy, this issue features a look into MPAQ’s remarkable 125-year journey, highlighting the key moments, challenges, and triumphs that have shaped the association and the industry as a whole. Be sure to turn to pages 15-17 for this special feature and join us in reflecting on the evolution of the Association.

That’s not the only milestone worth celebrating! This year also marks 65 years of the Master Plumber magazine —an incredible achievement that underscores the importance of industry knowledge sharing, advocacy, and connection. Since its first edition, the magazine has been a trusted source of updates, insights, and expert advice, and we remain committed to continuing that legacy well into the future.

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

MPAQ COUNCIL

PRESIDENT

Kent Vickers P : 0418 883 999 E: kvickers@qigs.com.au

VICE PRE SIDENTS

Dennis Yarrow P: 07 3277 5742 E: admin@yarrowplumbing.com.au

Michael Ryan P: 07 3630 4744 E: mryan@beavisbartels.com.au

COUNCILL ORS

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

Nathan Parnaby P: 07 4970 9800 E: enquiries@aestec.com.au

Patrick Robertson P: 07 3276 8833 E: info@rpgs.com.au

Reginald Hopper P: 0406565447 E: rahplumbingandgas@gmail.com

Sean Taylor P: 0416 245 016 E: sean@tpworks.com.au

Warwick Royal P: 0730381038 E: info@plumbaround.com.au

EXTERNAL COUNCILLOR

Melissa Millar P: 07 3822 2422 E: info@millarsplumbing.com

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.

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

This year, MPAQ celebrates 125 years of service, friendship, representation, and support to the Queensland Plumbing industry. At MPAQ, we take our responsibility of being the “Watch Dog” for the plumbing and gas fitting industries very seriously. Our strength comes through our growing membership numbers, and every one of our more than 1,400 members play a vital part in maintaining this representative strength.

The heritage committee, led by our Historian Mr Bruce Wallace, has been assisting Brian and Roz Hutchinson to document the history of our association. It is hoped that the book will be ready for distribution this year. I would like to thank Bruce, Roz, and Brian for the hundreds of hours they have spent researching the past and compiling our history.

Our milestone of 125 years will be celebrated at the events throughout the year so please take the opportunity to attend a couple of these events and share in the celebration you all helped to create.

The cost-of-living and housing affordability crisis this country is experiencing doesn’t look to be changing any time soon. The new building approvals across Australia dropped 15% in the last 12 months making it the lowest number of new housing approvals since 2020.

There are several ways to interpret these figures. Firstly, people can’t afford to buy a new house. Secondly, the local councils aren’t approving them quickly enough. Thirdly, and most likely the real reason, is that there are not enough tradies to build the new houses.

This leads me to the conversation around apprentices and the incentives the federal government has released to pay apprentices to sign up for a trade. While it gives everyone the warm and fuzzy feeling that $10,000 will attract school leavers to consider a trade, it does little to support the construction businesses that commit their time and resources to train these young men and women for the four year term. The businesses that make this commitment do it with little or no financial return and usually see zero loyalty at the end of the apprentice training.

In my opinion, the Federal Government has much more work to do, and the incentive needs to be offered to the small and medium-sized businesses to support the commitment they make to train the future of the construction industry.

The MPAQ team has 26 events scheduled this year so please make time to register and support your association. If you see me out and about, please say hello.

I wish you all good health and prosperity for the year ahead.

PERSPECTIVE

Welcome to our first edition of 2025, marking the start of another significant year for the Association as we celebrate our 125-year anniversary. Since our establishment in 1900, MPAQ has been at the forefront of shaping Queensland’s plumbing landscape, championing the interests of our members, and ensuring the highest industry standards. Refer to page 15 for more details.

Another milestone we are celebrating this year is Ernie Kretschmer’s 20 years of service at MPAQ. Ernie has made a lasting impact not just on the Association but on the entire plumbing, drainage, and gas fitting industry. Throughout his time with MPAQ, Ernie has held a variety of positions, including Technical Services Executive, Technical Services Manager, and Training Services Manager. Now, as Deputy Chief Executive Officer, he continues to dedicate himself to supporting MPAQ members and advocating for the plumbing industry at local, state, and federal levels.

Ernie’s contributions over the past 20 years have left an undeniable mark on MPAQ and the industry. Beyond the technical aspects of his role, what sets Ernie apart is his integrity and willingness to go above and beyond. He is always standing up for industry reforms, protecting the integrity of the trade, ensuring work remains with our profession, preparing industry submissions, engaging with the media on behalf of the Association, or simply ensuring that a fellow plumber has the support and guidance they need.

Ernie, congratulations on this achievement and we look forward to many more years of your wisdom and support.

Congratulations to the newly appointed LNP Government following the election at the end of 2024. MPAQ welcomes the opportunity to work collaboratively with the new leadership and has found this government to be highly engaged, open to discussion, and willing to consult on key industry matters. We look forward to fostering a strong partnership to address important issues affecting our sector.

For further details on MPAQ’s ongoing lobbying efforts and advocacy initiatives, please refer to page 7.

Kent Vickers, President

Penny Cornah, Chief Executive Officer

Penny Cornah, MPAQ CEO, and Ernie Kretschmer, MPAQ Deputy CEO

ADVOCATING FOR PROGRESS:

As we embark on this promising year, MPAQ is committed to continuing our advocacy efforts with the new government to ensure the voices and needs of our members are heard. Here’s an overview of our recent activities and key priorities.

Strengthening Relationships with the New Government

Over the past few months, MPAQ has actively engaged with various ministers and ministerial offices, laying the groundwork for productive collaborations. Our team has held meetings with:

• Hon Sam O’Connor MP – Minister for Housing and Public Works and Minister for Youth

• Hon Steve Minnikin MP – Minister for Customer Services and Open Data and Minister for Small and Family Business

• Hon Amanda Stoker MP – Assistant Minister for Finance, Trade, Employment and Training

Penny Cornah, Hon Steve Minnikin MP, and Ernie Kretschmer

Penny Cornah with Hon Rebecca Young MP

MPAQ’S ENGAGEMENT WITH THE NEW GOVERNMENT

• Hon Rebecca Young MP – Assistant Minister to the Deputy Premier and Assistant Minister for Planning, Housing and Better Regulation

• Hon Ros Bates MP – Minister for Finance, Trade, Employment and Training

• Office of the Minister for Natural Resources and Mines

Additionally, we have also engaged with representatives from the Deputy Premier’s office to address topics related to BPICs and held discussions with the Ministerial team from Health and Ambulance Services to express concerns regarding the insourcing of maintenance work by Metro North Health.

Key Advocacy Issues for the New Government to Address

Following consultation with our members and the industry, MPAQ has identified several important matters requiring the new government’s attention, and we are working tirelessly to advocate for industry’s interests across these important areas of focus. These concerns impact the plumbing and gas industry’s functionality, workforce sustainability, and regulatory framework. Below is an overview of these pressing matters:

1. Technical Qualifications for Licensing (occupational)

• Errors persist in the current versions of technical qualifications.

• Pathways for licensing include outdated qualifications or bypass traditional apprenticeship requirements.

• Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) processes need an overhaul.

• Licensing processes can appear ad hoc and inconsistent.

2. Skills Shortages

• Employers face challenges finding licensed plumbers and gasfitters to meet demand.

• Financial burdens associated with hiring and training apprentices remain significant.

• A lack of available trainers results in delays in training program delivery, compounding the shortage.

3. Migrant Plumbers

• Current assessments of migrant plumbers’ qualifications lack rigour and consistency.

• Licensing for migrant plumbers has been granted based on inadequate or inappropriate evaluations by the QBCC.

4.

User Choice Funding

• The funding allocated for current plumbing qualifications is insufficient.

5. QBCC Licensing and Interpretations

• Feedback received from members expressed concerns about the lack of compliance and enforcement regarding unlicensed individuals. Unlicensed individuals continue to perform plumbing work without sufficient enforcement or penalties.

• Industry has also expressed dissatisfaction with legislative changes based on interpretations that are implemented without adequate industry consultation.

6. Home Warranty Scheme

• The Home Warranty Scheme threshold, unchanged since its inception, remains at $3,300, which needs review to align with current market value.

7.

Security of Payments

• Subcontractors face non-payment issues due to head contractor insolvency.

• Bank guarantees lack expiry dates, creating financial uncertainty.

• Subcontractors’ practical completion should not depend on the practical completion of the overarching head contract.

8. BPICs

• Health and Safety Representatives (HSRs) call meetings and instruct workers to leave worksites during adverse weather without clear protocols.

• Onsite stoppages are excessive, disrupting project timelines.

9. Local Government Alignment

• Local governments’ inconsistent interpretation of plumbing standards causes plumbers to perform identical tasks differently across Local Government Areas (LGAs).

10.

Unfair Contract Terms

• Delayed payments to subcontractors create financial strain and disrupt operations.

• Subcontractors are often entering into contracts that deviate from standard terms without proper notification or clarity.

• Accurately pricing the risks associated with projects becomes challenging, leaving subcontractors vulnerable to unforeseen liabilities.

11. Protecting the Renewable Gas Industry

• Pushing homes to electrify faster than renewables can enter the grid increases the reliance and demand for emissions-intensive coal-fired energy.

• Gas networks should be positioned to take advantage of Hydrogen and Biogases.

• Hydrogen has different properties compared to natural gas, which requires upskilling and updated regulations.

Looking Ahead

MPAQ remains committed to addressing these issues and collaborating with the government to drive meaningful change for the plumbing and gas industry. Your support and feedback are vital as we advocate for these critical matters. Our ongoing dialogue with government representatives underscores our commitment to building strong partnerships that drive positive change. As the year progresses, MPAQ will continue to engage with stakeholders, present solutions, and champion initiatives that benefit our members and the broader community.

Thank you for your continued support as we work together to create a stronger future. Let us know if there are specific issues, you would like us to prioritise or discuss in our advocacy work. Together, we can make a meaningful impact.

Ernie Kretschmer, Hon Ros Bates MP, and Penny Cornah

Penny Cornah with Hon Amanda Stoker MP

Dennis Yarrow (MPAQ Board Member), Hon Sam O’Connor MP and Penny Cornah

MPANZ WELCOMES

$10,000 APPRENTICE INCENTIVE BUT URGES GOVERNMENT TO PRIORITISE EMPLOYER SUPPORT

Master Plumbers’ Association of Queensland (MPAQ), as part of Master Plumbers Australia/New Zealand (MPANZ), has welcomed the Albanese government’s recent announcement of a $10,000 financial incentive for apprentices in essential trades, introduced as part of its broader Building Australia plan.

From 1 July, eligible apprentices will receive $10,000 in incentive payments, on top of their wages, over the life of their apprenticeship to work in housing construction. Apprentices will receive $2,000 at six, 12, 24, 36 months, and at the completion of their apprenticeship.

While applauding this initiative, MPANZ emphasised the need for additional measures to support businesses to take on apprentices, particularly through increased cash incentives and favourable tax policies for employers.

The Government has extended existing employer incentives until the end of 2025 to allow for further consultation.

MPANZ spokesperson Nathaniel Smith said that the industry was cautiously optimistic about the announcement but there remains a pressing need for better government assistance to enable plumbing businesses to develop the next generation of plumbers.

“We know that employer incentives work in our industry. The vast majority of plumbing apprentices already complete their study as this is a requirement to work as a plumber, so while the Government’s focus on completions is welcome, it’s not enough. What we need is more employers to put on a plumbing apprentice directly, or to source one through a group training organisation (GTO). But the cost of doing so in the current environment can be prohibitive, especially for SMEs and that’s where government-funded incentives come in. They assist businesses to employ and for the apprentice to stay on the journey with the employer.

“We look forward to working with the Government over the coming months as it consults on its full response to the report recommendations, but there needs to be more of a sense of urgency. Apprenticeship incentives alone won’t solve the problem. We need a systemic approach— strengthening support for employers and ensuring apprentices have the tools to succeed. This is how we can build the skilled workforce Australia needs to meet its housing and infrastructure goals,” Mr Smith said.

MPANZ notes the promise from the Government to consult fully with industry as it addresses issues highlighted in the Ross report, but is disappointed that the Government’s response in relation to employer assistance is essentially just a ‘plan to develop a plan’.

“A plumbing apprenticeship is four years’ duration so there is a critical need to act now, not push it another six months before employers have certainty,” he said.

“The bottom line is that better employer incentives and tax treatments are vital to securing the next generation of skilled tradies, driving economic growth, supporting local communities, and addressing the nation’s housing crisis.”

MPANZ, through its constituent Master Plumber associations in every Australian State and Territory and New Zealand represents more than 30,000 plumbing businesses from sole operators to Australasia’s largest plumbing contractors.

TRANSITIONAL

PERIOD FOR WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT APPROVAL EXTENDED

On 16 January 2025, an amendment was made to the Plumbing and Drainage Regulation 2019 (PDR) relating to the approval of onsite domestic wastewater treatment systems.

The amendment extends the transitional period for compliance against Australian Standard AS1546.3:2017 – On-site domestic wastewater treatment units, Part 3: Secondary treatment systems to 31 December 2025 (see section 35 and 35A of the PDR).

As a result, manufacturers and suppliers that have not been able to complete testing against AS 1546.3:2017 can apply for a transitional treatment plant approval from the department, which will expire 31 December 2025. The extension to the transitional period, and the ability to request a transitional permit up to 31 December 2025, will allow the affected treatment plant manufacturers and suppliers to continue operating and make it lawful for affected systems to be installed. Find out more on www.business.qld.gov.au/industries/buildingproperty-development/building-construction/plumbingdrainage/on-site-sewerage.

Article from the Building and Plumbing e-elert, Department of Housing and Public Works

GAS WORK PAPERWORK IS GOING ONLINE ON 1 JULY 2025

From 1 July 2025, Resources Safety and Health Queensland (RSHQ) will introduce a new online portal designed to streamline processes to renew your gas work licence or gas work authorisation.

What’s changing?

• The renewal and new application process will be completed online on the RSHQ Portal (the Portal) in a few simple steps.

• The RSHQ Portal uses the Australian government www.myid.gov.au identification verification service to keep your data secure.

• You will receive automated reminders, so you won’t miss a deadline.

• You will be able to update your contact details yourself through the Portal.

What to do next?

Stay up to date

Ensure the contact details you have registered with RSHQ Petroleum and Gas Inspectorate are correct and you are receiving email and/or phone messages from them. To change or update your details send an email with the changes to gaslicence@rshq.qld.gov.au.

Set Up Your MyID Verification Account Before 30 June 2025

You must have a myID account set up to use the Portal. www.myid.gov.au.

Set Up Your RSHQ Portal Account By 1 July 2025

RSHQ will transfer your information to the Portal. You will receive an email and/or SMS from RSHQ with a link to your new Portal account. Click the link and follow the instructions to finish setting up the account – then you’re ready to go.

For questions, e-mail gaslicence@rshq.qld.gov.au or call 07 3330 4249.

QUEENSLAND GOVERNMENT INTRODUCES BUILDING REG RENO TO STREAMLINE CONSTRUCTION

The Queensland Government has announced the launch of the Building Reg Reno (Building Regulation Renovation) initiative, aimed at simplifying the building process across the state.

The initiative seeks to cut red tape, reduce unnecessary costs, and ensure the industry runs smoother.

These reforms will be progressively implemented to enhance productivity in the building and construction sector while maintaining a balanced, risk-based regulatory framework and ensuring compliance with appropriate building standards.

MPAQ has welcomed the government’s efforts to reduce regulatory burdens, making it easier for businesses to operate in Queensland. However, MPAQ emphasises the need to safeguard subcontractors by maintaining protection through retention trust accounts. MPAQ looks forward to collaborating with the government to provide industry feedback. MPAQ’s Advocacy and Achievements

MPAQ has successfully pushed for several reforms, including:

• Accelerating the Queensland Building and Construction Commission (QBCC) transition to digital platforms to streamline paperwork and simplify licence management.

• Simplifying safety notifications by eliminating duplicate reporting requirements for QBCC and Workplace Health and Safety Queensland.

• Reviewing the Queensland Home Warranty Scheme to reassess insurance thresholds, coverage, amounts, and claim timeframes.

Implementation of Building Reg Reno

The Building Reg Reno is structured into multiple phases to ensure a smooth transition for the industry.

Tranche 1 – Project Trust Accounts

To alleviate pressure on smaller contractors, the government has paused the rollout of trust accounts for private projects below $10 million. This pause allows additional time to educate builders and subcontractors on existing payment protection measures.

The trust account framework continues to apply to:

• Eligible Queensland Government contracts worth $1 million or more,

• Private sector, local government, statutory authority, and government-owned corporation contracts valued at $10 million or more.

As the government refines these reforms, MPAQ will continue working towards a more efficient, cost-effective, and fair construction landscape in Queensland.

Tranche 2 – Financial Requirements, Fire Protection, and Fee Waivers From March 2025, additional regulatory amendments will be introduced to:

• Reduce administrative burdens by eliminating Minimum Financial Requirements (MFR) reporting for small-scale licensees (SC1 and SC2), benefiting around 50,000 individual licensees.

• Provide an extended compliance period (until May 2030) for new occupational licensing and upskilling requirements in passive fire protection and related fields.

• Waive occupational licensing fees for plumbers who already hold a QBCC contractor license for certain fire protection work – this applies to a small number of restricted water plumber licence holders.

• Maintain existing regulatory requirements for building certifiers and homeowners, ensuring continued stability within the sector.

Tranches 3 and 4 – Future

Reforms and Industry Enhancements

Long-term measures are also being explored to further ease regulatory pressures on Queensland’s building industry. Proposed changes include:

• Expediting QBCC’s transition to digital platforms for improved license management.

• Establishing clear and consistent implementation timeframes for National Construction Code updates.

• Streamlining safety notifications by removing duplicate reporting obligations.

• Introducing a Queensland Housing Code to standardise design and siting rules.

• Enhancing the QBCC’s internal review and dispute resolution processes for greater efficiency.

• Reviewing licensing thresholds and restoration timeframes for QBCC licensees.

• Re-evaluating insurance thresholds, coverage, and timeframes under the Queensland Home Warranty Scheme.

Additionally, the Queensland Productivity Commission will collaborate with the government to align Building Reg Reno with its ongoing regulatory review of the building industry. MPAQ is committed to engaging with the Queensland Productivity Commission to ensure the concerns and interests of the plumbing industry are adequately represented in the regulatory review process. For more information contact MPAQ on 07 3273 0800 or visit www. housing.qld.gov.au/BuildingRegulationReform.

IAPMO OCEANIA ANNOUNCES NEW LABORATORY TO ADVANCE THE ROLLOUT OF SAFE AND EFFICIENT RENEWABLES

IAPMO Oceania was thrilled to celebrate the first day of construction of its Narre Warren-based Energy Efficiency and Appliance Safety Laboratory.

IAPMO Oceania is an accredited WaterMark Conformity Assessment Body (WMCAB). The plumbing industry in Australia supports the use of the WaterMark which, when used properly, is an excellent way of helping Australian consumers be confident about the quality of the plumbing product to which it is applied. The Plumbing Code of Australia (PCA) requires certain products to be certified and authorised through the WaterMark Certification Scheme.

The new Energy Efficiency and Appliance Safety Laboratory will be dedicated to testing and certifying new renewable energy technologies to ensure they meet efficiency standards and are safe for installation across homes and businesses.

This crucial work will help to reduce emissions and ensure that the transition to carbon neutral products is a safe and financially attainable process for all.

Alongside one of its most important partners, the Plumbing Industry Climate Action Centre (PICAC), IAPMO Oceania is “going to make sure that products are not only safe, sustainable, and resilient”, but also that practitioners are properly trained to install them in the best way possible.

With this new facility, IAPMO Oceania will be equipped to expand its crucial testing and certification work while contributing to a more sustainable future, securing its position as a trusted leader in the field of ensuring industry standards.

95TH PERCENTILE MODELLING OF RESIDUAL PRESSURE IN WATER SUPPLY NETWORKS

95th Percentile Modelling of Residual Pressures appears twice in the Australian Standard AS2491.1:2021 Fire hydrant installations part 1: system design, installation and commissioning in sections Water Sources and Supply 4.2.7.1. (a) and Block Plans (c) 11.5 (h) (vi).

First, a quick explanation of 95th Percentile Modelling of Residual Pressures. To provide residual water pressures for design purposes, the water network utility operators must run computer modelling with inputs based on reservoir levels, network booster pumps and pressure reduction stations, pipe lengths, pipe sizes, fittings, and the assumptions as to the internal condition of the pipework mains.

These are very complex calculations that can only be modelled using computer programs. The modelling inputs will also be pressure readings obtained from across the water network gathered over years of monitoring a network in operation. The network pressures that occur throughout peak demand periods and with seasonal variation demands on the network must be entered into the model. There is a vast amount of data that has to be entered into these models.

The 95th percentile allows for the exclusion of low-pressure events that will occur with network outages from water mains failures and network shuts, which are not normal conditions.

The South East Queensland Water Act also permits the water network utility operator to report modelled residual pressures that are two thirds of the peak demand conditions. Essentially, this means that the water network utility operator can reduce 33 per cent of the peak demand residual pressure before publishing the results of their modelling. The stated reason for this is to allow

for network demand changes that result from an increase in population or extension to networks causing network pressure reductions in the future, albeit these changes could be 20 or 30 years in the future. This means they can quote pressures that are 2/3 of what is available in real life.

AS2491.1 Section 4 Water Sources and Supply 4.2.7.1 (a) states the network utility operator must be “calibrated for fire flow”. “Calibrated” means the modelling outputs must be verified by real-life field testing under fire flow conditions. It is unlikely that any Australian water network utility operator are running models that are calibrated for fire flows as it would be too costly.

If available, the network utility operator’s pressure modelling for Residual Pressure should be used by fire design engineers as just one of several tools in determining the water mains pressure available for designing a fire system.

Fire system design engineers who rely solely on the water network utility operator’s modelling data are likely to overdesign fire services. This may result in oversized pumps and duplicated pumpsets, and the requirement for fire water tanks will needlessly add hundreds of thousands of dollars to construction costs. In our fire system certification practice, we often encounter overdesigned fire hydrant systems.

The Takeaway

Fire service design engineers and hydraulic designers should use data from comprehensive real-life field testing of water mains for the design of fire hydrant or sprinkler systems.

AS2491.1 Section 11.5 Block Plans Baseline Line Data (h)(vi) says that “the network utility operator flow and pressure details under 95th percentile demand conditions” are to be listed on fire brigade booster assembly block plans. As discussed above, the 95th percentile demand

conditions as provided by water network operators are not real data, but simply an output of computer modelling.

Further in the section relating to block plans, the standard also states that the block plan should only contain information useful to the operation of the fire hydrant system and risks.

It must be noted that block plans already have system design data and system commission data already listed on them so the requirement for 95th percentile demand conditions is sulphureous and not required on a fire system block plan.

Given that there’s no benefit in operating a fire system or maintaining a fire system by listing 95th percentile demand conditions on block plans, there’s a solid argument again for this requirement being in the Standard.

For the fire services installing contractors, the cost of procuring 95th percentile demand conditions for sites in South East Queensland will add $800 to $1,000 of costs to prepare a block plan and potential delays of up to 20 working days for obtaining the data

Written by Bruce Dan, Fire Engineer for Australian Fire Services Testing

FLEXIBLE HOSE ASSEMBLIES NOT COMPLIANT WITH STANDARDS ILLEGAL FOR SALE OR INSTALLATION

In Australia, concerns have recently surfaced regarding the sale of flexible hose assemblies that do not meet the latest Australian Standards – AS 3718:2021 Water supply - Tap ware and AS 3499:2022 Water supply - Flexible hose assemblies . These non-compliant products are absent from the WaterMark Product Database, which means they are not legally permitted for sale or installation in Queensland under the Plumbing and Drainage Act and NonConforming Building Products legislation .

Transition Deadline and Legal Implications

All flexible hose assemblies were required to meet the updated standards by 31 December 2024. Plumbers installing non-certified products risk legal consequences and insurance implications if those products fail and cause damage. This underscores the critical need for tradespeople to verify compliance before proceeding with installation.

Certification and Identification Requirements

Australian Standards mandate that all flexible hose assemblies be clearly marked with the specific Standard to which they are certified. However, these markings do not need to indicate the date of the latest Standard. This makes it essential for plumbers to consult the WaterMark Product Database to confirm that the

product they intend to use meets current compliance requirements.

Ensuring Compliance

For the protection of both plumbers and end-users, it is imperative to use only certified products. Failure to do so can result in costly legal action, damage to property, and harm to professional reputation. Plumbers and merchants should adopt the habit of cross-referencing product certifications with the WaterMark database as a standard part of their installation process. Staying informed and vigilant about compliance requirements ensures the safety, legality, and durability of plumbing installations across Australia. For more information, please contact the MPAQ Technical team on 07 3273 0800.

NEW REQUIREMENT TO TURN OFF POWER BEFORE ACCESSING CEILING SPACE

Changes to roof access for all trades are now in effect. The Electrical Safety and Other Legislation Amendment Regulation 2024 (ESOLA Regulation) has implemented these recommendations from the Review of Queensland’s Electrical Safety Act 2002 .

Workers who are required to work in ceiling spaces will be required to deenergise (turn off power) electrical installations. The type of work may include plumbing, pest control, insulation activities, gas fitting, roofing and ceiling repair, and electrical work (including air-conditioning installation). This can be done by turning off the main power switch in the meter box and/or switch board to the premises. You don’t need to be an electrician to turn the power off.

Turning off electricity to the property at the main switchboard doesn’t turn off the electricity supply from the street to the switchboard. This means the incoming overhead service lines and the cables supplying the switchboard will still be live.

You must take extreme care not to touch any of these live overhead electrical lines or supply cables. An exclusion zone is always recommended, generally three metres.

This requirement will apply to Class 1, 2, and 10a building, which includes houses, duplexes, apartments, townhouses, row houses, garages, sheds, guest houses, small hostels, and boarding houses.

The new requirement will apply to any situation, where any part of your body enters the roof space (including just your hand or moving through the roof space to access the roof). Make sure you notify someone of where you will be in the ceiling space and check in with them during and after the work.

The term “prescribed circumstance” is where it is not reasonably practicable to carry out the work or entry while the electrical installation is de-energised, such as a solar panel supply cable running through the roof. Or if you need the power on to test, service, or commission an appliance or fitting, being something other than electrical equipment.

Where prescribed circumstances apply, you must comply with additional safety requirements such as: conducting and recording a risk assessment and statement for the work or entry, and ensuring that the work and or entry complies with the statement.

SWMS (Safe work method statements) should be completed for the initial work. MPAQ members can generate personalised SWMS for different types of work through the Master Plumbers’ Safety system at no cost. Visit bit.ly/ MPAQMPSafety for more information.

Penalties will apply with on-the-spot fines from 1 July 2025 to persons conducting a business or undertaking (PCBU) and workers who fail to comply with these new requirements. Fines for individuals will range from $144 – $720 and for businesses $720 – $3600.

Article written by Matt Simpson, MPAQ Technical Officer.

USE OF GAS HOSE ASSEMBLY IN MOBILE COMMERCIAL KITCHEN GAS SYSTEMS

Recent enquires and inspections have identified an increase in the construction and use of ‘mobile/transportable’ commercial kitchens – including caravans, trucks, and containers.

This is a reminder that multiple standards apply to gas systems in mobile commercial kitchens and as outlined in the diagram:

• AS/NZS 1596 – cylinder, regulator and clearances

• AS/NZS 5601.2 – pipework from outlet of regulator to the outlet of appliance isolation valve

• AS/NZS 5601.1 – appliances, hose assemblies, clearances, combustible surfaces, flueing and ventilation

This diagram identifies the general application: Use of Gas Hose Assembly in Commercial Kitchens

The Regulation defines a caravan to include workshops and workplaces, including mobile commercial kitchens, which means the primary guidance for technical standards would be AS/NZS 5601.2:2020 LP Gas systems in caravans and boats for non-propulsive purposes

However, requirements for LP Gas cylinders in AS/NZS 5601.2 is limited to cylinders with less than 25-litre water capacity (10kg barbecue cylinders) installed in domestic caravans (see clause 1.3.8).

AS/NZS 5601.2 refers to AS/NZS 1596 The storage and handling of LP gas and the Australian Dangerous Goods Codes for larger cylinders (see clause 3.1.2). In addition, AS/NZS 5601.2 refers to AS/NZS5601.1 Gas installations Part 1 General installations for the requirements for commercial catering equipment (see clause 1.1.1. Note 2).

Article from Resources Safety & Health Queensland

INDUSTRY GUIDELINES FOR ELECTROFUSION JOINTING OF PE PIPE SYSTEMS

The Plastics Industry Pipe Association of Australia (PIPA) has recently updated its guidelines for best practices in electrofusion welding. These technical guidelines complement each other and provide essential information on how to ensure safe and reliable electrofusion welding.

Polyethylene (PE100) pipe is a widely used material in Australia and one of the most efficient methods for connecting PE pipes is through electrofusion (EF) jointing. This process allows for safe, reliable, and costeffective installations of PE piping systems, whether they are underground or aboveground. Electrofusion (EF) fittings are designed to meet Australian standards, ensuring that the joints maintain the same pressure capacity and axial strength as the pipe itself.

Best Practice Guidelines for EF Jointing

PIPA’S updated technical guidelines, POP001 and POP001A complement each other and provide essential information on how to ensure safe and reliable electrofusion welding.

POP001: Best Installation Practices and Key Considerations

POP001 focuses on providing a comprehensive understanding of the electrofusion process, covering all critical factors for successful fusion including:

• Quality Requirements – What constitutes a high-quality electrofusion joint.

• Welder Certification and Training – Requirements for welder competence.

• Tools and Equipment- Appropriate tools and equipment needed for electrofusion welding.

• Post-Fusion Checks – Ensuring the quality of the joint after welding.

• Quality Control Records- Documenting each installation step for future reference.

One of the most critical steps in the electrofusion process is preparing the pipe correctly. Improper pipe preparation is the leading cause of unsuccessful electrofusion attempts.

POP001A: Step-by-Step Best Practices for Electrofusion Welding

POP001A provides a detailed, step-by-step guide to performing electrofusion welding. The goal is to achieve high-strength and ductile joints between the pipe and fitting, which is only possible if every step of the electrofusion process is followed thoroughly.

The guide emphasises that good fusion requires accurate attention to detail throughout the entire process, from pipe preparation to welding execution.

Welder Certification and Training Requirements

As per AS/NZS 2033 – Design and Installation of Polyolefin Pipe Systems , installers must be certified under the PMBWELD302E Electrofusion Weld

Polyethylene Pipelines for electrofusion Welders must also hold a current certificate before performing any welding tasks.

PIPA recommends that welders undergo re-accreditation every two to three years to stay updated on the latest standards, procedures, and technological advancements in the industry. This ensures welders maintain the highest level of competence and skill.

Ensuring Safe and Reliable Installations

PE pipes play a critical role in infrastructure systems and their installation must adhere to strict industry standards. Both POP001 and POP001A offer comprehensive guidelines on how to ensure successful electrofusion jointing, from proper pipe preparation to welder certification.

Scan the QR code to access the POP001 and POP001A industry guidelines.

PIPA recommends that welders undergo re-accreditation every two to three years.

Dell provides technology solutions, services, and support. Buy laptops, touch-screen PCs, desktops, servers, storage, monitors, gaming, and accessories.

Through the partnership of Dell Technologies and MPAQ, members can now access a range of discounts on selected technology products.

MPAQ members can claim up to 10% off* Dell Laptops, Desktops, Monitors, Accessories, and much more all-year round. Get additional savings on sale items during promotional periods! (T & Cs apply).

To claim your MPAQ discount code, visit www.mpaq.com.au/benefits/dell.

Pipe preparation is one of the most critical steps in the EF process.

CELEBRATING YEARS

MPAQ Celebrates 125 Years of Service to Queensland’s Plumbing and Gas Industry

This year marks a significant milestone for the Master Plumbers’ Association of Queensland (MPAQ) as we proudly celebrate 125 years of service, advocacy, and excellence in the plumbing industry. Since our establishment in 1900, MPAQ has been at the forefront of shaping Queensland’s plumbing landscape, championing the interests of our members, and ensuring the highest industry standards in maintaining the health and safety of our community.

For over a century, MPAQ has been a trusted voice for plumbing and gasfitting professionals, representing our industry’s interests at local, state, and federal levels. Our association has played a key role in legislative advancements, industry reforms, and developments that have not only protected our trade but also enhanced public health and safety. From advocating for fair regulations and licensing standards to ensuring that plumbing remains a respected and skilled profession, MPAQ has continually worked to strengthen the industry’s foundations.

The plumbing industry has evolved significantly over the past 125 years, and MPAQ has been a driving force behind innovation and professional development. Through our extensive training programs, workshops, and technical support, we have helped generations of plumbers stay ahead of industry advancements and emerging technologies.

At the heart of MPAQ’s success are our members, dedicated professionals who have built and maintained Queensland’s homes, businesses, and essential infrastructure. From small family-owned businesses to large-scale operations, our diverse membership has been the backbone of MPAQ’s longevity and impact.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all members, past and present, who have contributed to MPAQ’s success. Your dedication, craftsmanship, and commitment to excellence have shaped our association, the building industry, and Queensland as a whole.

The Master Plumber magazine has been a witness to the growth of the association and the industry, from its first publication in 1960 to today, where plumbers can stay updated through our digital magazine no matter the time or place.

As we celebrate this incredible milestone, we also look to the future with optimism and ambition. The next era of MPAQ will focus on sustainability, technological advancements, and continued advocacy for our trade. Our industry is poised for transformation, and MPAQ will be at the forefront, guiding the way.

Join us as we look back at some of the highlights from our storied history on the following pages.

Flowing Through Time

1900 16 May

First meeting was held at Builders Exchange, Courier Building and Hiram Wakefield was appointed as the first president.

1951

A bill was introduced to tighten regulations on plumbing and gas fitting licenses.

1970

1901

25 September

First Annual General Meeting was held. 19 members had joined.

1924

1903

A National Convention was hosted in Brisbane, including a trip to the Darling Downs, a boat cruise on the Lucinda down the Brisbane River, and a picnic.

1930

Queensland hosted an interstate Master Plumbers Conference in Brisbane.

1929

An appeal was made to the State Government for a statewide plumber’s licence. This took 20 years to eventuate.

MPAQ purchased its first building at 56 Commercial Road, Fortitude Valley.

1960

1979

The

1977

MPAQ apprenticeship training courses commenced. This ran until 1982 when TAFE’s prevocational courses became popular.

The first print of the Queensland Master Plumbers Journal. Roy Hinton was the first editor. Rheem became members and remain MPAQ’s current longest serving corporate member.

first Merv Harris Bursary was awarded to Ed Ahern from Cairns.

1924 MPAQ Council

Earliest Financial Statement on record, with a turnover of 213 pounds, three shillings, 10 pence.

2005

Plumbers’ Rally was held to advocate for the use of a licensed plumber.

2003

Thermostatic mixing valve (TMV) training courses were introduced to comply with new licencing requirements.

1993

MPAQ’s second building was purchased at 84 Abbotsford Road, Bowen Hills.

2004

MPAQ launched www.mpaq.com.au and surpassed 1,000 members for the first time.

2000

The first Plumbing Industry Awards night was held at the Park Royal.

2008

MPAQ purchased the Plumbing Industry House at 243 Bradman Street, Acacia Ridge.

2017

New Find a Plumber portal launched. New Security of Payment laws passed by the Queensland Government following much lobbying by MPAQ.

2023

2019

MPAQ and Xact Accounting created the Charge Out Rate Guide and Calculator as a guide for industry.

2010

Inaugural

2016

Service Trades Council was formed ensuring the plumbing industry had a specific regulatory council with MPAQ as the chair.

2009

The first edition of the MPAQ Update enewsletter was released.

2021

2025

The MPAQ history book slated to come out in celebration of the Association’s 125-year anniversary. MPAQ now represents more than 1,300 plumbing, gas, and drainage businesses.

Pictured: Rheem’s Paul Adams (left) and Judy Spence (right) presenting Apprentice of the Year to David Vanderpreet (centre).

World Plumbing Day celebrations were held at Plumbing Industry House.

MPAQ training trailer commenced work.

MPAQ and PIPA launched the Construction Plastics Recycling Scheme to divert PVC off-cuts from landfill.

MPAQ launched the Jetter Safety course.

QUEENSLAND ANTI-DISCRIMINATION ACT CHANGES FROM 1 JULY 2025

From 1 July 2025, the Queensland Anti-Discrimination Act 1991 (the Act) will introduce new changes following extensive community consultation. This will include the most significant changes to this legislation in over 30 years. Some of these changes include:

• Introduction of a Positive Duty

• Expansion of protected attributes

• Changes to the definition of direct and indirect discrimination

• Other Changes

Positive Duty

A Positive Duty is an obligation on a business or undertaking to take all reasonable steps to prevent discrimination based on a protected attribute from occurring, as opposed to responding to a claim after it has occurred.

A Positive Duty was also introduced into the Sex Discrimination Act 1984 (Cth) in December 2022, however this implementation of ‘positive duty’ is more expansive as it is the obligation to eliminate discrimination on the basis of all protected attributes within this Act.

A business or undertaking must implement “reasonable and proportionate” steps to eliminate discrimination, sexual harassment, harassment based on sex, or other objectionable behaviour as far as is practicable. When determining what constitutes “reasonable and proportionate” actions, the following factors should be taken into account:

• The size, nature, and circumstances of the business, organisation, or operations.

• The resources available, including financial and other resources.

• The feasibility and cost of the measures.

• The organisation’s business and operational priorities.

• Any other relevant considerations.

Expansion of Protected Attributes

Protected attributes are generally based on personal traits (i.e. race), protected beliefs (i.e. religious beliefs), or groups that experience high levels of stigma (i.e. sex work activity).

The changes commencing from 1 July 2025 will extend protection from discrimination (protected attribute) to:

• Victim-survivors of domestic and family violence

• Potential pregnancy

• People experiencing homelessness

• People with expunged criminal convictions

• Any irrelevant criminal or medical records

• People discriminated against because of their physical appearance (for example, their height, weight, size, birth marks, and other features).

{ It does not extend to characteristics freely chosen such as clothing, hairstyles, tattoos, piercings. However, it would be unlawful if the freely chosen characteristics relate to another protected attribute, such as their religious beliefs. Additionally, “family responsibilities” will expand to “family, carer, or kinship responsibilities”. These changes may mean that caring responsibilities beyond immediate family will be covered. For example, caring responsibilities to a neighbour or friend.

Existing protected attributes still remain which include:

• Age

• Impairment

• Sex

• Race and religion

• Pregnancy, parental status, relationship status, family responsibilities, and breastfeeding

• Sexuality, gender identity, and sex characteristics

• Sex work activity

• Political belief or activity

• Trade union belief or activity

• Association with someone with one or more of these characteristics.

Changes To The Definition Of Direct And Indirect Discrimination

The new definition of Direct Discrimination will be amended to require treatment to be “unfavourable” rather than “less favourable,” which removes the requirement for a comparator of what is less favourable.

Direct discrimination on the basis of an attribute occurs if a person treats, or proposes to treat, another person unfavourably because the other person has an attribute.

The new definition of Indirect Discrimination will require the person seeking to impose the condition, requirement, or practice (usually business or undertaking) has the onus of proving, on the balance of probabilities, it is reasonable. Currently, it does not matter if the person who indirectly discriminates the treatment is unfavourable or is aware of the discrimination. Indirect discrimination on the basis of an attribute occurs if a person imposes (or proposes

to impose) a condition, requirement or practice that: a) has, or is likely to have, the effect of disadvantaging another person because the other person has an attribute; and b) is not reasonable.

Other Changes

There will be an introduction to reverse onus of proof on respondents, which means if there are facts that a respondent (usually a business or undertaking) has contravened the Act, it will be on the respondent to prove there was no contravention.

The timeframe for a claimant to lodge a complaint with the Queensland Human Rights Commission (QHRC) extends from 12 months to 24 months.

The QHRC has new powers to investigate and report on systemic discrimination, sexual harassment, and vilification; and compliance with the positive duty.

Steps To Prepare For The Changes

These changes mean businesses and undertakings will need to take action to prevent discrimination from happening instead of responding after they occur. Some suggested steps include:

• Training leaders and managers on what the new rules mean and how to implement them in your business.

• Training employees to ensure they are aware of respectful behaviours, beyond a one-hour mandatory training session per annum.

• Review policies and procedures.

• Consider reviewing culture within the business.

If you have any questions or require assistance preparing for these changes, please contact the MPAQ Advisory team on 07 3273 0800 or email advice@mpaq.com.au.

Get Your HR Health Checked

Is it hard to understand and stay on top of some HR compliance areas? Do you need advice relating to employment and wages that are specific to your plumbing and gas business?

MPAQ members have access to a faceto-face or virtual HR Health Check – a HR and employment consultation to help you reduce any areas of risk or exposure to your business. These include employment contracts, awards and wages, policies and procedures, termination and resignation, employee entitlements, taking on apprentices, and more.

Scan the QR code to check the scheduled HR Health Checks for the year.

and multi-unit dwellings.

PERFORMS UNDER HIGH PRESSURE

The RMC High Pressure Reducing Valve compensates for fluctuating upstream pressure to maintain constant maximum outlet pressure.

With the trusted RMC name, you can be confident you are installing the best.

Learn more about RMC’s trusted range of valves.

RMC FLOODGUARD™ PROVIDES PEACE OF MIND

SCAN TO VIEW

FLOODGUARD™ RANGE

FGX04

15mm Right Angle Isolation Valve

The RMC FloodGuard™ range has been designed to reduce the extent of flooding and water damage caused from burst flexible connection hoses. In the event of excessive water flow or hose burst, the valve automatically snaps shut to minimise water escape and damage.

15MM RMC FLOODGUARD™ VALVE

Easily installed at point of fixture installation or retrofitted at any time

Ideal for sinks and basins fitted downstream from isolation valves and immediately upstream of flexible hose assemblies.

Tap Connection

RMC FloodGuard™ Valve Hose Coupling

Hose

Washing Machine or Dishwasher

15MM RMC FLOODGUARD ™ ISOLATING VALVE

Designed with a captive loose nut connection for ease of installation and incorporates the RMC FloodGuard™ protection built into the isolating valve

Sink or Basin

Hose

Hose Coupling

RMC FloodGuard™ Valve

Tap Connection

Designed for quick and easy installation

Best suited for appliances such as washing machines and dishwashers, and can be retrofitted at any time 20MM RMC FLOODGUARD™ VALVE

Hose

Hose Coupling

Loose Nut

Pipe

RMC FloodGuard™ Isolation Valve Connection Fitting

STRESSED UP TO MY EYEBALLS

It’s 3 am in the morning, Tom owns a building business and he’s lying in bed wide awake, tired and stressed up to his eyeballs as persistent worries kept tumbling through his mind. How am I going to deal with my difficult employee? What if that commercial job payment doesn’t arrive tomorrow? How are we going to make payroll this week?

We all know that too much stress long term is bad for your health. High levels of stress for long periods of time can also cause decision fatigue. There will always be some stress in business, but when it’s too much, how you manage it is vital.

Look the Monster in the Eye

Every action movie has a version of the hero’s journey. There’s a scary monster or villain that seems too powerful to defeat.

A hero emerges and challenges the monster. At the first encounter, the monster gets the upper hand and our hero withdraws overwhelmed, wounded, and defeated.

The hero trains, goes through some lifealtering moments, and comes back stronger.

Equipped with their newfound knowledge and strength, our hero realises that the monster also has weaknesses. Our hero steps forward, looks the monster in the eye, and realises in that moment that with the right strategy and courage, they could win the day. An epic battle ensues and the monster is defeated.

It’s also like that in business. Look at your monster in the eye, see it for what it is. Write down the worst-case scenarios. Maybe you need more training or a different kind of weapon. Shift the odds back in your favour. Or go another way. There is more than one way to kill the stress monster.

Control the Controllable

Stress is a sign that your brain is freaking out about all the things that either might or are going wrong. The problem is that you can’t control everything, so it’s an easy trap to fall into, putting time and energy into the wrong things.

For example, you can control how much time you spend getting new work, but not inflation or government policy. So, spending too much time on Facebook or listening to the media saying that the economy might be tanking again won’t get you any closer to a solution.

So, control the controllable. Put your time, energy, and focus into those as they will succeed.

Don’t Look Up at the Mountain Just Yet

Before you look ahead at the mountain, look back to see how far you have come. If you have been in business for any length of time, there are many obstacles you have already overcome.

In business and life, there will always be a mixture of wins and losses. Some days you will have more wins, some days more losses. As business owners, we tend to focus a lot on the problems. That’s important because you can’t fix problems you don’t see, but it’s essential to also celebrate the wins. Just focusing on the losses will drag your confidence down and raise stress levels. So, count the wins both big and small.

Don’t Try to Carry Everything Yourself

You don’t have all the answers; no one does and that’s normal.

So, talk with others who have mastered the areas you are weak in. Struggling with cash flow, then talk with someone who understands cash flow. Need more profit, talk with someone who understands margins. Share your goals with the team and your partner. Get them on board with the plan. Getting another perspective from someone who has already been there can make all the difference.

Make a Plan and Start Moving Forward!

If you’re feeling stuck and don’t know what to do next, map out the options, then pick the best one and start moving forward. Staying where you are and hoping things might get better isn’t a plan.

A client that Next Level Tradie has been working with has major cash flow problems. Before we started, he was so stressed that he didn’t know where to turn next. It felt easier to go to the job site rather than face the bigger issues like cash flow, which just meant the problems kept getting bigger. Suppliers were putting him on stop credit, tax bills were starting to pile up, and things were falling apart.

We calculated his cash position, and it was clear he couldn’t keep juggling cash flow. He could trade out of it in 12-18 months but that was going to take too long. He needed cash to keep trading.

So, we put a plan together and he got to work. He’s selling surplus assets, refinancing through a broker, getting his team more efficient on jobs, and completing cashflow projections so when he’s talking with suppliers it’s clear who he can pay and when.

The plan likely will need some adjusting as the landscape changes. But he’s moving forward and it’s working.

What Do You Really Want?

Ask the tough questions that every business owner should be asking regularly: Is being in business messing with my health? Is being in business still fun? Are my family getting what they need from me? What must change to make this into the business I want? What’s my exit strategy and when would I use it?

The reality is that even the best businesses at times will be stressful. With the right plan, you can minimise stress, but there will always be some.

If you are stressed out and need a better plan, then look at a free Stress Buster Session with Next Level Tradie. Visit www.nextleveltradie.co.nz.

SCAM WARNING: PHISHING EMAILS

MPAQ has been recently made aware of members receiving scam and phishing attacks through email.

These potential scammers are falsely advertising the contact list of MPAQ for a nominated price.

At MPAQ, we take the protection of our member information very seriously and we adhere to industry standards regarding data protection to ensure that your information is handled in accordance with legal requirements. Our privacy policy covers how we collect, use, and disclose personal information of members, event attendees, and partners of MPAQ.

We want to reassure members that their information is secure and we do not distribute these to unlicensed third parties without members’ consent.

It’s imperative that you do not engage with these emails or any associated links. Responding to such emails confirms that your email address is valid and could result in serious security breaches and compromise the confidentiality of our data. We recommend members not to use their work emails to register for or log in to untrusted websites to lessen the risk of attacks and scam emails.

This phishing attack has been escalated to ACCC and our security provider for further investigations.

How to Protect Yourself from Phishing Attacks

Here are some tips from the Office of the Victorian Information Commissioner to protect your business from phishing attacks:

Include security awareness and training. By raising awareness of the signs and dangers of phishing attacks, you and your employees will be able to identify them quickly. There are tell-tale signs of scam emails such as generic greetings and dodgy emails that you can instantly tell.

Use spam filters or secure email gateways to block deceptive emails. Spam filters and secure email gateways monitor incoming emails for unwanted or fraudulent content. Once identified, they prevent them from ever reaching your inbox.

Watch out for fake links or attachments. Do not open any attachments, click any links or forward the email to another device.

Enable multifactor authentication (MFA) and anomaly login policies. In the case that you or your

LIAM WINKCUP: 2024 SCHOOLBASED APPRENTICE

Year 12 student, Liam Winkcup, from The Industry School was named the 2024 School-Based Apprentice of the Year at the prestigious Plumbing and Gas Industry Awards, hosted by MPAQ.

Held last year in October, the event shone a spotlight on Queensland’s most talented and hardworking individuals in the plumbing and gas sectors, with Liam’s exceptional dedication and skill earning him top honours.

Liam’s passion for plumbing was evident from the outset of his journey. His ambition to forge a successful career in the industry led him to secure a school-based apprenticeship with Innovation Plumbing and Design. His employer has consistently praised Liam’s strong work ethic, dedication to learning, and commitment to workplace health and safety—qualities that resonated with the award judges and secured his well-deserved win.

A Rising Star in the Trade

“Liam’s dedication to his trade has been clear from day one,” says Madi Zahn, Liam’s Industry Consultant at The Industry School’s Gold Coast school. “His enthusiasm for plumbing and willingness to tackle challenging tasks set him apart. He’s a pleasure to work with, and I’m incredibly proud of his achievement.”

Industry Consultants like Madi play a pivotal role at The Industry School, helping students bridge the gap between education and employment. They provide tailored guidance, assist in securing apprenticeships, and support students throughout their journey. Liam’s success is a testament to the power of this collaborative approach.

Mastering the Balance

Despite being in the early stages of his apprenticeship, Liam has demonstrated exceptional skill and knowledge, particularly in drainage. His ability to handle complex tasks with confidence and his strong understanding of health and safety protocols were key factors in his recognition by the MPAQ award judges.

Balancing the demands of a school-based apprenticeship while completing Year 12 and earning his Queensland Certificate of Education (QCE) is no small feat. Liam’s discipline and resilience have enabled him to excel both in the classroom and on-site, proving that passion and hard work are the cornerstones of success.

Inspiring Future Generations

Liam’s achievement is a personal milestone and an inspiration to his peers and aspiring young tradespeople. His story highlights the significant opportunities available through industry-focused education and the value of combining hands-on experience with academic learning.

Celebrating Our Finalists

The Industry School also extends its congratulations to the talented finalists in the 2024 MPAQ Plumbing & Gas Industry Awards. Representing the Gold Coast school, George King, Jack Topp, and Mareko Malcolm showcased exceptional skills and dedication, earning well-deserved recognition. From our Sunshine Coast school, Hunter Judge also impressed as a finalist with his passion and commitment to the trade.

These achievements underscore the depth of talent and the value of The Industry School’s approach to education—blending classroom learning with real-world experience.

Looking for a school that’s different? Visit deliberatelydifferent. com.au for a career head start for young people in Years 10 to 12.

For 90+ years, we’ve crafted trusted specialised tapware for high care and high risk environments, delivering fit for purpose solutions you can count on.

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Hospital & Healthcare

Aged Care

Education

Corrections

Mental Health

Safety & Water Control

Lead Free

Anti-Vandal

Anti-ligature Independence & Dignity

INVESTING IN EMPLOYEE TRAINING BENEFITS BOTH

EMPLOYEES AND BUSINESSES

Let’s explore the mutual benefits of investing in employee learning for both individuals and businesses, emphasising the crucial role that funding plays in supporting and enhancing these development initiatives.

Investing in employee learning and development has become increasingly important in today’s fast-paced, competitive business landscape. Providing employees with opportunities to enhance their skills fosters a more productive, loyal, and motivated workforce, which drives growth and innovation for both employees and businesses.

Employees gain significantly from investments in their learning. One of the most immediate benefits is skill enhancement. Training programs equip employees with the tools to perform their jobs more effectively and efficiently. In addition to improving current performance, continuous learning allows employees to broaden their skill sets, take on new challenges, and assume greater responsibilities. This fosters a sense of empowerment and confidence, as employees can apply new knowledge to real-world situations. As employees grow and develop, they are more likely to feel satisfied in their roles knowing that their employer is invested in their success.

Career development is another key benefit of employee learning. When businesses offer opportunities for growth, employees are more likely to see a clear path for career advancement. By supporting their personal and professional development, employers can increase retention and job satisfaction. Employees who see potential for advancement are more likely to stay with the business, reducing turnover and the associated costs of hiring new staff.

Learning also plays a major role in attracting and retaining exceptional talent. High-performing individuals seek out employers who offer opportunities to develop their skills, viewing it as a sign of a forward-thinking, supportive

employer. By offering robust training programs, companies can differentiate themselves from competitors and build a skilled, capable workforce.

For businesses, the advantages of investing in employee learning are equally significant. When employees are well-trained, they perform at higher levels of productivity, directly impacting the business’s bottom line. Employees who invest in learning can make more informed decisions, work more efficiently, and contribute to the overall success of the business. As the business landscape evolves, the ability to adapt quickly is crucial, and employees who engage in continuous learning are better equipped to navigate change and stay ahead of industry trends.

Monitoring employee progress helps identify skill gaps and areas where further resources or training are needed, allowing businesses to continuously refine and improve their learning programs.

In conclusion, investing in employee training is one of the most effective strategies for boosting both individual and business success. Employees who receive support for their professional growth are more skilled, engaged, and likely to stay with their employer. For businesses, the benefits of a skilled and loyal workforce include increased productivity, a stronger company culture, higher retention rates, and the ability to adapt to industry changes.

However, the key to the success of these initiatives lies in securing adequate funding. Financial support enables businesses to provide access to highquality, diverse learning opportunities. In today’s ever-changing business landscape, companies that prioritise employee learning and strategically invest in their workforce will be better positioned for long-term success.

Master Plumbers’ Association of Queensland (MPAQ) is proud to be an approved provider of Construction Skills Queensland (CSQ). CSQ provides funding to reduce the financial barriers to training, making upskilling more affordable for individuals in the construction industry.

MPAQ offers CSQ funding for various training activities. If you are currently working in the Queensland building and construction industry and wish to build your skills, you may be eligible for CSQ-funded training.

Under the Construction Skills Queensland Short Courses Building Program, eligible students have access to the following subsidies:

BSBESB402 Establish legal and risk management requirements of new business ventures –$360.00

CPCPCM4012 Estimate and cost work – $421.00

CPCPCM4011 Carry out work-based risk control processes – $434.00

CPCPGS4011 Design and size consumer gas installations –$480.00

CPCPGS4022 Service Type A gas appliances – $750.00

CPCPWT4022 Commission and maintain backflow prevention devices – $467.00

CPCPWT4023 Commission and maintain hot and heated water temperature control devices – $358.00

Under the Construction Skills Queensland Higher Qualifications Building Program, eligible students have access to up to $688 in subsidy to take the MSMSS00019

Operate a drain cleaning system (Skill Set) course.

If you have a training question, please do not hesitate to contact the Training Services Team on 07 3273 0800 or email training@mpaq.com.au.

Written by Tracy Bob, MPAQ Training Services Manager

AI TRAINING AI TRAININGpractical and solutions

In this online workshop, you will gain an overview of AI tools relevant to plumbing professionals. See firsthand how AI-powered tools can revolutionise your work and dramatically enhance your effectiveness across a range of common tasks. 2 sessions available: 5 March and 20 August 2025 REGISTER NOW

JETTER SAFETY COURSE

MSMSS00019 Operate a drain cleaning system (Skill Set)

Eligible students can get up to $688 in subsidy to complete the nationally recognised MPAQ Jetter Safety course. Subsidy ends on 1 July 2025. Visit www.mpaq.com.au/course/jetter to enrol in a class near you. Get in quick!

UPCOMING MPAQ TRAINING COURSES

Backflow Prevention

1-3 April Brisbane 13-15 May Sunshine Coast 27-29 May Bundaberg 24-26 June Rockhampton 8-10 July Mackay 23-25 July Brisbane

4

Brisbane 16 May Sunshine Coast 31 July Brisbane Jetter Safety 18-19 March Brisbane 20-21 May Brisbane 15-16 July Brisbane

Gas Courses

Design and size consumer gas installations 7-9 May Brisbane

Service Type A gas appliances 9-13 June Brisbane

Estimate and cost work 12-13 August Brisbane

Carry out work-based risk control 16-17 September Brisbane

Don’t miss our upcoming MPAQ Events!

Toowoomba 4 April

Townsville 6 June

Brisbane South 20 June

Sunshine Coast 27 June

Ipswich 7 May

Cairns 4 June

Mackay 6 August

IN 2025, MPAQ IS SUPPORTING FRIENDS WITH DIGNITY

Friends with Dignity is a registered charity providing practical programs to assist victimsurvivors of domestic violence in collaboration with refuge and crisis centres. Friends with Dignity is 100% self-funded and does not receive any government funding. They are run entirely by a small team and passionate and dedicated team of volunteers.

Friends with Dignity recognises that domestic violence does not discriminate. It affects adults and children irrespective of race, ethnicity, or socio-economic standing and our programs are available, on referral, to any individual or family seeking assistance. Built on the foundation that change is affected through community

engagement, their programs encourage individuals, groups, and organisations to actively initiate change by providing tangible ways in which we all can Step Up, Speak Out and Support. Find out how you can get involved by visiting www.friendswithdignity.org.au or emailing community@friendswithdignity.org.au.

THE MPAQ BUSINESS LEADERS GROUP

A powerful network of industry leaders and influential businesses who are working together to achieve success in their businesses and uphold the highest standards of excellence in our trade.

Industry advancement, innovation, professional development, industry representation, and high-level networking – this is at the core of the MPAQ Business Leaders group. Launched in 2024, the group is now building on this success with a range of high-impact events, workshops, and strategic discussions that directly contribute to business growth and industry leadership.

Want to find out more and join the group? Scan the QR Code to find out more.

Meet the partners of the MPAQ Business Leaders Group

Simpro is a field service management software for trade and field service business leaders. It offers an end-to-end platform for managing operations efficiently and profitably. With over 20 years leading trade and field service innovation, Simpro supports over 250,000 users worldwide, with offices in North America, Australia, New Zealand and the UK.

Simpro’s best-in-class software solutions help businesses scale and grow without compromise. Trade business leaders depend on Simpro daily for its powerful workforce and business management capabilities. With robust data analysis and reporting tools, Simpro’s software helps collate every piece of information a business generates into actionable intelligence that drives business decisions and promotes success.

Simpro’s software features help support every role within a trade business workforce between the office and the field by streamlining workflows and improving processes. Field technicians love Simpro for its powerful on-site capabilities, with access to job details, documentation and a direct link back to the office at the touch of a button. Office teams also love Simpro for its ability to digitise processes and eliminate doublehandling from business-critical tasks such as job quoting, scheduling, invoicing and everything in between.

Ready to transform your business? It’s time to Work Smarter with Simpro. Visit simprogroup.com.

Building Excellence in the Plumbing Industry through Training

Elevate your career with our Industry-leading training that keeps you at the forefront of success.

The Service Trades College offers top-tier apprenticeship and postapprenticeship programs, specialising in commercial plumbing and other fields.

Stay ahead of the game throughout your career with our Industry-led training opportunities. Contact us to find

master plumbers' safety

personalised swms in 5 minutes manage whs on the go, on site, and on your phone

a cloud-based workplace health and safety (WHS) management system designed to provide members with a clear, quick, and compliant system to manage WHS in their businesses. Why use this system?

whs templates and info sheets

free with an mpaq contracting membership

Master Plumbers’ Safety comes at no additional cost to members. Non-members can purchase an annual subscription starting from $750 (inc. GST).

$2,784 additional value included in your membership

Complying with Australia’s strict WHS laws is a must – failing to do so could mean huge penalties and in extreme cases, jail. To cut through this complexity, MPAQ is offering members a simple system to manage their health and safety obligations, particularly in relation to the creation of Safe Work Method Statements (SWMS), which can be created in less than five minutes through the Safety platform.

Allproof uses advanced manufacturing equipment and facilities to produce premium drainage solutions for architecturally designed projects.

Projects may call for unique drainage systems that are designed to fit elements of buildings such as curved walls, corners and/or channels for level entry access around revolving doors. These drainage systems need to protect the building and its occupants from surface water as well as be durable for intended use and imposed loads.

Allproof have delivered bespoke curved drainage solutions for a range of these applications through their custom manufacturing service, while adhering to all building codes and AS/NZS standards.

Systems such as the Cantilever Bracket provide stable support housing grates for dynamic movement of pedestrian traffic entering and exiting revolving doors. It is also mechanically separated from the building envelope protecting joinery and cladding from any movement or knocking of grates.

Allproof often laser cut a flat template allowing the developers to form a channel on site that will suit the final product. Jigs were made for curving the bracket to the exact radius and dimensions with individual Wedge Wire spokes rolled to suit the diminishing radius of the architectural grate. The system was then fabricated by hand and put through a rigorous Q&A process.

Selecting Allproof’s systems for custom solutions provides confidence in performance by utilising an established design that has been rigorously tested both in-house and by independent NATA-accredited laboratories. The grates have been specifically designed for slip resistance, load capacities, hydraulic performance, maintenance, and durability, with features such as lock-downs to prevent movement from traffic or unauthorised access. For more information, visit allproof.com.au.

APTELLA OPENS NEW FLAGSHIP OFFICE IN AUCKLAND

SAFE JETTING WITH AUSSIE PUMPS CUSTOM CURVED DRAINAGE SOLUTIONS FROM

Aptella is excited to announce the opening of a new flagship office in Auckland and relocation of its Wellington branch to meet growing demand for its innovative technology solutions, with enhanced customer support.

Technology solutions provider Aptella is pleased to unveil the relocation of its Auckland and Wellington branches to new and improved locations. These new premises, alongside branches in Christchurch and Hamilton, are designed to support customers nationwide with a growing range of solutions and services. The new offices are now open for sales, calibrations, support, and more.

The new branch In Auckland will meet the growing demand for Aptella’s technology solutions in the civil construction, building, mining, and geospatial sectors. With the relocation, customers will benefit from improved service and support, along with better accessibility to Aptella’s industry-leading products and services. Visit www.aptella.com to check out their products and solutions.

Australian Pump began making jetters in volume almost 25 years ago. Inspired by plumbers to find a quicker, safer and cleaner way of clearing blocked drains, the Aussie Jetter product line quickly took off. The rest is now history.

Aussie Pump jetters are the chosen drain-cleaning system by Master Plumbers. In Queensland, MPAQ has purchased the Aussie King Cobra to deliver the nationally recognised Jetter Safety course for operating powerful Class B drain cleaning systems. In New South Wales, Master Plumbers NSW’s Mark Brown teamed up with Aussie Pump’s Niki Patel to get the safe plumbing apprentice program going. That has taken off like a rocket and is now even being adopted by TAFE colleges.

Aussie Pumps is offering a free Safe Operator Training Program for operating 4,000 and 5,000-psi jetters in Class A configuration. They recommend apprentices to start out with these 4,000 or 5,000-psi Class A machines.

For more information, visit aussiepumps.com.au/free-jetter-safety-training.

CONSTRUCTION PLASTICS

PVC PIPE AND

FITTINGS

CAN BE MANUFACTURED INTO NEW PIPES THAT CAN LAST OVER 100 YEARS!

WHILE ON-SITE, COLLECT PVC OFF-CUTS & DROP THEM OFF AT ONE OF OUR BIN LOCATIONS. TOGETHER WE CAN BUILD A MORE RESPONSIBLE, SUSTAINABLE FUTURE.

DID YOU KNOW?

We now have 40 bin locations across Queensland. Find out more.

GET THE MOST OUT OF YOUR MEMBERSHIP WITH MPAQ

AMPOL

MPAQ and Ampol are getting behind Australian businesses with AmpolCard, a fuel card that delivers great discounts. As a member of MPAQ, you’ll not only save at the bowser, you’ll save time on admin with all your expenses on one ATO-approved report.

Save 6c per litre on premium fuels, regular petrol, and diesel on your first 6 months, and 5c per litre on all products (excluding LPG) in the succeeding months.

Enjoy peace of mind and add Ampol Roadside Assistance with a service that’s there for you when you need it most, from just $5.25 a month. Claim your Ampolcard by visiting www.mpaq.com.au/benefits/ampol.

MEDIBANK

MPAQ members have access to an exclusive 8% discount with Medibank Corporate Cover. Plus get the 2 and 6-month waiting periods waived on extras.

For a limited time only: Enjoy 6 weeks free when you join and maintain an eligible Corporate Medibank hospital & extras cover.

Medibank Corporate Extras include 100% back on dental check-ups, selected health screenings, kids extras, and optical. Medibank Corporate Hospital Cover includes no hospital excess for kids, accident boost cover, private emergency department benefit, private room, and a corporate health assist line that can guide you towards eligible health services that may be appropriate for you. To claim this benefit, visit www.mpaq.com.au/benefits/medibank.

In addition to access to a broad range of services, products, and support, you can also enjoy discounts and special offers on products and services that will help enhance your business. Through our carefully curated partnerships with suppliers and providers that are committed to supporting our members and the wider industry, we’re able to build a suite of exclusive member offers that will give our members added value and a competitive advantage. Check out some new exclusive discounts available for MPAQ members below.

TOYOTA

Get exclusive discounts on your next Toyota purchase. Expanding on the current range of Toyota vehicles that MPAQ members currently have exclusive discounts to, MPAQ Association fleet pricing now includes:

Hilux GR Sport With a 10% power boost to its turbocharged 2.8L 4-cylinder engine, GR Sport is Australia’s most performance-focused diesel HiLux to date. Enjoy a 4x4 double-cab with 6-speed automatic transmission and paddle shifters.

MEMBER BENEFIT PARTNERS

Check

All-Electric Toyota bZ4X

With dual EV motors and an AWD powertrain, the top grade offers intuitive offroad performance, up to 421L of cargo space, and dedicated home charger options available.

HiAce van Comes standard with a 2.8L engine, 6-speed manual or automatic transmission, radio with satellite navigation, and front power windows. Tailor your vehicles to your business needs for a highly customisable fleet.

To find out more visit your local Fleet Specialist Dealer or call 1800 444 847. The Toyota dealership will ask for proof of MPAQ membership.

OZZI KLEEN CELEBRATES 5 YEAR MILESTONE MEMBERSHIP WITH

Founded over 40 years ago by Mal and Sandra Close, Ozzi Kleen has grown from a small team of two into a thriving Australian manufacturer employing over 80 staff. Now led by their son, Michael Blee as the General Manager, the company continues its legacy of excellence in water and wastewater treatment solutions.

Specialising in the design, manufacture, installation, and servicing of domestic and commercial water and wastewater systems, Ozzi Kleen has remained at the forefront of innovation. Despite industry challenges, such as adapting to new Australian Standards and the influx of foreign systems into the

MPAQ

Australian market, the company has successfully innovated and expanded their product offerings.

Major highlights throughout the years include developing transportable treatment systems for mining sites, branching out to United Arab Emirates for wastewater projects, and incorporating up to 80% recycled polymer in manufacturing. It is no surprise that Ozzi Kleen has brought home multiple awards because of their commitment to excellence and sustainability.

Ozzi Kleen has taken note of the brand awareness that comes with being an MPAQ corporate member. Their support for the industry is also to be commendable. Here’s to the continued success of Ozzi Kleen!

JIM MONGER PLUMBING & GAS CELEBRATES 10 YEARS OF MPAQ MEMBERSHIP

Jim Monger Plumbing and Gas is celebrating a significant milestone with MPAQ, marking decades of dedication to quality service in the plumbing and gas industry. Originally founded by Keith James Monger (known to many as Jim) 40 years ago, the company has remained a family-run business, ensuring high standards and strong relationships with employees, customers, and subcontractors.

After Jim’s retirement in 2021, the next generation took the reins: Jim’s daughter Laura, and her husband Jeremy. Both licensed plumbers, Laura and Jeremy continued the legacy by modernising the brand while maintaining its core values. The transition included a rebranding that added a focus on gas work with a fresh and contemporary feel.

They also take pride in nurturing a company culture that encourages women to thrive on the tools, thanks to Laura’s superb work ethic. Their affiliation with MPAQ has played a vital role in keeping them informed and compliant with industry standards, which enables them to uphold their commitment to quality.

Penny Cornah, MPAQ CEO, and Michal Blee, Ozzi Kleen

Toolbox Talks with Kimber Plumbing

MPAQ was at Maryborough with Kimber Plumbing for a Toolbox Talk over some barbecue and bacon and egg muffins. Member specialist Jason Searle and CSQ’s Simon Foot were on-site to discuss the new and improved Master Plumbers’ Safety system, Jetter safety course, and upskilling through MPAQ’s online courses.

DID YOU KNOW: MPAQ members can invite the technical team to visit their workplace or join virtually to speak about relevant industry subjects or cover specific subjects such as notifiable work, Standards, compliance, permits, and more.

Visit www.mpaq.com.au/members/technical/technicaltoolbox-talks for more information.

WORK SAFE WITH MASTER PLUMBERS’ SAFETY

MPAQ Safety is now Master Plumbers’ Safety. This is the same cloud-based workplace health and safety (WHS) management system designed to provide industry with a clear, quick, and compliant system to manage WHS in their businesses – but now updated to comply with WHS regulations on a federal level. As an MPAQ member, you have access to the following capabilities of the system at no additional cost to your membership:

9 Personalised SWMS in 5 minutes

9 Manage WHS on the go, on site, and on your phone

9 Log WHS hazards, risks, and incidents in one place

9 WHS checklists, workflows, templates, and guides Master Plumbers’ Safety is included in your contracting membership, saving you up to $2,784 a year. It is also available to the rest of industry at a cost. For more information, scan the QR code now.

CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR MILESTONE MEMBERS

NOVEMBER

• DECEMBER • JANUARY

NAME COMPANY

MILESTONE

John Griffin Amalgamated Plumbing Brisbane South 5

Mitchell Kimber Beach to Basin Plumbing Fraser Coast 5

Mitch Winterburn Cylinder Plumbing Pty Ltd Brisbane North 5

Ethan Leaver Forefront Plumbing and Maintenance Gold Coast 5

Robert Baker J & D Contracting Brisbane North 5

Willi Kruger KontraTech Pty Ltd Fraser Coast 5

Jamie Lejarraga Legacy Plumbing North Qld 5

Trent West Let It Flow Plumbing Gold Coast 5

Paul Coleman Paul Coleman Plumbing NQ Pty Ltd North Qld 5

Paul Owens Paul Owens Plumbing Far North Qld 5

Jason Luke Plumbing Force (Qld) Pty Ltd Ipswich 5

Shane Grainger S & D Grainger Plumbing & Drainage North Qld 5

Cameron Martin-Brown Southern Downs Regional Council Toowoomba 5

Ewen Street Streetwise Plumbing Central 5

Christopher McIlwain Zone Plumbing and Backflow

Jason Vella Blue Sky Plumbing/Drainage and Gas Fitting Pty Ltd

Craig Neary Craig Neary Plumbing & Gas

South 5

North 10

10

Cameron Fermor Dalby Plumbing and Roofing Toowoomba 10

Daniel Anici DCV Plumbing and Drainage Brisbane North 10

Jeremy Rousham Jim Monger Plumbing and Gas Brisbane South 10

Joel Johnson JMJ Plumbing Brisbane South 10

Lionel Lander Lionel Lander Fraser Coast 10

Brett McIlvride PRP Services

North 10

Russell Campbell R J Campbell Plumbing Pty Ltd Brisbane North 10

Robert Schulte Schulte’s Plumbing

Toowoomba 10

Andrew Skipper Skipper Plumbing Pty Ltd Sunshine Coast 10

Bradley Steinmuller Steiny’s General Plumbing & Maintenance Ipswich 10

Jarrod Werner SW Plumbing Drainage & Gas Pty Ltd

Steve Tedmanson Taylex Australia Pty Ltd

Brisbane South 10

Brisbane South 10

William Croft Burrum Plumbing & Excavation Bundaberg 15

Damian Kavanagh Creek to Coast Plumbing Brisbane North 15

Lindsay Snell Green Plumb Energy & Gas Pty Ltd Brisbane South 15

Aaron Packwood HMH Plumbing & Gas Toowoomba 15

Leigh Baker LBP Plumbing and Drainage

Michael Packwood Packwood Plumbing & Drainage Pty Ltd

Tim Anderssen TAP Plumbing & Gas Fitting Pty Ltd

Chris Vella Chris Vella Plumbing & Gasfitting

David Geale

Brent Krause KABZS Plumbing Pty Ltd

Alan Milner A and K Milner Plumbers & Drainers

Wayne Braden Gasworks

North 15

15

15

20

20

25

Coast 30

Yelena

Corporate Profile

Incredible humans (like you!) deserve to live better.

As one of Australia’s leading health insurers with over 45 years of experience, we understand the importance of better health for better lives. The benefits available on our Corporate health cover are designed to help you get better value and better support when it comes to looking after your health.

MPAQ members have access to an exclusive 8% discount with Medibank Corporate Cover. Enjoy 6 weeks free when you join and maintain an eligible Corporate Medibank Hospital & Extras Cover. Plus, get the 2 and 6-month waiting periods waived on extras.

Medibank Corporate Hospital Cover includes no hospital excess for kids, Gold level cover for accidents, private emergency department benefit, private room promise at a members’ choice hospital, a dedicated Corporate Health Assist line, and discounts on Medibank’s other insurance products.

Medibank Corporate Extras include 100% back on dental check-ups, selected health screenings, kids’ extras, and optical. For more information, visit www.mpaq.com.au/benefits/ medibank.

Leigh Hohmann - Hohmann’s Plumbing Service Pty Ltd

Russell Mahon - Absolute Plumbing

Peter Vandeleur Frank Hull Plumbing

Lucas Nicoll - NicolI Industries

Laura Rousham, Jeremy Rousham & Jim Monger Jim Monger Plumbing

Kent Vickers (MPAQ President) and Willi Kruger KontraTech Pty Ltd

John Cuk John Cuk Plumbing & Gas Service

David Geale - D R Geale Plumbing

Darren Nebe - Kippa - Ring Plumbing Service

Jack Collins, Morgan Cornish, Sandy Cornish, Greg Cornish, and Aaron Cornish G & S C Services Pty Ltd

WELCOME TO MPAQ’S NEW MEMBERS & ASSOCIATES

NOVEMBER • DECEMBER • JANUARY

NAME COMPANY

Adam Brook A N B Plumbing and Gas

Esmeil Elghoul All Aussie Plumbing & Maintenance

Toowoomba

Brisbane South

Brian Bloodworth Apex Plumbing and Gas Fitting Services Fraser Coast

Luke Brookes Auspipe Plumbing and Gas

Brisbane North

Brent Taylor Brent Taylor Plumbing Bundaberg

Nathan Mahoney CJM Project Services

Brisbane South

Michael Fisher Cooly Plumbing Gold Coast

Corey Calder Corey Calder Plumbing

Brisbane South

Brad Cowgill Cowgill, Brad Dean Far North QLD

Damian Stimson Damian Stimson Toowoomba

Jarred Young Goanna Plumbing Pty Ltd

Kristy Keegan Harvey Norman Bathroom and Appliance Warehouse

Nicholas Hawley Hawley Constructions Pty Ltd

Brisbane South

Brisbane North

Brisbane South

Daniel Hughes Hughesy Plumbing Central

Jeffrey Thompson Jeff Thompson Plumbing Services Fraser Coast

Kallam Oates KJO Plumbing & Gas Far North QLD

Adam Large Large Plumbing and Gas

Daniel Marshall Liquidity Plumbing

Alexander Lord Lords Plumbing and Gas

Matthew Clifton Loves Plumbing and Gas

Brisbane North

Brisbane South

Brisbane North

Brisbane South

Ryan Muller Mangrove Plumbing & Drainage Mackay

Aaron Mayne Mayne Plumbing Country

Matt Dunstone MJD Plumbing & Gas Pty Ltd Toowoomba

Dane Richardson Progress Plumbing Group Pty Ltd

Brisbane South

Raymond Walsh Ray Walsh Wastewater Pty Ltd Bundaberg

Lachlan Duncan Skilled Plumbing and Gas Gold Coast

Charmaine Wrightson South East Maintenance Plumbing Brisbane South

Blake Quigg Swell Plumbing & Gas Pty Ltd Gold Coast

Daniel Frier Taps Plumbing N Gas Mackay

Phil Pomeroy Testo Outside QLD

Caleb Timmer Timmer, Caleb Andrew Sunshine Coast

Terry Bailey Tj Bailey’s Plumbing CQ Central

Timothy Chant Topwater Plumbing and Gas Gold Coast

James Whitford Vital Flow Plumbing and Gas Bundaberg

Dean Welldon Welldon Plumbing Pty Ltd Brisbane South

Glen Konkol Brisbane North

Timothy Nolan Central

Aiden Feddersen Mackay

Christopher Irwin Mackay

James Sanderson Mackay

Morgan Way Mackay

THE SUPPORTERS OF OUR INDUSTRY

Platinum Corporate Supporter

Ampol 0448 695 764

Austbrokers Comsure

122 194

BUSSQ Building Super 07 3369 1111

Caroma 13 14 16

MM Kembla 07 3868 7888

Reece 07 3008 9610

RWC 07 3018 3400

The Service Trades College Australia 07 3255 5698

Toyota 02 9710 3831

Tradelink 07 3260 9777

WFI Insurance

934 934

Zip Heaters (Aust) Pty Ltd 02 9796 3100

Gold Corporate Supporter

Allproof Industries Pty Ltd 07 3881 1219

Ampol 0448 695 764

Galvin Engineering Pty Ltd 08 9338 2330

Geberit Pty Ltd 02 9889 7866

Halgan Pty Ltd 1800 626 753

RELN 02 9605 9999

Rheem Australia Pty Ltd

3412 9200

Simpro 1300 139 467

Uponor 09 521 6900

Silver Corporate Supporter

Aptella 0409 074 201

AustWorld

780 430 Construction Skills Queensland

Cook’s Plumbing Supplies - Head Office

Express Plumbing Supplies

798 488

9630 5250

3856 1100

QLeave 1300 753 283

Stiebel Eltron (Aust) Pty Ltd 1800 153 351

Strongcast Pty Ltd 07 3207 1753

Testo Pty Ltd 03 8761 6108

Corporate Supporter

Abey Au 07 3369 4777

Advanced Enviro-Septic 07 5474 4055

Allproof Industries Pty Ltd 07 3881 1219

Ampol 0448 695 764

Aptella 0409 074 201

Aqua Cooler Pty Ltd 0421 246 504

Aquacure Water Treatment Pty Ltd 07 3277 6696

Aquaknect 07 3805 3800

Aquatech Solar Technologies Pty Ltd 07 5520 6701

Ascot Pipe Relining 0428 037 358

Austbrokers Comsure 1800 122 194

Australian Gas Networks 1300 001 001

Australian Industry Trade College Gold Coast www.aitc.qld.edu.au

Australian Pump Industries Pty Ltd 02 8865 3500

Australian Valve Group 03 9462 2666

AustWorld 1300 780 430

Azzurra Bathroom Furniture 07 3630 1122

Bathroom Products Australia Pty Ltd 1300 717 717

Bermad Water Technologies 03 9464 2374

Beyond Payments 07 3505 2206

Bizmatrix 1300 588 749

Bluebeam, Inc. 07 3608 5738

Bretts Trade Plumbing Supplies 07 3203 2105

BUSSQ Building Super 07 3369 1111

BUSY At Work 13 28 79

Con-Serv Corporation Australia Pty Ltd

Construction Skills Queensland

Cook’s Plumbing Supplies - Head Office

Cornwalls Law + More

Elson Australasia Pty Ltd

Emerson Valvcheq Backflow

Enware Australia Pty Ltd

3630 5744

798 488

9630 5250

3223 5900

169 026

3260 2555

8556 4000

Everhard Industries Pty Ltd 131 926

Fergus Trade Software

Galvin Engineering Pty Ltd

Gas Components Australia

Geberit Pty Ltd

Global Roto-Moulding Pty Ltd

Gould Instruments

Graf

055 729

3081 7744

3255 9255

9889 7866

4697 7099

198 123

9437 4949

HILUX GR SPORT OFFER

Exclusive HiLux

GR Sport

Discount Offer for Association Members

Elevate your day to day with the Toyota HiLux GR Sport, offering the ideal blend of performance and practicality. With a 10% power boost and a turbocharged 2.8L 4-cylinder engine, the GR Sport is Australia’s most performance-focused diesel HiLux to date – rally inspired, ready to work.

Built to handle any challenge, the HiLux GR Sport is packed with top-grade features to get you and your gear to the places you’d rather be – combining powerful performance with a versatile design that suits both work and lifestyle demands. Its spacious and comfortable interior ensures your team is supported on every journey.

And with advanced safety systems and intuitive technology, your team can travel with confidence and efficiency.

Are you ready to enhance your lifestyle?

To find out more, contact your Association Member Representative or visit your local Toyota Dealership.

Scan to learn more about the HiLux GR Sport