CEO Editorial

New staff at Master Plumbers

We wish to welcome Jemma Trotta and Kat Turner to the Master Plumbers SA Administration team. Jemma and Kat’s roles will be focused on Administration, Payroll and accounts following the exciting news that Frances is expecting her first child in December. We are confident that both Jemma and Kat will excel in their roles at Master Plumbers SA and we extend a warm welcome to them.

Upholding high service standards

As an Association we entrust our members to adhere to our Code of Ethics which simply put, means adhering to a level of professionalism that is conducive to best practice for the industry. Simple measures that enhance best practice include prompt communication / follow up with attendance to jobs and return to jobs if required, a level of compassion with explaining work practices, greater emphasis on respecting clients, industry stakeholders and the wider community’s property and surroundings.

The number one complaint we get as an Association is a lack of communication on the work tasks being performed and what are the expected outcomes to be achieved. Many clients have the outcomes in their mind, but they are not advised of the realistic outcomes of the work performed. In today’s crazy working environment (with the advent of COVID-19), changes need to be made and best practice needs to be adhered to more than ever.

The Association is working to promote the use of members via radio advertising and social media platforms, so we need to ensure that the effort is made to up hold best practice. The Association is also lobbying hard to increase the scope of work for licensed plumbers to combat poor practices from other tradespeople (more on that subject later).

Scope of Work for Advanced Licensed Plumbers

MPA have spoken to a number of people at Consumer and Business Services (CBS) regarding the scope of work that an Advanced Plumber can complete. Plumbers can only do INCIDENTAL WORKS. Meaning, plumbers can only remove and reinstate the affected area in-order to carry out their works. Plumbers cannot do an entire bathroom renovation. That type of work is outside the scope of the Plumbing licence. An Advanced Plumber can only carry out Plumbing work, remove and reinstate affected areas; Excavating – Can excavate an area to lay or repair plumbing works. Cannot dig footings etc Concrete, tiling, waterproof, gyprock - can remove and reinstate the area that needs to be worked on. Cannot gyprock, flush areas outside of the immediate repair zone, tile square meterage, install stud walls, etc 2nd fix – Can install mixers, basins, pans, etc. Cannot install shower screens, hand rails or access rails including backrests, etc

If carrying out work that is outside of general plumbing you must obtain a Building Work Supervisor Licence. This applies to anyone who carries out bathroom renovations or other general work that is outside of plumbing. Plumbers are also unable to arrange other trades, Tilers, Electrician, etc, as this also comes under the supervisor licence. If you do this type of work and do not hold a current supervisor licence, you are at risk of not being paid by the consumer. CBS could also investigate, which could result in a loss of licence/and or a fine, which is a huge problem for our industry.

To obtain a Building Work Supervisor Licence, you will need to apply on the CBS website. They will require copies of your trade certificates, technical qualifications and evidence of experience, including references from licensed Builders. A Technical Interview Assessment will also be conducted to assess your knowledge of: - NCC standards - Australian Building Standards - Timber framing codes - Manufacturer requirements - Engineer Specifications

Prior to applying, be prepared with references, proof of skills, photos, work done with builders, etc. If you need further advice prior to applying for this licence, please contact myself or Troy Swan.

Visit to NT

MPA visited Darwin mid-September and hosted one information night which although had disappointing numbers, provided some good intel into a number of issues arising in the Territory. One of the key areas that needed consultation was the proposed Continuous Professional Development (CPD) program being proposed by the NT Department of Infrastructure Planning and Logistics as well as the Building Advisory Committee.

The proposed model establishes a robust, flexible schedule of training, educational and resource driven outcomes and objectives which all lead to an accumulation of points to achieve licensing renewal. The process for introduction is not 100% known from our end but it is based around Certifying Plumbers that operate under the NT Building Act 1993. Both Certifying Plumbers and Advanced / Journeyman tradespeople that we consulted agreed that the proposed model was a positive step and would like the CPD proposal to be expanded to those licensed trades operating under the Plumbers and Drainers Licensing Act 1983.

We will continue to work with members of the NT to achieve greater outcomes and lobby Government to ensure that the license is protected and noncompliant work is actioned accordingly. Further information will be released once known.