mASTER PlumbERS SA STAFF
Andrew Clarke | Executive Officer
m: 0438 282 448
e: andrew.clarke@mpasa.com.au
Janique Viljoen | Executive Support Coordinator
e: janique.viljoen@mpasa.com.au
NAIDOC Week page 15
PRESiDEnT: Matt Sando
DEPuTY PRESiDEnT: Mike McEntee
inDEPEnDEnT CHAiR: Daria McLachlan
TREASURER: Damon Hammond
COUNCILLORS: Steve Adams, Rob Dineen, David Hurst, Steve Slack
Jodie Bischoff
People, Careers & Wellness Manager
e: jodie.bischoff@mpasa.com.au
Sam Baulderstone | Field Officer
m: 0447 496 216
e: sam.baulderstone@mpasa.com.au
Daniel Gould apprentice page 20
FRONT COVER: Artwork by Lawson Dodd (he/him) Kaurna / Narungga / Ngarrindjeri)
PubliSHED bY: Master Plumbers Association of South Australia Inc 213 Greenhill Rd Eastwood SA 5063 | PO Box 145 Fullarton SA 5063
Ph: (08) 8292 4000
Email: admin@mpasa.com.au | Website: www.mpasa.com.au
PRE PRESS AnD PRinTing:
Keystone Printing Ph: (08) 8231 9999 | Email: info@keystoneprinting.com.au
Brock Perkins | Field Officer m: 0499 975 475 e: brock.perkins@mpasa.com.au
Rachel Clark Administration Officer e: rachel.clark@mpasa.com.au
Brittany O’Neill Administration Support Officer e: brittany.oneill@mpasa.com.au
Rhia Daniel Marketing & Membership Coordinator
e: rhia.daniel@mpasa.com.au
expressed in Plumbing SA are not necessarily those of the MPA SA, nor does the MPA SA guarantee the accuracy of the statements made by contributors or advertisers or accept responsibility for statements they may express in this publication, nor does the MPA SA accept liability to advertisers for the publication of advertising which may be held contrary to the Competition and Consumer Act 2010. MPA SA reserves the right to refuse, cancel, amend or suspend any advertisement or insert without reason. All advertising pricing is correct at the time of publication but is subject to change without notice. Errors and omissions excepted.
This year’s Roadshows have now concluded as of late July.Mount Gambier was the last hurrah, with a great turnout that matched the overall numbers throughout the first half of the year.
I wish to thank all those plumbers, both members and non-members for attending these important information sessions.
To reflect on some of the key points raised during the presentations, I’ve summarised what was discussed: OTR Presentation included the following key areas:
Water Services
- Installation of TMV’s and licensing requirements
- Flexible hoses
- Pot fillers
Stormwater
- Stormwater legislation
- Rainwater systems
- Roof Plumbi ng in SA (license requirements)
Sanitary Plumbing & Drainage
- Vacuum Drainage
Heated Water
- Installation of Heat Pumps
- Installation of TMV’s
General Topics included:
- I nsurance and design Builders license and roofing
- RPZ Valves
- Electrical Safety
- Flood hazard mapping Plan SA
- Tampering with SA Infrastructure
MPA Presentation included:
National MPANZ Strategic Plan and changes to our industry
- Lobbying of both State and Federal Govts to ensure our industry is protected
- Program to increase the number of people entering the Plumbing industry
- Consumer awareness campaign to use a member of the Master Plumbers Associations
- Continuous Professional Development to protect our trade and upskill the industry
- Security of Payment Legislation to protect all subcontractors
- Lead Free product s to be enforced by 2026 – new ‘LF’ logo to be placed on new products
Member Information
- Industrial Manslaughter legislation
- Wage Theft legislation (not finalised as yet)
- WHS Compliance
- New opportunities for members
- MPA GTO – Apprentices available for hosting
- Member Survey
One very important part of the Roadshows is the support we get from our sponsors and industry partners. This is by far a huge key to the success of these events and leverage for industry currency.
I would therefore like to thank the following for their massive contributions in attending and support this year:
- ABEY
- Australian Gas Networks
- Before You Dig
- Bianco
- Cbus
- CITB
- Milwaukee
- NAB
- Portable Long Service Leave
- Rheem
- RIDGID
- SA Water
- Simpro
- TAFE SA
- TOYOTA
To the team from The Office of Technical Regulator (OTR) – thank you for all the hard work from your presenters!I would also like to thank our regional members for assisting in locating venues to hold these events, the volunteers from the various Football Clubs and the networking opportunities that helped strengthen our industry.
The newly formed team at the MPA are now working extremely hard to build greater benefits for all members.
We are looking to provide the very best value to all our membership and this enhances not only our strength and position in the market place but assists our members to have direct benefits and opportunities to improve business operations.
We will be rolling out some new offers that hopefully you all see value in and can gain some advantages in a tougher business environment.
We encourage you to seriously look at what is on offer and if you wish to discuss other potential benefits –we are here to listen and discover new opportunities.
The National Gas Debate
The debate around reducing greenhouse emissions is taking off again (is this round two or three?
Who really knows?) with some States and Territories hinting that the manufacturing/cost of Gas and the damage gas has on the environment is now forcing
Governments into shutting the gate (or turning off the valves) on new gas connections for new residential and commercial builds.
There are so many components to this argument that it could literally fill a library with research papers, data on costings, data on what the state of the world will look like in 50 years’ time, etc etc.
In a very quick coverage on this subject matter, I can only say it is a hot mess that will take years to fully understand what each jurisdiction will do and what are the key objectives each jurisdiction have in their decision making.
I see things very differently and I am a strong believer that competition keeps prices down as it keeps everyone honest.I also have been through the period when electric hot water services were banned in SA (2009) as they were blamed for increasing greenhouse gasses, yet now gas is the enemy.
When you sub, we keep a low profile and just get on with making the problem disappear. No other company in SA offers trenchless pipe relining solutions that match PPS, so when you're faced with a tricky job you know you're working with the best partner to fix it.
South Australia produces hydrogen (classified as a green gas) at Tonsley, used in a trial in existing gas infrastructure blended (10%) with natural gas for 700 plus homes.
This is an investment that could lead to future residential developments having choice to run efficient energy sources to reduce greenhouse gases.
I congratulate the SA Government on the initiative of new technology to enhance advancement in our industry. Green gas is worth the trials and potentially an investment for the state if the production and export markets are calling.
The banning of a major resource that provides some security to the community is always hard to swallow, especially when we all have little faith in a power network that has failed us for generations.
We may be entering a new phase in our lives where choice is no longer an option.
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The Voice of the Trades research indicates that 72% of trade professionals (HVAC, security, plumbers, contractors, electricians and others) believe that new software and technology must be adopted to remain competitive, while 60% feel that administrative burdens have a negative impact on their ability to service customers.
One of the report’s key findings is the significant amount of time, effort and money trade businesses spend on administrative tasks.
New multi-country report details how digital transformation can help grow trade business, but help needed in administration, hiring and managing supply chains.
Simpro’s Voice of the Trades report, released 23 May, provides insights from trade professionals highlighting global issues and indicating that digital transformation of the on-the-ground trade business is nowhere near complete.
The report gleaned feedback from 840 respondents from a geographic pool that includes the US, UK, Australia, New Zealand, and Canada.
The aim of the research was to capture trade opinions on their priorities, challenges, technology usage, plans for innovation, and outlook for 2023. 2022 was a challenging year for trade industry professionals.
Supply chain issues, an economic downturn and a skilled labour shortage meant companies were stretched thin, and customer satisfaction took a hit.
According to the research, a stunning 94% of respondents feel that there is a lack of skilled candidates in the market, naming hiring and retention as the number one issue they’re facing in 2023.
With trades are facing a skilled labour shortage, few respondents indicated a positive outlook for hiring in 2023.
Nearly three out of four respondents (73%) anticipate hiring to be more challenging this year than last, due to a lack of skilled workers and economic uncertainty.
Supply chain disruption has also hit the trade industries hard, with 94% of respondents having to delay progress on a job due to missing equipment or stock and 90% having to reschedule a job due to missing equipment or stock.
Trade professionals estimate they spend over 18 hours a week on tasks such as scheduling, inventory, invoicing and overall workflow management.
49% of respondents believed that time on admin has directly contributed to customer frustration.
“The Voice of the Trades findings confirm the need for trade businesses worldwide to implement technology solutions to lessen the burden of business management in any economy,” said Gary Specter, CEO of Simpro.
“This research provides a clear roadmap for improving operational efficiency so trade organisations can better serve their customers. Simpro is committed to helping trade professionals working on job sites and in homes be more efficient and successful.”
gary Specter CEO Simpro
Please complete the form below and email to: andrew.clarke@mpasa.com.au to confirm your partnership of our 2023 President’s Lunch.
Hereby permit Master Plumbers Association of South Australia to send an invoice for the partnership amount I have selected. I agree to the Terms & Conditions outlined in this document and confirm our committment to sponsor this event.
Andrew and Danii Pudovkin of Triton Plumbing & Gas have been members of ours since 2020, and they’ve been a pleasure to work with.
Their son Xavier was diagnosed with stage 4 high risk Neuroblastoma at the end of March 2021, when he was just 3.5 years old. Xavier’s mum, Danielle, tells us his story.
Xavier’s symptoms appeared abruptly one night. He came into our room with severe abdominal pain, and projectile vomited all over our bed.
We initially thought he had appendicitis, so we immediately called an ambulance.
By the time we reached the hospital Xavier seemed fine and happy. However, a few days later he had more pain, this time in his back.
We went back to numerous doctors who undertook blood and urine tests. We were told everything was fine and that he just had a virus.
The pain then moved to Xavier’s chest; he couldn’t even climb up on my bed. I called another ambulance, and we ended up at Women’s and Children’s Hospital in Adelaide.
That weekend was when our life changed forever, and we heard the word ‘neuroblastoma’.
Xavier had a solid tumour on his right adrenal gland. From this point we didn’t leave the hospital. Xavier went through 18 months of intense treatment which included chemotherapy, surgery, high dose chemo with stem cell treatment, radiotherapy, and immunotherapy.
Even though Xavier got really sick through treatment, we tried to keep his life as ‘normal’ as possible. Xavier loves swimming, but he couldn’t swim because he had his central line.
As soon as he had finished his 2nd high dose of chemotherapy, we got his central venous catheter removed and a port put in for the remainder of treatment.
This was one of the BEST decisions we made and fought for. In December 2021, he was swimming again.
With the approval of our oncologist and pharmacist, I supported Xavier’s body through treatment by seeing an integrative GP, and naturopath.
I feel so blessed that our oncologist let me do this.
The deal was we had to have an open relationship and I had to be honest, which I was.
My husband and I run a plumbing business which is our sole income. I ran our business from the hospital, catching vomit, cleaning up poop, or just snuggling
Xavier while I did pay-runs, booking customers, social media and general admin, - the list goes on!
This was super challenging but I’m glad I had something to keep me occupied with my time in hospital.
Xavier received the news he was NED (no evidence of disease) after finishing treatment in September 2022.
However, scans in March 2023 showed 2 new growths so Xavier is now undergoing further treatment for relapsed neuroblastoma.
On the CT scan, the growth in his neck is 9 x 13mm, and the growth in his abdomen is 20 x 14mm.
The long-term survival rate is less than 20% with the curative treatments available in Australia.
Xavier’s only chance of long-term survival is a clinical trial overseas that costs $500,000. you need to start treatment 60 days once your child reaches No evidence of disease and finishes rescue treatment.
No parent should have to be worried about raising money to get their child the best possible treatment to survive. If you’re in a position to give, please scan the QR Code to donate to Xavier’s fundraiser.
At the completion of a job plumbers will be keen to make sure the customer pays for the plumbing parts and services provided. Did you know the law requires you to give the customer a proof of transaction? This proof – which is usually a receipt or GST tax invoice – provides a record of the work done by your business and the price paid by the customer, and it also helps customers to keep track of their home maintenance expenses.
The Australian Consumer Law (ACL) requires that a proof of transaction must be provided for anything that costs over $75, and so this requirement would apply to the vast majority of plumbing jobs. If the plumbing products or services provided are less than $75, the consumer can ask for a receipt, and the business must provide it within 7 days. Often contracts, invoices and payments are arranged electronically these days, with documents provided via email. As long as all the required details are provided to the customer in writing –either digitally or in hard copy - then you will have met your obligation to provide a proof of transaction. Merely showing a customer the details of the plumbing job on your computer or tablet screen is not considered providing proof of transaction. The customer must be given a copy for their own records.
The details you must provide in a proof of transaction are:
• the name of your business
• your business’s ABN or ACN
• the products and services provided to the customer
• the date the plumbing job was done
• the price of the job.
The invoice or receipt generally does not need to list in great detail every single component of the job or the parts supplied. As long as it provides an accurate and clear description of the plumbing job, then this will usually suffice.
However, if the customer asks for an itemised bill then you must provide it within seven days. Consumers have the legal right to ask for an itemised bill within 30 days of supply of the services or receiving the original bill, whichever is later. An itemised bill must show:
• how the price was worked out
• the number of labour hours and hourly rate, if relevant
• a list of materials used and the amount charged for them, if relevant. The bill must be in plain language, legible and clear. you cannot charge the customer for providing the itemised bill.
The maximum civil penalties under the ACL are $15,000 for a company or $3,000 for an individual for:
• not providing a proof of transaction, or not providing it within the required time
• not providing an itemised bill, or not providing it within the required time
• charging a customer for an itemised bill.
When consumers contact Consumer and Business Services (CBS) for advice about concerns with a plumbing job, the information provided in an invoice or receipt can be a key part of considerations about the matter. It is often in the plumber’s best interest as well as consumers’ to make sure that any paperwork relating to a job is clear about the nature of the plumbing job and the price paid.
For more information about requirements for invoices and receipts and other general advice about running a business please visit sa.gov. au/topics/business-and-trade.
It is common for employers to direct employees with insufficient accrued annual leave to instead take unpaid leave during temporary shutdown periods such as the Christmas and New year holiday period.
However, from 1 May 2023, amendments made to 78 modern awards will commence, and many employers will lose the right to direct employees to take unpaid leave if they do not have enough annual leave accrued to cover the shutdown period. These awards include:
• Building and Construction General On-site Award 2020;
• Plumbing and Fire Sprinklers Award 2020;
• Clerks – Private Sector Award 2020;
• Electrical, Electronic & Communications Contracting Award 2020;
• General Retail Industry Award 2020;
• Higher Education Industry – General Staff – Award 2020;
• Hospitality Industry (General) Award 2020;
• Manufacturing and Associated Industries & Occupations Award 2020; and
• Professional Employees Award 2020.
The amendments are part of the Fair Work Commission’s four yearly modern award review, where the Fair Work Commission decided to standardise the annual leave shutdown provisions in most modern awards by inserting a new model clause for shutdowns.
Currently, many awards have provisions outlining how an employer can require an employee to take leave during the shutdown period, whether paid or unpaid leave. We note that some awards are more prescriptive than others.
The model clause provides that an employer will not be able to require or direct an employee to take unpaid leave during temporary shutdown periods if the employee does not have sufficient annual leave.
However, a period of unpaid leave can be agreed upon in writing between an employer and employee, and an employee can come to an arrangement with their employer to take annual leave in advance of it being accrued (also referred to as “negative annual leave” or “annual leave in advance”).
This means that if an employee does not have sufficient accrued annual leave to cover the shutdown period and they do not agree to take unpaid leave or the employer does not allow for annual leave in advance, then the employee may be entitled to continue to work during shutdown, or if there are no suitable duties, be paid wages during the shutdown period.
The model clause allows an employer to direct its employees to take a period of paid annual leave during a temporary shutdown period only if the direction is in writing, is reasonable and provided that the employee has accrued such an entitlement to annual leave.
The model clause also provides for new notice requirements. Employers must give employees at least 28 days written notice (or longer if stipulated) of a temporary shutdown period. If an employee starts after the notice is given then they must be given notice of the shutdown period as soon as reasonably practicable after starting.
Employers who are covered by the affected awards will need to ensure that they comply with the new model clause. Employers will be required to work with employees where the employee does not have sufficient annual leave to cover shutdown periods.
Employers are still able to direct employees to take annual leave provided it meets the requirements in the model clause. Employers should review their leave policies, procedures and contract clauses covering annual leave to reflect the amendments.
If you require assistance, please contact Lynch Meyer Lawyers’ Workplace Relations Team: We offer all Master Plumbers members the first 30 minutes of advice free on any new matter.
Sonia bolzon Partner Lynch Meyer Lawyers
P: 08 8236 7688
E:
sbolzon@lynchmeyer.com.au Celeste Craggs Associate Lynch Meyer Lawyers
P: 08 8236 7638
E:
ccraggs@lynchmeyer.com.auTo celebrate NAIDOC Week, we commissioned Lawson Dodd, a Kaurna / Narungga / Ngarrindjeri artist through Ochre Dawn for the design of our magazine cover.
Our Office is based on Kaurna Country, and we respect the spiritual relationship that the Kaurna peoples have with the land.
NAIDOC Week (National Aboriginal and Islanders Day Observance Committee) occurs annually in July, and celebrates the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
In 2023 NAIDOC Week was celebrated July 2ndj uly 9 th , with the theme being For Our Elders. This theme pays respect to Elders as cultural knowledge holders, community figures, teachers and survivors.
The celebration of NAIDOC Week can be traced back to the 1920s, with Aboriginal rights groups fighting for acknowledgement of their culture and their history.
The first Day of Mourning was held on January 26 th, 1938, protesting their treatment under the Commonwealth and asking for a new policy to give Aboriginal people full citizen status and equality within the community.
It took a decade for all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to be granted citizenship under the Nationality and Citizenship Act 1948.
In 1967, a public vote ruled in favour to change the Constitution to include Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people as part of the population.
In 1955, the Day of Mourning moved to the first Sunday in j uly, as it was decided that the event should be not only a protest day, but also a celebration of Aboriginal culture.
Around this time, the National Aborigines Day Observance Committee (NADOC) was formed; the National NAIDOC Committee of today respectfully acknowledges the now defunct and inaccurate term ‘Aborigines’, whilst retaining the term in the title, due to historic use by Elders in establishing this week of commemoration.
In 1972, the Department for Aboriginal Affairs was formed, as a direct outcome of the 1967 referendum. In 1974, it was decided that the National Aborigines Day celebrations should extend to a week covering the first and second Sundays in July each year.
This is now known as National Aborigines and Islanders Day Observance Committee (NAIDOC) Week.
NAIDOC Week is not the only time you can celebrate Aboriginal culture and achievements, but it’s a week to reflect, come together as a nation and engage with cultures that are tens of thousands of years old.
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your donation could help save one of their lives. For that reason, we’re taking part in the Building and Trade Blood Drive from 1 September to 30 November.
We’re taking part through Australian Red Cross Lifeblood’s group donation program, Lifeblood Teams. This isn’t a team that’s going to win a grand final or get sponsored by Adidas but together, we can make a real difference.
Count yourself in for the Master Plumbers South Australia Team.
Whether you’ve been giving blood for years or you’ve just started thinking about it, it’s the perfect time to join our Lifeblood Team. Our supportive group makes donating easier (and more fun!).
You can donate at any of the Lifeblood donor centres across Australia and so long as you are part of our team — it all counts towards our blood drive goal and helps our community.
Not already a donor? Visit www.lifeblood.com.au or download the Lifeblood app on your phone and register.
South Australia actually punches above it’s weight in blood donations but like with many things, our beautiful state is often overlooked.
Nationally, the goal for the Blood Drive is 1,000 individual donations for up to 3,000 lives saved. Roll up your sleeves, and let’s show the other states how it is done.
What inspired you to become a plumber?
I always wanted to learn a trade and the broad variety of plumbing is what appealed to me.
What would you say to someone who is thinking
Please send expressions of interest to: Troy.Vukojevich@solahart.com.au
Please send expressions of interest to: Troy.Vukojevich@solahart.com.au
Adelaide community for 19 years.
Adelaide community for 19 years.
Join Solahart, the trusted name in Australian solar for over 70 years. Our brand recognition and proven business model will provide you with the resources and expertise needed to succeed in the growing renewables industry.
Join Solahart, the trusted name in Australian solar for over 70 years. Our brand recognition and proven business model will provide you with the resources and expertise needed to succeed in the growing renewables industry.
As a member of the Solahart team, you'll have access to fantastic dealership and distribution opportunities, ongoing support, and complete guidance to ensure you are on the path to success.
As a member of the Solahart team, you'll have access to fantastic dealership and distribution opportunities, ongoing support, and complete guidance to ensure you are on the path to success.
1. What does your normal day look like at Master Plumbers?
I tend to chip away at bits and pieces throughout the day. If I’m not processing memberships or chipping away at the member updates, I’m working on the magazine or engaging with our social media channels. If you’ve called the Master Plumbers phone number, you might even get me on the other end.
2. What do you enjoy about working at Master Plumbers?
The part that I like about working for non-profits in general is everyone does a little bit of everything. It’s a great way to learn skills you wouldn’t have otherwise.
When I started here, I’d never touched Xero, but had to learn about it to process memberships. upon my request, I was also enrolled in an eight-week short course to learn about graphic design in my first month.
At times, it’s been a bit of a steep learning curve but we all pull together and go through it as a team.
3. What do you do in your spare time?
usually, at this time of year I’d be playing field hockey but I’m taking a break this season. I’m obsessed with op-shops, and love hunting for little treasures.
4. If you could go anywhere in the world, where would you go?
If someone wants to shout me a holiday, I’m not fussy! Otherwise my partner and I have been wanting to go to New Zealand for the last few years, so that’s top of the list.
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JULY
2nd - 9th NAIDOC Week
Wednesday 26 Plumbing Roadshow (Mt Gambier)
Monday 7 Picnic Day (NT)
1st – 31st Tradie’s National Health Month
SEPTEMBER
Sunday 3 Father’s Day
Thursday 14 R U OK Day
october
Monday 2 Labour Day
Friday 13 President’s Lunch
Saturday 11 Remembrance Day
Sunday 19 World Toilet Day
december
Sunday 24 Christmas Eve (from 7pm to midnight)
Monday 25 Christmas Day
Tuesday 26 Proclamation Day
Sunday 31 New Year’s Eve (from 7pm to midnight)
