member news News from Master Plumbers Tasmania Welcome Tassie Members! It’s been another busy few months with member issues ranging from contracts to IR/WHS advice and the preparation of various government submissions to protect the welfare of the plumbing industry in Tasmania. Tasmania Building Regulatory Framework Review: As a result of the submissions to the Tasmania Building Regulatory Framework Review Position Paper that was released last year a number of issues were identified and subsequently a raft of recommendations were made by the Director of Building Control and have been signed off by the Treasurer. You may remember, when we previously reported on the issue that the ‘role of the roof plumber’, was under attack with approximately 5 out of 45 submissions in favour of removing roof plumbing as ‘prescribed plumbing work’. We submitted that this was not only short sighted but dangerous and would most likely result in increased public health risks and reduce the integrity of buildings and structures. We are confident that our submission was well received and that most likely roof plumbing will remain ‘prescribed plumbing work’ requiring qualification and licensing. The other most important issue to raise is that of Continuing Professional Development (CPD) for plumbers which most likely will eventuate early 2016. The Association fully supports CPD for our industry as long as its quality and enhances the skills of our members and the industry as a whole.
Apprenticeship term under fire
New member Benefits
A recurrent theme in Tasmania seems to be a ‘dumb down’ approach to plumbing qualifications. We have been advised by Skills Tasmania that some of their Workforce Training Consultants are finding it ‘difficult to manage time served v’s competency based completions in plumbing trades’. Skills Tasmania sought the advice on the matter from the Fair Work Ombudsman and was advised to the effect that “…as long as the relevant state training legislation has provision for competency based progression, the Plumbing Award would not prohibit an apprenticeship from being completed sooner than the contracted period’ of 4 years…”
Our special appreciation to GetReal Workwear & Safety who has just come on board the MPAT TEAM and are offering our members discount of 15% across the entire range.
There has always been considerable debate around ‘competency based progression’ but at a time of emerging new technologies, skill sets, and regulatory requirements to be a fully qualified, professional and operational plumber its seems at odds to reduce the term of apprenticeship. Further we do not agree with this proposal because it is not based on any logical reasoning or forensic evidence but rather ‘something to do just because we can’. Plumbing industry employers are the best equipped to judge the adequacy of training for apprentices and not the associated bureaucracy. We, as the primary stakeholders, need solid evidence that a reduced term will not adversely affect the individual apprentice, the employer or the industry but rather enhance it. Clearly we are yet see this evidence but will consult with Skills Tasmania (again) to make our position clear. Moreover if there is a genuine need to reform the apprenticeship regime this should be based on the needs of the industry and considered nationally.
18 | Australian Plumbing Industry Magazine | September 2015
GetReal Workwear & Safety are located throughout Tasmania in Derwent Park, North Hobart., Launceston and Devonport.) This is a Tasmanian owned company so let’s get behind them and show our support by buying their product – which I must say has a great range. Lastly a very special welcome to our new members: Toby Coates Plumbing, Steve Hurle Plumbing, Derwent Park Plumbing Supplies, Gary Drew (GS & LM Drew Plumbing Services), Mark Ashton (Health Care Plumbing) and Paul Francis (Aqua Line Plumbing & Gas). Yours in plumbing
Angela Ayling Executive Officer