MASTER
PLUMBER Issue 25 | May 2021
Western Australia
Celebrating 120 years COVID-19 Vaccine, can it be mandated? When does an employer have the right to enforce it?
New standards for survey-strata plumbing New rules and regulations to know.
Contents 4 6 8 11 13 14 17 22 28
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President & CEO’s Message 120 Year Celebration Vaccine May be Mandated Industry Information Forums Responding to Negative Reviews President’s Cup Golf Day 2021 Survey-Strata Lots Industry News For the Record
Master Plumbers celebrates 120 years Publisher The Master Plumbers and Gasfitters Association of Western Australia (Union of Employers)
Editing & Design Razoreye Info@razoreye.com.au
The Master Plumbers and Gasfitters Association of Western Australia (Union of Employers)
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Postal Address PO Box 5218, East Victoria Park WA 6981
COVID-19 Vaccine - Can employers mandate it?
Address Level 3, 353 Shepperton Road East Victoria Park WA 6101 Phone: (08) 9471 6661 www.masterplumbers.asn.au Office Bearers President:
Matthew Johnson
Vice President:
Ron Grant
Immediate Past President: Geoff Kelly CEO:
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Murray Thomas
Executive Committee John Cugley, Darren Dawber, James Faggetter, Carlo Giancola, Max Jones, Paul Manifis, Paul O’Leary, Mark Sadler
New standards for Survey-Strata Lots
ISSN 2208-2256 (online)
Disclaimer While all care has been taken to ensure the accuracy of the information included in this publication, no responsibility is taken, unless expressly indicated, by The Master Plumbers and Gasfitters Association of Western Australia for any inaccuracies. Inclusion of opinions, statements and comments does not constitute endorsement of such content by The Master Plumbers and Gasfitters Association of Western Australia. Content within this publication is protected by Australian copyright law and may not be reproduced without express written permission by an office bearer or delegate of The Master Plumbers and Gasfitters Association of Western Australia.
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www.MasterPlumbers.asn.au
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President’s Message
This year is the anniversary of our founding in 1901 as The Perth and District Master Plumbers Association. Although we have changed our name a few times since then, we can claim the remarkable achievement of one hundred and twenty years continuous operation as an organisation for employers in Western Australia’s plumbing and gasfitting industry. We are still going strong despite all the changes that have occurred in the industry and society generally. To my mind, such endurance in the face of ever-changing circumstances must have required certain strengths including a high degree of resilience and adaptability. I’m thinking, for example, of the way we responded last year and helped members during the sudden disruption of the COVID-19 pandemic.
I believe there are two main reasons why we have these strengths. The first is the dedication of generations of volunteers who have served on the Executive Committee. It is impossible to calculate how much time they have collectively devoted, but let’s assume an average of 10 committee members, attending meetings for an average of four hours a month for 12 months. For 120 years! Then, we need to add in all the additional time consumed by activities between meetings. These people have given us tens of thousands of unpaid hours while freely contributing their knowledge and experience. We owe them a huge debt of gratitude. The other reason is that the underlying importance of our profession has never changed. As we often say, licensed plumbing contractors are at the front line of public health. That statement is as true now as it was in 1901. It will still be true in another one hundred and twenty years. While we celebrate our anniversary, we should remember the foresight of those who founded the Association and the efforts of all who have succeeded them. We must also stand tall and be proud to be licensed plumbing contractors whose work is important. Matt Johnson President
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CEO’s Message
From time to time, a licensed plumbing contractor will challenge me or another member of the office staff to explain the benefits of belonging to the Association. The person asking the question may be someone thinking about joining or an existing member questioning the value they get from their membership. For us, the answer always seems obvious and straightforward. Expressed in the simplest terms, the benefits of membership far outweigh the cost of the annual tax-deductible membership fee. If we need to provide detail, we can talk about specifics such as news and information, industrial relations advice, technical advice, business resources, discounts on goods and services, and social events. This year we are adding new benefits such as insurance and continual professional development to the list
attention to everything related to water and sanitation. While this means the role of licensed plumbing contractors will win more appreciation than it does now, it also means that areas such as technology, training and compliance will become more complex. The ‘value of belonging’ will count even more than it does now. Murray Thomas Chief Executive Officer
There is another valuable benefit too, which I call the ‘value of belonging’. It arises from the fact that industry associations like The Master Plumbers and Gasfitters Association of WA exist to connect people to help them achieve common goals and support each other. That type of connection is something every licensed plumbing contractor and gasfitter needs but is unlikely to find elsewhere. This matters because our industry consists mostly of small to medium-sized businesses, many of which are family-owned and operated. They are vulnerable to external forces such as the ever-increasing risks and costs of compliance with laws and regulations, the practices of prime contractors on construction projects and competition from cheap unlicensed operators. They may struggle to stay on top of information relevant to the industry. As individual businesses, they have little or no bargaining power with the cost of services like insurance or legal advice. In this sense, the ‘value of belonging’ is strength. There is strength in numbers, strength in having a common voice and strength in being united as members of a recognised organisation. If the need for this strength is important now, it will be critical in the future. This is because increasing concerns about environment and sustainability, plus the pandemic-induced focus on public health, will cause governments and the public to pay more
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Celebrating 120 Years
We are 120 years old this year Our story began when the plumbing trade was new By the late 1890s, plumbing was becoming a distinct, recognised trade with its own identity, industrial organisations and training structure. In Australia, it was regulated with by-laws and its importance to public health was generally well recognised. This was the era when unions of employers would be involved in the negotiation of wage rates for workers. In addition to bargaining power, membership provided credibility, proof of a defined set of skills, mutual support and opportunities to meet and keep up with developments in the industry. The early 1900s also saw the introduction of new regulations that set standards of training and expertise and introduced licensing for some trades, including plumbing. The development of plumbing and sewerage infrastructure progressed slowly. For example, in 1908, when Perth’s limited supply of piped water was declared “almost entirely free of injurious micro-organisms”, most homes still relied on bores, wells or tanks for drinking water. In 1912, when the first sewerage treatment plant started operating, very few premises were connected to sewers. Most used dry-earth closets or the sanitary pan system that required night carts and some had septic tanks. Master Plumber | 6
Our names over the years In 1901, against the background of an emerging industry with all its new regulations, we were formed as The Perth and District Master Plumbers Association. In 1902, the name changed slightly when we were registered as The Perth and District Master Plumbers Industrial Union of Employers.
Since then, we have operated continuously with these name changes: • 1936 – The Master Plumbers’ & Sheetmetal Workers’ Association of Western Australia • 1942 –The Master Plumbers’ Association of Western Australia • 1981 – The Master Plumbers’ and Mechanical Services Association of Western Australia • 2001 – The Master Plumbers and Gasfitters Association of Western Australia The change of name in 2001 reflected the expansion of membership to include gasfitters who had belonged to the Gas Industry Association of Western Australia.
Although times have changed, the principles are the same We are still a union of employers (registered by the Western Australian Industrial Relations Commission under the Industrial Relations Act 1979) with a geographically defined membership base. Plumbing and gasfitting continue to be highly regulated industries and we strongly believe they must remain so for the good of the community. We work under a legal framework that includes: • The National Construction Code, which includes the Plumbing Code of Australia. • The following Western Australian legislation:
o
Plumbers Licensing Act 1995
o Water Services (Plumbers Licensing and Plumbing Standards) Regulations 2000
o Metropolitan Water Supply, Sewerage and Drainage By-laws 1981
o
Gas Standards Act 1972
o
as Standards (Gasfitting and Consumer Gas G Installations) Regulations 1999
Plumbing and gasfitting contractors and tradespeople still require licences and gain their qualifications through apprenticeships and theoretical training. We still stand for the belief that a regulated industry and properly qualified contractors and tradespeople have vital roles in the protection of the community, as shown in our branding strapline “Because public health matters”.
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Can an employer mandate an employee to take the COVID-19 vaccine?
On Monday 22 February 2021, the national rollout of the COVID-19 vaccine commenced. While health workers and the elderly are the first categories set to be vaccinated, by the end of 2021, the Federal Government aims to have as many Australians inoculated as possible. Against this backdrop, a topical issue in employment law relates to whether an employer can mandate an employee to accept the COVID-19 vaccine. There are three ongoing cases before the Fair Work Commission related to the issue but we expect more important and precedential decisions soon. However, at present there is no case law that has dealt with this issue.
Overview of OSH obligations Under section 19 of the Occupational Safety and Health Act 1984, as far as is reasonably practicable, an employer is obliged to provide and maintain a safe working environment in which employees are not exposed to hazards and, where it’s not practicable to avoid the hazard, to provide adequate PPE at no cost to the employee.
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In the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, there are a variety of basic measures which employers can take to fulfil their OSH obligations. Such measures include: • requiring employees to practise good hygiene • requiring employees to stay home when sick • cleaning the workplace regularly • considering working from home arrangements (if possible) • providing employees with up-to-date health advice.
a direction for all such carers to be vaccinated to protect elderly residents, it becomes an inherent requirement of their position. 2. Where vaccination is a reasonable as well as lawful direction, and the employee does not have a valid objection. At present, given there is no conclusive evidence on the vaccines preventing the spread of COVID-19 and as such, this would likely not be a reasonable and lawful direction.
When an employer can mandate the COVID-19 vaccine
Further to the above, employers should comply with any future public health orders made by the State Government as they apply to you and your workplace.
There are currently no laws or public health orders in Australia that specifically enable employers to require their employees to be vaccinated against COVID-19. As a general rule, only health authorities should have the power to direct any employer to mandate vaccination and no-one else should seek to regulate in place of health authorities.
Note that some employees may have a legitimate objection to the taking of the vaccine such as a bona fide medical reason. Before an employer considers mandating vaccination or taking disciplinary action against an employee who refuses, legal advice should be obtained to ensure the company is not at risk of breaching general protection provisions contained in the Fair Work Act or anti-discrimination provisions found in federal and state legislation.
The Fair Work Ombudsman website has a general guideline called ‘COVID-19 vaccinations & the workplace’. There are limited circumstances where an employer may require their employees to be vaccinated. It is highly factdependent, taking account the particular workplace and each employee’s individual circumstances. There are generally two cases whereby an employer could mandate an employee to take the COVID-19 vaccine. These include: 1. Where vaccination is an inherent requirement of the position. A typical example of this would be where a specific law (such as a state public health law) requires it. If a carer is employed at an aged care facility, and the Health Department issued
There are also various other issues to consider in connection with COVID-19 vaccinations such as workers compensation claims, insurance, redundancy or subcontractor terms and we recommend employers should seek legal advice before making decisions. Disclaimer: This summary is a guide only and is not legal advice. For more information on your workplace health and safety obligations, please contact us and ask for a referral to our adviser. Reproduced with permission of the National Electrical and Communications Association (NECA).
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RIDGID adds wi-fi to pipe inspection reels RIDGID Australia has launched three new products designed to make a plumber’s working day easier and more efficient. They work with existing RIDGID pipe inspection reels and cameras. The CSx VIA* adds wi-fi capability to the SeeSnake® Standard, Mini, microReel™, microDrain™ or nanoReel™. It allows you to stream, capture and share images from the camera onto your own iOS, Android or Windows device and control everything with a free app called SeeSnake HQx® Live. The CSx Via Mount is required if using the CSx VIA with a SeeSnake® Standard or Mini reel. It attaches to the frame of the reel to accommodate the CSx VIA. The RIDGID® SeeSnake™ HQx® Dock™ is a flexible and convenient way to hold most tablets when using the CSx VIA and SeeSnake HQx Live app. It can be attached to a reel or used as a free-standing dock and is adjustable to allow different viewing positions.
RIDGID is a trademark of the Ridge Tool Company, which is a world-leading manufacturer of professional quality pipe and tube working tools serving the plumbing, mechanical, construction, HVAC, location, electrical and facility maintenance industries. The RIDGID® trademark is recognized by professional tradespersons and engineers for uncompromising product quality, performance, durability and service.
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*Battery and smart device pictured are not included.
2021 Industry Information Forums
ALL CONTROLS
Our 2021 series of industry information forums kicked off in March with well-attended sessions in Kalgoorlie and Esperance, followed in April with more successful events in Margaret River and Bunbury. These forums, which we hold every year (although the 2020 series was cancelled due to COVID-19), are open to all licensed plumbing contractors and their employees. They are a great opportunity to learn about new developments in the industry, ask questions and catch up with other plumbers.
The Essential First Step.
This year, the big topics we are focusing on in the forums include continuing professional development, MPA Insurance, technical developments and industry regulation.
Thank you to the sponsors of our Kalgoorlie, Esperance, Margaret River and Bunbury forums.
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2021 Industry Information Forum Series Margaret River Venue: Date: Time:
The River 40 Wallcliffe Road, Margaret River Wednesday 21 April 2021 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm
•
Razoreye 17037
• Free entry • Refreshments provided • It’s OK to be in your workwear Join us at this essential information session and get the latest news about: • Industry regulations • State and national industry issues • Plumbing Code of Australia • Our Consumer Guarantee • Our Continuing Professional Development Program RSVP By: Email: Phone:
ALL CONTROLS
All licensed plumbing contractors and their staff are welcome. Please RSVP promptly to assist with catering arrangements.
Thursday, 15 April mail@mpawa.asn.au 9471 6661
The Essential First Step.
Geraldton Wednesday 12 May
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Broome
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Albany
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Perth Metro South
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Perth Metro North
Wednesday 2 June
Wednesday 4 August
Wednesday 6 October
Thursday 7 October Master Plumber | 11
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How to respond to negative reviews Even the world’s best technicians get the occasional bad review; it’s just part of doing business. The trick is knowing how to respond. Many small business owners assume that negative reviews are always bad for business, but in reality, they’re a unique opportunity to show your humility, responsiveness, and loyalty to the customer. When done right, responding to a negative review can actually have very positive effects. The experts at Podium have provided a step-by-step guide for business owners to use when responding to negative reviews.
1. Apologise There are few things more difficult than admitting you’ve stuffed up and apologising, but by apologising you show your customers that you care about their experience and listen to their feedback.
2. Stay calm The worst thing you can do is let your emotions take over. Something said in the heat of the moment can ruin your reputation for life. Take a pause and come back to the review with a clear head.
3. Offer a solution Even more important than the apology is offering to fix the problem. Show that you’ve really put some thought into the solution, rather than simply cutting and pasting a response. Cutand-paste answers reek of inauthenticity.
4. Offer to speak privately Finally, you should offer to speak to them privately and refer them to someone who can fix the situation. This doesn’t mean you’re hiding something, it’s just easier to communicate over phone or text than going back and forth in a review platform. It’s as simple as that. Podium highly recommend responding to any negative reviews, rather than ignoring them. They point out that 51% of Australian consumers say a business’ response to reviews has changed their perspective of the business. It is also always worth responding to positive reviews, too, and asking your happy customers to leave you a review online. The best time to ask is usually at the completion of a job, when the customer is most pleased with your hard work. A tool like Podium’s reviews solution will make this even easier, but asking for a review is always the best starting point. For a full free eGuide to handling negative reviews in any circumstances, check out https://tinyurl.com/negativeintopositive
World Plumbing Day
Colouring Competition
Our colouring competition was a fun way to educate kids about the importance of plumbing Congratulations to our three winners! Thank you to everyone who submitted an entry for their wonderful work.
Jordan - Aged 4 (age category 4-6)
Abbie - Aged 9 (age category 7-9)
Liliana - Aged 10 (age category 10-12) Master Plumber | 13
President’s Cup Golf Day 2021
Our President’s Cup Golf Day on 26 March was an outstanding success and featured a surprise appearance by legendary golf enthusiast Donald Trump. He still believes he is the US President and thought we had named the day in his honour. Activities such as oyster shucking and wine and cheese tasting gave everyone something to enjoy and the weather made it a perfect day for golf. Our congratulations to all the prize winners!
Thanks to our sponsors
We sincerely thank all our sponsors whose financial support made everything possible and whose company stands put the latest product information in front of our members and their guests.
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Winners! President’s Cup Golf Day 2021
Winning Team
Second Place
Third Place Master Plumber | 16
NAGA Award
Survey-Strata Lots
2) For survey-strata lot schemes or multi-unit sites with three or more residential buildings:
Provision of reflux valves and inspection shafts for survey-strata lot schemes. Requirements for the location of any required reflux valves and inspection shafts for survey-strata lot schemes may vary according to the number of dwellings in the development. The requirements for the installation of reflux valves and inspection shafts on two lot survey-strata schemes, those with three or more individual lots and multi-unit developments, are as follows: 1) For survey-strata schemes with two individual lots:
a) Where there is only one inspection shaft at or near the point of connection to the main sewer, and either building requires additional protection against sewerage surcharge, the reflux valve must be placed adjacent to that inspection shaft.
b) Alternatively, an additional inspection shaft may be installed at or near the boundary of either lot with the reflux valve, if required, placed adjacent to the additional inspection shaft (see Diagram 1).
a) They must comply with AS/NZS 3500.2:2018, section 14, multi-unit developments. In this case there is a requirement to install an inspection shaft, overflow relief gully and open upstream vent for each building. If a reflux valve is necessary for any building in the development and one has already been installed adjacent to the inspection shaft at the connection point to the main sewer, no additional reflux valves are required (see Diagram 2).
Diagram 2
b) If a reflux valve is not provided on the inspection shaft at or near the point of connection to the main sewer, reflux valves can be installed adjacent to the inspection shafts serving individual buildings as required (see Diagram 3).
Diagram 3
The licensed plumbing contractor responsible for the installation/connection of the fixtures within each building must ensure that the necessary overflow relief gully and reflux valve requirements for those fixtures are met. Article supplied by the Building and Energy Division of DMIRS.
Diagram 1 Master Plumber | 17
Survey-Strata Lots
New standards for survey-strata plumbing services. Do you provide plumbing services to survey-strata lots? The Building and Energy Division of the Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety (DMIRS) wants to remind everyone in the plumbing and building industries about new requirements for these services, including standards added to the Plumbing Regulations in 2020. A two-pronged approach – with new rules for plumbers and developers – is the result of close liaison between Building and Energy, the WA Planning Commission, Water Corporation, Landgate and the plumbing industry.
New rules for plumbers Licensed plumbing contractors engaged to install plumbing services on land proposed to be subdivided by a survey-strata scheme must: • install a suitable sanitary drainage service line and connection point to each and every lot on the scheme – this includes the provision of a service line and connection point from a main sewer junction, in cases where an additional junction has been cut-in for a survey-strata lot Master Plumber | 18
• when required, install a suitable water supply service and connection point to individual lots that do not have direct services or multi-metering arrangements with the water services provider • carry out the work in accordance with the plumbing standards, including “Part 6A: Plumbing standards for plumbing and plumbing work on subdivided land”, which was recently added to the Plumbing Regulatiuons • provide a certificate of compliance to the Plumbers Licensing Board and a copy to the owner/developer • for sanitary drainage services, provide a drainage plumbing diagram to the Plumbers Licensing Board and a copy to the owner/developer. For front/rear two lot survey-strata schemes only, direct servicing or a service connection point for the rear lot may be located on a common property driveway.
New rules for developers The new rules for plumbers follow new rules for developers that commenced in 2019. These say that when sanitary drainage services are required, a developer must engage a licensed plumber to install a suitable
John Quinn Hall of Fame recognition 2021 The highly respected and much-loved John Quinn was inducted into our Hall of Fame in recognition of his outstanding contribution, commitment and dedication to the plumbing industry over many years. The induction was a highlight of the awards presentation and it is fitting that so many people who know John were present to witness this well-deserved honour.
sanitary drainage service line and connection point to each lot. If water services are required, the developer must arrange for a water services provider (in most instances, the Water Corporation) to either install infrastructure or provide direct services or multimetering to each lot. Alternatively, they need to engage a licensed plumber to install water supply services to lots on the scheme that are not serviced through these arrangements.
Why the new rules? The new rules are part of a regulatory solution to issues created by the Water Services Act (2012). A result of implementing the Act was that the responsibilities of the water services provider (Water Corporation) in relation to the provision of services to strata subdivisions did not extend beyond providing a connection point at the boundary of the strata scheme. More detail is available in Industry Bulletin 125 and a technical note, issued in August 2020, titled ‘Services to survey-strata lots’. Both documents are available at Building and Energy’s website (dmirs.wa.gov.au/building-and-energy). You can also get assistance by calling the plumbing technical advice line on 1300 360 897. Article supplied by the Building and Energy Division of DMIRS. Master Plumber | 19
Rheem continues Supercars sponsorship
Five continuous years of support for Shell V-Power Racing Team The Shell V-Power Racing Team (the current branding of the historic Dick Johnson Racing team) are the reigning champions of the Repco Supercars Championship. The team’s long-time partner Rheem is supporting them for a fifth continuous year in 2021. Rheem has been the trusted name in hot water in Australia for more than 80 years. It’s a brand with a reputation for quality and reliability. Ryan Story, Chairman and CEO of Dick Johnson Racing, has acknowledged the continued support of Rheem, which has backed the team since 2017. Ryan said, “We’re delighted that the Rheem brand will remain on our iconic Shell V-Power Racing Ford Mustangs.” Rheem CEO Chris Taylor said, “Rheem is very proud to be a part of the Shell V-Power Racing Team success story and looks forward to another exciting year of racing.” “Rheem has a fantastic partnership with Dick, Ryan and the race team both on and off the track. We’ve enjoyed being part of three Drivers and Teams Championship wins and want to build on those achievements.” He added, “Rheem is number one in hot water in Australia, and the Shell V-Power Racing Team is number one on the racetrack. We expect this success to continue in the future.”
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Register now to receive your free copy at: rheem.com.au/handbook COMES ON STEADY, HOT AND STRONG.
INSTALL A AUSTRALIA’S NO. 1 Master Plumber | 21
Industry News
specifically identify the award entitlements that are being set-off. When an employment contract does not clearly specify which award entitlements an over-award payment is offsetting, an employee may claim they have not been properly compensated for a particular award entitlement they have given up. If you do not clearly document your set-off arrangements, you may breach the award and the Fair Work Act and expose yourself to claims by employees and prosecution by the Fair Work Ombudsman. Look closely at your current employment contracts to ensure that the remunerations arrangements set out in them will operate properly with the amended award.
Industrial manslaughter laws are coming
If you need any advice or have any doubt about whether your employment contracts expose you to risk, please contact our office on 9471 6661 or office@mpawa.asn.au and ask for a referral to our Industrial Relations adviser.
WA’s industrial manslaughter laws will take effect in 2021, with penalties of between five and 20 years imprisonment for individuals and fines up to $10 million for companies. Now is the time to review your risk management systems, training regimes and occupational health and safety policies. Directors and key managers should have a thorough understanding of their personal duties and ensure that their business is compliant with the WHS Bill. To do our online Industrial Manslaughter course, please go to www.learnby7.com/mpgawa.
Check your contracts of employment An amended version of the Plumbing and Fire Sprinklers Award 2020 has been in effect since 1 March 2021. If this award applies in your business, you must comply with the amended award. The change removed the clause that permitted employers to absorb other award-based monetary entitlements into any over-award payments. If you are paying over-award wages and want to use those over-award payments to set-off other award-based monetary entitlements, your contracts of employment must now Master Plumber | 22
Mature-age apprentice employment incentive The Construction Training Fund (CTF) is running a pilot program to help building and construction industry employers hire mature-age apprentices and trainees. The program provides additional support on top of the standard CTF grants. For details and a link to the employer application form, see the CTF website.
WA Government endorses national asbestos plan
For full details including how to check eligibility and register for the scheme, see the JobMaker Hiring Credit information on the Australian Taxation Office website.
The WA Government has endorsed the National Strategic Plan for Asbestos Awareness and Management 2019-2023. Government departments, agencies, local government and government enterprises will report on their progress with identifying, assessing and managing asbestos in government buildings to the Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety, which will then report to the Asbestos Safety and Eradication Agency.
WaterMark product enquiries
For more information see the ‘Leak Assist’ page on the Water Corporation website.
JobMaker subsidy for each new employee
Lockdowns and fears of toilet paper shortages in WA created renewed consumer interest in bidets and douche sprays. We all need to be on the lookout for retailers selling non-Watermarked products that consumers take home for illegal DIY installation. If you have an enquiry about the WaterMark status of a product and cannot find it in the WaterMark Product Database, you can use the online enquiry form that you can find via the ‘Contact Us’ page on the Australian Building Codes Board website.
Under the JobMaker Hiring Credit scheme, eligible employers who hire eligible employees aged 16 to 35 can claim incentive payments. Master Plumber | 23
In the Media
Radio and television interviews On Thursday 11 March 2021, World Plumbing Day, Murray Thomas was interviewed on the 6PR breakfast show by Gareth Parker, who praised the work that plumbers do. Murray talked about how fortunate we are to have clean running water and good sanitation, why plumbing is a rewarding job with a variety of career options and the fact that we want to encourage more women to become plumbers.
Member Advantages As well as insurance, technical support, industrial relations advice and free business tools (including free access to AS3500 and AG5601) you can get discounts and great service from: American Express - payment solutions (send an email to
Officeworks - business pricing and business accounts
office@mpawa.asn.au and ask us to arrange for an American
Pragma Legal - free 15-minute consultation and cost-
Express representative to contact you)
effective practical advice
Aussie Gold - discounted work uniforms including
PSS Advisory - special prices for registering on the Personal
embroidery and printing
Battery World - Free battery health check and free fitting Cbus - expert service from the national super fund for the building and construction industry
Joondalup Resort - 15% on accommodation Mercedes-Benz - StarFleet discount on Mercedes-Benz vans Minutolo Drafting Services - specialists in construction work including plumbing services
Neto Graphics - discounted vehicle graphics and signage
Properties Securities Register
Ranger Outdoors - 10% discount on many products Rottnest Express - 20% off ferry and day tour packages to Rottnest Island
St John WA - discounted first aid courses and kits Thrifty – 10% discount on vehicle rental Toyota - Gold Fleet Discount Vodafone - $40 per month plan for business mobile phone, $30 per month for second phone
Get the details of each offer from Discounts and Offers page in the members-only area of our website. Master Plumber | 24
Our Supporters
We acknowledge and thank our Associate Members for their generous support that assists us to continue our activities. They recognise the importance of our industry and the work you do.
Thank you
Advanced Pump Technologies Pty Ltd www.advancedpumps.com.au AGL www.agl.com.au Alder Tapware www.aldertapware.com.au All Bim Consulting Pty Ltd www.allbimconsulting.com.au All Controls www.allcontrols.com.au Allsealed WA www.allsealedwa.com.au ATCO Gas Australia Pty Ltd www.atcogas.com.au Caroma Industries Ltd www.gwabathroomsandkitchens.com.au Construction & Building Industry Super CBUS www.cbussuper.com.au Enware Australia Pty Ltd www.enware.com.au Galvin Engineering Pty Ltd www.galvinengineering.com.au Galvins Concrete & Sheet Metal www.galvinconcrete.com.au Galvins Plumbing Supplies www.galvins.com.au/plumbing Geberit Pty Ltd www.geberit.com.au Gro Agencies www.groagencies.com.au Hydra Storm www.hydrastorm.com.au Hydraulics Design Australia www.hdawa.com.au Hydroflow Distributors (Aust) Pty Ltd www.hydroflowaus.com.au InSinkErator www.insinkerator.com.au Megasealed Bathrooms Aust Pty Ltd www.megasealed.com.au/megasealed-greater-perth NECA WA & NECA WA Chapter www.neca.asn.au Parkwood Hardware www.parkwoodhardware.com.au Podium www.podium.com Pyrotek www.pyroteknc.com ReddiFund www.reddifund.com.au Reece Pty Ltd - Perth www.reece.com.au REHAU Pty Ltd www.rehau.com/au-en Reliance Worldwide www.relianceworldwide.com.au Rheem www.rheem.com.au Ridgid Tool Australia www.ridgid.com.au Rinnai Australia Pty Ltd www.rinnai.com.au Robert Bosch Australia Pty Ltd www.bosch.com.au Samios Plumbing Pty Ltd www.samios.net.au Saniflo (Australasia) Pty Ltd www.saniflo.com.au/plumberportal SimPRO www.simprogroup.com/au/master-plumbers Smartstream Technology Pty Ltd www.smartstream.net.au Studor Australia Pty Ltd www.studor.net/australia Therm-Oz Showers Pty Ltd www.therm-oz.net.au Vacuum Toilets Australia Pty Ltd www.vacuumtoiletsaustralia.com.au Viega Pty Ltd www.viega.com.au Vinidex Pty Ltd www.vinidex.com.au Water Corporation www.watercorporation.com.au Zip Water www.zipwater.com
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For the Record
CEO’s Diary CEO Murray Thomas is a member of the Plumbers Licensing Board and seven reference groups that provide advice to the Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety (DMIRS). He also has commitments with Water Corporation, the Industry Leaders Consultative Group within the Australian Building Codes Board (ABCB) and Master Plumbers Australia and New Zealand (MPANZ).
September
October
Meetings attended as our representative on regulatory agencies
Meetings attended as our representative on regulatory agencies
•
• Plumbers Licensing Board • DMIRS Plumbing Technical Advisory Group • ABCB Building Confidence Report Industry Leaders Consultative Group
Plumbers Licensing Board
Meetings about specific industry matters • DWER meeting about residential point of sale Water Rating Scheme
Internal meeting •
Executive Committee
Meetings attended as our representative on industry associations • •
MPANZ Board Indigenous Plumbing and Sanitation Foundation Board
Internal meetings • •
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Executive Committee Sustainability Sub-Committee
November
February
Meetings attended as our representative on regulatory agencies
Meetings attended as our representative on regulatory agencies
• •
• Plumbers Licensing Board • DMIRS Plumbing Industry Reference Group • ABCB Building Confidence Report Industry Leaders Consultative Group
Plumbers Licensing Board DMIRS Plumbing Industry Reference Group
Meeting attended as our representative on industry associations •
MPANZ Board
Meeting attended as an organisation board member •
Reddifund Board Meeting
Meeting attended as our representative on industry associations •
MPANZ Board
Meetings about specific industry matters
Meeting about specific industry matters
• •
• Construction Industry Strategic Group meeting about matters related to Building Confidence Report • WELS review meeting to consider some of the questions in the online consultation • Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet meeting about Automatic Mutual Recognition
DWER meeting about Waterwise Perth Action Plan Water Corporation Waterwise Customer Essentials Course
Internal meetings • • •
Executive Committee Continuing Professional Development Sub-Committee Maintenance Sub-Committee
Meeting attended as an organisation board member
December Meetings attended as our representative on regulatory agencies • Plumbers Licensing Board • ABCB Continuing Professional Development Working Group • ABCB Building Confidence Report Industry Leaders Consultative Group
•
Reddifund Board Meeting
Internal meetings •
Executive Committee
March Meetings attended as our representative on regulatory agencies
Meeting attended as an organisation board member
•
•
Meeting attended as our representative on industry associations
Reddifund Board Meeting
Meeting about specific industry matters •
Water Corporation Waterwise Customer Essentials Course
Internal meeting •
Executive Committee
January Meetings attended as our representative on regulatory agencies •
Plumbers Licensing Board
•
Plumbers Licensing Board
MPANZ Board
Meeting about specific industry matters • DWER meeting about Waterwise Perth Action Plan • National Fire Industry Association meeting about fire and sprinkler regulations • Construction Industry Strategic Group meeting about training, education and funding for apprentices and small business in the construction industry
Internal meetings • •
Executive Committee Annual General Meeting
Meetings about specific industry matters • • •
DMIRS meeting about Automatic Mutual Recognition Water Corporation meeting about Workplace Health and Safety DWER meeting about Waterwise Perth Action Plan
Master Plumber | 27
For the Record
Government Correspondence
Recent Submissions
August 2020
Australian Building Codes Board
• Letter from Industrial Relations Minister Bill Johnston in response to our letter about the Industrial Relations Legislation Amendment Bill 2020.
• Allowable level of lead in plumbing products in contact with drinking water • Auditing and Compliance Publication Framework • Bidet douche seats WMTS-051 • Building Design Acceptance - A Response to the Building Confidence Report • Building Manuals - A Response to the Building Confidence Report • Definition of building complexity • Fixture and floor wastes-supplementary protection devices WMTS-522 • Technical Specification, Appliances (low hazard rating) WMTS-101
September 2020 • Letter from Minister for Small Business Paul Papalia in response to our letter in August about proposed reforms to laws about stolen copper and brass building materials and products. • Letter from Industrial Relations Minister Bill Johnston about varying the scope of private sector state awards in the Industrial Relations Legislation Amendment Bill 2020. • Letter from Treasurer Ben Wyatt in response to our letter in August that expressed concerns about the proposed national framework for recognising occupational licences.
Australian Government Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment
October 2020
Australian Government Department of Education, Skills and Employment
• Letter from Industrial Relations Minister Bill Johnston in response to the Joint Industry Group letter in August that expressed concerns about the duty of care for service providers in Section 26 of the Work Health and Safety Bill 2019. • Letter from Industrial Relations Minister Bill Johnston about changes to the workplace exposure standards for respirable crystalline silica and respirable coal dust.
February 2021 • Letter to Opposition Leader Zak Kirkup asking for a preelection statement in response to our key policy areas. • Letter to Premier Mark McGowan asking for a pre-election statement in response to our key policy areas.
March 2021 • Letter from Premier Mark McGowan replying to our request for a pre-election statement in response to our key policy areas. Master Plumber | 28
•
•
Review of the WELS Scheme
Skills reform survey
Standards Australia • AS 2030.2 - The verification, filling, inspection, testing and maintenance of cylinders for the storage and transport of compressed gases, Part 2:Cylinders for dissolved acetylene • AS 2118.2 - Automatic fire sprinkler systems, Part 2: Drencher systems • AS 4198 - Precast concrete access chambers for sewerage applications • AS 4795.1-2011 Amd 1 - Butterfly valves for waterworks purposes - Wafer and lugged • LP Gas - Portable and mobile appliances
WA Department of Building, Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety •
Registration of building engineers
Media Releases October 2020 •
WA Master Plumbers encouraged by State Budget, for now
November 2020 • WA Master Plumbers validated by Channel 7 discussion about systemic problems in the WA building and construction industry
Can you spot a scam email? Cybercrime costs Australian citizens and businesses millions of dollars every year. We all need to be alert to clever attempts to steal our personal details so they can be used for illegal purposes How good are you at spotting scam messages sent to you by text or email? Try the Australian Cyber Security Centre quiz at: www.cyber.gov.au/acsc/view-all-content/programs/stay-smart-online/scam-messages/quiz.
Master Plumber | 29
Free Aussie Jetter Australian Pump Industries recently carried out a detailed survey of plumbing supply shops across the country. The survey included the big names of the industry as well as individual plumbing stores. The aim was to understand how far what Australian Pump call the “Jetter Revolution” has penetrated through to plumbers. The survey revealed the move from conventional electromechanical drain cleaning devices to Jetters is gaining momentum every day. Aussie Pumps have launched a competition open to any plumber in Australia. To enter, just answer, “Why are Aussie Jetters better than mechanical drain cleaning equipment?”
“We’ve had terrific support from the plumbing industry about this Jetter program”, said Aussie Jetter Specialist, Anne Wilde. “Plumbers love the idea of ‘Getting Jetting’, especially with our Cobra stainless steel frame, space efficient Cube design and free extended engine and pump warranty”, she said. The 100% depreciation allowance also makes a big difference! Buying a Jetter before the 30th June 2021 provides a 100% instant tax write off. Customers buying a Jetter are warned by Aussie to be on the alert for Class B machines being sold to them without warning of operator Certification. Further information on the competition is available contact Australian Pump Industries on 02 8865 3500.
The best entry will win a $12,000 Aussie Jetter package that includes an Aussie Cobra with Honda engine, stainless steel frame, 4,000 psi pump, with reel and Viper Mini Reel as well. A nozzle box, wash-down gun, safety plate and a 10 litre Aussie wet/dry vac are all part of the package.
Aussie Jetter Cubes
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Aussie Class A Jetters .... COBRA A 4,000 psi, 20 lpm SALE $7,800+GST SAVE $740
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Australian Pump Industries
(02) 8865 3500 www.aussiepumps.com.au
Insurance for Members “MPA insurance are the straighttalking plumbers representative. They have our back no matter what other brokers might say.” Ron Grant, Diploma Plumbing
The launch of MPA Insurance in March marked the start of an exciting new addition to the benefits of membership. Through MPA Insurance, you will get personal service that simplifies the process of taking out the insurance you need, competitive insurance premiums and individually tailored policies that suit the unique needs of your business. You’ll also have access to fully-featured safety management software, which simplifies your workload and reduces administration costs. And because the software is a tool for keeping compliant with the regulatory requirements and reducing your risks of workplace incidents, it helps to keep premiums down.
One of the great things about MPA insurance is that the more members who sign up, the better deal we can get for everyone. It’s an example of the ‘strength in numbers’ that being a member gives you. As President Matt Johnson says, “MPA Insurance puts members in the drivers seat because insurance companies will be competing against each other to win the business of insuring our member base. It’s a reversal of the previous situation where members had to deal individually with insurance companies or brokers and had little or no negotiating power.” For information and to speak to an adviser, call 1300 206 953.
“MPA Insurance offers far better coverage and across the board savings.” Bill Busby, Pride Plumbing and Gas
Superannuation changes coming in July 2021 At time of writing, we expect your obligations to employee superannuation will change 1 July 2021. Please take See the movie from ... I Bought a Jetter superannuation guarantee changes into consideration when employing new staff and check your current employment contracts to ensure you are meeting your obligations. The current 9.5 per cent superannuation guarantee has been frozen since 2014. It is scheduled to increase to 10 per cent on 1 July 2021, then increase by half a per cent each financial year thereafter until it reaches 12 per cent.
DESIGNED BY PLUMBERS FOR PLUMBERS
A definite decision will be announced by the Federal Government when they hand down the budget in May 2021. Please watch our monthly newsletters for updates. More information is available on the Australian Taxation Office website www.ato.gov.au Master Plumber | 31
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