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Contents
Meet AFLW star and apprentice plumber Jasmine Garner
8
12
26
Features
Regulars
8 Impact on our industry
22 Snapshot around the nation
Coronavirus has shaken up Australia’s plumbing industry
32 Marsh Insurance 34 Member news
15/306 Albert Street Brunswick VIC 3056 australianplumbingindustry.com.au
12 Industrial manslaughter
38 Product news
Subscription changes
Australian Plumbing Industry magazine
Victorian companies to take workplace safety more seriously
To change your details or to unsubscribe, call 1800 133 871 or email info@plumber.com.au
16 Why drone technology?
Print post number: PP100019076
Making inspections safer and more efficient
18 TMV training By the industry, for the industry
David McCarthy talks business, hard work and self-sufficiency
24 Be part of the prevention The importance of servicing gas appliances
See page 30
Contacts Publisher The Master Plumbers and Mechanical Services Association of Australia (MPMSAA) E australianplumbing@plumber.com.au
Advertising Marc Wilson T 0419 107 143 E advertising@plumber.com.au
Suppliers In winter, when Mt Buller attracts more than 400,000 visitors each year to its snow and ski slopes, David Clark’s business provides a 24-hour on-mountain service for emergency callouts and general maintenance issues. Full story, page 28.
Disclaimer API is published for the plumbing industry and Master Plumbers Members by the Master Plumbers’ and Mechanical Services Association of Australia (MPMSAA) ABN: 56 296 473 997. Responsibility for comment in respect of elections in Master Plumbers is taken by Peter Daly of 15/306 Albert Street, Brunswick, VIC, 3056. Advertising: No responsibility is accepted by the publisher for accuracy of information contained in advertisements in API. Publication of any advertisements does not constitute endorsement by the publisher of any product, nor warrant its suitability. Advertisements are published as submitted by advertisers. Copyright: No part of this magazine may be produced without the publisher’s written permission Contributors: The views of external contributors and advertisers are not necessarily the views of Master Plumbers. Master Plumbers supports green printing initiatives. This magazine has been printed on FSC® certified paper using vegetable based inks by Southern Colour under ISO 14001 environmental certification.
4 | Australian Plumbing Industry Magazine | Winter 2020
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INSTALL A AUSTRALIA’S NO. 1
We should be proud of the efforts we have made as a community
Welcome
from the President and CEO
How we survived one devastating crisis to the next It was only a few months ago, following the devastating bushfires, that in this very column we noted the generosity of the plumbing community and its ability to come together in the face of adversity.
impact your business, you can be assured that your Association is here for you and available to assist with advice, information and advocacy to navigate these unprecedented circumstances.
Little were we to know that something more sinister was approaching.
We should be proud of the efforts we have made as a community to combat the spread of COVID-19. Governments, State and Federal, have supported business to keep going and have indicated that they will consider further options and stimulus to aid recovery.
Coronavirus (COVID-19) hit Australia at a time when we were still reeling from some of the worst bushfires the country has ever seen. It has been a one-two punch that knocked many to the canvas. Speaking with people across our industry, it’s clear that the COVID-19 crisis has affected each of us in a different way. We know that some plumbing businesses have seen a dramatic downturn in work. And there are others experiencing a significant surge and can hardly keep up! But the key question that we have all been asking: what does the pipeline look like 6-12 months out, or even further? Master Plumbers recently undertook a survey to help us understand what members see as the challenges and opportunities. Thanks to everyone who took the time to provide their unique perspective on this unprecedented crisis. The information collected through this survey allows us to advocate to governments, to the industry and to the regulators for necessary change and we will provide a full report on this back to members. From early in this crisis Master Plumbers has been strongly encouraging members to think about what their business should be doing to prepare for a likely downturn. Whenever this might
But even the best assistance from governments cannot help businesses that don’t help themselves. We all have the responsibility to continue to take steps to inform ourselves and plan for the future. Businesses that do this can come out of this crisis leaner, more competitive and better able to respond to market needs. Those that have not planned and taken action will be in trouble. The past few months have been difficult in more ways than one, being able to navigate a national crisis requires a lot of information and cooperation from all levels of government and associated institutions. We have all, at times, been overwhelmed by the sheer amount of information required to deal intelligently with the situation we find ourselves in. The COVID-19 portal established on our website at plumber.com.au has seen a significant amount of traffic and many members have reported that this has been of great assistance. We hope you have all been able to find the information you need to maintain your day-to-day operations and continue your businesses where possible.
One of the changes forced upon us by the COVID-19 crisis and the physical distancing restrictions has been the rise of remote training and learning. While it is not currently possible to arrange meetings and training like we used to, we understand how important it is that you still have access to professional development, the latest news from industry and are provided the opportunity to ask questions that may be on your mind. Master Plumbers, like many organisations and community groups around the world, has made more use of webinars and other online technology as a convenient way to keep in touch and deliver information. The ease and accessibility of the webinar has been a successful method in the delivery of many of our services, such as the joint Gas Safety Webinar Series launched in May by Master Plumbers together with Energy Safe Victoria and the Victorian Building Authority. Use of online meetings is something that we intend to continue after the COVID-19 crisis has passed, along with the more traditional ways of getting together. The road to recovery after COVID-19 looks to be an arduous one but we all should have confidence in the plumbing community, and Australians, to do what we need to do to get us back to some kind of normal. In the meantime, we encourage you to stay safe and look out for each other. Scott Dowsett President, Master Plumbers Peter Daly CEO, Master Plumbers www.plumber.com.au | 7
Impact on our industry The ripple effect of the pandemic is already hitting some businesses. Kate Jones reports.
8 | Australian Plumbing Industry Magazine | Winter 2020
The Australian Government has responded to the crisis with a range of economic stimulus packages
The rapid spread of coronavirus has changed the way the world works and has shaken up Australia’s plumbing industry. Financial pressures have forced some employers to retrench workers and for others, the closure of many businesses around the country has limited their flow of work. But for many, the regulations around social distancing are perhaps the biggest hurdle for plumbers amid the pandemic. With an emphasis on ‘flattening the curve’ of coronavirus cases, Department of Health rules mandate people staying 1.5m away from each other to minimise the risk of infection. This throws a lot of plumbing work into question with everything from sharing a ride to work, to lunch breaks now under social distancing scrutiny. Yet, Master Plumbers’ Chief Technical Adviser Gary Bath said,
Some plumbing businesses have fared worse than others
many plumbers had adapted quickly to the health measures imposed by COVID-19. “Similar to the broad impacts the virus has had on every facet of our community, it has varied within the plumbing industry depending on the sector of the industry,” he explained. “Larger commercial projects have slowed down or stopped to accommodate the requirements for maintaining personal distancing, while the servicing and maintenance sector has possibly seen little change in terms of workload. “However, many non-essential retail and office environments are closed down and this has also had an impact on that sector as well. “Plumbers in general are aware of the importance of hygiene and PPE (personal protective equipment) in the majority of their everyday work so some of the new requirements have been adapted to by plumbers
fairly readily. With the focus on ensuring that the virus cannot be readily transmitted, it has emphasised the importance of maintaining our high standards for water, sanitary and HVAC (Heating, Ventilating, and Air Conditioning) systems.” Bath said some plumbing businesses had fared worse than others. “Obviously there have been sectors of our industry that have been very heavily impacted,” he said. “Cancellation or postponement of projects and a slow down in building permits will lead many plumbing operations to reduce current staffing levels or stand down operations temporarily.” The Australian Government has responded to the crisis with a range of economic stimulus packages including JobKeeper payments. The $1500 fortnightly payments apply to employers whose turnover has been reduced because of the coronavirus.
www.plumber.com.au | 9
Social distancing can be practiced on construction sites, whether they’re residential or commercial
In further measures for financially distressed companies, the government has increased the instant asset write-off threshold to $150,000 for assets that are either installed or ready for first use by 30 June 2020.
currently deemed an essential activity in Australia, sites are exempt from shutdown orders.
With the global shortages of PPE, plumbers may not have been able to source the protective gear they need. Coronavirus is spread by droplets, so plumbers who use high-pressure devices to unblock sewers are urged to use full coveralls, face shields and masks.
“The social distancing can be practiced on construction sites, whether they’re residential or commercial,” he said.
Work in this area has spiked with the shortage of toilet paper in the first few weeks of the crisis causing some people to flush wipes and other materials into sewers. Reports of fatbergs have surfaced in most states. Many plumbers are buoyed by the fact construction sites remain open around Australia. With construction
10 | Australian Plumbing Industry Magazine | Winter 2020
Speaking on Melbourne radio in April, Prime Minister Scott Morrison said the construction industry was vital to Australia’s economy.
“This keeps the economy going, it keeps people in work; it keeps supporting people through this.” John Patterson, 87, has spent more than seven decades in plumbing and said coronavirus was by far the worst disaster to hit the industry. “I’ve been through about three recessions and this is the hardest,” he said. “Our economy has gone through the bushfires and that took a lot of money out of the economy. Previously you never had places
locked up and a lot of firms are not operating. It makes it all a bit tough.” Patterson said his business, Banjo Nominees, is bearing the burden of extra costs imposed by COVID-19 restrictions. These come in the form of time spent on additional safety measures and training, plus protective equipment. “Fortunately, our plumbers can still go to work,” he said. “But they go through inductions before they get on any of the sites and they have protective clothing and we comply with all the regulations. “It is a loss for us because there’s a lot more overheads in getting the job done. It all costs money.” While technology has enabled meetings to continue online, it was not the same, said Patterson. Thankfully, he hasn’t been forced
We will survive, even though it will be hard
John Patterson, 87
to retrench any staff or experienced any delays with supplies, and the company has maintained a steady flow of work. “The online meetings are not as efficient as before, and it’s getting a lot more difficult to sort of keep going,” he said. “We will survive, even though it will be hard. We don’t have to work any harder, we just have to be a bit more clever and conscientious, and we will survive. “It is a serious problem, but it’s manageable.” A positive from coronavirus is the enhanced role plumbers are playing in the community’s health and safety. Further impacts on the industry depend on how long lockdowns stay in place, said Bath. “It’s conceivable that the longer we are in lockdown conditions, the longer it will take for construction confidence to return,” he said.
“This has also had a massive financial impact on Australia, which may impact the country’s ability to generate that confidence in the traditional fashion it has in the past, new home buyer grants for example.
Economically, the pandemic has already pushed many companies to the brink and from a health and safety perspective, forced all of them to strengthen their workplace processes.
“In regards to some of the lifestyle changes we have had to cope with, we are more dependent on our communication systems than ever before. This may change the way plumbers interact with their customers and vice versa.
Arguably, the only certainty is the protection offered by a vaccine and for this, the world waits with bated breath.
“Plumbers who were focused on singular aspects of our industry such as new builds may see some value in diversifying their business.” For many plumbers, the risks of COVID-19 and its associated safety measures remain workable. Yet its extent and longevity, both locally and internationally is unclear, and the fragility of its evolving nature means nothing can be taken for granted.
COVID-19 protection measures Three key steps: 1 Maintain good hygiene and cleanliness of the workplace
2 Implement physical distancing – keeping everyone at the workplace at least 1.5 metres apart
3 Use protective personal equipment (PPE) appropriately Source: Safe Work Australia
www.plumber.com.au | 11
Understand industrial manslaughter legislation Workplace manslaughter will become a criminal offence under new Victorian legislation
New laws will soon push Victorian companies to take workplace safety more seriously than ever before. Kate Jones reports. Workplace manslaughter will become a criminal offence under Victorian legislation that comes into force from July 1, 2020. The Victorian parliament introduced the law “because no person deserves to die at work”. Nationally, 54 workers have been killed at work so far in 2020. The transport, postal and warehousing industry accounts for the majority of deaths at 17, followed closely by construction at 12, according to Safe Work Australia. At the end of March this year, WorkSafe figures show Victorian workplace deaths had reached 15
12 | Australian Plumbing Industry Magazine | Winter 2020
– nine more than at the same time last year. Under the new laws, employers who negligently cause a workplace death will face fines of up to $16.5 million and individuals will face up to 20 years in jail. This includes employers, self-employed people and ‘officers’ of the company or organisation. Master Plumbers OH&S & Return to Work Manager Frank Geremia said the charge of workplace manslaughter would only apply to the very worst cases of workplace safety. “A prosecution would only apply to the most egregious of cases where all
of the elements are proven,” he said. “It’s not a given that if someone dies on site that bang, you’re up for industrial manslaughter. It’s not that clear-cut. “But if there’s a conscious and voluntary neglect of your duty, it does become a clear-cut situation. “Daniel Andrews is basically saying he wants to make workplaces safer and in doing so, his view and the view of others, was that this would make business owners and corporations take it a lot more seriously.” Frank said companies that aren’t already prioritising their safety systems, need to do so immediately. “It’s about changing the culture of a workplace rather than just ticking boxes and saying, ‘Yes we’re compliant’,” he said.
By the end of March this year, WorkSafe figures show Victorian workplace deaths had reached 15
“A well implemented safety plan demands that everyone has buy-in. Employers are encouraged to focus on worker engagement and ensure there is a strong safety culture in place that prevents serious injury and death. “As an employer, it means if I have a worker who is constantly ignoring their duties, I need to address that. I need to address that through education, through systems, through plant and equipment. “If none of that works, then disciplinary action needs to be taken with that person.”
industrial manslaughter charge at Brisbane Auto Recycling after a worker was hit and killed by a reversing forklift in May. The matter is still before the courts. MinterEllison partners Samantha Betzien and Deanna McMaster, both experts in industrial relations, said while the new laws haven’t sparked a rush of prosecutions in other states, they have put a renewed focus on workplace safety. “It is fair to say that the regulators have used the discretion to prosecute under these provisions very cautiously,” they said.
Similar laws have already been introduced in Queensland, the ACT and Northern Territory.
“The introduction of the industrial manslaughter offence in Queensland has not resulted in a spate of prosecutions for these offences.
Last year, the Queensland government levelled its first
There has only been one successful prosecution for industrial
manslaughter to date in Queensland.” Although the new charge of workplace manslaughter does not mean companies have to implement extra safety rules at workplaces, it does mean they need to take a closer look at safety measures to ensure they are up to standard. “The industrial manslaughter provisions did not introduce any additional safety obligations on top of those which already applied to employers,” Betzien and McMaster explained. “In this respect, the steps that employers need to take to comply with safety legislation remain the same. However, the provisions do up the stakes in terms of the potential consequences for an employer and its senior managers if a fatality
www.plumber.com.au | 13
occurs in the workplace and the standard of care required under the industrial manslaughter provisions has not been met. “The introduction of this offence of industrial manslaughter reflects a broader shift in the regulatory climate and significant increase in regulatory activity. We have seen this change consistently across
almost all Australian states and territories with increases in the issuing of improvement notices and commencement of prosecutions generally. “Now more than ever safety must be a key priority at all levels of management and leadership must focus on and set the organisational safety culture.”
In light of the new laws, plumbers and plumbing companies are urged to assess their work health and safety systems, review organisational training and ensure there is an overall culture of safety. Any improvements that can be made could not only minimise the risk of a criminal charge, but prevent a tragedy.
How companies can protect themselves Safe Work Australia class Construction a high-risk industry. A comprehensive review of safety systems will help companies protect their workers and minimise breaches of workplace health and safety standards. Get started by assessing and if needed, updating: • OH&S policy statement • OH&S procedures • Site coordination plans
Master Plumbers’ Occupational Health and Safety Manager can audit workplace safety systems and help members with compliance documents and information on safe work practices, including: • Creating, implementing and managing an effective Work Health & Safety Management System to ensure a safe work environment • Creating and implementing Safe Work Method Statements • Providing hazard management strategy advice
• OH&S Registers
• Providing advice on the managing of PIN’s (Provisional Improvement Notice’s) from WorkSafe Victoria
• Training manuals and implementation
• Managing an injured employee back to work
• Safe Work Method Statements
14 | Australian Plumbing Industry Magazine | Winter 2020
• Managing a WorkCover Claim • Providing WHS legal advice / support guidance • OH&S plans at a reduced price for members
The charge of workplace manslaughter would only apply to the very worst cases of workplace safety
More people at home. More pressure on the pipes. Less time for paperwork. As a plumber, you have a lot on your plate. From juggling multiple jobs and clients, managing and training staff or making sure you are keeping up with new industry standards, the last thing you need to be bogged down arranging is insurance. Let us help try to reduce the hassle with insurance and arrange public liability cover that’s been designed with the unique risks faced by tradies in mind.
Visit www.marshplumbers.com.au and arrange your Plumbers Liability Insurance online or to learn more call us on 1300 300 511 to speak to one of our experienced Trades team members. Easy Insurance For Hard Working Tradies Marsh Advantage Insurance is endorsed by the Master Plumbers and Mechanical Services Association of Australia. Disclaimer: Marsh Advantage Insurance Pty Ltd (ABN 31 081 358 303, AFSL 238 369) (‘Marsh Advantage’) trading as Master Plumbers Insurance Brokers & Risk Managers, arranges the insurance and is not the insurer. This advertisement contains general information and does not take into account your individual objectives, financial situation or needs. For full details of the terms, conditions and limitations of the covers, refer to the Policy Wording or Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) which is available from Marsh Advantage. Marsh Advantage uses the Master Plumbers and Mechanical Services Association of Australia (MPMSAA) logo under license from MPMSAA (ABN 56 296 473 997). MPMSAA receives a financial benefit when a policy is arranged by us, enabling it to continue to provide further services to the plumbing industry. LCPA 20/130 S20-0695
Often in plumbing, conducting inspections can be dangerous for a variety of reasons and also costly
Drones are among a raft of new technologies driving plumbers to work more efficiently than ever before
Why drone technology? Eye in the sky technology is making inspections safer and more efficient. Kate Jones reports. Commercial plumbers know how costly and time consuming inspections can be. But there’s no way around them; pre-work inspections are vital for workplace health and safety practices, or even to prepare a quote. Ultimately, they reveal a lot about a job before work begins. One business is taking to the skies with technology that aims to make inspections easier and cheaper. SureFact Aerial uses drones to fly over sites and provide safer, cheaper visual reports. “This technology is the future, it really is,” said Paul York, SureFact Aerial managing director.
client to watch live while they sit at their desk and they can have direct communication with the pilot.” The drones are fitted with software that takes measurements, for example the width of a box gutter or the elevation of a roof area. The information gathered informs reports used to plan preventative maintenance, conduct repairs or prepare for further building works. It can also provide practical data for regulatory audit processes and structural integrity inspections. York said the reports have been useful for building estimators.
“It saves a heap of time and money, and the best part is how user friendly and safe it is.
“In recent times we have been doing these inspections for estimators who are undertaking new products,” he said.
“No more working at heights to do risky inspections or quotations. Instead, we can send a link to the
“Our software enables us to give accurate measurements so the client can have comfort.”
16 | Australian Plumbing Industry Magazine | Winter 2020
York, a registered plumber, was accustomed to the headaches and red tape caused by the need for visual surveillance. With the ability to provide a birds-eye view of work sites and close-up images of hard to reach areas, drones were the answer to working smarter. “From working as a commercial plumber we would be constantly facing scenarios where a visual inspection would need to be conducted for a variety of reasons, whether it would be to quote a job, investigate a problem, preventative maintenance, construction or an incident and the list goes on,” York said. “Often in plumbing, conducting inspections can be dangerous for a variety of reasons and also costly. For example if we wanted to inspect the outside of a building you would need to consider using the buildings BMU, swing stage scaffold or coming from the ground and having to close the road and use a boom lift or similar. “When we got to this stage we had to have traffic control, letter drops to
neighbouring residences and strict time frames when it could be done, not to mention the serious cost prohibitions clients faced.” Drones are among a raft of new technologies driving plumbers to work more efficiently than ever before. These include smart tablets and waterproof cameras paired with drain rods and pipe cutters. Updating equipment is key to staying competitive. York initially began using drones in another business, SureFact Australia, for security and investigations. He said it was a natural progression to use drones for plumbing purposes. The Port Melbourne-based business now employs York’s father Neil,
also a plumber, who oversees all roofing inspections. SureFact Aerial is a licensed company under the Civil Aviation Safety Authority. It logs all of its flights, has to seek approval from the regulator before flights and drones are operated by qualified CASA certified pilots. “This is very relevant in built up areas or no-fly zones,” York explained. “We have a full safety system in place which enables us to be approved by the regulator to fly.” When a client contacts the business, York and his team carry out a location check online and request relevant flight permits from CASA. The pilot then meets the client on site and the inspection is conducted to the client’s requirements. A report is completed with observations, comments and recommendations, and includes still photographs and a secure link to the video. “A report could be a basic roof inspection, for example, which
examines the integrity of the gutters, valleys, ridges, chimneys, cowls, and the roof itself whether it be tiles, Colorbond, sheeting and so on,” York said. SureFact Aerial has worked with plumbing companies in both the commercial and domestic spaces. Jimmy House of CAB Plumbing in Thomastown said using drones was a big time-saver. “Engaging SureFact Aerial has been a godsend for us,” he said. “I can assign an inspection to them and know that it is managed and inspected by registered and licensed plumbers. We get a report back with observations, comments and recommendations by a plumber. “The report includes photos and a secure video link I can send to my clients. The other advantage is that the specific drone software takes the measurements I need to quote the further works, so no going back to measure and I know the measurements are perfectly accurate from the software they use.” www.plumber.com.au | 17
By the industry, for the industry 18 | Australian Plumbing Industry Magazine | Winter 2020
When you are on site, it’s important you have the right tools for the job. It’s even more important when you’re training. Your ability to learn effectively relies heavily on the quality of the training program you are undertaking and the tools you are using to build your knowledge and your skill. Prior to the completion of the new training centre at Narre Warren, stakeholders in the Master Plumbers and PICAC training delivery team were keen to make sure the students coming to learn at the state-of-theart facility would be using the best equipment and technology to enhance their training experience. One of the programs to be delivered at Narre Warren will be thermostatic mixing valve (TMV) maintenance training. November 2019 saw some significant changes to the way
TMV licensing and registration was facilitated in Victoria so it was essential that anyone undertaking the training at Master Plumbers would be exposed to the broadest range of valves possible. Enter Norm Anderson from Commercial Hot Water and Maintenance: “I was contacted by Shayne LaCombre, Greg Tink and Brendan Gould who came to me to discuss a project similar to the (TMV) training rigs that we had previously built for the Brunswick PICAC campus. They wanted to ensure the quality of training required for plumbers due to the recent licensing changes,” Norm said.
“The original training environment for TMVs consisted of valves that were fixed in place directly to the wall in the Brunswick training centre, which added some complexities when it came time to swapping out superseded valves. The need to duplicate this setup at multiple locations was both a costly exercise for equipment and the need for a dedicated footprint. “Even back then there was an emphasis on creating a mobile training plant to facilitate the portability of the training that they wanted to deliver. “There are plumbers all across Victoria who need this training and we needed a solution that
www.plumber.com.au | 19
was light enough to be transported easily but sturdy enough to hold up to the rigors of a group of heavyhanded plumbers.” Already having completed a version of this project provided a good base for work to commence, but Norm was keen to deliver a greater learning experience through a more efficient design and the installation of some new technology that enabled better serviceability. “We took a lot of time to review the existing design and see where we could make inroads into delivering a more efficient solution,” Norm said. “The first design idea incorporated two trolleys, one as a master and the other as a slave; meaning only one trolley was fitted with the controls and hot water storage, and this was the first thing to change. We decided to install a tank and controls on each rig so they could be used independently of each other, allowing them to be used apart in smaller areas and even in separate locations altogether if required. “We constructed a lighter frame and mounted a uni-strut network around it to reduce the overall weight and through redesigning the layout I was able to get more valves on the trolleys, which further negated the reason for having a slave set-up, we were able to have two trolleys with up to 48 valves on each.” 20 | Australian Plumbing Industry Magazine | Winter 2020
Norm’s son, a first-year apprentice at Brunswick, worked as part of the plumbing team to build the rigs at Commercial Hot Water and Maintenance pre-fab factory on the Mornington Peninsula. The build took about 280 hours: 140 hours for each rig. “This was truly built by plumbers for plumbers,” Norm said. “It was a great project for them to be involved in. They’re very familiar with the internal tech used in mobile and plug and play rigs as it’s a product we build ourselves a lot and we also distribute them around Australia.” Coincidentally, the ROTEX tank used in the project is the same as the ones used on the roof of the Narre Warren training centre that utilise solar photovoltaic (PV) technology to heat the water. Add this to the extremely efficient insulation properties of the ROTEX tank – losing only two degrees in temperature across a 24-hour idle period – and you have a very efficient system. “The ROTEX tank is a 500 litre heat transfer tank that has a 316 stainless steel coil acting as a heat exchanger inside it, the potable water travels through this coil providing safe hygienic water for use,” Norm explained.
“There is a 14.4kw electric element inside the tank that heats the water up to 65 degrees, the water then passes around on a flow and return on the trolley that will go through the coil and back and around so it will continually keep the water hot. Cold water is also supplied within the pipework on the trolley to allow for the testing of each individual TMV.” The end result is a pretty impressive piece of equipment that exposes as much of the internal working as possible to enhance the learning experience. “One of the main things we wanted to achieve in completing this project was not only to have something that did the job, but created a learning tool that looked great exposing pipework that is normally hidden behind a wall. “We were lucky enough to have some of the materials donated for the project, such as the two ROTEX tanks, various TMV’s and Sharkbite pipes and fittings. We wanted to showcase the different ways of plumbing the rigs, using both welded and pressed copper in the installations, including and incorporating as many industrial fixings so that it would be as familiar as possible to the students when they were to eventually encounter this setup on site.”
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Snapshot
from around the nation Master Plumbers – Victoria
Training kicks off in state-of-the-art facilities in Narre Warren A lucky group of young plumbers got a first-hand look at the new state-of-the-art Plumbing Training Centre at Narre Warren as the first class got underway in March. Under the tutelage of Master Plumbers General Manager of Training and Development, Brendan Gould, the group of aspiring plumbers began their plumbing journey undertaking a Certificate III in Plumbing. “After a long wait it’s really exciting to be delivering in a world-class training facility that enables Master Plumbers to build their brand for training in the South Eastern suburbs.” Brendan Gould said. Surrounded by world-class 22 | Australian Plumbing Industry Magazine | Winter 2020
technology and equipment, the class was run through an industry induction including workplace communication, working effectively in the plumbing and services sector, carrying out WHS requirements, cutting and joining sheet metal, and using plumbing hand and power tools. “It has been a great start to the program and a significant milestone in our quest to deliver best practise training for the industry,” Brendan said. “The group has been very keen to listen and learn and I’m sure they will be an asset to the trade down the line. To be honest, I think they are a bit in awe of the facilities and it’s the perfect place for them to build on and expand their
plumbing knowledge.”
Delivering in a world-class training facility enables Master Plumbers to build their training in the South Eastern suburbs
In addition to being part of the history as the first educator to teach at the new facility, Brendan is buoyant about the future of the training centre and plumbing education in Victoria.
“It’s definitely going to provide a boost to the industry. We have great potential to facilitate training for the growing population of the South Eastern corridor of Melbourne and hopefully that provides more kids out there with an opportunity to enter the plumbing industry.”
Find your local association
Master Plumbers & Gasfitters Association of Western Australia T (08) 9471 6661
Master Plumbers and Mechanical Services Association of Australia T (03) 9329 9622
Master Plumbers Association ACT Inc T (02) 6112 8630
Master Plumbers Association of Queensland T (07) 3273 0800
Plumbing Industry Association of SA & NT Inc T (08) 8292 4000
Master Plumbers Association of Tasmania T (03) 6272 2199
Master Plumbers & Mechanical Contractors Association of New South Wales T (02) 8789 7000
Master Plumbers Association of Tasmania CPD during COVID-19 The Administrator of Occupational Licensing has put measures in place to help if a licence holder is not able to complete their CPD during the Pandemic. They will be able to renew their licence on the condition that they meet this requirement during the next licence period. Log on to your CPD Toolbox to
access Master Plumbers Tasmania CPD courses, including: • Building Approvals in Tasmania • Energy Compliance in the NCC • Asbestos Awareness • Mental Health in the Workplace • Safe Work Method Statements • Employment Law • Insurance • Superannuation
COVID-19 stimulus needed Master Plumbers Tasmania Executive Officer Angela Bennett said: “We have been working closely with the State Government to ensure that the building and construction industry remains as viable as possible in the downturn and that there is stimulus available to assist in the overall recovery.”
All courses are worth 2 CPD points and are partially subsidised by the TBCITB. For further information go to https://tas.cpdtoolbox.com.au
Wombats benefit from WPD
AVG
Hurle Plumbing
Samios
Prior to COVID-19 we had our World Plumbing Day Community Giving Project with a focus on helping orphaned wombats. Special thanks go to Grant Chugg and Daniel Fraser (onsite foreman) for coordinating the event with these supporters:
Billi
Kleen Green Plumbing
Stramit
Cranes Combined
Manion Plumbing
Supreme Line Fencing
Davey Pumps
Palmers Plumbing
Tankworld
Frank Hill Roofing Contractors
Profile Roofing
Tassie Trade Services
Rinnai
TasWater
Guard Plumbing
Roberts
Tones Electrical
Howrah Plumbing
Royal Wolf
Twentieth Century Plumbing
Daniel Fraser from Grant Chugg Plumbing with baby!
Master Plumbers Association of Queensland Public warned to not install DIY hoses or bidets Consumers are warned not to install DIY hoses and bidets during the global COVID-19 crisis, after an article titled “Australian Ingenuity Saves the Day Again” was published in the Sunday Mail highlighting a DIY toilet conversion. The article states “with all the toilet nonsense going on at the moment, my partner attached a simple hose to our toilet (in flow) tap, so we now hose rather than wipe – a bit like a bidet.” Master Plumbers’ Association of Queensland (MPAQ), warns that this type of installation is illegal and could put the health and safety of your family at risk. Plumbing, drainage and gas work is not DIY.
MPAQ has advised the Queensland Building and Construction Commission and it has been referred to the nonconforming building products team to review. Plumbing, drainage and gasfitting work is essential to ensuring the health and safety of our community, which is particularly important given the viral pandemic that we are facing. MPAQ’s President, Kent Vickers, said “We understand that consumers might have more time to do work at home at the moment, but plumbing or gas work cannot be one of those tasks. It must be completed by licensed plumbers and gasfitters.”
“Plumbing, drainage and gas trades are administered by a strict licensing and legislative regime for a reason, as water and waste are directly linked to the health and safety of the community. “Additionally, home owners should ask their plumber and/or gasfitter to provide their licence prior to engaging in any plumbing, drainage or gasfitting work.” Members are appropriately licensed and abide by a code of conduct that ensures consumers have that extra level of protection. www.plumber.com.au | 23
Be part of the
prevention
It is time to help the public understand the importance of servicing gas appliances. The mid-year school holidays are traditionally a time for a road trip; a time to escape the routine and the cold (or heading deeper into the cold with a trip to the snow!). Road-trip preparations traditionally revolve around the car. We all know the checklist: tyre pressure, check, oil and water, check, windscreen wipers and fluid, check. Today, many of us will leave the checklist to a skilled professional. So, why don’t we have the same preparedness response when it comes to our heating, particularly our gas heating systems? It is astounding that many consumers will ignore an essential piece of equipment within their house… that is until it fails; a failure that often could have been avoided with proper servicing. The inherent dangers of Carbon Monoxide spillage from open flued gas appliances are the focus of communication to the public and
the industry of late and understandably so. Look at the number of so called “gas safety checks” or CO testers advertised who aren’t qualified to service a gas appliance and leave homeowners with a false sense of security. The importance of having all gas appliances serviced by properly qualified and experienced professionals to ensure on-going safe and efficient operation has not had the traction it should. The recently published AS4575 Type A Gas Appliance service standard does provide a template for a service check list, which indicates exactly what a service should look like. Master Plumbers Association have further developed this check list to better inform the consumer and information to provide greater clarity on the importance of servicing for all gas appliances. So rather than having to go to the extent of replacement, usually at a time inconvenient to all, sell your preventative maintenance program as a means to ensure the appliance will “make the trip”.
WARNING THIS PROPERTY HAS AN OPEN FLUED GAS APPLIANCE Any change to existing ventilation, including installation of exhaust fans or Rangehoods may affect the safe operation of these appliances. When this occurs a qualified Type A Gas Service person should be engaged to check the continued safe operation of the appliance. CONTACT NAME:
CONTACT NUMBER:
for further info visit: bit.ly/gas-appliance
For more information visit plumber.com.au
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I’m loving the variety of work and learning about all aspects of plumbing. It can be challenging but it’s definitely rewarding.
How to kick goals AFLW star and apprentice plumber Jasmine Garner (JG) sat down with Australian Plumbing (AP) to discuss what it’s like to juggle on and off-field performance.
26 | Australian Plumbing Industry Magazine | Winter 2020
Jasmine Garner’s AFLW peers see her as a star. They recently awarded her the best female footballer in the country. With back-to-back, All-Australian selections and 2020 AFLW Players Association Most Valuable Player there can’t be much left to top that. AP What do you hope to achieve
going forward? JG Well, my very first AFLW game (for Collingwood) at Ikon Park in front of a lock out crowd (of almost 25,000) is something I’ll never forget. The build up to being part of the inaugural AFLW season was pretty intense.
This year was also pretty special for me being part of the first ever finals win with North Melbourne, ironically against my old team (Collingwood). Unfortunately, the season was shut down a week later and we were unable to go through to a prelim but we were rapt with what we were able to achieve this season. AP You were originally selected
by Collingwood as part of their inaugural team in the 2017 AFLW competition. Was it hard to don a Collingwood Guernsey, after growing up following the Blues? JG Haha! Yes! Growing up being a
Carlton supporter I definitely would have loved playing for The Blues but to be drafted by any club was a dream come true. Mum is a Collingwood supporter, so she was pretty stoked when I was drafted by Collingwood. I would
Fast Facts
have been happy being drafted to any team, as long as I got to play. AP In addition to being a trailblazer
for women’s footy and a role model for so many young girls around the country, you’re also currently undertaking an apprenticeship in an industry that traditionally sees very few women get involved. What interested you about plumbing and how did you get started? JG I have always wanted to do a trade. I had originally started an apprenticeship in landscaping but plumbing is something I was keen on as well, there’s a lot of variety in the work and heaps of career opportunities. I wasn’t really exposed to trades as a career when I was in school but it was always in the back of my mind. I have a few friends who do plumbing as well and they absolutely love it.
Before I started my apprenticeship I worked at North Melbourne Football Club in the academy space. I loved working there but it wasn’t something I wanted to do forever. I spoke to my boss and operations manager and told them my interest in starting an apprenticeship and they were all for it. Lucky for me, they knew of a coterie member who had a plumbing business and they put me in touch with them. A few phone calls and an interview later and I was part of the team. AP You’re into your second year of
your apprenticeship now, working with Cooke and Dowsett on some
pretty big jobs. What have you enjoyed the most so far and what would you like to aim for in the years to come with your plumbing? JG I’m loving the variety of work
and learning about all aspects of plumbing. It can be challenging but it’s definitely rewarding. Much like being around the footy club, it’s helpful to have some experienced people around, who are willing to give you their time and help you learn. There’s so many options when it comes to a career in plumbing. I’m keen to learn as much as I can during my apprenticeship to give me a better idea of what I want to do or concentrate on when I become a registered plumber. AP Tell us a bit about how you’re
able to balance two very demanding responsibilities (footy and your apprenticeship) and make them both work? JG It can be tough while footy is in season but I love doing them both. I have great support from the footy club and my company to make them both work. The RDO we have every couple of weeks definitely helps! AP What advice would you have
for anyone out there considering a career in plumbing? JG Give it a go! From what I’ve experienced so far it’s a great trade and there’s plenty of variety in it.
Doing an apprenticeship is a great way to learn and be paid at the same time.
Jasmine Garner Born: 8 July 1994 First team: Yarraville Football Club (aged eight) Scored: The first-ever goal in the AFLW competition in 2017
AFLW career games (goals): 2017-18 Collingwood 14 (10) 2019- North Melbourne 14 (13) 2020 MVP winner: 413 votes from her peers, ahead of second-year Carlton youngster Madison Prespakis (227) and Collingwood’s Jaimee Lambert (201). www.plumber.com.au | 27
A brighter life Stolen tools led David to a new life.
Almost 40 years ago, David Clark made a decision that would change his professional and personal lives forever. Having grown up in Melbourne and completing his plumbing apprenticeship just before his 20th birthday, David worked locally for a couple of years before a stroke of misfortunate led to a big life change. “My plumbing tools were stolen so I ended up having to work in a factory for a while. I felt quite stale and thought I needed a bit of a change work-wise,” he recalls. “It was 40 years ago next year that I decided to move to Mt Buller as a subcontractor. I started work on the mountain driving buses but slowly and surely my business began to grow. “I met my wife Helen up there, we were married in 1981 and the rest is history.” 28 | Australian Plumbing Industry Magazine | Winter 2020
Mt Buller, about 200 kilometres or a three-hour drive away from Melbourne, is best known for its alpine resort which has its highest elevation at 1,780 metres, as well as dozens of cafes, bars and restaurants and 7,000 on-mountain beds. One of Victoria’s most popular tourist spots, Mt Buller is also home to other outdoor activities including mountain biking, bushwalking and 4WD and motor biking trails. David’s business Mt Buller Plumbing Heating and Gas has serviced the Mt Buller and nearby Mansfield areas for more than 25 years – and he describes it as almost two businesses in one depending on the season. “In summer we do a lot of
construction work, including plenty of direct work to ski clubs and other local businesses. We also do a lot of bathroom and kitchen work including upgrades,” he says. The team also specialises in heating, including the design, supply and installation of hydronic floor coil heating as well as the installation, servicing and maintenance of hot water systems and boiler rooms. “Our main focus in summer is heating. One project we recently worked on the Twin Towers apartment complex of 52 apartments, doing boiler room work and installing 8 Baxi boilers.” “We also do a lot of work for hotels, hydronic heating is a big one, and general hot water issues and maintenance.”
I’m in my early 60s myself but I’m still on the tools and love the hands-on parts of the job
The business is also a qualified installer of Apricus solar hot water systems to residential and commercial clients. In winter – when Mt Buller attracts more than 400,000 visitors each year to its snow and ski slopes – the business provides a 24-hour on-mountain service for emergency callouts and general maintenance issues. “We do everything from sanitary work to specialist roofing work, responding seven days a week to a broad range of client needs ranging from toilet faults, tap faults, blocked drains and leak detections to problems with fryers, ovens, boilers and the occasional burst pipe.” In winter, David has a team of three plumbers and gasfitters and
in summer the number increases to five given the larger-scale project work undertaken. “Over time I’ve been lucky to have a number of long-term employees including a subcontractor who’s worked for me for 20 years – he comes back every summer and does his own thing for the rest of the year,” says David. “I’m in my early 60s myself but I’m still on the tools and love the hands-on parts of the job.” David and his family bought a house in Mansfield, at the foot of the Victorian Alps, in the late 1990s and loves the work-life balance offered by living outside the big smoke. “Most of our time is spent in Mansfield –it’s a great place to live.
There are plenty of places to go mountain biking or hunting or fishing for people interested in those hobbies. You can get out for a ski when you want. “There are over 40 plumbers in the district but everyone seems to have work. A lot of people live in Mansfield and commute to Buller every day.” David’s four children – now adults who have moved away from home – also loved their time growing up around the mountain. “They all grew up with a strong connection to Buller – they are all good skiers and they enjoy coming back to visit.” “It was a big decision I made when I was 23, to not live in Melbourne, and I do not regret it.” www.plumber.com.au | 29
Plumbing:
A pathway to mentoring When your goal is for your business to be self-sufficient and you have moved around a lot in life, you have to work damn hard if it is to become a reality. David McCarthy tells Kathryn Kernohan his story.
30 | Australian Plumbing Industry Magazine | Winter 2020
How do you build a client base in a community where you have few existing relationships? That was the question faced by David McCarthy and wife Catherine, when they moved to the outer western Melbourne suburb of Point Cook before establishing David McCarthy Plumbing six years ago. “We only moved to the area about 12 months before we started the business, so we didn’t have local contacts or connections. We started by advertising in local newspapers and on websites like hipages and slowly started building things up from there,” recalls David. David’s career in plumbing had already taken him from Colac to Perth, where he spent three years in a “baptism of fire managing 25 guys on a high-rise development,” and even to London. He only contemplated plumbing as a career pathway at age 19, having grown up on a dairy farm in Victoria’s western district and working in the dairy industry throughout his teenage years.
Our plan is that one day the business will become self-sufficient and that we can mentor other people to manage the day-to-day operations
After completing an apprenticeship and spending more than a decade working for other people, David began to see an opportunity to start his own business with an emphasis on professional service matched by quality customer service. “Six years ago when we started the business, customer service wasn’t seen as a hugely important thing in the industry. People were always telling us that they were sick of being let down by tradespeople not showing up on time, or not calling back, or that there was no transparency in quotes. “Customer service, customer satisfaction and communication are our priorities and we instill these in our employees and our apprentices. “The experiences we’ve had gave us a great foundation for running our own business and managing rapid growth – particularly in understanding different people and different personalities which is so important in the overall success of a business.” David McCarthy Plumbing started in the couple’s garage, and once they outgrew the family home they relocated the business to Laverton North. The business works across residential, commercial and industrial plumbing and gasfitting and also has a list of sub-contractors including electricians, waterproofers, tilers, carpenters and handymen. It means David McCarthy Plumbing can be repairing or replacing a hot water system one day and renovating a kitchen the next. “Our plumbing work is about half-half between residential and commercial. We’re heavy with domestic new builds, mainly high-end new sites, and we do a lot of maintenance as well.” As well as a commitment to customer service, David and Catherine are also passionate about developing apprentices. In 2018, their apprentice Thomas Dunn won two awards at the Plumbing and Fire
Industry Awards, including the prestigious Andrew Letten Gold Medal which is the highest industry award for apprentices. “We also had a finalist last year – we’re committed to helping apprentices develop and making sure their start in the industry is a positive one.” David says the rise of cloud-based management software has been one of most important advancements he has seen throughout almost two decades in the industry. The business utilises a handful of systems including Groundplan, SimPRO and Xero. “They allow us to keep transparency with clients the whole way through, with access to things like GPS tracking and the ability to see exactly what we’re billing the client for to ensure it’s accurate. We can store notes and photos and we can show clients photos of similar jobs before we start work. “With our team always out on the road it just ensures we are always connected.” The David McCarthy Plumbing team includes full-time operations and client relationship managers who “handle 99 per cent of the day-today business.” Catherine works as the people development manager, including some HR and payroll responsibilities. Away from work, the couple’s hands are kept full with their two children, aged three and five. That’s why David says, with a laugh, that his eventual goal for the business is “to make ourselves redundant”. “Our plan is that one day the business will become self-sufficient and that we can mentor other people to manage the day-to-day operations. “We have sacrificed a lot to do what we do, and of course we enjoy it, but we know this goal is achievable and it gives us something to work towards.”
www.plumber.com.au | 31
Marsh Advantage Insurance Promotion
Easy insurance for hard working plumbers For every blocked drain, hot water system installation, burst pipe or other plumbing service, there is the behind the scenes office admin to match. Yet the vast majority of a plumber’s day is spent providing services to private customers or commercial builders. The office work may come second to the services provided, but it’s a necessity all plumbers have to fit into their week. There’s the quoting, invoicing and last-minute rush to find all your receipts for tax time; however, there is one office task that we hope won’t
eat too much into your out of work hours, and that’s insurance!
the opportunity to arrange trades public liability insurance online.
Who wants to be arranging insurance in their downtime when they could be catching up on their latest binge-watch, spending time with their family or their mates?
We can also provide you with a quote for your tools and equipment, personal accident, motor vehicle and any other insurance requirements.
That’s why the Trades team at Marsh have launched their new website, giving plumbers and tradies
Take a look at our quick guide, where we explain using real-world examples.
Insurance
Example*
Insurance explanation
Public Liability
Taylor did not properly crimp the pipe fitting, causing water damage to a client’s property. In this instance, if Taylor had arranged public liability insurance, he could have received a claim settlement for the damages made as a result.
Public liability insurance can provide you cover if a third party is injured or their property is damaged as a result of your work.
Tools & Equipment
Overnight Josh’s tools were stolen from his ute parked in his driveway with thieves tampering with his toolbox padlock to gain access. The total amount added up to nearly $8,000. Josh made sure to insure his tools back when he moved off his apprenticeship and now through his cover can claim for replacements of equal value.
Tools and equipment insurance can cover the replacement or repair of a tradie’s tools if they become damaged, lost or stolen.
Personal Accident
After 22 year’s working in the industry, Andy goes to lift a large box of tiles; however, his lower back seizes up in pain. Through rest and recovery, Andy will be able to get back to work, but this injury will leave him out of the job for a month. In this case, personal accident can cover Andy for part of his loss of income.
Personal accident insurance can provide specified compensation if a person suffers a serious injury or death as the result of an accident. It can also extend to cover sickness. It can also cover a person against loss of income and based on the cover purchased, can provide financial cover for bills and other expenses.
*These descriptions are a summary only and cover may vary based on the selected insurance policy. These claims scenarios are examples only. They are not a complete description of all the policy’s terms, conditions and exclusions which determine coverage for a claim. For full details of the terms, conditions and limitations of the covers, refer to the specific policy wordings and/or Product Disclosure Statements available from Marsh on request.
To arrange plumbers public liability insurance, visit www.marshplumbers.com.au or call 1300 300 511. Notice: Master Plumbers Insurance Brokers (Aust) (MPIB) is a trading name of Marsh Advantage Insurance Pty Ltd (ABN 31 081 358 303, AFSL 238 369). MPIB arranges the insurance and is not the insurer. This article contains general information, does not take into account your individual objectives, financial situation or needs and may not suit your personal circumstances. Any statements concerning actuarial, tax, accounting, or legal matters are based solely on our experience as insurance brokers and risk consultants and are not to be relied upon as actuarial, accounting, tax, or legal advice, for which you should consult your own professional advisors. When arranging Public Liability Insurance, Marsh act under binding authority on behalf of Pacific Underwriting Corporation Pty Ltd (ABN 77 091 225 535, AFSL 237 270), who act as agent of the insurer, Chubb Insurance Australia Limited (ABN 23 001 642 020, AFSL 239 687). For full details of the terms, conditions and limitations of the covers and before making any decision about whether to acquire the product, refer to the specific policy wordings and/or Product Disclosure Statements available from Marsh Advantage on request. The Master Plumbers and Mechanical Services Association of Australia (MPMSAA) receives a financial benefit when a policy is arranged by Marsh Advantage, enabling it to continue to provide further services to the plumbing industry. LCPA 20/130
32 | Australian Plumbing Industry Magazine | Winter 2020
Vital super dates Mark these important dates for super payments for 2020 End of Financial Year (EOFY). EOFY is one of the busiest times for businesses as they rush to get their financial affairs in order. And this year has been especially so as businesses and staff face challenging and uncertain times. With so much happening, we wanted to make sure you stay on top of your business super obligations with these important dates:
What is due?
When is it due?
Monthly Super Guarantee (SG) payments up until 30 June 2020
22 June 2020
Last day for businesses with 19 or fewer employees to become Single Touch Payroll (STP) compliant
30 June 2020
Your STP finalisation declaration, if you employ 20 or more people
14 July 2020
Your Payment Summary for any payments not made through STP Last date to make Super Guarantee (SG) payments for 19/20 financial year to avoid a SG charge*
28 July 2020
Your STP finalisation declaration, if you employ 19 or fewer people
31 July 2020
*The charge is made up of: SG shortfall amounts (including any choice liability calculated on your employee’s salary or wages), interest on those amounts (currently 10%) and an administration fee of $20 per employee, per quarter. For more information visit www.ato.gov.au
If you’re a Cbus employer who needs help with making a payment, please call us on 1300 361 784 between 8am and 8pm AEST. If your business has been financially impacted by the current events, please visit treasury.gov.au/coronavirus/businesses to find details of government support initiatives available for businesses. This information is about Cbus. It doesn’t take into account your specific needs, so you should look at your own financial position, objectives and requirements before making any financial decisions. Read the relevant Cbus Product Disclosure Statement and related documents to decide whether Cbus is right for you. Call 1300 361 784 or visit www.cbussuper.com.au for a copy. Cbus’ Trustee: United Super Pty Ltd ABN 46 006 261 623 AFSL 233792 Cbus ABN 75 493 363 262
Cbus is focused on the needs of our members and employers. We know that across the country people are feeling anxious, particularly when it comes to finances. We encourage you to visit cbussuper.com.au and search ‘COVID 19’ for regular updates and information.
With Cbus, you’re not alone Contact Daniel for your business super needs Daniel Tentser Business Development Manager, VIC 0439 372 365
daniel.tentser@cbussuper.com.au cbussuper.com.au
This information is about Cbus. It doesn’t take into account your specific needs, so you should look at your own financial position, objectives and requirements before making any financial decisions. Read the relevant Cbus Product Disclosure Statement and related documents to decide whether Cbus is right for you. Call 1300 361 784 or visit www.cbussuper.com.au for a copy.
Cbus’ Trustee: United Super Pty Ltd ABN 46 006 261 623 AFSL 233792 Cbus ABN 75 493 363 262
www.plumber.com.au | 33
Member news MPMSAA National Council and Board Norm Anderson
Grant Donald
Phillip Craig
Scott Dowsett
Peter Daly
Ken Gardner
As members would be aware, the Coronavirus crisis forced MPMSAA to postpone the Annual General Meeting. Usually, at this event, members are advised of the results of elections, provided the organisation’s Annual Report, presented with milestone certificates and hear the interesting stories behind their businesses. We plan to celebrate these member milestones later in the year and have sent a copy of the Annual Report to all members. This article updates members on the results of the 2020 elections, which are conducted by an independent Returning Officer.
Rob Hansen
David McCarthy
Greg Tink
Glenn Howard
Kevin Shinners
Michael Tomlinson
Peter Jensen
Daniel Smolenaars
Chris Unwin
34 | Australian Plumbing Industry Magazine | Winter 2020
To help members understand the governance structure of the Association an outline is provided below: National Council provides oversight of the Association’s policies, Rules and member conduct. National Councillors are elected for a two-year term from their member categories (B to F) by members of the Association in that category. Half of National Council is up for election each year. Executive Board has broad powers to set the direction and provide oversight of the operations and governance of the Association. This is then implemented and managed by the Chief Executive Officer. Executive Board members are drawn from and elected by National Council. They serve a
two-year term, with half of the Executive Board up for election each year. The office bearers of the Association comprise the President, two Vice-Presidents and a Treasurer elected by the incoming Board annually. The Association Secretary is elected by National Council and serves a four-year term. We are pleased to present the Association’s recent National Council, Board and Office Bearers for 2020-21 (in alphabetical order): Norm Anderson: Vice-President*, Executive Board, National Councillor Phillip Craig: National Councillor* Peter Daly: Secretary*, CEO, Executive Board (non-voting), National Council (non-voting) Grant Donald: Treasurer*, Executive Board, National Councillor Scott Dowsett: President*, Executive Board, National Councillor Ken Gardner: Executive Board (non-voting) Rob Hansen: Executive Board*, National Councillor* Glenn Howard: National Councillor* Peter Jensen: National Councillor David McCarthy: National Councillor* Kevin Shinners: Vice-President*, Executive Board, National Councillor Daniel Smolenaars: Executive Board*, National Councillor* Greg Tink: Executive Board*, National Councillor* Michael Tomlinson: Executive Board*, National Councillor* Chris Unwin: National Councillor * indicates elected in 2020
• • • • • • •
www.plumber.com.au | 35
Member news Vale Alan Cassels 02/06/1938 – 20/03/2020 Master Plumbers was saddened by the news of the passing of Life Member, Alan Cassells. Beginning his plumbing journey as an apprentice in 1954, Alan enjoyed a successful and respected career in plumbing in the Victorian town of Ballarat. Alan started his own business in 1962 and joined the Master Plumbers shortly after. He has been a strong and active member in many areas of the Association; he was Ballarat Zone President, an Executive Committee Member, representative on the Health Department Plumbing Registration Board and Member of the Committee
of Management, before earning Life Membership in 1993. A.H. Cassells was the first plumbing company in Ballarat to provide drain cleaning services after he acquired a new electric drain cleaning unit that was imported from America. Alan’s business continued to grow over the years as he chose to focus the business around commercial and industrial contracts under the new entity of Alan Cassells Plumbing Pty Ltd. A business that continues today. Alan is survived by his son Dave.
Gas heater safety webinar series The Victorian Building Authority, Energy Safe Victoria and Master Plumbers kicked off their series of free Gas Heater Safety Webinars in May to a huge online audience. With Victorians spending most of their time at home due to coronavirus restrictions, and as we head into winter, it’s more important than ever to minimise the risks of carbon monoxide poisoning in the home. Hosted by experts from each organisation, these webinars will provide Victorian registered or licensed Gasfitters and Type A Servicing gasfitters with all the latest information on carbon monoxide testing and the safe operation of gas appliances. The webinars will also cover responsibilities and legislative requirements.
36 | Australian Plumbing Industry Magazine | Winter 2020
The webinar series runs until June 24 and consists of a 30-minute presentation from Master Plumbers General Manager of Training and Development, Brendan Gould on Gas Heater Safety and is followed by a Q&A session with representatives from Master Plumbers, ESV and the VBA. These webinars provide the expert advice needed for keeping the Victorian community safe this winter. For more information visit esv.vic.gov.au/news/2020gas-heater-safety-webinars/
Level Playing Field Promotion
Debt recovery using the Security of Payments Act This article uses a real-life case study to demonstrate how to recover debts due under a construction contract in a fast and cost effective process. What is Security of Payments Act (SOPA) The Building and Construction Industry Security of Payment Act 2002 (known as SOPA) aims to ensure security of payment for those undertaking construction work. It is designed to provide a fast and inexpensive process to recover payments due under a construction contract.
Case study: Plumber owed money Major leak
Head Contractor’s claim
A plumbing subcontractor (the Plumber) completed work on a large commercial project. The rough in had been completed. The plastering, painting, and substantial part of the internal fitout had been completed.
The Head Contractor claimed under its insurance policy and rectified the damage caused to the project.
Over the weekend, water leaked from internal plumbing pipes and caused significant damage to the project. Over $5mil of damage was caused before the leak was stopped. The head contractor alleged that the leak was caused by a faulty valve.
The insurance company rejected some of the costs in the Head Contractor’s claim (such as management costs) and increased the Head Contractor’s insurance premium. To recover these costs, the Head Contractor withheld progress claims and retention money from the Plumber. The Plumber’s insurance would not assist in debt recovery.
However, most significantly, the Adjudicator found that: the resulting damage and the associated costs were found to be “Excluded Amounts” and therefore, under the Security of Payment legislation, the Adjudicator could not take into account these backcharges.
The insurance assessor for the head contractor investigated the leak and determined that the water leaked from a crimped joint. However, it was unclear if the leak was caused by:
Adjudication
Tips from the case study
Level Playing Field assisted the Subcontractor in applying for adjudication of their payment claim under SOPA.
1 Damage to the crimped copper joint; or
Neither party could prove the reason for the malfunctioning connection.
The Subcontractor was awarded the amount owed. The retention clause in the contract was deemed void as it was dependent on the Head Contractor’s performance under the Head Contract. The Plumber recovered retention early.
1 Most insurance policies will not assist in recovering debt. However, most policies will cover you for loss resulting from property damage. Use Security of Payments to recover debt first. Your insurance is likely to assist if you are subsequently sued.
The Plumber had undertaken pressure testing after installing the plumbing fittings.
The Adjudicator found that the Head Contractor failed to prove that the Subcontractor caused the leak.
2 Defective crimped copper joint; or 3 Defective installation.
Who are we – Level Playing Field Lawyers
2 Some retention clauses are void. Seek legal advice if you are considering recovering retention early. 3 The form of the payment claim is extremely important. Seek legal advice BEFORE issuing a payment claim that is likely to be disputed! The fee to have a payment claim reviewed is a small price to avoid complex litigation.
We specialise in advice to the construction industry in Victoria. We can help you:
Visit our website levelplayingfield.com.au/#contact for more information.
1 2 3 4
For advice on the Security of Payment Act, email: admin@levelplayingfield.com.au or call us on (03) 9041 4674.
Review Payment Claims; Assess your claim; Prepare your Adjudication Application; Recover adjudicated amounts from the Respondent.
www.plumber.com.au | 37
Product news Polymaster underground water tanks When space is limited, an underground tank can be placed under driveways or lawns. Available in 3300ltr and 5000ltr these tanks can be joined together to create more capacity. They have the smallest footprint in the industry and give you maximum capacity for the minimum square meterage. The tanks are fully tested and designed to withstand ground and water pressure at depth, engineered by geotechnical experts including finite element analysis (FEA) and come with a comprehensive installation guide is available to ensure a smooth installation. For more information, visit www.polymaster.com.au or call 1800 062 064.
38 | Australian Plumbing Industry Magazine | Winter 2020
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IAPMO proudly supporting the plumbing industry IAPMO are supporting the Testing and Certification needs of your essential business. The plumbing industry is critical to the health and safety of the nation. We are proud to do our part to ensure codes and standards product compliance. We will get through this. For more information, visit www.iapmo.org or phone (03) 8684 9580.
Aussie Pumps Councils and water authorities across the country are warning of major issues with non-flushables being used as a result of toilet paper shortages. Sydney Water have reported a 22% increase in blockages caused by these non-dissolving items.
With the Federal Government’s extended 100% instant asset write-off, a plumber can then also claim back up to 49% of the price of a jetter. For more information visit aussiepumps.com.au or phone (02) 8865 3500.
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• Interchangeable heads to meet the demands of the job.
• Zinc plated steel tubing to resist corrosion.
• Storage bag for clean transportation.
• Heavy-duty Tri-Wrap cable for optimum strength.
• Optional drill attachment to power through toilet obstructions.
For more information visit, www.ridgid.com.au or phone 1800 743 443.
• Quick lock adjustment to extend the cable 6’ and clear beyond the toilet.
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