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Contents
More Australians consider solar PV as an energy yield option
8
28
Features
Regulars
12 Beware the pipe
22 Snapshot around the nation
Give UPVC room to move
26 Incolink
14 Essential standards
34 Marsh Insurance
15/306 Albert Street Brunswick VIC 3056 australianplumbingindustry.com.au
Stay up to date with AS/NZS3500
36 Member news
Subscription changes
16 Get safe and smart
38 Product news
COVID-safe technology for the construction industry
18 Rise and fall After a small decline in revenue there will be growth
32 Happiness is HR No two days are ever the same for HR Officer Lorena Kollar
Australian Plumbing Industry magazine
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Find out about Brian Curran’s unique working environment in Australia’s top end
See page 20
It is vital governments across the nation ensure the pipeline of construction and the investment in residential housing is strong to enable the COVID-19 recovery. So what role can the plumbing industry, as part of the broader construction industry, play in Australia’s economic recovery? Full story, page 8.
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 | Summer 2020
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Contacts Publisher The Master Plumbers and Mechanical Services Association of Australia (MPMSAA) E australianplumbing@plumber.com.au
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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
Our COVID portal has clear, up to date and accurate information for members
Welcome
from the President and CEO
If only we had known at the time what 2020 had in store for us. This time last year, the cover of
Plumbers has been extremely busy
employer remained engaged with
the December 2019 API magazine
supporting and advising members
us. In this regard, we are delighted
featured a headline “see the future
during this very difficult period,
to announce that apprentices and
of plumbing.” If only we had known
while actively advocating and
plumbing businesses in Queensland
at the time what 2020 had in store
representing not only the interests
are now able to access Master
for us.
of our members but the industry
Plumbers Group Training in a new
We started the year with devastating
as a whole to government.
partnership with Master Plumbers
bushfires that consumed a large part
The investment and implementation
Queensland. Following news
of eastern Victoria. By 27 February,
the association has strategically
when the last fires in Victoria were
rolled out over the past few years
declared contained, 1.5 million
building a new digital platform has
hectares were burnt, nearly 400
allowed us to capitalise on the
homes lost, and five people killed.
benefits of online forums and
Across the country the fire season
channels.
claimed 19 million hectares, 3,500 homes and 34 lives.
Our COVID portal has provided members with clear, up to date and
That was just the start.
accurate information in an ever-
We had a scarce few weeks’ reprieve
changing regulatory environment
before COVID-19 started stalking
where uncertainty was common.
our society and economy. So far in
Across the year, we stepped up to
2020, Victoria alone has experienced
new levels in our communications
more than 20,000 cases, 819 deaths
with members. We checked in by
and a yet-unknown impact that
phone or in person with nearly all
will continue to affect business
members at least once and our
productivity, jobs and livelihoods
online channels also ramped up
well into next year. But as we write
with 130,000 emails sent, 216,000
this column, Victoria is approaching
website visits and a combined
four weeks without a new case
social media audience of more
or fatality.
than 12,000.
Across Australia, states and territories
More broadly, we have been
are continuing to be on high alert
safeguarding the future plumbing
as it is all too easy for community
workforce, managing to keep
transition to create the next
training apprentices throughout,
lockdown as we have seen in South
with only a short disruption at the
Australia. Still, we are all looking
peak of the crisis. We also kept our
forward to recovery while we await the release of a vaccine. Throughout the year, Master
released earlier this year that All Trades Queensland Pty Ltd had been placed in Administration, Master Plumbers formed Plumbing Apprentices Queensland, a joint venture to save as many Queensland plumbing apprentice jobs and livelihoods as possible. This strengthens the long-standing relationship between Master Plumbers and Mechanical Services Association of Australia and Master Plumbers Association of Queensland, which represents the largest associations of plumbing employers in Australia. As we approach the end of a year like no other we have seen, we wish members and their families a safe and enjoyable break over Christmas and New Year. Here’s hoping that 2021 will be a year that builds on all the wonderful efforts, improvements and resilience we have developed over the year past, with none of the trauma. Scott Dowsett
group training apprentices in work
President, Master Plumbers
wherever possible and made sure
Peter Daly
those who did not have a host
CEO, Master Plumbers www.plumber.com.au | 7
It is vital governments across the nation ensure the pipeline of construction and the investment in residential housing is strong to enable the COVID-19 recovery. Kathryn Kernohan reports.
8 | Australian Plumbing Industry Magazine | Summer 2020
The sudden and devastating impact of the COVID-19 pandemic impacted all facets of our lives – and work – in early 2020.
“Construction is key to navigating Australia out of the pandemic while maintaining jobs and economic growth,” she says.
Overnight, entire industries such as retail and hospitality were forced to shut down or pivot their services to stay viable.
“The COVID-19 pandemic has brought about a worldwide recession, which is shaping a new economic landscape. We need to ensure a pipeline of opportunities is continually coming through to support employers, employees and apprentices.”
These changes were also deeply felt by the construction industry, Australia’s third largest industry (behind mining and finance) which produces $360 billion in revenue each year. The plumbing industry, which IBISWorld estimates will generate an annual $17.3 billion over coming years, plays a critical role in the sector. Although essential work and repairs continued in a COVID-safe way, many other projects slowed or stopped. And while the full economic toll of the pandemic remains to be seen, the Lowy Institute estimates that Australia’s post-pandemic output loss, compared to prior outlooks, will exceed $160 billion. So what role can the plumbing industry, as part of the broader construction industry, play in Australia’s economic recovery from COVID-19? “We (Australia) will be building ourselves out of this pandemic for many years to come,” Master Plumbers’ and Mechanical Services Association of Australia CEO Peter Daly asserts. “Both State and Federal Governments have committed large budgets to infrastructure projects that will provide much needed jobs to help us navigate the initial stages of our recovery. Although COVID has wreaked havoc for the majority of 2020, it has also forced our hand to consider fast-tracking many things that may otherwise be slated for years down the track. “I think it’s a golden opportunity to invest heavily in the country’s future by implementing sustainable building solutions and renewable energy options that the plumbing industry is able to deliver.” Master Plumbers’ Association of Queensland’s Executive Director Penny Cornah concurs.
Infrastructure Australia CEO Romilly Madew agrees. “Maintaining a pipeline of nationally-significant infrastructure investments is a critical priority for Australia’s economic recovery and for managing the wider impacts of COVID-19. In our survey of industry leaders before the 2020-21 Federal Budget, twothirds of respondents indicated that the pace of governmentfunded infrastructure projects coming to market was too slow,” she says. “With a new wave of investment in the infrastructure sector set to drive the nation’s economic recovery, including a major focus on smaller, local and regional projects, the plumbing industry stands to play a strong role in supporting the recovery of communities all around the country.” The importance of the construction industry driving economic recovery and job growth has been highlighted by Prime Minister Scott Morrison, who in June announced the $688 million HomeBuilder scheme to offer cash grants of up to $25,000 to people building or renovating homes. “Our JobMaker program is backing a tradie-led recovery to help spark the economy as Australia emerges from the effects of COVID-19,” said the Prime Minister at the time. “This investment isn’t just about helping Australians bring their dream home to life, it’s about creating jobs and helping support the more than one million workers in the sector including builders, painters, plumbers and electricians across the country.”
It is estimated the scheme will help to support the 140,000 direct jobs and another 1,000,000 related jobs in the residential construction sector. Other state Governments have announced their own initiatives, such as Victoria fast-tracking priority projects, the South Australian Government offering incentives for new home builders and Western Australia expediting $140 million of transport, road and maritime projects. Infrastructure Australia has also published its Infrastructure Priority List, which includes 28 projects ready for investment and 131 proposals that it recommends should be developed further to address an identified infrastructure gap. With a total of 155 proposals It’s a golden listed, the Priority opportunity to List outlines a invest heavily in nationally the country’s future significant investment by implementing pipeline worth sustainable building $64 billion. solutions and
renewable energy Melbournebased plumbing options that the firm Cooke & plumbing industry Dowsett works is able to deliver on major projects across Australia and New Zealand. Its current projects include the redevelopment of Melbourne’s State Netball and Hockey Centre, the redevelopment of Lavington Sportsground near Albury and The Hobart Clinic treatment centre. “The pandemic has impacted our ability to maintain our workforce, effectively resource projects and maintain productivity. For the first time in 30 years we have had to let some of our long-serving talent go to ensure that our future is secured,” General Manager Matthew Quick says. Another significant challenge experienced by many businesses throughout 2020 has been the differing restrictions enforced by each State Government. “[This means] we’ve had to manage www.plumber.com.au | 9
our workforce on a week-by-week basis, relying on our builders to communicate resourcing restrictions and project delivery expectations in line with individual workplace COVID-19 Safety Plans, frequently changing with just a few days’ notice.” Penny Cornah says a survey of Master Plumbers Association of Queensland members, published in June, found that key challenges identified throughout the pandemic included a lack of appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), cash flow and not enough work. Almost 50 per cent of respondents had successfully enrolled in the Federal Government’s JobKeeper scheme. However, as can be the case in a crisis, some silver linings have emerged through the adversity. For Cooke & Dowsett, it’s becoming more agile in working habits. “We’re adopting and training technology like never before and while we’ve always promoted a work/life balance that is now taking on new meaning. A number of our support staff are working from home and where we once picked 10 | Australian Plumbing Industry Magazine | Summer 2020
up the phone, we’ve become adept at video technology and working in the cloud, ” says Matthew Quick. The business has also been using contact tracing app 1Breadcrumb on project sites and in its state offices, which allows it to conduct business within Government regulations but also broaden communication and promote its strong safety culture. Lorena Kollar, HR Officer at Melbourne-based Chadoak, says the company is working hard “to keep the business strong, to continue to win jobs.” Chadoak works with the Victorian Government’s major Metro Tunnel project, meaning it hasn’t been impacted as much as some other businesses. “We will come together as a company to comply with the new ‘COVID norm’ when it arrives. As for the future, I don’t think it will ever be the same again but we will get through it together,” she says. (Learn more about Lorena in her profile on page 32). MPAQ’s Penny Cornah is adamant of plumbing’s place in the postCOVID world.
“Plumbers play a vital role in maintaining and protecting the health and safety of the community through the provision of clean drinking water and the appropriate management of waste. The plumbing industry makes an extraordinary contribution to human health, the environment and prosperity; however, it is minimally recognised,” she says. “We are a resilient industry and we will overcome the challenges thrown our way.”
Where to from here Infrastructure Australia has outlined a staged recovery response to COVID-19, involving the following steps:
1
Protect the current pipeline of projects
2
Mobilise new projects while the COVID-19 risk is managed
3
Accelerate efforts that mobilise projects, boost productivity and increase labour participation
4
Reform to address industry capacity and accelerate infrastructure delivery
PICAC Course Guide 2021 Out now! Go to www.picac.edu.au to download Explore your options for industry-leading post-apprenticeship training
Beware the pipe Give UPVC room to move or face the consequences, Aaron Bridger, Master Plumbers Technical Adviser, writes. When installing above-ground PVC and polyethylene sanitary pipework, plumbers need to make allowance for the potential pipe expansion and/ or contraction. A six-metre length of 100mm UPVC pipe can increase in length by 20mm when exposed to outside temperatures of 50°C or more. The stress caused between two fixed points can lead to failure of the integrity of the pipework, eventuating in costly damages.
Higher temperature products cause greater expansion, requiring a more frequent allowance for expansion. The temperature range is categorised below.
Whilst UPVC has been around for a considerable time, many of the requirements for installing this lightweight pipe seem to have been forgotten, particularly when it is exposed to extremes of temperature from both internal liquids and outside temperatures.
Cold pipeline: up to 60 degrees. Given that this increase in temperature can impact on the amount of expansion that is required, provisions for thermal expansion are required in the following areas.
The spacing and types of supports used for UPVC installations and even the colour they are painted can have an effect, ranging from the aesthetics of a painted UPVC downpipe where the expansion through the clip head exposes an unpainted surface, through to suspended sanitary drainage systems failing because of cracked pipework or fittings resulting in thousands of dollars in damages. UPVC must be able to move. This movement can increase due to the temperature of the water within it or a temperature difference caused by environmental conditions. Here are some installation requirements to remember.
Hot and cold pipelines Something you need to consider in the provision for expansion is the temperature of the pipe contents. The temperature of the products running through the pipe have a significant effect on the UPVC. 12 | Australian Plumbing Industry Magazine | Summer 2020
Hot pipeline: 60 degrees and above. These include sanitary drains connected to dishwashers, washing machines, boiling water units, etc and include pipe work which might be located outside of buildings in direct sunlight.
At spacings no greater than 6m for cold pipelines or 4m for hot pipelines and between two fixed points if: • The pipe length exceeds 2m for cold pipelines • The pipe length exceeds 1m for hot pipelines Note: a fixed point is defined as a point at which the axial movement of the pipe or fitting is restrained: a At the fixed (clipped) part of an expansion joint fitting, b At junctions and bends except where alternative provision for expansion is made c At connections to fixtures (except where movement is accommodated at a trap) and drains (except where movement is possible at the drain connection) The requirements for expansion are usually met using expansion joints. There are other ways of meeting the requirements to allow for thermal expansion in PVC pipelines, which allow the expansion joint to be omitted, such as:
1 Plastic trap installation A plastic trap installed in line with the pipeline, allows for the expansion joint to be omitted, where it would otherwise be required. 2 Movement through penetration Where the pipeline passes through a weatherproof roof penetration. The expansion joint may be omitted, if the pipeline has free movement through the flashing and roof, eg: upstand and weathering collar or Dektite. 3 Sleeve into drainage trap If a sleeve is provided into a drainage trap, allowing for free movement of the pipeline. For example, when running a discharge into frog mouth, if the discharge pipe is sleeved through the mortar, this allows for pipeline movement. 4 Deflection of pipe At a junction or bend in a graded pipeline where the thermal movement is accommodated by the deflection in the offset leg, ensuring it does not affect the grade of the pipeline. This can be achieved by meeting the distances set out in the in the table below. Alternative expansion provision
Nominal size of pipe, mm
32, 40, 50
65, 80, 100
150
Maximum length of pipe, m
Minimum length of offset leg, m
2.0
0.5
3.0
0.6
4.0
0.8
6.0
1.0
2.0
0.75
3.0
1.0
4.0
1.1
6.0
1.2
2.0
1.0
3.0
1.1
4.0
1.2
6.0
1.2
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www.plumber.com.au | 13
Know your essential standards Beware, the review of AS/NZS3500 series has thrown out some important changes. Stay up to date, particularly if you use hard-copy versions. all volumes and additionally a number of good references specifically for backflow and access requirements for assisted facilities.
Earlier this year a public comment phase of review of the complete series of AS/NZS3500 standards was undertaken. Stakeholders were invited to provide comment on a number of proposed changes to the group of standards that most plumbers refer to on a daily basis.
The current review has proposed that some of the content within the 3500 series be removed and placed on the ABCB website, this has been limited to informative information such as cross-connection definitions, etc. It is a good reference to have within the standard. More a case of relocation rather than removal.
Recent proposed changes to our plumbing and sanitary standards will require plumbers to have an additional reference, that of the Plumbing Code of Australia or National Construction Code (NCC) Volume 3 as information that currently sits within the 3500 series is removed. With many opting for online versions of all the required standards this may not seem too much of an issue. But for those that rely on “marked up” hard copies it is more of a concern. For the later, access to the NCC is free, simply register and you are able to access
Another change is a requirement that any sanitary drainage branches of 100mm be inclined a minimum of 15° to a branch connection (see Figure 1). This removes the current ability to have these installed “on grade” (Figure 2). The reason for this change is industry feedback that there is a certain amount of flow back up into the branch when laid on grade.
This will obviously have an impact on many sub-floor installations particularly those with limited space. A full range of the proposed changes is listed on the ABCB website, we are expecting results from the public comment phase to be released shortly.
Figure 1: branch at 15° (note extra height required)
Figure 2: branch on grade
New LPG cylinder/appliance connectors on their way Earlier this month the Gas Technical Regulators Committee (GTRC) released a transition timeline for implementation of the new LCC27 connectors, which will be limited to portable LPG cylinders of a nominal size of 10kg.
The new Type 27 valve will have a number of safety features to that of the existing Type 21 POL connection and will involve a transition period due to the number of existing cylinders and appliances already in the field.
Type 21 Pol connector
Type 27 connector
Transitional dates for the manufacture of cylinders and appliance Connection location
Connection type
Up to 31 Mar 2021
1 Apr 2021 to 30 Sep 2021
1 Oct 2021 to 31 Mar 2022
From 1 Apr 2022
Cylinder outlet
Type 21
Permitted
Permitted
Not Permitted
Not Permitted
LCC27
Not Permitted
Permitted
Permitted
Permitted
Type 21
Permitted
Permitted
Permitted
Not Permitted
LCC27
Not Permitted
Not Permitted
Permitted
Permitted
Appliance connector
Note: Existing appliances and cylinders before their expiry date can continue to be used normally. Transitional requirements apply to new cylinders and cylinders that are retested as part of the cylinder test date inspection. The requirements will apply to new gas appliances that are manufactured after the transition date. Pigtails as referenced in AS/NZS5601.1 for new general gas installations and in AS/NZS5601.2 for new gas installations in caravans and boats may be supplied with either type 21 or LCC27 connections depending on cylinder water capacity as detailed above, however Type 21 connections with elastomer seals are not permitted
14 | Australian Plumbing Industry Magazine | Summer 2020
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Get safe and smart Kate Jones takes a look at how COVID-safe technology could enhance the construction industry. COVID-19 has presented many challenges to the plumbing sector and none more so than the uncertainty of what lies ahead. What is certain is that it is up to businesses to take control of their health and safety strategies. Technology is part of the solution for many plumbing companies and operators. Apps, wearable sensors and smart devices are helping on a range of fronts, including contacttracing and monitoring the early symptoms of coronavirus. These technologies are delivering real-time data employers can use to keep their sites safe and their workers healthy.
main aim of the six-month study will be collecting accurate information from the sensors. “One of the things about bodytemperature testing is its very unreliable. “We intuitively understand that skin temperature varies and body temperature fluctuates a bit, so there’s the need to come up with something accurate, safe of course, and comfortable and non-invasive.”
In November, Deakin University and industry redundancy fund Incolink started trialing a variety of wearable sensors to measure body temperature.
As part of the trial, 50 workers at a major Melbourne construction site are using different devices equipped with sensors including hardhats, clip-on ear pieces, underarm monitors, body vests and rings. Body temperature information gets fed into a dashboard that alerts the user to any high temperatures that could be symptomatic of coronavirus.
Tony Arnel, Deputy Chair of Deakin’s School of Engineering, says the
“So when a worker shows signs their body temperature is high and shows
16 | Australian Plumbing Industry Magazine | Summer 2020
signs of fever, the Health and Safety Officer on site will know (for instance) Joe on level 12 has a high body temperature and Joe can come down to the sick bay for testing,” Arnel says. “People can become symptomatic within 48 hours, so if you get it early people can get into further testing and be isolated more quickly than would have otherwise been the case. “So this is effectively an earlywarning system.” While he stresses it’s not a silver bullet, Arnel believes wearable technology will help the building sector find a way through the coronavirus crisis and other similar health issues in the future. Chadd Cooke, Director of commercial firm Cooke & Dowsett, is hoping contact-tracing app 1Breadcrumb will do the same.
Technology is part of the solution for many plumbing companies and operators
Apps, wearable sensors and smart devices are helping on a range of fronts, including contact-tracing and monitoring the early symptoms of coronavirus
Chadd Cooke
Mark Pesce
Used on smart devices, the app allows employers to monitor maximum site numbers through an online check-in system. “The whole idea with the app is that there’s nothing manual, it’s all contactless,” says Cooke. “People walk into our office and there’s a QR scanner on the wall and they just pull their phone out, take a photo and answer the required questions around COVID. If any of those questions are answered to say they’ve been in contact with someone who has COVID, it will trigger an email within the app and we basically don’t let them in.” Beyond the scope of COVID, Cooke & Dowsett are also using 1Breadcrumb to log safety incidents, store documents such as licenses, and arrange live toolbox meetings and daily video briefings. “It’s basically just part of the toolkit now,” Cooke says. International construction companies are turning to similar
Tony Arnel
technologies to keep their sites operating and protect their workers. In the UK, scientists at the University of Manchester are collaborating with the textile industry to investigate high-tech clothing and personal protective equipment (PPE) with in-built devices including remote diagnosis and contact tracing capabilities. And in the US, private companies are developing commercial products such as apps to pre-screen workers before they come to work, and armbands to monitor body temperature and alert users when they are coming in close contact with each other. These technologies are more important than ever, particularly in the plumbing sector where social distancing is almost impossible to practice on some sites. Futurist Mark Pesce hopes new innovations will enable closecontact work, especially apprenticeships, to continue. “Unless we’re going to put
apprenticeships on hold, and governments have made it very clear they don’t want to do that, we’re going to have to have a really good safe way for people to work together while they’re being apprenticed,” he says. “Hands-on learning is strictly, for a lot of people – not everyone, the best way of learning. We need as much support for that as possible and we need it to be seamless, and this is where people are looking to technology.” Although technology is promising, Pesce says it remains to be seen if it could be readily available and affordable for small businesses. Whether it’s one type of technology or a combination of multiple types, the good news is technology in this space is rapidly emerging. Businesses looking to avoid the time-consuming task of manual contact tracing and proactively keep their workers safe have a number of options open to them. www.plumber.com.au | 17
There is a lot of doom around the economic impacts of COVID-19. The facts show there will be a small decline in revenue in the plumbing industry to 2025 and there will be growth. Kathryn Kernohan investigates.
The COVID-19 pandemic and deteriorating demand for household maintenance and repair will see a 4 per cent decline in revenue for the plumbing industry Australia-wide, according to IBISWorld’s latest report.
“Like all industries, we have been impacted by COVID-19 and this report outlines a range of additional factors that have led to subdued revenue growth over the past five years.
IBISWorld constantly monitor the industry impacts of current events in real-time and have released the Plumbing Services in Australia report. The report said the decline is also due to the downward trend in non-building infrastructure projects.
“However, the plumbing services industry is essential and resilient, and we know that we will bounce back strongly with an expected improvement in household disposable income over the next five years and continued growth in the building construction market.”
Together, these factors mean that overall industry revenue is forecast to decline slightly, at an annualised 0.2% to $17.3 billion, over the five years to 2025. These predictions are aligned with a mid-year snapshot published by the Australian Bureau of Statistics, which found that 81,700 jobs in the construction sector had been lost between March and July. More than 50,000 of these were in Victoria and New South Wales. “The plumbing services industry plays a crucial role in the Australian economy, and employs more than 65,000 people,” says Master Plumbers CEO Peter Daly. 18 | Australian Plumbing Industry Magazine | Summer 2020
The report outlines key external drivers that have contributed to recent downward trends, including significant competition for contracts in the single-unit housing construction market. Additionally, a decline in non-essential household spending has weakened demand for maintenance and repair services as well as the purchase of fixtures and appliances such as ovens, gas central heating systems, hot water systems and bathroom fittings. It also explores the current and expected impact of COVID-19 on the industry, including a projected slump of investment in housing
and non-residential building construction, which is forecast to reduce demand for plumbing installation work during 2020-21. Approximately half of the industry’s revenue is derived from installing plumbing fixtures and fittings in new housing and non-residential buildings and as the report outlines, the pandemic is expected to discourage foreign investment in new projects and may diminish the capacity of local investors. New residential building activity such as the installation of plumbing fixtures (bathtubs, showers and toilets) and drainage and the installation of appliances (hot water systems, dishwashers, gas heaters and ovens) has always been the primary source of demand for plumbing services. The report warns that this reduced demand could lead to job losses and the closure of some firms. In more positive news, there is a projected increased demand in the non-residential building construction sector, in line with records levels of industry activity over recent years.
Plumbing services industry in Australia by numbers:
$17.5bn
$1.7bn
27,300
65,300
revenue generated by the plumbing services industry
profit generated by the industry in the current year
number of plumbing businesses in Australia
number of people employed by the plumbing services industry in Australia
IBISWorld identifies five key factors for success in the plumbing services industry: 1 Ability to quickly adopt new technology 2 Having a good reputation 3 Ability to compete on tender
Investment into new commercial and institutional buildings – like offices, retail stores, schools and hospitals – present continued opportunities for licensed plumbers to provide plumbing installation work. With major casino, hotel and office construction projects nearing completion across the country, the report finds this will generate opportunities for some of the larger plumbing contractors. The BCI Forecaster, a monthly indicator of construction contract values soon to hit the market, also paints a picture of cautious optimism. The snapshot finds a 26% increase in the value of projects in the October to December quarter, in comparison to the previous July to September quarter. This increase is attributed to the number of shovel-ready projects across the country, announced during the pandemic. IBISWorld’s report also highlights that many smaller plumbing firms have diversified their service
4 Ability to change what market the firm operates in 5 Ability to expand and curtail operations rapidly in line with market demands
offerings over recent years due to subdued demand in the residential construction, renovation and repair markets. This means some plumbers now offer specialised services like the installation of environmentally friendly solar hot water systems. “The plumbing services industry faces some challenges over the coming years as we grapple with the impact of COVID-19 and the subsequent decline in new residential building projects and expected tightening of profit margins across the board. IBISWorld points to difficult trading conditions for most plumbing contractors in the short and medium-term” says Mr Daly. “But there is reason for optimism. A projected increase in discretionary household spending over the next few years which may stimulate demand for plumbing renovation, maintenance and repair services on existing dwellings as well as Government investments into non-building infrastructure projects.”
Breaking down $17.5bn revenue:
29.8% water plumbing
23.1% sanitary plumbing
22.8% gas fitting
14.0% mechanical plumbing
10.3% drainage and roofing plumbing
www.plumber.com.au | 19
Plumbing preparedness Kate Jones meets Brian and Sarah Curran, Australia’s most remote plumbers, and finds out the challenges and rewards of their unique working environment. Brian Curran is possibly Australia’s most remote plumber. He covers jobs across more than one million square kilometres. Living in Tennant Creek in the Northern Territory with wife Sarah and their three young children, Curran works on far-flung cattle stations and for outback indigenous communities. Sometimes, he travels for two days just to get to a job. Once there, Brian or his employees can spend up to a month doing everything from ordinary plumbing work to odd jobs. “Because of the distance and the logistics of getting to some of the cattle stations, we’ve been asked if we know anyone to do this or that, and we just jump on and do it, and it could be building sheds or concreting,” he said 20 | Australian Plumbing Industry Magazine | Summer 2020
Brian, who runs Barkly Plumbing Services with Sarah, is now urgently looking for three more plumbers to come on board and join his team of 10. Having won some major contracts recently, their workload is increasing and the couple need more hands on deck. “With the contracts we’ve been winning lately, we need more people to do a really broad scope of work; town work and remote work,” Sarah said. “Sometimes our fellas are out for three to four weeks at a time and we cover Katherine to Alice Springs and WA to Queensland.” The work would not only suit anyone looking for a tree-change, but also those who are selfsufficient, relish a challenge and
have a spirit of adventure. For example, most customers needing overnight jobs offer meals and accommodation, but there are times when a spare bed just isn’t available. “If you’re on a cattle station the accommodation and meals are usually supplied, but sometimes we do have to swag it, so it does get a little rough and you might just have to sleep on the back of the truck,” Brian explained. Above all, applicants also need to be three or four steps ahead of the game in terms of preparedness. “The big thing here is you have to make lists so that you bring more stuff because you’re better off having more than having to come back for things,” he said.
Having won some major contracts recently, Brian and Sarah’s workload at Barkly Plumbing Services is increasing and the couple need more hands on deck. They are now urgently looking for three more plumbers to come on board. We cover Katherine to Alice Springs and WA to Queensland
“You could be 600kms away and there’s no point in ringing the office because I can’t help you when you’re out there.” The employees who work with the Currans are accustomed to the wide variety of jobs and some specialise in the long stints of work on outback cattle stations or remote communities. Sarah said new staff would be best to take on the diversity of work. “We’ve got longstanding staff and some of them have been through their apprenticeships and have stayed on with us,” she said. “The qualities of our staff are: they love the bush work they do, they just get in and get it done, and there’s not a lot of whinging, unless there’s no beer! “So we’re looking for someone who is keen to get in and do everything.” Solar technology installation is an increasingly busy work front for the Currans and their team.
With drought impacting many Northern Territory farmers, most are looking for ways to improve their solar pumping and sewerage systems. “We do a lot of solar boards, especially in the last year when we didn’t have any rain and there was a million head of cattle shipped out of the Barkly region,” Sarah said. “There were a lot of cattle properties who couldn’t actually water and feed their cattle. So this year they’re preparing themselves in case that happens again.” Cameron Horsey, plumbing trainer at Master Plumbers, met Brian at a medical gas course three years ago. Horsey has been so intrigued by the nature of Brian’s remote work, he hopes to one day visit Tennant Creek to work with the Currans. “It’s a completely different ball game up there,” he said.
“Plumbers need to think well ahead of what the job is and make sure they’ve got everything they need available because they can’t just go down the street for supplies. To be so organised in such a remote setting would be pretty challenging on a daily basis, let alone over a month. “That’s why I want to see how he does it because it would be incredible as a business to see how it operates.”
For more information about employment opportunities, please contact Barkly Plumbing Services at bcurran@barklyplumbing.com.au or call (08) 8962 2502. www.plumber.com.au | 21
Snapshot
from around the nation Australian news Mary pleads for plumbers to be sun smart Australian Plumbing recently received a humbling note from Mary the widow of a subscriber, wishing to cancel the magazine subscription for her husband, Eneas, who had recently passed Mary’s message away. Mary for other plumbers: wanted to share Be sun smart. a message with Skin cancer is a the readers to potentially lifeensure they threatening disease acted to avoid the same fate as her beloved husband. “Quite often when Eneas came home from work in summer he would be red raw from sunburn, he wore a floppy hat, bib and brace overalls and in summer, shorts and a short sleeved shirt underneath his overalls,” Mary shares. “He didn’t wear sunscreen as there wasn’t any around in those days… He started to get skin cancers by the age of 35. “Over the years he had many skin cancers removed, unfortunately, a tumour that we thought had been cut out years earlier had come back quite aggressively and he passed away just 13 days before his 80th birthday.” Mary’s message for other plumbers: Be sun smart.
22 | Australian Plumbing Industry Magazine | Summer 2020
Each time the skin is damaged by UV, the skin cells become less able to repair which increases the risk of skin cancer. Skin cancer is a potentially life-threatening disease. Cancer Council Australia’s Sun Protection Plan 1 Slip on sun protective clothing 2 Slop on SPF 30 or higher sunscreen. Apply liberally to clean, dry skin at least 20 minutes before you go outside. Reapply every two hours. 3 Slap on a hat. A broad-brimmed, legionnaire or bucket-style hat provides good protection for the face, nose, neck and ears. Baseball caps and visors do not. 4 Seek shade, especially in the middle of the day 5 Slide on some sunglasses. Choose closefitting, wrap-around sunglasses that meet the Australian Standard AS 1067. Incolink, in partnership with SkinPatrol, offer comprehensive on-site skin checks for its members.
Are you ready for a wage audit? The Australian Building and Construction Commission (ABCC) is auditing labour hire businesses to ensure they are paying their employees correctly. The audits started in December 2020 and will examine records from November 2020. There are three simple steps you can take now to prepare for the audits: 1 Make sure you are paying your employees correctly Check that you are paying your employees the right amount under the relevant agreement or award. Even if you are paying above award, you still need to pay all of the relevant allowances and entitlements. Don’t forget: the minimum pay rates in construction modern awards increased in November. 2 Make sure you are keeping all required records Records and pay slips must comply with the Fair Work Act and Fair Work Regulations. 3 Contact the ABCC for assistance For more information, visit www.abcc.gov.au/contact or call 1800 003 338
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
Master Plumbers Association of South Australia 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
Victorian news Understand water stagnation issues At a time when many buildings are not fully occupied due to COVID-19, the American Water Works Association (AWWA) and the International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials (IAPMO) have developed a guide to help building managers address water system stagnation. When water does not move through the system, water quality issues may arise causing potential health risks. The guide, Responding to Stagnation in Buildings with Reduced or No Water Use, provides a decisionmaking framework for building managers to design responses to building water system stagnation. Peter DeMarco, Executive Vice President of Advocacy and Research at the IAPMO Group, says: “As buildings reopen across the country, it will be critically important for building owners and facility managers to actively address water quality concerns in plumbing systems due to stagnation.” Download the guide, www.awwa.org/Portals/0/AWWA/ Government/ 20201001FrameworkforBuilding ManagersFINALDistCopy.pdf
Water Responding toBuildings with in n tio na ag St Water Use Reduced or No A Framework for
s Building Manager
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Dedicated to the
Yarra Valley Water’s map for plumbers PipeTracker, a new online asset map designed by Yarra Valley Water, will make it easier for plumbers to get the information they need about water and sewer assets when on the job. PipeTracker is mobile-friendly and has been designed to respond directly to the needs of plumbers, saving them time and eliminating the need for them to call Yarra Valley Water while on site. PipeTracker provides instant and more detailed information about Yarra Valley Water assets compared to the Dial Before You Dig national referral service, which is currently widely used. However, anyone planning to dig
should continue to use the Dial Before You Dig service to obtain information on other buried infrastructure. To access PipeTracker visit pipetracker.yvw.com.au
Connections project delivered The Connections Project – the largest irrigation modernisation project in Australian history – is now complete, delivering 429 gigalitres of annual water savings for environmental use and on farms in Northern Victoria. Funded by the Victorian and Australian Governments, the world-leading delivery system will support the sustainable future of productive agriculture in the Goulburn-Murray Irrigation District (GMID) for generations to come. The project also provides significant water savings through targeting systems losses, to meet Victoria’s obligations under the Murray Darling Basin Plan without removal of water entitlements from farmers. The water savings target of 429 gigalitres, set by the funding agreement has now been reached, although other minor work will continue on the ground to meet existing commitments and any rectification works.
®
t Resource
World’s Most Importan
www.plumber.com.au | 23
Snapshot
from around the nation Queensland news Impact of COVID-19 on QLD Plumbers Master Plumbers Association Queensland has collated a follow up survey to members to understand the impact of eased restrictions on the state in May/June. Key findings: Forward work Encouragingly, most responses indicated that ‘work has fallen’ decreased since April. Even more promising is the response that ‘work has increased’ jumped from 1.94% to 13.86%. Delays on work – construction cites or renovations While the increase in the number of respondents indicating that they have experienced delay shows that there was an impact on immediate work during the period of restriction, the overall decrease in the percentage of people experiencing delays currently or expecting delays is positive. Your employees These findings show that in general the workforce in Queensland is doing well with an increase in the percentage of companies whose number of employees has stayed the same and a decrease in the reports of a reduction of staff up to 30%. However, the small increase in businesses reporting a reduction of staff over 31% highlights that, unfortunately, some Queensland plumbing and gas businesses have been heavily impacted by COVID-19. If you would like to see a copy of the full report, call the MPAQ office on 07 3273 0800 or email info@mpaq.com.au 24 | Australian Plumbing Industry Magazine | Summer 2020
Scam warning: third-party payments Following a recent surge of reported cases, MPAQ wants to ensure members are on the lookout for possible scams targeting businesses. One of the most common scams we have seen recently is what’s known as the “third-party scam.” The third-party scam involves the fraudster contacting a business owner who’s offering a service – like a plumber – asking to add an additional cost onto the fee for the services and charge it to their credit card. In a recent example from a member, a fraudster (Mr A moving forward) contacted the business asking for a quote on a hot water install-site unseen. Mr A would only communicate over email because they indicated that they were hearing impaired. While an address was provided, Mr A stated that the plumber wouldn’t be able to see the property because they were going into surgery to have their hearing loss repaired. Once a price was provided, Mr A advised that the plumber could gain access to the property on the same day that movers would be there and the movers would hand over the keys to them. Mr A then requested that he pay the plumber an additional $2,000, which would then be given to the movers because the movers don’t accept credit card payments.
Where does the fraud take place? In most instances of a third-party scam, the credit card details that are provided are stolen or fraudulently obtained. Usually, once the payment clears and the payment is made to the third party, the fraudster is suddenly uncontactable. In some instances that they request a cash payment to the third party, there may in fact be a third party that comes to pick up the cash but the original contact will disappear. Overall, this means the business is out of pocket the cost of the hot water replacement, the $2,000 additional that was charged to the credit card, AND the $2,000 cash that was handed over to the third party. Add to this the cancelled job that may not be able to be replaced in the schedule, this can be a VERY expensive issue. Tips to help you safeguard your business Be alert to fraudulent payment activity: • Educate all front-line staff • Ensure employees are the only ones to have access to your payment terminals. • Always refund a transaction to the same card and change your refund password regularly. • Be cautious of customers who wish to correspond via email only • Never accept payments on behalf of third parties. • Trust your instinct – if you have concerns, contact your bank or terminal provider for guidance.
Unfortunately, some Queensland plumbing and gas businesses have been heavily impacted by COVID-19
Our evolving and dynamic workforce is the cornerstone that connects and maintains essential services and utilities in our homes
Tasmanian news Joint submission to the Tasmanian Government
Submission recommendations include:
The Master Plumbers Association of Tasmania (MPAT) and the National Electrical and Communications Association (NECA) have made a joint submission to the Tasmanian Government to inform the State’s Budget. “Our evolving and dynamic workforce is the cornerstone that connects and maintains essential services and utilities in our homes, businesses and infrastructure, encompassing plumbing, electrical and communications services”, MPAT executive officer Angela Bennett says.
• Introduce a ‘dollar-for-dollar’ grant scheme for households up to $3,000 to undertake electrical, plumbing and gas safety and efficiency upgrades to homes;
• Introduce a Tasmanian HomeBuilder package to encourage a stronger take-up and greater economic activity of smaller projects;
• Introduce a ‘dollar-for-dollar’ grant scheme for businesses up to $5,000 to undertake electrical, plumbing and gas safety and efficiency upgrades to commercial property;
• Unlock and fast-track a pipeline of major infrastructure ‘shovelready’ projects for medium to large businesses to stimulate the economy;
• Commit to a program of community capacity building within all Local Government Area (LGA). Principally, that local tradespeople are engaged to remediate, improve, and upgrade local buildings and assets;
• Outline additional funding arrangements for the CPD program; • Extend COVID-19 apprentice wage subsidies and new incentives; – the introduction of a wage subsidy for employers that employ mature age apprentices; – extend apprentice wage subsidies to large business; • Support pre-apprenticeship initiatives; and • Provide apprentice mentoring MPAT will advise members on the outcomes of discussions with the State Government soon.
Fast Facts
Water: global risks Climate change, which impacts through the water cycle, acts as a multiplier of the risks of water scarcity by increasing the variability and unpredictability of water resources (World Health Forum).
3 billion
2.2 billion
4.2 billion
people lack basic handwashing facilities
people do not have safely managed drinking water services
people do not have safely managed sanitation services
Source: United Nations
www.plumber.com.au | 25
What is good mental health? The World Health Organisation says good mental health is a state of wellbeing in which every individual acknowledges his or her own vulnerabilities and potential without the need to compare and/or judge them to other people’s standards. That they can cope with normal stresses of life because they attend to, and have strategies in place for their self-care and nurturing their relationships.
26 | Australian Plumbing Industry Magazine | Summer 2020
How can we support a good spectrum of mental health?
5 Give of yourself and feel gratitude for what you have.
The following are some tips to help maintain mental health:
6 Learn how to deal with stress through good self-care, playfulness and humour.
1 Be kind and compassionate to yourself; learn to trust your inner wisdom and not rely on others. 2 Value yourself; listen to your own needs, if you mean no, don’t say yes, and vice versa. 3 Take care of your physical health; eat and sleep well, exercise and find time to enjoy yourself. 4 Surround yourself with good people; healthy support equals better outcomes when a person is struggling. And, if possible, laugh more and access some hugs, because:
7 Allow some space for being quiet away from technology; learn to pause and reflect, and listen to what your body and mind are telling you. 8 Set realistic goals and standards, when you judge yourself, try not to do it to a standard of perfection, as this doesn’t exist. 9 Break up the monotony, do something different. 10 Avoid alcohol and other drugs, especially under stressful moments.
• Laughter releases stress hormones and strengthens the immune system.
11 Get help when you need it, seeking help when feeling vulnerable is a sign of strength not weakness.
• Hugging (where it is COVID safe) releases Oxytocin and Endorphins: ie, makes you feel good and it can also lower blood pressure, alleviate fears and anxiety and is a natural stress reliever.
If you want to discuss health and wellbeing you can contact the team at Incolink. Members can access 24x7 counselling on 1300 000 129. Employers can also ask us about Incolink Assist, a bespoke employee assistance program.
Solar energy’s bright future Innovative technologies and rising consumer backlash against utility bills are motivating more Australians to consider solar PV as an energy yield option.
Australia is already a world leader in rooftop solar. Two million of the country’s 13 million homes are fitted with panels. The technology is about to be even more popular with the International Energy Agency recently declaring it cheaper than power generated by new coal and gas developments. Plumbers can expect to install more solar systems into the future, traditionally they are hot-water systems. Photovoltaic panels are more cost effective than ever and challenging traditional gas and 28 | Australian Plumbing Industry Magazine | Summer 2020
electric hot-water systems for price and efficiency, Master Plumbers Chief Technical Advisor Gary Bath says. “I think the real push for PV and solar water heating was actually taking the edge off some of those energy bills and what was really attractive to most Australians was the ability to be nearly cost neutral in terms of putting energy back into the grid,” he says. Solar panels have become more efficient in recent years in tandem with a rise in manufacturer output resulting in price decreases. It all
adds up to somewhat of a no-brainer for households. However, with these changes has come a decrease in the feed-in tariffs, or money paid for excess energy pushed back into the grid. Tariffs vary from state to state. In Victoria, they range from 10.3 to 14 cents per kilowatt hour. Falling tariffs have influenced many consumers to opt for energy storage sources, such as batteries, so they can utilise their own excess energy gain instead of feeding it back into the grid.
Bath says this trend will lead to a rise in off-grid homes. “One of the biggest changes that consumers are faced with now is we’re heading into an area where we were so reliant on the energy grid, be it reticulated gas or reticulated electrical, so the next frontier is houses being completely self-sufficient,” Bath says. “So, you add a battery capacity or a storage capacity where that wasted energy that would ordinarily get pushed back into the grid goes into storage instead. “We’re not too far away from people being wholly independent from energy grids.” Norm Anderson’s plumbing company NSG Plumbing has been installing solar panels across commercial and residential sites for decades. Anderson, who is also the Vice-President of Master Plumbers, says the move to renewable energy is gathering speed and plumbers need to keep pace.
“We need to fast-track innovative technologies instead of making them so slow to get approved and then we’ve missed the boat. “We need to start thinking about this new space because plumbers are going to have to change or we’re going to get left behind. “We’re all changing so education and understanding these innovative technologies is key and it’s not only in plumbing, it’s probably in everything, even the way we do business today.” Government subsidies have long off-set the costs of solar thermal panel installation, but Anderson warns the rebates are largely for aging technologies that no longer represent good value for money. “They can’t give away the current rebates for thermal solar because it’s old technology and you’ve got to spend $10,000 to get $1000 back,” he said.
Solar Victoria currently provides a rebate of up to $1850 for solar “It’s brought about because of panel system installation. Eligible awareness of climate change,“ households can also claim a he says. “But COVID has also discount on the cost of a solar hot made people think water system a bit more and and a solar governments are Falling tariffs have battery. looking at stimulating influenced many The government the economy and consumers to opt creating jobs, and organisation is for energy storage many of them have also investing sources, such as to come from the $9 million into renewable sector. batteries, so they a subsidised workplace can utilise their own training scheme excess energy gain called The Solar instead of feeding it Homes Program. back into the grid It estimates the program will oversee the installation of 700,000 solar PV systems, 60,000 solar hot water systems and 10,000 solar batteries. Master Plumbers General Manager Training and Industry Development Brendan Gould says plumbing apprentices are trained to install solar thermal hot water systems, but the Solar Home Program would help them understand new technologies such as batteries and off-grid homes.
Consumer demands and expectations that Plumbers have the necessary skills and knowledge to meet their energy solutions is driving a new frontier of training and education. More than ever, the plumber is pivotal in providing solution-based advice and options to meet water heating needs using devices such as the AC.THOR power manager device. These technologies are running parallel with everyday consumer demand change towards a smarter energy platform for sustainability with services providing operating cost reduction as well as meeting a self-consumption trend on the back of recent environmental and global health events. “If we look at a solar hot water system that has its own closed system where it produces its own energy to operate and uses power to heat water and energy to run the system as well - that’s one of the areas we would be looking at for a potential increase in training opportunity in relation to these new technologies,” he says. Emerging technologies in the renewable energy sector are likely to keep both residential and commercial plumbers busy in the foreseeable future. Gould says the eco-innovations will keep the industry moving forward. So, use what you can create prior to resending back to a grid system to provide true self-consumption using the latest technologies creating energy yields for water heating needs. “Looking at the environment, plumbers play a really key role with what we do with water retention, waste water, reducing water usage and effectively how we use renewables to heat our water supply,” he says. “As an industry we’ve been quite fortunate to be at the pointy end of sustainable innovations and we’ve got a great deal to offer in the space for sure.” www.plumber.com.au | 29
How to tackle cyber threats
If it wasn’t already a high priority, cyber security has become even more important thanks to COVID-19, Kate Jones reports. With the bulk of Australia’s workforce now working from home, businesses are reaping the benefits of remote working but also finding their IT systems are more exposed to serious security threats. Household infrastructure isn’t designed to guard against cyber attacks, particularly when there are multiple people at home using numerous devices across the same network. This increased vulnerability means large and small plumbing businesses 30 | Australian Plumbing Industry Magazine | Summer 2020
are now turning to cyber security strategies to strengthen their data, their finances and ultimately, their livelihoods. In a PwC survey of more than 3000 technology and business executives, 96 per cent said they would adjust their cyber security strategy due to COVID-19 and half are more likely now to consider cyber security in every business decision. One strategy businesses can consider is the Australian Cyber Security Centre’s Essential Eight – a list of eight essential mitigation
steps businesses can adapt to stave off cyber security incidents. In a recent webinar, Peter Fraser, sales engineer at WatchGuard Technologies, outlined the risks presented by remote working and how the Essential Eight is designed to help. “The landscape has changed rapidly, so with COVID-19 and what that’s forced us to do from an IT perspective, your business operations have needed to change and adjust accordingly as we work from home,” he said. “We now have these landscapes where we talk about the attack surface and the attack surface has increased – we’ve got devices everywhere, we’ve got home
The Essential Eight, explained below, aims to prevent malware (malicious software), cyber security incidents and make it easier to recover data and system availability. 1 Application control This is basically keeping a closer eye on the apps running on your networks. Ensure only applications approved by a business or administrator are allowed to run.
2 Patch applications Update your software to prevent bugs in code, which can be manipulated to gain entry or deliver an attack to a network.
3 Configure Microsoft Office macro settings to block macros from the internet
… we’ve got devices everywhere… we’ve got home routers that may or may not be up to scratch when it comes to security
Block macros, which are applications with an office document, from the internet. Fraser advises only allowing screened macros either in trusted locations with limited write access or digitally signed with a trusted certificate.
4 User application hardening Configure web browsers to block Flash, or ideally uninstall it, along with ads and Java on the internet. Disable unneeded features in Microsoft office, web browsers and PDF viewers to prevent against dodgy code that may leave your business exposed.
5 Restrict administrative privileges routers that may or may not be up to scratch when it comes to security, we’ve got businesses opening entry points and it’s ultimately led to this concept of zero trust. “Zero trust is the new way in the cyber security industry we’re starting to talk about building these networks in that everyone must establish who they are, where they’re coming from and why they are needing access to certain pieces of network before that data is released. “We’re dealing with organisations overseas that are trying to disrupt our businesses. So the Essential Eight’s charter is to protect you, your families and your business and make Australia the safest place to connect online.”
This is an easy step many businesses are likely to already have in place. Know who is an administrator to your network and restrict the number of administrators. Regularly revalidate the need for privileges.
6 Patch operating systems Whether your business runs Apple, Microsoft or Linux, it’s vital to ensure your operating system is up to date. “Make sure when you get those pesky update notifications for windows that you do update because they do contain security fixes,” Fraser said. “If they find a security issue, a security vulnerability or buggy code, they can be used to compromise your system, so you keep it up to
date. It’s very important to patch your operating system.”
7 Multi-factor authentication It’s likely you’re familiar with multi-factor authentication through the use of cloud-based email or banking systems. In addition to one piece of evidence to gain access to a website or application, such as a password, you are asked for two or more and this could be a phone number or answer to a personal question. “Multi-factor authentication can’t be understated,” Fraser said. “If you’re not currently exploring the roll out or already have the multifactor authentication, you are leaving your business open to an unacceptable risk. Multi-factor authentication is the biggest security thing you can have in my opinion to protect people walking through the front door and making attacks easy.”
8 Daily backups Another easy step most businesses are performing daily. However, for many busy business owners, they can put this to the wayside. Daily backups can guard against the loss of a company’s digital assets including the loss of private information. In addition to daily backups, businesses need to regularly test the backups are working. It may seem overwhelming, but developing your cyber security strategy can be broken down into simple steps your business can come to grips with over time. It may be a 12-month strategy your business tackles on its own or with the help of a third party. Either way, securing your business against cyber attacks can no longer be ignored. For more information on the Essential Eight and how to implement it, visit www.cyber.gov.au/acsc/ view-all-content/essential-eight www.plumber.com.au | 31
Happiness is HR Lorena Kollar tells Kathryn Kernohan that no two days are ever the same as the HR Officer with Melbourne’s plumbing company, Chadoak.
“I am the standalone HR [officer] at Chadoak, so I get involved with all facets from performance management to inductions, as well as WorkCover and injury claims,” Lorena Kollar explains. “I love working here, it is always challenging because I have so many different roles but there is always something exciting to work on.” Lorena’s job description has become even broader in 2020 as Chadoak, like every other business in the country, has had to navigate the COVID-19 pandemic. “We had to stock up on PPE [personal protective equipment] and provide our staff with everything they need to enter high-risk facilities. I have also been involved with the development of COVID policies,
32 | Australian Plumbing Industry Magazine | Summer 2020
high-risk plans and staff training,” she says. Fortunately, Chadoak, one of Melbourne’s largest plumbing and building maintenance businesses, has not been impacted by the pandemic as much as some others. This is because of the “huge growth” the business has undergone in its construction and commercial departments and its involvement in many major projects that have continued throughout 2020. “We have been working on the Victorian Government’s Metro Tunnel project, providing infrastructure for the new stations going underground including hydraulic plumbing. “Top-tier Government jobs like this haven’t stopped during COVID.”
The $11 billion Metro Tunnel project, estimated to open in 2025, will add five new underground stations to Melbourne’s train network. Other projects Chadoak has been involved in include redeveloped train stations at Reservoir and West Footscray and a relocation of reticulated gas, water and sewer mains at the iconic Flinders Street Station. Another major success has been the construction of the Burwood Brickworks precinct, designed and built as Australia’s first fully sustainable shopping centre. Chadoak’s brief was to promote recycling and the use of blackwater from the centre’s onsite wastewater treatment plant. The finished product is Australia’s first retail build to receive a 6 Green Star
Design and Living Building Challenge (the built environment’s most rigorous performance standard). Chadoak also works closely with Melbourne’s three water boards – Yarra Valley Water, City West Water and South East Water. “We also do a lot of work as allocated contractors with aged care homes, hospitals and apartment blocks,” says Lorena. Working in high-risk locations including aged care facilities and hospitals during the pandemic has provided some new essential considerations such as PPE and COVID-safe training. The business has also had staff wellbeing as front of mind throughout the pandemic – a crucial element of Lorena’s role.
“We always acknowledge and respect our employees, and COVID has affected us all in different ways. Through Incolink’s wellbeing and support services, we provide free counselling services to our staff and we have ensured they know how to access these services during COVID.” Chadoak was founded in 1963 by Richard ‘Dick’ Griffin, who left his brother’s business to start his own, and employed three of his sons. The business has grown from humble beginnings operating from the family home to its current location in Clayton in Melbourne’s south-east. The business now employs about 130 people, with about 30 in administration and the rest working as plumbers, apprentices, machine operators and estimators.
The business now employs about 130 people, with about 30 in administration and the rest working as plumbers, apprentices, machine operators and estimators
Lorena says that the family business feels like a second family to many, which has held them in good stead through a challenging year.
“Everybody works closely together and we all have great working relationships,” she says. “COVID has of course been tough for everybody, but we are working extremely hard to keep the business strong and to continue to win jobs. We want to keep all of our employees.” “I think we will come together as a company to comply with the new COVID norm when it arrives. As for the future, I don’t think it will ever be the same again but we will get through it together.”
www.plumber.com.au | 33
Marsh Advantage Insurance Promotion
Understanding insurance How often should I review my insurance?
Natasha Golden, Principal Insurance Broker for the Marsh trades’ team, answering your questions on plumbers’ insurance. As the principal insurance broker for the Trades team at Marsh and wife to a tradie myself, I see first-hand the time constraints placed on business owners and contractors in the industry. For every plumbing service completed there is the behind the scenes office admin to match. This admin work is often completed after a day onsite and the last-thing that any tradie needs is unanswered questions around their insurance taking up more of their time. To help, I’ve answered some of the most frequently asked questions our team receives from tradies. As a subbie, am I covered for public liability insurance under the business that has hired me? Unfortunately, this is not a simple yes or no answer. There are situations where the sub-contractor can be covered under a client’s public liability policy and others where they would be required to cover the claim under their own. As this is circumstantial, we strongly recommend sub-contractors arrange their own public liability insurance to ensure they are appropriately covered. If a sub-contractor injures a third party or damages their property while completing the work they were hired for, they may be covered
by their client’s public liability policy to a certain extent. However, if for example a sub-contractor is negligent and leaves his tools out causing a third party to trip and injure themselves, then this claim may need to be made under the sub-contractor’s policy. Do plumbers need professional indemnity insurance? Plumbers may require professional indemnity insurance if they are providing advice or design services to clients as part of their business activities. Professional indemnity insurance can help cover a plumbing business against allegations of negligence involving an alleged breach of professional duty. Such cover is ordinarily excluded under public liability insurance. We recommend you contact your insurance broker to determine if your business activity exposes you to any of these risks. Does Marsh offer monthly payment options for plumbers insurance? Yes, the team at Marsh can organise monthly instalments* provided you meet certain criteria. Please contact the team if you are looking to arrange insurance with Marsh on a monthly payment option. * Interest and additional fees may be applicable.
The answer to this question is dependent on how often changes occur to your business. Whether it’s business growth, a change in the complexity of work or expanding your services, there are several changes that should trigger an insurance review. As a rule of thumb, we recommend reviewing your policy every year to ensure your business is covered appropriately for its risk exposures. Does a contractor need personal accident insurance or worker’s compensation insurance? It is advisable for sole traders to take out personal accident insurance in the event they suffer a serious injury or death as the result of an accident. Compared to other workers, they may be less able to have time off for injury or illness as an extended period of leave may limit their ability to maintain a stable income. Personal accident insurance is designed to cover an insured against loss of income and, based on the cover purchased, can provide financial cover for bills and other expenses. If a contractor has employees, they may need to arrange Workers’ Compensation cover. Workers compensation insurance covers the wages of employees if they suffer a serious work-related injury or death. Talk to the team at Marsh to see how we can help with your plumbing business insurance enquiries on 1300 300 511 or trades@marshadvantage.com
Marsh Advantage Insurance Pty Ltd (ABN 31 081 358 303, AFSL 238 369) (Marsh) arranges this insurance and is not an insurer. 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). This article contains general information, does not take into account your individual objectives, financial situation or needs and may not suit your personal circumstances. 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 available from Marsh. The Master Plumbers and Mechanical Services Association of Australia receives a financial benefit when an insurance policy is arranged by Marsh. LCPA: 20/588
34 | Australian Plumbing Industry Magazine | Summer 2020
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www.plumber.com.au | 35
Member news New access for QLD apprentices Apprentices and plumbing businesses in Queensland will be able to access Master Plumbers Group Training in a new partnership between Master Plumbers Queensland and the Master Plumbers and Mechanical Services Association of Australia. Following news released earlier this year that All Trades Queensland Pty Ltd had been placed into Administration, Master Plumbers formed Plumbing Apprentices Queensland, a joint venture to save as many Queensland plumbing apprentice jobs and livelihoods as possible. Master Plumbers is focused on growing the plumbing, roof plumbing and refrigeration sectors to enable talent to enter and succeed in our dynamic industry. This opportunity strengthens the long-standing relationship between Master Plumbers and Mechanical Services Association of Australia and Master Plumbers’ Association of Queensland which represents the largest associations of plumbing employers in Australia.
Plumbing Apprentices Queensland will offer a 5% discount on the total invoice to host employers who are members of Master Plumbers and has committed to continuing the current charge out rates (with a legislated cost-based increase to apply from 1 November due to the Fair Work Commission increase in the Modern Award) but applying Supporting Apprentices and Trainees Wage Subsidies once they are received from the Department of Education and Training. Any new apprentices taken on will also be entitled to the wage subsidies.
to those in the plumbing industry and will be reaching out over coming weeks to see if PAQ can assist MPAQ members in any way. For more information, visit plumber.com.au/paq  
New PAQ staff Brett Beauchamp (PAQ Manager), Wayne Smith (Field Officer and Apprentice Mentor) and Grace Squires (OHS and Return to Work Coordinator) to Master Plumbers will be familiar
New technical advisor for Master Plumbers Master Plumbers is pleased to welcome Aaron Bridger to the Association in the role of Technical Advisor. Aaron will support our Chief Technical Advisor Gary Bath in delivering technical services and advice to Members.
36 | Australian Plumbing Industry Magazine | Summer 2020
Prior to joining, Aaron ran his own plumbing business in Melbourne’s eastern suburbs. He worked with Master Plumbers PAV in 2014-15 as an apprentice and has been the recipient of multiple awards including the Andrew Letten Gold Medal.
He came first place in the Apprentice Skills Competition, participated in the 2016 Community Plumbing Challenge in South Africa and India and competed in the United Association skills competition in Ann Arbor.
PICAC scores top sustainability award PICAC Narre Warren was last month awarded the 2020 AIRAH Excellence in Sustainability Award. Plumbing and Mechanical Officials (IAPMO), Master Plumbers and PPTEU Victoria and all those who contributed to the project, including FMSA Architecture, Hutchinson Builders, Cooke & Dowsett Plumbing Group, Deakin University, GeoExchange Australia, Geothermal Industries Australia, Entire Fire Protection Pty Ltd, AHSCA Research Foundation & Skott Consulting.
PICAC Narre Warren is the first Net Zero Energy (NZE) education and research facility in Victoria and has been designed to utilise the very latest technological advances in water reticulation, heating and cooling systems, training delivery, safety, new product innovation and sustainability practices.
source geothermal energy for the facility’s heating and cooling requirements. The combination of 220 geothermal energy wells and the rooftop solar made this a groundbreaking project, showcasing how buildings are part of the solution to the challenges of climate change.
The project utilised the building’s own foundation screw piling to
PICAC has thanked partners International Association of
Cooke & Dowsett
McCarthy Plumbing Group
Cooke & Dowsett recently announced the appointment of Matthew Quick to the role of General Manager, where he will be responsible for consolidating their construction operations across Victoria, Western Australia and Queensland. With more than 30 years’ experience in the plumbing and construction industry, Matthew has worked with leading national construction companies on many high-profile infrastructure projects including the MCG Northern Stand Redevelopment, Crown Casino and the Monash Children’s Hospital. Matthew joins the business at an exciting time in their growth.
When the team at David McCarthy Plumbing entered the industry seven years ago, they were keen to get started. “When we launched our business, strategic future planning wasn’t on our minds,” Cat McCarthy, People Development Manager at McCarthy Plumbing Group explains. “My husband (David) had an ABN from sub-contracting, so it made sense at the time to use the name attached to that. “Since then, the business has seen significant growth. We’ve added new machinery, settled into a new factory and met many new clients. The team has also grown quite a bit:
just recently we welcomed our first, of hopefully many, female plumbers to our happy, talented team.” After seven years in business, Cat and David, and their team looked at their vision, values and strategy and decided a new, inclusive brand name was required. “We made the decision to become the McCarthy Plumbing Group,” Cat reveals. “The name pays respect to our past and acknowledges the future we are creating with our team.”
www.plumber.com.au | 37
Product news WaterSecure Australia’s first smart water security company, WaterSecure Co, has launched with the goal of protecting as many Australian’s as they can against water loss and damage, which is necessary considering: • Water damage in Australia has risen dramatically in the past 10 years; • The frequency of water-pipes bursting has nearly doubled; and • Australian households hold the worst record for water consumption globally. WaterSecure Co combines the innovation of the leading US product Flo, with local industry expertise to offer water security and savings for homeowners. The company has partnered with Planet Plumbing to
bring WaterSecure to life through its nationwide network. WaterSecure’s products offer a suite of options that work together or independently to protect homes from water damage and leaks. Installed on the main water supply line, the Flo Smart Water Shutoff protects the entire home from water damage and leaks. The product continuously monitors the home’s water pressure, flow rate and can detect leaks as small as one drop per minute anywhere in the home or business, automatically triggering the shut-off feature from the main supply line. For more information, visit or call 1300 893 474.
Aussie’s Jetter City When Australian pump built the first Cobra drain cleaning Jetter 20 years ago, the company didn’t realise it was the beginning of a product development program. Today, the company has a range of high pressure Jetters that are technically faster, safer and more efficient than other electro-mechanical drain cleaning equipment. “We’re building hundreds of Jetters at our 2.5acre Castle Hill premises just to keep up with demand. The driver for the sales was a combination of the right equipment, the right price and even free delivery anywhere in Australia,” said Aussie Pumps’ Production Manager, Mal Patel. “Plumbers tell us that our Jetters are safer, 38 | Australian Plumbing Industry Magazine | Summer 2020
cleaner and significantly more efficient. “Add to that the Mini Reel, remote draining cleaning attachment and the operator can control the drain cleaner from the reel, up to 60 metres away from the machine. That’s a huge benefit in terms of convenience and safety” he said. “We know smart plumbers will be buying Jetters between now and Christmas to take advantage of the “End Of The Eel” program with heavily discounted prices. With the bonus of the government’s deprecation allowance, it’s exceptional time to get into jetting” Patel said. For more information, visit aussiepumps.com.au
Cbus Promotion
Manage your super anytime, anywhere with the Cbus app The Cbus app lets you manage everything about your super account. You can now do everything you used to do online, on the job, on the go.
For easy access, you can also set up to log in with a 4-digit PIN, touch or Face ID.
Use the free mobile app to:
Getting organised is simple. Find out more at cbussuper.com.au/app
Balance overview Balance estimate
Disclaimer
• Check your account balance and transaction history • Oversee your employer contributions • Update your super account details • Consolidate your super into one account • Track progress of before and after-tax contributions
*Figures are for illustrative purposes only This information is about Cbus. You should read the relevant Cbus Product Disclosure Statement to decide whether Cbus is right for you. Call 1300 361 784 or visit 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. Apple and the Apple logo are trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries. App Store is a service mark of Apple Inc. Android, Google Play, and the Google Play logo are trademarks of Google Inc.
Master Plumbers’ live CPD event series hosted by Caroma COMING SOON! Register your interest at plumber.com.au/caroma
43,538
$
*
Last contribution
United Super Pty Ltd Truste
$
851.21*
e of Cbus
Balance history
Financial year ending June 2017
2018
2019
30 2020
Current $43,538*
PAID
AUSTRALIA
PP100019076
POSTAGE
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