Master Plumber Magazine - Spring 2020 by Master Plumbers' Association of Queensland

1900 - 2020

SPRING 2020

T H E T I M E I S N O W Mental Health Week 2020 IN THIS EDITION

Meet One of Our Plumbing Ambassadors

Scam Warning

Plumbing in Bushfire Prone Areas

Ready to eliminate your monthly EFTPOS bill and get paid fast? Visit smartpay.com.au/mpaq

MAR-410-0720

FREE trial period for association members

1800 571 969 *Based on transaction fees of 1.2% per transaction. See our website for full terms.

CONTENTS

Spring 2020 10 Technical Plumbing in Bushfire-Prone Areas Have You Checked if the Products You Are Buying or Installing Are Certified for Use in Australia? Notifiable Work Fees and Forms

12 Mental Health Awareness 18 Workplace Health & Safety Safe Work Month Goes Digital Tradies Leading the Nation’s Infrastructure and Building Recovery Need to Look after Their Most Valuable Asset - Their Health Improve Your Health & Safety Knowledge at PICAC Beenleigh

6 Executive

22 COVID-19 Update

7 Industry News

Managing COVID-19 Risks on Construction Sites

Changes to State Government Pre-Qualification Questions

Updated Impact of COVID-19 on Queensland’s Plumbing Industry

Smart Form Speeds Up PQC Application Process

24 Workplace Relations

Resources Safety & Health Queensland

JobKeeper and Apprentice Wages Incentive Extensions

Licence Required for Mechanical Services Work Is Your Organisation Ready for the New Blue Card Laws?

Subscribe Want to receive your own copy of the Master Plumber publication? Email advertising@mpaq.com.au with your name and postal address to receive future issues of the Master Plumber magazine.

Employees Vs Subcontractors: How to Determine Which Way to Engage a Person

PUBLISHED BY Master Plumbers’ Association of Queensland 243 Bradman Street, Acacia Ridge QLD 4110 P: 07 3273 0800 F: 07 3273 0873 E: info@mpaq.com.au W: www.mpaq.com.au THE TEAM EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Penny Cornah P: 07 3273 0800 E: penny.cornah@mpaq.com.au EDITORIAL & ADVERTISING ENQUIRIES Ashleigh Stonehewer P: 07 3273 0800 E: ashleigh.stonehewer@mpaq.com.au DESIGN PrintPublish P: 1300 98 94 91 E: info@printpublish.com.au PRINT Printcraft P: 07 3291 2444 E: marketing@printcraft.com.au

| MASTER PLUMBER MAGAZINE Spring 2020

Editor’s Note Welcome to the Spring edition of the Master Plumber Magazine! This is the first edition of the new quarterly release schedule of Master Plumber. The move to seasonal editions will provide us with more opportunity to work with members, partners, and industry professionals to bring you original and relevant content. With that in mind, we want to feature more of our members in future editions of the magazine, so if your business has an interesting history, or if you or someone in your team has an interesting story to tell, we’d love to know more! You can contact me on 07 3273 0800 or at ashleigh.stonehewer@mpaq.com.au to discuss this further. Mental Health Week (MHW) is a highlight of Safe Work Month, which is celebrated in October. MHW promotes the importance of mental health and wellbeing and aims to reduce the stigma associated with mental illness. With one-third of adult life spent at work, work-related stress is estimated to affect around 32 percent of all Australians, and one in five Aussies experience a mental health condition in any year. Further, one in two of us will experience a mental health condition in our lifetime (find out more on page 12). MATES in Construction report that we lose one construction worker every second day to suicide—this is a statistic we want to help change. This is why mental health awareness is the feature of this edition of the magazine. In

this edition you will find some tools to help keep your mind healthy, hear how a trade business owner found strength in the face of a crisis, and get a framework for building a mentally healthy business and work place. If you need help or someone to speak to, below are the contact details of a number of services who can help: • Beyond Blue: 1300 224 636 | www.beyondblue.org.au • Lifeline: 13 11 14 | www.lifeline.org.au • MATES in Construction: 1300 642 111 | www.mates.org.au • Mensline Australia: | 1300 78 99 78 | visit www.mensline.org.au • This is a Conversation Starter: 0488 846 988 | www.TIACS.org Congratulations to all members reaching milestones in this edition, and a warm welcome to our newest members. Happy Reading!

Ashleigh

26 Business 29 Plumbing Ambassador 30 Events & Training 32 Social 34 Member News 36 Member Benefits 37 Milestones

38 New Members

39 Supporters

MPAQ COUNCIL PRESIDENT Kent Vickers P: 0418 883 999 E: kvickers@qigs.com.au

TRUSTEES Bill Watson AM P: 07 3273 2333 E: bill@connectorsgroup.com.au Bob Kimlin P: 07 4772 6308 / 0419 744 383 E: bobk@live.com.au

VICE PRESIDENTS Don Nunn P: 0418 717 470 E: dgnunn1950@gmail.com Patrick Robertson P: 07 3276 8833 E: info@rpgs.com.au

LIFE MEMBERS G Cottee, F Huysing, MJ Moor, T Morris, J Porter, NF Sharman, BD Wallace, WB Watson AM, R Kimlin, R Weaver

PAST PRESIDENT Kelvin Slade P: 0417 787 284 E: sales@sladebrosplumbing.com.au TREASURER John Salmon P: 07 3862 2777 E: john@salmonplumbing.com.au COUNCILLORS Dennis Yarrow P: 07 3277 5742 E: admin@yarrowplumbing.com.au Michael Ryan P: 07 3630 4744 E: mryan@beavisbartels.com.au Sam Hannant P: 0405 647 046 E: sam@yesfire.com.au Harle Gall P: 0437 768 409 E: h.gall@laserplumbing.com.au Ben Crew P: 0400 364 665 E: ben@bcprojectindustries.com

MERITORIOUS SERVICE MEMBERS A Chapman, T Morris, D Powell, B Wallace, R Weaver, M Wilshere, D Nunn DISCLAIMER Opinions expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of the MPAQ, nor does the MPAQ guarantee the accuracy of statements made by contributors or advertisers or accepts responsibility for statements they may express in this publication. The MPAQ does not accept liability to advertisers, which may be held contrary to the Trade Practices Act 1974. The MPAQ reserves the right to refuse, cancel, amend or suspend any advertisements or inserts without reason.

MASTER PLUMBER MAGAZINE Spring 2020 |

EXECUTIVE

PERSPECTIVE Our industry has been working hard to ensure our people remain safe and well during COVID-19. We understand some businesses have been hit hard but others have been busier than before. We know we are a resilient industry and we will overcome the challenges.

Penny Cornah, Executive Director

Our thoughts and wishes are with our Victorian colleagues and their members as they are further challenged with additional lockdown measures.

JobKeeper The Federal Treasurer has announced eased JobKeeper eligibility, whereby businesses will only need to show that their GST turnover has fallen in the quarter ending in September to qualify for the scheme’s extension. Under the new rules, businesses will have easier access to the extension, but the payment rate will drop as planned from $1,500 to $1,200. The $750 flat rate for those working less than 20 hours per week will also proceed as previously announced. Supporting Apprentices and Training Wage Subsidy The Federal Government also recently announced an extension to the Supporting Apprentices and Training Wage Subsidy. The original scheme provided small businesses with a wage subsidy of 50 percent of the apprentice wages up to a maximum of $7,000 per apprentice per quarter. This subsidy is extending the time period and also expanding to include medium-sized businesses who had an apprentice in place on 1 July 2020.

This is good news for our members who employ apprentices. We have been lobbying for this subsidy to be expanded to larger businesses, and we are thrilled that this subsidy has been implemented from 1 July 2020 to 31 March 2021. Small businesses can apply for a wage subsidy of 50 percent of the apprentice or trainees’ wages paid until 31 March 2021. Previously the scheme was to end on 30 September 2020. Any employer who re-engages an apprentice or trainee displaced from an eligible small or medium business may also be eligible for the subsidy. Supply Chain Recently, we reached out to our corporate supporters to find out if anyone is experiencing supply chain delays. The majority of our corporate supporters indicated that they are not currently experiencing shortages; however, a couple advised of small transport delays. This is positive news as we are aware that some industries have severely been impacted due to COVID-19. Mental Health MPAQ has partnered with MATES in Construction (MIC) to provide our members with the important information they need about mental health in the workplace. Over recent years, mental health is a topic that society has been talking about more openly, and the stigma seems to be changing. As a predominantly male-dominated industry, the plumbing and gas trades must engage in mental health and suicide prevention to help protect our colleagues and friends. This year MPAQ partnered with This is a Conversation Starter (TIACS) to raise funds at our events and activities. Visit www.tiacs.org to learn more about TIACS. Unfortunately, due to COVID-19 we have only raised $4,758 so far, but hope to raise more at events later this year. Please take the time to check in with your work colleagues, friends, and family. If they need support please connect them to organisations like MIC and TIACS. To contact me please call 07 3273 0800 or email penny.cornah@mpaq.com.au. Stay safe.

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE The Silent Impact of COVID-19 How things have changed since my last message! We are still very much in the grasp of a worldwide pandemic that threatens the way we live. The COVID-19 virus has changed the way we all work, rest, and play, and it does not seem to be getting any better. Since March this year, the world has been plunged into a predicament that Kent Vickers, President has taken its toll on our freedoms. We have had to rethink the way we interact socially and the way we run our businesses. There is no precedent to follow so the ground rules were made up very much on the run. In my last article, I mentioned that most of our members were not feeling any financial impact and business overall was going very well. I have not heard any conversations that suggest that this has changed; however, I know that some of our members have faced particular difficulties during this period, and I want to let you know that MPAQ is here to support you. The staff at the MPAQ have done an amazing job keeping our members up to date and informed of the government funding available and other HR changes that impact our businesses. They have conducted dozens of webinars to keep some normality in our lives. Thank you. Perhaps being included as part of the essential services has shielded us from the major financial impact the rest of the country has endured.

| MASTER PLUMBER MAGAZINE Spring 2020

One thing that all Australians (and indeed the rest of the world) have faced is the uncertainty around the duration of the restrictions each state has enforced. These constraints are crippling our economy, and it will be a long, hard road back to prosperity. The financial uncertainty has the potential to cause business confidence to drop and cause delays in new projects getting underway. This is not good for a quick return to a budget surplus. I think we all realise the consequences we are facing on a financial level, but I want to flag one thing that we should all be aware of, and this does not only apply to the construction industry. The pain and suffering that some of our family and friends are experiencing due to the strain on our economy has taken its toll on our mental wellbeing and is an underestimated cost to our society. Now, more than ever, we need to be keeping a close eye on our workmates, family, and friends that are experiencing uncertainty with their jobs. The fallout from having their working hours reduced, or in some cases finding themselves unemployed, can have a catastrophic effect on their mental health. I would like to encourage you all to talk to your friends and family, and if you do notice a difference, don’t be afraid to ask if they are ok! Reassure them that everything will be alright, and if you need to refer them to one of the many agencies that are able to lend support then make sure you follow through. Quite often the fact that someone has noticed that they are not themselves makes all the difference, and it will let them know that someone cares. I hope the next article starts with a more positive message, so until then take care, be safe, and follow the hygiene rules.

Life’s good!

INDUSTRY NEWS

CHANGES TO STATE GOVERNMENT PRE-QUALIFICATION QUESTIONS On 1 July the Queensland State Government changed the process and some questions under their pre-qualification for contracting (PQC) process. PQC is required by contractors who want to work on State Government projects. Based on how the PQC form is filled in, a contractor may qualify to contract for the government up to a certain value. The form now includes several questions about initiatives to improve mental health and preventing suicide. These questions are designed to help the government agencies identify, and work with, suppliers who have a focus on the long-term mental health of their workforce. This article will deal specifically with the following questions. Have you delivered projects with site accreditation by a recognised mental health and suicide prevention program such as MATES in Construction in the past? If a “Yes” answer is entered, then the form provides an option to attach a MATES in Construction builder’s report or another accreditation. The form further asks: Do you commit to achieve site accreditation on all Queensland Government projects in the future? MATES in Construction is an industry-based mental health and suicide prevention program available free of charge to MPAQ members. A field officer will work specifically with your business to help implement the MATES program. MATES in Construction provides the following levels of training to you and your staff: • MATES Awareness Training (MAT) – A 15 minute toolbox delivered to small sites or companies with less than 15 workers where it is not practicable to run the General Awareness Training. • General Awareness Training (GAT) – A 45 minute session about suicide delivered to all workers and employers on sites with more than 10 workers. • MAT and GAT is focusing on basic awareness about the risk of suicide in our industry and how to notice when a workmate is having a hard time. • Connector Training – A four hour course delivered on sites (to a minimum of 10 workers) or in mixed sessions from various sites delivered off-site. • We encourage all businesses to have at least one connector per 20 employees. Connectors are trained to start conversations about suicide and to connect people to help and support. • ASIST Training – A 16-hour course in Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training delivered off site. Where practicable workers should have access to an ASIST worker. MATES also operates a 24-7 support line and help individual workers through case management. To become an accredited project or company you must ensure that: • all workers are trained in either MAT or GAT as applicable; • training is topped up when required as new employees start; • a minimum of 1 in 20 workers are trained as connectors; and • there is reasonable access to an ASIST worker. A builder’s report is an overview of the business’s past engagement with MATES in Construction. Please ensure you speak with a MATES in Construction field officer about the report to ensure all your data is recorded. The form also asks: Are you a signatory to the Australian Building and Construction Industry Blueprint for Better Mental Health and Suicide Prevention? If “Yes” is answered to this question you will be asked to attach a certificate of being part of the blueprint. The blueprint provides a number of ideas for how to create a mentally healthier workplace for you and your staff. What you do will depend on your business—so different businesses will do different activities. Partners in the blueprint are required to do a self-audit of activities and will be provided with suggestions of activities based on the self-audit. MATES in Construction has a consultant available to assist business in engaging with the blueprint. If you want further information about how to run the MATES in Construction program or how to join the blueprint, call MATES in Construction on 1300 642 111 and speak to a field officer. Article written by MATES in Construction

SMART FORM SPEEDS UP PQC APPLICATION PROCESS The prequalification (PQC) contractor and consultant application form has been converted into a smart form to make prequalifying and applying for Queensland Government building work a faster, simpler, and more user-friendly experience for new and existing registrants. There is a smart form for contractors and a smart form for consultants. With the addition of drop-down boxes, auto-population, and ability to attach documents such as management system certificates and referee reports, there is no need to scan, then email or post the printed application form. The electronic format enables automatic submission. The smart form also saves time by ensuring that all mandatory information is provided by an applicant prior to submitting it. The same form can be used by existing registrants to update their details, such as recently completed projects, so that they are eligible for more, higher value Queensland Government building work. With the smart form, the PQC team is aiming to assess all new applications in four weeks or less. A reduction in application questions and improvements to the time taken on compliance checks with regulators and referral agencies is also being investigated to further reduce assessment to two weeks. The smart form includes specific mental health and suicide prevention questions that were developed with MATES in Construction and the Queensland Mental Health Commission. These questions will help Queensland Government agencies identify, and work with, suppliers who have a focus on the long-term mental health of their workforce. The Department of Housing and Public Works is continuing to sponsor MATES for a further 12 months to help reduce the level of suicide amongst Australian construction workers. For more information, email pqcregistrar@hpw.qld.gov.au or call the PQC team on 1800 072 621.

RESOURCES SAFETY & HEALTH QUEENSLAND The Petroleum and Gas Inspectorate has now become part of a new independent statutory body, Resources Safety and Health Queensland (RSHQ), which became operational on 1 July 2020 after the Resources Safety and Health Queensland Act 2020 (RSHQ Act) was passed by Parliament in March 2020. RSHQ’s vision of zero serious harm will be achieved through engagement, regulation, education, and assisting industry to meet its obligations to protect and promote the safety and health of people from the risks associated with petroleum and gas, as well as other industry sectors regulated by RSHQ. The Petroleum and Gas Inspectorate will continue to collaborate and support the industry to achieve this vision. For more information, visit www.rshq.qld.gov.au. MASTER PLUMBER MAGAZINE Spring 2020 |

Watts happening at AVG? Expect exciting times ahead as Australian Valve Group Pty Limited (AVG), has recently been acquired by Watts Water Technologies Pty Limited (Watts). Expect new products, expect complete ranges, expect solutions for all your plumbing needs. AVG has been designing and developing a range of heating control valves in Australia for over 18 years. With a nation-wide distribution network throughout Australia, AVG has achieved strong growth and market acceptance with innovative, patented products such as the Quickie Kit, TRI-SET Pressure Limiting Valves and MAXI stop. Watts Water Technologies, Inc., through its family of companies, is a global manufacturer headquartered in the USA that provides one of the broadest plumbing, heating, and water quality product lines in the world. Its subsidiaries and brands offer innovative plumbing, heating, and water quality solutions for commercial, residential and industrial applications. The company commented that, “Acquiring AVG will allow us to expand our product breadth and provide greater channel access to the strategically important Australian market. We are excited to team with AVG to continue to supply our customers with superior products and solutions”. Already active in the Australian market, Watts was founded 140 years ago in the USA AVG WA and employs thousands of people across the globe.

Unit 2, 9-11 Noble St, Kewdale WA 6105 T: 1800 284 287 F: +61 8 9353 2689 www.avg.net.au

AVG QLD Unit 2/21, Avatonbell Dr, Luscombe QLD 4207 T: 1800 284 287 F: +61 7 3807 9250 www.avg.net.au

The union is a natural fit for both parties. Both businesses align around the importance of investing in design and innovation, and Watts are keen to support AVG’s growth strategy in the Asia Pacific with their strong balance sheet and suite of new products in the local market.

AVG VIC 24 Metrolink Circuit, Campbellfield VIC 3062 T: 1800 284 287 www.avg.net.au

The next chapter is very exciting and our major focus will be continued support of our customers and supplying the same exceptional products and customer service that proceed our reputation.

2021

For more information contact AVG on 1800 284 287 or visit www.avg.net.au.

BALL

VA L

BALL

LV E

PRVB20- BV20

RWBV20

SAVE

time, fittings & money BOUNDARY PRESSURE REDUCING VALVE

RECYCLED WATER BALL VALVE

PRESET

500kPa

WaterMark

removable plug for 15mm (1/2”) hose tap

20mm (3/4”) loosenut

WaterMark

INCLUDES LOOSE NUT FITTING FOR EASY REMOVAL

WaterMark

S5200.012 ASATS 1357.2 LIc 2639 LIC SAINO.20042 Global

TM TM

WaterMark

AS 5830.1 Lic 25768 SAI Global

20mm (3/4”) male

FEATURES: • Wall Plate included • Compact One Piece Design • Removable Plug for recycled hose tap

WaterMark ATS S5200.012 LIC NO.20042

FEATURES: • Compact Design • Superior flow capacity, 170 l/min as per AS1357.2 • Stainless steel seat • Less potentional leak points

WaterMark ATS S5200.012 LIC NO.20042

INDUSTRY NEWS ALTERNATIVE QUALIFICATION PATHWAYS – MECHANICAL SERVICES PLUMBING 6 MONTHS RELEVANT EXPERIENCE

LICENCE REQUIRED FOR MECHANICAL SERVICES WORK Contractors who perform mechanical services work of any value must now have the relevant licence.

If you are contracting with mechanical services trades, you can check their licence using Queensland Building and Construction Commission (QBCC)’s Online Licence Search. The Queensland Government established the new licensing framework for mechanical services work on 1 January 2020 to address the significant health and safety risk posed by incorrectly installed or maintained mechanical services systems such as heating, air-conditioning, and medical gas systems. Dangerous bacteria can grow and spread through improperly installed or maintained heating and cooling systems in facilities such as aged care, hospitals, and shopping centres. Improperly installed medical gas systems can be fatal. For this reason, licensing for mechanical services trades has been changed to reflect the important and specialised skills involved in this work. The new framework is being implemented in stages. Installation of air-conditioning systems in houses and townhouses and single-head split systems are exempt from licensing requirements if the work is valued at $3,300 or less. If you’re thinking of applying for the Mechanical Services – Plumbing licence, recent changes to the eligibility criteria may make it easier to use your skills and experience to qualify for a licence during the transitional period: • Additional qualifications will be accepted. • If your qualifications differ from those prescribed in the Technical Qualifications document, the QBCC encourages you to submit your application, requesting the qualification be considered as equivalent. The decision will be made on a case-by-case basis. • The alternative qualification pathway will be extended to 31 December 2020. • If you are unable to demonstrate competence for the complete scope of work for the new licence class, the QBCC may be able to grant you a licence with restrictions on the scope of work you are lawfully allowed to perform. It is important to note that you cannot contract for mechanical services work until your licence is granted. While the proposed amendments are designed to assist a smoother transition for the industry, there are important elements of the mechanical services licensing framework that remain unchanged: • Employees who may perform mechanical services work do not need to be licensed until 1 January 2022 if the work is performed for their appropriately licensed employer. • Apprentices performing mechanical services work must be supervised but do not require a licence. Persons who complete their apprenticeship after 1 January 2020 will be required to obtain a licence to perform mechanical services work. As an outcome of the new licensing framework, Queenslanders can be confident that those who carry out mechanical services work have the required skills. Learn more about mechanical services licensing at www.qbcc.qld.gov.au. Apply for a mechanical services licence via myQBCC.

Option 1: QBCC Plumbing & Drainage Licence NOT OCCUPATIONAL

Option 2: Plumbing Apprenticeship

Option 3: PD Act Water Plumber – Water & Sanitary ONLY OCCUPATIONAL The diagram above demonstrates the proposed additional alternative pathway options available for a Mechanical Services – Plumbing licence. Importantly, a plumbing apprenticeship can now be used along with six months’ relevant experience in mechanical services – plumbing work. For those applying for a Mechanical Services – Plumbing contractor, nominee supervisor or site supervisor licence, the relevant experience must be gained under a QBCC plumbing and drainage contractor, nominee supervisor or site supervisor licence.

IS YOUR ORGANISATION READY FOR THE NEW BLUE CARD LAWS? New blue card system laws took effect on Monday 31 August 2020. Organisations engaging people (volunteers or paid employees) in child-related work must know about the changes that are now in effect. In the past, paid employees have been allowed to start working with children while their blue card application was being processed. The new laws mean that now paid workers must have a blue card (not a pending application) before they can work with children. If your organisation employs blue card holders, this means that you will be prohibited from employing a person in child-related work unless: • the person holds a valid blue card; and • you have linked the person’s blue card to your organisation. Visit www.qld.gov.au/bluecard to learn more.

Article supplied by the Queensland Building and Construction Commission (QBCC) MASTER PLUMBER MAGAZINE Spring 2020 |

TECHNICAL

PLUMBING IN BUSHFIRE-PRONE AREAS Plumbing practitioners look to the Plumbing Code of Australia (PCA) and AS/NZS 3500 for technical requirements for plumbing and drainage installations, but what additional requirements are there for the design, construction, and installation of plumbing and drainage systems in bushfire-prone areas? In this article, the Australian Building Codes Board (ABCB) looks at requirements for bushfire-prone areas that are relevant to plumbing.

The National Construction Code (NCC)

NCC Volumes One and Two (the Building Code of Australia, or BCA) require certain buildings in a designated bushfire-prone area to be (to the degree necessary) designed and constructed to reduce the risk of ignition from a bushfire. This is generally achieved through compliance with AS 3959. AS 3959 contains requirements for plumbing and drainage systems (water services, sanitary plumbing and drainage systems, and stormwater drainage systems) that are additional to those found in AS/NZS 3500. It is primarily concerned with improving the ability of buildings in designated bushfire-prone areas to better withstand bushfire attack, thereby better-protecting residents.

31 July

| MASTER PLUMBER MAGAZINE Spring 2020

The PCA

The PCA highlights, in explanatory information for crossvolume considerations, where the BCA requirements affect the design, construction, or installation of a plumbing or drainage system. For bushfire-prone areas, this relates to pipework external to the building and penetrations through the roof cladding. Relevant cross-volume considerations in the PCA are provided for cold water services (B1.4), heated water services (B2.9), non-drinking water services (B3.3), fire-fighting water services (B4.2), and sanitary plumbing systems (C1.3). Plumbing practitioners must also be aware of the Bushfire Attack Level (BAL) classification for a projectâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s location and ensure that their work meets the bushfire requirements for that classification. It is also recommended to check with the local authority or building certifier in case additional requirements apply.

Want to know more?

Access the PCA free online from the ABCB website, ncc.abcb.gov.au, or AS 3959 from the Standards Australia website, infostore.saiglobal. com/en-au/standards/as-3959-2018-122340_saig_ as_as_2685241/ (open access until June 2021).

TECHNICAL

HAVE YOU CHECKED IF THE PRODUCTS YOU ARE BUYING OR INSTALLING ARE CERTIFIED FOR USE IN AUSTRALIA? In Australia, most plumbing and drainage products must be WaterMark certified. But, what does this mean? The WaterMark Certification Scheme is a mandatory national scheme for plumbing and drainage products to ensure they are fit for purpose and appropriately authorised for use in plumbing and drainage installations. This means that a material or product has been tested and evaluated to an approved product specification and certified by an accredited organisation.

How Do I Know if a Plumbing Product is WaterMark Certified? Certified products can be identified by the WaterMark certification trademark, which must appear on a product or its packaging, along with its WaterMark licence number and the applicable product specification. Certified products are listed on the WaterMark Product Database. The WaterMark Product Database provides consumers, industry professionals, and regulators an access point to confirm if a product has been certified before purchasing or installing the product. This simple check helps ensure that your plumbing and drainage systems work properly and the water you use is safe. All products that are intended for use in a plumbing and drainage installation must undergo a risk assessment to identify any likely risk of manufacturing faults and installation failures. Products with identified risks that require mitigation through the Scheme are listed on the WaterMark Schedule of Products. Likewise, products with identified risks that don’t require WaterMark certification are listed on the Schedule of Excluded Products. Both schedules can be found on the WaterMark website, watermark.abcb.gov.au/look.

How Does the Product Database Work? A certified plumbing or drainage product that has been evaluated to the applicable product specification is issued with a WaterMark certificate of conformity, including a WaterMark licence number. The product and its certification details must also be listed on the WaterMark Product Database. The WaterMark Product Database allows users to search for certificates and products by WaterMark licence number, brand and/or model name, model ID, licensee name, or product description. The search filter options provide refined search results that allow you to search by product category, product specification, or brand name. From the

NOTIFIABLE WORK FEES AND FORMS Recently we have been receiving a few queries in regards to the fees associated with Notifiable Work and customers questioning them. Section 83 (1) of the Plumbing and Drainage Act 2018 (PDA) outlines the actions that must be taken after notifiable work is completed (as covered in the July/August 2019 edition). Section 83 (1), Action after Notifiable Work is Finished, states that this requires a copy of the form 4 (notice) to be submitted to the commissioner (QBCC): Subject to subsection (4), within 10 business days after notifiable work is finished, the relevant person for the work must give the following to the commissioner, unless the person has a reasonable excuse— a) A notice, in the approved form, about the work; b) The fee prescribed by regulation for giving the notice. Maximum penalty—60 penalty units. Currently, the prescribed fee for the notifiable work form (form 4) is $32.00 if submitted electronically or $43.20 if submitted manually.

search results, you can select a specific certificate/product to view more detailed information. The WaterMark Product Database is located on the WaterMark website and can be viewed on portable devices. A short video, Using the Product Database, is also available to help you navigate the WaterMark Product Database, search for certificates or products, and download key information.

What Does It Mean if You Can’t Find a WaterMark or Licence Number on Either the Product, Its Packaging, or on the WaterMark Product Database? It could mean one of three things: 1. Not all plumbing and drainage materials or products require WaterMark certification. Check the Schedule of Excluded Products to see if the product is listed there. 2. It could be a new product that has not yet had a risk evaluation undertaken to determine whether it is required to be WaterMark certified or not. 3. It has not been WaterMark certified, which means it may not be authorised for use. If in doubt about whether a product needs or has WaterMark certification, you should check with your plumbing practitioner or approving authority. Remember, a simple check of the WaterMark Product Database next time you are considering purchasing or installing tapware, toilets, showerheads, or any other plumbing product, can go a long way to ensure consumer health and safety. For more information, or to check the WaterMark Product Database, visit watermark.abcb.gov.au/look. Article written by the Australian Building Codes Board

The cost of submitting the form is passed onto the customer in addition to any administration fees. Form 4A does not attract a submission fee to QBCC, but an administration fee could still be charged to the customer for the completion of the form.

Who Else Receives the Form?

When notifiable work is completed, a copy of the form must also be provided to the occupier of the premises or another person who instigated the performance of the work within 20 business days. Section 83 (3) PDA states: Subject to subsection (4), within 20 business days after the notifiable work is finished, the relevant person must give a copy of the notice, and an explanatory statement, to— a) An occupier of the premises; or b) Any other person who asked the relevant person to carry out the work. Maximum penalty—60 penalty units. MPAQ members can contact the MPAQ Technical team on 07 3273 0800 for more information.

Article written by Ernie Kretschmer, Technical Services Manager, MPAQ

MASTER PLUMBER MAGAZINE Spring 2020 |

MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS

T T I N

H E I M E S O W

| MASTER PLUMBER MAGAZINE Spring 2020

MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS

During your career, it is highly likely you will work alongside, or manage someone, with a mental health condition. Whether you know it or not.

10-18 October 2020

Mental Health Week (MHW) is a highlight of Safe Work Month, which is celebrated in October. MHW promotes the importance of mental health and wellbeing and aims to reduce the stigma associated with mental illness. With one-third of adult life spent at work, workrelated stress is estimated to affect around 32 percent of all Australians, and one in five Aussies experience a mental health condition in any year. Further, one in two of us will experience a mental health condition in our lifetime. Mental disorder claims cost more and last longer than physical claims. Across the country, $543 million is paid in workersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; compensation every year for mental health conditions. Workplaces that are perceived to be mentally unhealthy will experience low morale, underperformance, absenteeism, reduced productivity, poor image, and turnover, and workers are three times more likely to take time off. The time to build mentally healthy workplaces and protect workers is now. The blurring of boundaries between work and home, rising performance and productivity expectations, the creation of an entrepreneurial economy, and more digital connection but less human contact are all expected to lead to increased stress and mental health challenges. This is particularly relevant now as we battle COVID-19 with our work and daily lives changed forever. The longer the problem is ignored or put on the backburner, the harder it will become to prevent and manage. So, what can be done? A mentally healthy workplace is one that promotes positive workplace practices that enhance mental health. It prevents harm through effective risk management practices, intervenes early to signs of stress and distress, and supports workers recovering from physical and mental health conditions. For every $1 spent on mentally healthy workplaces up to $2.30 is returned from reduced presenteeism, absenteeism, and compensation. It makes good business sense to create a mentally healthy workplace. Imagine a workplace where workers want to go every day and come home healthier than when they left. A workplace where workers feel supported, engaged, and satisfied and your business is operating as efficiently and effectively as possible. Mentally healthy workplaces are good for everyone. Workplace Health and Safety Queensland is hosting a number of events during MHW, so why not register and start building the capacity to take positive action in your workplace. To view all events in Safe Work Month and Mental Health Week visit www.worksafe.qld.gov.au/safe-work-month. Article written by the Office of Industrial Relations

MASTER PLUMBER MAGAZINE Spring 2020 |

MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS

YOUR RESILIENCE TOOL BOX FOR THESE CHALLENGING TIMES

| MASTER PLUMBER MAGAZINE Spring 2020

In these challenging times, you need a set of tools to keep your mind healthy. We still witness the sun rising and setting each day, but the world isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t the same with the COVID-19 pandemic. At This is a Conversation Starter (TIACS) we are hearing from people who are worried about uncertainty. Many of these people feel disconnected from others. TIACS are hearing questions like: What will happen now I have lost my job? What will happen now my income has been reduced? How will the economy recover? How is my relationship going to withstand new financial pressures? What will happen to the health of my friends and family? Though we are united across the world through this pandemic, people have grown apart. The animosity against each other is sad to see; the judgement on who is responding to COVID-19 correctly, and who is not, is worrying at times. Finding mental tools to get through being hit from all sides with strength is important. Resilience helps keep us going without losing ourselves in the process, to not be taken away when the waves of uncertainty crash. Discovering the key to calm and fortitude as we build inner strength is important. Learning a set of resilient tools to adapt and navigate a crisis is key.

MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS Unfortunately, resilience is not genetic. We have to learn the skills needed to overcome adversity. Some parents teach grit to their kids, but not all of us had that experience. Below are tools to give you the grit to keep walking through hell when tough times occur:

1. Your Body is Like a Fine Car for Which You Are Responsible Do not neglect your body because you are too busy getting from A to B—good health habits are key. Changes to our daily routine and stress means we neglect ourselves. We eat junk food and cease our exercise routine. Stress and negative thoughts push us into unhealthy behaviours or even addictions. The first step is to give good fuel to our bodies so that we can think better. There is a strong connection between our health and our resilience. • Don’t take your sleep for granted. Sleep bolsters immunity. When we lack a good night’s sleep, we act cranky. We don’t make good decisions. • Get into a good exercise routine. Exercise triggers feel-good endorphins, gives us a pick-me-up, and elevates our moods. Choose an activity you enjoy and make it a part of your day. Get moving. • When we feed our body junk, we get lethargic. A hungry brain cannot think clearly. Make wise food choices. Our body needs premium fuel to get through the difficult days. • Be kind to yourself.

2. Choose Positive Actions to Negative Thoughts It is very difficult to control our thoughts. It is much easier to control our responses to thoughts. Our thoughts seem to want us to focus on bad experiences and negative self-talk. Our brain is like an over-helpful friend telling us we are in danger. Resilient people observe these thoughts like a curious scientist would and diffuse themselves from negative thoughts by saying: ‘I am having the thought that I will not cope if I lose my job.’ They then reword the thought to “I will cope; we will find a way to bring in money, and I will deal with future problems as they come”. Resilient people reframe negative thoughts with realistic optimism. This means we accept what we cannot change and then challenge ourselves to think: what can I have control over and change? What new skill can I learn now? What can I do now that I have always wanted to do but never had the time? How can I redefine my marriage/ parenting/relationships in a positive way? And what can I choose to focus on right now? Start by being aware of what you are telling yourself. Catch yourself from moments of blaming, complaining, and being a self-defeatist. Notice if you are spending your day judging the people in your life and calling them names in your head like selfish, obnoxious, or spoiled. It is much better for you and your mental health to reframe your negative thoughts (e.g. “Fred is annoying but his work is really good.”). It’s very difficult to

control thoughts coming in, but you can reframe them to be less dramatic and more optimistic. Throwing up our hands in frustration and living life as a victim is the path of least resistance. But what is gained? Resilient people find a way to transform the pain into some type of gain. This does not mean we are happy with the situation. Rather, we find a way to manage the moment and not become overwhelmed with what we are going through. In the powerful book Man’s Search for Meaning, Viktor Frankl describes the pivotal moment in Auschwitz when he developed ‘meaning therapy’. He was worrying one day if he should trade his last cigarette for a bowl of soup. He wondered how he would work with a vicious new foreman. Suddenly he grew disgusted with his meaningless life. He realised that if he was to survive this devastating darkness, he would need to rediscover purpose to his existence. Frankl began to imagine himself giving lectures after the war, describing what he had been through. He created real goals for himself though he was not even sure if he would survive. At that moment he was able to rise above his suffering. He went on to write: “We must never forget that we may also find meaning in life even when confronted with a hopeless situation, when facing a fate that cannot be changed.” Anticipate the good days that will return. Create goals. Look at the challenges as opportunities. Seek meaning in your days.

better because I’ve existed? How did I touch the people around me? Tools common to resilient people are spiritual beliefs, connection to others, gratitude for the amazing things in our lives, doing kind acts for others, and the quality of our relationships. Gratitude will keep you grounded. Giving will bring meaning. The right friends and good relationships will buffer you. You will rediscover your inner core.

3. Discover Your Life Mission and Inner Core

Article written by Natalya Greenwood, Provisional Psychologist, TIACS Foundation

Our brain is like an over-helpful friend telling us we are in danger. You have the strength to propel forward. Understanding your resilient tools will make a difference. If you are struggling please speak to someone at TIACS. TIACS Foundation support line gives workers the ability to reach out and get support when and for however long they need it. TIACS employs mental health professionals to make sure the best care is provided. TIACS does not want those suffering from a bad week, month, or even years to become another statistic to self-harm. A quick chat or text? Great. A longer chat? Cool. Need a follow-up? No problem. We’re here for as long as you need support. The service is not charged. Call 0488 846 988 or visit TIACS.org for operating hours.

We are here to build a legacy. We need to contemplate: why am I here? How is this world MASTER PLUMBER MAGAZINE Spring 2020 |

MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS

BLUEPRINT FOR BETTER MENTAL HEALTH IN THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY How do I make my business and workplace mentally healthy? For many years, suicide prevention and mental health have been seen predominantly as home issues that come to work. Because of this thinking, anything around mental health in construction was viewed by many as a side issue: “We want people to be well and we did stuff on RUOK day but what else are we supposed to do—people need to take some personal responsibility!” Mental Health is a safety issue, so we need to view it with a safety lens on. The difficulty is, as a plumber, this was not in your training. So where do you start? In 2017, Beyond Blue and MATES in Construction, held a national roundtable of stakeholders in the construction industry across Australia. The fruit of that meeting was the establishment of a Blueprint for Better Mental Health in the Construction Industry—a framework to help businesses treat mental health in the same way they treat safety. It’s a how-to-guide for both large and small businesses. It recognises that many businesses are already doing good work in this area but don’t know what to do next. MPAQ have endorsed this document on behalf of their members.

What is in the Blueprint Framework?

In simple terms, it has five pillars that support a business to have a mentally healthy workplace: Pillar 1. Promote work’s positive impact on mental health. Pillar 2. Reduce the harmful impacts of work. Pillar 3. Provide mental health and suicide prevention literacy. Pillar 4. Facilitate early intervention and treatment. Pillar 5. Provide return-to-work and ongoing support. Each of these pillars has activities and strategies to help make them a regular part of how you do business. Many of you are probably doing something in most of these pillars now. You can sign up to the Blueprint by contacting MATES in Construction and they will provide someone who will help you map what you are currently doing well and help you with the next steps. The statistics around suicide and mental health in our industry are sobering. Anything we can do positively to make our workplace a good place to work, especially when we or our workers are doing it tough, will help prevent families from going through the grief of losing a loved one prematurely. As we often say, “if we save one life it’s worth it”.

| MASTER PLUMBER MAGAZINE Spring 2020

Mentally healthy workplaces have been shown to have better productivity, less absenteeism, better morale, and a better learning environment, especially for our young workers. MPAQ has been proactive in supporting initiatives around suicide prevention and mental health for many years. Many of MPAQ’s employees have been through the MATES training and have used these skills to help members. Together, we can create a better mentally healthy plumbing industry by starting with our own businesses. Contact MATES in Construction on 1300 642 111, visit www.constructionblueprint.com.au, or ring a MATES field officer. Article written by John Brady, Operations Manager, MATES in Construction

IF YOU NEED HELP OR SOMEONE TO SPEAK TO, BELOW ARE THE CONTACT DETAILS OF A NUMBER OF SERVICES WHO CAN HELP: • Beyond Blue: 24-hour counselling service. Call 1300 224 636 or visit www.beyondblue.org.au. • LIFELINE: 24-hour counselling and crisis support. Call 13 11 14 or visit www.lifeline.org.au. • MATES in Construction: 24/7 Industry-backed, research-based, suicide prevention and support. Call 1300 642 111 or visit mates.org.au. • Mensline Australia: 24-hour counselling service for men with relationship or family concerns. Call 1300 78 99 78 or visit mensline.org.au. • This is a Conversation Starter: A free text, chat and call back service connecting individuals seeking counselling services. Call 0488 846 988 or visit TIACS.org.

MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS

HOW A TRADE BUSINESS OWNER FOUND STRENGTH IN THE FACE OF CRISIS simPRO is an MPAQ Corporate Supporter, and their Business Development Manager, Brian Burke, has seen his fair share of success and failure. Before joining simPRO he ran a successful electrical contracting business with his wife Justine and then suddenly lost everything in 2010 at the end of the Global Financial Crisis (GFC). From experiencing the loss of his business, the passing of a parent, facing personal crisis and bankruptcy, Brian has lived through some of life’s great challenges and made it through with his positivity and passion for life intact. As many trade business owners will continue to face challenges like these in the coming months, Brian shared his story and some wisdom on building resilience in the face of adversity.

Building a Million Dollar Business In 2010 Brian and Justine’s trade business was booming. They had moved their family to the Sunshine Coast in Queensland and, despite the financial crisis, the business was growing. “We were really starting to fly, picking up huge contracts, while other businesses were falling by the wayside because of the GFC,” Brian said. “We had 15 people in the field and a full-time Operations Manager to keep things ticking along. It was all looking good, and we were going to come out of the crisis alright. And then out of nowhere, we had three of the building companies that we worked closely with fold in the space of three months. While the work continued to flow, our cash flow quickly dried up.” Suddenly the business was facing liquidation, and Brian was close to bankruptcy. Everything that they had spent years building began to crumble around Brian and Justine. “Before I knew it, I spent weeks lying awake and looking at the ceiling every night. My mum had passed away in October 2009 and then suddenly we had lost $500,000 off our business cash flow. In the end, we had to sell our investment property, the business, and, worst of all, our family home, all the while dealing with the grief of losing my mother.” Brian says that was when the anxiety and depression started for him. Dealing with a lot of challenges one right after the other left him in a haze of pain and confusion. Trying to do the right thing by his employees and manage his grief had turned the once resilient go-getter into a man he didn’t recognise. “I know now that I wasn’t coping. At the time I just didn’t want to realise that I was about to lose everything. It was really tough on both me and Justine, not to mention our employees. I just couldn’t accept it, and I was looking for ways to save the business and avoid bankruptcy. I went to see a business advisor we had been working with and he said to me, ‘mate you look terrible. You need to go and see a doctor right now. You need to speak to someone and tell them what is going on’. And I think that was what saved us long term.”

“Honestly, it felt like I had a plague. No one wanted anything to do with me. So we packed up what we had left and moved back to Sydney. It ended up being the best thing we could have done because we had people we could trust and people we could rely on all around us.” Having a support network allowed Brian and Justine to get their lives back on track. “Talking to all the different people in my life was the biggest thing that helped me build the road back from these challenges. All of a sudden it turned a light on, and I realised it was okay to not be okay,” Brian said. “Now, I have no hesitation at all. If I see someone in pain, I will reach out to them. Sometimes the people you expect to help you can be the ones to avoid. But actually, it doesn’t matter who you talk to. It’s amazing how compassionate so many people are, even if they are a stranger. So why not be that person for someone else?” Since moving back to Sydney, Brian joined simPRO and now works with business owners to help them overcome their challenges running their business. And he’s always happy to lend an ear to their problems too. To find out more about simPRO visit www.simprogroup.com. MPAQ members get 20% off the initial implementation costs when signing up as a new simPRO customer. Visit www.mpaq.com.au/benefits/simpro to learn more. Article written by simPRO

Talking to Others Was the ‘Light Bulb’ Moment Brian Needed After seeking support for his mental health, Brian says that the biggest thing that had an impact on his anxiety and depression was moving back home to Sydney. “A lot of our friends and business associates in the north had dropped us after the business failed,” Brian said. MASTER PLUMBER MAGAZINE Spring 2020 |

WORKPLACE HEALTH & SAFETY

SAFE WORK MONTH GOES DIGITAL 2020 has been a challenging year for everyone as we’ve needed to find ways to change our everyday lives to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic. As always, Safe Work Month will be celebrated in October; however, it too has had to adapt to the times.

PUMPS AUSTRALIA

PACKAGED PUMP STATIONS SEWAGE GREYWATER STORMWATER CALL US TODAY. 1800 807 604

40-20000L LARGE & SMALL POLY-FRP-CONCRETE BETTER.FASTER.EASIER ASCENTO GROUP AUSTRALIA©

| MASTER PLUMBER MAGAZINE Spring 2020

Queensland Safety Ambassador Shane Webcke said in 2020 all of the Queensland Government’s Safe Work Month events will be digital and free of charge. “We understand many Queensland businesses are facing difficult circumstances with unique risks arising from COVID-19 adding to their normal pressures,” the former Bronco said. “As organisations deal with this, we wanted to make sure safety and return to work aren’t overlooked. “That’s why Safe Work Month has gone virtual—to deliver vital safety and return to work information straight to computer screens across the state. “Throughout October, expert speakers will cover hot topics like the ongoing health and safety implications of COVID-19, mentally healthy workplaces, wellbeing programs, and safety culture and leadership.” Safe Work Month 2020 officially kicks off on Thursday 1 October with a digital launch featuring the Maroons league legend and MasterChef’s Tessa Boersma. The fun morning focusses on staying healthy and safe at work and includes a cooking demonstration of how to whip up an easy and healthy breakfast. The month itself winds up four weeks later with a mental health session featuring former Olympic swimmer Hayley Lewis. “Safe Work Month 2020 has definitely morphed, but the beauty is that the entire program is available to everyone—you just have to register for the events you think are best suited to your organisation,” Webcke said. Throughout October, presentations featuring expert speakers and panels, industry-specific topics, and handy workshops will be available to view on computers, laptops, and mobile devices. One of the highlights of the 22 events scheduled so far is the safety clutter session on Thursday 8 October. Delivered by leading safety thinker and practitioner David Provan, this event looks at how to identify safety clutter and then remove it, including ways to declutter without affecting legal compliance and certification. These mainstream events are backed up by resources including case studies, podcasts, recordings, webinars, and films that can be accessed at any time from the Worksafe website. “We’ve risen to the challenge delivering virtual programs with back up resources and now it’s your turn,” challenged Webcke. “With everything on offer, you can pick and choose events tailored to your own needs. “However, if you’re feeling really adventurous, why not host your own Safe Work Month event and stream one of our presentations for your workers. “It’s all about spreading safety messages as far and wide as possible and coming away from these events with clear take-away actions. “This helps improve work health and safety and return to work outcomes in your workplace straight away.” Find out more about Safe Work Month at wwwworksafe.qld.gov.au.

WORKPLACE HEALTH & SAFETY

TRADIES LEADING THE NATION’S INFRASTRUCTURE AND BUILDING RECOVERY NEED TO LOOK AFTER THEIR MOST VALUABLE ASSET—THEIR HEALTH Trade work across the construction and home building sectors has been relatively unscathed by the COVID-19 downturn compared to many other sectors; however, the Australian Physiotherapy Association (APA) wants tradies to ditch the old-school “she’ll be right” attitude to their health so they can continue to support Australia’s economic recovery. APA National President Phil Calvert says with the long hours and physical labour associated with trade work, it’s imperative that tradies give themselves the best chance to be fully fit for work each day. “The intensity and repetitive nature of trade work means that at some point in their career, a tradie is likely to be injured. What we’re encouraging them to do is just take stock of their health regularly and notice if they have any stiffness or pain in their body. This is often an indicator of a musculoskeletal problem, which can be addressed relatively simply if it is nipped in the bud.” “Tradies rely on their bodies for their work. Small niggles can turn into more serious chronic conditions if left unchecked, and that means lost time and income for many tradies.” The latest data from Safe Work Australia1 shows that trade workers make up 30 percent of the Australian workforce, yet account for 55 percent of all serious workplace claims.

Physios can provide advice, education, and treatment on how to manage existing injuries as well as help tradies be proactive about their health so that they reduce their risk of injury in the first place by working smarter. Simple tips like warming up for five to 10 minutes before starting work each morning and pacing their workload to avoid overuse and fatigue issues are easy to incorporate into a daily routine. Mr. Calvert said, “At the end of the day we all want to go home safely to our families, so tradies should look at all options to make sure they are in the best physical and mental shape to get through the day. Simple warm-up stretches at the start of the day are easy, and even some open dialogue with bosses and co-workers about workplace practices, injuries, or other issues affecting their work can lead to a safer and more productive workplace for everyone.” Visit choose.physio/fortradies to learn more. Article written by the Australian Physiotherapy Association (APA) 1 Australian Workers’ Compensation Statistics 2017-18 www.safeworkaustralia.gov.au/ system/files/documents/2001/australian-workers-compensation-statistics-2017-18_1. pdf

IMPROVE YOUR HEALTH AND SAFETY KNOWLEDGE AT PICAC BEENLEIGH At the new Plumbing Industry Climate Action Centre (PICAC) campus in Beenleigh, a wide range of training courses are available for plumbing industry participants looking to refresh or upgrade their knowledge and skills. For new entrants to the industry, Prepare to Work Safely in the Construction Industry (White Card) is an essential course for anyone wanting to work on or enter a construction site. Topics include personal protective equipment (PPE) requirements, risk management, reporting, hazard identification, and more. A one-day first aid/CPR course trains participants on the critical elements of the initial response to an emergency with a particular focus on construction industry situations. A half-day refresher course is also available and recommended for anyone who has not completed a refresher in the last 12 months.

For those looking to pursue a more significant role related to workplace health and safety, the health and safety representatives (HSR) training course is designed to give participants the knowledge, skills, and confidence to take on the HSR or deputy-HSR role onsite. This course is approved by Workplace Health and Safety Queensland (WHSQ). These courses and more are delivered by Ceputec (RTO 4612). Ceputec specialises in safety and construction industry courses for the plumbing and fire protection industries. MPAQ members receive discounted rates on training delivered at PICAC Beenleigh. For more information on the range of health and safety training available please contact Ceputec at PICAC at infoqld@picac.edu.au or on 1300 222 727. MASTER PLUMBER MAGAZINE Spring 2020 |

COVID-19 UPDATE

MANAGING COVID-19 RISKS ON CONSTRUCTION SITES Queensland founded engineering firm ADG Engineers has partnered with Workplace Medicine Australia to develop an innovative digital risk management process integrating infrared thermography scanning and medical support functions, enabling organisations to conduct mass screenings for COVID-19 symptoms as Australians return to work.

organisations and will help to stop the unnecessary spread of viruses like COVID-19 and influenza among our Australian workforce,” he said. “Through the early detection and management of employees who present symptoms upon entering the workplace, our locally-developed systems aim to ensure the health of thousands of vital contributors to the economy and optimise capability within workforces across the country.” Workplace absenteeism currently costs Australian businesses approximately $4,025 per employee, per year — totalling an approximate annual cost of $7 billion to the Australian economy1. Workplace Medicine Australia Medical Director, Dr. Scott Allison, said the proliferation of the novel coronavirus, particularly in high-density cities, has generated the need for a program like the COVID-19 Support System — a system that seamlessly integrates robust medical support function into workplace risk mitigation processes. “Our system has been designed to provide organisations with integrated technology to identify workers with a fever or respiratory illness symptoms and provide them with immediate access to a professional medical review, allowing staff members access to a holistic solution from testing and assessment, through to diagnosis and a care plan,” he said. The COVID-19 Support System complements the COVID-19 testing processes approved by the Australian Government and best-practice confidentiality and medical protocols as set out by the Royal Australian College of General Practice (RACGP). Following the initial installations of the COVID-19 Support System last month, ADG Engineers is in the process of implementing the new technology at additional workplace facilities across additional sites in Victoria, Queensland, and New South Wales.

ADG Engineers rolled out the game-changing technology in August to multiple, large construction site compounds for building contractors, including John Holland Group and Probuild, with further implementation to take place in the coming weeks to ensure the safety of tens of thousands of staff members returning to their work environment. With the recent addition of Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) approved, digital respiratory screening through a mobile app, the COVID-19 Support System provides multiple layers of screening and medical intervention, securing the companies’ positions as one of the leading Australian providers in workplace pandemic risk mitigation, with the integrated system allowing organisations to implement an automated approach to early detection of potentially infected staff members, with a confidential and tailored app-based reporting system included to minimise the risk of identified individuals impacting the wider workforce. ADG Engineers’ James O’Brien said the rollout of the integrated risk management system will be vital in helping to safeguard the Australian community from a second wave of COVID-19. “The regular and proactive scanning of staff members returning to a shared workspace for indicators of fever or possible respiratory tract infection is vital in managing and containing potential infection in

Article written by ADG Engineers

Landscape Linear Drainage. By Stormtech

The ultimate selection and flexibility in landscape linear drainage from concept to installation. Stormtech Slot Drain and Special Assembly range deliver high capacity linear drainage for outdoor applications, providing flexibility in landscape, driveway and pool design. Featuring a narrow profile, smart design and easy installation, choose from a variety of grate styles and colour finishes. SD90H

65G100

• • • •

Extensive Range + Styles Narrow Profile Design Pool Areas + Courtyards Custom Fabrication

For complete product details and to find your nearest Stormtech distributor, visit our website today.

Visit stormtech.com.au

Call 1300 653 403

COVID-19 UPDATE

UPDATED IMPACT OF COVID-19 ON QUEENSLAND’S PLUMBING INDUSTRY

Following an April 2020 survey sent out to MPAQ members, in the May/June 2020 edition of Master Plumber we provided an update on the impact COVID-19 was having on the Queensland plumbing and gas industry. Once Queensland began to see eased restrictions in June, we sent out a follow-up survey to find out how our industry was coping. Below are some of the key findings. 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.

April 2020 Survey Result

Forward Work

It has increased

COMPARED TO APRIL, HOW HAS THE AMOUNT OF FORWARD WORK ON YOUR BOOKS CHANGED?

It is largely the same

Findings In an encouraging sign, most responses indicating that work has fallen have decreased in percentage since April. Even more promising is the response that work has increased, which is indicated by a jump from 1.94% to 13.86%.

June 2020 Survey Result 1.94% 13.86% 30.58% 29.70% 11.17%

It has fallen by less than 10%

7.92% 25.24%

It has fallen by between 11% and 30%

23.76% 20.87%

It has fallen by between 31% and 50%

17.82% 6.31%

It has fallen by between 51% and 75% It has fallen by over 76%

6.93% 3.88% 0% 10%

Delays on Work – Construction Sites or Renovations ARE YOU FACING, OR DO YOU BELIEVE YOU WILL FACE, ISSUES RELATING TO DELAYS ON YOUR WORK? Findings While the increase in the number of respondents indicating that they have experienced delay shows that there was an impact on the immediate work being undertaken during the period of restriction, the overall decrease in the percentage of people experiencing delays currently or expecting delays is a positive sign for the industry in Queensland.

20%

April 2020 Survey Result Yes - work currently under way is delayed

30%

40%

50%

60%

70%

80%

90%

100%

70%

80%

90%

100%

June 2020 Survey Result

4.43% 3.92% 30.54%

Yes - we anticipate work will be delayed

4.90% 10.34%

Yes - we have dealt with delays already

15.69% 19.70%

Yes - all of the above

19.61% 30.54%

51.96% 10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

60%

Note: Responses of ‘no’ were also received for businesses that do not undertake this kind of work

Your Employees COMPARED TO EARLIER THIS YEAR, HOW HAS THE NUMBER OF EMPLOYEES IN YOUR BUSINESS CHANGED? Findings 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.

14.7%

65.7% +8.9%

3.92%

SOLE OPERATOR - NO EMPLOYEES

IT HAS STAYED LARGELY THE SAME

*STAFF NUMBERS HAVE INCREASED

REDUCTION OF LESS THAN 10%

4.9%

2.0%

1.0%

2.0%

REDUCTION OF BETWEEN 11% & 30%

REDUCTION OF BETWEEN 31% & 50%

REDUCTION OF OVER 51%

ALL EMPLOYEES WERE, AND SOME OR ALL ARE STILL, ON STAND DOWN

-6.2%

-1.9%

+0.5%

Comparison to April 2020 results

+1.0%

5.9% -4.8%

+0.1%

MASTER PLUMBER MAGAZINE Spring 2020 |

WORKPLACE RELATIONS

JOBKEEPER AND APPRENTICE WAGES INCENTIVE EXTENSIONS JobKeeper Extension The Federal Government has announced that the JobKeeper scheme will continue until 28 March 2021 with amendments to the current scheme to take effect from 28 September 2020. The existing JobKeeper scheme will continue until 27 September 2020 where each eligible employee receives $1,500 gross per fortnight. From 28 September 2020, the JobKeeper extension scheme will continue over two periods (the first period from 28 September 2020 to 3 January 2021 and the second period from 4 January 2021 to 28 March 2021) and on a tiered system based on the average number of hours that each employee worked prior to 1 March 2020.

Business Eligibility

The current JobKeeper system requires businesses to provide a one-off turnover test of a 30% reduction (or 50% reduction, if aggregated turnover is more than $1 billion) in GST turnover. The two extension periods of the JobKeeper scheme will no longer have a reference to the ‘projected GST turnover’. Instead, the eligibility test will depend solely on whether the actual GST turnover in those quarters has fallen by the required percentage compared to the same quarters in 2019. This means: • For the first period from 28 September 2020 to 3 January 2021, businesses will need to demonstrate that their actual GST turnover has fallen by the required 30% in both quarters ending 30 June 2020 and ending 30 September 2020; and

Meet Sharlene. She’s a good person to know for insurance. Insurance: Business | Trades | Contract Works Farm | Strata | Home WFI is a proud alliance partner of MPAQ. Insure with WFI and you’ll deal directly with a local area manager who will take the time to understand you and your insurance needs. So, for personal service that comes to you, contact your local WFI Area Manager, Sharlene Smith. Sharlene Smith | WFI Area Manager 0427 194 033 | sharlene.smith@wfi.com.au | wfi.com.au

To see if our products are right for you, always read the PDS from the product insurer, Insurance Australia Limited ABN 11000016722 AFSL 227681 trading as WFI (WFI).

• For the second period from 4 January 2021 to 28 March 2021, businesses need to demonstrate fall in GST turnover in each quarter ending 30 June, 30 September and 31 December 2020.

JobKeeper Payments

The JobKeeper extension payments will gradually reduce over the two extension periods and the amount of JobKeeper payment will depend on the number of hours the employee worked either before 1 March 2020 or 1 July 2020.

The amended JobKeeper payments are as follows: First JobKeeper Second JobKeeper Extension Extension 28/9/2020 –03/01/2021 04/01/2021 –28/03/2021 Tier 1 Employees • Eligible employees who worked for 80 hours or more in the four weeks of pay periods before either 1 March 2020 or 1 July 2020; and $1,200 gross per fortnight • Eligible business participants who were actively engaged in the business for 80 hours or more in February and provide a declaration to that effect.

$1,000 gross per fortnight

Tier 2 Employees This rate is expected to apply to: $750 gross • any other eligible employees and per fortnight eligible business participants that are not considered Tier 1.

$650 gross per fortnight

The wage condition will continue to apply so employers will need to ensure they are paying the correct amount to employees and the payments from the ATO to the business will continue in arrears.

Apprentices and Trainees Wage Subsidy Extended The Australian Government has further announced that the apprentice and trainee wage subsidy of 50% of an eligible apprentice or trainee’s wages will be expanded to include medium-sized businesses who had an apprentice in place on 1 July 2020 and that the scheme will be extended until 31 March 2021. A small business may be eligible if: • The business employs fewer than 20 people; or • The business has fewer than 20 people but is using a Group Training Organisation; and • The apprentice or trainee was undertaking an Australian apprenticeship with the business on 1 July 2020. Claims prior to 1 July 2020, will continue to be based on the 1 March 2020 eligibility date. A medium-sized business may be eligible if: • The business employs fewer than 200 people; or • The business has fewer than 200 people but is using a Group Training Organisation; and • The apprentice or trainee was undertaking an Australian apprenticeship with the business on 1 July 2020. Any employer (including all small, medium, or large businesses and Group Training Organisations) who re-engages an apprentice or trainee displaced from an eligible small or medium business may also be eligible for the subsidy. The extension of these subsidies is a welcome relief for businesses. Please note: These details were correct at time of printing, and they may be subject to change. If you have further queries, please contact our workplace relations team on 07 3273 0800. Article written by Emma Ross, HR Advisor, MPAQ

| MASTER PLUMBER MAGAZINE Spring 2020

WORKPLACE RELATIONS

EMPLOYEES VS SUBCONTRACTORS: HOW TO DETERMINE WHICH WAY TO ENGAGE A PERSON Determining the best way to engage a person whether it be through an employment arrangement or through a sub-contractor arrangement can be a challenge, and, unfortunately, there is no one deciding factor. The decision of how to engage someone is instead based on the situation as a whole of each individual circumstance. Simply detailing in a contract that the person is a subcontractor, or because the person has provided their ABN that they are automatically a sub-contractor, is not sufficient to make the engagement a sub-contractor arrangement. The Fair Work Act 2009 and the Independent Contractors Act 2006 provide protections for both employees and sub-contractors (also termed independent contractors), but it is up to the business to make the right decision as to the type of engagement, which must be based on the actual practice and agreement that is made. For example, if a person is required to work a 38-hour week, wear the business uniform, is paid on a regular basis (i.e. weekly on a Wednesday), and are told how and when to do the work, then this type of relationship would be an employment relationship. The risk of getting it wrong can cost your business thousands of dollars in not only making the required back payments to someone (i.e. superannuation back payments) but also in penalties for breach of legislation, such as a breach of the Fair Work Act 2009, which imposes penalties of up to $12,600 for an individual (such as a director) and up to $63,000 for the business per contravention. Under the Fair Work Act 2009, an employer cannot engage in a sham contracting arrangement where an employer attempts to disguise an employment relationship as a sub-contracting arrangement. Further, an employer cannot: • Misrepresent an employment relationship or a proposed employment arrangement, as a subcontractor arrangement; • Dismiss or threaten to dismiss an employee for the purpose of engaging them as a subcontractor; or • Make a knowingly false statement to persuade or influence an employee to become a subcontractor. Often employers engage in sham contracting arrangements to avoid paying employee entitlements, such as leave, overtime, regular hours, superannuation, workers compensation, etc. However, in some subcontractor arrangements, such as wholly or principally for labour, the principal contractor is still responsible for providing superannuation, and for contracts of service there is a requirement to provide workers compensation even for the subcontractor. The Fair Work Ombudsman has outlined that Sham Contracting is a highpriority area of focus for this financial year. They have inspectors dedicated to cracking down on businesses engaging in such arrangements; therefore, it is important to have each person engaged correctly with your business. The following table^ provides a summary of some of the differences between employees and subcontractors and has been developed by the Fair Work Commission based on the case of Abdalla v Viewdaze Pty Ltd t/a Malta Travel (2003) 122 IR 215 and these details were further updated in the case of Jiang Shen Cai t/a French Accent v Do Rozario (2011) 215 IR 235. To be Generally Considered an Employee

To be Generally Considered an Independent Contractor

Employer exercises, or has the right Worker controls how work is performed. to exercise, control over the manner in which work is performed, the location and the hours of work, etc. Employee works solely for the employer*.

Worker performs work for others, or is genuinely entitled to do so.

Employer advertises the goods or services of its business.

Worker has a separate place of work and or advertises his or her services to the world at large.

Employer provides and maintains significant tools or equipment.

Worker provides and maintains significant tools or equipment.

To be Generally Considered an Employee

To be Generally Considered an Independent Contractor

Employer can determine what work can be delegated or sub-contracted out and to whom.

Worker can delegate or sub-contract any work to other persons to complete.

Employer has the right to suspend or dismiss the worker.

Contract may be terminated for breach.

Employer provides a uniform or business cards.

Worker wears their own uniform or other clothing of their choice. Worker has own business cards.

Employer deducts income tax from remuneration paid.

Worker responsible for own tax affairs.

Employee is paid by periodic wage or salary.

Worker provides invoices after the completion of tasks.

Employer provides paid holidays or sick leave to employees.

Worker does not receive paid holidays or sick leave.

The work does not involve a profession, trade or distinct calling on the part of the employee.

The work involves a profession, trade or distinct calling on the part of the worker.

The work of the employee creates goodwill or saleable assets for the employer’s business.

The worker creates goodwill or saleable assets for their own business.

The employee does not spend a significant portion of their pay on business expenses.

The worker spends a significant portion of their remuneration on business expenses.

*generally referring to full-time employment—some employees may choose to work additional jobs. The above table is not exhaustive and whether a worker is an employee or contractor may be determined by a factor other than those listed above. To further assist in determining how someone is engaged, the ATO has developed an employee/sub-contractor decision tool. Although it is not a decisive indicator, it can provide a decision for the engagement of someone based on the information the business inputs into the decision tool. Additionally, please contact our HR team on 07 3723 0800 for further general assistance. ^Source: www.fwc.gov.au/general-protections-benchbook/sham-arrangementsdivision-6 Article written by Emma Ross, HR Advisor, MPAQ MASTER PLUMBER MAGAZINE Spring 2020 |

BUSINESS

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. Usually, the additional fee is introduced to the conversation after a few emails have been exchanged and the reasoning given by the fraudster is usually that they need to pay a third party who doesn’t accept credit card payments. 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 and in the current situation, it is the only payment option available to Mr. A.

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. Once the credit card company picks up the fraudulent transaction, a chargeback notification will generally be issued saying the cardholder claims the transaction wasn’t authorised. Unfortunately, if the credit card is stolen, businesses are financially liable to return those funds once they’re issued with a chargeback notification. 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

| MASTER PLUMBER MAGAZINE Spring 2020

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 Being alert to fraudulent payment activity can reduce the chances of your business falling victim to scams and suffering costly chargebacks and other financial loss. We’ve got some simple tips you can follow: • Educate all front-line staff about fraud risks associated with your payment terminal and payment scams in general. • Ensure employees are the only ones to have access to your payment terminals. Don’t allow customers to edit or manually enter transactions, and if you don’t require the manual key entry feature on your terminal, ask your banker to switch it off. • Always refund a transaction to the same card and remember to change your refund password regularly. • Be cautious of customers who wish to correspond via email only and are not contactable by other means such as phone. • Watch out for customers who claim to be not contactable. • Beware of customers who are willing to pay more than the cost advertised or place unusually large orders for goods. If it sounds too good to be true, it usually is. • Never accept payments on behalf of third parties or for services you didn’t provide. • Don’t agree to forward payments or funds to other businesses or people. • Be aware that if you accept transactions when the card is not present in the sale, it is you, the merchant, who is ultimately liable should a dispute be successfully raised against the transaction. • Avoid any requests to transfer funds via Western Union. • Trust your instinct – if you have concerns about a transaction, contact your bank or terminal provider for guidance. Have you received the same scam email recently? Let us know at info@mpaq.com.au or call us on 07 3273 0800. Article written by Summer Adams, Project Management and Marketing Executive, MPAQ

BUSINESS

QBCC MINIMUM FINANCIAL REQUIREMENTS LODGEMENT RULES FOR 2020 EXPLAINED? As most plumbing business owners know, last year was the first year you had to lodge your financial data with the Queensland Building and Construction Commission (QBCC) so that QBCC could check to make sure you were meeting the Minimum Financial Requirements (MFR) for your licence class. In November 2019, QBCC advised licensees that even if you did not satisfy the MFR you were still required to lodge your financial data, and you had until 31 December 2020 to improve your balance sheet and meet the relevant MFR.

What Are the Minimum Financial Requirements? To trade in the plumbing industry in Queensland, you need to hold a certain amount of assets that increase as your turnover increases. In addition, your total current assets (e.g. cash, accounts receivable, stock) need to be greater than your total current liabilities, which are bills that need to be paid in the next 12 months (e.g. trade creditors, tax obligations). QBCC then checks your financial data to ensure you have sufficient assets for your licence category and annual turnover.

on for and whether Queensland is further impacted by increasing cases and lockdown restrictions like Victoria. While there has been no formal response from QBCC in relation to COVID-19, and specifically in respect of the 2020 MFR, there are murmurs QBCC will soon outline its response, which may include some relief for those businesses that have been impacted by COVID-19 and are unable to meet their 2020 MFR obligations. What this looks like, we do not know. In the absence of a formal announcement from QBCC, all business must meet their MFR obligations by 31 December 2020. It is, therefore, essential that you: 1. Commence preparing your FY2020 financial statements and test to make sure your balance sheet complies with the MFR for your licence class as at 30 June 2020; 2. If it does not comply, then liaise with your accountant as soon as possible to ensure compliance by 31 December 2020; and 3. Lodge your FY2020 Financial Statements with QBCC by 31 December 2020. If you would like assistance from Xact Accounting you can call them on 1300 233 723, and to learn more about the packages they have available for MPAQ members, visit www.mpaq.com.au/ benefits/xact-accounting.

What Is the Requirement for Lodgement for 2020? All licensees must lodge their financial data for the year ended 30 June 2020 by 31 December 2020. If you are a SC1 or an SC2 licence holder, you only need to provide the financial information requested such as revenue, current assets, current liabilities, etc. However, if you hold a Category 1 licence or greater, you must also provide supporting financial documents, such as your balance sheet and profit and loss statement.

How Do I Lodge? The portal on the QBCC website opened on 1 August 2020 for online lodgements. Of course, you are still able to lodge a paper copy by downloading the online form on the QBCC website.

So, What Has Changed with QBCC Since COVID-19 Hit? Anecdotally, I think it is fair to say the plumbing industry has fared quite well so far; certainly, maintenance has stood up well, project plumbing less so. How bad it might get of course will depend on how long COVID-19 goes

Article written by Mick Renton, CEO, Xact Accounting

Best andsafety safety Bestpractice practice health health and training industry trainingfor forthe the construction construction industry

OHS/WHS, Plant/Equipment training OHS/WHS, Plant/Equipment and and FirstFirst AidAid training available now discounted with discounted rates MPAQ Members! available now with rates for for MPAQ Members! Contact us to ďŹ nd out more:

sk il

l k-isllkil red-sre ndl an a l

Training to skill, u p Training to skill, u-skil p-

CEPUTEC Training is delivered at PICAC Beenleigh CEPUTEC Training is delivered at PICAC Beenleigh

CEPUTEC CEPUTEC Plumbing Technical Education Centre Plumbing Technical Education Centre RT0: 4612

BUSINESS

THE PERFECT TOOL TO IMPROVE THE OVERALL MENTAL HEALTH OF ALL EMPLOYEES Technology and mental health are two words we don’t often think about concurrently. And yet, if implemented well, automation can significantly improve the mental health of both business owners and employees. More than ever, we have a duty of care to support the mental wellbeing of our employees—but what is the best way to achieve this? Perhaps your staff are spending too much of their day sorting through paperwork. Maybe you’re spending your evenings tearing your hair out over spreadsheets, or endlessly following up invoices and timesheets. The reality is, such work-related stress has the potential to produce real long-term mental health issues, which can mean that productivity falls, staff turnover increases, and the possibilities for growth and success for your organisation shrink. What started as just a little extra paperwork every now and then fast turns into a big problem. If your team is spending too much of their time double handling and correcting errors on completed tasks that could have been performed automatically, they’ll never be able to devote their time to the work that matters most. Your vision for growth becomes buried under paperwork and processes. Optimising your systems allows your organisation and your employees to operate more efficiently. It will automate your business processes to save time, minimise errors, and, most importantly, ease the overall stress of your employees. From helping you schedule your team, to keeping track of quotes and invoices, implementing the right software and automating your processes will reduce the time spent on administrative tasks—supporting you and your team to feel on top of the workload and, consequently, improving overall mental health. The process of implementing a job management software doesn’t need to be difficult. If done effectively, it gives your team ownership over the new system, a sense of belonging, the commitment to a common goal, and shows them that you are truly invested in them and their wellbeing. Your new operational system provides the opportunity to enhance the psychological health of your employees by streamlining the workload and allowing you and your team to focus your energy on achieving business success. Momentum builds as your team transforms into a well-oiled machine; being less weighed down by the small stuff means that you can focus on that brighter bigger picture. This is where Modus Operandi can help, supporting you every step of the way. With extensive trades and industry experience, we individually assess your business to find and recommend the best job management software to suit your specific business needs. For more information on how we can help, you can contact us via our website, www.findyourmo.com, or register for our free online simPRO Q&A via our Facebook page findyourmo. Article written by Modus Operandi

PLUMBING AMBASSADOR

MEET DAN PASFIELD In March 2020, at MPAQ’s annual World Plumbing Day Breakfast, Dan Pasfield, Director of Pasfield Plumbing, was announced as one of four MPAQ plumbing ambassadors. We asked Dan to share his plumbing story, what a typical day looks like for him, and what he hopes to achieve as a plumbing ambassador.

Getting an Apprenticeship In 2009 I was introduced to a local plumber in Shailer Park by a family friend, Tony from Alpine Plumbing. I was 17 and really wanted to see what it would be like to be a plumber. I really pushed hard for an opportunity and was given the chance for some unpaid work experience. In 2010, I had just turned 18 and signed up with All Trades as an apprentice plumber and was plumbing new mine camp demountable blocks in Yatala. Tony then reached out and offered me a placement with him for the remaining time of my apprenticeship, and I was extremely grateful for the opportunity.

A Typical Day I start work in the office at 4:30am, organising purchase orders and quotes, following up on emails, reviewing the schedule for the day, and responding to notes left for me from the day before. At 6:30am, I get coffee and a ham and cheese croissant before heading to my home branch to pick up my purchase orders for the day.

There are plenty of bright and hardworking kids out there, and we need them in our trade to keep it strong and innovative. 7:00am on the dot, never any later, I start my first job. Throughout the day I will travel from Logan to Brisbane then back to Logan or the Gold Coast responding to emergency gas, plumbing, and leak detection jobs. A lot of our work is reactive maintenance, which means we have to be on the ball all the time as every minute counts. When our team is singing a song and all is going to plan we can average 8-12 jobs a day per plumber. It’s a juggling act and everyone/everything has to be running 100%. It’s great fun, and you get very quick at problem solving tricky jobs as nothing is ever the same. Throughout the day I am frequently on the phone to customers, suppliers and the team, helping where I can with technical support, job enquiries, purchase orders and customer relations.

Dan with his daughter

The Pasfield Plumbing team

I normally finish working on the tools at around 4:30pm to 6:00pm, and then clock off for the day and spend precious time with my family.

Running a Business My experience as a business owner is rapidly expanding as I grow every day. I love to learn and always keep an open mind; I’ve honestly learned a lot more than I ever have in a small amount of time and really thrive to learn and grow more and more. It’s a super hard gig in these early days of business. At just three years into the business, I’m sure anyone else who has been there would agree that it doesn’t just come handed to you. I work with awesome people in our small team, which makes business so much better and enjoyable (our little plumbing family team). I couldn’t do it without the team’s support.

Plumbing Ambassador I’d like to help the next generation of youth coming into the workforce see the value and appeal of a career in plumbing. There are plenty of bright and hardworking kids out there, and we need them in our trade to keep it strong and innovative. I enjoy the opportunity that comes with the ambassadorship to talk to young people at the end of their schooling period and telling them about the trade. It’s an awesome program that MPAQ does for the community.

Looking after My Mental Health Having a good work-life balance is very important for me. Working long hours and running a small business is stressful. I’ve recently gotten into mountain bike riding and going to the gym twice a week helps me destress. Also having an amazing wife who keeps me accountable and reminds me of my role as a father and husband keeps me grounded and happy.

Dan talking to a group of school students

Dan and Cooper, who undertook a weeks’ work experience with Pasfield Plumbing

Do you have a story you would like to tell? Let us know by emailing advertising@mpaq.com.au or calling 07 3273 0800.

MASTER PLUMBER MAGAZINE Spring 2020 |

October SUNDAY

MONDAY

TUESDAY

WEDNESDAY

OCTOBER IS SAFE WORK MONTH

- FIND OUT MORE AT SAFEWORKAUSTRALIA.GOV.AU

Queen’s Birthday Public Holiday

Gold Coast Backflow Course

QLD Mental Health Week Brisbane Ends TMV Course

NRL Grand Final

Movember

World Mental Health Day QLD Mental Health Week Begins

Gold Coast TMV Course

Brisbane Golf Day

International Coffee Day

Global Handwashing Day

Gold Coast Golf Day

Brisbane Estimate and Cost Work Course

November

Melbourne Cup

SATURDAY

Brisbane Backflow Course

FRIDAY

MPAQ Webinar

School Holidays end

THURSDAY

24 AFL Grand Final

31 Halloween

Brisbane Backflow Course

Remembrance DayLest we forget

Brisbane Legionella Course

23 Brisbane Legislation Workshop

30 Brisbane TMV Course

International Men’s Day World Toilet Day

Brisbane Design & Size Course

December SUNDAY

MONDAY

TUESDAY

WEDNESDAY

First day of Summer

THURSDAY

FRIDAY

SATURDAY

Brisbane Carry Out Work Based Risk Course

12 School Holidays

Brisbane Backflow Course

18 MPAQ 19 Office Closed

Christmas Eve Public Holiday

Christmas Day

26 Boxing Day

(6:00pm - Midnight)

Boxing Day Public Holiday RTO Code: 30473 Key TMV - CPCPWT4023A - Commission and Maintain Hot and Heated Water Temperature Control Devices Backflow - CPCPWT4022A - Commission and Maintain Backflow Prevention Devices Design & Size - CPCPGS4011C Design and Size Consumer Gas Installations Carry Out Work Based Risk - CPCPCM4011A - Carry out Work-Based Risk Control Processes Service Type A Gas - CPCPGS4022A - Service Type A Gas Appliances Estimate and Cost Work - CPCPCM4012A - Estimate and Cost Work

31 New Years Eve

Visit mpaq.com.au for Events and Training info

SOCIAL

Q A P M

| MASTER PLUMBER MAGAZINE Spring 2020

SOCIAL

Want t o f e at u re on the Social MPA Q page? Us e ou r h a Instag shtag on see wha ram so we ca n t youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; re up t o! MASTER PLUMBER MAGAZINE Spring 2020 |

MEMBER NEWS

ANSA PLUMBING CELEBRATES 35 YEAR MILESTONE Founded by Andrew MacDonald in 1985, Ansa Plumbing started with a team of four people working in the business and has grown to a current team of 12. While the business started out working in maintenance, it has transitioned over the last 35 years to specialise in hospital fit outs. Having recorded two record months during the COVID-19 pandemic, Ansa Plumbing’s goal for the future is to be successful and grow long term. One of the biggest changes Ansa Plumbing has recognised in the industry over the years is more regulations; however, their MPAQ membership has helped them with any questions they may have. MPAQ congratulates Ansa Plumbing on reaching 35 years of membership!

SUPER BUILT FOR YOU. Be you with BUSSQ.

Mac McDiarmid started plumbing in 1973 on the Gold Coast as a single operator. In 1983 McDiarmid Plumbing Service became a partnership with Mac and his wife Judy until 1989 when McDiarmid Plumbing Service became a company and is still trading 47yrs later in 2020, with Mac and Judy’s son Lewis now taking over management of the business. Variety in our scope of work is what we are proud to be known for. We have taken on many plumbing and drainage jobs that others back away from. Our work covers plumbing maintenance services to homeowners, rental properties, factories, restaurants, shopping centres, churches, and local government projects. Our work covers all of the Gold Coast and Hinterland, and we also have clients in Brisbane. This variety of work has allowed us to produce some of the best tradespeople in the local plumbing industry. Over 20 apprentices have been employed in the company throughout our history and some have gone on to run successful businesses of their own. When the business started it was Mac, Judy, and a labourer, and in the mid-80s up to 27 employees were in the business. Of the seven staff currently employed, two have been with the business for over 30 years. Several staff that are now retired were with the company for 20 to 30 years. The plumbing industry has changed over the years, and it is extremely difficult to keep up with changes in legislation and different takes on interpretation of the plumbing code by different local councils and individual council inspectors. New products and methods of installation are evolving at a very fast rate. Being a member of MPAQ is a benefit for always being able to get assistance with legislation queries and wage awards, etc. With Mac’s son Lewis taking over running of the company we are determined to stay competitive and viable and continue to offer quality of service to our customers and look after our staff that look after our company. Article written by McDiarmid Plumbing Service

We’re a leading industry fund that makes super easy with personalised service to help you, your employees and family.

NOTICE OF MEMBER PASSING

We’re here to help you. Visit bussq.com.au or call us on 1800 692 877.

One of MPAQ’s long-term members, Cyril Brown of Brownie’s Plumbing and Gas in Far North Queensland, passed away suddenly at his home in Port Douglas in early July. Cyril and his wife Beryl have been members with MPAQ since 5 July 2000 and had just reached their 20-year membership milestone with the association, dedicating many years of support to the industry. Our deepest sympathies and condolences go out to Beryl, Cyril’s family, and his friends.

The information supplied in this advertisement is general advice only and does not take into account or consider your personal objectives, financial situation or needs. Before acting, you should review the relevant Product Disclosure Statement to ensure you have all the information about the relevant BUSSQ product and how it works and consider the appropriateness of the information to your needs or seek independent advice from a properly qualified professional. Prepared by BUSS(Queensland) Pty Ltd (ABN 15 065 081 281, AFSL 237860) as Trustee for BUSSQ (BUSSQ Fund, ABN 85 571 332 201).

McDIARMID PLUMBING SERVICE REACHES 30 YEAR MEMBERSHIP MILESTONE

| MASTER PLUMBER MAGAZINE Spring 2020

Cyril Arthur Brown from Port Douglas, Far North Queensland

MEMBER NEWS

NUFLOW TECHNOLOGIES CELEBRATE 25 YEARS OF MEMBERSHIP Successful Gold Coast businessman and plumber Ed Ahern has been in the industry for over 44 years and celebrated 25 years of MPAQ membership this year. During his time plumbing he was becoming concerned about the significantly increased failure rates he was seeing in pipes and drains. Like most plumbers at the time he recognised the difficulties that lay ahead as aging pipe infrastructure across the region continued to deteriorate. He also recognised that alternatives to traditional methods of excavation and replacement of pipes had to be found. In 2004 he bought a license from Cameron Manners’ Canadian technology and launched fully Australianowned Nuflow ® Technologies, entering markets in Australia, New Zealand, Asia and middle east regions. This brought an innovative trenchless pipe repair system to the southern hemisphere. A determined, hard-working, problem-solver, Ed thinks big and plans accordingly, taking the original technology to new heights, creating products and processes to cater specifically for Australasian conditions. He has expanded the business to have a trenchless solution for drainage, water, and pressure pipes, with his Blueline® and Greenline® products ranging from DN40 to over DN1800 with custom solutions fit-for-purpose. A unique Redline® blowable epoxy system rehabilitates steel and copper pipes as small as 15mm in water supply. Ed’s innovative approach and introduction of these technologies has now made pipe relining a common household solution that 10 years ago people would never have thought of. Thanks to the determination and commitment of Ed and his team, noninvasive methods of pipe rehabilitation like Nuflow’s relining systems are now very important elements of drain and pipe maintenance and repair programs. Congratulations to Ed on reaching this milestone!

REGIONAL REPRESENTATION FOR MEMBERS At the Fraser Coast Online Forum on Tuesday 28 July it was officially announced to members that Jason Searle, MPAQ Sales and Membership Specialist, would be moving to Bundaberg and operating out of the regional location as of Monday 3 August. Jason’s role with MPAQ is to offer one-on-one support for our members, support our local member meetings, provide updates on local issues, raise any local issues with MPAQ and encourage plumbing businesses to join MPAQ. Jason is looking forward to better assisting our members in Central and North Queensland. Want to get in touch? Contact Jason via email at Jason.searle@mpaq.com.au or phone 0439 565 240. Jason Searle is wearing a TradeMutt shirt, which was donated by MPAQ corporate supporter Tradies Accountants. Trademutt is a social enterprise workwear brand, with the mission to make the invisible issue of mental health impossible to ignore.

Get the tools you need to succeed!

Always helpful, would not be in business without the support of MPAQ.

- Roy Walker Plumbing, member since 1971

Membership with MPAQ provides the resources you need to run your plumbing business. Visit www.mpaq.com.au or contact our membership team on 07 3273 0800 to find out more.

1900 - 2020

MASTER PLUMBER MAGAZINE Spring 2020 |

MEMBER BENEFITS

MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR MEMBERSHIP WITH THESE SPECIALS Good cash flow management will ensure you always have money available for paying your expenses when they are due, and MPAQ has a suite of benefits that help you with this. Visit www.mpaq.com.au/membership/ member-benefits to see all the member offers available and learn more about those listed below.

Turn one big payment into easy, bite-sized instalments. Offer your customers zero interest payment plans up to $10,000. Offer flexible buy now, pay later payment plans that suit what you’re selling. Available as an online or on-the-go service, you can use Payright in the way that makes sense to your business. As a member of MPAQ, Payright is offering you a discount on merchant rates. American Express provides powerful backing to businesses of all types and sizes through payment solutions tailored to meet their needs. Some of the benefits your business could also take advantage of include: • Extended Cashflow • The valuable breathing room you need to keep cash flow moving, and make sure suppliers are paid on time. • Agreements with major suppliers such as Reece, Tradelink and Samios give your business an extended period of time to pay off their purchases. • Rewards On Spend • Be rewarded for business expenses through a loyalty program that is hard to rival. • Increased Visibility and Control • Get the expense visibility, reporting and business tools you need to maximise control.

Corporate Profile Sup po M r tin Me PAQ g mb ers

Smartpay – The Independent EFTPOS Experts Smartpay is the largest independently owned and operated EFTPOS provider in Australasia, and we’ve been helping Aussie businesses with payment products, especially for business owners like you. Need a mobile terminal in the truck to get instant payments for jobs and the money the next day? Want to eliminate your merchant fees and save thousands of dollars each month? Smartpay offers you more choice on how to manage your merchant fees with simple, easy to use mobile EFTPOS machines. Try our zero cost EFTPOS to eliminate monthly fees or simple flat rate to know exactly what you’ll pay each month – no surprises!

Bill Chaser is offering MPAQ members 25% off their pricing and no upfront cost*. Backed by Australia’s largest independent Debt Collector, Bill Chaser helps you collect overdue and unpaid invoices ensuring you’ve got more time to spend on the enjoyable and profitable parts of your business. *applies to Pro Live plan only

| MASTER PLUMBER MAGAZINE Spring 2020

We provide reliable EFTPOS solutions and a superfast settlement. We’re big on service with 24/7 expert support and include many add-on features as standard. We offer a choice of flat rates or automated surcharging, so you know what to expect every month. Basically, we just do a whole lot of things better than the banks, and it seems Australian businesses like that. For a competitive quote, give us a call on 1800 571 969 or check out www.smartpay.com.au/mpaq.

MILESTONES

CONGRATULATIONS TO MPAQ’S MILESTONE MEMBERS NAME

Bruce Wallace Ron Johnston Rick Quire Stephen Cosgrove Rod Gramenz Ian Swinbourne Brent Boddice Stephen Walker Bruce McDonald Mark Williams Greg Campbell Corey Stevens Robert Sharman Michael Piekoszewski Benjamin Johnston Peter Maloberti Tony Rose Gregory Parr Justin Thomas James Woodman Dirk Neugebauer David Kimber Dean Eiser Matthew Glover Jackie Hammond Shane Emerson Stephen Etherington Tracey Hall Scott Farley Sally Traynor Steve Toon Leesa Ostrofski John Neary David Talbot Allan Callaghan Payam Salehi Adam Charles Brenton Langley Matthew Scott Michael Dunne Ben Seeley Garry Adams Grant Goltz Daniel Weuffen Jason O’Shea Adrian Smith Philip Lister Warwick Royal Rodney Beatson Barry Hurd Stephen Close Paul Brinkworth

COMPANY

Ansa Plumbing Plumbing by Steve Pty Ltd Sunshine State Plumbing Pty Ltd Fixzit Plumbing Fluid Industries Plumbing Pty Ltd HPS Contractors Mark’s Plumbing Service Childers Plumbing & Drainage AC Plumbing QLD A N & R Sharman Pty Ltd Acacia Plumbing BCJ Plumbing & 24/7 Maintenance Services Big Pete’s Plumbing De Rose Plumbing Services Greg Parr Plumbing J T Plumbing Solutions James Woodman Plumbing Jayden Enterprises Pty Ltd Kimber Plumbing Pty Ltd Mackay Regional Council MGM Plumbing Solutions Rain Harvesting SE Plumbing Stephen Etherington Plumbing Stormtech Pty Ltd Sure-Line Plumbing Pty Ltd T & D Plumbing Toons Plumbing Drainage And Gas Tru-Flow Services Pty Ltd David Talbot Plumbing APC Plumbing & Drainage AusPress Systems Pty Ltd Australian Plumbing Gas & Solar Brenton Langley Plumbing Connect Right Plumbing & Gas Pty Ltd Dunne & Co Pty Ltd Finlease Garry Adams Plumbing Grant Goltz Plumbing Pty Ltd iPlumb Solutions Jason O’Shea Plumbing KMS Mechanical & Electrical Services Pty Ltd P.A.L. Plumbing Pty Ltd Plumbaround Pty Ltd Rodney Dale Beatson Solahart Townsville & Free Flow Plumbing and Gas Services STC Plumbing & Maintenance

DIVISION

YEAR

MILESTONE

Brisbane South Brisbane North Brisbane South Ipswich Ipswich Sunshine Coast Brisbane South Fraser Coast Far North Qld Brisbane North Bundaberg Brisbane North Brisbane North Far North Qld Sunshine Coast Far North Qld Far North Qld Far North Qld Sunshine Coast Ipswich Mackay Fraser Coast Mackay Brisbane South Brisbane North Central Brisbane South Outside Queensland Brisbane North Brisbane North Central Ipswich Central Brisbane North Gold Coast Outside Queensland Brisbane South Far North Qld Brisbane South Brisbane South Brisbane North Country Central Gold Coast Bundaberg Brisbane North Brisbane North Brisbane North Central

80 75 35 35 35 35 30 30 30 30 25 20 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5

North Qld

Central Brisbane South

5 5

Nathan Sharland, McGrath & Frisby Plumbing Pty Ltd

YEAR

MILESTONE

Brent Boddice, Fixzit Plumbing

YEAR

MILESTONE

Frankie O’Leary and Noel O’Leary

YEAR

MILESTONE

John Richmond

MASTER PLUMBER MAGAZINE Spring 2020 |

NEW MEMBERS

WELCOME TO MPAQâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S NEW MEMBERS NAME

COMPANY

DIVISION

NAME

Paul Coleman

4G Plumbing and Civil

Brisbane North

Zane Bassingthwaighte B-16 Plumbing Services

Brisbane South

Cameron Anderson

AK Gas and Plumbing

Brisbane North

Mark Timms

Brisbane South

Ian Tunks

I.R.T. Plumbing Services Pty Ltd Brisbane North

Budget Plumbing and Home Services

James McNee

S & J Plumbing And Gas Fitting Brisbane North Pty Ltd

Daniel Paoli

Calibre Plumbing and Drainage

Brisbane South

Daniel Wilson

Greenstar Plumbing Services

Brisbane South

Andrew Macfarlane

A & T MacFarlane Plumbing

David Levenspiel

Liqwyd Solutions Pty Ltd

Brisbane South

Matthew Evans

Tested Plumbing and Backflow

Brisbane South

Brett Mitchell

Capcoast Plumbing

Central

Edward Prior

Eddie Prior Plumbing

Far North Qld

Chris Theuerkauf

Theuerkauf Plumbing Services

Fraser Coast

Nicholas Alford

Alford Plumbing & Gas Pty Ltd

Gold Coast

Barton Smith

Blackjade Pty Ltd

Gold Coast

Chantal Horton

LPGC Pty Ltd

Gold Coast

Brade Stephenson

Ipswich Hot Water

Ipswich

Ray Plate

Treatwater & Plumbing Pty Ltd

Mackay

Julie Payne

Alan Payne Plumbing

North Qld

Clayton Hearn

Claytons Plumbing

North Qld

Marcel Donnelly

FlatRateNOW

Queensland

Matthew Forge

Forge Plumbing and Gas Pty Ltd

Sunshine Coast

Phillip Rowe

Rowe Plumbing Pty Ltd

Sunshine Coast

Andrew Marquis

A.C Marquis Plumbing

Toowoomba

Daniel Paoli, Calibre Plumbing and Drainage Pty Ltd

Brisbane South

Matthew Forge, Forge Plumbing and Gas Fitting Pty Ltd

COMPANY

DIVISION

RENEW YOUR MPAQ MEMBERSHIP AND YOU COULD WIN A

$5,000 Holiday THANKS TO RWC!

Matt Miles, PipeTech Plumbing QLD

Pay your 2020 Contracting Membership Renewal prior to the due date and you could go into the draw to win a travel voucher worth $5,000.

VIST WWW.MPAQ.COM.AU/RENEW OR CALL 07 3273 0800 FOR MORE INFORMATION

1900 - 2020

Ryan Connolly, RFC Plumbing Services

| MASTER PLUMBER MAGAZINE Spring 2020

This competition is available for contracting members renewing their membership with the Association between 1 January 2020 and 31 December 2020. Receipt or confirmation of payment for renewal must be received by the renewal date in order for member to gain an entry in the 2020 Membership Renewal Draw. This competition is only applicable to contracting members. Renewing members must elect to enter the draw via a link provided in membership confirmation emails. All entries must be received by 11.59pm AEST on 31 December 2020. The competition is open to MPAQ contracting members who are Australian residents aged 18 years and over. Only one entry per company is permitted. The winner will be drawn at random on 15 January 2021 at noon AEST at 11/243 Bradman Street, Acacia Ridge, Brisbane, QLD 4110. The winner must accept the prize within 10 business days of this date. Full Competition Terms and Conditions Apply - visit www. mpaq.com.au/renew for more details.

PAGE SUPPORTERS HEADING

THE SUPPORTERS OF OUR INDUSTRY Platinum Corporate Supporters Reece Reliance Worldwide Corporation Rheem Australia Pty Ltd simPRO Software Pty Ltd Toyota Tradelink WFI Insurance

03 9274 0000 07 3018 3440 07 3412 9200 1300 139 467 1800 679 247 1800 758 624 1300 934 934

Gold Corporate Supporters BUSSQ Building Super Bretts Trade Plumbing Supplies Construction Skills Queensland Decina Bathroomware Pty Ltd Dial Before You Dig (Qld) Ltd GWA Group Kembla QLeave Zip Heaters (Aust) Pty Ltd

07 3369 1111 07 3203 2105 1800 798 488 07 3271 1944 1300 329 375 07 3131 5999 07 3868 7888 07 3212 6811 02 9796 3100

Silver Corporate Supporters Halgan Pty Ltd FlatRateNOW Hilti Australia Smartpay Australia Pty Ltd

07 3208 8339 02 7202 6008 131 292 1800 433 876

Corporate Supporters Advanced Enviro-Septic All Trades Queensland Pty Ltd Alpha390 Finance Ancra Australia Pty Ltd APT Management Services Pty Ltd Aquacure Water Treatment Pty Ltd Aquaknect Aquatech Solar Technologies Pty Ltd Astivita Limited AusPress Systems Pty Ltd Australian Industry Trade College Australian Pump Industries Pty Ltd Australian Valve Group AustWorld Autodesk Construction Cloud AutoTender Backflow Central & Hydromet Bermad Water Technologies Bunnings Trade Busy At Work Comsure Insurance Brokers Con-Serv Corporation Australia Pty Ltd Construct Law Group Cornwalls Law + More Davey Water Products Pty Ltd Elson Australasia Pty Ltd Emerson Valvcheq Backflow Enware Australia Pty Ltd Everhard Industries Pty Ltd Fair Water Meters Finlease Global Roto-Moulding Pty Ltd Gould Instruments Green Drains Asia Pacific Groundplan Software Grundfos Pumps Pty Ltd Handford Virtual Services Hydroflow Distributors InSinkErator K & R Plumbing Supplies - Toowoomba Kennards Test and Measure Qld Lifestyle Tradie Group Pty Ltd Logical Metering

07 5474 4055 07 3441 2699 1300 390 390 1800 426 272 07 3215 6619 07 3277 6696 07 3805 3800 07 5520 6701 07 3726 2000 1300 287 773 www.aitc.qld.edu.au 02 8865 3500 03 9462 2666 1300 780 430 0412 013 255 1300 882 578 07 5407 0151 03 9464 2374 13 30 62 13 28 79 07 3434 7800 07 3630 5744 07 3139 1874 07 3223 5900 07 3370 3700 02 9625 7899 07 3260 2555 02 8556 4000 13 19 26 1300 324 701 07 3324 2655 07 4697 7099 07 4779 6750 0406 003 446 07 3062 7737 07 5540 6700 0487 000 557 1300 493 359 0447 886 648 07 4634 2955 07 3823 0055 1800 704 822 0418 185 751

Modus Operandi MTS Warehousing and Distribution Ozzi Kleen Payright Plastec Australia Pty Ltd Plumbing Plus Queensland Plumbspec Plus Technologies Podium Porters PROTRADE United Queensland Brassware Association Queensland Gas Association QUT Facilities Management Rain Harvesting Rehau Pty Ltd Ridge Tool (Aust) Pty Ltd Rinnai Samios Saniflo Shower Sealed Pty Ltd SkillsTech Australia Snap Fire Systems Pty Ltd SolarEast Australasia Pty Ltd Specialised Plumbing Centre Square Stiebel Eltron (Aust) Pty Ltd Stoddart Stormtech Pty Ltd Stratco (Qld) Pty Ltd Studor Australia Pty Ltd Supakwik Water Heaters Pty Ltd Taylex Industries Pty Ltd The Bidet Shop The Couta Group The Service Trades College Australia The Wondercap Company Pty Ltd Totally Workwear Tradie Bookkeeping Solutions Tradies Accountants Valves R Us Viega Pty Ltd Vinidex Pty Ltd Xact Accounting Zetco Valves Pty Ltd

0421 399 107 07 3865 4811 07 5459 4900 1300 338 496 07 5413 4444 07 4634 2955 0423 563 030 07 3357 3367 0478 180 191 07 4967 3333 1300 767 774 0410 194 667 1300 792 239 07 3188 2331 07 3248 9600 07 5527 1833 03 9930 7000 07 3137 6600 07 3907 8399 1300 557 779 1300 519 133 07 3244 0209 07 3348 9417 1300 668 886 07 3862 1166 1800 760 137 1800 153 351 07 3440 7600 02 4423 1989 07 3451 4444 1300 551 519 07 3800 0575 07 3441 5200 07 5591 7744 03 8405 3386 07 3255 5698 07 5539 3665 07 3249 4000 0468 944 130 07 3174 5010 07 3865 1488 02 8853 7867 07 3277 2822 1300 233 723 02 9516 1336

Associate Council Brisbane City Council Bundaberg Regional Council Gympie Regional Council Isaac Regional Council Livingstone Shire Council (LSC) Logan City Council Mackay Regional Council Mareeba Shire Council Moreton Bay Regional Council Mount Isa City Council Quilpie Shire Council Rockhampton Regional Council Southern Downs Regional Council Sunshine Coast Regional Council Townsville City Council

07 3403 8888 07 4130 4814 1300 307 800 07 4964 5400 07 4913 5000 07 3412 3412 07 4961 9011 07 4086 4720 07 3205 0555 07 4747 3200 07 4656 0500 07 4932 9000 1300 697 372 07 5420 8618 13 48 10

MASTER PLUMBER MAGAZINE Spring 2020 |

New HiLux Awaken Your Unbreakable Bolder look, smoother drive and more powerful.

Pre-production model shown

New HiLux invites you to awaken your unbreakable and experience the legendary performance, durability and bold design. With more power1 and more torque1, the enhanced best-selling HiLux engine2 is stronger and more capable than ever. An upgraded suspension system builds upon Hilux’s legendary off-road capabilities, offering drivers superior comfort and handling even in the harshest conditions. It’s the ute built for real Aussie businesses. Whatever’s around the corner, HiLux is ready for the challenge. To find out more, visit your Toyota Fleet Specialist or call 1800 444 847

toyota.com.au/fleet

MPAQ membership details required to redeem Gold Fleet Discounts^.

1 2.8L Diesel AT variants. 2 Rogue and Rugged X models. ^This discount is available for full contracting members of Master Plumbers’ Association of Queensland. Full eligibility requirements can be found at www.mpaq.com.au

T2020-014816 MPAQ 06/20

Master Plumber Magazine - Spring 2020

Articles inside

Workplace Relations

Industry News

Technical

Executive