Master Plumber Magazine - Spring 2021 by Master Plumbers' Association of Queensland

SPRING 2021

The Valuing of Water

DYFA Goggins’ Run Challenge

COVID-19 and Contracts In the Construction Industry

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CONTENTS

Spring 2021 14 Member Spotlight DYFA Team Plumbs the Depths of Fatigue for Industry Suicide Prevention

16 Health & Wellbeing Are Your Creaky Knees or Back Telling You it’s Time to Trade in Your Tools What Can Employers Do to Combat Mental Health in the Workplace? Footy Legend Shane Webcke Gets Serious About Work Safety

10 6 Executive 7 Industry News

Queensland Local Tradie Talks to the Tools of R U OK?

20 Member Spotlight Keeping it in the Family – The Secret Ingredient to a Successful Plumbing Business

Phase 2A of Queensland’s Project Trust Regime on the Horizon

MPAQ is Hiring a Technical Officer/Trainer

COVID-19 and Contracts in the Building and Construction Industry

Postponing the Repeal of Head Contractor Licensing Exemption

25 Workplace Relations

New Mobile Phone and Seatbelt Cameras Rollout

High Court Decision for Casual Employees

Pilot Program Proves Popular New Scaffolding Rules Protect Building Workers

Plumbing Business Fined Up to $6,000 After Not Paying Employee for 10 Days’ work

Changes Announced: Lead in Plumbing

26 Apprentices

10 Technical AHSCA Performance Solution in Practice The Valuing of Water

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.

22 Legal

What Can an Apprentice Do on Site? Pipeline of AITC Apprentices Putting Safety First

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 EDITOR Ashleigh Stonehewer P: 07 3273 0800 E: ashleigh.stonehewer@mpaq.com.au EDITORIAL & ADVERTISING ENQUIRIES Corbie O’Brien P: 07 3273 0800 E: corbie.obrien@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 2021

Editor’s Note Welcome to the Spring edition of the Master Plumber Magazine! In October, we will be celebrating National Safe Work Month, which is a time for workers and employers across Australia to commit to safe and healthy workplaces for all Australians. The theme for National Safe Work Month this year is think safe, work safe, be safe. This October think safe, work safe, be safe at your workplace by planning and implementing work health and safety procedures, and if you haven’t already done so, visit www.worksafe.qld.gov.au to see how you can get involved. MPAQ has partnered with Plumbing Apprentices Queensland to bring you a work health and safety management system. To find out more visit www. mpaq.com.au or call 07 3273 0800. As part of National Safe Work Month, Mental Health Week will be celebrated 9-17 October, promoting the importance of mental health and wellbeing and aiming to reduce the stigma associated with mental illness. In this edition, we have a feature on MPAQ member, DYFA Plumbing, who took part in the Goggins’ Run Challenge to raise money for MATES in Construction, a non-partisan, independent charity established to reduce the high level of suicide among Australian construction workers. Read more about their experience on pages 14-15. Also in this edition, MPAQ’s Corbie O’Brien visited MPAQ Member Roma Plumbing in Roma, Queensland, to find out more about their family

business. Read what they had to say about running a regional family business and the dynamics between the three brothers and their dad on pages 20-21. This is the latest in our member spotlight feature series, and we’re looking forward to continuing to share our members’ stories. If you have a story to share, email us at advertising@mpaq.com.au or call 07 3273 0800. With so many event and training course postponements earlier in the year because of COVID-19 lockdowns, the last few months of 2021 are set to be packed for MPAQ, so check out our events and training calendar on pages 30-31 and join us for networking activities, celebrations, and upskilling! Congratulations to all members reaching milestones in this edition, and a warm welcome to our newest members. Happy Reading!

Ashleigh

28 Business

36 Milestones

30 Events and Training

38 New Members 39 Supporters

27 32 Social

34 Member News

35 Member Benefits

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 M: 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

MERITORIOUS SERVICE MEMBERS A Chapman, T Morris, D Powell, B Wallace, R Weaver, M Wilshere, D Nunn, J Ritchie

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

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 2021 |

EXECUTIVE

PERSPECTIVE Nominations – MPAQ Council On Tuesday, 28 September nominations open to be part of the MPAQ Council (Board). The purpose of the MPAQ Council is to provide leadership and set policies and the strategic direction for MPAQ. The Association has been in existence since 1900, and is the peak industry body representing plumbers, drainers, and gas fitters. The role of the Council includes overseeing Penny Cornah, Executive Director the business and affairs of the Association. Some members join the Council to give back to the industry they are part of and others join to make a difference and to ensure the views of members are front of mind. Nominations close at midday on 26 October 2021. If you are interested in being part of the dynamic MPAQ board, please complete the nomination form, which will be made available online on 28 September. Please note, conditions apply as per MPAQ’s constitution. Our Annual General Meeting (AGM) will be held on Tuesday 30 November in person and also via Zoom. At the AGM, positions for the election of the MPAQ Council will be declared. The term for the Council is two years.

Events Unfortunately, due to the restrictions announced in Queensland and the uncertainty around when certain restrictions will end, we have decided to postpone the 2021 Plumbing and Gas Industry Awards presentation dinner. The event will now be held on Friday 15 October 2021.

Tickets are still available for purchase, so please visit www.plumbingandgasawards.com or contact the MPAQ events team on 07 3273 0800. We have announced the finalists for the evening and look forward to announcing the winners. MPAQ has also changed some of our other event and training dates, so please visit www.mpaq.com.au for details.

COVID-19 Recently, I met online with a number of our corporate supporters who have raised concerns in relation to product shortages, including surveying equipment, computer chip shortage, roofing materials including trusses, and some raw materials. Concerns were also raised in relation to increased costs for air freight and delays. The Queensland Building and Construction Commission (QBCC) is aware of these shortages that are impacting the supply chain and has created the Accelerated Building/Consumer Dispute Framework (ABCD). It is a temporary independent mediation service that commenced on 1 July 2021 to help address the challenges currently facing residential construction. The ABCD mediation service will match applicants with a qualified mediator, to help facilitate a conversation between parties experiencing issues with domestic building contracts underway due to industry material or labour shortages. The mediation process provides an opportunity for impacted parties to discuss the situation, its impact, and work towards a realistic solution together. For more information visit www.qbcc.qld.gov.au/residential-buildingmaterial-shortages. To contact me please call 07 3273 0800 or email penny.cornah@mpaq.com.au.

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE The Minister for Resources, the Hon. Scott Stewart MP, announced earlier this year that 2021 would see the resources sector initiate a “safety reset”. The theme for discussion would be “chronic unease”. To elaborate on the theme, the reset is aimed at “improving the safety culture through better Kent Vickers, President hazard and incident reporting and is a focus on building a culture of open and comprehensive reporting and investigation of near miss events (or high potential incidents) without the fear, to encourage vigilance and diligence in hazard identification and risk control”. The reset is directed at the resource sector to discuss what this means and how we address the issues and implement workable change in our industry. The reset discussion focuses on many different topics from “why do we need a reset?” to “why incident and near miss reporting is such a common barrier to improving safety”. It encompasses the ideology that if you report an incident, someone will be held responsible and disciplinary action will follow. The common thoughts from the committee were that it is far better to recognise and report safety issues and near misses so corrective procedures can be developed and implemented.

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MPAQ is represented on the committee that reports to the Commissioner of Resource Health and Safety Queensland (RSHQ), Mr Mark Stone, and the Minister, Scott Stewart. Safety plays such an important role in every activity we undertake. Everyone has the right to go home safe and well after a day’s work. Mental health continues to be front and centre in the minds of some of us. The added stress that COVID-19 has dealt the population only acerbates the problem. Regular readers will know that I talk about this topic all the time, but it is important to recognise and understand the added stress some of our mates are enduring. We all have different problems and some of us deal with these issues better than others. What is important to know, is that help is available, and it is not a sign of weakness to reach out and talk to someone. If you or anyone you know is feeling depressed, please contact the MPAQ workplace relations team (Kym or Emma), and we will put you in touch with the professionals that will be able to assist. 2021 is an election year for MPAQ and I would like to express my sincere thanks to the members, corporate sponsors, Council, and especially the staff for the support they have provided to me for my second term as President. I cannot tell you how proud I am to have had the opportunity to work and represent you all in the Queensland plumbing and gas fitting industry. MPAQ is in excellent shape and our Executive Director, Penny Cornah, is an irreplaceable asset to our industry. Thank you all for your support.

Life’s good!

INDUSTRY NEWS

MPAQ IS HIRING A TECHNICAL OFFICER/TRAINER The Technical Officer/Trainer role provides expert technical advice and training to members of Master Plumbers’ Association of Queensland (MPAQ) and the plumbing industry. This is a fulltime position. As an experienced licensed plumber, drainer and gasfitter who is an enthusiastic, organised, and proactive individual, your responsibilities will include but are not limited to: • Provide technical advice, representation, and support to members • Provide interpretation and explanation of relevant plumbing legislation, Australian Standards, etc. • Produce technical materials, equipment, resources, etc. • Liaise with industry and other technical personnel • Provide support in performing site inspections and the preparation of written reports as required • Assist and develop written articles for various forms of publications • Assist in the development and delivery of industry relevant training materials To read the full job criteria or to apply, scan the QR code or visit www.mpaq.com.au/ workplacerelations/employment/ jobvacancies

POSTPONING THE REPEAL OF HEAD CONTRACTOR LICENSING EXEMPTION The Queensland Building and Construction Commission Act 1991 (Act) provides that a person must not carry out building work unless they hold an appropriate contractor licence. However, an exemption under schedule 1A, section 8 of the Act allows an unlicensed person to enter into building contracts and arrange for building work to occur, provided the work is not residential construction work or domestic building work and is carried out by an appropriately licensed contractor. Section 125A of the Building Industry Fairness (Security of Payment) and Other Legislation Amendment (BIFOLA) Act repeals this licensing exemption for head contractors. The provision was included in the BIFOLA Act as a result of a recommendation made by the former Transport and Public Works Parliamentary Committee, following feedback about the misuse of the licensing exemption. The repeal was due to take effect on 24 July 2021.

What Are the Changes?

BIFOLA (Postponement) Regulation 2021 was made on 8 July 2021. As a result of the regulation, section 125A will not commence until late July 2022. The Department of Energy and Public Works (DEPW) is working closely with building and construction industry stakeholders in relation to the implementation of this provision. For specific information about individual licences and existing licensees visit www.qbcc.qld.gov.au or call QBCC on 139 333.

Source: Building and Plumbing Newsflash 587

CHANGES ANNOUNCED: LEAD IN PLUMBING The Australian Building Codes Board (ABCB) has given consideration to whether the permissible lead content in plumbing products in contact with drinking water should be reduced. A Regulation Impact Statement (RIS) was released for public comment with submissions taken into consideration by the ABCB. A Decision RIS, which provides input to the decision-making process, was considered by the ABCB at a meeting in June. At this meeting, it was agreed to limit the lead content of plumbing products in contact with drinking water to 0.25%. A three-year transition period will be implemented for the recertification of copper alloy plumbing products in contact with drinking water through the WaterMark Certification Scheme. This transition period will commence on the adoption of NCC 2022 on 1 September 2022. This transition period, taken in conjunction with early advice to industry from the date of the decision, effectively provides a four and half year window for change to be implemented. An implementation plan is being developed by the ABCB Office in consultation with impacted stakeholders. Prioritisation of consequential amendments is being applied to applicable plumbing product specifications and the WaterMark Certification Scheme, which are necessary to ensure compatibility with the changes to the NCC. ABCB will be releasing further details and MPAQ will keep all members up to date.

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MASTER PLUMBER MAGAZINE Spring 2021 |

INDUSTRY NEWS

NEW MOBILE PHONE AND SEATBELT CAMERAS ROLLOUT Roadside cameras that detect drivers illegally using mobile phones and not wearing a seatbelt started appearing on Queensland roads in July. Transport and Main Roads Minister the Hon. Mark Bailey MP, said the fixed and portable cameras would operate on urban and regional roads. “Our message has been direct and simple: just put your phone away,” Mr Bailey said. “In 2020, 23 people lost their lives and 1,475 were hospitalised because of distracted driving,” Mr Bailey said. “43 people died and 187 were hospitalised because they were not wearing a seatbelt. “These deaths and injuries could have been prevented.” Mr Bailey said drivers doing the wrong thing need to change their dangerous behaviour before penalties were issued. “Until 31 October, those caught by the cameras will not be fined,” he said. “Instead, they will receive a warning letter advising them that they’ve been caught, but from 1 November all bets are off. “Drivers caught on camera will receive a $1,033 fine and four demerit points for mobile phone offences and a $413 fine and three demerit points for each vehicle occupant detected not wearing a seatbelt.” Mr Bailey said the cameras were an important tool to make Queensland roads safer for all. “Already in 2021, more than 150 people have lost their lives on Queensland’s roads,” he said. “If you are driving a vehicle, leave your phone alone. If you don’t, your selfish actions endanger not only your own safety, but others you share the road with. “Seatbelts became compulsory almost 50 years ago because belting up saves lives, so we will look at options to increase penalties for not wearing a seatbelt so it aligns with distracted driving. “Every dollar collected through these fines is invested back into making Queensland’s roads safer.” Further information about the new cameras, fines, road rules, and exemptions can be found at qld.gov.au/RoadCameras.

PILOT PROGRAM PROVES POPULAR Keeping workers’ trade skills up-to-date is critical for business. Being on top of relevant legislative changes, trends, and standards is as important as updating practical skills. The Queensland Building and Construction Commission (QBCC) is running a voluntary pilot program for continuing professional development to fill this need. The Compulsory Continuing Professional Development (CCPD) program aims to help increase the knowledge and understanding of safety standards and financial reporting in the building and construction industry across the state. Currently, there are no mandatory compulsory continuing education requirements for building and construction industry licence holders in Queensland. The CCPD pilot program is a chance for those taking part to refresh their knowledge on the legislative obligations of QBCC licence holders and influence future programs, as participants’ feedback will be used to shape future offerings. Those participants who attend and successfully complete all the assessments will also gain CCPD points, which may be retrospectively credited towards potential future professional development programs. The CCPD pilot program course delivery started in April this year and runs until October with two different courses to improve QBCC licensees’ understanding of some of their legislative responsibilities. Demand was high for the free courses, with all places filled within days of registrations opening. The two subjects currently being trialled are:

Minimum Financial Requirements (MFR) and Annual Financial Reporting Obligations

The course provides a concise overview of MFR, critical concepts, and easyto-understand guidance on how to meet MFR and annual reporting obligations. The course is targeted to licensees in MFR categories of Self-certifying 1, Self-certifying 2, and Categories 1, 2, and 3 only.

Safety Obligations (sections 48 and 54A of the QBCC Act)

Participants will be provided with a concise understanding of their obligations under sections 48 and 54A of the QBCC Act, how to notify the QBCC of safety incidents, and is suitable for all licensees. For more information and to keep informed go to the QBCC Continuing Professional Development Pilot Project at www.qbcc.qld.gov.au/ continuing-compulsory-professional-development-pilot-project.

NEW SCAFFOLDING RULES PROTECT BUILDING WORKERS New rules around scaffolding commenced on 1 July 2021 to protect the lives of Queensland construction workers. Industrial Relations Minister the Hon. Grace Grace MP said a revised code of practice would make working on scaffolds much safer. “Construction activity has increased substantially in recent years and so has the potentially high-risk activity of using scaffolds,” she said. “More than 60 workers every year are seriously injured using scaffolding, with their worker’s compensation claims requiring five or more days off work. “The code brings a raft of features to substantially boost safety for workers. “In particular, reducing the step height between scaffolds and working platforms addresses a significant risk of falls.”

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The key changes include: • new entry and exit requirements for scaffolds to allow emergency stretcher retrievals; • a requirement for engineers, rather than scaffolders, to design and sign off on scaffolds; • a smaller step height between scaffold stairs and work platforms; • more detailed requirements around managing the risk of debris, falling objects, and hazardous substances; and • regular testing of scaffold welds. It’s been close to 10 years since the current work health and safety laws commenced, and in that time nearly 6,000 notices have been issued for non-compliant scaffolding. These notices have led to fines totalling around $150,000. More information about the Scaffolding Code of Practice can be found at www.worksafe.qld.gov.au/laws-and-compliance/ codes-of-practice/scaffolding-code-of-practice.

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TECHNICAL

AHSCA PERFORMANCE SOLUTION IN PRACTICE In 2015, the Association of Hydraulic Services Consultants Australia (AHSCA) formed a partnership with the University of the Sunshine Coast (USC) to develop a performance-based roof drainage design software that can exceed the current limitations nominated in AS3500.3.

The new roof awning at Waterfront Place, 1 Eagle Street in the Brisbane CBD.

As a prescriptive design standard, AS3500.3 limits box gutter designs to a maximum of 16L/s of flow and also provides only limited design options for box gutter overflow devices. This has been an issue for designers and installers alike, often resulting in over complicated gutter and downpipe designs. With this AHSCA design software, box gutter outlets and downpipes can now be designed for up to 100L/s of flow; therefore, providing designers with more flexible and cost-effective box gutter and downpipe design options. Given the potential risks around these larger stormwater flows, designers are required to successfully complete the Advanced Roof Drainage Modelling Performance Solutions course. In Queensland, Interior Engineering has most recently used the AHSCA design software for a new roof awning at Waterfront Place, 1 Eagle Street, Brisbane. As part of the Waterfront Place entrance refurbishment project, this new 1,000sqm roof section required a flawless integration of structural and hydraulic services with architectural aesthetics. The size and number of downpipes, which would have been required under AS3500.3, were not able to be accommodated within the architectural and structural features; however, with the AHSCA performance-based design solution this was achieved seamlessly. From a compliance perspective, roof and stormwater drainage in Queensland falls under the Building Act 1975, rather than the Plumbing and Drainage Act 2019. This Building Act references the Building Code of Australia (BCA), otherwise known as the National Construction Code Volumes 1 and 2. Under the Deemed-to-Satisfy (DtS) provisions F1.1 of the BCA, stormwater drainage must comply with AS/NZS 3500.3; however, if a performance-based solution can be proven to be equal or better than the DtS requirements, compliance with the BCA can be achieved in this way. It is important that this is discussed with the building certifier, building owner, and principal contractor at the start of the project to ensure all relevant parties are aware of and agree with the proposed performance-based solution. With the relevant design certificates provided by the AHSCA software, as well as other AHSCA supporting documentation and the hydraulic consultant’s expert assessment, compliance with the BCA was achieved. This enabled the new Waterfront Place roof awning to be constructed in line with the architect’s and building owner’s aesthetic requirements. Article written by David Mitmannsgruber, Senior Associate - Association of Hydraulic Services Consultants Australia (AHSCA)

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TECHNICAL

The Valuing of Water A United Nations World Water Development Report Recently, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) published a report on behalf of UN Water discussing how and why a value should be placed on water. The 200-page report makes for interesting and confronting reading that we felt we had to share. We won’t be able to do the report justice in the space we have available, but here are some snap shots. According to economic theory, the value of a good is determined by scarcity – the gap between limited resources and unlimited needs. Humans certainly use water as if it is limitless: an estimated 80% of all industrial and municipal wastewater, for example, is released into the environment without prior treatment. Freshwater is in fact scarce and becoming scarcer. Over two billion people already live in areas subject to water stress. Some 3.4 billion people, 45% of the global population, lack access to safely managed sanitation facilities. According to independent assessments, the world will face a global water deficit of 40% by 2030. This situation will be worsened by global challenges such as COVID-19 and climate change. Economic theory is not the only way of determining worth. Cultural values are equally, if not more, significant. Many indigenous people, for example, accord special status to water and waterways. This is the case in New Zealand, where the Te Awa Tupua Act, passed in 2017, recognises the Whanganui River as “an indivisible and living whole from the mountains to the sea”. The Ganges and Yamuna Rivers, in India, are also considered living entities with the same rights as human beings. For these groups, bodies of water are like loved ones and, therefore, priceless. How, then, should we value water? The 2021 World Water Development Report focuses on this crucial issue. It assesses the ways in which water is valued across different sectors and identifies how this process can be improved, with a view to better evaluating what water is worth to our societies. Differences in the way water is valued occur not only between stakeholder groups but are widespread within them. These divergent perspectives on water value and the best ways to calculate and express

| MASTER PLUMBER MAGAZINE Spring 2021

it, coupled with limited knowledge of the actual resource, present a challenging landscape for rapid improvements in valuing water. It is, for example, futile to attempt to quantitatively compare the value of water for domestic use, the human right to water, customary or religious beliefs, and the value of maintaining flows to preserve biodiversity. It has been estimated that achieving universal access to safe drinking water and sanitation in 140 low-and middle-income countries would cost approximately US$1.7 trillion from 2016 to 2030, or US$114 billion per year. The benefit–cost ratio of such investments has been shown to provide a significant positive return in most regions. Returns on hygiene are even higher, as they can greatly improve health outcomes in many cases with little need for additional expensive infrastructure. The year 2020 saw the rise of the COVID-19 pandemic, which hit the world’s most vulnerable people the hardest – many of them living in informal settlements and urban slums. Globally, over three billion people and two out of five health care facilities lack adequate access to hand hygiene facilities. Agriculture uses the major share (69%) of global freshwater resources. However, water use for food production is being questioned as intersectoral competition for water intensifies and water scarcity increases. Moreover, in many regions of the world, water for food production is used inefficiently. This is a major driver of environmental degradation, including depletion of aquifers, reduction of river flows, degradation of wildlife habitats, and pollution. The value assigned to water in food production is generally low compared to other uses. It is usually very low (typically less than US$0.05/ m3) where water is used for irrigating food grains and fodder, while it can be relatively high (of the same order of magnitude as values in domestic and industrial uses) for high-value crops such as vegetables, fruits, and flowers.

Asia and the Pacific Regional Perspective Due to population growth, urbanisation, and increased industrialisation, water competition among sectors has become more severe in the region, threatening agricultural production and food security while also affecting water quality. Water is often a relatively scarce and valuable resource in the

TECHNICAL

“Some 3.4 billion people, 45% of the global population, lack access to safely managed sanitation facilities.” region, and water scarcity is likely to worsen due to the impacts of climate change. Unsustainable water withdrawals are a major concern in the region, as some countries withdraw unsustainable proportions of their freshwater supply – exceeding half of the total water availability – and seven of the world’s 15 biggest abstractors of groundwater are in Asia and the Pacific.

Demand and Use Global freshwater use has increased by a factor of six over the past 100 years and continues to grow at a rate of roughly 1% per year since the 1980s. While the rate of increase in freshwater use had tapered off in most member states of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), where per capita water use rates tend to be among the world’s highest, it continues to grow in the majority of the emerging economies, as well as in middle- and lower-income countries. Much of this growth can be attributed to a combination of population growth, economic development, and shifting consumption patterns.

Water Pollution While global water quality data remains sparse due to a lack of monitoring and reporting capacity, especially in many of the least developed countries, a number of trends have nonetheless been reported. Water quality has deteriorated as a result of pollution in nearly all major rivers in Africa, Asia, and Latin America. Nutrient loading, which is often associated with pathogen loading, is among the most prevalent sources of pollution In 2017, 5.3 billion people (71% of the global population of 7.55 billion) used a safely managed drinking water service – one located on premises, available when needed, and free from contamination. 3.4 billion people (or 45% of the global population) used safely managed sanitation services – an improved toilet or latrine that is not shared, from which excreta are safely disposed of in situ or treated off-site.

Why Value Water The real worth of water, combined and contrasted across all stakeholder perspectives, has often been neglected, leading to its wastage, misuse, and misappropriation by certain interests. Sometimes the contention around the value of water resides in the measurement of its worth. Other times, contention, or even conflict, resides in comparing differing value domains, for example, economic versus more intangible cultural values. Those who control how water is valued control how it is used. Values are a central aspect of power and equity in water resources governance. The current status of water resources highlights the need for improved water resources management. The cascading negative impacts of increasing water stress, water scarcity, flooding, pollution, loss of biodiversity and ecosystem services, and other aspects of water-related environmental degradation continue to be inadequately accounted for. In the case of water, there is no clear relationship between its price and its value. Where water is priced, meaning consumers are charged for using it, the price often reflects attempts for cost recovery and not value delivered. Yet regarding valuation, economics remains the most relevant, powerful, and influential science. Its application, therefore, needs to be made more comprehensive. Returns on hygiene are even higher than water, as they can greatly improve health outcomes in many cases with little need for additional expensive infrastructure. While it has previously been reported that returns on investment in sanitation, based on the global averages, deliver over twice the return on investment compared to drinking water. The value of water and sanitation is well understood from a direct health perspective: reliable access to water supply, sanitation, and improved hygiene reduces death, morbidity, malnutrition as well as illness from waterborne diseases. When people must go outside the home to defecate or collect water, they may be exposed to additional health challenges such as intense weather (monsoon rains, snow), infectious insects, wild animals, chronic muscle fatigue (from carrying water), and sexual and gender-based violence. The mental health impacts of these stresses are not insignificant. Written by Kelvin Slade, Slade Brothers Plumbing Pty Ltd, and Past President, Master Plumbers’ Association of Queensland Reference – United Nations, The United Nations World Water Development Report 2021: Valuing Water. UNESCO, Paris.

MASTER PLUMBER MAGAZINE Spring 2021 |

MEMBER SPOTLIGHT

DYFA TEAM PLUMBS DEPTHS OF FATIGUE FOR INDUSTRY SUICIDE PREVENTION It was no walk to the letterbox for MPAQ member DYFA Plumbing! In late May, six of the intrepid team at Sunshine Coast’s DYFA Plumbing commenced pounding the pavement for the DYFA Goggins’ Run Challenge, a grueling test of both physical and mental endurance devised by its namesake, ultramarathon runner and retired Navy SEAL, David Goggins. It was the American who first coined the challenge, which entails running four miles every four hours for 48 hours. For the more metrically inclined, that’s 6.5km, 12 times across a 48-hour period, totaling 78kms! It was all about testing their limits, coming together, and raising funds for MATES in Construction, says DYFA Director, Dylan Fahey. “As a team, we always like to find new ways to challenge ourselves. At the start of the year, one of the team said ‘I’m going to do this Goggin’s run challenge this year’. From there, we all just got behind it and went, ‘well, if you’re going to do it, I’m going to do it’. Next thing, we’re all going to do it. That’s how it started,” Dylan said. With a new dream hatched, the DYFA team set about preparations for the enormous challenge at their feet. The boys ran both individually and together near daily for five months. Even smoko breaks were taken as an opportunity to stretch the legs and bank a few more miles; preparations that would come to the fore when the real action commenced. Only days out from their first steps, some of the boys undertook a simulation for the challenge, putting together the 8pm, midnight and 4am runs. “Preparations were all about helping us to get used to our bodies being super tired, but still being able to wake up in the middle of the night ready to go. There were also heaps of physio appointments, massages, and stuff like that to make sure our bodies were in the best possible condition,” Dylan said. Logistics for the run also required considerable planning. A house leased at Twin Waters served as DYFA HQ for the weekend, replete with an ice bath and fridge stocked to the brim with food to help power the team according to a robust nutrition plan. The team were ready for the enormous task ahead.

It was a tremendous challenge on mind and body, said Dylan, but the physical aspect proved to be more onerous as the run progressed. “It definitely taxed our bodies big time. Especially the knees, feet covered in blisters, and the lack of sleep,” he said. The team ran through each four-mile set in approximately 45 mins, allowing little time for sleep once things like warm up, cool down, and refueling were accounted for. Each runner gained only six or so hours sleep over the 48-hour duration of the challenge. Pain and fatigue continued to mount, but Dylan says it was the team itself that pulled each other towards achieving their goal. “Even though everyone was experiencing their own personal pain and struggles, running with the group of guys made for a really supportive environment. There was no whining. We all kept it super positive and were all there to pump each other up and provide encouragement the whole way,” he said. “For me, that was the most appealing and important part of this challenge and has a lot to do with why we chose MATES in Construction as our charity for fundraising. The MATES program is all about mates looking after mates. The idea that we’re stronger when we stick together. Running with the boys gave this same sense of strength. If anyone felt a bit down in the dumps, or physically sore, or whatever, we knew that we were all in the challenge together and would find a way to help push each other along,” Dylan said. MATES is a non-partisan, independent charity established in 2008 to reduce the high level of suicide among Australian construction workers. Construction C B workers P B D are six times more likely to die from suicide than an accident at work, and the industry suicide rate is 80% higher than the general working age population.

ameron row n - acific lu e e v e lo p m ents

DYFA Plumbing team on a training run (From Left) Greg Nixon – South East Queensland Commercial Lead Estimator, Dave Spurling – Central Queensland Commercial and Residential Lead Estimator, Darin Branks - Maintenance Operations Manager, CFO Ravi Sharma, CEO Dylan Fahey

| MASTER PLUMBER MAGAZINE Spring 2021

MEMBER SPOTLIGHT Since its inception, MATES has contributed to an 8% decrease in suicide rates across the industry and was recently presented as an example of global best practice in a World Health Organization resource on suicide prevention in nations. It’s a mission that resonates strongly with Dylan, who has been part of the construction and mining industry for well over a decade. “We’ve been in the construction and mining industry since 2009. I’ve been in the industry longer than that but have been employing people since S G then. I’ve seen firsthand the effects that P C suicide has on people in our industry and P DYFA how prevalent mental health issues are in our industry.” “To me, what MATES in Construction does is all aligned with us. We knew the run would be a huge challenge in lots of ways. But we also knew that if we could stick together during the challenge, it shows how we can stick together in life in general. No one needs to walk alone. We can all support each other and help each other out on this journey. It just seemed like a really good fit and the right cause to be raising money for.” “At the end of the day, we were able to raise around $24,000 for MATES. I’m so proud of the whole team for getting through the challenge, and a big thanks to everyone who supported us on this journey!” You can find out more about DYFA Plumbing at www.dyfaplumbing.com.au, and more information about MATES can be found at www.mates.org.au.

“EVEN THOUGH EVERYONE WAS EXPERIENCING THEIR OWN PERSONAL PAIN AND STRUGGLES, RUNNING WITH THE GROUP OF GUYS MADE FOR A REALLY SUPPORTIVE ENVIRONMENT”

a m r i f f ianl r o je c t Ma n a g e r merci lu m b i n g o m

Article supplied by Mates in Construction

Sean Gwillim – Shadforths Civil Major Sponsor, Dave Spurling, DYFA Group, Darin Branks – DYFA Group, Dylan Fahey – DYFA Group, Ravi Sharma – DYFA Group, Cameron Brown – Pacific Blue Developments, Greg Nixon – DYFA Group

Lead and inspire future plumbers Become a trainer The Service Trades College Australia is currently looking for highly skilled and motivated plumbing trainers to join our training faculties in QLD & NSW. We’re seeking to establish a dynamic team of trainers, assessors and industry people to deliver tailor-made training in all plumbing sectors. If you have the passion to teach, lead and inspire the next generation of plumbers, we encourage you to apply! Contact us at 1300 222 727 or info@picac.edu.au for more information MASTER PLUMBER MAGAZINE Spring 2021 |

HEALTH & WELLBEING

ARE YOUR CREAKY KNEES OR BACK TELLING YOU IT’S TIME TO TRADE IN YOUR TOOLS? If you’re an older tradie, physical limitations may be impacting your ability to perform your trade. Perhaps your back isn’t what it used to be and the bending and kneeling are really taking their toll. This can be a worrying time for older tradies – after all, you’ve likely spent a long time (if not a lifetime) finessing your trade and you aren’t ready to retire yet, so what are the alternatives? Perhaps you’ve considered becoming a trainer for your industry or would like to transition more to the administration side of your trade business. Regardless, there are many potential career transitions to consider and the great news is that there is support available through the Australian Government funded Skills Checkpoint for Older Workers program. The Skills Checkpoint for Older Workers is a no-cost program that offers career guidance support for mature and experienced tradespersons (and any worker aged 45-70) to transition to a new role within your industry or a new industry. Recognising that older workers have an incredible amount of knowledge and skills, the program helps to keep those highly valuable skills in the Australian workforce. The program offers you or your workers: • careers assessment of your skills, talents, and preferences; • one-on-one support with a career support mentor who can provide guidance and help you work out your options; and • access to 50% funding towards vocational education courses to assist you with your career transition. BUSY At Work, an established not-for-profit organisation that offers a range of recruitment and skills development programs, administers the Skills Checkpoint program in Queensland and can assist you or your staff to navigate your options through the program. To apply online or for more information, visit www.skillscheck.com.au. Article supplied by Busy at Work

WHAT CAN EMPLOYERS DO TO COMBAT MENTAL HEALTH ISSUES IN THE WORKPLACE? The conditions of employment within workplaces have significantly changed over the past 12-18 months due to COVID-19. We are noticing that the impact is different for each workplace and the way the business is adapting also differs. This change in conditions and adjusting to adaptability is having an impact on the mental health of workers. We have been receiving an increase in queries from members regarding employee mental health. In particular, the question we get asked is, “What are some ways that employers can work with their employees?” So, we have put together some suggestions for businesses to consider.

Flexible Work Arrangements

It doesn’t have to be working from home. Flexible work arrangements could also be: • Adjusting hours of work – start earlier or later • Work more hours over fewer days If adjustments are made, it is important to have it mutually agreed in writing.

MATES in Construction

MATES is a great initiative that provides support and assistance for those who need to talk about the emotional struggles they may be having, and it is FREE for people working in the construction industry.

Employee Assistance Programs

These programs offer different packages for businesses to utilise to provide employees with counselling when they require it. The cost for the business will depend on the employee assistance program implemented.

Team Building Activities

With COVID-19, many businesses have stopped having that Friday afternoon or morning coffee catch up. Depending on the different COVID-19 restrictions, businesses should try to continue having that regular catch up as a whole team to keep everyone united and connected. Mental health awareness is an area that is on the increase, and it is important that businesses don’t shy away from it but become more be open to communicate and work with their team. For further suggestions or if there are particular issues within your business, give the MPAQ Workplace Relations team a call on 07 3273 0800.

Article written by Emma Ross, MPAQ Human Resources Advisor and Office Coordinator

| MASTER PLUMBER MAGAZINE Spring 2021

HEALTH & WELLBEING

FOOTY LEGEND SHANE WEBCKE GETS SERIOUS ABOUT WORK SAFETY Footy legend Shane Webcke is keener than ever to get heartfelt safety messages to Queenslanders and share why he is such a strong advocate for work safety. This year, Shane is inviting all Queenslanders to join him for a late breakfast to kick off Safe Work Month in October. As he enters his sixth year as Queensland’s Safety Ambassador, Shane still loves nothing more than dropping into businesses around the state to speak to workers about why safety is so important to him – and what can happen if it’s overlooked. For the former champion Broncos prop, the role is personal, as his father was killed by an industrial wool-press he was working on just as Shane’s football career was taking shape. “I lost my dad in a workplace incident, so I know first-hand that family and loved ones are the most important reason for work safety,” Shane said. “As Queensland Safety Ambassador, I travel around the state visiting workplaces and sharing my story in the hope I can make people think twice about their own and their mates’ safety and help workplaces create a positive safety culture. “I am just as passionate today as I was when I first started in this role about sharing my family’s story and the tragedy that affected us. Hopefully, it will open up hearts and minds to the importance of safety. “Trust me, as a parent, you don’t want your kids to grow up without knowing you and endure everything we went through after dad’s death. It’s horrible, devastating, and sadly, often avoidable.”

As Safety Ambassador, Shane shares the story of how his father’s death impacted the Webcke family, especially his mother and brother. “When I’m on site and a bunch of blokes have gathered to listen, you’re not really sure of how things are going to turn out,” Shane said. “But once it starts and you can hear a pin drop, you know you’re getting through. “To see battle-hardened blue-collar workers tear up, you realise they are taking it in, relating it back to their situation. It’s also a good sign when they ask questions at the end or tell you about their experiences. I hope that means I’ve helped change the attitude of at least one person, made a bit of a difference, and maybe, just maybe, a life or two might be saved down the track. “There’s only a few weeks until Safe Work Month starts and there’s plenty of ways to get involved, including attending one of our online professional development events such as the Injury Prevention and Return to Work Conference on 19 October. “But it’s the launch on Friday 1 October I’m looking forward to the most – because I’m in it! “It’s a virtual event but get your workmates together at 9am for a late brekkie, and I’ll do my best to get you all thinking about your most important reason to work safely. “You can also have a laugh while celebrity chef Justine Schofield tries to teach me to cook.” For more information about Safe Work Month and Shane’s ambassador role, visit www.worksafe.qld.gov.au.

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QUEENSLAND LOCAL TRADIE TALKS TO THE TOOLS OF R U OK? R U OK? is calling on Australian tradespeople to add conversation skills to their toolkits and has recently released ‘Tradies Tools to Talk’ to help them know when and how to ask their workmates ‘are you OK?’. Queenslander and plumber Justin Geange has been an R U OK? Community Ambassador since 2015 and works as a Field Officer for suicide prevention charity Mates in Construction. He says that while tradies were thought of as tough as nails, a lot were hurting and masking their pain. “I was on struggle street back in 2012 and had a mate call me out on the stuff that he was noticing and the changes in my life,” said Mr Geange. “That conversation led me to get the help that I needed, and it’s the reason I’m here today.” Mr Geange says one of the biggest challenges for time poor tradies is finding time to really talk. “Maybe go for a walk down to the coffee shop and grab a pie and have a yarn or have a yarn in the car on the way to work or on the way home from work,” he said. “These are great opportunities to have Ju meaningful R U OK? stin Gean ge C ommu conversations, nit and Plu y Ambassado fair dinkum, mb er r real R U OK? conversations. “As an industry, cultural change is happening, and I want play my part in spreading the message that it’s OK to speak up when your struggling,” said Mr Geange. “As someone with a lived experience of mental health and circumstantial challenges, I am passionate about how transparent conversations with a mate or someone you trust can actually change your life. I know, I’ve experienced that firsthand.” “As a tradie, I know how hard it is to put your hand up when you’re struggling, yet we are more likely to accept offered help from a mate or someone we trust. R U OK? has given us tradies some tools we can use to help us with these important conversations.” The free ‘Tradies Tools to Talk’ resources provide guidance on how family, friends, and fellow workers can spot the signs that a tradie in their world may be struggling. The resources feature stories of tradies told by tradies and aim to empower individuals with the confidence to check in with a workmate who might be doing it tough. Katherine Newton, CEO of R U OK? says tradies face challenges across their working lives and the impact of COVID-19 has increased uncertainty for a workforce already dealing with job insecurity pressures and the inability to adopt a work from home model. “The pressures of job insecurity, financial position, and intense physical demands are part of their everyday. Coupled with life challenges such as relationship difficulties and grief, there can be a cumulative effect that impacts mental health and senses of social connection,” said Ms Newton. The resources feature tradies sharing their stories and practical tips supported by information about how to spot the signs someone might be struggling, and how to navigate the conversation if someone answers “no, I’m not OK.”

| MASTER PLUMBER MAGAZINE Spring 2021

Download the free resources including the ‘R U OK? ‘Tradies Tools to Talk’ at ruok.org.au/tradies. This year R U OK?Day was on Thursday 9 September 2021, the national day of action dedicated to reminding people to regularly check in with family, friends, colleagues and neighbours. Article supplied by R U OK?

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MEMBER SPOTLIGHT Left to Right - Rhett, Max, Doug, and Elliot

Keeping it in the Family The Secret Ingredient to a Successful Plumbing Business For the Lewis family in Roma, there is no secret to success when running a family-built, small business. The days are long, the admin work can be daunting, and the hours spent on job sites in the middle of nowhere are increasing. But to them, the time spent together as a family and the memories created far outweigh any of the negatives. MPAQ’s Corbie O’Brien visited the family in Roma to discuss their thriving plumbing business. I was fortunate enough to sit down with Max, Belinda, and their three sons Doug, Rhett, and Elliot as MPAQ highlights the important roles fathers play in our lives as we celebrate Father’s Day this September. The Lewis family are the proud owners of Roma Plumbing, a small business located in Roma, Queensland, a 500km drive west of Brisbane. Having completed his apprenticeship with the previous owners of Roma Plumbing, eldest son Doug runs the family business next to his younger brothers Rhett and Elliot, all qualified plumbers and gas fitters. . When the family bought Roma Plumbing, Doug was just 21, and Max and Belinda admitted that they worried they might have jumped into the deep end a little. “We spoke about it in the beginning, that we are all in this together, and we must get along to make this business work; otherwise, it would selfdestruct. Nothing could really come between us,” said Belinda.

| MASTER PLUMBER MAGAZINE Spring 2021

As the boys began their apprenticeships, it was clear that Roma Plumbing was going thrive, harnessing the power of the boys’ relationships, Max’s knowledge and skills, and Belinda’s determination to succeed.

Family Life When the boys were little, Max worked on the Wild Dog Fence in regional Queensland, and Belinda owned a successful beauty therapy business. Reflecting on their time growing up, the boys weren’t affected by Max’s absence when he spent long periods of time away on site, noting that they understood his hard work was a sacrifice he made for the family. “When it was school holidays, dad used to take us out to where he worked, so we got to see huge machines and the things he worked on,” said Rhett. “It was pretty cool.” Max would also oversee the show and tell at school when his sons were little. “I remember this one time; he bought a snake home for Elliot’s grade two show and tell. We put it in a jar, so he could safely transport it, and he walked into the front steps of the classroom, dropped it, and it smashed everywhere,” Belinda said. But what’s it like working with their dad now? “He’s always there to give us advice, or just a helping hand if we need. We’re pretty lucky to have him,” said Doug.

MEMBER SPOTLIGHT Every member in the Lewis family works in some way for Roma Plumbing, even the family dog Buzz. Coined “Buzz the Plumber Dog”, he has earned his stripes in the business as he drives around in the front seat with Max delivering tools and supplies when needed. “An apprentice and I were working on a low set house and Buzz would run tools to me when we were under the house. It’s saved my knees, that’s for sure,” Elliot said.

“More people were home noticing all the things wrong with their house or things they wanted to change, so we just got busier and busier” Elliot replied. Since its start in 2011, Roma Plumbing has grown exponentially, hiring apprentices to help manage the ever-growing workload. However, the added stress that comes with the growth caught up to the team.

Working with Your Family As Roma Plumbing grows, so do the size of the jobs and the distance required to travel to them. When Doug, Rhett, and Elliot have found themselves in neighboring towns without the critical tools or parts required to get the job done, they have leaned on their dad for assistance. “I don’t charge them a call out fee whenever they ring me,” joked Max. “I probably should: one beer, two beers, etcetera per minute. For the bigger jobs, I’ll make them buy the case.” “We have a family rule: if someone does something really, really stupid, we make that person buy a case of beer. So, we call sit around and laugh at it at the end of the day,” said Belinda. “Max taught the boys everything they needed to know about Workplace Health and Safety, because he had done it for years on the oil rigs. He brought his knowledge over from his previous job and helped instill them in the business from day one, so that has been so helpful with keeping the boys and their colleagues safe.” After spending so much time away from home for work previously, Max cherishes the time he gets to spend with his sons now through their business. “Years ago, I never thought I’d be working with my guys. I was hardly ever home, and the opportunity came to purchase the business, so we just jumped and never looked back.” “I don’t have to go to job sites with them as much anymore, probably because I can’t help myself, and I’ll probably say something… I’m probably better off not going,” said Max with a laugh. “I love seeing them succeeding. When they were little, I never thought they were going to be grown up one day, making their own decisions, and doing their own work. It’s pretty amazing actually, to think where they started to where they are now,” he said. “If someone told me this is how your life would turn out, I wouldn’t believe them. I’m so lucky, and so proud of my boys.”

Working in Regional Queensland With the decreasing vacancy in rentals in the southwest region, Roma Plumbing has a strong relationship with local real estate agents in town, with Elliot dealing mostly with the maintenance of rentals. “Just this year we’ve completed nearly five brand new builds in town, which is pretty good for out here considering we’re only a town of 6,000 people,” said Doug. “We didn’t have any issues through COVID-19. I mean, out here we were lucky in the fact we didn’t really have lockdowns or huge restrictions. But we had a huge amount of people at home, which made us so much busier,” said Doug.

“If someone told me this is how my life would turn out, I wouldn’t believe them. I’m so lucky, and so proud of my boys.” “We ran into some trouble recently, and with being a small business located in regional Queensland, there’s not a whole lot of avenues for us to lean on. I rang Master Plumbers’, and they were great; they put us in touch with the support services we needed. We spoke with the technical team, who told us to call them if we needed anything throughout the process, or just for a chat if we needed to rant. I was blown away—it was like a best friend offering support. It was fantastic,” said Belinda. “Being in a small town, we can’t exactly talk about it much. But to talk confidentially to a friendly person on the other end, is just mickeymouse,” Belinda said. “Sometimes it can take weeks to get a reply from the Queensland Building Construction Commission (QBCC), so it’s great to know Master Plumbers’ are always there whenever you need them.” Roma Plumbing is a successful family business. But more than that, it’s an example of three sons taking the lead with the examples inherited from their parents, and two parents offering the support, knowledge, and encouragement to help their sons on their way. Buying a plumbing business has meant that Max has been able to spend more time with his sons, and Doug, Rhett, and Elliot have been able to lean on their dad for support, it may just cost them a beer or two. Written by Corbie O’Brien – MPAQ Communications Assistant z the Buz

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Do you have a story for the next edition of the Master Plumbers magazine? Send an email to advertising@mpaq.com.au

MASTER PLUMBER MAGAZINE Spring 2021 |

LEGAL

PHASE 2A OF QUEENSLAND’S PROJECT TRUST REGIME ON THE HORIZON

On 1 July 2021, the next phase of the implementation of the requirement for head contractors to establish Project Trust Accounts (PTAs) and Retention Trust Accounts (RTAs) on Queensland projects commenced. In 2020, the Queensland Government released the set of reforms to laws applying to the building and construction industry in Queensland, including the implementation of PTAs. Phase 1 of the PTA rollout is currently in effect and commenced on 1 March 2021. The commencement of the new phase will require head contractors to establish a PTA on a broader range of State Government, hospital, and health service than before by removing the previous $10 million valuation ceiling, making the scheme now apply to larger projects. Over these five major phases, the framework progressively expands to capture more projects and contractors. PTAs will soon be required on most private and public sector commercial construction projects in Queensland valued at over $1 million.

Who is Required to Establish Trusts? For Project Trust accounts, the contracted party for the contract that required the Project Trust is responsible for establishing and maintaining the trust (generally the Head Contractor). They are the trustee. For Retention Trust accounts, the contracting party who is withholding retentions from the contracted party’s/parties’ payments is responsible for establishing and maintaining the trust. They are the trustee. Initially, the trustee will, in most cases, be the head contractor. However, as Retention Trusts are progressively expanded to cover more projects, the trustees may also be the principal or a subcontractor that holds cash retentions from its sub-subcontractors.

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LEGAL

COVID-19 AND CONTRACTS IN THE BUILDING AND CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY

To adapt to the evolving COVID-19 landscape, business owners should put in place plans, processes, and strategies that effectively deal with the challenges that it presents. This article distils the immediate challenges faced by the plumbing industry and probes into measures that business owners can harness to weather the ongoing impacts of COVID-19.

Immediate Challenges: Supply Chain Disruptions and Increase in Material Costs In the short term, trades in the construction industry are facing supply chain disruptions and issues with increased material costs. Often supply chain disruptions result in project delays and additional costs. Supply chain shortages and bottlenecks are being caused by:1 • A global surge in demand for building materials; • A local surge in new home builds and renovations following the Homebuilder grant, a spike in interstate migration, relaxed lending rules with low interest rates, and early access to superannuation; and • Global supply chain disruptions due to COVID-19. Plumbing companies have also absorbed significant increases in material costs, which ultimately affects their bottom line and profitability. We will now consider how you can effectively protect your business from the adverse impacts of supply chain disruptions and increases in material costs.

Safeguarding Your Business from Supply Chain Disruptions Having a greater understanding of your supply chain will enable you to respond to supply chain issues well before they materially impact a project. Before making any significant changes, a business should first understand where any vulnerabilities in its supply chain may lie. This can be achieved by conducting a supply chain vulnerability audit across the whole business. Once you have a good understanding of your business’s supply chain, you can consider implementing processes and controls to minimise COVID-19 risks. For your example, if you know that a particular material has been subject to long delays, you might work with project managers to factor these constraints and time delays into schedules or develop

contractual clauses that allow for time delays in sourcing such materials without penalty. Having open lines of communication across your business, and with relevant stakeholders, can also help to manage supply chain risks. For example, if you have good relationships with your suppliers, you may pre-order materials or get them to reserve materials for you in advance. You may also want to consider enhancing the flexibility of your supply chain so that it can adapt to the risks and challenges you have identified. If you are experiencing delays with existing suppliers, for example, you may benefit from reviewing your existing Terms and Conditions with the suppliers and considering your right to terminate contracts where the supply of materials is delayed and sourcing from elsewhere. Similarly, you can amend your contracts to ensure that you can obtain an extension of time in the event of delays or disruptions to supplies of trades or building materials.

Protecting Your Profits from Price Increases Some practical legal tips to protect your business from price increases and supply chain disruptions include: • Seeking legal advice in relation to your existing terms and conditions and any potential disputes before they arise – prevention is better than a cure; and • before you sign a contract, check that you can deliver in light of the impacts of COVID-19. Consider reviewing your standard form contracts and including cost escalation and extension of time clauses. Cost escalation clauses and extension of time clauses accommodate increased material costs during a pandemic in the overall pricing of a project and allow you to claim an extension of time due to the impacts of the pandemic. In summary, whilst the COVID-19 landscape has created a number of uncertainties in the plumbing industry, you can effectively navigate the challenges of the pandemic by making a few changes to your business model. Some of the strategies you can implement to protect your business include seeking legal advice to ensure that your contracts are drafted to effectively respond to the challenges of COVID-19 so that your business does not bleed its profits. If you would like to discuss how best to approach any of the issues identified above, please contact one of our experts by email at info@rcrlaw.com.au or by telephone on 07 3009 8432 to engage in an obligation-free discussion. Article supplied by RCR Lawyers

1 Information from Master Builders.

| MASTER PLUMBER MAGAZINE Spring 2021

WORKPLACE RELATIONS

HIGH COURT DECISION FOR CASUAL EMPLOYEES In 2020, the WorkPac vs Rossato case heard by the Federal court found that Mr Rossato was a permanent employee instead of a casual employee (as was detailed in an employment contract). This was due to the regular nature of work and ongoing rosters which were determined well in advance. Rossato had been employed by Workpac as a casual for six separate fixed-term engagements. WorkPac appealed this decision and the case went to the High Court of Australia. The High Court has now overturned the ruling by the Federal Court and found Mr Rossato was correctly employed as a casual worker. The High Court ruled that a casual is: “An employee who has no firm advance commitment from the employer as to the duration of the employee’s employment or the days (of hours) the employee will work and provides no reciprocal commitment to the employer”. The High Court decision is welcomed by many employers and further supports the amendments made to the Fair Work Act 2009 regarding the casual definition. This decision and definition provides greater clarity about how employers can engage their employees.

Definition of Casual from Fair Work Act 2009

A person will be deemed a casual employee: • if an offer of casual employment is made on the basis that the employer makes no firm advanced commitment to continuing and indefinite work according to an agreed pattern of work; and • the employee accepts that offer. In addition to the above definition, at the time the offer of casual employment is made, the following is to be considered: • whether the employer can elect to offer work and whether the person can elect to accept or reject work; • whether the person will work only as required; • whether the employment is described as casual employment; and • whether the person will be entitled to a casual loading or a specific rate of pay for casual employees under the terms of the offer. The casual definition also includes a mechanism requiring employers to offer casual employees the choice to become permanent if they’ve been employed for 12 months (some Awards may stipulate six months) and have worked regular and systematic patterns in the last six months. For assistance on the type of employment options for your employees, give our Workplace Relations team a call on 07 3273 0800.

Article written by Emma Ross, MPAQ Human Resourses Advisor and Office Coordinator

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PLUMBING BUSINESS FINED UP TO $6,600 AFTER NOT PAYING EMPLOYEE FOR 10 DAYS’ WORK A sole trader in Western Sydney had an 18-year-old working for the business for a 10-day period in November 2020. The employee lodged a wage claim as the young worker was not paid correctly for this work. After an investigation, the Fair Work Ombudsman (FWO) issued a compliance notice for the Sole Trader to pay the young worker the casual minimum rate including relevant allowances for the 10-day period of work. The Sole Trader failed to comply with the compliance notice, which required him to calculate and back pay the worker’s entitlements. The FWO has now commenced legal action in the Federal Circuit Court again the sole trader and this business could face fines of up to $6,600 plus the back payment of relevant wages to the young worker. This case is a further reminder, that if a wage claim is raised by an employee, it is very important for the business to work with the FWO to try and resolve the issue as the fines for non-compliance with a compliance notice gest very costly, very quickly. Contact our Workplace Relations team for any assistance with a wage claim or queries on rates of pay. Article written by Emma Ross, MPAQ Human Resourses Advisor and Office Coordinator

APPRENTICES

WHAT CAN AN APPRENTICE DO ON SITE? We all know that under Queensland legislation, plumbing and drainage apprentices require direct supervision, provided by a tradesperson, writes Ernie Kretschmer, MPAQ Technical Services Manager. The industry is currently experiencing an increase in employers sending out an apprentice, on their own to perform regulated work without supervision, usually because they are seen as being cheaper than a qualified tradesperson. Unfortunately, what employers and apprentices do not realise is that this practice is not just something that shouldn’t be done, not fair on the paying customer, and potentially dangerous to health and safety of the apprentice and the community, it is also illegal with the potential to attract large fines or jail time for employers/supervisors. As an example, a third-year apprentice is provided with a work vehicle and mobile phone and told they are on call at the weekend. Over the course of the weekend, they might unblock four drains and replace a water heater and two kitchen mixer taps, all without the required supervision of a licensed tradesperson. In this hypothetical example, the employer and/or supervisor is guilty of contravening the Plumbing and Drainage Act 2018 and can potentially be fined for seven offences as listed in the clauses below. Apprentices require direct supervision—this means a licensed person is there on site with them, directly supervising them. This does not mean you have to stand over the apprentice 24/7 but you must be with them to provide guidance and support. For example, an apprentice could be performing work in the bathroom while the tradesperson works in the kitchen. It would not mean the apprentice works on floor one whilst the tradesperson works on floor seven. It’s a far cry from the entire plumbing fraternity but certain members of our industry need to realise that apprentices are not cheap labour but the future of the industry who require mentoring, guidance, instruction, and supervision from their peers.

The Plumbing and Drainage Act 2018 states:

56 Carrying out work without appropriate licence 1. Subject to section 58, a person must not carry out plumbing or drainage work unless the person holds a licence for the work. Maximum penalty— a. for a first offence—250 penalty units; or b. for a second offence—300 penalty units; or c. for a third or later offence, or if the plumbing or drainage work is grossly defective work—350 penalty units or 1 year’s imprisonment. Note— A person may be required to hold a contractor’s licence under the Queensland Building and Construction Commission Act 1991 in addition to a licence under this Act to lawfully carry out particular plumbing or drainage work. See section 42 of the Act. 2. An individual who contravenes subsection (1) and is liable to a maximum penalty of 350 penalty units or one year’s imprisonment commits a crime. That’s a maximum penalty of 300 penalty units. One penalty unit = $137.85. 300 penalty units = $41,355.00 maximum per offence for the employer directing an apprentice to perform work for which a licence is required (or one year in jail). 57 Supervising or directing work without appropriate licence 1. Subject to section 58, a person (a supervisor) must not supervise another person carrying out plumbing or drainage work unless the supervisor holds a licence for the work. Maximum penalty— a. for a first offence—250 penalty units; or b. for a second offence—300 penalty units; or c. for a third or later offence, or if the plumbing or drainage work is grossly defective work—350 penalty units or one year’s imprisonment. 2. Subject to section 58, a licensee must not supervise another person carrying out plumbing or drainage work unless the other person holds a licence for the work. Maximum penalty— a. for a first offence—250 penalty units; or b. for a second offence—300 penalty units; or c. for a third or later offence, or if the plumbing or drainage work is grossly defective work—350 penalty units or one year’s imprisonment. 3. Subject to section 58, a licensee must not direct another person to carry out plumbing or drainage work unless the other person holds a licence for the work. Maximum penalty— a. for a first offence—250 penalty units; or b. for a second offence—300 penalty units; or c. for a third or later offence, or if the plumbing or drainage work is grossly defective work—350 penalty units or one year’s imprisonment. 4. For subsections (1) and (2), a person (a consumer) is taken not to supervise another person carrying out plumbing or drainage work only because the consumer entered into a contract for carrying out the plumbing or drainage work, other than a contract of employment. 5. An individual who contravenes subsection (1), (2) or (3) and is liable to a maximum penalty of 350 penalty units or one year’s imprisonment commits a crime. If you have any questions, please contact the MPAQ Technical team on 07 3273 0800. Article written by Ernie Kretschmer, MPAQ Technical Services Manager

| MASTER PLUMBER MAGAZINE Spring 2021

APPRENTICES

PIPELINE OF AITC APPRENTICES PUTTING SAFETY FIRST Safety is a vital lesson and value taught at the Australian Industry Trade College (AITC) to young people pursuing an industry pathway. It’s a fundamental cornerstone at the industrydriven school; young people must follow stringent safety protocols to protect themselves, their team, and the community. Charlie Illes, a Year 12 leader at the AITC and first-year school-based plumbing apprentice, is a finalist in the in the upcoming 2021 Plumbing and Gas Industry Awards. Charlie has been working with Cargo Plumbing since early 2020 while completing his secondary schooling and takes safety seriously. “At the AITC safety is drilled into you from the start. This is what you do every day,” says Charlie. Standard safety protocol requires signing on whenever an employee arrives at a work site. Charlie says personal protective equipment (PPE) is the main priority to minimise risk to workers’ health and safety. “You’re always dealing with dangers as a plumber. We work with a lot of chemicals—so masks, glasses, and gloves are extremely important and used frequently.” The young apprentice also relies on the site manager who oversees and directs a variety of projects from the beginning through to competition. “When you get to site in the morning the site manager lets you know what has to happen throughout the day and if there is anything to be aware of such as cranes or big trucks.” Showing wisdom beyond his years, Charlie says there’s no room for people who take shortcuts. “You have to step back and take the time to be safe otherwise things can go wrong,” Charlie explains. “I’ve seen people fall into trenches and get hurt because someone has neglected to use barricades.”

Charlie says workers who are less safe are the ones who want to rush through their tasks to get home faster. “However, it’s important to always take that little bit of extra time. Think a few steps ahead to what you will be doing and make sure everything is safe because at the end of the day you want to go home in one piece.” The Australian Industry Trade College helps young people find their passion and pursue that career through a school-based apprenticeship or traineeship. Years 10 to 12 students spend half their time completing their senior education at school, and the remainder in industry. With campuses across South East Queensland, the AITC is proud to connect industry with the finest apprentices. To find out more, visit www.aitc.qld.edu.au. Article provided by the Australian Industry Trade College (AITC)

MASTER PLUMBER MAGAZINE Spring 2021 |

BUSINESS

DO I STILL NEED A WEBSITE?

It might seem like old tech, but it makes perfect business sense to invest in a website, says Daniel Carroll, Master Plumbers’ Victoria Media and Communication Manager. Lately, a lot of people lately have been telling me they don’t need a website. “I’ve got a Facebook page and Instagram page and they’re free. Why do I need a website?” they ask. Well, yeah... but mostly, no. It’s true, social media has exploded over the past few years. Businesses, brands, groups, artists, even average people, AKA ‘the Influencer’, have been harnessing the seemingly cost-free power of social media to connect with others and grow their online presence—some have even cracked the secret formula to make a heap of cash! And because social media is awesome, many people are shelving their web presence entirely. Not a wise move. Unless you have a website as part of your online presence, you cannot expect to thrive.

| MASTER PLUMBER MAGAZINE Spring 2021

Enter the website... your online showroom Imagine standing across the road from your office/workshop/ warehouse—wherever you conduct your business—and admiring it in all its glory. Now picture a great big funnel hovering above your showroom. That funnel is your social media presence—Facebook, Instagram, all in one container capturing leads for your business. The photos of you in front of your latest project, the informative posts to remind people to be proactive about the upkeep of their homes, the Friday funnies to give people a laugh heading into the weekend all designed to advertise you, your business, and what your business has to offer. When people are engaged enough to learn more, the social media funnel spits them out conveniently onto the front steps of your showroom. That lead is red hot, now it’s up to you to convert! And still, today that conversion is done best via your website, especially if you don’t have a showroom.

BUSINESS

Four reasons why you absolutely need a website 1. You Have the Control!

3. Social Media Can Only Do So Much for You

Your website means your messaging, your pictures—you’re in charge. You’re not limited by any rules around content type, length, functionality, etc. You’re able to portray your business in the way you want to, embrace your creativity and make it your own. What makes you better than the next person? Remember earlier this year when Facebook shut down a lot of pages so no one could see their content? Social channels are not yours; they are on loan while the provider deems to allow you to use them.

There is no other communication medium that gives you as much control over your content and message as a website. While apps and social media might work for niche groups or price-points, the relatively small investment in your own website pays off immediately. Your website is available 24/7. Visitors are able to engage with your entire showroom at any time of the day, week, month, or year. Your website acts as a direct marketing communication channel.

2. You Have Insight Over What People Are Doing on Your Site Once people are in the front door, you can see what they’re interested in, what brought them to your site, and be there to help them learn more. There are great online tools available to you like Google Analytics that will provide an amazing level of detail about the people that visit your site. These tools will tell you where your visitor has come from, what they searched to get to your site, which information or pages they visited, how long they stayed on your site, and so much more. From that information, you’re able to learn how people interact with your site and allow you to know where to focus your marketing efforts in the future.

4. Get Found Online When we want to know something, we ask. We ask our friends, we ask our co-workers, but most of all we ask Google. And if you don’t have a website, Google doesn’t know you exist. • What are the symptoms of COVID-19? • What is the weather going to be like on Friday? • Plumber near me On average, Google processes over 63,000 search queries every second. Google can help... A LOT! So, get yourself a website and give yourself a fighting chance! Written by Daniel Carroll, Media and Communication Manager, Master Plumbers and Mechanical Services Association of Australia (MPMSAA)

If you would like to know more about getting a website, call the MPAQ office on 07 3273 0800 and we can connect you with our corporate partners who can help.

MASTER PLUMBER MAGAZINE Spring 2021 |

SEPTEMBER SUNDAY

MONDAY

TUESDAY

PROSTATE CANCER AWARENESS MONTH

FATHER’S DAY

12 19

INTERNATIONAL TALK LIKE A PIRATE DAY

Emerald Member Dinner

WPA Monthly Virtual Catchup Brisbane Design and Size Course

QLD MPAQ Member Meeting

Hervey Bay Intro to Estimating Course

MONDAY

TUESDAY

WEDNESDAY

HALLOWEEN

WORLD MENTAL HEALTH DAY

QUEEN’S BIRTHDAY PUBLIC HOLIDAY

Brisbane TMV Course

Brisbane Backflow Course

Mackay TMV Course

18 25

19 26

Gold Coast Backflow Course

WPA Monthly Virtual Catchup

Brisbane Backflow Revalidation Course

FRIDAY

SCHOOL HOLIDAYS BEGIN

AFL GRAND FINAL

SATURDAY

INTERNATIONAL COFFEE DAY

QLD MENTAL HEALTH WEEK

Plumbing & Gas Industry Awards

Rockhampton TMV Course

Brisbane Estimate & Cost Work Course

R U OK DAY

Hervey Bay Industry Golf Day

THURSDAY NATIONAL SAFE WORK MONTH

Brisbane TMV Course

SATURDAY

WPA Tee Party (Brisbane) Emerald, Clermont and Moranbah Road Trip

Toowoomba Intro to Estimating Course

SUNDAY

SCHOOL HOLIDAYS END NRL GRAND FINAL

Moranbah

2 Member Dinner 3

QLD MPAQ Member Meeting

FRIDAY

OCTOBER 3

THURSDAY

Brisbane Backflow Course

WEDNESDAY

21 28

Gold Coast TMV Course

Sunshine Coast Industry Golf Day

Cairns Industry Golf Day EKKA Show Holiday

Key WPA - Women’s Plumbing Alliance TMV - CPCPWT4023A - Commission and Maintain Hot and Heated Water Temperature Control Devices Backflow - CPCPWT4022A - Commission and Maintain Backflow Prevention Devices Service Type A Gas - CPCPGS4022A - Service Type A Gas Appliances Estimate & Cost Work - CPCPCM4012A - Estimate and Cost Work Carry out Work - CPCPCM4011A - Carry out Work-Based Risk Control Processes RTO Code: 30473

| MASTER PLUMBER MAGAZINE Spring 2021

VISIT MPAQ.COM.AU FOR EVENTS & TRAINING INFO.

NOVEMBER SUNDAY

ASBESTOS AWARENESS MONTH

MONDAY

EVENTS AND TRAINING TUESDAY

MELBOURNE CUP

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REMEMBRANCE DAY

QLD MPAQ Member Meeting

Brisbane Backflow Course WPA Monthly

17 Virtual Catchup18

QLD MPAQ Member Meeting

Brisbane Estimate & Cost Work Course

WPA End of Year Lunch

WORLD TOILET DAY INTERNATIONAL MEN’S DAY

Gold Coast Industry Golf Day

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Brisbane TMV Course

MPAQ Annual General Meeting

Plumbing & Gas Industry Awards

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SOCIAL

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MEMBER NEWS

BURKE CONSTRUCTIONS REACHES THEIR 15 YEARS OF MEMBERSHIP MILESTONE WITH MPAQ To celebrate Burke Constructions reaching their 15-year membership milestone, we asked Cameron Burke some questions about his business and experiences over the years. Who founded the company and when? I founded the company in 2002. How has the company changed over the years? We have learned to evolve with the new client needs and projects being constructed faster. What does your company specialise in? New work, industrial, commercial, new units, civil drainage, and architectural homes. What have been the company’s major highlights? Having a group of long term, loyal staff and clients. Has the company/staff won any awards? I won third and fourth year apprentice awards during my apprenticeship: third year for Redlands local area and fourth year Queensland Apprentice of the Year. One of our current apprentices just won first Year Apprentice of the Year at Queensland Trade Industry College.

15 YEARS OF MEMBERSHIP FOR NATIONAL PLUMBING AND GAS Billy Muir from National Plumbing and Gas answered some of our questions to celebrate the business’s 15-year MPAQ milestone. Who founded the company and when? I started the company in 2005. How has the company changed over the years? It hasn’t really changed – we’ve changed location from the Northside. I’ve had staff changes but really my company hasn’t really changed that much – we still service same area but we’re now 99% paperless. What does your company specialise in? We specialise in residential plumbing and gas repairs and installations. How many people worked at the company when it started? It was just me. How many people work at the company now? Two plumbers. How do you feel the industry has changed over the years? The industry is more competitive than ever, which brings benefits in the form of striving for continuous improvement to stand out with service, providing training for staff, and focussing on these areas has proven to keep us ahead of our competition. How has your subscription to MPAQ helped the business over the years? I’m happy to renew membership each year. Membership has been beneficial, specifically around HR as we’ve found the advice has been invaluable at times. What are your future goals for the company? I’m hoping to bring my son in as apprentice. We want to continue to help improve the standards for customers and the reputation of the industry in general. Congratulation to Billy and National Plumbing and Gas on this milestone!

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How many people work at the company now? We have 20 staff now. How do you feel the industry has changed over the years? Projects are completed quicker as equipment becomes more modern and trades are more efficient due to new technology. My second biggest observation is communication and project information are so much more available now both onsite and office based. How has your subscription to MPAQ helped the business over the years? MPAQ has given us a feeling of third party support, from legal or technical advice or just someone to talk to about changes in the industry. What are your future goals for the company? Continue to be as motivated as we are now, furthering staff training and delivering excellence in our projects for our clients. Congratulations Cameron from everyone at MPAQ, we wish you and the team the best for the future!

FT PLUMBING & DRAINAGE CELEBRATES 25 YEARS OF MPAQ MEMBERSHIP As FT Plumbing & Drainage celebrates a milestone year of membership with MPAQ, owner Frank Tomasi answered some questions about his experiences over the last 25 years. Who founded the company and when? Myself, 27 years ago. How has the company changed over the years? There are a lot more rules and red tape. It’s faster to find and solve problems with technology; however, paperwork and keeping up with changes can cumbersome. What does your company specialise in? Units, day cares, and houses. How many people worked at the company when it started? Me and an apprentice, but at one stage we had eight people. How many people work at the company now? At the moment it’s me as the tradesman and an apprentice. How do you feel the industry has changed over the years? Builders aren’t as loyal as they used to be. Focus is on the dollar rather than service, integrity, and punctuality. Personal touch seems to have been lost. FT Plumbing & Drainage will continue to offer a personal touch focussed on quality and service with our clients. How has your subscription to MPAQ helped the business over the years? MPAQ has been very helpful with plumbing inspectors, apprentices, legal advice, and chasing owed money from builders. What are your future goals for the company? Keep doing the same. Congratulation to FT Plumbing & Drainage on reaching this great milestone!

MEMBER BENEFITS

Baby News MPAQ are excited to announce three new additions to the MPAQ family.

MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR MPAQ MEMBERSHIP IN 2021 As well as offering members technical, workplace relations, and industry support, MPAQ has built relationships with industry partners to offer MPAQ members exclusive offers and discounts.

Get Quality Cover with Bupa from just $20.35 Per Week On Tuesday 22 June, Lisa Ross, our Events and Member Services Manager, and her husband Kyle welcomed Ava Maree Jade Taylor. On Wednesday 30 June, Alana Suhinin, our Events and Sponsorship Coordinator, and her husband Tim welcomed Evan Artem Suhinin. On Thursday 5 August, Renee Gangloff, our Membership Coordinator, and her husband Kalon welcomed Piper Louise Gangloff.

31 July

Bupa is a health and care company committed to helping their customers live longer, healthier, happier lives. They offer a broad range of services, including health insurance and community wellbeing initiatives, as well as offering discounts to MPAQ Members for both new and existing customers.

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WFI have insurance solutions for business owners, farmers, strata managers, landlords and home owners. WFI’s personal service approach means that they are able to listen to their clients and develop their range of products with your insurance requirements in mind. MPAQ Members receive a 5% annual rebate towards your MPAQ membership.

30 Day Account When Ordering Your Drainage Plans with Brisbane City Council

Drainage plans (dwelling houses) and as-constructed hydraulic plans (commercial or multi-dwellings) show the in-ground private sanitary drainage within a property that connects plumbing fixtures within the building to a sewer connection or on-site sewerage facility. MPAQ members get a 30-day account* to pay for drainage plans. *The 30 day account will be issued to you by MPAQ following Brisbane City Council reporting to MPAQ. To get more information about these offers and to view the full suite of member benefits, visit www.mpaq.com.au/memberbenefits.

MILESTONES

CONGRATULATIONS TO MPAQ’S MILESTONE MEMBERS NAME

COMPANY

DIVISION

Scott McDonald Scott Sloan Roy Walker Graeme Lucas Rod Fidler Mal Rudd Russell Fingleton Andy Burke George Passaris Graham Hennessy Martin Hollywood Don Ison John McConaghie Paul Maxwell Frank Tomasi Kerry Mather Ted Chapman Alan Struby Paul Ackinclose Gary Hannaford Ron Payne Andrew Gleeson Ben Edwards Gill Mathews Matt Baker Ian Konkol Steven Hurley Justin Shields Patrick Robertson Joe Aquilina Steven Atkins Philip Aland Ray Law Andrew Chessum Joseph Greer Tim Hammel Derek Holstein Jason Sams

NCP Plumbing Contractors Sloan Plumbing (Qld) Pty Ltd Roy Walker Plumbing GD & JL Lucas Tacoma Plumbing & Drainage Pty Ltd

Sunshine Coast Ipswich Far North Qld Brisbane South Brisbane North Gold Coast Sunshine Coast Toowoomba Brisbane South Toowoomba Brisbane South Sunshine Coast Far North Qld Brisbane North Brisbane South Far North Qld Brisbane North Brisbane South Fraser Coast Brisbane South Brisbane South Brisbane South Toowoomba Gold Coast Brisbane North Brisbane North Central Central Highlands Brisbane South Outside Queensland Sunshine Coast Sunshine Coast Brisbane South Brisbane North Brisbane South Toowoomba Toowoomba Brisbane North

Luke Wilkes Mark Ashcroft Shane Millar

Burke Industries Pty Ltd G Plumbing Hennessy Plumbing Hollywood Plumbing (Qld) Pty Ltd Plumbers Queensland

FT Plumbing & Drainage Pty Ltd Kerry Mather Plumbing A & J Struby Plumbing & Gas Ackinclose Plumbing & Irrigation Gary Hannaford Plumbing

MILESTONE

Andrew Gleeson Plumbing Pty Ltd Ben Edwards Plumbing DCM Plumbing & Drainage Pty Ltd Draincare Qld I & M Plumbing Plumbworx Blackwater Prime Plumbing (Qld) Pty Ltd Reliable Plumbing Gas Solar Pty Ltd Ridge Tool (Aust) Pty Ltd SJ Atkins Plumbing Pty Ltd Aland Plumbing Astivita Limited Chessum Gas & Plumbing Greer Plumbing Hammel’s Plumbing and Gas Holstein Plumbing JM Sams Plumbing Service LPW Plumbing and Gas Brisbane North Solutions Pty Ltd MB Plumbing and Handyman Service Brisbane South Millar’s Plumbing Services Brisbane South

70 70 50 40 40 40 40 35 30 30 30 30 30 30 25 25 25 20 20 20 20 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10

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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 5 5 5 5 5 5

Toowoomba

Central Central Brisbane South North Qld Brisbane South Brisbane South Toowoomba

5 5 5 5 5 5 5

YEAR

MILESTONE

Mal Rudd

MILESTONE

Gold Coast Brisbane North Mackay Brisbane South Toowoomba Brisbane South Brisbane South Gold Coast Ipswich Far North Qld Brisbane North Sunshine Coast North Qld Brisbane South Far North Qld Far North Qld Country Brisbane North Bundaberg Brisbane North Brisbane South Brisbane South Toowoomba Brisbane South Toowoomba Brisbane South Toowoomba Bundaberg Gold Coast Far North Qld Gold Coast Sunshine Coast

YEAR

DIVISION

MJ Walker Plumbing Moreton Bay Regional Council O’Brien Plumbing Airlie Beach Pegasus Plumbing Plumbing And Gas Australia Pty Ltd Rinnai Ruiz Plumbing Solutions Shower Sealed Pty Ltd Solahart Brisbane West & Ipswich Stattons Plumbing Company Tony Theodore Plumbing Aqua-Gas Solution Pty Ltd BAM This is Plumbing BCW Plumbing Pty Ltd Cairns Plumbing & Gas Casey’s Plumbing & Roofing Chris Fittock Plumbing & Gas Construction Skills Queensland Craig Brough Plumbing Danean Plumbing Darren Dwyer Plumbing and Draining Dial Before You Dig (Qld) Ltd Dolley’s Gasfitting FDS Plumbing & Gas P/L Henry Plumbing and Gas Pty Ltd Jinsu Plumbing & Gas Joel’s Plumbing & Gas Jon Rudd Plumbing MDP Plumbing & Gas Services O’Connells Plumbing Pty Ltd Plumb Perfection Poo-fection Plumbing Precision Plumbing and Justin Croft Gasworks Pty Ltd Lindsay Norris Rayliz Services Andrew Grant Reef City Plumbing Pty Ltd Malcolm Starnes Starnes Plumbing Services Pty Ltd Roman Cussen Townsville Gas & Plumbing Troy McKell Tromac Plumbing & Gas Mark Miller Vinidex Pty Ltd Darren Wall Wall to Wall Plumbing

MILESTONE

John Coll Coll Plumbing Pty Ltd

COMPANY

Mark Walker Bradley Hodgkinson Robert Clanfield Mike McGill Shaun Barry Gary Lemmon Michael Ruiz Glen Coleman Murray Craig Robert Statton Tony Theodore Paul Winterbone Ben Morton Craig White Catherine Vis Casey Barrett Chris Fittock Carla Crawford Craig Brough Darren Simpson Darren Dwyer Paul Newman Gavin Dolley Leesa Swiec Jordan Henry Jinsu Yook Joel Schrodter Jonathan Rudd Matthew Dyce Terry O’Connell Brendan Dawson Ashley Loftus

MILESTONE

Gerard O’Reilly GK O’Reilly

MILESTONES

YEAR

MILESTONE

Kent Vickers, MPAQ President (left), with George Passaris – G Plumbing

YEAR

MILESTONE

Sam Walker and Cath McMillan Fluid Industries Plumbing Pty Ltd

YEAR

MILESTONE

Jason Searle, MPAQ Sales and Membership Specialist (left), with Justin Shields – Prime Plumbing (Qld) Pty Ltd

Michael Wilson (middle) at the Reece Trade Show

YEAR

MILESTONE

YEAR

MILESTONE

Gerard Kerr Gerard Kerr Plumbing Pty Ltd

Kent Vickers, MPAQ President (right), with Kerry Stark

YEAR

MILESTONE

Billy Muir National Plumbing and Gas

YEAR

MILESTONE

Christopher Mackay Highlands Plumbing Drainage & Gas

Hayley Petersen Plumbworx Blackwater

Jason Searle, MPAQ Sales and Membership Specialist (left), with Neville Clark – Bundaberg Regional Council

YEAR

MILESTONE

YEAR

MILESTONE

Kent Vickers, MPAQ President, with Janice Holstein – Holstein Plumbing

Julie and Robert Statton Stattons Plumbing Company

YEAR

MILESTONE

Phil Weatherley Phil Weatherley Plumbing Pty Ltd

YEAR

MILESTONE

Robert Cooke Bay City Plumbing

Shaun Barry Plumbing And Gas Australia Pty Ltd

YEAR

MILESTONE

Ben Saywell O’Brien Plumbing Bundaberg

YEAR

MILESTONE

Jason Loft PROTRADE United

MASTER PLUMBER MAGAZINE Spring 2021 |

NEW MEMBERS

WELCOME TO MPAQ’S NEW MEMBERS & CORPORATES NAME

COMPANY (TRADING NAME)

DIVISION

NAME

COMPANY (TRADING NAME)

DIVISION

Anthony O’Toole

O’Toole Plumbing Pty Ltd

Brisbane North

Julia Brunner

Ruben Taylor Plumbing

Toowoomba

Arthur Romanous

Aquajet Blasting

Ipswich

Julian Troy

Troy Legal

Brisbane South

Ben Campbell

Campbell Roofing Co Pty Ltd

Sunshine Coast

Kurt Wolff

Wolff Plumbing Pty Ltd

Ipswich

Blair Tripcony

B.T. Plumbing & Gas Pty Ltd

Sunshine Coast

Mathew Prideaux

Storm Roofing Australia

Gold Coast

Brenton Spence

Plumbing & Gas On Demand

Brisbane North

Matt Rowe

MDR Plumbing Co. Pty Ltd

Brisbane North

Cameron Gray

Aussie Plumbers Pty Ltd

Brisbane South

Matthew Sanders

North West Plumbing Pty Ltd

Country

Christine Kirkwood Mackie Plumbing

Far North Qld

Michael Leslie

Kowanyama Aboriginal Shire Council

Far North Qld

Christopher Stewart STPG Plumbing and Gas Solutions

Brisbane South

Mitchell Cuell

MHC Plumbing Solutions

Brisbane South

Clinton Smith

John R Keith Contracting Qld Pty Ltd

Gold Coast

Paul Fulloon

R Q Building Pty Ltd

Brisbane North

Craig Betts

Betts Plumbing & Gas

Central

Peter Jorgensen

Jorgensen Plumbing Pty Ltd

North Qld

Craig Lucas

Lucas Plumbing Services Pty Ltd

Brisbane South

Peter King

O’Brien Plumbing Maroochydore

Sunshine Coast

Daniel Lancaster

Lancaster Plumbing Pty Ltd

Far North Qld

Quinton Fisher

Evolve Plumbing

Sunshine Coast

Daryl Ansell

DJS Plumbing & Gas Fitting

Far North Qld

Raymond Cousins

RP Cousins

Far North Qld

Duncan Logan

Diversified Building Services

Central

Reginald Hopper

RAH Plumbing and Gas

Toowoomba

Gerard Brimmell

Aqua Plumbing and Drainage Solutions Mackay

Richard Vos

Vosco. Plumbing

Brisbane South

Harry Tatham

Harry’s Plumbing & Gas Pty Ltd

Toowoomba

Sam Chmielarski

Full Flow Plumbing and Drainage

Brisbane South

Hayley Jones

DB Jones Plumbing

Mackay

Thomas Morgan

Live Plumbing and Gas

Sunshine Coast

Jeaun Menechian

Feels Good Plumbing

Gold Coast

John Greenaway

Greenaway Plumbing & Gas

Toowoomba

Tony Hurd

Plumbing Plus Bathroom Kitchen Laundry Pty Ltd

Gold Coast

John Rabjones

Tweed Byron Plumbing

Gold Coast

Tony Shanks

Shanks Plumbing Pty Ltd

Mackay

Josh Aktins

JDA Plumbing & Gas Pty Ltd

Sunshine Coast

Travis Hatfield

Hatfield Contracting

Far North Qld

Joshua Gibson

Kookaburra Plumbing and Gas

Brisbane South

Trent Hyne

Clean Line Plumbing Pty Ltd

Fraser Coast

Zac Barnes

Aced Plumbing Solutions

Brisbane South

WIN

One of Two

Holidays

VALUED AT $2,500 EACH BY RENEWING YOUR MPAQ MEMBERSHIP! Pay your 2021 Contracting Membership Renewal prior to the due date and you could go into the draw to win one of two travel vouchers worth $2,500.

Danny Morgan Allways Plumbing Services Pty Ltd

John Currie – JML Plumbing

Peter & Mandy King O’Brien Plumbing Maroochydore

Scott Grew SJG Plumbing & Drainage

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

This competition is available for contracting members renewing their membership with the Association between 1 January 2021 and 31 December 2021. Receipt or confirmation of payment for renewal must be received by the renewal date in order for the member to gain an entry in the 2021 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 2021. 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 21 January 2022 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.

| MASTER PLUMBER MAGAZINE Spring 2021

PAGE SUPPORTERS HEADING

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

07 3018 3440 07 3412 9200 1300 139 467 07 3255 5698 1800 679 247 1800 758 624 1300 934 934

Gold Corporate Supporters Australian Valve Group Bretts Trade Plumbing Supplies BUSSQ Building Super Construction Skills Queensland Decina Bathroomware Pty Ltd Geberit Pty Ltd GWA Group Kembla Plumbing Plus Podium Zip Heaters (Aust) Pty Ltd

07 3801 8384 07 3203 2105 07 3369 1111 1800 798 488 07 3271 1944 02 9889 7866 07 3131 5887 07 3868 7888 03 9600 1899 0478 180 191 02 9796 3100

Silver Corporate Supporters Aqua Cooler Pty Ltd Bunnings Trade Dial Before You Dig (Qld) Ltd Halgan Pty Ltd QLeave Reece

0421 246 504 13 30 62 1300 329 375 07 3208 8339 1300 753 283 03 9274 0000

Corporate Supporters 3 Monkeez Pty Ltd Advanced Enviro-Septic AiiMS Amihoss Pty Ltd Aquacure Water Treatment Pty Ltd Aquajet Blasting Aquaknect Aquatech Solar Technologies Pty Ltd Aroflo Pty Ltd Assure Global Plus AusPress Systems Pty Ltd Australian Gas Networks Australian Industry Trade College Australian Pump Industries Pty Ltd AustWorld Backflow Central & Hydromet Bermad Water Technologies Brand Hero Busy At Work Cemoh Comsure Insurance Brokers Con-Serv Corporation Australia Pty Ltd Construct Law Group Cornwalls Law + More CrewTraka Elson Australasia Pty Ltd Emerson Valvcheq Backflow Enware Australia Pty Ltd Everhard Industries Pty Ltd Fair Water Meters Finlease FlatRateNOW Global Roto-Moulding Pty Ltd Gould Instruments Groundplan Software Handford Virtual Services Hilti (Aust) Pty Ltd InSinkErator

07 3881 0322 07 5474 4055 1300 641 849 0455 600 473 07 3277 6696 1300 538 877 07 3805 3800 07 5520 6701 03 9259 5291 07 3483 1200 1300 287 773 1300 001 001 www.aitc.qld.edu.au 02 8865 3500 1300 780 430 07 5407 0151 03 9464 2374 07 3881 3211 13 28 79 1300 375 712 07 3434 7800 07 3630 5744 07 3139 1874 07 3223 5900 03 8888 6032 02 9625 7899 07 3260 2555 02 8556 4000 13 19 26 1300 324 701 07 3324 2655 02 7202 6008 07 4697 7099 07 4779 6750 07 3062 7737 0487 000 557 13 12 92 0447 886 648

Lifestyle Tradie Group Pty Ltd Modus Operandi Ozzi Kleen Payright Plastec Australia Pty Ltd Plumbers’ Supplies Co-Operative Limited Plumbing Apprentices Queensland Plumbing Plus Bathroom Kitchen Laundry Pty Ltd Plumbspec Porters Position Partners Pty Ltd PROTRADE United Queensland Brassware Association Queensland Gas Association QUT Facilities Management Rain Harvesting Rainware Outdoor Showers RBM Systems Pty Ltd Rehau Pty Ltd Ridge Tool (Aust) Pty Ltd Rinnai Rostron Carlyle Rojas Lawyers Samios Saniflo Sarina Russo Job Access Shower Sealed Pty Ltd Snap Fire Systems Pty Ltd SolarEast Australasia Pty Ltd Specialised Plumbing Centre Stiebel Eltron (Aust) Pty Ltd Stoddart Storm Plastics Pty Ltd Stratco (Qld) Pty Ltd Studor Australia Pty Ltd TAFE Queensland Taylex Industries Pty Ltd The Bidet Shop The Couta Group The Wondercap Company Pty Ltd Totally Workwear Toyota Tradie Bookkeeping Solutions Tradie Finance Tradies Accountant Troy Legal Valves R Us Viega Pty Ltd Vinidex Pty Ltd Wilo Australia Pty Ltd Xact Accounting Zetco Valves Pty Ltd

1800 704 822 0421 399 107 07 5459 4900 1300 338 496 07 5413 4444 02 8118 6000 07 3273 0800 03 9600 1899 0423 563 030 07 4967 3333 0409 074 201 1300 767 774 0410 194 667 1300 792 239 07 3188 2331 07 3248 9600 0411 660 933 0435 217 237 07 5527 1833 03 9930 7000 07 3137 6600 07 3009 8444 07 3907 8399 1300 554 779 13 15 59 1300 519 133 07 3348 9417 1300 668 886 07 3862 1166 1800 153 351 07 3440 7600 08 8374 3277 07 3451 4444 1300 551 519 07 3244 0209 07 3441 5200 07 5591 7744 03 8405 3386 07 5539 3665 07 3249 4000 02 9710 3831 0468 944 130 1300 391 390 07 3174 5010 07 3012 6657 07 3865 1488 02 8853 7867 07 3277 2822 07 3907 6900 1300 233 723 02 9516 1336

Associate Councils Brisbane City Council Bundaberg Regional Council Gympie Regional Council Isaac Regional Council Kowanyama Aboriginal Shire 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 Toowoomba Regional Council Townsville City Council

07 3403 8888 07 4130 4814 1300 307 800 07 4964 5400 07 4083 7100 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 07 4688 6764 13 48 10

MASTER PLUMBER MAGAZINE Spring 2021 |

TOYOTA FOR BUSINESS

Lead with elegance and flexibility in your business

Grande Hybrid model shown.

Save $3,900* on the All-New Kluger range with your Gold Fleet Discount Take advantage of your Gold Fleet saving of $3,900* on the All-New Kluger, enhancing your business with style and ample cargo space to handle whatever the work day throws at you. Intelligent road monitoring scans your surroundings using our latest Toyota Safety Sense features1, while connecting your commute to an 8” touchscreen system featuring Apple CarPlay®2 and Android Auto™3. Outside, an impressively elegant and professional exterior gives way to the spacious cabin. The All-New Kluger’s flexible 7-seat configuration allows you to pack it all in, effortlessly reshaping to your work day. To find out more, visit your local Toyota Dealer or call 1800 679 247 toyota.com.au/fleet

* Discount available across the Toyota Kluger range. T&Cs apply. 1 Driver assist feature. Only operates under certain conditions. Check your Owner’s Manual for explanation of limitations. Please drive safely. 2 CarPlay® is a trademark of Apple, Inc. registered in the U.S and other countries. Functionality varies depending on device. See www.toyota.com.au/connected/infotainment/apple-carplay-android-auto for compatibility. Available on certain models and grades only. 3 Android Auto™ is a trademark of Google LLC. Functionality varies depending on device. See www. toyota.com.au/connected/infotainment/apple-carplay-android-auto for compatibility. Available on certain models and grades only.

Master Plumber Magazine - Spring 2021

Articles inside

Supporters

New Members

Milestones

Member News

Member Benefits

Business

Member Spotlight

Workplace Relations

Health & Wellbeing

Apprentices

Technical

Member Spotlight

Executive

Industry News