New era in plumbing begins

The building and construction industry will receive another boost with legislation that brings down costs by reducing red tape.

Minister for Housing and Public Works Tim Mander said moving the licensing and compliance function to the Queensland Building and Construction Commission would result in cost and efficiency savings for the industry.

“There are currently two different regulators for occupational and contractor licensing, and a single regulator will reduce red tape and administrative costs for licensees,” Mr Mander said.

Mr Mander said occupational licensing of plumbers and drainers was currently performed by the Plumbing Industry Council, while the Commission handled contractor licensing.

“These changes mean licensees will need to hold and pay for one licence only, saving $118.90 if they renew their occupational licence annually,” Mr Mander said.

“Importantly, we know this change will bring about savings to the industry without major upheaval to local businesses and plumbers.

“To assist the plumbing industry further, a one-stop-shop facility in the Queensland Building and Construction Commission will allow plumbers seeking to obtain an occupational gas work licence to lodge their application with the Commission.

“The Department of Natural Resources and Mines will continue to assess these applications but lodgement at the Commission removes the requirement to fill in paperwork for plumbing and gas work licences at different agencies.”

The change is due on 1 September 2014, at which time the Plumbing Industry Council will be disbanded. However, licences from the Council will remain valid until they expire, and any conditions or restrictions on the licence will continue to apply.

A ‘Frequently Asked Questions’ document about the changes is available on the QBCC website, http://www.qbcc.qld.gov.au/Pages/default.aspx and questions about the changes can be directed to the QBCC on 13 9333 or emailed to info@qbcc.qld.gov.au

[ENDS] 22 May 2014

Media contact: Janette Andrews 0414 248 982