New Plumbing Industry Regulator to be Established

Work is underway to reinstate a dedicated regulatory body for Queensland’s plumbers and drainers, delivering on a Palaszczuk Government election commitment.

The new organisation will be called the Service Trades Council and will take over the plumbing and drainage regulatory responsibilities, while still operating under the Queensland Building and Construction Commission (QBCC) framework.

Housing and Public Works Minister Leeanne Enoch said that it was important that the industry had its own voice but acknowledged the benefits of the ‘one-stop-shop’ approach offered by the QBCC.

“Creating jobs and a diverse economy is a key commitment for the Government – this new regulatory body will help us do both of those things by further strengthening Queensland’s building and construction industry,” Ms Enoch said.

“The Service Trades Council will replace the Plumbing Industry Council, after it was disbanded by the former Government in November 2014.

“Work on it is well underway, and we’re planning for the new Service Trades Council to be legislated and open for business by early-2016.

Ms Enoch said the Council will comprise key stakeholders from across the industry, as well as local and state government representatives.

“In the meantime we will be establishing the Interim Service Trades Council, as the first step in delivering on that commitment,” she said.

In State Parliament today Ms Enoch tabled the terms of reference to accompany a Ministerial Direction that allows the QBCC and the Department of Housing and Public Works to continue the development of the Interim Council.

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Media Contact: Tim Shipstone – 3719 7281, 0419 246 157; Daniel Lato – 3719 7279, 0438 830 201