Free seminars to explain new plumbing laws

New plumbing laws will come into effect on 1 November marking the biggest change to the State’s plumbing and drainage industry in many years.

Minister for Housing and Public Works Dr Bruce Flegg said the new laws would reduce red tape, delays and costs for industry, local government and consumers.

“To prepare for the new laws, the Plumbing Industry Council is hosting free seminars across the State over the next month to ensure plumbers, drainers, industry representatives, local governments and the public are aware of how the reforms will affect them,” Dr Flegg said.

“The changes to the law create a new category of work called ‘notifiable work’ and will expand the amount of routine work a plumber or drainer can perform on existing buildings without the need for approvals or inspections.

“Notifiable work will include most plumbing and drainage work performed in existing homes including kitchen and bathroom renovations, installing or replacing hot water heaters, installing fixtures such as showers and sinks and extending or altering pipe work.

“The Plumbing Industry Council seminars will cover the schedules of work, lodgement processes, auditing and compliance requirements.”

Master Plumbers’ Association of Queensland President Bob Kimlin said the new laws were a win for all involved.

“Plumbers and drainers will have the opportunity to self-assess and complete jobs at a faster rate,” Mr Kimlin said.

“Consumers will also be able to have work on their properties assessed and approved more quickly and Councils will no longer have the costs associated with conducting so many mandatory inspections.

“We urge plumbers to attend the free seminars as the new reforms mark some of the biggest and most influential changes the industry has seen.

“We’re keen to ensure that tradespeople and local governments are fully across the changes for the benefit of consumers.

“The seminars are important in informing licensees about their obligations in complying with the new changes. Large fines will apply to those who do not comply and we want to ensure that these changes have positive outcomes across the board.”

The dates and locations are listed below or can be accessed at www.hpw.qld.gov.au/notifiablework

The industry training seminars are free and open to the public. To register email roadshows@publicworks.qld.gov.au with your name and the date and location of the seminar you will be attending. 

For more information on the seminars or notifiable work, call the Plumbing Industry Council Notifiable Work Hotline on 1800 264 585.

[ENDS] 27 September 2012

Media Contact: Graeme Hallett       Phone:  0408 763 671