Advocating for Progress: MPAQ’s Engagement with the New Government

Happy New Year and welcome to 2025! As we embark on this promising year, MPAQ is committed to continuing our advocacy efforts with the new government to ensure the voices and needs of our members are heard. Here's an overview of our recent activities and key priorities.

Strengthening Relationships with the New Government

Over the past few months, MPAQ has actively engaged with various ministers and ministerial offices, laying the groundwork for productive collaborations. Our team has held meetings with:

• Hon Sam O’Connor MP – Minister for Housing and Public Works and Minister for Youth
• Hon Steve Minnikin MP – Minister for Customer Services and Open Data and Minister for Small and Family Business
• Hon Amanda Stoker MP – Assistant Minister for Finance, Trade, Employment and Training
• Hon Rebecca Young MP – Assistant Minister to the Deputy Premier and Assistant Minister for Planning, Housing and Better Regulation
• Hon Ros Bates MP - Minister for Finance, Trade, Employment and Training

Additionally, we have also engaged with representatives from the Deputy Premier’s office to address topics related to BPICs and held discussions with the Ministerial team from Health and Ambulance Services to express concerns regarding the insourcing of maintenance work by Metro North Health.

A meeting has also been scheduled with the office of the Minister for Natural Resources and Mines.

Key Advocacy Issues for the New Government to Address

Following consultation with our members and the industry, MPAQ has identified several important matters requiring the new government’s attention, and we are working tirelessly to advocate for industry’s interests across these important areas of focus. These concerns impact the plumbing and gas industry’s functionality, workforce sustainability, and regulatory framework. Below is an overview of these pressing matters:

1. Technical Qualifications for Licensing (occupational)

• Errors persist in the current versions of technical qualifications.
• Pathways for licensing include outdated qualifications or bypass traditional apprenticeship requirements.
• Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) processes need refinement.
• The QBCC written assessment process requires a comprehensive review to ensure accuracy and fairness.
• Licensing processes can appear ad hoc and inconsistent.

2. Skills Shortages

• Employers face challenges finding licensed plumbers to meet demand.
• Financial burdens associated with hiring and training apprentices remain significant.
• A lack of available trainers results in delays for training program delivery, compounding the shortage.

3. Migrant Plumbers

• Current assessments of migrant plumbers' qualifications lack rigor and consistency.
• Licensing for migrant plumbers is sometimes granted based on inadequate or inappropriate evaluations by the QBCC.

4. User Choice Funding

• The funding allocated for current plumbing qualifications is insufficient.

5. QBCC Licensing and Interpretations

• Feedback received from members expressed concerns around the lack of compliance and enforcement regarding unlicensed individuals. Unlicensed individuals continue to perform plumbing work without sufficient enforcement or penalties.
• Industry has also expressed dissatisfaction with legislative changes based on interpretations that are implemented without adequate industry consultation.

6. Home Warranty Scheme

• The Home Warranty Scheme threshold, unchanged since its inception, remains at $3,300, which no longer reflects current industry costs.

7. Security of Payments

• Subcontractors face non-payment issues due to head contractor insolvency.
• Bank guarantees lack expiry dates, creating financial uncertainty.
• Subcontractors’ practical completion should not depend on the practical completion of the overarching head contract.

8. BPICs

• Health and Safety Representatives (HSRs) call meetings and instruct workers to leave worksites during adverse weather without clear protocols.
• Onsite stoppages are excessive, disrupting project timelines.

9. Local Government Alignment

• Local governments’ inconsistent interpretation of plumbing standards causes plumbers to perform identical tasks differently across Local Government Areas (LGAs).

10. Unfair Contract Terms

• Delayed payments to subcontractors create financial strain and disrupt operations.
• Subcontractors are often entering into contracts that deviate from standard terms without proper notification or clarity.
• Accurately pricing the risks associated with projects becomes challenging, leaving subcontractors vulnerable to unforeseen liabilities.

11. Protecting the Renewable Gas Industry

• Pushing homes to electrify faster than renewables can enter the grid increases the reliance and demand for emissions-intensive coal-fired energy.
• Gas networks should be positioned to take advantage of Hydrogen and Biogases.
• Hydrogen has different properties compared to natural gas, which requires upskilling and updated regulations.

MPAQ remains committed to addressing these issues and collaborating with the government to drive meaningful change for the plumbing and gas industry. Your support and feedback are vital as we advocate for these critical matters.

Looking Ahead

Our ongoing dialogue with government representatives underscores our commitment to building strong partnerships that drive positive change. As the year progresses, MPAQ will continue to engage with stakeholders, present solutions, and champion initiatives that benefit our members and the broader community.

Thank you for your continued support as we work together to create a stronger future. Stay tuned for updates on our advocacy efforts and the progress we achieve in 2025!

Let us know if there are specific issues, you would like us to prioritise or discuss in our advocacy work. Together, we can make a meaningful impact.