Plumbing reforms ensure sole regulator

New reforms in plumbing regulations have seen the NSW Fair Trading Commission become the sole regulator of all plumbing and drainage works in Sydney.

Previously, plumbers were regulated by individual councils and water authorities based on the New South Wales Code of Practice.

The reforms, enacted on July 1, ensure all plumbing works are now
regulated by Fair Trading, according to the national Plumbing Code of
Australia.

John Tansey, Assistant Commissioner of the Home Building Service of
Fair Trading said: “Over time, we ought to see the benefits in terms of
plumbers, wherever they are, they will be more familiar with the technical standards and better able to do work that complies with
technical standards.

“We would hope it contributes to generally better quality and compliant
work.”

The change is the result of a 2009 report by the Better Regulation
Office. Tansey said Fair Trading has been working with the industry
regarding the change before then. The Master Plumbers and Mechanical Contractors Association of NSW welcomed the change.

General Manager Paul Naylor of the Association said the reforms were
major step forward for the public health of NSW.

However, Douglas McClusky from the Plumbing Trades Employees Union (PTEU) said his group has not been adequately consulted on the change.
“The PTEU has not been consulted in a fashion that would allow us to make comments [on the change],” Mr McClusky said.

“Unfortunately, what happens is that government bureaucracy decides they are going to change things and while they say they consult, what actually happens is they may put out something to say ‘what do you think about it?’ But regardless of what you think about it they go ahead and make a change.”

McClusky remains speculative on whether the unified code of practice
will indeed bring better service to consumers. “Call me over-cautious, call me pessimistic, call me whatever you like; until we see the results of this, who knows whether it will actually do that.”

McClusky said the PTEU is only supportive of changes that will strengthen the role of plumbers, which means more regulations and ensuring the highest possible standard for consumers.

The change is currently limited to Sydney, the Hunter region and
Illawarra. Fair Trading will take over regulations from the rest of NSW
starting from January 1, 2013.