Plumbers Licensing Act 1995
Plumbers Licensing and Plumbing Standards Regulations 2000
Western Australia
Plumbers Licensing and Plumbing Standards Regulations 2000
Contents
Part 1 — Preliminary
1.Citation1
2.Commencement1
3.Terms used1
3A.Meaning of apprentice1
4.Water supply plumbing work specified (Act s. 59I)1
4A.Sanitary plumbing work specified (Act s. 59I)1
4B.Drainage plumbing work specified (Act s. 59I)1
Part 2 — The Plumbers Licensing Board
5.Membership1
6.Deputy chairperson1
7.Remuneration of members1
8.Constitution and proceedings (Sch. 2)1
Part 3 — Licences and permits
9.When licence or permit is required1
10.Unlicensed persons not to be employed etc. for plumbing work1
11.Classes of licence or permit1
12.Effect of plumbing contractor’s licence: contractor‑level work1
13.Effect of plumbing contractor’s licence: trade‑level work1
13A.Effect of tradesperson’s licence1
13B.Effect of tradesperson’s licence (drainage plumbing)1
13C.Effect of provisional tradesperson’s licence1
13D.Effect of restricted plumbing permit1
13E.Course for assessment of competence in rainwater storage support work1
14.Only natural persons can hold licence or permit1
15.Application for issue of licence or permit1
16.False or misleading information in application, offence1
17.Issue of licence or permit1
18.Refusal to issue licence or permit1
19.Conditions of licence or permit1
19A.Application for renewal of licence or permit1
20.Renewing licence and permit1
20A.Reissuing licence or permit1
21.Duration of licence or permit1
21A.Photograph of applicant etc., requirements for1
22.Duplicate licence or permit, issue of1
23.Licence and permit not to be used by others1
24.Licensed plumbing contractor’s licence to be displayed1
24A.Identification card, duty of holder to produce1
25.Requirements and restrictions in relation to advertising1
25A.Licence or permit number to appear on business documents1
25B.Records to be kept of persons under general direction and control or supervision1
26.Licence and permit not transferable1
26A.Licence and permit, surrender of1
26B.Refund of licence or permit fees1
Part 4 — Disciplinary proceedings
26C.Application of Part1
27.Disciplinary matters defined1
28.Making a complaint about disciplinary matter1
29.Further information and verification1
30.Board to decide what action to take in respect of complaint1
31.Board may deal with certain complaints1
34.SAT’s powers on allegation of disciplinary matter1
Part 4A — Basic plumbing work in remote Aboriginal communities
35.Purpose of this Part1
36.Application of this Part1
37.Terms used1
38.Authorised worker may carry out permitted work without a licence or permit1
39.Service provider’s obligations1
39A.Enforcement1
Part 5 — Notification, certification and records of plumbing work
Division 1 — Major plumbing work
40.Application of Division1
41.Notice of intention to commence major plumbing work to be given to Board1
42.Certificate of compliance for major plumbing work1
43.Non‑completion of major plumbing work1
Division 2 — Minor plumbing work
44.Application of Division1
44A.Records of minor plumbing work1
Division 2A — Plumbing work including performance solutions
45A.Notice of intention to include performance solution1
45B.Certificate of compliance for performance solution1
45C.Non-completion of plumbing work including performance solution1
Division 2B — Drainage plumbing diagrams for drainage plumbing work
45D.Drainage plumbing diagram to be given to Board1
45DA.Diagram of drainage plumbing service line or drainage plumbing connection point to be given1
45E.Application to obtain copy of drainage plumbing diagram1
45F.Copy of drainage plumbing diagram may be provided1
Division 3 — General provisions
45.New installation fee1
46.False or misleading statements in notices etc., offence1
Part 6 — Plumbing standards
48.Plumbing standards1
49.Modifications to Plumbing Code1
50.Compliance with plumbing standards and standard of work1
51.Connecting unsafe plumbing1
52.Specifications not to be exceeded1
54.Non‑application, modification of, plumbing standards1
Part 6A — Plumbing standards for plumbing and plumbing work on subdivided land
55.Terms used1
56.Connection points1
57.Service lines1
58.Connection points and service lines on rear driveway for particular subdivided land1
59.Service lines on subdivided land with existing building to be moved to be in accordance with r. 57 and 581
Part 7 — Inspection, investigation and enforcement
Division 1 — Plumbing compliance officers
66.Plumbing compliance officers, designation of and identity cards for1
Division 2 — Inspection and rectification of plumbing work
67.Rules applying to entry for inspection purposes1
68.Inspection of plumbing work by officer, notice of etc.1
69.Notice of inspection may be given to dwelling owner etc. in some cases1
70.Drainage plumbing work (major plumbing work) ready for inspection, notice to be given to Board of1
71.Rectification notices1
72.Obligations in relation to rectification notices1
73.Inspection of rectified plumbing work, fee for1
Division 3 — Infringement notices
74.Terms used1
75.Issue of infringement notices1
76.Extending time to pay modified penalty1
77.Withdrawing infringement notice1
78.Payment of modified penalty, consequences of1
79.Paid modified penalties, application of1
80.Designation of employee of department as authorised person1
Division 4 — Dangerous situations
81.Plumbing compliance officers’ powers to deal with dangerous situations1
Division 5 — Powers of entry, inspection and investigation
82.Terms used1
83.Power to enter for inspection or compliance purposes1
84.Notice of intention to enter dwelling, issue of1
85.General powers for inspection and compliance purposes1
86.Entry warrants1
87.Assistants and equipment, use of1
88.Purpose of entry to be given on request1
Division 6 — General provisions
89.Remedial action by State under r. 72(5) or 81, recovering cost of1
90.Offences1
Part 8 — Miscellaneous provisions
100.Application to SAT for review of certain decisions of Board1
102.Register of licences and permits1
103.Contents of register1
104.Register, Board may amend etc.1
105.Licensee or permit holder must notify Board of change in details1
106.Forms, approval of etc.1
107.Evidentiary provisions1
108.Information about Board, Board may publish1
109.Information that may be disclosed1
109A.Refund of fees1
Part 9 — Transitional provisions
110.Transitional provision for Plumbers Licensing and Plumbing Standards Amendment Regulations 20191
111.Transitional provisions for Plumbers Licensing and Plumbing Standards Amendment Regulations (No. 3) 20191
112.Transitional provisions for Plumbers Licensing and Plumbing Standards Amendment Regulations 20221
113.Transitional provision for Commerce Regulations Amendment (Plumbing) Regulations 2024: sanitary plumbing work, drainage plumbing work, major plumbing work and minor plumbing work1
Schedule 1 — Fees
Division 1 — Authorisation fees
Division 2 — Compliance fees
Schedule 2 — Constitution and proceedings
1.Term used: meeting1
2.Term of office1
3.Vacancies, when they occur1
4.Alternate members, appointment of etc.1
5.Leave of absence1
6.General procedure1
7.Quorum1
8.Voting1
9.Resolutions may be passed without meeting1
10.Holding meetings remotely1
Schedule 3 — Licence or permit requirements
Division 1 — Preliminary
1.Terms used1
Division 2 — Licence requirements
2.Plumbing contractor’s licence1
3.Tradesperson’s licence1
4.Tradesperson’s licence (drainage plumbing)1
5.Provisional tradesperson’s licence1
Division 3 — Permit requirements
7.Restricted plumbing permit1
Schedule 4 — Forms
Notes
Compilation table1
Uncommenced provisions table1
Other notes1
Defined terms
Plumbers Licensing Act 1995
Plumbers Licensing and Plumbing Standards Regulations 2000
These regulations are the Plumbers Licensing and Plumbing Standards Regulations 2000.
[Regulation 1 inserted: Gazette 14 Nov 2013 p. 5231.]
These regulations come into operation on the day on which the Water Services Coordination Amendment Act 1999 comes into operation.
(1)In these regulations, unless the contrary intention appears —
alternative water supply system —
(a)means a system for the supply of water that is not a water supply service of a water services provider; and
(b)includes —
(i)a system by which an exempted provider supplies water; and
(ii)a private rainwater storage, bore or recycled water supply system; and
(iii)a water tank supplied with carted water;
apparatus for the treatment of sewage has the meaning given in the Health (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1911 section 3(1);
application fee, in relation to a licence or permit, means the fee for an application for that licence or permit set out in Schedule 1 Division 1;
apprentice has the meaning given in regulation 3A;
approved form has the meaning given in regulation 106;
AS, followed by a designation, means the Australian Standard having that designation that is published by Standards Australia;
AS/NZS, followed by a designation, means the Australian/New Zealand Standard having that designation that is published jointly by Standards Australia and Standards New Zealand;
backflow prevention device has the meaning given in AS/NZS 3500.0 (Plumbing and Drainage — Glossary of terms) clause 3;
building permit has the meaning given in the Building Act 2011 section 3;
building work has the meaning given in the Building Act 2011 section 3;
certificate of compliance means a certificate given by a —
(a)licensed plumbing contractor under regulation 42 or 45B; or
(b)permit holder under regulation 42;
chairperson means the chairperson of the Board appointed under regulation 5(2)(a);
Class, followed by a designation, in relation to a building, means a building of that class under the Plumbing Code;
contractor‑level work, in relation to a licensed plumbing contractor, has the meaning given in regulation 12(2);
dangerous situation means a situation where there is an imminent and high risk to people, property or the environment resulting from plumbing work;
deputy chairperson means the deputy chairperson of the Board appointed under regulation 6;
disciplinary complaint means a complaint under regulation 28;
disciplinary matter means a disciplinary matter referred to in regulation 27;
drainage plumbing means plumbing that is the result of drainage plumbing work;
drainage plumbing diagram means a diagram of drainage plumbing work —
(a)given to the Board under regulation 45D or 45DA(2); or
(b)that is otherwise in the possession of the Board;
drainage plumbing work has the meaning given in regulation 4B;
dwelling means —
(a)a Class 1a or 4 building; or
(b)a sole‑occupancy unit (as defined in the Plumbing Code Schedule 1) in a Class 2 building; or
(c)a Class 10a building that is for the use of a resident of a Class 1a building;
emergency plumbing work means plumbing work that must be carried out without delay —
(a)to prevent the waste or contamination of water supplied by a water supply system; or
(b)to prevent the entry into a sewer or apparatus for the treatment of sewage of any matter that is likely to hinder or prevent the proper functioning of the system or unit; or
(c)to prevent the escape of foul air or offensive or infectious matter from a sewer or apparatus for the treatment of sewage; or
(d)to avert or rectify a dangerous situation; or
(e)to ensure that a building is supplied with water, including heated water;
entry warrant means an entry warrant issued under regulation 86;
exempted provider means a person to whom an exemption under the Water Services Act 2012 section 7 applies;
exempt work means work carried out by or on behalf of a water services provider in connection with the undertaking, maintenance or operation of water services works of the water services provider;
fitting has the meaning given in AS/NZS 3500.0 (Plumbing and Drainage — Glossary of terms) clause 3;
fixture has the meaning given in AS/NZS 3500.0 (Plumbing and Drainage — Glossary of terms) clause 3;
flexible hose assembly has the meaning given in AS/NZS 3500.0 (Plumbing and Drainage — Glossary of terms) clause 3;
greywater means water containing kitchen, laundry or bathroom waste other than faecal matter or urine;
identification card means an identification card issued to a licensee or permit holder under regulation 17(2) or 20(6);
isolating valve has the meaning given in AS/NZS 3500.0 (Plumbing and Drainage — Glossary of terms) clause 3;
licence means plumbing contractor’s licence, tradesperson’s licence, tradesperson’s licence (drainage plumbing) or provisional tradesperson’s licence;
licence fee, in relation to a licence, means the fee for the issue of that licence set out in Schedule 1 Division 1;
licensed plumbing contractor means a person who holds a plumbing contractor’s licence;
licensee means a person who holds a licence;
major plumbing work means —
(a)plumbing work that is not minor plumbing work; and
(b)minor plumbing work to the extent to which it is part of plumbing work that is major plumbing work;
member means a member of the Board and includes a person appointed under clause 4 of Schedule 2;
meter has the meaning given in AS/NZS 3500.0 (Plumbing and Drainage — Glossary of terms) clause 3;
minor plumbing work —
(a)means the testing, maintenance, repair or replacement of existing —
(i)water supply plumbing; or
(ii)sanitary plumbing; or
(iii)drainage plumbing;
but
(b)does not include the replacement of a water heater or testable backflow prevention device;
National Construction Code means the National Construction Code 2022 published by, or on behalf of, the Australian Building Codes Board;
new installation fee means the fee payable under regulation 45;
notice of intention means a notice of intention given by a licensed plumbing contractor or permit holder under regulation 41;
performance solution has the same meaning as “Performance Solution” in the Plumbing Code Schedule 1;
permit means a restricted plumbing permit;
permit fee, in relation to a permit, means the fee for the issue of that permit set out in Schedule 1 Division 1;
permit holder means the holder of a restricted plumbing permit;
pipe includes fittings associated with a pipe;
place means any land, building, structure or dwelling, or a part of any land, building, structure or dwelling;
Plumbing Code means Volume 3 (Plumbing Code of Australia) of the National Construction Code;
plumbing compliance officer means a person designated as a plumbing compliance officer under regulation 66;
plumbing contractor’s licence means a licence of the kind referred to in regulations 12 and 13;
plumbing standards has the meaning given in regulation 48;
pre‑apprentice means a person who is carrying out plumbing work as part of the work placement component of a Certificate II in Plumbing course provided by a registered training organisation (as defined in the National Vocational Education and Training Regulator Act 2011 (Commonwealth) section 3);
provisional tradesperson’s licence means a licence of the kind referred to in regulation 13C;
register means the register referred to in regulation 102;
renewal fee, in relation to a licence or permit, means the fee for the renewal of that licence or permit set out in Schedule 1 Division 1;
responsible person, in relation to plumbing work, means each of the following —
(a)a person who carries out the plumbing work;
(b)a person under whose general direction and control or supervision the plumbing work is carried out;
(c)the licensed plumbing contractor or permit holder who is responsible for the plumbing work;
restricted plumbing permit means the permit referred to in regulation 13D;
sanitary plumbing means plumbing that is the result of sanitary plumbing work;
sanitary plumbing work has the meaning given in regulation 4A;
serious offence means an offence (whether committed in or outside this State) that is —
(a)an indictable offence against a law of this State, the Commonwealth or another jurisdiction (whether or not the offence is or may be dealt with summarily); or
(b)an offence against the law of another jurisdiction that would be an indictable offence against a law of this State if committed in this State (whether or not the offence could be dealt with summarily if committed in this State);
sewer means sewerage works of a licensee as defined in the Water Services Act 2012 section 3(1);
sewerage system has the meaning given in AS/NZS 3500.0 (Plumbing and Drainage — Glossary of terms) clause 3;
testing includes testing required under —
(a)the plumbing standards; and
(b)AS/NZS 2845.3 (Water supply — Backflow prevention devices — Field testing and maintenance of testable devices); and
(c)AS 4032.3 (Water supply — Valves for the control of heated water supply temperatures — Requirements for field‑testing, maintenance or replacement of thermostatic mixing valves, tempering valves and end‑of‑line temperature control devices);
thermostatic mixing tap has the meaning given in AS/NZS 3500.0 (Plumbing and Drainage — Glossary of terms) clause 3;
trade‑level work —
(a)in relation to a licensed plumbing contractor — has the meaning given in regulation 13(3); or
(b)in relation to the holder of a tradesperson’s licence — has the meaning given in regulation 13A(3); or
(c)in relation to the holder of a tradesperson’s licence (drainage plumbing) — has the meaning given in regulation 13B(3);
trade waste has the meaning given in the Water Services Act 2012 section 101(1);
tradesperson means a person who holds a tradesperson’s licence or a tradesperson’s licence (drainage plumbing);
tradesperson’s licence means a licence of the kind referred to in regulation 13A;
tradesperson’s licence (drainage plumbing) means a licence of the kind referred to in regulation 13B;
unit of competency means a unit of competency entered on the National Register as defined in the National Vocational Education and Training Regulator Act 2011 (Commonwealth) section 3;
wastewater has the meaning given in the Water Agencies (Powers) Act 1984 section 3(1);
water heater has the meaning given in AS/NZS 3500.0 (Plumbing and Drainage — Glossary of terms) clause 3;
water services provider means a licensee as defined in the Water Services Act 2012 section 3(1);
water services works of a water services provider means water service works of a licensee as defined in the Water Services Act 2012 section 3(1);
water supply plumbing means plumbing that is the result of water supply plumbing work;
water supply plumbing work has the meaning given in regulation 4;
water supply service has the meaning given in the Water Services Act 2012 section 3(1);
water supply system means —
(a)a water supply service of a water services provider; or
(b)an alternative water supply system;
working day means a day that is not a Saturday, Sunday or public holiday.
(2)In these regulations, unless the contrary intention appears, a reference to a licensed plumbing contractor in relation to plumbing work is to be read as a reference to the licensed plumbing contractor —
(a)who carried out or is or will be carrying out the work; or
(b)under whose general direction and control or supervision the work was, is being or will be carried out.
(3)In these regulations, unless the contrary intention appears, a reference to the consent of the owner of a place, or to a notice being given to the owner, is to be read as including a reference to the consent of a representative of the owner or the notice being given to the representative.
(4)For the purposes of these regulations, a licensed plumbing contractor or permit holder is responsible for major plumbing work if —
(a)the contractor or permit holder has given a notice of intention in respect of the work; and
(b)the contractor or permit holder has not withdrawn the notice of intention in respect of the work; and
(c)the contractor or permit holder has not been replaced by another licensed plumbing contractor or permit holder who has given a notice of intention in respect of the work.
[Regulation 3 amended: Gazette 20 Apr 2001 p. 2149‑50; 12 Sep 2003 p. 4080; 1 Jun 2004 p. 1909; 28 Jun 2004 p. 2400‑6; 30 Dec 2004 p. 6928; 19 Apr 2005 p. 1302; 7 Oct 2005 p. 4509‑11; 26 Jun 2007 p. 3062; 11 Dec 2009 p. 5060; 14 Nov 2013 p. 5232; 19 Dec 2014 p. 4831‑2; 24 Apr 2015 p. 1495‑6; 29 Apr 2016 p. 1329-30; 13 Dec 2016 p. 5620 and p. 5627‑8; 10 Jan 2017 p. 184; 9 Apr 2019 p. 1056; 18 Oct 2019 p. 3674; SL 2020/132 r. 4; SL 2020/196 r. 51; SL 2021/86 r. 57; SL 2021/89 r. 4; SL 2022/115 r. 10; SL 2022/163 r. 4 and 5; SL 2024/12 r. 4.]
(1)An apprentice is a person who is an apprentice under a training contract, registered under the Vocational Education and Training Act 1996 Part 7 Division 2, for the purpose of obtaining a Certificate III in Plumbing or Certificate II in Drainage.
(2)If the person completes their training contract they are taken to continue to be an apprentice until —
(a)if, during the period of 2 months beginning on the day on which the person completes their training contract, the Board accepts an application by the person for a tradesperson’s licence or tradesperson’s licence (drainage plumbing) under regulation 15 — the day on which the Board issues or refuses to issue the licence under regulation 17; or
(b)otherwise — the end of the period of 2 months beginning on the day on which the person completes their training contract.
[Regulation 3A inserted: SL 2024/12 r. 5.]
4.Water supply plumbing work specified (Act s. 59I)
(1)For the purposes of section 59I of the Act —
(a)water supply plumbing work is work, other than exempt work, that involves the installation, alteration, extension, disconnection, repair or maintenance of pipes and other fittings used or intended to be used for the supply of potable water from a meter assembly to the points of use within any property;
[(b), (c)deleted]
[(2)deleted]
[Regulation 4 amended: Gazette 28 Jun 2004 p. 2406; SL 2024/12 r. 6.]
4A.Sanitary plumbing work specified (Act s. 59I)
(1)For the purposes of section 59I of the Act, sanitary plumbing work is the installation, replacement, alteration, connection, disconnection, ventilation, repair, testing, commissioning or maintenance of pipes, materials, fixtures or components used or intended to be used to collect and convey wastewater or other waste to —
(a)drainage plumbing; or
(b)an apparatus for the treatment of sewage; or
(c)a greywater diversion device or treatment system.
(2)Despite subregulation (1), sanitary plumbing work does not include the following —
(a)drainage plumbing work;
(b)exempt work;
(c)work in relation to an apparatus for the treatment of trade waste.
[Regulation 4A inserted: SL 2024/12 r. 7.]
4B.Drainage plumbing work specified (Act s. 59I)
(1)For the purposes of section 59I of the Act, drainage plumbing work is the installation, replacement, alteration, connection, disconnection, ventilation, repair, testing, commissioning or maintenance of pipes, materials or components that are —
(a)below ground level; and
(b)used or intended to be used to convey wastewater or other waste to —
(i)a sewerage system; or
(ii)an apparatus for the treatment of sewage; or
(iii)a greywater diversion device or treatment system.
(2)Despite subregulation (1), drainage plumbing work does not include the following —
(a)work in relation to a pipe with a nominal diameter of less than 65 mm;
(b)exempt work;
(c)work in relation to an apparatus for the treatment of trade waste.
[Regulation 4B inserted: SL 2024/12 r. 7.]
Part 2 — The Plumbers Licensing Board
[(1)deleted]
(2)The Board consists of 7 members —
(a)one person appointed by the Minister to be a member and the chairperson of the Board; and
(b)one person with knowledge and experience of the plumbing industry appointed by the Minister from a panel of 3 names submitted by the Master Plumbers and Gas Fitters Association of Western Australia at the request of the Minister; and
(c)one person with knowledge and experience of the plumbing industry appointed by the Minister from a panel of names consisting of 3 names submitted by each of the relevant unions requested by the Minister to submit names; and
(d)one person with knowledge and experience of the plumbing industry appointed by the Minister from a panel of 3 names submitted by the Western Australian Drainage Association at the request of the Minister; and
(e)one person with knowledge of and experience in the plumbing industry appointed by the Minister; and
(f)2 persons with the ability to represent the interests of consumers nominated by the Minister to whom the administration of the Fair Trading Act 2010 is committed.
(2a)The Minister must ensure, to the extent practicable, that the person appointed under subregulation (2)(a) is not and has not been a participant in the plumbing industry.
(2b)The Minister must request at least one union to submit names for the purposes of subregulation (2)(c).
(3)Each body that is requested to submit names under a paragraph of subregulation (2) must submit 3 names of persons suitable for appointment under the relevant paragraph of subregulation (2).
(4)The Minister is to invite nominations, in the manner determined by the Minister, for appointment under subregulation (2)(a) and (f), and the Minister referred to in subregulation (2)(e) is to invite nominations, in the manner determined by that Minister, for appointment under subregulation (2)(e).
(5)If —
(a)a panel of names is not submitted in accordance with subregulation (3) within 30 days of the request being made; or
(b)nominations are not received following an invitation under subregulation (4) within the time specified in the invitation,
the Minister may make such appointment for the purposes of the relevant paragraph as the Minister thinks fit.
[Regulation 5 amended: Gazette 12 Sep 2003 p. 4080; 1 Jun 2004 p. 1910‑11; 30 Jun 2011 p. 2656.]
(1)The Minister is to appoint one of the members to be the deputy chairperson of the Board.
(2)The deputy chairperson is to perform the functions of the chairperson when the chairperson is unable to do so by reason of illness, absence or other cause, or when the office of the chairperson is vacant.
(3)An act or omission of the deputy chairperson acting as the chairperson cannot be questioned on the ground that the occasion for the acting had not arisen or had ceased.
[Regulation 6 amended: Gazette 1 Jun 2004 p. 1911.]
(1)A member is to be paid such remuneration and travelling and other allowances as are determined in the member’s case by the Minister on the recommendation of the Public Sector Commissioner.
(2)A member who is an employee (as defined in the Public Sector Management Act 1994) is to be paid only such travelling and subsistence allowances as are determined in the member’s case by the Minister on the recommendation of the Public Sector Commissioner.
[Regulation 7 amended: Gazette 11 Feb 2011 p. 506‑7.]
8.Constitution and proceedings (Sch. 2)
Schedule 2 has effect with respect to the constitution and proceedings of the Board.
[Heading inserted: Gazette 7 Oct 2005 p. 4511.]
9.When licence or permit is required
(1)A person must not carry out plumbing work of any kind or in any circumstances except in accordance with a licence or permit that authorises the person to carry out plumbing work of that kind or in those circumstances.
Penalty for this subregulation: a fine of $5 000.
(2)Subregulation (1) does not apply to an apprentice or pre‑apprentice who carries out plumbing work under the supervision of —
(a)a licensed plumbing contractor for whom the work is contractor‑level work; or
(b)either of the following persons working under the general direction and control of a licensed plumbing contractor for whom the work is contractor‑level work —
(i)a licensed plumbing contractor for whom the work is trade‑level work;
(ii)a tradesperson for whom the work is trade‑level work
(3)Subregulation (1) does not apply to an authorised worker who carries out permitted work in accordance with Part 4A.
(4)Subregulation (1) does not apply to an owner or occupier of a dwelling, or a person acting without remuneration on behalf of the owner or occupier, who carries out any of the following plumbing work in relation to the dwelling —
(a)maintenance, repair or replacement of a shower head;
(b)maintenance or repair of a tap, other than a thermostatic mixing tap;
(c)replacement of a cistern washer;
(d)replacement of a water filter cartridge;
(e)clearance of a blocked toilet, shower, basin, trough, sink, bath or waste pipe using a plunger.
[Regulation 9 amended: Gazette 12 Sep 2003 p. 4080; 28 Jun 2004 p. 2457; 7 Oct 2005 p. 4511; 29 Apr 2016 p. 1330; 13 Dec 2016 p. 5620; SL 2021/89 r. 5; SL 2024/12 r. 8.]
10.Unlicensed persons not to be employed etc. for plumbing work
A person must not employ or otherwise engage a person, under a contract of service or for services, to carry out plumbing work if the person knows that the carrying out of the work by the person employed or engaged is or would be contrary to regulation 9(1).
Penalty: a fine of $5 000.
[Regulation 10 amended: Gazette 28 Jun 2004 p. 2406; 29 Apr 2016 p. 1330.]
11.Classes of licence or permit
The classes of licence or permit that may be issued under these regulations are —
(a)a plumbing contractor’s licence; and
(b)a tradesperson’s licence; and
(c)a tradesperson’s licence (drainage plumbing); and
(da)a provisional tradesperson’s licence; and
[(db)deleted]
(d)a restricted plumbing permit.
[Regulation 11 amended: Gazette 20 Apr 2001 p. 2150; 12 Sep 2003 p. 4080; 7 Oct 2005 p. 4511; 19 Dec 2014 p. 4832; SL 2024/12 r. 9.]
12.Effect of plumbing contractor’s licence: contractor‑level work
(1)A plumbing contractor’s licence authorises the holder to —
(a)carry out the plumbing work that the licence specifies is contractor‑level authorised work; and
(b)exercise general direction and control over the carrying out of, or supervision of the carrying out of, the specified plumbing work by a tradesperson, or another licensed plumbing contractor, for whom the work is trade‑level work; and
(c)supervise the carrying out of the specified plumbing work by —
(i)an apprentice; or
(ii)a pre‑apprentice; or
(iii)the holder of a provisional tradesperson’s licence.
(2)Plumbing work that a licensed plumbing contractor is authorised under subregulation (1) to carry out, exercise general direction and control over the carrying out of or supervision of the carrying out of, or supervise the carrying out of, is contractor‑level work for the contractor.
[Regulation 12 inserted: SL 2024/12 r. 10.]
13.Effect of plumbing contractor’s licence: trade‑level work
(1)A plumbing contractor’s licence authorises the holder to —
(a)carry out the plumbing work that the licence specifies is trade‑level authorised work; and
(b)supervise the carrying out of the specified plumbing work by —
(i)an apprentice; or
(ii)a pre‑apprentice; or
(iii)the holder of a provisional tradesperson’s licence.
(2)However, the holder of a plumbing contractor’s licence is only authorised to carry out, or supervise the carrying out of, the work referred to in subregulation (1) under the general direction and control of a licensed plumbing contractor for whom the work is contractor‑level work.
(3)Plumbing work that a licensed plumbing contractor is authorised under subregulation (1) to carry out, or supervise the carrying out of, is trade‑level work for the contractor.
[Regulation 13 inserted: SL 2024/12 r. 10.]
[13AA, 13AB.Deleted: SL 2024/12 r. 10.]
13A.Effect of tradesperson’s licence
(1)A tradesperson’s licence authorises the holder to —
(a)carry out plumbing work; and
(b)supervise the carrying out of plumbing work by —
(i)an apprentice; or
(ii)a pre‑apprentice; or
(iii)the holder of a provisional tradesperson’s licence.
(2)However, the holder of a tradesperson’s licence is only authorised to carry out, or supervise the carrying out of, the work referred to in subregulation (1) under the general direction and control of a licensed plumbing contractor for whom the work is contractor‑level work.
(3)Plumbing work that a tradesperson is authorised under subregulation (1) to carry out, or supervise the carrying out of, is trade‑level work for the tradesperson.
[Regulation 13A inserted: SL 2024/12 r. 10.]
13B.Effect of tradesperson’s licence (drainage plumbing)
(1)A tradesperson’s licence (drainage plumbing) authorises the holder to —
(a)carry out drainage plumbing work; and
(b)supervise the carrying out of drainage plumbing work by —
(i)an apprentice; or
(ii)a pre‑apprentice; or
(iii)the holder of a provisional tradesperson’s licence.
(2)However, the holder of a tradesperson’s licence (drainage plumbing) is only authorised to carry out, or supervise the carrying out of, the work referred to in subregulation (1) under the general direction and control of a licensed plumbing contractor for whom the work is contractor‑level work.
(3)Plumbing work that a tradesperson is authorised under subregulation (1) to carry out, or supervise the carrying out of, is trade‑level work for the tradesperson.
[Regulation 13B inserted: SL 2024/12 r. 10.]
13C.Effect of provisional tradesperson’s licence
A provisional tradesperson's licence authorises the holder to carry out plumbing work under the supervision of —
(a)a licensed plumbing contractor for whom the work is contractor‑level work; or
(b)either of the following persons working under the general direction and control of a licensed plumbing contractor for whom the work is contractor‑level work —
(i)a licensed plumbing contractor for whom the work is trade‑level work;
(ii)a tradesperson for whom the work is trade‑level work.
[Regulation 13C inserted: SL 2024/12 r. 10.]
13D.Effect of restricted plumbing permit
(1)In this regulation —
compression fitting has the meaning given in AS/NZS 3500.0 (Plumbing and Drainage — Glossary of terms) clause 3;
existing pipes, in relation to a water heater, means pipes connected to the water heater and the structure to which the water heater is, or is intended to be, attached that are necessary for the safe and effective operation of the water heater;
expansion control valve has the meaning given in AS/NZS 3500.0 (Plumbing and Drainage — Glossary of terms) clause 3;
temperature‑pressure relief valve has the meaning given in AS/NZS 3500.0 (Plumbing and Drainage — Glossary of terms) clause 3.
(2)A restricted plumbing permit authorises the holder to disconnect, remove, install and connect the following in the course of removing or replacing a water heater —
(a)a compression fitting;
(b)a temperature‑pressure relief valve;
(c)an expansion control valve;
(d)an isolating valve;
(e)if the water heater is installed with a flexible hose assembly — the flexible hose assembly.
(3)A restricted plumbing permit does not authorise the holder to carry out the work referred to in subregulation (2) if —
(a)a change to the existing pipes or pipe configuration is required; or
(b)the existing pipes are not in safe and proper working order; or
(c)the temperature‑pressure relief valve overflow pipe does not comply with the plumbing standards.
(4)The holder of a restricted plumbing permit who is not authorised to carry out plumbing work must inform the person for whom the work would otherwise be done —
(a)of the reasons why the holder is unable to perform the work; and
(b)that a licensed plumbing contractor should be engaged to perform the work.
Penalty for this subregulation: a fine of $2 000.
[Regulation 13D inserted: SL 2024/12 r. 10.]
13E.Course for assessment of competence in rainwater storage support work
The Board may set or specify a course to assess the skills and knowledge necessary to safely and effectively carry out water supply plumbing work that is for the supply of water from a rainwater storage system to a building.
[Regulation 13E inserted: SL 2024/12 r. 10.]
14.Only natural persons can hold licence or permit
A licence or permit can only be held by a natural person.
[Regulation 14 amended: Gazette 7 Oct 2005 p. 4513; 29 May 2007 p. 2503.]
15.Application for issue of licence or permit
(1)An application for the issue of a licence or permit must be —
(a)made to the Board in the approved form; and
(b)accompanied by —
(i)the application fee and licence fee or permit fee; and
(ii)a photograph of the applicant that complies with regulation 21A.
(2)The Board may, in writing, request an applicant for a licence or permit to provide the Board with such further information relevant to the application as the Board requires.
(3)The Board may specify in the request a reasonable time within which the applicant must comply with the request.
(3A)The Board may refuse to accept an application if the applicant does not comply with a request under subregulation (3) within the time specified in the request or, if no time is specified, within a reasonable period.
(4)The Board is not obliged to return a photograph given to it under this regulation.
[Regulation 15 amended: Gazette 28 Jun 2004 p. 2407‑8; 7 Oct 2005 p. 4513; 29 May 2007 p. 2503; 19 Dec 2014 p. 4833 and 4841; 29 Apr 2016 p. 1331.]
16.False or misleading information in application, offence
An applicant must not, in or in relation to an application, give information that the applicant knows to be false or misleading in a material particular.
Penalty: a fine of $2 000.
[Regulation 16 amended: Gazette 29 Apr 2016 p. 1332.]
(1)The Board may issue a licence or permit if the licence fee or permit fee has been paid and the Board is satisfied that the applicant —
(a)is a fit and proper person to hold the licence or permit; and
(b)has complied with the requirements set out in Schedule 3 in respect of the licence or permit.
(2)On the issue of a licence or permit, the Board must issue an identification card to the licensee or permit holder.
(3)The Board may refuse to issue a licence or permit if —
(a)the Board is not satisfied of the proof required by regulation 21A(3) in relation to a photograph provided by the applicant; or
(b)the photograph is unclear or not provided in a format approved by the Board.
[Regulation 17 amended: Gazette 28 Jun 2004 p. 2408‑9; 7 Oct 2005 p. 4514; 29 May 2007 p. 2503; 19 Dec 2014 p. 4833-4 and 4841; 29 Apr 2016 p. 1332.]
18.Refusal to issue licence or permit
If the Board refuses to issue a licence or permit, the Board is to refund the licence fee or permit fee and give written notice to the applicant setting out the decision and the reasons for the decision not later than 14 days after the decision is made.
[Regulation 18 amended: Gazette 28 Jun 2004 p. 2409; 7 Oct 2005 p. 4514; 29 May 2007 p. 2504; 19 Dec 2014 p. 4834 and 4841.]
19.Conditions of licence or permit
(1)A licence or permit may be issued subject to such conditions as the Board thinks fit and specifies in the licence or permit.
(2)The Board may, at any time, by notice in writing given to the licensee or permit holder, change or remove a condition of the licence or permit or add a new condition to the licence or permit.
(2a)The Board cannot change or remove a condition changed or added by the State Administrative Tribunal unless it has applied for, and obtained, the approval of that Tribunal to do so.
(3)A licensee or permit holder must not contravene a condition of his or her licence or permit.
Penalty for this subregulation: a fine of $5 000.
[Regulation 19 amended: Gazette 30 Dec 2004 p. 6928; 7 Oct 2005 p. 4514‑15; 29 May 2007 p. 2504; 19 Dec 2014 p. 4834; 29 Apr 2016 p. 1332.]
19A.Application for renewal of licence or permit
(1)An application for the renewal of a licence or permit must be —
(a)made to the Board in the approved form; and
(b)accompanied by —
(i)the renewal fee for the licence or permit; and
(ii)a photograph of the licensee or permit holder that complies with regulation 21A, unless a photograph has been provided to the Board in the period of 5 years ending on the day the application is made.
(2)An application for the renewal of a licence or permit must be made within the period beginning 12 weeks before the licence or permit is due to expire and ending on the day that is 28 days after the licence or permit would otherwise have expired (the renewal period).
(3)The Board may refuse to accept an application for the renewal of a licence or permit if —
(a)the Board is not satisfied of the proof required by regulation 21A(3) in relation to a photograph provided by the applicant; or
(b)the photograph is unclear or not provided in a format approved by the Board.
(4)The Board may, in writing, request an applicant for renewal of a licence or permit to provide the Board with such further information relevant to the application as the Board requires.
(5)The Board may specify in the request a reasonable time within which the person must comply with the request.
(6)The Board may refuse to accept an application if the applicant does not comply with a request under subregulation (4) within the time specified in the request or, if no time is specified, within a reasonable period.
(7)The Board is not obliged to return a photograph given to it under this regulation.
[Regulation 19A inserted: Gazette 29 Apr 2016 p. 1332‑4.]
20.Renewing licence and permit
(1)Subject to subregulations (2) and (3), the Board must renew a licence or permit on an application made under regulation 19A if the Board —
(a)has accepted the application; and
(b)is satisfied that the licensee or permit holder is a fit and proper person to hold the licence or permit.
(2)The Board must not renew a provisional tradesperson’s licence if the licence has been renewed on a previous occasion.
(3)The Board may refuse to renew a provisional tradesperson’s licence if it considers that, during the licence period for the licence, the applicant made insufficient progress towards attaining the qualification referred to in Schedule 3 clause 3(b)(i) or (ii).
[(4)deleted]
(5)In subregulation (3) a reference to the renewal of a provisional tradesperson’s licence includes a reference to the issue of that licence following the expiry of a previously‑held licence of the same type.
(6)On renewal of a licence or permit, the Board must issue an identification card to the licensee or permit holder.
[Regulation 20 inserted: Gazette 29 Apr 2016 p. 1334‑5; amended: SL 2024/12 r. 11.]
20A.Reissuing licence or permit
(1A)In this regulation —
re‑issue, in relation to a licence or permit, means to issue a licence or permit to a person with the same licence, permit or authorisation number as previously held by the person.
(1)The Board may, instead of issuing a licence or permit to a person who has applied for one, re‑issue a licence or permit to the person if the person previously held a licence or permit of the same type or was authorised to carry out plumbing work of the same type, under these regulations, the Country Areas Water Supply By‑laws 1957, the Country Towns Sewerage By‑laws 1952 1 or the Metropolitan Water Supply, Sewerage and Drainage By‑laws 1981.
(2)The Board may re‑issue a licence or permit to a person who has applied for the renewal of a licence or permit if the application for renewal is made after the renewal period for the licence or permit referred to in regulation 19A(2).
(3)The provisions of this Part that apply to the issue of a licence or permit apply to the re‑issue of a licence or permit except that subregulation (4) applies to the person instead of regulation 17(1)(b).
(4)Before re‑issuing a licence or permit, the Board must be satisfied that, because of the person’s experience or qualifications, the applicant would be as competent to carry out the work to be covered by the licence or permit as a person who has recently met the requirements set out in Schedule 3 for a licence or permit that covers that work.
(5)In satisfying itself of the matter set out in subregulation (4), the Board is to satisfy itself in the same manner and in relation to the same sorts of things that it would in relation to an application for the issue of an equivalent licence or permit under regulation 17(1).
(6)For the purposes of subregulation (1), a plumbing contractor’s licence, a tradesperson’s licence, a tradesperson’s licence (drainage plumbing) and a provisional tradesperson’s licence are each a type of licence, regardless of what plumbing work is specified or authorised by the licence.
(7)For the purposes of subregulation (1), a restricted plumbing permit is a type of permit, regardless of what plumbing work is specified or authorised by the permit.
[Regulation 20A inserted: Gazette 28 Jun 2004 p. 2411‑12; amended: Gazette 19 Dec 2014 p. 4835‑6 and 4841; 29 Apr 2016 p. 1335; SL 2024/12 r. 12.]
21.Duration of licence or permit
(1)A licence or permit expires on the day that is —
(a)in the case of a provisional tradesperson’s licence — the day of the 1st anniversary of the day on which the licence is issued; and
(b)otherwise — the day of the 3rd anniversary of the day on which the licence or permit is issued.
(2)A licence or permit that is renewed under these regulations expires on the day that is —
(a)in the case of a provisional tradesperson’s licence — the day of the 1st anniversary of the day on which the licence is renewed; and
(b)otherwise — the day of the 3rd anniversary of the day on which the licence or permit is renewed.
(3)If an application for the renewal of a licence or permit is made in accordance with regulation 19A but the licence or permit is not renewed before the expiry of the licence or permit —
(a)the licence or permit is taken to have effect on and from the day immediately following its expiry until any of the following occur —
(i)the Board notifies the applicant of its refusal to accept the application;
(ii)the applicant withdraws the application;
(iii)the Board notifies the applicant of its renewal of, or refusal to renew, the licence or permit;
(iv)the State Administrative Tribunal notifies the applicant that the licence or permit is suspended or cancelled;
and
(b)the licence or permit, if renewed, is taken to have been renewed on the day immediately following its expiry.
(4)No later than 7 days after the expiry of a licence or permit, the licensee or permit holder must —
(a)give to the Board the licence or permit and the identification card given to the licensee or permit holder; and
(b)where practicable, remove or obliterate all references to the licence or permit in advertisements and business documents (as defined in regulations 25 and 25A respectively).
Penalty for this subregulation: a fine of $2 000.
(5)For the purposes of subregulation (4), the expiry day of a licence or permit is the later of the following days —
(a)the day on which the licence or permit expires; or
(b)if subregulation (3) applies, the day the licence or permit ceases to have effect under subregulation (3)(a).
[Regulation 21 inserted: Gazette 29 Apr 2016 p. 1335‑7; amended: SL 2024/12 r. 13.]
21A.Photograph of applicant etc., requirements for
(1)A photograph of an applicant, licensee or permit holder must be a photograph of the head and shoulders of the applicant, licensee or permit holder.
(2)The photograph must be less than 1 month old at the time it is provided to the Board.
(3)The photograph must be provided in a format approved by the Board and with the proof that the photograph complies with subregulations (1) and (2) required by the Board.
[Regulation 21A inserted: Gazette 28 Jun 2004 p. 2412; amended: Gazette 7 Oct 2005 p. 4517; 29 Apr 2016 p. 1337.]
22.Duplicate licence or permit, issue of
If the Board is satisfied that a licence or permit has been lost or destroyed the Board may issue a duplicate licence or permit on payment of the fee set out in Schedule 1 Division 1.
[Regulation 22 amended: Gazette 28 Jun 2004 p. 2413; 7 Oct 2005 p. 4517; SL 2020/196 r. 54.]
23.Licence and permit not to be used by others
A licensee or permit holder must not —
(a)dispose of his or her licence or permit to another person; or
(b)permit another person to use his or her licence or permit.
Penalty: a fine of $5 000.
[Regulation 23 amended: Gazette 7 Oct 2005 p. 4518; 29 Apr 2016 p. 1337.]
24.Licensed plumbing contractor’s licence to be displayed
A licensed plumbing contractor must ensure that the licence is conspicuously displayed at his or her principal place of business.
Penalty: a fine of $2 000.
[Regulation 24 amended: Gazette 12 Sep 2003 p. 4080; 28 Jun 2004 p. 2457; 29 Apr 2016 p. 1338.]
24A.Identification card, duty of holder to produce
A licensee or permit holder must produce his or her identification card whenever asked to do so by —
(a)a person with whom the licensee or permit holder has entered, or may enter, into a contract for plumbing work; or
(b)the occupier or owner of a place at which the licensee or permit holder has carried out, is or will be carrying out, plumbing work; or
(c)a prospective employer; or
(d)a plumbing compliance officer.
Penalty: a fine of $3 000.
[Regulation 24A inserted: Gazette 28 Jun 2004 p. 2413; amended: Gazette 7 Oct 2005 p. 4518; 29 Apr 2016 p. 1338.]
25.Requirements and restrictions in relation to advertising
(1)In this regulation —
advertisement includes a business card or letterhead;
represent —
(a)means to hold out or imply; and
(b)includes to advertise.
(2)A licensed plumbing contractor or permit holder must ensure that the number of the licence or permit appears in any advertisement relating to the business for which the licence or permit is, or is intended to be, used.
Penalty for this subregulation: a fine of $2 000.
(3)A person who does not hold a licence or permit must not represent that they hold the licence or permit.
Penalty for this subregulation: a fine of $5 000.
(4)A person who is not authorised to carry out plumbing work of a particular kind or in particular circumstances must not represent that they are authorised to carry out the work.
Penalty for this subregulation: a fine of $5 000.
(5)It is a defence to a charge of an offence under subregulation (3) or (4) to prove that the person —
(a)made the representation as part of a representation in relation to work of which the plumbing work is only a part; and
(b)had arrangements in place to ensure that the plumbing work would be carried out by a person authorised to carry out the plumbing work.
[Regulation 25 inserted: SL 2024/12 r. 14.]
25A.Licence or permit number to appear on business documents
(1)A licensed plumbing contractor or permit holder must ensure that the number of the licence or permit appears in any business document relating to the business for which the licence or permit is, or is intended to be, used.
(2)In subregulation (1) —
business document means any document that is signed or issued by the holder of the licence or permit relating to a particular transaction or dealing and includes any of the following —
(a)a business letter;
(b)a written communication issued by the holder of the licence or permit to the effect that a person owes or does not owe money to him or her (being a statement of account);
(c)a receipt (being a written acknowledgment of payment);
(d)a written quotation of a price for particular goods or services;
(e)a written offer to contract for goods or services;
(f)an invoice (being a written communication identifying goods or services that have been provided, and the prices of those goods or services).
[Regulation 25A inserted: Gazette 12 Sep 2003 p. 4078‑9; amended: Gazette 28 Jun 2004 p. 2457; 7 Oct 2005 p. 4518‑19.]
25B.Records to be kept of persons under general direction and control or supervision
(1)A licensed plumbing contractor (the primary contractor) must keep a record of —
(a)each licensed plumbing contractor or tradesperson who carries out, or supervises the carrying out of, plumbing work under the primary contractor’s general direction and control; and
(b)each apprentice, pre‑apprentice or holder of a provisional tradesperson’s licence who carries out plumbing work under the supervision of —
(i)the primary contractor; or
(ii)a licensed plumbing contractor or tradesperson who supervises the carrying out of the work under the primary contractor’s general direction and control.
Penalty for this subregulation: a fine of $5 000.
(2)The record must be in an approved form and must show —
(a)the full name of the licensee, apprentice or pre‑apprentice; and
(b)the residential or business address of that person; and
(c)the number and class of the licence held by that person; and
(d)the period for which that person was involved in the carrying out, or supervision of the carrying out, of the work; and
(e)details of any training undertaken by that person during that period that relates to plumbing work.
Penalty for this subregulation: a fine of $5 000.
(3)The primary contractor must keep the record at the primary contractor’s principal place of business.
Penalty for this subregulation: a fine of $5 000.
(4)The primary contractor must keep the record for at least one year after the end of the period to which the record relates.
Penalty for this subregulation: a fine of $5 000.
(5)The primary contractor must produce the record for inspection upon being requested to do so by the Board or a person authorised by the Board.
Penalty for this subregulation: a fine of $5 000.
[Regulation 25B inserted: Gazette 12 Sep 2003 p. 4079; amended: Gazette 28 Jun 2004 p. 2413 and p. 2457; 29 Apr 2016 p. 1338; SL 2021/89 r. 8; SL 2024/12 r. 15.]
26.Licence and permit not transferable
A licence or permit is not transferable.
[Regulation 26 amended: Gazette 7 Oct 2005 p. 4519.]
26A.Licence and permit, surrender of
(1)A licensee or permit holder may surrender the licence or permit by giving written notice to the Board specifying the day on which the licence or permit is surrendered.
(2)The day specified cannot be earlier than the day on which the notice is given to the Board.
(3)The licence or permit must be given back to the Board on or before the day on which it is surrendered.
[Regulation 26A inserted: Gazette 29 May 2007 p. 2505.]
26B.Refund of licence or permit fees
(1)If a licence or permit is surrendered, the Board is to refund to the former licensee or permit holder so much of the fee last paid for the licence or permit as the Board, on application by the former licensee or permit holder, determines as appropriate to be refunded.
(2)If a plumbing contractor’s licence is issued to a person who holds a tradesperson’s licence or a tradesperson’s licence (drainage plumbing), the Board is to refund to the person so much of the fee last paid for the tradesperson’s licence or a tradesperson’s licence (drainage plumbing) as the Board determines as appropriate to be refunded.
(3)If a tradesperson’s licence is issued to a person who holds a provisional tradesperson’s licence, the Board is to refund to the person so much of the fee last paid for the provisional tradesperson’s licence as the Board determines is appropriate to be refunded.
[(4)deleted]
[Regulation 26B inserted: Gazette 29 May 2007 p. 2506; amended: Gazette 19 Dec 2014 p. 4836‑7 and 4841; SL 2024/12 r. 16.]
Part 4 — Disciplinary proceedings
This Part applies, with any necessary modifications, to a former licensee or permit holder in relation to conduct occurring while the person was a licensee or permit holder in the same way as it applies to a licensee or permit holder.
[Regulation 26C inserted: Gazette 29 Apr 2016 p. 1339.]
27.Disciplinary matters defined
For the purposes of this Part, each of the following is a disciplinary matter —
(a)the licensee or permit holder has obtained a licence or permit because of incorrect or misleading information;
(b)the licensee or permit holder is no longer a fit and proper person to hold the licence or permit;
(c)the licensee or permit holder has been convicted of an offence against these regulations or another written law relating to plumbing work;
(ca)the licensee or permit holder has been convicted of a serious offence;
(d)the licensee or permit holder has contravened or failed to comply with a term or condition of their licence or permit;
(e)the licensee or permit holder has contravened or failed to comply with these regulations;
(f)the licensee or permit holder has engaged in fraudulent conduct in relation to the carrying out of plumbing work;
(fa)the licensee or permit holder has engaged in conduct that is harsh, unconscionable, oppressive, misleading or deceptive in relation to the carrying out of plumbing work;
(fb)the licensee or permit holder has been negligent or incompetent in relation to the carrying out of plumbing work;
(g)the licensee or permit holder has failed to comply with a building remedy order or a HBWC remedy order made by the Building Commissioner under the Building Services (Complaint Resolution and Administration) Act 2011;
(h)the licensed plumbing contractor has failed to —
(i)properly exercise general direction and control over the carrying out of, or supervision of the carrying out of, plumbing work over which the contractor was ostensibly exercising general direction and control; or
(ii)properly supervise the carrying out of plumbing work that the contractor was ostensibly supervising;
(i)the tradesperson has failed to properly supervise the carrying out of plumbing work that the tradesperson was ostensibly supervising;
(j)the licensed plumbing contractor or tradesperson for whom plumbing work is trade‑level work has carried out, or supervised the carrying out of, the work while not under the general direction and control of a licensed plumbing contractor for whom the work is contractor‑level work;
(k)the holder of a provisional tradesperson’s licence has carried out plumbing work while not under the supervision of —
(i)a licensed plumbing contractor for whom the work is contractor‑level work or trade‑level work; or
(ii)a tradesperson for whom the work is trade‑level work;
(l)the licensee or permit holder has failed to comply with —
(i)an undertaking given by the licensee or permit holder under regulation 31(2)(b); or
(ii)an order made by the State Administrative Tribunal under regulation 34(1)(c).
[Regulation 27 amended: Gazette 12 Sep 2003 p. 4079‑80; 28 Jun 2004 p. 2413‑15 and p. 2457; 7 Oct 2005 p. 4519‑20; 19 Dec 2014 p. 4837; 29 Apr 2016 p. 1339-40; SL 2024/12 r. 17.]
28.Making a complaint about disciplinary matter
(1)A person may make a complaint to the Board that a disciplinary matter exists or has occurred in respect of a licensee or permit holder.
(2)A complaint under this regulation must be made in an approved form.
[Regulation 28 inserted: Gazette 29 Apr 2016 p. 1341.]
29.Further information and verification
The Board may, in writing, request a person making a disciplinary complaint to do either or both of the following —
(a)give the Board further details about the complaint;
(b)verify any details about the complaint by statutory declaration.
[Regulation 29 inserted: Gazette 29 Apr 2016 p. 1341.]
30.Board to decide what action to take in respect of complaint
The Board may, on consideration of a disciplinary complaint, decide —
(a)not to take any action; or
(b)to refer the complaint to the Building Commissioner for investigation; or
(c)to take action under regulation 31; or
(d)to make an allegation about the complaint to the State Administrative Tribunal.
[Regulation 30 inserted: Gazette 29 Apr 2016 p. 1341.]
31.Board may deal with certain complaints
(1)This regulation applies if —
(a)the Board is satisfied that a disciplinary matter exists in relation to a licensee or permit holder; and
(b)the Board is of the opinion that a proceeding before the State Administrative Tribunal is not warranted by the nature of the matter.
(2)If this regulation applies, the Board may do one or more of the following —
(a)caution or reprimand the licensee or permit holder;
(b)require the licensee or permit holder to give an undertaking to the Board for such period as is specified —
(i)in relation to the person’s future conduct as a licensee or permit holder; or
(ii)to comply with such conditions as are specified in relation to the carrying out of plumbing work by the licensee or permit holder;
(c)order the licensee or permit holder to pay to the Board a penalty of a specified amount not exceeding $3 000.
(3)If action is taken under subregulation (2) in relation to a disciplinary matter, no further action is to be taken under this Part with respect to the matter.
(4)The Board must give the complainant, if any, and the respondent notice of a decision made under subregulation (2).
(5)The Board must include with the notice of a decision given to the respondent short particulars of the reasons for the decision and the right to apply for a review of the decision under regulation 100.
(6)The Board may recover an amount that is unpaid under an order made under subregulation (2)(c) in a court of competent jurisdiction as a debt due to the Board.
[Regulation 31 inserted: Gazette 29 Apr 2016 p. 1342‑3; amended: Gazette 13 Dec 2016 p. 5620; SL 2024/12 r. 18.]
[32‑33.Deleted: Gazette 30 Dec 2004 p. 6929.]
34.SAT’s powers on allegation of disciplinary matter
(1)If, in a proceeding commenced by an allegation under regulation 30(d), the State Administrative Tribunal determines that a disciplinary matter exists or has occurred in respect of a licensee or permit holder, the State Administrative Tribunal may do any one or more of the following —
(a)decline to take any action under this subregulation;
(b)caution or reprimand the licensee or permit holder;
(c)order the licensee or permit holder to undertake further training as specified by the State Administrative Tribunal on the advice of the Board;
(d)change or remove a condition of the licence or permit or add a new condition to the licence or permit;
(e)order the licensee or permit holder to pay a penalty of a specified amount not exceeding $5 000;
(f)suspend the licence or permit for such period as the State Administrative Tribunal thinks fit;
(g)cancel the licence or permit.
(2)If the State Administrative Tribunal decides to take action under subregulation (1), the State Administrative Tribunal is to give written notice of the decision to the licensee or permit holder setting out —
(a)the grounds on which the decision was based; and
(b)the reasons for the decision.
(3)The notice under subregulation (2) is to be given not later than 14 days after the decision is made.
(4)If a licence or permit is cancelled or suspended, the licensee or permit holder must return their licence or permit and identification card to the Board no later than 14 days after the day they are notified of the cancellation or suspension.
Penalty for this subregulation: a fine of $2 000.
[Regulation 34 amended: Gazette 28 Jun 2004 p. 2415; 30 Dec 2004 p. 6929; 7 Oct 2005 p. 4520; 29 Apr 2016 p. 1343.]
Part 4A — Basic plumbing work in remote Aboriginal communities
[Heading inserted: Gazette 13 Dec 2016 p. 5620.]
The purpose of this Part is to allow certain persons who have undertaken some relevant training to carry out basic plumbing work in remote and inaccessible Aboriginal communities even though they are not licensed plumbing contractors if —
(a)the plumbing work is required to prevent —
(i)a risk to human health or safety; or
(ii)a significant waste of water;
and
(b)a licensed plumbing contractor is reasonably unable to attend at the community in a timely manner to carry out the plumbing work.
[Regulation 35 inserted: Gazette 13 Dec 2016 p. 5620‑1.]
Nothing in this Part prevents a licensed plumbing contractor from carrying out the plumbing work referred to in this Part.
[Regulation 36 inserted: Gazette 13 Dec 2016 p. 5621.]
In this Part —
Australian Qualifications Framework has the meaning given in the Higher Education Support Act 2003 (Commonwealth) Schedule 1 clause 1(1);
authorised worker means a person who —
(a)is employed or otherwise engaged by a service provider to provide Aboriginal environmental health services to an eligible remote community; and
(b)holds a qualification at Certificate II level or above under the Australian Qualifications Framework in any of the following subject areas, or an equivalent qualification approved by the Board —
(i)environmental health;
(ii)Indigenous environmental health;
(iii)population health;
(iv)public health;
(v)preventative health;
and
(c)has completed all of the qualifying plumbing units;
eligible remote community means an Aboriginal community listed on a website maintained by the Building Commissioner;
Health Department means the agency (as defined in the Public Sector Management Act 1994 section 3(1)) principally assisting the Minister responsible for the administration of the Health Legislation Administration Act 1984;
permitted work means any of the following plumbing work —
(a)replacing or repairing shower heads;
(aa)replacing domestic water filter cartridges;
(ab)maintaining or repairing a tap, other than a thermostatic mixing tap;
(b)replacing “P‑Traps” and “S‑Traps” in readily accessible locations, such as under sinks, basins or troughs;
(c)replacing leaking hose taps, hose connection vacuum breakers, cistern stop taps and flexible hose assemblies;
(d)replacing leaking cistern washers, valves and flush pipe connectors;
(e)capping a burst water main, damaged waste pipe or sanitary drain for the purpose of preventing a risk to human health or safety or a significant waste of water;
(f)replacing general covers (e.g. missing or broken inspection mounds, gully mounds, grates and vent cowls);
(g)clearing blocked waste pipes and drains by the use of plungers or flexible hand rods;
(h)unblocking toilets, showers, basins, troughs, sinks and baths by the use of plungers or flexible hand rods;
(i)other plumbing work approved by the Board;
qualifying plumbing unit means each of the following units of competency or any equivalent units approved by the Board —
(a)HLTPOP025: Provide basic repairs and maintenance to health hardware and fixtures;
(b)HLTPOP026: Monitor and maintain sewage or effluent systems;
(c)HLTPOP027: Monitor and maintain water supply;
service provider means a person contracted by the Health Department to provide Aboriginal environmental health services to an eligible remote community.
[Regulation 37 inserted: Gazette 13 Dec 2016 p. 5621‑3; amended: SL 2024/12 r. 19.]
38.Authorised worker may carry out permitted work without a licence or permit
An authorised worker may carry out permitted work in an eligible remote community without a licence or permit as long as the work is carried out —
(a)for the purpose of this Part as stated in regulation 35; and
(b)under the direction and control of a service provider.
[Regulation 38 inserted: Gazette 13 Dec 2016 p. 5623.]
39.Service provider’s obligations
(1)A service provider must ensure that each of its authorised workers only carries out permitted work for the purpose of this Part as stated in regulation 35.
Penalty for this subregulation: a fine of $1 000.
(2)A service provider must keep a register in the approved form of all of its authorised workers, recording for each authorised worker the following information —
(a)the authorised worker’s full name;
(b)each period during which the authorised worker is employed or otherwise engaged by the service provider;
(c)the qualification referred to in paragraph (b) of the definition of authorised worker in regulation 37 that the authorised worker holds and the date on which the qualification was obtained;
(d)the qualifying plumbing units that the authorised worker has completed and the date on which each unit was completed.
Penalty for this subregulation: a fine of $1 000.
(2A)The information referred to in subregulation (2) must be retained on the register for at least 6 years after the day on which the authorised worker ceases to be employed or engaged by the service provider.
(2B)A service provider must keep a record in the approved form of permitted work carried out by each of its authorised workers.
Penalty for this subregulation: a fine of $1 000.
(2C)A record referred to in subregulation (2B) must be retained for at least 6 years after the day on which the permitted work is completed.
(2D)A service provider must, on request, make the register referred to in subregulation (2) or a record referred to in subregulation (2B) available for inspection by —
(a)in any case — a plumbing compliance officer; or
(b)in the case of a record — a licensed plumbing contractor who reasonably requires a copy of the record to carry out plumbing work.
Penalty for this subregulation: a fine of $1 000.
(3)A service provider must provide to each of its authorised workers carrying out permitted work the appropriate tools, equipment, personal protective clothing and equipment, and work health and safety training necessary to carry out the work safely and competently.
Penalty for this subregulation: a fine of $1 000.
(4)A service provider must ensure that a person employed or otherwise engaged by it who would be an authorised worker on completion of the qualifying plumbing units undertakes those units at the service provider’s expense.
Penalty for this subregulation: a fine of $1 000.
[Regulation 39 inserted: Gazette 13 Dec 2016 p. 5623; amended: Gazette 18 Oct 2019 p. 3674-5; SL 2022/26 r. 14; SL 2024/12 r. 20.]
(1)Part 7 Division 2 applies to plumbing work carried out under this Part as if the relevant service provider —
(a)had carried out, and was responsible for, the work; and
(b)was a licensed plumbing contractor.
(2)If the Board has reasonable grounds to believe that a service provider has contravened or is contravening regulation 10 or 39, the Board may by written notice declare that the service provider is no longer a service provider under this Part —
(a)for a period of up to 6 months; or
(b)indefinitely.
(3)The Board may, on application by a service provider who is subject to a declaration under subregulation (2), revoke the declaration as from a date to be specified in a written notice to the service provider.
[Regulation 39A inserted: Gazette 13 Dec 2016 p. 5624.]
Part 5 — Notification, certification and records of plumbing work
[Heading inserted: Gazette 18 Oct 2019 p. 3675.]
Division 1 — Major plumbing work
[Heading inserted: Gazette 28 Jun 2004 p. 2416.]
This Division does not apply in respect of major plumbing work that includes a performance solution.
[Regulation 40 inserted: Gazette 24 Apr 2015 p. 1496; amended: Gazette 13 Dec 2016 p. 5626.]
41.Notice of intention to commence major plumbing work to be given to Board
(1)A licensed plumbing contractor or permit holder must not carry out major plumbing work, or permit or arrange for major plumbing work to be carried out, unless the contractor or permit holder has given the Board a notice of intention to carry out the work at least 24 hours before the work commences.
Penalty for this subregulation: a fine of $3 000.
(2)Subregulation (1) does not apply to a licensed plumbing contractor if the contractor is to carry out the work for a licensed plumbing contractor and that licensed plumbing contractor or another contractor has, or ought to have, given a notice of intention to carry out the work under subregulation (1).
(2a)Subregulation (1) does not apply to a permit holder if the permit holder is to carry out the work for a licensed plumbing contractor or permit holder and that licensed plumbing contractor or permit holder has, or ought to have, given a notice of intention to carry out the work under subregulation (1).
(3)Subregulation (1) does not apply to a licensed plumbing contractor or permit holder if the plumbing work is emergency plumbing work.
(3A)A licensed plumbing contractor or permit holder who carries out major plumbing work that is emergency plumbing work must give to the Board a notice of intention in respect of the work at the same time as the certificate of compliance for the work is given to the Board.
Penalty for this subregulation: a fine of $3 000.
(4)The notice of intention must —
(a)be in the approved form; and
(b)be given with the new installation fee (where relevant).
[Regulation 41 inserted: Gazette 28 Jun 2004 p. 2416; amended: Gazette 7 Oct 2005 p. 4520‑1; 29 Apr 2016 p. 1344.]
42.Certificate of compliance for major plumbing work
(1)When major plumbing work is completed, the licensed plumbing contractor or permit holder responsible for the work must, within 5 working days after the day on which the work is completed —
(a)give the Board a certificate of compliance for the work that complies with this regulation; and
(b)give a copy of the certificate to —
(i)if the work relates to building work carried out under a building permit — the person named as the builder on the building permit; or
(ii)otherwise — the owner or occupier of the place where the work was carried out;
and
(c)give a copy of the certificate to the local government in whose district the work was carried out if the work is drainage plumbing work and the drainage plumbing is not, and is not intended to be, connected to a sewer.
Penalty for this subregulation: a fine of $5 000.
(2)The certificate must certify that —
(a)the plumbing that is the result of the work (the principal plumbing), and any other plumbing that the certificate must cover because of subregulation (5), complies with the plumbing standards; and
(b)existing plumbing that any of the plumbing referred to in paragraph (a) relies upon for its safe and effective operation is safe and in proper working order.
(3)The certificate must be in the approved form.
(4)The certificate need not cover existing plumbing to the extent to which, because of circumstances beyond the control of the licensed plumbing contractor or permit holder, the contractor or permit holder cannot inspect, test, repair or replace the existing plumbing.
(5)If —
(a)the principal plumbing includes or relies upon plumbing that is the result of plumbing work for which another licensed plumbing contractor or permit holder (the previous contractor or permit holder) is responsible; and
(b)the plumbing work of the previous contractor or permit holder was not completed by the previous contractor or permit holder; and
(c)a certificate of compliance for the plumbing work of the previous contractor or permit holder has not been given; and
(d)the plumbing of the previous contractor or permit holder is essential to the safe and effective operation of the principal plumbing,
the certificate must cover the plumbing of the previous contractor or permit holder.
(6)A licensed plumbing contractor or permit holder who has given a certificate of compliance must keep a copy of the certificate at their principal place of business for at least 6 years after giving the certificate.
Penalty for this subregulation: a fine of $3 000.
[Regulation 42 inserted: Gazette 28 Jun 2004 p. 2417‑18; amended: Gazette 7 Oct 2005 p. 4521; 29 Apr 2016 p. 1344; SL 2024/12 r. 21.]
43.Non‑completion of major plumbing work
(1)If —
(a)a licensed plumbing contractor or permit holder has given a notice of intention to carry out major plumbing work; and
(b)the contractor or permit holder is not going to carry out some or all of the work,
the contractor or permit holder must withdraw the notice of intention, to the extent to which the contractor or permit holder is not going to carry out the work, as soon as practicable by giving notice to the Board in the approved form.
Penalty for this subregulation: a fine of $3 000.
(2)If —
(a)a licensed plumbing contractor or permit holder has given a notice of intention to carry out major plumbing work; and
(b)the contractor or permit holder has commenced the work; and
(c)the contractor or permit holder is not going to complete all the work,
the contractor or permit holder must comply with regulation 42 in relation to the work that has been completed.
Penalty for this subregulation: a fine of $3 000.
[Regulation 43 inserted: Gazette 28 Jun 2004 p. 2418‑19; amended: Gazette 7 Oct 2005 p. 4521‑2; 29 Apr 2016 p. 1344.]
Division 2 — Minor plumbing work
[Heading inserted: Gazette 28 Jun 2004 p. 2419.]
This Division does not apply in respect of minor plumbing work that includes a performance solution.
[Regulation 44 inserted: Gazette 18 Oct 2019 p. 3675.]
44A.Records of minor plumbing work
(1)A licensed plumbing contractor or permit holder must keep a record of minor plumbing work completed by or for the contractor or permit holder.
Penalty for this subregulation: a fine of $5 000.
(2)A licensed plumbing contractor or permit holder is not required to keep a record of minor plumbing work under subregulation (1) if —
(a)the minor plumbing work is carried out for another licensed plumbing contractor or permit holder; and
(b)that other licensed plumbing contractor or permit holder or another contractor or permit holder keeps, or ought to keep, a record of the work under subregulation (1).
(3)A record required by subregulation (1) must be in the approved form.
Penalty for this subregulation: a fine of $5 000.
(4)A record required by subregulation (1) must be kept at the licensed plumbing contractor’s or permit holder’s principal place of business.
Penalty for this subregulation: a fine of $5 000.
(5)A person required by subregulation (1) to keep a record of minor plumbing work must keep the record until the expiry of the period within which a rectification notice may be given in respect of the work under regulation 71(2).
Penalty for this subregulation: a fine of $5 000.
(6)A person required by subregulation (1) to keep a record of minor plumbing work must produce the record for inspection upon being requested to do so by —
(a)the Board; or
(b)a plumbing compliance officer.
Penalty for this subregulation: a fine of $5 000.
(7)This regulation does not limit regulation 25B(1).
[Regulation 44A inserted: Gazette 18 Oct 2019 p. 3675-6.]
Division 2A — Plumbing work including performance solutions
[Heading inserted: Gazette 13 Dec 2016 p. 5628.]
45A.Notice of intention to include performance solution
(1)A licensed plumbing contractor must not carry out, or permit or arrange to be carried out, plumbing work that includes a performance solution unless the contractor has given the Board a notice of intention to carry out work including a performance solution at least 5 working days before the work commences.
Penalty for this subregulation: a fine of $5 000.
(2)Subregulation (1) does not apply to a licensed plumbing contractor if the contractor is to carry out the work for a licensed plumbing contractor and that licensed plumbing contractor or another licensed plumbing contractor has, or ought to have, given a notice of intention under subregulation (1).
(3)The notice of intention must —
(a)be in the approved form; and
(b)be accompanied by the applicable lodgment fee set out in Schedule 1 Division 2; and
(c)be accompanied by the new installation fee (where relevant).
[Regulation 45A inserted: Gazette 24 Apr 2015 p. 1496‑7; amended: Gazette 29 Apr 2016 p. 1345; 13 Dec 2016 p. 5626; 18 Oct 2019 p. 3676; SL 2020/196 r. 54; SL 2024/12 r. 22.]
45B.Certificate of compliance for performance solution
(1)When plumbing work that includes a performance solution is completed, the licensed plumbing contractor responsible for the work must, within 5 working days after the day on which the work is completed —
(a)give the Board a certificate of compliance for the work; and
(b)give a copy of the certificate to —
(i)if the work relates to building work carried out under a building permit — the person named as the builder on the building permit; or
(ii)otherwise — the owner or occupier of the place where the work was carried out;
and
(c)give a copy of the certificate to the local government in whose district the work was carried out if the work is drainage plumbing work and the drainage plumbing is not, and is not intended to be, connected to a sewer.
Penalty for this subregulation: a fine of $5 000.
(2)The certificate must certify that —
(a)the plumbing that is the result of the work (the principal plumbing), and any other plumbing that the certificate must cover because of subregulation (4), complies with the plumbing standards; and
(b)existing plumbing that any of the plumbing referred to in paragraph (a) relies upon for its safe and effective operation is safe and in proper working order.
(3)The certificate must be in the approved form.
(4)The certificate must cover the plumbing of a previous contractor if —
(a)the principal plumbing includes or relies upon plumbing that is the result of plumbing work for which another licensed plumbing contractor (the previous contractor) is responsible; and
(b)the plumbing work of the previous contractor was not completed by the previous contractor; and
(c)a certificate of compliance for the plumbing work of the previous contractor has not been given; and
(d)the plumbing of the previous contractor is essential to the safe and effective operation of the principal plumbing.
(5)A licensed plumbing contractor who has given a certificate of compliance must keep a copy of the certificate at the contractor’s principal place of business for at least 6 years after giving the certificate.
Penalty for this subregulation: a fine of $3 000.
[Regulation 45B inserted: Gazette 24 Apr 2015 p. 1497‑8; amended: Gazette 29 Apr 2016 p. 1345; 13 Dec 2016 p. 5626‑7; SL 2024/12 r. 23.]
45C.Non-completion of plumbing work including performance solution
(1)A licensed plumbing contractor who has given a notice of intention to carry out work including a performance solution must, by giving notice to the Board in the approved form, withdraw the notice of intention to the extent that the contractor is not going to carry out the work including the performance solution.
Penalty for this subregulation: a fine of $3 000.
(2)A licensed plumbing contractor must comply with regulation 45B in relation to work including a performance solution that has been completed by the contractor if —
(a)the contractor has given a notice of intention to carry out the work; and
(b)the contractor has commenced the work; and
(c)the contractor is not going to complete all the work.
Penalty for this subregulation: a fine of $3 000.
[Regulation 45C inserted: Gazette 24 Apr 2015 p. 1498‑9; amended: Gazette 29 Apr 2016 p. 1345; 13 Dec 2016 p. 5626‑7.]
Division 2B — Drainage plumbing diagrams for drainage plumbing work
[Heading inserted: Gazette 13 Dec 2016 p. 5628.]
45D.Drainage plumbing diagram to be given to Board
(1)A licensed plumbing contractor who carries out drainage plumbing work referred to in subregulation (2) must give the Board a diagram of the work —
(a)in the approved form;
(b)at the same time as a certificate of compliance for the work is given to the Board under regulation 42 or 45B.
Penalty for this subregulation: a fine of $ 5 000.
(2)Drainage plumbing work for which a diagram must be given is drainage plumbing work that involves the installation or alteration of pipes, materials or components that, once in place, are not readily accessible.
[Regulation 45D inserted: Gazette 13 Dec 2016 p. 5628; amended: SL 2024/12 r. 24.]
45DA.Diagram of drainage plumbing service line or drainage plumbing connection point to be given
(1)In this regulation each of the following terms has the meaning given in regulation 55 —
drainage plumbing connection point
drainage plumbing service line
lot
subdivided land
(2)A responsible person for plumbing work that is the installation of a drainage plumbing service line or drainage plumbing connection point on or for a lot on subdivided land must give the Board and the owner or occupier of the subdivided land a diagram of the plumbing work on the land —
(a)in the approved form; and
(b)at the same time as a certificate of compliance for the work is given to the Board under these regulations.
Penalty for this subregulation: a fine of $5 000.
[Regulation 45DA inserted: SL 2020/132 r. 5; amended: SL 2024/12 r. 25.]
45E.Application to obtain copy of drainage plumbing diagram
(1)A person may request a copy of a drainage plumbing diagram by applying to the Board in the approved form.
(2)The application is to be accompanied by the fee set out in Schedule 1 Division 2.
(3)The Board is to refund to an applicant the fee referred to in subregulation (2) if the Board is unable to provide to the applicant a copy of the drainage plumbing diagram requested or if the layout of drainage plumbing cannot be determined from the copy.
(4)Subregulations (2) and (3) do not apply to an application made by —
(a)a sewerage service licensee; or
(b)a local government listed in the Class Exemption for Small Local Government Sewerage and/or Non‑Potable Water Services Providers published in the Gazette on 1 July 2022 at p. 4039‑40.
(5)In subregulation (4)(a) —
sewerage service licensee means a licensee for the provision of a sewerage service as those terms are defined in the Water Services Act 2012 section 3(1).
[Regulation 45E inserted: Gazette 13 Dec 2016 p. 5629; amended: Gazette 29 Aug 2017 p. 4593; SL 2020/196 r. 54; SL 2024/12 r. 26.]
45F.Copy of drainage plumbing diagram may be provided
(1)The Board may, for any purpose described in subregulation (2), provide a copy of a drainage plumbing diagram to a person who makes an application under regulation 45E.
(2)The purposes referred to in subregulation (1) are —
(a)the regulation and control of plumbing work; and
(b)the maintenance of standards to be observed in, or in connection with, the carrying out of plumbing work.
[Regulation 45F inserted: Gazette 13 Dec 2016 p. 5629.]
Division 3 — General provisions
[Heading inserted: Gazette 28 Jun 2004 p. 2420.]
(1)The new installation fee is payable in respect of plumbing work for a new building, or an extension to an existing building, that will include at least one new fixture.
(2)The fee is payable by the licensed plumbing contractor who gives the first, or only, notice of intention in respect of the plumbing work, at the time of giving the notice.
(3)The amount of the fee is set out in Schedule 1 Division 2.
(4)For the purposes of this regulation —
(a)a fixture means a receptacle designed to collect and discharge wastewater or other waste into sanitary or drainage plumbing, for example, a basin, water closet, bath, shower, sink, laundry trough, urinal or bidet; and
(b)2 or more such receptacles that discharge through one fixture trap are to be considered as one fixture.
[Regulation 45 inserted: Gazette 28 Jun 2004 p. 2420‑1; amended: SL 2020/196 r. 54.]
46.False or misleading statements in notices etc., offence
A person who makes a statement or gives any information in a notice of intention, certificate of compliance or form given, or in a record kept, under this Part that the person knows to be false or misleading in a material particular commits an offence.
Penalty: a fine of $5 000.
[Regulation 46 inserted: Gazette 28 Jun 2004 p. 2421; amended: Gazette 29 Apr 2016 p. 1345; 18 Oct 2019 p. 3676.]
[Heading inserted: Gazette 24 Apr 2015 p. 1499.]
[47.Deleted: SL 2020/132 r. 6.]
(1)The standards that apply to plumbing and plumbing work (plumbing standards) are —
(a)the requirements set out in subregulation (2), subject to the modifications in regulation 49; and
(b)if the plumbing and plumbing work is work to which a provision of Part 6A applies — the requirements set out in the provision.
(2)For the purposes of subregulation (1)(a), the requirements are those —
(a)set out in the following provisions of the Plumbing Code —
(i)Section A;
(ii)Parts B1, B2 (other than clauses B2P11 and B2D4 to B2D6), and B5;
(iii)Specification 41;
(iv)Parts C1 and C2;
and
(b)that relate to —
(i)water supply plumbing or water supply plumbing work; or
(ii)sanitary plumbing or sanitary plumbing work; or
(iii)drainage plumbing or drainage plumbing work.
[Regulation 48 inserted: SL 2020/132 r. 6; amended: SL 2022/163 r. 6; SL 2024/12 r. 27.]
49.Modifications to Plumbing Code
[(1)deleted]
(2)For the purposes of regulation 48, the modifications set out in the Table are made to AS/NZS 3500.2 (Sanitary plumbing and drainage) as referenced in the Plumbing Code.
Table
|
Provision |
Modification |
||||||||
|
Clause 2.3 |
Delete paragraph (a) and insert:
(a)Bends in pipes shall — (i)have a throat radius complying with AS/NZS 1260:2017 (PVC‑U pipes and fittings for drain, waste and vent applications) Table 5.6 and Figure B6; and (ii)be free from wrinkling and flattening.
|
||||||||
|
Clause 3.8.2 |
Delete paragraph (b) and insert:
(b)the drains laid through footings shall be installed with an annular space of not less than 25 mm filled with a liner of flexible material. However, the drains need not be installed in such a way if the drains are installed in a building that is — (i)classified as a Class 1a or 10a building under Volume 1 and 2 of the National Construction Code; and (ii)in sandy soil classified as Class ‘A’ within the meaning of AS 2870‑2011 (Residential slabs and footings).
|
||||||||
|
Clause 3.18 |
Delete paragraph (d) and insert:
|
||||||||
|
|
(d)A vacuum sewer system DN 100 downstream vent shall be connected on the main drain — (i)before or on the inspection shaft riser; and (ii)after the last fixture on the main drain. The vacuum sewer system DN 100 downstream vent should be connected as close as possible to the inspection shaft riser. |
||||||||
|
|
(e)Vacuum sewer system and boundary trap low level vents shall terminate between a minimum of 150 mm and a maximum of 250 mm above ground or adopted flood level using one of the following methods — |
||||||||
|
|
(i)one 88° bend and a flat grate with invert level not less than 150 mm above ground or adopted flood level; |
||||||||
|
|
(ii)two 88° bends and a flat grate or vent cowl so that there is not less than 150 mm between the flat grate or vent cowl and the ground or adopted flood level; |
||||||||
|
|
(iii)an air admittance valve not less than 150 mm above ground or adopted flood level installed in accordance with Clause 6.9.
|
||||||||
|
Clause 4.5.3 |
Delete paragraph (b). At the end of the clause insert:
However, if the reflux valve is being installed in relation to an existing building, the reflux valve may be installed upstream from the inspection shaft.
|
||||||||
|
Clause 4.6.2 |
Delete paragraph (b) and insert:
(b)have each gully riser provided with a grating or cover of a loose, pop‑out type to relieve surcharge and allow adequate ventilation to the gully riser; and
|
||||||||
|
|
In paragraph (c)(ii) delete “surround).” and insert:
surround); and
|
||||||||
|
|
At the end of the clause insert:
(d)in relation to a class 1a or class 10a building within the meaning of Volume 1 and 2 of the National Construction Code — have the height of the gully riser not more than 600 mm measured from the top of the water seal to the grate of the gully.
|
||||||||
|
Table 4.6.6.6 |
Delete the table and insert:
TABLE 4.6.6.6 POINT OF MEASUREMENT ON FIXTURES FOR HEIGHT ABOVE OVERFLOW GULLY
|
||||||||
|
Clause 4.7.1 |
Delete paragraph (c) and insert:
(c)on the downstream end of any branch drain that exits a building, between the building and the junction into the main drain;
|
||||||||
|
Clause 6.5.1 |
Delete the clause and insert:
6.5.1General Each sanitary fixture and appliance must have a self‑sealing device or trap. A self‑sealing device must — (a)be in the same room as the fixture or appliance that it serves; and (b)be accessible. A trap (other than a self‑sealing device) must — (a)be in the same room as the fixture or appliance that it serves; and (b)be accessible unless the trap is in the ground or concrete. A trap (other than a self‑sealing device) in the ground or concrete must not have — (a)a loose coupling nut; or (b)a diameter that is greater than the diameter of the outlet for the fixture or appliance that the trap serves. A trap (other than a self‑sealing device) that is in the ground or concrete must be directly below the outlet for the fixture or appliance that the trap serves.
|
||||||||
|
Clause 13.9 |
Delete the passage that begins with “Where” and continues to the end of the clause. |
||||||||
(3)For the purposes of regulation 48, the modifications set out in the Table are made to AS/NZS 3500.4 (Heated water services) as referenced in the Plumbing Code.
Table
|
Provision |
Modification |
|
Clause 5.8 |
In NOTE 1 delete “Where the water supply is scaling in nature, an expansion control valve or expansion vessel should” and insert:
An expansion control valve or expansion vessel must
|
|
Table 5.9.1(A) |
In the row relating to Expansion control valve or expansion vessel (Australia only) in the 3rd and 4th columns delete “g” and insert:
Yes
|
[(4), (5) deleted]
[Regulation 49 inserted: Gazette 24 Apr 2015 p. 1500‑12; amended: Gazette 29 Apr 2016 p. 1346; 13 Dec 2016 p. 5624‑5; 9 Apr 2019 p. 1057‑60; SL 2022/163 r. 7.]
50.Compliance with plumbing standards and standard of work
A person must ensure that plumbing work for which the person is a responsible person —
(a)complies with the plumbing standards that apply to the plumbing work; and
(b)is carried out in a tradesman like manner.
Penalty: a fine of $5 000.
[Regulation 50 inserted: Gazette 24 Apr 2015 p. 1512.]
(1)A person who is a responsible person for plumbing work must ensure that plumbing is not connected to a water supply system, a sewerage system or an apparatus for the treatment of sewage, unless the plumbing complies with the plumbing standards that apply to the plumbing.
Penalty for this subregulation: a fine of $5 000.
(2)A person does not commit an offence under subregulation (1) if the person proves that they did not know that the plumbing did not comply with the plumbing standards.
(3)A prosecution of an offence under subregulation (1) cannot be commenced without the approval of the Board.
(4)The Board cannot give approval under subregulation (3) unless the Board is satisfied that connecting the plumbing was unsafe or gave rise to a dangerous situation.
[Regulation 51 inserted: Gazette 24 Apr 2015 p. 1512‑13; amended: Gazette 29 Apr 2016 p. 1346; SL 2024/12 r. 28.]
52.Specifications not to be exceeded
(1)A person who installs a pipe, material, fixture or component as part of plumbing work for which the person is a responsible person must ensure that —
(a)the installation specifications specified by the manufacturer of the pipe, material, fixture or component are complied with; and
(b)the operating conditions specified by the manufacturer of the pipe, material, fixture or component will not be exceeded.
Penalty for this subregulation: a fine of $5 000.
(2)Subregulation (1) does not apply if the manufacturers specifications for installation or operating conditions are inconsistent with the plumbing standards that apply to the plumbing.
[Regulation 52 inserted: Gazette 24 Apr 2015 p. 1513; amended: Gazette 29 Apr 2016 p. 1347; 13 Dec 2016 p. 5625; SL 2024/12 r. 29.]
[53.Deleted: SL 2024/12 r. 30.]
54.Non‑application, modification of, plumbing standards
(1)In this regulation —
declaration means a declaration under subregulation (2);
specified means specified in a declaration.
(2)The Board may, in writing and on the application of another person —
(a)declare that a specified plumbing standard does not apply to specified plumbing work or specified plumbing; or
(b)modify in a specified way a plumbing standard that applies to specified plumbing work or specified plumbing.
(3)A declaration has effect in accordance with its terms.
(4)The Board must not make a declaration unless satisfied that the declaration would not result in an increased risk to people, property or the environment and that making the declaration —
(a)is in the public interest; or
(b)is consistent with the purpose of any other written law or a Commonwealth law.
(5)A declaration may be made subject to specified conditions.
(6)If a declaration is made subject to a specified condition, the declaration has no effect at any time when the condition is being contravened.
(7)The Board may, by notice in writing, revoke or amend a declaration at any time and must serve the applicant for the original declaration with a copy of the notice.
(8)An application for a declaration must be made in an approved form and accompanied by the application fee set out in Schedule 1 Division 2.
[Regulation 54 inserted: Gazette 24 Apr 2015 p. 1514‑15; amended: SL 2020/196 r. 54.]
Part 6A — Plumbing standards for plumbing and plumbing work on subdivided land
[Heading inserted: SL 2020/132 r. 7.]
In this Part —
common property, in relation to subdivided land, means a part of the land shown on a proposed scheme plan as common property;
connection point, for a lot on subdivided land, means a drainage plumbing connection point or water supply plumbing connection point on the lot;
drainage plumbing connection point, for a lot on subdivided land, means a point on the lot at which the main drain for a building on the lot can be connected to a drainage plumbing service line;
drainage plumbing service line, for a lot on subdivided land, means a pipe used or intended to be used to convey wastewater or other waste from a drainage plumbing connection point for the lot to a sewerage system, apparatus for the treatment of sewage or greywater diversion device or treatment system;
lot, in relation to subdivided land, means a part of the land shown on a proposed scheme plan as a lot that is not land shown on the plan as common property, a road or reserve;
proposed scheme plan, in relation to land, means —
(a)a scheme plan proposed to be registered for a survey‑strata scheme (as defined in the Strata Titles Act 1985 section 9) under the Strata Titles Act 1985; or
(b)a scheme plan proposed to be registered for a community titles (land) scheme (as defined in the Community Titles Act 2018 section 11(8)) under the Community Titles Act 2018;
service line, for a lot on subdivided land, means a drainage plumbing service line or water supply plumbing service line for the lot;
subdivided land means land the subject of a proposed scheme plan;
water supply plumbing connection point, for a lot on subdivided land, means a point on the lot at which water supply plumbing for a building on the lot can be connected to a water supply plumbing service line;
water supply plumbing service line, for a lot on subdivided land, means a pipe used or intended to be used for the supply of water from a water supply system to the water supply plumbing connection point for the lot.
[Regulation 55 inserted: SL 2020/132 r. 7; amended: SL 2021/71 r. 9; SL 2022/163 r. 8; SL 2024/12 r. 31.]
(1)This regulation applies to plumbing and plumbing work that is the installation of a connection point for a lot on subdivided land.
(2)A responsible person for the installation of a drainage plumbing connection point for the lot on subdivided land must ensure —
(a)the drainage plumbing connection point is —
(i)installed for the lot; and
(ii)subject to regulation 58(3), installed on the lot; and
(iii)installed at a depth that is sufficient to ensure that drainage plumbing for a building on the lot can be connected to the connection point in accordance with the minimum grades set out in the AS/NZS 3500.2 (Sanitary plumbing and drainage) clause 3.4; and
(iv)of a size, type and quality to perform the function for which it is installed;
and
(b)a pipe is placed immediately above where the drainage plumbing connection point is located that has —
(i)a nominal diameter of 40 mm; and
(ii)tape attached to the pipe that indicates that a drainage plumbing connection point is underneath the pipe; and
(iii)a 40 mm cap placed on the exposed end of the pipe.
(3)A responsible person for the installation of a water supply plumbing connection point for the lot on subdivided land must ensure —
(a)the water supply plumbing connection point is —
(i)installed for the lot; and
(ii)subject to regulation 58(3), installed on the lot; and
(iii)of a size, type and quality to perform the function for which it is installed;
and
(b)a pipe is placed immediately above where the water supply plumbing connection point is located that has —
(i)a nominal diameter of 40 mm; and
(ii)tape attached to the pipe that indicates that a water supply plumbing connection point is underneath the pipe; and
(iii)a 40 mm cap placed on the exposed end of the pipe.
[Regulation 56 inserted: SL 2020/132 r. 7; amended: SL 2024/12 r. 32.]
(1)In this regulation —
internal boundary, in relation to a lot on subdivided land, means the boundary of the lot on subdivided land as shown on the proposed scheme plan, other than the part of the boundary of the lot that is the main boundary;
main boundary, in relation to subdivided land, means a boundary of the subdivided land and other land not forming part of the subdivided land as shown on the proposed scheme plan.
(2)This regulation applies to plumbing and plumbing work that is the installation of a service line for a lot on subdivided land.
(3)A responsible person for the installation of the service line for the lot on subdivided land must ensure that the service line is —
(a)installed for the lot; and
(b)installed within the main boundary of the subdivided land.
(3A)Despite subregulation (3)(b), a drainage plumbing service line that cannot be connected to a sewerage system, apparatus for the treatment of sewage or greywater diversion device or treatment system within the main boundary may be installed outside the main boundary to the extent necessary to connect the service line to the sewerage system, apparatus for the treatment of sewage or greywater diversion device or treatment system.
(4)A responsible person for the installation of the service line for the lot on subdivided land must ensure that the part of the service line that is installed on the lot or another lot on the subdivided land is —
(a)installed —
(i)parallel with the main boundary of the subdivided land; and
(ii)no more than 1.5 m from the main boundary;
or
(b)installed —
(i)parallel with an internal boundary of the lot; and
(ii)no more than 1 m from the internal boundary of the lot;
or
(c)if the lot is on subdivided land to which regulation 58 applies — installed in accordance with regulation 58(2).
(5)A responsible person for the installation of the service line for the lot on subdivided land must ensure that the service line is of a size, type and quality to perform the function for which it is installed.
[Regulation 57 inserted: SL 2020/132 r. 7; amended: SL 2024/12 r. 33.]
58.Connection points and service lines on rear driveway for particular subdivided land
(1)This regulation applies to plumbing and plumbing work that is the installation of a service line or connection point for a lot on subdivided land if the proposed scheme plan for the land shows that —
(a)the land will be divided into 2 lots; and
(b)1 of the lots (the front lot) is between the other lot (the rear lot) and a street outside the subdivided land; and
(c)the proposed scheme plan shows the rear lot will only be connected to the street outside the subdivided land by a driveway (the rear driveway); and
(d)the rear driveway is part of the rear lot or is common property.
(2)A responsible person for the installation of the service line for the front lot or rear lot on the subdivided land may install, or cause to be installed, the service line for the lot anywhere on the part of the land the proposed scheme plan shows as the rear driveway.
(3)A responsible person for the installation of the connection point for the rear lot on the subdivided land may install, or cause to be installed, the connection point for the lot anywhere on the part of the land the proposed scheme plan shows as the rear driveway.
[Regulation 58 inserted: SL 2020/132 r. 7.]
59.Service lines on subdivided land with existing building to be moved to be in accordance with r. 57 and 58
(1)This regulation applies to plumbing and plumbing work that is the installation of a service line for a lot on subdivided land if —
(a)the subdivided land has an existing building on it that is connected to existing service lines; and
(b)the existing building will be on 1 of the lots (the existing building lot) on the subdivided land; and
(c)the existing service lines for the existing building will not be wholly within the existing building lot.
(2)A responsible person for the installation of the service line must ensure that the service line for the existing building lot is installed in accordance with regulations 57 and 58.
[Regulation 59 inserted: SL 2020/132 r. 7; amended: SL 2021/71 r. 10.]
[60‑65.Deleted: Gazette 24 Apr 2015 p. 1499.]
Part 7 — Inspection, investigation and enforcement
[Heading inserted: Gazette 28 Jun 2004 p. 2432.]
Division 1 — Plumbing compliance officers
[Heading inserted: Gazette 28 Jun 2004 p. 2432.]
66.Plumbing compliance officers, designation of and identity cards for
(1)The Board may, in writing, designate an employee of the Department or of a local government as a plumbing compliance officer for the purposes of one or more specified regulations in this Part.
(2)The Board is to give each plumbing compliance officer an identity card that includes —
(a)a recent passport‑size photograph of the person; and
(b)the person’s name; and
(c)a statement that the person is a plumbing compliance officer; and
(d)the regulation or regulations under which the compliance officer may exercise powers; and
(e)the expiry date of the card.
(3)A plumbing compliance officer must produce his or her identity card whenever asked to do so by a person apparently having charge of any land, premises or other thing in respect of which the officer has exercised or is about to exercise any power.
(4)Production of the identity card of a plumbing compliance officer is evidence in any court of the designation and powers of the officer unless evidence is given to the contrary.
[Regulation 66 inserted: Gazette 28 Jun 2004 p. 2432‑3.]
Division 2 — Inspection and rectification of plumbing work
[Heading inserted: Gazette 28 Jun 2004 p. 2433.]
67.Rules applying to entry for inspection purposes
(1)A plumbing compliance officer must not enter a place for inspection purposes other than in accordance with a power of entry given by or under these regulations.
(2)In this regulation —
inspection purposes has the meaning given in regulation 82.
[Regulation 67 inserted: Gazette 28 Jun 2004 p. 2433; amended: SL 2024/12 r. 34.]
68.Inspection of plumbing work by officer, notice of etc.
(1)The Board may give notice of inspection to a licensed plumbing contractor or permit holder in respect of plumbing work —
(a)for which the contractor or permit holder is responsible; or
(b)for which the contractor or permit holder has given, or is required to give, a certificate of compliance,
specifying —
(c)the plumbing that is to be inspected by a plumbing compliance officer; and
(d)what test or tests (if any) are to be carried out; and
(e)the time within which the inspection must take place (which must be at least 2 working days after the day on which notice is received).
(2)Notice under subregulation (1) may be oral.
(3)If the plumbing to be inspected is at a dwelling, the contractor or permit holder is, to the extent possible, to —
(a)arrange a time for the inspection with the occupier (or owner if there is no occupier) of the dwelling; and
(b)obtain the written consent of the occupier (or owner if there is no occupier) to the plumbing compliance officer, and any other necessary persons, entering the dwelling for the purposes of the inspection; and
(c)give the written consent to the plumbing compliance officer.
(4)The recipient of a notice under subregulation (1) must —
(a)provide, or arrange for the provision of, the equipment, material, power and labour necessary for the test or tests (if any); and
(b)ensure that the recipient or a licensee or permit holder whose licence or permit covers the type of work to be inspected is present at the time of the inspection.
(5)The Board is not to give notice of inspection to a licensed plumbing contractor or permit holder in respect of plumbing work more than 6 years after the work is completed (which, if no rectification notice in respect of the work has been given, is to be taken to be the time when the certificate of compliance for the work is given).
[Regulation 68 inserted: Gazette 28 Jun 2004 p. 2433‑5; amended: Gazette 7 Oct 2005 p. 4522‑3.]
69.Notice of inspection may be given to dwelling owner etc. in some cases
(1)The Board may give a notice of inspection to the occupier (or owner if there is no occupier) of a dwelling in respect of plumbing work carried out at the dwelling if —
(a)notice of inspection in respect of the work cannot be given to a licensed plumbing contractor or permit holder under regulation 68; or
(b)notice has been given to the licensed plumbing contractor or permit holder but the Board is satisfied that the contractor or permit holder is unlikely to comply with it.
(2)The notice of inspection must specify —
(a)the plumbing that is to be inspected by a plumbing compliance officer; and
(b)what test or tests (if any) are to be carried out; and
(c)when the inspection is to take place.
(3)A notice under this regulation must be given at least 2 working days before the day on which the inspection is specified to take place.
[Regulation 69 inserted: Gazette 28 Jun 2004 p. 2435; amended: Gazette 7 Oct 2005 p. 4523.]
70.Drainage plumbing work (major plumbing work) ready for inspection, notice to be given to Board of
(1)The licensed plumbing contractor responsible for major plumbing work that is drainage plumbing work must give the Board notice of the time at which the plumbing will be ready to be inspected and must give the notice —
(a)before the time; and
(b)in the manner,
nominated by the Board by notice published in the Gazette.
Penalty for this subregulation: a fine of $5 000.
(2)The contractor may withdraw the notice by giving the Board at least one hour’s notice.
(3)The contractor must ensure that —
(a)the drainage plumbing is ready for inspection at the time notified; and
(b)the contractor or a licensee whose licence covers the type of work to be inspected is present at the time of the inspection if so requested by a plumbing compliance officer; and
(c)the plumbing is not covered until —
(i)a plumbing compliance officer is satisfied that the plumbing can be covered; or
(ii)the time of the inspection has passed and no inspection has taken place.
Penalty for this subregulation: a fine of $5 000.
(4)If the drainage plumbing to be inspected is at a dwelling, the plumber is, to the extent possible, to —
(a)obtain the consent of the occupier (or owner if there is no occupier) of the dwelling to the plumbing compliance officer, and any other necessary persons, entering the dwelling for the purposes of the inspection; and
(b)give the written consent to the plumbing compliance officer.
[Regulation 70 inserted: Gazette 28 Jun 2004 p. 2435‑6; amended: Gazette 1 May 2007 p. 1896‑7; 29 Apr 2016 p. 1347.]
(1)A plumbing compliance officer may give a rectification notice in respect of plumbing work if the officer is satisfied that —
(a)the plumbing work was not carried out in accordance with the plumbing standards that applied to the work at the time it was carried out; or
(b)the plumbing work —
(i)did not comply with the deemed-to-satisfy provisions in the Plumbing Code as modified in accordance with regulation 49 at the time the work was carried out; and
(ii)a notice of intention to include a performance solution was not given under regulation 45A for the work;
or
(c)the plumbing work included the installation of a pipe, material, fixture or component in respect of which regulation 52(1) applied and —
(i)the installation specifications specified by the manufacturer of the pipe, material, fixture or component were not complied with; or
(ii)the operating conditions specified by the manufacturer of the pipe, material, fixture or component were exceeded;
or
(d)the plumbing work was not carried out in a tradesman like manner.
(2)A rectification notice cannot be given more than 6 years after —
(a)unless paragraph (b) applies, the day on which —
(i)for major plumbing work or plumbing work that includes a performance solution — a certificate of compliance for the plumbing work was given under regulation 42(1) or 45B(1), as the case requires; or
(ii)for minor plumbing work that does not include a performance solution — the minor plumbing work was completed;
or
(b)if 1 or more previous rectification notices have been given in respect of the plumbing work — the day on which the most recent previous rectification notice in respect of the plumbing work was given.
(3)The rectification notice is to be in the approved form and must specify —
(a)the plumbing that is to be rectified; and
(b)the rectification that is required to be carried out; and
(c)whether the rectification must be carried out by a licensed plumbing contractor or permit holder; and
(d)the time within which the rectification must be carried out.
(4)The plumbing compliance officer may give the rectification notice to the licensed plumbing contractor or permit holder who —
(a)is responsible for the particular plumbing work; or
(b)has given, or is required to give, a certificate of compliance that covers the work.
(5)If the plumbing work was carried out by a person in contravention of regulation 9, the plumbing compliance officer may give the rectification notice to that person.
(6)If a rectification notice is given to a licensed plumbing contractor or permit holder the plumbing compliance officer must give a copy of it to —
(a)if the plumbing work relates to building work carried out under a building permit — the person named as the builder on the building permit; or
(b)otherwise — the owner of the place where the plumbing work was carried out.
(7)The plumbing compliance officer who gave a rectification notice, or the Board, may amend or revoke the notice by giving the person to whom it was given a notice in the approved form.
[Regulation 71 inserted: Gazette 24 Apr 2015 p. 1515‑17; amended: Gazette 13 Dec 2016 p. 5626; 18 Oct 2019 p. 3676‑7; SL 2024/12 r. 35.]
72.Obligations in relation to rectification notices
(1)A person who is given a rectification notice must comply with the notice.
Penalty for this subregulation: a fine of $5 000.
(2)A person who is given a rectification notice must, as soon as is practicable, notify —
(a)the plumbing compliance officer who gave the notice; or
(b)if the officer cannot be notified — the Board,
when the plumbing specified in the notice is rectified.
Penalty for this subregulation: a fine of $3 000.
(3)A person who carries out plumbing work, or arranges for plumbing work to be carried out, because of a rectification notice given to the person is not entitled to any payment or other remuneration for the work.
(4)A person who carries out plumbing work, or arranges for plumbing work to be carried out, because of a rectification notice given to the person must not request payment or other remuneration for the work.
Penalty for this subregulation: a fine of $5 000.
(5)If the person to whom a rectification notice is given fails to comply with the notice and the Board is of the opinion that the plumbing specified in the notice must be rectified without further delay —
(a)to prevent the waste or contamination of water supplied by a water supply system;
(b)to prevent the entry into a sewer or apparatus for the treatment of sewage of any matter that is likely to hinder or prevent the proper functioning of the sewer or apparatus;
(c)to prevent the escape of foul air or offensive or infectious matter from a sewer or apparatus for the treatment of sewage;
(d)to avert or rectify a dangerous situation,
a plumbing compliance officer may, with the approval of the Board, carry out the work or arrange for the work to be carried out.
(6)For the purposes of subregulation (5), the plumbing compliance officer may enter the place where the plumbing is located after obtaining, or attempting to obtain, the consent of the occupier (or owner if there is no occupier) of the place.
[Regulation 72 inserted: Gazette 28 Jun 2004 p. 2438‑9; amended: Gazette 29 Apr 2016 p. 1347-8; SL 2024/12 r. 36.]
73.Inspection of rectified plumbing work, fee for
(1)The Board may charge the person given a rectification notice a fee for any inspection of plumbing work carried out as a result of the rectification notice.
(2)The fee is the amount set out in Schedule 1 Division 2 for each hour or part‑hour of the inspection.
[Regulation 73 inserted: Gazette 28 Jun 2004 p. 2439; amended: SL 2020/196 r. 54.]
Division 3 — Infringement notices
[Heading inserted: Gazette 28 Jun 2004 p. 2440.]
In this Division —
authorised person means —
(a)a plumbing compliance officer; or
(b)a person designated under regulation 80 by the Board to be an authorised person for the purposes of the regulation in which the term is used;
prescribed offence means an offence against a regulation listed in the Table to regulation 75(3).
[Regulation 74 inserted: Gazette 29 Apr 2016 p. 1348.]
75.Issue of infringement notices
(1)An authorised person who has reason to believe that a person has committed a prescribed offence may, within 12 months after the alleged offence is believed to have been committed, give an infringement notice to the alleged offender.
(2)The infringement notice is to be in the form set out in Schedule 4 Form 1.
(3)In an infringement notice the amount specified as being the amount of the modified penalty for the offence referred to in the notice is to be the amount that was the modified penalty for that offence as set out in the Table to this subregulation at the time the alleged offence is believed to have been committed.
Table
|
Offence against regulation |
Modified penalty $ |
|
9(1), 42(1), 44A(1), (3), (4), (5) or (6), 45A(1), 45B(1) |
1 000 |
|
24A, 41(3A) |
300 |
|
25(2), 39(1), (2), (2B), (2D), (3) or (4),104(3), 105, 111(3) |
200 |
|
41(1), 43(1) or (2), 45B(5), 45C(1) or (2) |
600 |
|
25(3) or (4), 45D(1), 45DA(2), 70(1), 70(3) |
500 |
[Regulation 75 inserted: Gazette 28 Jun 2004 p. 2440; amended: Gazette 24 Apr 2015 p. 1517; 29 Apr 2016 p. 1348‑9; 13 Dec 2016 p. 5625 and p. 5629; 18 Oct 2019 p. 3677; SL 2020/132 r. 8; SL 2024/12 r. 37.]
76.Extending time to pay modified penalty
(1)An authorised person may, in a particular case, extend the period within which the modified penalty specified in an infringement notice may be paid and the extension may be allowed whether or not that period has elapsed.
(2)An authorised person may not extend the period within which a modified penalty specified in an infringement notice may be paid if the authorised person gave the infringement notice.
[Regulation 76 inserted: Gazette 29 Apr 2016 p. 1349.]
77.Withdrawing infringement notice
(1)An authorised person may, whether or not the modified penalty has been paid, withdraw an infringement notice by sending to the alleged offender a notice in the form set out in Schedule 4 Form 2 stating that the infringement notice has been withdrawn.
(2)If an infringement notice is withdrawn after the modified penalty has been paid, the amount is to be refunded.
(3)An authorised person may not withdraw an infringement notice if the authorised person gave the infringement notice.
[Regulation 77 inserted: Gazette 28 Jun 2004 p. 2441; amended: Gazette 29 Apr 2016 p. 1349.]
78.Payment of modified penalty, consequences of
(1)Subregulation (2) applies if the modified penalty specified in an infringement notice has been paid within 28 days after the day on which the notice was given, or such further time as is allowed, and the notice has not been withdrawn.
(2)If this subregulation applies it prevents the bringing of proceedings and the imposition of penalties to the same extent that they would be prevented if the alleged offender had been convicted by a court of, and punished for, the alleged offence.
(3)Payment of a modified penalty is not to be regarded as an admission for the purposes of any proceedings, whether civil or criminal.
[Regulation 78 inserted: Gazette 28 Jun 2004 p. 2441.]
79.Paid modified penalties, application of
An amount paid as a modified penalty is, subject to regulation 77(2), to be dealt with as if it were a penalty imposed by a court as a penalty for an offence.
[Regulation 79 inserted: Gazette 28 Jun 2004 p. 2442.]
80.Designation of employee of department as authorised person
(1)The Board may, in writing, designate an employee of the department to be an authorised person for the purposes of regulation 75, 76 or 77.
(2)The Board is to issue to each person who is designated under subregulation (1) a certificate of that person’s authorisation.
(3)An authorised person must, at the request of a person to whom an infringement notice has been given, produce the certificate given to the person under subregulation (2).
[Regulation 80 inserted: Gazette 29 Apr 2016 p. 1350.]
Division 4 — Dangerous situations
[Heading inserted: Gazette 28 Jun 2004 p. 2442.]
81.Plumbing compliance officers’ powers to deal with dangerous situations
(1)If a plumbing compliance officer suspects on reasonable grounds —
(a)that a dangerous situation exists; and
(b)that immediate measures are needed in order to assess, reduce, eliminate or avert the risk to people, property or the environment,
the officer may take those measures.
(2)For the purposes of subregulation (1), a plumbing compliance officer may —
(a)enter any place; and
(b)prevent persons other than those authorised by a plumbing compliance officer from entering the area where the dangerous situation exists; and
(c)direct a person to leave or not to enter the area where the dangerous situation exists; and
(d)take any other action that is necessary and incidental.
(3)A plumbing compliance officer’s powers under this regulation are in addition to the other powers of a plumbing compliance officer under this Part and may be exercised whether or not a rectification notice has been given to any person.
[Regulation 81 inserted: Gazette 28 Jun 2004 p. 2442‑3.]
Division 5 — Powers of entry, inspection and investigation
[Heading inserted: Gazette 28 Jun 2004 p. 2443.]
In these regulations —
compliance purposes means the purposes of —
(a)investigating whether Part 3, 4A, 5, 6 or 7 is being or has been complied with; and
(b)obtaining evidence of a contravention of Part 3, 4A, 5, 6 or 7;
inspection purposes means the purposes of —
(a)investigating whether plumbing complies with the plumbing standards (including carrying out tests on plumbing); and
(b)obtaining evidence of a contravention of the plumbing standards.
[Regulation 82 inserted: Gazette 28 Jun 2004 p. 2443; amended: Gazette 13 Dec 2016 p. 5626.]
83.Power to enter for inspection or compliance purposes
(1)A plumbing compliance officer may, for inspection or compliance purposes, enter a place that is not a dwelling at any reasonable time.
(2)A plumbing compliance officer may, for inspection or compliance purposes, enter a place that is a dwelling if —
(a)the consent of the occupier (or owner if there is no occupier) has been obtained; or
(b)plumbing work is being carried out at the dwelling at the time the officer proposes to enter the dwelling; or
(c)entry is authorised by an entry warrant.
(3)If a notice of inspection has been given to the occupier (or owner if there is no occupier) of a dwelling under regulation 69, a plumbing compliance officer may enter the dwelling without the consent of the occupier or owner for inspection purposes —
(a)at the time specified in the notice; and
(b)on subsequent occasions if necessary to fulfil the purposes of the notice,
unless the occupier or owner, or a person authorised by the occupier or owner, objects to the entry.
(4)If a notice of intended entry has been given to the occupier (or owner if there is no occupier) of a dwelling under regulation 84, a plumbing compliance officer may enter the dwelling without the consent of the occupier or owner for compliance purposes —
(a)at the time specified in the notice; and
(b)on subsequent occasions if necessary to fulfil the purposes of the notice,
unless the occupier or owner, or a person authorised by the occupier or owner, objects to the entry.
[Regulation 83 inserted: Gazette 28 Jun 2004 p. 2444‑5.]
84.Notice of intention to enter dwelling, issue of
(1)If entry to a dwelling is needed for compliance purposes, a notice of intended entry may be given to the occupier (or owner if there is no occupier) of the dwelling that is to be entered.
(2)The notice is to specify the purpose for which the entry is required and continues to have effect for so long as that requirement continues.
(3)The notice is to be given at least 24 hours before the power of entry is exercised.
(4)Successive entries for the purpose specified in the notice are to be regarded as entries to which that notice relates.
[Regulation 84 inserted: Gazette 28 Jun 2004 p. 2445.]
85.General powers for inspection and compliance purposes
(1)Upon entry to a place under this Division, a plumbing compliance officer may, for inspection or compliance purposes —
(a)require a person having the control or custody of the place to give reasonable access to it and other reasonable assistance; or
(b)inspect or examine the place; or
(c)direct a person to produce any document that is or may be relevant to the inspection; or
(d)inspect any document produced, make copies of it or take extracts from it, and remove it for as long as is reasonably necessary to make copies or extracts; or
(e)direct a person to answer questions.
(2)Upon entry to a place under this Division, a plumbing compliance officer may, for inspection purposes —
(a)carry out, or supervise, reasonable tests on the plumbing; or
(b)take photographs of or make other recordings of the place and plumbing; or
(c)take or remove for analysis or examination samples of any thing relating to plumbing or plumbing work in the place.
(3)A person is not excused from answering a question that a plumbing compliance officer has directed him or her to answer on the ground that the answer to the question might tend to incriminate the person, but —
(a)the answer to the question; or
(b)any information, record or thing obtained as a direct consequence of the answer to the question,
is not admissible in evidence against the person in criminal proceedings other than proceedings for an offence against regulation 90(3).
[Regulation 85 inserted: Gazette 28 Jun 2004 p. 2445‑6.]
(1)A justice may by warrant authorise a plumbing compliance officer, together with such other persons as are named or described in the warrant (including police officers), to enter any place for the purposes specified in the warrant, using such force as is necessary.
(2)The justice may grant the entry warrant if and only if satisfied that the entry is reasonably required for inspection or compliance purposes but —
(a)entry has been refused or is opposed or prevented; or
(b)entry cannot be obtained; or
(c)notice cannot be given to the occupier (or owner if there is no occupier) of the place under regulation 69 or 84 without frustrating the purpose of the entry, without unreasonable difficulty or without unreasonably delaying entry.
(3)An entry warrant must contain the following information —
(a)a reasonably particular description of the location of the place to which it relates;
(b)a reasonably particular description of the purposes for which entry to the place is authorised;
(c)the period, not exceeding 7 days, in which it may be executed;
(d)the date and time when it was issued.
(4)If a plumbing compliance officer enters a place under the authority of an entry warrant, the officer must —
(a)if requested to do so by the occupier, give the occupier a copy of the entry warrant; or
(b)if the occupier is not there, leave a copy of the entry warrant at the place for the occupier or owner.
[Regulation 86 inserted: Gazette 28 Jun 2004 p. 2446‑7.]
87.Assistants and equipment, use of
Entry by a plumbing compliance officer under this Part (other than under an entry warrant) may be made with such assistants and equipment as are considered necessary for the purpose for which entry is required.
[Regulation 87 inserted: Gazette 28 Jun 2004 p. 2447.]
88.Purpose of entry to be given on request
A plumbing compliance officer who enters or who has entered a place must, if requested to do so, give particulars of the power by virtue of which the officer claims a right of entry.
[Regulation 88 inserted: Gazette 28 Jun 2004 p. 2448.]
Division 6 — General provisions
[Heading inserted: Gazette 28 Jun 2004 p. 2448.]
89.Remedial action by State under r. 72(5) or 81, recovering cost of
(1)The State may recover any reasonable costs and expenses incurred under regulation 72(5) or 81 in a court of competent jurisdiction as a debt due to the State.
(2)Costs and expenses incurred under regulation 72(5) are recoverable from the person given the rectification notice under regulation 71.
(3)Costs and expenses incurred under regulation 81 are recoverable jointly and severally from the person or persons who carried out the plumbing work that gave rise to the dangerous situation.
(4)Costs and expenses incurred under regulation 81 are not recoverable from a person who proves that —
(a)the dangerous situation was due to the act or default of another person; and
(b)the person took all reasonably practicable measures to prevent the dangerous situation; and
(c)the dangerous situation was not attributable to an employee, agent or subcontractor of the person.
(5)For the purposes of subregulation (3), plumbing work under Part 4A is taken to have been carried out by the relevant service provider.
[Regulation 89 inserted: Gazette 28 Jun 2004 p. 2448; amended: Gazette 13 Dec 2016 p. 5626.]
(1)A person who does not comply with a direction given by a plumbing compliance officer under this Part commits an offence.
Penalty for this subregulation: a fine of $5 000.
(2)A person who obstructs a plumbing compliance officer, or a person assisting the officer, in the exercise of a power under this Part commits an offence.
Penalty for this subregulation: a fine of $5 000.
(3)A person who, having been directed under this Part by a plumbing compliance officer to answer a question or to give the officer a document, gives the officer information that the person knows is false or misleading in a material particular commits an offence.
Penalty for this subregulation: a fine of $5 000.
(4)It is a defence to a charge under this regulation to prove that the person charged had a reasonable excuse.
[Regulation 90 inserted: Gazette 28 Jun 2004 p. 2449; amended: Gazette 29 Apr 2016 p. 1350.]
Part 8 — Miscellaneous provisions
[Heading inserted: Gazette 28 Jun 2004 p. 2449.]
100.Application to SAT for review of certain decisions of Board
(1)This regulation applies to a decision of the Board —
(a)to refuse to issue a licence or permit; or
(b)to refuse to renew a licence or permit; or
(c)to impose a condition on a licence or permit; or
(d)to change, remove or add a condition to a licence or permit; or
(e)to take action under regulation 31(2); or
(ea)to make a declaration under regulation 39A(2); or
(eb)to refuse to revoke a declaration under regulation 39A(3); or
(f)to refuse to make a declaration under regulation 54; or
(g)to impose a condition on a declaration made under regulation 54.
(2)A person who is aggrieved by a decision to which this regulation applies may, within 28 days after the person receives notice of the decision, apply to the State Administrative Tribunal for a review of the decision.
[Regulation 100, formerly regulation 41, renumbered as regulation 100: Gazette 28 Jun 2004 p. 2449; amended: Gazette 30 Dec 2004 p. 6930; 7 Oct 2005 p. 4524; 29 Apr 2016 p. 1351; 13 Dec 2016 p. 5626.]
[101.Deleted: Gazette 30 Dec 2004 p. 6930.]
102.Register of licences and permits
(1)The Board is to keep a register of licences and permits in such form as the Board determines.
(2)The register is to be available for public inspection at the office of the Board during normal office hours.
(3)A person may obtain from the Board a copy of the register on payment of the fee set out in Schedule 1 Division 1.
(4)A person may obtain from the Board an extract from the register relating to a particular licence or permit on payment of the fee set out in Schedule 1 Division 1.
(5)The Board may remove address, telephone or email address information from —
(a)the copy of the register that is available for inspection under subregulation (2); or
(b)a copy of the register that is provided under subregulation (3); or
(c)an extract from the register that is provided under subregulation (4).
[Regulation 102, formerly regulation 43, renumbered as regulation 102: Gazette 28 Jun 2004 p. 2449 and amended: Gazette 28 Jun 2004 p. 2450; 7 Oct 2005 p. 4524; 26 Jun 2007 p. 3069; SL 2020/196 r. 54; SL 2024/12 r. 38.]
The register is to contain the following information in respect of each licence or permit —
(a)the class of licence or permit;
(b)the full name of the licensee or permit holder;
(ba)the licensee or permit holder’s residential or business address, telephone number and email address;
(c)the licence or permit number;
(d)the day on which the licence or permit was issued;
(e)the terms and conditions of the licence or permit;
(f)the type or types of plumbing work which the licence or permit authorises the licensee or permit holder to carry out.
[Regulation 103, formerly regulation 44, renumbered as regulation 103: Gazette 28 Jun 2004 p. 2449 and amended: Gazette 28 Jun 2004 p. 2450; 7 Oct 2005 p. 4524; 26 Jun 2007 p. 3069; SL 2024/12 r. 39.]
104.Register, Board may amend etc.
(1)The Board may make such amendments, additions and corrections to the register as are necessary to ensure that the register is an accurate record of the information it contains.
(2)For the purposes of subregulation (1), the Board may, by written notice, require a licensee or permit holder to give it any information covered by regulation 103 that relates to the licensee or permit holder within 28 days of the notice being given.
(3)A licensee or permit holder must comply with a notice given to the licensee or permit holder under subregulation (2).
Penalty for this subregulation: a fine of $2 000.
[Regulation 104, formerly regulation 45, renumbered as regulation 104: Gazette 28 Jun 2004 p. 2449 and amended: Gazette 28 Jun 2004 p. 2450; 7 Oct 2005 p. 4524; 29 Apr 2016 p. 1351.]
105.Licensee or permit holder must notify Board of change in details
A licensee or permit holder must notify the Board in writing of a change in the licensee’s or permit holder’s name, address, telephone number or email address recorded on the register under regulation 103(b) or (ba) no later than 14 days after the change occurs.
Penalty: a fine of $1 000.
[Regulation 105, formerly regulation 46, renumbered as regulation 105: Gazette 28 Jun 2004 p. 2449; amended: Gazette 7 Oct 2005 p. 4525; 26 Jun 2007 p. 3069; 29 Apr 2016 p. 1351; SL 2024/12 r. 40.]
(1)A notice, certificate, application or other document is in the approved form if —
(a)it is in the form approved in writing by the Board in relation to that kind of notice, certificate, application or other document; and
(b)it contains the information that the form requires, and is accompanied by such further information as the form requires; and
(c)it is given at the place and in the manner that the Board requires (if any).
(2)In addition to the Board’s power under subregulation (1), the Board may require that the notice and certificates that must be given under regulations 41(1), 42(1), 45A(1), 45B(1) and 111(3) —
(a)be printed with a specified number of self‑duplicating copies of specified colours; and
(b)be printed in specified combinations; and
(c)be numbered as specified by the Board.
(3)The Board must make available notices and certificates required under regulations 41(1), 42(1), 45A(1), 45B(1) and 111(3) that comply with the Board’s approval and requirements under this regulation.
(4)If a fee is set out in Schedule 1 Division 2 for notices and certificates referred to in subregulation (3), the Board may charge a fee for the notices and certificates that does not exceed the relevant fee set out in that Division.
[Regulation 106 inserted: Gazette 28 Jun 2004 p. 2451; amended: Gazette 13 Dec 2016 p. 5629; 23 Jun 2017 p. 3248; 18 Jun 2019 p. 2107; 18 Oct 2019 p. 3677; SL 2020/196 r. 54; SL 2023/35 r. 38.]
(1)In proceedings for an offence against these regulations a certificate in accordance with subregulation (2) purporting to be signed by the chairperson is, without proof of the chairperson’s appointment or signature, evidence of the facts stated in the certificate.
(2)A certificate may state any of the following —
(a)that a licence or permit is or was, or is not or was not, held by a person;
(b)the terms and conditions of a licence or permit;
(c)that a licence or permit is or was, or is not or was not, in force;
(d)the day or days on which, or period during which, anything referred to in paragraph (a), (b) or (c) applied.
(3)In proceedings for an offence against these regulations or in proceedings in relation to a disciplinary matter, any of the following matters may be presumed, unless there is evidence to the contrary, if a plumbing compliance officer has given a signed certificate as to the matter —
(a)that particular plumbing work has been carried out;
(b)that particular plumbing work has been carried out by a particular person;
(c)that particular plumbing work does or does not meet the plumbing standards.
[Regulation 107, formerly regulation 47, renumbered as regulation 107: Gazette 28 Jun 2004 p. 2449 and amended: Gazette 28 Jun 2004 p. 2452; 7 Oct 2005 p. 4525.]
108.Information about Board, Board may publish
The Board may publish information concerning the performance by the Board of its functions under the Act.
[Regulation 108 inserted as regulation 47B: Gazette 12 Sep 2003 p. 4080; renumbered as regulation 108: Gazette 28 Jun 2004 p. 2449.]
109.Information that may be disclosed
(1)For the purposes of section 60B(2)(b) of the Act —
(a)information may be disclosed to a person or body who or which has functions relating to the regulation of plumbing work under the law of this or another State, a Territory or the Commonwealth; and
(b)details of property on which plumbing work has been carried out may be disclosed to a water services provider if the disclosure is in accordance with an arrangement between the Board and the water services provider.
(2)For the purposes of section 60B(2)(d) of the Act, a plumbing compliance officer may disclose information obtained in the course of duty to a relevant person for the purpose of assisting the relevant person to carry out a function under —
(a)the Building Services (Complaint Resolution and Administration) Act 2011; or
(b)the Electricity Act 1945; or
(c)the Energy Coordination Act 1994; or
(d)the Gas Standards Act 1972; or
(e)the Water Efficiency Labelling and Standards Act 2006.
(3)In subregulation (2) —
relevant person means —
(a)the Building Commissioner designated under the Building Services (Complaint Resolution and Administration) Act 2011 section 85(1); or
(b)the Director of Energy Safety referred to in the Energy Coordination Act 1994 section 5; or
(c)a person designated as an inspector under the Energy Coordination Act 1994 section 12(2); or
(d)a WELS inspector appointed under the Water Efficiency Labelling and Standards Act 2006 section 45(1).
(4)For the purposes of section 60B(2)(d) of the Act, information obtained in the course of duty may be recorded, disclosed or used for the purposes of education or training if the information could not reasonably be expected to enable particulars relating to any person or business to be ascertained.
[Regulation 109 inserted: Gazette 26 Jun 2007 p. 3070; amended: SL 2024/12 r. 41.]
(1)The Board may, on the application of a person who has paid a fee under these regulations, refund all or part of the fee if the Board considers it appropriate to do so.
(2)The Board may require the applicant to provide any information that the Board considers necessary for the purposes of determining the application.
[Regulation 109A inserted: SL 2024/12 r. 42.]
Part 9 — Transitional provisions
[Heading inserted: SL 2024/12 r. 43.]
110.Transitional provision for Plumbers Licensing and Plumbing Standards Amendment Regulations 2019
The plumbing standards that apply on and after 1 May 2019 to plumbing and plumbing work commenced, but not completed, before that date are the plumbing standards as they stood at the time the plumbing or plumbing work was commenced.
[Regulation 110 inserted: Gazette 9 Apr 2019 p. 1060.]
111.Transitional provisions for Plumbers Licensing and Plumbing Standards Amendment Regulations (No. 3) 2019
(1)In this regulation —
former regulation 44 means regulation 44 as in force immediately before 1 January 2020.
(2)The amendments made by the Plumbers Licensing and Plumbing Standards Amendment Regulations (No. 3) 2019 regulation 7 apply in relation to minor plumbing work completed on or after 1 January 2020.
(3)If a certificate under former regulation 44 was not given before 1 January 2020 in relation to any minor plumbing work completed by or for a licensed plumbing contractor or permit holder in a month that ended before 1 January 2020, the contractor or permit holder must —
(a)complete a certificate that complies with the requirements of former regulation 44 for all minor plumbing work completed by or for the contractor or permit holder in that month; and
(b)give the certificate to the Board within 20 working days after 31 December 2019.
Penalty for this subregulation: a fine of $2 000.
(4)On application by a licensed plumbing contractor or permit holder, the Board must refund the fee paid under regulation 106(3) for any unused certificate obtained for the purpose of certifying minor plumbing work under former regulation 44 or this regulation.
[Regulation 111 inserted: Gazette 18 Oct 2019 p. 3678.]
112.Transitional provisions for Plumbers Licensing and Plumbing Standards Amendment Regulations 2022
(1)In this regulation —
commencement day means 1 May 2023;
pre‑commencement delivery temperature requirements means the requirements —
(a)set out in AS/NZS 3500.4:2018 (Heated water services) clauses 1.11.2 and 1.11.3; and
(b)applied under Part 6 as in force immediately before commencement day.
(2)The pre‑commencement delivery temperature requirements apply in relation to the following plumbing and plumbing work —
(a)a new heated water installation commenced during the period of 12 months beginning on commencement day;
(b)a solar water heater installation, commenced during the period of 12 months beginning on commencement day, that is replacing or relocating an existing water heater.
(3)The plumbing standards that apply on and after commencement day to plumbing and plumbing work commenced, but not completed, before commencement day are the plumbing standards as in force at the time the work for the plumbing or plumbing work was commenced.
[Regulation 112 inserted: SL 2022/163 r. 9
113.Transitional provision for Commerce Regulations Amendment (Plumbing) Regulations 2024: sanitary plumbing work, drainage plumbing work, major plumbing work and minor plumbing work
(1)In this regulation —
commencement day means the day on which the Commerce Regulations Amendment (Plumbing) Regulations 2024 regulation 7 comes into operation;
former regulation 3(1) means regulation 3(1) as in force immediately before commencement day;
former regulation 4 means regulation 4 as in force immediately before commencement day.
(2)Despite regulation 4A, sanitary plumbing work that commenced before commencement day is taken not to be sanitary plumbing work for the purposes of these regulations if, when the work commenced, it was not sanitary plumbing work under former regulation 4.
(3)Despite regulation 4B, drainage plumbing work that commenced before commencement day is taken not to be drainage plumbing work for the purposes of these regulations if, when the work commenced, it was not drainage plumbing work under former regulation 4.
(4)Despite anything to the contrary in regulation 3(1), plumbing work that commenced before commencement day is taken to be major plumbing work for the purposes of these regulations if, when the work commenced, it was major plumbing work under former regulation 3(1).
(5)Despite anything to the contrary in regulation 3(1), plumbing work that commenced before commencement day is taken to be minor plumbing work for the purposes of these regulations if, when the work commenced, it was minor plumbing work under former regulation 3(1).
[Regulation 113 inserted: SL 2024/12 r. 44.]
[Division 1 (r. 114-117) and Division 2 (r. 120-124) deleted: Gazette 29 Apr 2016 p. 1352.]
[r. 3, 22, 45A(3), 45E(2), 45(3), 54(8), 73(2), 102(3) and (4) and 106(4)]
[Heading inserted: SL 2023/35 r. 39.]
Division 1 — Authorisation fees
[Heading inserted: SL 2023/35 r. 39.]
|
Item |
Column 1 Description of fee |
Column 2 Fee ($) |
|
1. |
Application for plumbing contractor’s licence (r. 15) |
74.00 |
|
2. |
Application for tradesperson’s licence or tradesperson’s licence (drainage plumbing) (r. 15) |
33.00 |
|
3. |
Application for provisional tradesperson’s licence (r. 15) |
27.00 |
|
4. |
Application for restricted plumbing permit (r. 15) |
27.00 |
|
5. |
Issue of plumbing contractor’s licence (r. 17) |
750.00 |
|
6. |
Issue of tradesperson’s licence or tradesperson’s licence (drainage plumbing) (r. 17) |
265.00 |
|
7. |
Issue of provisional tradesperson’s licence (r. 17) |
79.00 |
|
8. |
Issue of restricted plumbing permit (r. 17) |
332.00 |
|
9. |
Renewal of plumbing contractor’s licence (r. 19A) |
750.00 |
|
10. |
Renewal of tradesperson’s licence or tradesperson’s licence (drainage plumbing) (r. 19A) |
265.00 |
|
11. |
Renewal of provisional tradesperson’s licence (r. 19A) |
87.00 |
|
12. |
Renewal of restricted plumbing permit (r. 19A) |
340.00 |
|
13. |
Issue of duplicate licence or permit (r. 22) |
71.00 |
|
14. |
Copy of register (r. 102(3)) |
61.80 |
|
15. |
Extract from register (r. 102(4)) |
61.80 |
[Division 1 inserted: SL 2023/35 r. 39; amended: SL 2024/12 r. 45.]
[Heading inserted: SL 2023/35 r. 39.]
|
Item |
Column 1 Description of fee |
Column 2 Fee ($) |
|
1. |
Combined notice of intention and certificate of compliance (r. 41(1) and 42(1)) — 1 notice/certificate |
25.00 |
|
2. |
Combined notice of intention and certificate of compliance to carry out work that includes performance solution (r. 45A(1) and 45B(1)) — 1 notice/certificate |
25.00 |
|
3. |
Lodgment fee for notice of intention to carry out work that includes performance solution in relation to a building that is not a Class 1 or Class 10 building (r. 45A(3)) |
810.00 |
|
3A. |
Lodgment fee for notice of intention to carry out work that includes performance solution in relation to a Class 1 or Class 10 building (r. 45A(3)) |
270.00 |
|
4. |
Copy of a drainage plumbing diagram (r. 45E) |
13.00 |
|
5. |
New installation fee for plumbing work involving 9 or less fixtures (r. 45) |
73.00 |
|
6. |
New installation fee for plumbing work involving more than 9 fixtures (r. 45) |
|
|
7. |
Application for declaration for non‑application or modification of plumbing standards (r. 54) |
877.00 |
|
8. |
Re‑inspection fee per hour or part‑hour (r. 73) |
130.00 |
[Division 2 inserted: SL 2023/35 r. 39; amended: SL 2024/12 r. 46.]
Schedule 2 — Constitution and proceedings
[r. 8]
In this Schedule —
meeting means a meeting of the Board.
(1)Subject to subclause (2) and clause 3, a member holds office for such term, not exceeding 3 years, as is specified in the member’s instrument of appointment, and is eligible for reappointment.
(2)If a member’s term expires without a person having been appointed to fill the vacancy, the member continues in office until any of the following occurs —
(a)the office of the member becomes vacant under clause 3(1);
(b)a person is appointed to fill the vacancy;
(c)a period of 6 months elapses after the expiry of the term of office.
[Clause 2 amended: Gazette 9 Apr 2019 p. 1060.]
(1)The office of a member becomes vacant if the member —
(a)resigns the office by written notice delivered to the Minister; or
(b)becomes ineligible to hold office as a member; or
(c)is an insolvent under administration, as that term is defined in the Corporations Act 2001 of the Commonwealth; or
(d)is removed from office by the Minister under subclause (2).
(2)The Minister may remove a member from office if the Minister is satisfied that the member —
(a)has neglected the member’s duty; or
(b)has misbehaved; or
(c)is incompetent; or
(d)is suffering from mental or physical incapacity, other than temporary illness, impairing the performance of the member’s functions; or
(e)has been absent, without leave and reasonable excuse, from 3 consecutive meetings of which the member has had notice.
[Clause 3 amended: Gazette 28 Sep 2001 p. 5357‑8.]
4.Alternate members, appointment of etc.
(1)The Minister may appoint a person (an alternate member) to act temporarily in the place of a member, other than the chairperson, when the member is unable to act because of illness, absence or other cause.
(2)In appointing an alternate member, the Minister is, as far as is practicable, to follow the procedure that applied under regulation 5 in relation to the appointment of the member in whose place the alternate member is to act.
(3)While acting in accordance with the appointment the alternate member is to be taken to be a member.
(4)The appointment of an alternate member may be terminated at any time by the Minister.
(5)An act or omission of an alternate member cannot be questioned on the ground that the occasion for the appointment or acting had not arisen or had ceased.
The Board may grant leave of absence to a member on the terms and conditions that it thinks fit.
(1)The chairperson, or in the absence of the chairperson the deputy chairperson, is to preside at all meetings at which he or she is present.
(2)If both the chairperson and the deputy chairperson are absent from a meeting, the members present are to appoint one of their number to preside.
(3)The procedure for the calling of meetings and for the conduct of business at meetings is, subject to these regulations, to be determined by the Board.
A quorum for a meeting is 4 members.
[Clause 7 amended: Gazette 1 Jun 2004 p. 1911.]
(1)At a meeting each member present has a deliberative vote.
(2)If the votes of the members present at a meeting are equally divided, the chairperson, deputy chairperson or other member presiding is to have a casting vote.
(3)A decision supported by a majority of the votes cast at a meeting at which a quorum is present is the decision of the Board.
9.Resolutions may be passed without meeting
A resolution in writing signed by each member, or assented to by each member by letter, facsimile transmission or other written means, has the same effect as if it had been passed at a meeting.
The presence of a member at a meeting need not be by attendance in person but may be by that member and each other member at the meeting being simultaneously in contact by telephone or other means of instantaneous communication.
Schedule 3 — Licence or permit requirements
[r. 17(1)(b), 20(3) and 20A(4)]
[Heading inserted: Gazette 19 Dec 2014 p. 4838; amended: SL 2024/12 r. 47.]
[Heading inserted: Gazette 19 Dec 2014 p. 4838.]
In this Schedule —
approved means approved by the Board;
Certificate, followed by a designation, means a certificate bearing that designation that is issued by a registered training provider;
registered training provider has the meaning given in the Vocational Education and Training Act 1996;
statement of attainment, of particular units of competency, means a document issued by a registered training provider containing information to the effect that the person named in the document has attained those units while receiving training from the provider;
statement of competency, in relation to particular plumbing work, means a document issued by a registered training provider containing information to the effect that the person named in the document —
(a)has received training from the provider in the performance of the work; and
(b)is competent to do that work.
[Clause 1 inserted: Gazette 19 Dec 2014 p. 4838‑9.]
Division 2 — Licence requirements
[Heading inserted: Gazette 19 Dec 2014 p. 4839.]
2.Plumbing contractor’s licence
The requirements for a plumbing contractor’s licence are that the applicant —
(a)is the holder of a tradesperson’s licence or tradesperson’s licence (drainage plumbing); and
(b)holds —
(i)a statement of competency as a water supply plumber, sanitary plumber or drainer; or
(ii)an equivalent Australian qualification as determined by the Board.
[Clause 2 inserted: Gazette 19 Dec 2014 p. 4839; amended: SL 2024/12 r. 48.]
The requirements for a tradesperson’s licence are that —
(a)the applicant holds —
(i)a Certificate III in Plumbing attained by fulfilling the obligations of an apprentice under a training contract, as those terms are defined in the Vocational Education and Training Act 1996 section 60A; or
(ii)an equivalent Australian qualification, and equivalent practical experience, as determined by the Board;
or
(b)the applicant holds, or has within the preceding 6 months held, a provisional tradesperson’s licence and also holds —
(i)a Certificate III in Plumbing; or
(ii)an equivalent Australian qualification as determined by the Board.
[Clause 3 inserted: Gazette 19 Dec 2014 p. 4839; amended: SL 2024/12 r. 49.]
4.Tradesperson’s licence (drainage plumbing)
The requirements for a tradesperson’s licence (drainage plumbing) are that the applicant holds —
(a)a Certificate II in Drainage attained by fulfilling the obligations of an apprentice under a training contract, as those terms are defined in the Vocational Education and Training Act 1996 section 60A; or
(b)an equivalent Australian qualification, and equivalent practical experience, as determined by the Board.
[Clause 4 inserted: SL 2024/12 r. 50.]
5.Provisional tradesperson’s licence
[(1)deleted]
(2)The requirements for a provisional tradesperson’s licence are that the applicant holds —
(a)an Offshore Technical Skills Record, issued by the Commonwealth body called Trades Recognition Australia, that relates to units of competency within Certificate III in Plumbing; or
(b)an equivalent Australian qualification as determined by the Board.
[Clause 5 inserted: Gazette 19 Dec 2014 p. 4840; amended: SL 2024/12 r. 51.]
[6.Deleted: SL 2024/12 r. 52.]
Division 3 — Permit requirements
[Heading inserted: Gazette 19 Dec 2014 p. 4840.]
[(1)deleted]
(2)The requirements for a restricted plumbing permit are that —
(a)the applicant holds —
(i)a statement of attainment for the unit of competency CPCPWT3022 — Install and commission water heating systems and adjust controls and devices; or
(ii)an equivalent Australian qualification as determined by the Board;
and
(b)the applicant holds —
(i)an electrical worker’s licence issued and endorsed as an electrician’s licence under the Electricity (Licensing) Regulations 1991 regulation 24; or
(ii)a gasfitting permit or authorisation issued under the Gas Standards (Gasfitting and Consumer Gas Installations) Regulations 1999 regulation 12.
[Clause 7 inserted: Gazette 19 Dec 2014 p. 4840‑1; amended: Gazette 29 Apr 2016 p. 1352; SL 2024/12 r. 53.]
