Page 4 - MPA

Editorial
MPA objects to outrageous license proposal
cables struck in drains, difficulties in access to sewer drains, access to the sewer plans, who owns or is responsible for the blockage – SA Water or the property owner and there are many more. MPA SA has identified that the complexity and nature of this specific process requires a more focussed approach and therefore will be establishing a committee to address these concerns and put measures in place to minimise confusion and possible disputes in the future. There are more details on page 18 of this edition.
Member Nights
In 2016, we held a number of Industry Forums that provided members with an opportunity to gain information on business related processes and additional support mechanisms required to run effective business operations. This year, we are introducing the same concept but under the new heading of “Member Nights”. Member Nights will follow a similar structure but with some targeted areas that we feel will benefit members in their day to day business activities. There will be more details on who the speakers will be and what topics they will be discussing. Please keep an eye out with the first one scheduled for July.
World Plumbing Day
World Plumbing Day is an
international event held
on March 11 every year,
initiated by the World
Plumbing Council as a
means of highlighting the
important role plumbing
plays in the health, safety
and sustainability of our
community. We wish to
thank all who attended our World Plumbing Day BBQ held on 14th March 2017 at Tonsley TAFE. This event was held in conjunction with TAFE SA, the World Plumbing Day Committee and was supported by various industry representatives. We are also pleased to say that the gold coin donations from this event were donated to Mates in Construction.
continued...
Back in November 2015, MPA SA was approached by Consumer Business Services (CBS) to make comment on a proposal to introduce a new restricted plumbing license for the unblocking of drains and storm water systems. The proposed license open to any person with no specific trade background, would have been achieved by completing an 8 hour training course, something the association had strong views against. MPA SA met with other key stakeholders including TAFE SA, Officer of Technical Regulator (OTR) and SA Water to seek further support to dismiss such a destructive proposal. MPA SA can reveal now (April 2017) after a lengthy time frame that CBS are now not progressing with the proposed restricted license.
Further to the above, it is extremely disappointing that Government who seek industry input into proposals for which we are truly grateful for, and to then not provide any corresponding communique back within a respectable time frame once final decisions had been made. This all sounds far too familiar and is an area the Government need to improve as the election in 2018 approaches.
MPA SA has stopped what would have been the most catastrophic decision by a governing body in years. Every stakeholder in the industry had major concerns with this proposal and had it been approved, would have jeopardised the health, safety and welfare of the community, let alone the potential damage of opening up of a licensed trade to unqualified tradespeople. I hope all plumbers involved in the drain cleaning sector of our industry appreciate the work of the MPA SA and its objective to ensure sustainability and protection of the trade.
Drain Cleaning – Communication is so important
One of the biggest issues raised by both consumers and plumbers with MPA SA over the past few months has been concerns and / or issues with work relating to drain cleaning practices (how ironic that this discussion is raised yet it is further support of our actions). The common theme being that drain cleaning is such a complex process that involves so much knowledge and experience that even the highly skilled professionals encounter difficulties. Some of the issues raised include; drain cleaning
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