The Australian government recently announced a new Apprentice Kickstart Bonus scheme for eligible employers. 

A bonus of up to $3,350 is available for each new apprentice employed before 28 February 2013 who remains with your business for more than 12 months.

Read more...

Gerimex Design Pty Ltd was established in 2012 as an Australian and Malaysian company based in Sydney, Australia.

Gerimex understands the importance of access to clean, fresh water and creates innovative, forward-thinking water protection products and water saving devices.

To see a full range of products and find out more, visit the Gerimex Design website

Did you know that you may be eligible for a $5000 tax deduction when you purchase a new motor vehicle for your business?

Small businesses can claim up to $5,000 as an immediate deduction for motor vehicles, with effect for vehicles acquired from the 2012-13 income year.

The remainder of the motor vehicle value is pooled in the general small business pool (depreciated at 15% in the first year and then 30%).

Read more...

At recent General Meeting of the World Plumbing Council in Brisbane, delegates voted to support the proposed bylaw amendments that has now seen the introduction of a new category of 'Individual Members' to the World Plumbing Council.

Read more...

“November and December are the deadliest times of the year for workplace fatalities, so don’t drop your guard before Christmas.”

That’s the message to every Victorian employer and worker from WorkSafe, which is striving for a fatality-free countdown to the end of the year.

Read more...

Planning Minister Matthew Guy today announced he would reform the oversight of building industry regulation to meet the 21st century needs of consumers and industry participants.

Read more...

The Australian Water Association is holding a workshop to discuss the value of rainwater tanks in urban environments.

When: Tuesday 27 November 2012, 5.30pm
Where: Places Victoria, Collins St, Docklands

Full details and registration

The latest updates regarding work health and safety harmonisation, workers compensation and WorkHealth checks...

Read more...

End of year workplace parties are regarded as an extension of the workplace.

As an employer, you are required to take reasonable steps to ensure duty of care to OHS and EEO.

Consider the following when planning your Christmas event:

Read more...

Master Plumbers, in conjunction with the University of Ballarat, is delivering a plumbing preapprenticeship course at PICAC. The preapprenticeship gives young people the opportunity to learn basic practical plumbing skills and develop an understanding of the plumbing industry before they look for a plumbing apprenticeship.

Read more...

Join us in Warragul for our next Industry Networking Evening!

The evening will include presentations on a number of key issues including National Licensing, commercial contract law and workplace health and safety.

When: Wednesday 31 October, 5.45pm for a 6pm start
Where: West Gippsland Arts Centre, Cnr Albert & Smith St, Warragul

View the event flyer for details and to RSVP 

Read more...

The Construction and Property Services Industry Skills Council is encouraging industry stakeholders to help recognize the key industry skills and training needs and to inform the development of the 2013-14 Environmental Scan (E-Scan).

You can provide input into the 2013 E-Scan by completing the quick (five minute) online Stakeholder Survey

Read more...

Don't risk missing WorkSafe Week in 2012! It's the easiest and most effective way to find solutions and get the latest on health and safety, return to work and health and wellbeing.

With over 100 free seminars and events across the state, it's your chance to learn everythign you need to make improvements at work.

Read more...

National Asbestos Awareness Week will be held in the last week of November and will involve a number of events. This includes an Asbestoswise Commemoration Service on Friday 30 November.

View the event invitation

Read more...

It's time to defend your industry
The Regulatory Impact Statement (RIS) outlining proposals for the National Occupational Licensing System for Plumbing and Gasfitting Occupations has been released and is now available for comment.

The document outlines three possible options for occupational licensing reform – the status quo, various levels of national licensing and automatic mutual recognition.

Protect your trade
Certain aspects of the National Licensing System pose a serious threat to our trade and community health and safety.

Read more...

WorkSafe has released a Safety Alert about how to manage the risk of explosion from leaking portable flammable gas cylinders inside work vehicles.

Workers have died or sustained serious injuries after their work vehicles exploded. These explosions occurred when gas from leaking portable gas cylinders ignited inside the vehicles. In many cases, the ignition source was the vehicle’s electrical system.

Read more...

ACCI has released the results of it's National Red Tape Survey.

The Survey was conducted by ACCI members (Chambers and industry associations) in August / September, and secured responses from 870 businesses.

Read more...

Join us for a new series of Industry Networking Evenings throughout October and November!

This series will focus on 'The Law and You' and we will address a number of key issues including National Licensing, commercial contract law and workplace health and safety.

Read more...

When you apply for an Australian Business Number (ABN), or update your details in the Australian Business Register (ABR), it is important to ensure the information you provide is true and correct.

Penalties can now apply for false or misleading statements made to the Registrar when applying for or maintaining an ABN registration.

Read more...

WorkSafe has released a Safety Alert highlighting the dangers associated with using synthetic fibre slings (often known as soft slings).

The alert provides advice on how to control the various risks associated with their use.

View the Safety Alert

Melbourne Water has introduced a new Healthy Waterways initiative, the '10,000 Raingardens' program, to encourage homeowners to help manage residential stormwater through the building of raingardens.

Do you know what a raingarden is? Find out here

The following plumbers have completed the Master Plumbers/Melbourne Water Raingardens training course and can help you understand the different types of raingardens and their construction and installation.

Read more...

The September issue of Australian Plumbing Industry magazine is out now - look out for your copy in the mail!

Read more...

Master Plumbers welcomes Thermotec Australia as a new corporate affiliate member. Thermotec have been supplying the Australian plumbing industry for 25 years.

Read more...

R U OK? Day is a national day of action on Thursday 13 September. On this day, all Australians are encouraged to regularly ask one another, 'are you ok?' to help stop little problems beocming bigger.

Read more...

Our Carbon Monoxide testing training courses are running again throughout September - this is your last chance to complete training in 2012!

Carbon monoxide can be deadly, are you up to date with best practice test procedures?

Read more...

The Master Plumbers Annual Charity Golf Day is on again!

Plumbers, tradies and general public welcome - great prizes, huge raffle and auction - all funds are donated to Camp Quality, the children's family cancer charity. 

Friday 5 October 2012
Neangar Park Golf Club, Bendigo
9am BBQ brunch / 10am tee off

Read more...

Early bird registration is still available!

Register now for the 2012 Australasian Plumbing Conference and save.

Read more...

Since 1 July 2012, as part of the Clean Energy Future Plan, synthetic greenhouse gas (SGG) refrigerants now attract an 'equivalent carbon price' based on their global warming potential (GWP).

AIRAH has released five fact sheets relating to the new Carbon Equivalent Levy of HFC refrigerant gases. These fact sheets cover a range of important topics, including how the levy is applied, managing financial risks, alternative refrigerants and safety and energy saving strategies.

Read more...

Last week the National Occupational Licensing Authority (NOLA) released Regulation Impact Statements (RIS) outlining proposals for the National Licensing System. 

The NOLA Taskforce has now released a schedule of public information sessions on the RISs that will take place in each capital city in the coming weeks.

Read more...

The Regulatory Impact Statements (RIS) outlining proposals for the National Licensing System have been released and are now available for comment.

Read more...

WorkSafe has released a reminder relating to the dangers associated with trenches after an incident last week where a trench collapsed on a plumber while he was connecting a sewer at a housing construction site in Packenham. 

Read more...

Return to Work Inspectors will be visiting Laverton, Hoppers Crossing and Werribee employers throughout August to ensure they are meeting their return to work obligations for injured workers.

Workplaces where workers have suffered an injury and have been unable to return to work will be the primary focus for inspectors as part of the visits.

Read more...