Plumbing and Drainage and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2015

Supported the bill as Minister for Transport, continuing his speech from the previous day. Praised the re-establishment of the Service Trades Council and highlighted the plumbing industry's importance to Queensland's built environment.

“This bill highlights the Palaszczuk government's commitment to the service trades of plumbing, fire protection, and air heating and cooling.”— 2016-03-17View Hansard

As minister, moved the second reading and defended the bill's re-establishment of a dedicated plumbing regulatory body (Service Trades Council), tenancy database protections including for domestic violence victims, and housing deeming provisions for community housing transfers.

“At the core of all of these changes is empowering various parts of our community to be treated fairly and ensure that their clients are treated fairly too.”— 2016-03-16View Hansard

Supported the bill's re-establishment of a dedicated plumbing regulatory body and its tenancy database protections. Noted the Newman government abolished the Plumbing Industry Council against industry wishes and highlighted problems faced by young renters near Griffith University campuses.

“Many industry organisations objected to the lack of consultation surrounding those changes and resented the fact that the industry was being handled by an authority that lacked the proper skills and experience.”— 2016-03-17View Hansard

Said the opposition would not oppose the bill but expressed serious reservations about the cost of establishing the Service Trades Council and assistant commissioner role within the QBCC, and criticised delays to the Logan Renewal Initiative under the Labor government.

“From the outset, I say that, while the opposition will not be opposing this bill, we do have some very serious reservations about certain aspects of the legislation.”— 2016-03-16View Hansard

Did not oppose the bill but expressed reservations about the Service Trades Council potentially increasing costs and licensing fees for the plumbing industry. Acknowledged industry support for the STC but warned the government not to burden plumbers with additional regulatory costs.

“We on this side of the House will be watching this space because the plumbers do not want to see increased regulatory burden and fees to facilitate the formation of the STC.”— 2016-03-17View Hansard

As committee chair, spoke in favour of the Service Trades Council as a hybrid model retaining QBCC efficiencies while restoring the plumbing industry's voice, and supported the tenancy database and housing deeming provisions.

“Instead of just overturning the decision of the previous government, the Palaszczuk government worked with key stakeholders to honour its commitment and restore a strong voice to the plumbing industry while also retaining the benefits of the move to the Queensland Building and Construction Commission.”— 2016-03-16View Hansard

Supported the bill with a focus on tenancy database amendments protecting domestic violence victims. Shared the story of a woman named Ruby whose violent partner caused property damage, leading to an unfair database listing that left her homeless for eight months.

“It is horrific to think that not only are women being physically or emotionally abused by partners but that damage to their homes which they have had no part in can then contribute to a negative listing and mean that they cannot secure a new home for themselves and their children.”— 2016-03-17View Hansard

Spoke passionately about the impact of tenancy database listings on vulnerable families in Logan, and supported the Service Trades Council to maintain high plumbing standards including to prevent health risks like legionnaire's disease.

“If I could see this one family, who was paying their way in the private rental market but trapped from moving, and say that they would not be ejected onto the street—not on my watch—then we in this place can do the same for so many other struggling families.”— 2016-03-16View Hansard

Supported the bill and highlighted its relevance to his electorate where nearly one in two houses is a rental property. Praised Enhanced Care (formerly Near North Housing Tenancy Advice Service) and criticised the former government for cutting tenancy advice service funding.

“We will never forget the cruel action taken by the former government to cut all funding to tenancy advice service agencies like Near North Housing Tenancy Advice Service—agencies which help the most vulnerable people who are disenfranchised and disengaged.”— 2016-03-17View Hansard

As a committee member, said the LNP does not oppose the bill but recorded reservations about the cost of the Service Trades Council and assistant commissioner, describing it as the Plumbing Industry Council by another name and another Labor bureaucracy.

“The LNP has recorded reservations with it but does not oppose the bill.”— 2016-03-16View Hansard

Supported the bill and drew on his experience visiting water sanitation projects in Mozambique and Tanzania to highlight the importance of plumbing regulation. Detailed the functions of the Service Trades Council and tenancy database protections.

“Once again, I understand why this bill is necessary and why it is important to have a regulatory body.”— 2016-03-17View Hansard

As former housing minister who introduced the bill, defended the re-establishment of the plumbing regulatory body and criticised the former LNP government for failing to properly engage with Logan Renewal Initiative residents.

“Those opposite were part of an LNP government which systematically dismantled key bodies whose purpose it was to ensure that the best interests of Queenslanders were maintained.”— 2016-03-16View Hansard

Supported the bill, detailing the 64-year history of plumbing regulatory bodies in Queensland. Praised the hybrid model of the Service Trades Council that retains QBCC efficiencies while restoring the plumbing industry's voice on licensing and disciplinary matters.

“Instead of just overturning the decision of the previous government, the Palaszczuk government worked with key stakeholders to honour its commitment and restore a strong voice for the plumbing industry while also retaining the benefits of the move to the Queensland Building and Construction Commission.”— 2016-03-17View Hansard

Focused on the tenancy database amendments as a matter of fairness for vulnerable Queenslanders, welcoming provisions to inform tenants of listings and protect domestic violence victims from being listed.

“A number of the amendments proposed in this bill are about fairness. They are essentially about fairness, and they are about fairness particularly for some of the most vulnerable people in our community.”— 2016-03-16View Hansard

Did not oppose the bill but disagreed with the re-establishment of the Service Trades Council, arguing as former minister that the QBCC reforms had achieved a one-stop shop with cost savings of $130 per year for plumbers. Criticised the $59,000 establishment cost and $400,000 annual ongoing cost as unnecessary bureaucracy.

“There is another layer of administration which is totally unnecessary, and of course it is going to cost money.”— 2016-03-17View Hansard

Spoke about the plumbing industry's strong support for the Service Trades Council, the benefit of expanded tenancy guarantees for housing providers like Coast2Bay, and the importance of fair tenancy database rules.

“Plumbers and plumbing company owners constantly sought me out that night and complimented our government all around for bringing back their board.”— 2016-03-16View Hansard

Supported the bill and detailed its objectives including the Service Trades Council, tenancy database reforms, tenancy guarantees for approved housing providers, and the deeming provision for public housing development.

“This government wishes to ensure that the concerns of the plumbing industry are taken seriously.”— 2016-03-17View Hansard

As a former minister responsible for plumbing regulation, supported the re-establishment of the plumbing regulatory body through the Service Trades Council and the creation of the assistant commissioner role. Debate was adjourned on his motion.

“Although from time to time it is appropriate to reform and improve some things, demolishing them is not the right way to go.”— 2016-03-16View Hansard

Supported the bill and noted her family connection to the plumbing industry. Emphasised the importance of plumbing for health and safety, drawing on overseas travel experiences to highlight Australia's high standards.

“Plumbers need to have a voice in their industry. That is why this bill is so necessary.”— 2016-03-17View Hansard

Supported the bill as Minister for Health. Highlighted Queensland's population growth and the need for a well-regulated construction industry. Cited statistics showing 6,500 more homes approved in the Palaszczuk government's first year compared to the LNP's final year.

“One of the reasons people can have confidence in the home they buy in Queensland is that the industry is well regulated.”— 2016-03-17View Hansard

Supported the bill with a focus on tenancy database reforms, drawing on her 13-year involvement with rental law. Highlighted that domestic violence victims are unfairly listed on databases due to damage caused by perpetrators, creating barriers to leaving violent relationships.

“If there is one more barrier that we can remove for that woman to continue to provide care for her children in a safe environment so that they can get on and rebuild their lives, then we have an obligation to do that.”— 2016-03-17View Hansard

Supported the bill and provided a historical overview of plumbing from ancient Rome to modern Queensland. Shared humorous personal stories about North Queensland plumbing including outdoor thunderbox toilets.

“We do not want the dodgy brothers carrying out plumbing works in our towns and cities.”— 2016-03-17View Hansard

Replied as Minister for Housing and Public Works, thanking all contributors. Rebutted opposition concerns about costs, citing QBCC acting commissioner's evidence that the $59,310 establishment cost and $405,473 annual cost are manageable within the QBCC budget. Defended the Logan Renewal Initiative consultation process.

“If red tape and overregulation was an issue with this bill, there is no doubt that the Master Plumbers would have been the first to tell me.”— 2016-03-17View Hansard