- Modernising and improving the regulation of plumbing work in Western Australia
- Bill delivers on plumbing review outcomes
- Latest steps in Cook Labor Government's suite of plumbing reforms
The Cook Labor Government is strengthening the oversight of plumbing work in Western Australia to ensure plumbing services continue to meet the community's high expectations.
The Plumbers Licensing Amendment Bill 2025, being introduced to Parliament, is an important package of reforms to modernise and improve plumbing regulation and address industry concerns.
The Bill:
- clarifies the Building Commissioner's role as the regulator of plumbing standards and compliance and the Plumbers Licensing Board as the principal licensing decision-maker;
- allows for regulation of plumbing design and verification work, including a licensing or authorisation scheme, due to the importance and increasing complexity of this work;
- introduces new powers for testing and maintaining plumbing safety devices in facilities, such as hospitals and childcare centres, to protect occupants against scalding and drinking water contamination;
- provides much needed flexibility in the scope of regulated plumbing work to enable oversight of emerging matters; and
- increases maximum penalties for plumbing offences from $5,000 to $50,000 and the time for commencing prosecutions.
The latest reforms build on the Cook Labor Government's other improvements to plumbing regulation , which include temperature control measures, safer unmetered drinking water supplies and oversight of modular plumbing equipment.
As stated by Commerce Minister Dr Tony Buti:
"Compliant and efficient plumbing systems are vital for our health and hygiene. Modernising the legislation aims to ensure participants in this important industry work to the highest standards.
"Regular checking of key plumbing safety devices for certain facilities will help protect vulnerable people against harm from excessive temperatures and waterborne contaminants.
"We are committed to ensuring the regulation of plumbing in Western Australia continues to meet community expectations and keeps pace with industry developments."
