GREENS CONTINUE TO FIGHT FOR PLUMBERS RIGHT TO WORK

As Labor Builds Drones Castle From 1200 Per Cent Plumber Registration Fee Increase
Kim Booth MP
Greens Primary Industry spokesperson
Monday, 9 May 2011

The Tasmanian Greens today reiterated their support for Tasmanian plumbers who have had their registration fees soar over 1200 per cent, and vowed to continue a push for the disallowance motion currently before Parliament.

Greens Building Industry Spokesperson Kim Booth MP said today that he was seeking support for a disallowance motion currently that he has currently tabled for debate in the parliament.

Mr Booth also said he will host a plumbing forum at his Henty House office on Wednesday 11 May at 6.30pm.

“The argument here isn’t to abolish registration, but to make it a fair and proper process with a reasonable fee attached, not just an obscene grab for cash gouging plumbers for multiple registrations,” Mr Booth said.

“These obscene increases in fees have already seen some plumbers exit the industry, which will add to the current skills shortage and ultimately drive prices through the roof.”

“The Greens want to see all artificial impediments to entry removed and also ensure that local plumbers are not driven out of their trade by excessive registration and compliance costs.”

“We need every skilled plumber to not only enter the industry but also to remain in the trade to provide skills and training of younger plumbers.”

“These regulations, on which I have moved a disallowance motion in parliament, are just a make work scheme for bureaucrats happily ensconced in some drones castle but will do nothing to improve plumbing standards.”

“Plumbers are professionals who should be entitled to practice their trade without interference or rent seeking behaviour from governments.”

“The Greens will continue to push the disallowance motion in Parliament so that Tasmanian plumbers can register in a fair way, and continue to service the Tasmanian community without the fear of having to pass costs on to customers, have their business absorb them or simply leave the industry.”

“When the Occupational Licensing (Plumbing Work) Regulations 2010 where introduced, plumbers where shocked at the level of increase, especially considering there had been very poor professional communication between the Department and the industry the amount of excessive bureaucracy, red tape and over regulation is concerning,” Mr Booth said.
Kim Booth MP Greens Primary Industry spokesperson