Fee Hikes, Dual Licences and Barriers To Participation Must Removed

The Tasmanian Greens today again pledged support for Tasmanian plumbing industry, after 62 Plumbers unanimously supported the disallowance of the Occupational Licensing Act (Occupational Licensing (Plumbing Work) Regulations 2010, as well as other measures

Greens Small Business spokesperson Kim Booth MP, who last night hosted a public forum on the issue, congratulated the plumbers for standing up for their rights and for a better industry.

Mr Booth also said that the 62-strong meeting unanimously endorsed the disallowance of the regulations and called for the removal of impediments to entry and retention in the industry, the issuing of a single licence only, access to non compulsory CPD and a reduction in the massive 1200% fee increase.

“The plumbers are the ones who understand the industry and last nights unanimous support for disallowance of the regulations is a chill warning to the Minister that he and his department are out of their depth,” Mr Booth said.

“Plumbers are trained professionals who want registration and compliance with high standards in their industry not worthless over regulation, excessive fees and artificial barriers to entry and retention.”

“This Labor Minister’s proposal for a 1200% minimum fee increase, the requirement for dual licences and restrictions that will drive professionals from the industry are bizarre and unjustifiable, and I am committed to supporting the plumbers by moving to disallow the regulations.”

“I also want to thank all the plumbers who attended the public forum hosted by the Greens, particularly Mr Andrew Foley, Mr Jim Airs and others all of whom have courageously stood up for their industry.”

“I am looking forward to working closely with Andrew Foley and his team, as well as any other Parliamentarian, including the Liberal Party, to achieve a good and sensible outcome.”

“With Liberal support, Parliament will have the numbers to disallow these regulations and ensure that appropriate regulations are drawn up, and if the Liberals were to take this opportunity it would be a true example of a working power-sharing parliament delivering for Tasmanians,” Mr Booth said.
Kim Booth MP Greens Small Business spokesperson