About Us
Master Plumbers ACT
What we do
The Master Plumbers Association of ACT is an independent not-for profit organisation. We have proudly served the ACT since 1976 – and before that as the Master Plumbers and Sanitary Engineers Association of NSW, Canberra and District Branch.
Membership is available only to people who are registered plumbing and gas-fitting contractors in the ACT. (Some are also registered in NSW). Our members are all business owners and most of them employ other qualified trades people or apprentices.
How we support members
Information and/or advice through our partners
- Insurance
- Superannuation
- Contractual advice
- Recruitment of apprentices
- Work Health & Safety
- Training
- Legislation
- New technology / products
- Fair Work Australia Awards for employees
Protecting the integrity of your plumbing licence
- Member Code of Ethics
- Mediation in consumer complaints
- Representation on Government forums
Events and Networking
- Annual Industry Awards
- Annual Bowls Day
- Information Sessions
- Trade Shows
- Industry Updates
Small Business Information
- Navigating your way around tax
- Protecting your business from bad debtors
- How to calculate your hourly rate
- Marketing
- Social media
- General HR and being a good employer
- Business planning
Communications
- Quarterly Newsletter
- Market Updates
- eAlerts
- Event invites
Government Lobbying
- Reimbursement rates
- Skills shortages
- Small business support
- Infrastructure issues
- Member of Master Plumbers Australia
Promoting your business
- Find a Plumber app on website
- MPA ACT logos
- MPA ACT Member vehicle stickers
- MPA ACT merchandise
Member discounts & savings
- Vehicle discounts through Gerald Slaven Holden
- Training discounts
- Bulk buying discounts
Other
- Members can send their apprentices to the Access Canberra Inspector Apprenticeship Scheme.
- Members can access a free dispute resolution service.
How we assist and protect consumers
“Find a Plumber” – Our online directory makes it easy to find a registered plumbing, drainage and gas-fitting contractor.
Code of Conduct – Requires members to adhere to high standards in every aspect of their business practices.
Mediation – We investigate all consumer complaints about members who breach our Code of Conduct and mediate where necessary.
Regulated – Our members perform quality work that complies with all relevant laws and regulations, unlike unqualified people whose work is substandard and often illegal.
Insured – All members have public liability insurance. They must show a copy of their insurance details when requested by consumers.
Waterwise audits – If you live in the Palerang Shire we can provide an approved plumber to conduct a FREE Waterwise audit of your property.
Letters show that at a Canberra and District Branch meeting, held at the Yowani Golf Club in July 1975, the members were keen to break away from NSW and form their own independent association. In the ensuing months, negotiations were held with the State office and on the 4th of February 1976, the first meeting of the Master Plumbers and Sanitary Engineers Association of the ACT was held. Mr. George Kent was elected President, with Mr. Ray Butterfield as Secretary.
In August of 1976, the Licensed Drainers Employers Association of the ACT was wound up, with members joining the new Master Plumbers and Sanitary Engineers Association of the ACT.
The members of the old Drainers association were invited to attend the “Associations Wind Up Dinner for members and their wives at the Lobby Restaurant King George Terrace Parkes (opp. Parliament House) on Friday 20th August from 7.30 pm (for dinner at 8.00 pm)”. The A La Carte three-course meal was paid for by the Association and a total of 28 guests were expected to attend the function.
During the mid-80s, the Master Plumbers and Sanitary Engineers Association of the ACT became known as the Master Plumbers’, Drainers’ and Gasfitters Association of the ACT. It became incorporated on the 2nd February 1996.
To be recognised as the leading Association of plumbing, drainage and gas-fitting businesses, dedicated to professional training, industry leadership and ethical standards in the interests of public health, safety and environmental sustainability in the ACT.
Summary of public documents
Code of Ethics
The Code of Ethics is issued to all Association members creating a shared view and understanding of what is ethical behaviour and importantly how it is demonstrated in day-to-day business. In addition, the Code promotes the development of sound trade relations and mutual cooperation between members of the plumbing industry and generally, promotes the advancement of plumbing.
Members can download the Master Plumbers ACT Code of Ethics here.
Constitution and By Laws
The Constitution and By Laws provides members of Master Plumbers ACT with the rules and principles by which the Association is governed.
Strategic Plan
The Strategic Plan can be downloaded by clicking on the following link Strategic Plan_MPA ACT 2019.
Helpful Links
ACCESS Canberra– (formerly ACTPLA)
This is your one-stop-shop for information relating to planning development, relevant legislation, industry groups, resources and plans to help you safely conduct your business.
Apprenticeships
Are you thinking of taking up an apprenticeship or traineeship? Find out more from the following sites:
ICON Water (formerly ACTEW Water)
ACTEW Corporation (ACTEW) owns and operates the water and sewerage assets in the ACT. Click on the link above to find out more information.
National Employment Standards (NES)
Click National Employment Standards to find out more information about the 10 minimum employment conditions, which include entitlements for leave, public holidays, notice of termination and redundancy pay.
Plumbing and Fire Sprinklers Award 2010
Fair Work Australia has established a set of national awards for various job occupations. The specific award for plumbers, drainers and gasfitters is called the Plumbing and Fire Sprinklers Award 2010 and the link can be found here.
Dial Before You Dig
Don’t get caught out! A quick phone call or web enquiry is all it takes to avoid unnecessary damage and costly repair bills to underground infrastructure.
Work Health and Safety
WorkSafe ACT – Find out how WorkSafe ACT can help you understand your obligations in relation to the ACT’s health and safety and workers’ compensation laws through a mixture of education and compliance activities.
Please Support Our Valued Sponsors and Business Partners
Master Plumbers ACT values the vital support provided through sponsorship arrangements and business linkage. If you are interested in providing additional support to the ACT plumbing, drainage, and gasfitting community, please contact our office.