MPAQ welcomes Queensland’s new apprentice incentives, supporting 4,500 construction apprenticeships and helping employers reduce financial barriers, build workforce capacity and invest in the next generation of skilled tradespeople across Queensland.

MPAQ receives frequent enquiries about excess flow valve requirements for multilayer gas piping. This article outlines the fire emergency isolation provisions in AS/NZS 5601.1:2022 and Amendment No. 2:2024.

Payroll and award compliance errors can lead to back pay, superannuation shortfalls and regulatory action. Learn the key risk areas and practical steps plumbing businesses can take to stay compliant.

The Queensland Government has handed down its 2026–27 State Budget, outlining significant investments in housing, infrastructure, health, skills and preparations for the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Prepare your business for tax time with key reminders from the ATO’s Small Business Tax Time Toolkit, including deductions, record keeping, superannuation obligations and upcoming changes from 1 July 2026. MPAQ members are encouraged to speak with their accountant or tax adviser and access available support through Xact Accounting if needed.

The Fair Work Commission (FWC) has handed down its Annual Wage Review decision, confirming a 4.75% increase to minimum wage rates in modern awards, effective from the first full pay period on or after 1 July 2026.

Bidet toilet seats, bidettes and handheld bidet sprays (douche sprays) are becoming increasingly common fixtures in Australian residential bathrooms. While many of these products are marketed as simple retrofit accessories, their installation introduces potential cross-connection risks that must be carefully managed to protect the drinking water supply.

This paper provides an overview of the current operating conditions impacting businesses across the plumbing, gas, mechanical services, HVAC, fire protection, civil and broader construction sectors.

This article explains the key principles plumbing businesses should consider when engaging workers, and practical steps to reduce misclassification risks. Recent court decisions and regulator focus have reinforced that whether an individual is labelled as a contractor or employee is not the only factor to determine a worker’s status. Getting it right requires a clear understanding of how the law distinguishes genuine subcontracting from employment.