MARKET CONDITIONS AND SUPPLY CHAIN PRESSURES - 20 April 2026

MPAQ is continuing to engage with government and industry stakeholders as challenging market conditions impact the building and construction sector. The Department of Housing and Public Works is currently seeking feedback from industry on the conditions being experienced on the ground, with two recent roundtables bringing together key industry bodies to discuss emerging issues.

What we are seeing across the industry

Supply chain disruptions and pricing pressures are continuing to affect a wide range of materials, including cable, conduit, concrete products, insulation, glass, aluminium and steel. In some cases, delays of up to 60 weeks have been reported.

There are also ongoing challenges with:

• Bitumen supply, now operating on a “just-in-time” basis
• Glass production, impacted by gas shortages in Asia
• Resin supply, affecting manufacturing and product availability
• Steel costs, expected to increase further due to rising scrap prices

Plumbing materials – Key Impacts

• PVC: Supply is expected to stabilise in the coming weeks
• Polyethylene (PE): Significant cost escalation and continued supply concerns remain, with shipping costs for raw materials increasing substantially

Across the sector, price increases of approximately 30–50% have already been recorded for plumbing pipes.

What this means for businesses

These pressures are having a direct impact on plumbing businesses, including:

• Increased costs for materials and fuel
• Financial strain on fixed price contracts
• Ongoing cash flow challenges

Many members are also experiencing stock shortages, with suppliers sourcing alternative materials at higher cost.

Advocacy and next steps

MPAQ is actively working with government, including the Small Business Commissioner and the Department of Housing and Public Works, to provide real examples of cost increases and impacts being experienced by members. At this stage, the State Government has indicated that broader policy leadership is likely to sit with the Federal Government.

Key risks for the industry

• Ongoing cost escalation impacting business viability
• Increased financial pressure on contractors
• Potential flow-on effects to workforce retention

Government relief

The Australian Tax Office is providing temporary relief for businesses affected by fuel supply issues. This may include easier payment plans, reductions in interest and penalties, and help adjusting PAYG instalments where income has fallen. Some compliance activity and, in some cases, debt collection will be reduced or paused for the most affected industries. Businesses can access this support through: ATO fuel response (Australian Taxation Office).

The Queensland government offers a number of business advisory and mentoring services. Find the one that is right for you here: Adviser finder (business.gov.au).

Assistance

If you need assistance from our technical or HR team, please contact the office on 07 3273 0800. Members also have access to legal support as part of their membership, and we have fuel deals available to help manage rising costs.
If you or someone in your team needs support, particularly with mental health, please reach out to TIACS on 0488 846 988 for free, confidential assistance.

ADVOCACY

Master Plumbers' Association of Queensland has been actively engaging with both State and Federal Government to ensure they understand the emerging pressures across our industry. Our advocacy has focused on financial hardship support for the sector, as well as practical measures to improve cash flow and enable businesses to continue operating during this period.

Advocacy MPAQ is actively engaging with State & Federal Government Focus:

• Practical support (not just financial assistance)
• Improving cash flow
• Supporting business continuity 

We have also been representing the industry with various News and Media contributions.

 

RESOURCES FOR CHANGING GLOBAL CONDITIONS

	Online Industry Updates 1 April 2026: Responding to Supply Chain Disruption and Cost Pressures The MPAQ online update brought together members and industry representatives to discuss the current pressures facing Queensland plumbing and gas businesses, particularly rising material costs, supply chain disruption and fuel uncertainty. The session provided a timely snapshot of what businesses are experiencing on the ground, what MPAQ is doing through advocacy, and the practical steps members can take to protect cash flow, manage customer expectations and plan ahead. Across all speakers, a common message was that proactive planning and strong communication will be critical in helping businesses navigate the months ahead. MPAQ is actively advocating to State and Federal Government for practical relief measures, including PAYG and BAS deferrals, payroll tax relief, QBCC MFR relief, faster government payment timeframes, hardship loans, bank repayment flexibility and apprentice wage subsidies. Bretts Hardware highlighted continuing pricing fluctuation across key product lines including PVC, poly and PEX products. Reece advised that product supply is being closely managed, and members with stock needs outside their usual purchasing patterns should speak directly with their local branch manager to discuss delivery requirements. Xact Accounting stressed the importance of understanding business numbers, making deliberate commercial decisions and focusing on the bigger picture. Helix Legal reminded members to pay close attention to current contract obligations and to be careful when preparing new contracts. If you missed the session, you can watch the recording and access the slides here.
	Financial Resources Various resources have been identified as tools that may be useful for plumbing and gas businesses during this time. See link to MPAQ and Xact Accounting Member resources, including cash flow template, charge out rate calculators, and more.  View Finance Resources
	Government Support The Small Business Apprenticeship Pilot Program  Government and industry support for small businesses - Hawker Britton Queensland Government - Running a business
	MPAQ Member Benefits  Ampol Wex Motorpass Helix Legal Cornwalls Xact Accounting