Plumbing inquiry

A formal plumbing inquiry process may begin after a possible or suspected breach comes to the BPC’s attention because of:

• a report or complaint from a member of the community or another practitioner
• an inspection where a suspected non-compliance was observed
• an investigation into a practitioner’s conduct.

We may also escalate action to inquiry for repeat or serious breaches of core compliance requirements of licensed plumbers. This includes:

• a failure to lodge a compliance certificate or to comply with drainage inspection requirements
• receiving multiple infringement notices for the same breach.

What happens at an inquiry

If we identify a possible or suspected breach of plumbing laws or standards, we may hold an inquiry to decide whether disciplinary action is needed.

An inquiry can be held in 2 ways:

• In person – the plumber is invited to attend a hearing, either in person or by video call.
• Through written correspondence – the plumber receives details of the alleged breach and proposed disciplinary action and can respond in writing.

Before an inquiry, we send a formal notice explaining how the process works, and outlining the practitioner’s options.

Inquiry process

If we determine that a plumbing inquiry is required, we send the plumber a notice. For an in-person inquiry, the notice includes details of the date, time and how to attend (either remotely or in person). For a written correspondence inquiry, the notice will include the period in which the plumber can respond in writing.

Delegates of the BPC conduct the inquiry.

During an in-person inquiry BPC staff present evidence to the delegate and the plumber. All relevant parties are provided the opportunity to make representations.

Inquiry outcomes

To determine the outcome, the delegate will consider factors including:

• the severity of the actions
• the harm resulting from the actions, including costs and other impacts to consumers
• prior breaches and compliance history
• relevant representations by the plumber.

The disciplinary action imposed on the practitioner is set under 221ZZZJ of the Building Act 1993, and may include:

• a reprimand
• a financial penalty. Inquiry penalties differ from those listed in the Act for offences prosecuted in court, and are capped at 100 penalty units per inquiry
• the plumber having to complete further training
• suspension of the plumbing licence or registration for up to 12 months
• cancellation of the plumbing licence or registration
• disqualification from being licensed or registered for up to 3 years.

Decisions are made in line with the BPC’s Discipline Policy.