ACT Budget fails to recognise heavy lifting provided by our small and medium trade businesses
Joe Prevedello • June 11, 2026
MEDIA RELEASE
Thursday 11 June 2026
This week’s 2026-27 ACT Budget could have done more to recognise the work our local plumbing and gasfitting businesses do, providing essential local trade services, employing the next generation of tradies and making an enormous contribution to Canberra and the Capital Region’s local economy.
Chief Executive Officer of Master Plumbers ACT Joe Prevedello said, “While there were some high profile and welcome announcements around stamp duty exemptions, reducing the lease variation charge (LVC) and some other measures to boost housing and construction, other decisions contained in the Budget will continue to squeeze our industry.
“The average 8 per cent increase in commercial rates, lowering of the payroll tax threshold and increased vehicle taxes will hit businesses who do the heavy lifting employing other tradies, while trying to get ahead in the face of other economic headwinds like increased fuel and materials costs, caused by the Iranian conflict. More also needed to be done to help businesses that employ apprentices.
“It’s also disappointing the ACT Government has failed to recognise the significant impact the 2045 natural gas ban will have on local plumbers and gasfitters, with no specific help for an industry transition through a proper plan. This gas ban isn’t necessary, and the Government could stop its progression right now to enhance future certainty for the industry,” Joe Prevedello said.
“The point also needs to be made that as residential rates increase beyond inflation, homeowners have less income to fund critical plumbing upgrades and maintenance to their homes. Additionally, many of the suburbs that will experience the largest rates increases are also those with more ageing housing stock that often needs more attention.
“We do welcome the specific Budget measures aimed at boosting housing supply in the ‘missing middle’ as well as funding to increase the pipeline of public housing developments, along with existing, earmarked public infrastructure.
“Master Plumbers ACT will continue to work with the ACT Government and its agencies to improve operating conditions for the plumbing and gasfitting sector with regards to gas, government taxes and red tape, assisting our wonderful educators at the Canberra Institute of Technology (CIT) and the need to crack down on dodgy and unethical plumbers who prey on vulnerable people,” Joe Prevedello concluded.
MEDIA RELEASE Friday 24 April 2026 The long-awaited removal of ACT rules requiring the installation of greywater pipe systems in new home builds and existing homes under significant renovation, has been welcomed by the Master Plumbers Association ACT (MPA ACT). “The relaxation of these requirements comes into effect today and the MPA ACT thanks the Government for making these changes following years of campaigning from Canberra’s plumbing industry. These changes to the ACT’s water and sewerage regulations means less red tape and lower costs for new homes and renovations,” MPA ACT Chief Executive Officer, Joe Prevedello said today. “Greywater pipe systems have been mandatory since the mid-2000s adding thousands of extra dollars in cost to new home builds and renovations in the ACT. Most of these systems are never used, with only a handful of homeowners paying to activate them in the last 20 years. “From now on, development applications and building approvals won’t require these greywater systems. They will be voluntary – which directly reduces the cost of building a new home. “This is an excellent example of red tape governments should seek to remove, as the rules failed to deliver what was intended, while reducing choice for new home builders, owners and residents. Canberra’s plumbing industry is commended for identifying this issue and advocating for its removal for the community’s benefit. “We thank Treasurer and Planning Minister Chris Steel for taking this decision that the MPA ACT has long advocated for and seeing through the removal of the rules. It will go some way to reducing the cost of new homes during a housing crisis,” Joe Prevedello concluded.
MEDIA RELEASE Wednesday 18 March 2026 During debate in the ACT Legislative Assembly yesterday, the Canberra Liberals recommitted their opposition to the Government’s shutdown of the ACT’s natural gas network. This position is welcomed by Master Plumbers ACT (MPA ACT), Chief Executive Officer, Joe Prevedello said today. “MPA ACT welcomes the Canberra Liberals decision to oppose the natural gas network shutdown to households and businesses. Not only will the progressive closure and decommissioning by 2045 reduce energy choices, but it will also have an unprecedented and tumultuous impact on Canberra’s plumbers and gasfitters, which is why we’re requesting the current Government develops a transition plan with industry,” Joe Prevedello said. “Up to half of what the typical Canberra plumber does is gasfitting connected to the natural gas network, including installing gas heaters, hot water units and cooktops. With that being taken away, it will have an enormous impact on the businesses in our sector and how the trade operates in the ACT.” ACT Opposition Leader Mark Parton, Legislative Assembly (17-3-26) - “…I want to make it abundantly clear the Canberra Liberals do not support the Labor-Greens fixation on phasing out the household gas supply…” “The Canberra Liberals opposed the gas network shutdown ahead of the 2024 ACT Election and we welcome the renewal of this position during this term of the Assembly, and particularly the Opposition’s willingness to halt the shutdown if they form government in the ACT,” Joe Prevedello concluded.
MEDIA RELEASE Thursday 5 February 2026 Peak bodies urge celebration and focus on developing next generation across essential trades for the ACT this National Apprenticeship Week An alliance of local trades-based peak bodies is calling on ACT and federal leaders, policy and decision makers to celebrate and prioritise development of the next generation of local tradies, ahead of National Apprenticeship Week from February 9th to 15th next week. Master Builders ACT, Master Plumbers ACT and NECA ACT believe while there is great work being done by government and industry encouraging the take-up of trade apprenticeships, we can always strive for better. “National Apprenticeship Week is a time to celebrate our next generation of tradies, whether they’re working to become builders, carpenters, plumbers, electricians, motor mechanics, roofers, boilermakers or any of the other magnificent and essential trades we need to service our economy and way of life here in Canberra,” Master Builders ACT CEO, Anna Neelagama said. “Building and maintaining that constant, qualified and professional workforce through quality apprenticeships is something the ACT and Commonwealth governments need to keep front of mind. Balancing the workforce to meet market conditions is also essential to keep life in Canberra and indeed across the country moving,” Master Plumbers ACT CEO, Joe Prevedello said. “Ensuring the ongoing attraction of taking up a trades-apprenticeship for students, school leavers and mature age candidates is critical when there are so many career choices out there. Then, once the choice is made to take on an apprenticeship, having the best possible education and training is very important to ensure ongoing professionalism, quality and reputation for trades in the future,” Chief Executive Officer NECA Training and Apprenticeships, Tom Emeleus said. The peak body alliance also agrees continued work on ‘destigmatising’ trades-based careers, along with fostering industry pride and promoting the ongoing benefits of a trade career are important focus points for both government and industry. ENDS
Today, 19 November is the United Nations’ World Toilet Day – a time to recognise the importance of toilets and our essential, local plumbing industry which installs safe sanitation systems here in Canberra, Chief Executive Officer of the Master Plumbers Association ACT (MPA ACT), Joe Prevedello said today. “We’ll always need the toilet, but in a relatively affluent city by global standards like Canberra, we can easily forget how important they are, and that around half the world’s population still lacks access to safe sanitation,” Joe Prevedello said. The 2025 World Toilet Day theme is ‘Sanitation in a changing world’, focusing on the urgent need for investment in ‘future ready’ system and services. As time moves, pressure on global sanitation is increasing with ageing infrastructure and investment failing to keep up with demand. Globally, 3.4 billion people live without safely managed sanitation services while 354 million still practice open defacation, obviously increasing risk of disease and harm. Sadly, unsafe water sanitation and hygiene are responsible for the deaths of around 1,000 children every day, across the world. “In Canberra, we should count ourselves lucky that safe access to toilets and sanitation is a given and we should thank the local plumbing industry and our utility Icon Water for the skilled work they carry out daily to keep these systems safe, hygienic and efficient,” Joe Prevedello said. “So, as you’re sitting in peace in the water closet today, remember how lucky you are to have the toilet and the people across Canberra who install, maintain them, and keep them safe and hygienic,” Joe Prevedello concluded. *More information on World Toilet Day can be found here. ENDS Media Contact: Joe Prevedello | 0402 768 432
The Master Plumbers Association ACT (MPA ACT) is advising Canberrans to ‘do their homework’ before engaging plumbers and gasfitters for maintenance or new works, Chief Executive Officer Joe Prevedello said today. “This warning comes following an increase in complaints within industry and to the MPA ACT about consumers being overcharged on jobs or not having requested works adequately completed after engaging a plumber or gasfitter,” Joe Prevedello said. We are asking Canberrans to be discerning when engaging our trades. Don’t be afraid to ask: If your plumber or gasfitter is licensed for the work you want them to do For a reasonable estimate of costs associated with new works or a maintenance request If they’re a member of the MPA ACT (as all our members are peer vetted and industry leading) “Asking a few simple questions like these when enquiring about getting plumbing or gasfitting work done can ensure safety and save consumers pain and money in the long run,” Joe Prevedello said. “We issue this warning because we are hearing an increasing number of unfortunate stories where consumers - particularly seniors or those of a non-english speaking background - are being taken advantage of by unethical tradies. “This sort of behaviour is unacceptable. It’s not tolerated by the MPA ACT and the vast majority of Canberra’s responsible and professional plumbing and gasfitting industry. “Do your homework and ask the questions it could save you in the long run,” Joe Prevedello concluded. ENDS Media Contact: Joe Prevedello | 0402 768 432
Around 500 people attended the Ace Gutters Plumbing Industry Excellence Awards at the Hellenic Club last Friday night to celebrate quality, hard work and those who go above and beyond across Canberra’s plumbing industries, Chief Executive Officer of the Master Plumbers Association ACT (MPA ACT), Joe Prevedello said today. “Organised by the MPA ACT, the gala event showcased and delivered awards across 22 categories, from apprentices to post-trade and industry excellence. On behalf of our plumbing, drainage and gasfitting industries we congratulate all the winners, category finalists, the great businesses and organisations that put forward nominees and the industry stakeholders who dedicated so much to the awards assessment process,” Joe Prevedello said. “I also thank all the MPA ACT’s members, partners and sponsors for their ongoing support, and of course our major event sponsor, Ace Gutters - because without all of them, these awards wouldn’t go ahead. “Our industries are essential, professional and provide critical services across new construction and residential and commercial maintenance. Imagine what we wouldn’t have and how hard life would be without our plumbers? Once again, I congratulate the industry for coming together last Friday night,” Joe Prevedello concluded. The winners across the 22 categories in 2025 were: Cert III Outstanding Stage 1 Apprentice of the Year Award – Toby Bell – A-Plus Plumbing Cert III Outstanding Stage 2 Apprentice of the Year Award – Luke Simms – DFPG Plumbing Cert III Outstanding Stage 3 Apprentice of the Year Award – Lachlan Friend – Superior Plumbing and Gasfitting Cert III Ernie Dearing Overall Outstanding Apprentice of the Year – Toby Bell – A-Plus Plumbing Colin Mills Award for the best all round hard worker – Lachlan Friend – Superior Plumbing and Gasfitting Paul Jurak Evoenergy Gas Excellence Award – Jayden Burleigh – Around Town Plumbing Services & Rowan Reed – Duncan’s Plumbing Service Most Outstanding Post-Trade Student in the Business Principles Course – Thomas Van Moer – Water Tight Canberra Most Outstanding Post-Trade Student in the Gasfitting Course – Cooper Purcell – MSJ Plumbing Most Outstanding Post-Trade Student in the Drainage Course – Aaron Johnston – Dinamic Constructions Most Outstanding Post-Trade Student in the Sanitary Course – Matthew Ward – Level Plumbing Canberra Most Outstanding Post-Trade Student in the Water Course – David Hackett – Custom Plumbing Services Registrar’s Award for the Most Outstanding Post-Trade Student – Thomas Van Moer – Water Tight Canberra Most Outstanding Woman in Plumbing Award – Ashley Condon – Level Plumbing Canberra Outstanding Plumbing Business Service Award – Ben and Lynley Stapleton – Rydeau Plumbing Safety Champion Award – Kris Robertson – Level Plumbing Canberra Outstanding Plumbing Industry Employee Award – Tom Wallace – Water Tight Canberra Industry Service and Support Person of the Year – Chris Collins – Reece Plumbing Outstanding Commercial Project Award valued over $1 million – Josh Cooper – D Group Outstanding Commercial Project Award valued up to $1 million – Blake Langtry – Canberra Plumbing and Fire Pty Ltd HCAA Hydraulic Consultant of the Year – Luke Hall – Sellick Consultants Icon Water Award – Alex Coleman – Advanced Plumbing & Drains 2025 Plumber of the Year Award – Lachlan Bugg – Syndicate Plumbing Group (Emerging Leader) & Jim Dahl – Custom Plumbing Services (Career of Excellence) (See winners photo attached). ENDS Media Contact: Joe Prevedello | 0402 768 432
