A message from the CEO and Commissioner of the QBCC
At the QBCC, we’re focused on providing practical guidance and data intelligence to support our industry to get the details right and manage risk. In this edition of Pipeline, you’ll find important updates on:
- changes to plumbing licensing to reduce unnecessary regulatory burden
- two new QBCC online resources for licensees—the Industry Learning Hub and Licensee Essentials—making it easier to access practical learning guidance and support for your business
- guidance on the importance of the finishing stage
- licensing required to work on air conditioning chillers
- avoiding non-conforming building products.
As the year draws to a close, I encourage you to take a few minutes to check that your business basics are in order and explore the practical resources available on our website.
Thank you for upholding standards, protecting public safety and delivering quality outcomes for Queenslanders every single day. Your professionalism and commitment help strengthen confidence in the plumbing and drainage industry.
In this edition
Plumbing and Drainage Snapshot
Important update about changes to plumbing licensing
On 2 November 2026, the Queensland Government introduced licensing changes to modernise the plumbing licensing framework. These changes have streamlined licensing pathways to an occupational licence, helping to reduce unnecessary regulatory burden, lower costs and support workforce capacity by making it easier for qualified and experienced tradespeople to enter or return to the industry.
The streamlined licensing pathways mean:
- Eligible Australian apprentices will be able to obtain an occupational plumber licence on completing their apprenticeship and Certificate III in Plumbing (including Appendix A units), removing the requirement to hold a provisional licence.
- Former occupational licensees can return to the trade more easily within 10 years, without the need for reassessment or gap training.
- Current provisional licensees who meet one of the above criteria can make a request to upgrade to an occupational licence.
These licensing reforms do not impact existing plumbing and drainer contractor licensees. To protect consumers, the changes will introduce a new requirement for applicants to show 12 months' post-apprenticeship experience before they are eligible to apply for a contractor licence and deal directly with the public.
Read more about plumbing licensing changes
New online resources to support licensees
Finding trustworthy information quickly can make all the difference for running your business.
To help industry access key information and learning resources more easily, the QBCC has introduced two new online tools: the Industry Learning Hub and Licensee Essentials.
The Industry Learning Hub brings together a range of educational resources in one convenient location, including:
- financial compliance modules,
- National Construction Code learning modules
- interactive Standards and Tolerances Guide.
Licensee Essentials has been designed as a central source of information for new and existing licensees. The webpage provides easy access to information such as:
- licence obligations
- scope of work
- insurance requirements
- contracts, deposits and payments
- support services available through the QBCC.
Together, these digital resources make it simpler for you to find the information you need, when you need it. More information will be added to these sites over time. By improving access to guidance, education and support, the QBCC is helping industry build capability, better understand regulatory requirements and make informed decisions.
Visit the Industry Learning Hub and Licensee Essentials webpages to explore the new resources available to support your business
Industry News
Licensing requirements to work on air conditioning chillers
The Department of Housing and Public Works has released a Building and Plumbing Newsflash for work on air conditioning chillers in Queensland.
The newsflash explains the type of licence you need to perform work on a chiller unit based on the configuration of the system and whether it is connected to a water service.
Keep non-conforming building products off your job
When working in plumbing, drainage or fire services, it’s important to check that the products you supply or install are fit for purpose, meet the right standards and are supported by appropriate evidence of compliance. Non-conforming building products (NCBPs) can create safety risks, lead to costly rectification and affect your licence obligations, so take time to verify product information, certification and manufacturer instructions before installation.
For guidance, visit the QBCC’s NCBPs information page. You can also browse our fact sheets for detailed resources.
QBCC News
Trust compliance takes a risk-based approach
The QBCC is checking trust account compliance in a more targeted way under the Building Industry Fairness (Security of Payment) Act 2017 (BIF Act).
Audits still happen, but we are also using tips, data and information from industry to identify risks sooner.
Small problems may be fixed with education and guidance. Severe or repeated breaches can lead to fines or, in the most serious cases, prosecution.
“We place significant emphasis on intelligence and information received from internal and external sources, allowing us to respond quickly to serious breaches and emerging risks,” said Ian Coleman, Manager Trust Compliance.
If you are unsure about your trust account obligations, or if you have concerns about the administration of a trust, contact the QBCC on 139 333.
On the road with the QBCC
Clear advice and consistent expectations matter when you’re on the tools. That’s why officers from the QBCC's Plumbing and Pools team have been meeting with councils across Queensland to share practical insights, clarify responsibilities and discuss emerging issues.
The team also presented to the Institute of Plumbing Inspectors Queensland and the Plumbing Inspectors Conference. These sessions brought inspectors and industry representatives together to talk through compliance priorities, emerging issues and the challenges facing the trade.
In North Queensland, officers met with local government plumbing inspectors to discuss regional compliance issues and improve information sharing. Hearing what’s happening locally helps the QBCC and councils better understand emerging risks and work together on plumbing and pool safety.
We’re prioritising these interactions because we know better alignment between the QBCC and councils helps make expectations clearer and enforcement more consistent, with fewer grey areas on the job. That supports safer installations, better outcomes for customers and confidence in the trade.
Quick check-up for your business
As the year comes to an end, it’s a great opportunity to take a few minutes to check your business basics are in order.
The QBCC’s Running your business page has practical information to help you stay on top of:
- home warranty insurance
- minimum financial requirements
- contracts
- advertising your services correctly.
