Please note: The comment period for this proposal has now closed. This page has been retained for archiving purposes.

Members of the plumbing industry are invited to comment on a proposal that would see provisional licences offered to overseas qualified plumbers working in Western Australia.

Only licensed persons can perform plumbing work in WA, which places a requirement on people from overseas to obtain a licence regardless of their licence status in their home country.

Until 30 June 2013, a quasi-provisional licence was offered through the imposition of conditions on a Tradesperson’s Licence. The Plumbers Licensing Board (PLB) has discontinued this practice.

Overseas qualified plumbers now must obtain local qualifications before they can become licensed. This approach ensures that all plumbers meet local requirements, but it can restrict suitable overseas plumbers who need to work to demonstrate their skills to local training providers.

The PLB now proposes to offer a provisional licence to suitable overseas plumbers that would entitle these plumbers to work in the industry while completing their local training. This proposal is similar to arrangements that apply in other states.

Have your say on the proposal

Download a discussion paper outlining the proposed approach.

Submissions on the discussion paper close on Friday 13 December 2013.

Contact the Building Commission for more information on 1300 489 099 or bcinfo@demirs.wa.gov.au.