Is your plumbing business ready for the 2026 compliance landscape?

Full quiz content - Plumbing Contractor Compliance Quiz 2026 - Licensing, AS/NZS 3500, Gas, WHS, Cyber | Nifty Computing

This index lists every question, every answer option with its score, every tier band, every recommendation, and every regulatory source used by the plumbing compliance readiness quiz. Last reviewed 2026-04-26.

Tier scoring

• Compliance Ready - score ≥ 85/100, review every 12 months. Your plumbing business demonstrates strong compliance maturity across licensing, technical standards, gas fitting, WHS, tax, and commercial practices. Maintain annual reviews and keep pace with the AS/NZS 3500:2025 rollout and the May 2026 lead-free deadline. Recommended next review: 12 months.
• Good - Minor Gaps - score ≥ 70/100, review every 12 months. Solid foundations with targeted gaps to address. Work through the priority findings below, particularly around the 1 May 2026 lead-free plumbing transition, the 28 August 2026 TPAR deadline, and the 2026 super changes. Recommended next review: 12 months.
• Moderate Risk - Action Needed - score ≥ 50/100, review every 6 months. Several material gaps in your compliance practices. Given the active regulator focus on compliance certificate lodgement, gas fitting sign-off, and backflow testing, prioritise the findings below over the next 1–3 months. Recommended next review: 6 months.
• High Risk - Urgent Action - score ≥ 30/100, review every 1 months. Significant exposure across multiple obligations. A state plumbing regulator inspection, a gas safety incident, an ATO data-match, or a backflow testing audit is a material risk at this readiness level. Engage professional advice. Recommended next review: 1 month.
• Critical - Immediate Intervention - score ≥ 0/100, review every 1 months. Your business has substantial non-compliance with Australian regulatory obligations. Unlicensed gas work, missing compliance certificates, and unreviewed contracts all carry criminal or civil penalties. Engage qualified compliance, tax, and legal advisers as soon as practicable. Recommended next review: 1 month.

Categories assessed

• LIC - Licensing & Endorsements
• CRT - Compliance Certificates & Notifiable Work
• STD - Technical Standards & WaterMark
• GAS - Gas Fitting Obligations
• WHS - Work Health & Safety
• ACL - Consumer Law & Contracts
• SOP - Security of Payment
• TAX - Tax, TPAR & Subcontractors
• INS - Insurance & Workers Comp
• ASB - Asbestos & Hazardous Materials
• AIC - AI, Privacy & Cyber

Questions

1. Q1 (LIC, weight 3): Is your plumbing contractor (business) licence current and renewed on time?

   • Yes, current and renewed well before expiry (score 5)
   • Current but has lapsed in the past 12 months (score 3)
   • Not sure - need to check (score 1)
   • No, I operate under someone else's contractor licence (score 2)

   If a weak option is selected: Your plumbing contractor licence (business-level) is separate from your individual worker licence. If it lapses, you can't legally advertise, contract, or issue compliance certificates. Set renewal reminders 90 days before expiry and record the licence number on all customer-facing documents.

2. Q2 (LIC, weight 3): Do all your plumbers (employees and subcontractors) hold current state licences for the classes of work they perform?

   • Yes - verified and documented with expiry dates tracked (score 5)
   • Yes - but tracking is informal (score 3)
   • Some verified, some assumed (score 1)
   • We rely on them to manage their own (score 0)

   If a weak option is selected: As the contractor, you have a legal obligation to ensure only licensed plumbers perform plumbing work. Maintain a register with licence number, classes held (water supply, sanitary, drainage, mechanical, roofing, fire, backflow, gas), expiry date, and a photo of the current card. Verify via your state regulator's public licence check before first engagement.

3. Q3 (LIC, weight 3): Do you hold the correct endorsements for every class of work you perform (water supply, sanitary, drainage, mechanical, roofing, fire protection, backflow, trade waste)?

   • Yes - every class matched to a held endorsement (score 5)
   • Mostly - unsure about one or two (score 2)
   • We sometimes do work outside our endorsements (score 0)
   • Don't know exactly what we hold (score 0)

   If a weak option is selected: Plumbing is class-based - each endorsement authorises a specific stream of work. Doing drainage work without a drainage endorsement, or mechanical services without a mechanical endorsement, is a licence breach. Backflow prevention and trade waste typically require additional endorsements. Audit your services against your licence conditions annually.

4. Q4 (LIC, weight 2): If you work across state borders, have you notified under mutual recognition or obtained a state-specific licence where required?

   • Yes - notifications lodged and portal access set up (score 5)
   • Don't work across state borders (score 5)
   • Work across borders but haven't formalised mutual recognition (score 1)
   • Not aware of mutual recognition requirements (score 0)

   If a weak option is selected: Automatic Mutual Recognition (AMR) applies to most states and territories except QLD. Registering your home state licence for use in another state still requires a notification to the host regulator. In VIC you need to register for ePlumbing access to lodge Compliance Certificates. QLD requires a full mutual recognition application - not automatic.

5. Q5 (LIC, weight 2): Is your Nominee / Qualified Supervisor named on your contractor licence, and is their certification current?

   • Yes - named, certified, and active in the business (score 5)
   • Named but not actively involved day-to-day (score 2)
   • There's a nominated supervisor but we haven't reviewed it recently (score 1)
   • No formal nominee arrangement (score 0)

   If a weak option is selected: Your contractor licence depends on a named Nominee (VIC) / Qualified Supervisor (NSW) / Nominated Supervisor (QLD) / equivalent whose qualifications back the business licence. If they leave the business or their certification lapses, your contractor licence can be suspended or cancelled. Review this arrangement at every renewal.

6. Q6 (LIC, weight 1): Do apprentices and trainees work under direct supervision at the level required by your state's regulations?

   • Yes - ratio and supervision documented per job (score 5)
   • Usually, but not documented (score 3)
   • Sometimes apprentices work unsupervised (score 0)
   • No apprentices currently (score 5)

   If a weak option is selected: Apprentice supervision ratios and requirements are set by each state regulator and by your training contract. Unsupervised apprentice plumbing is a licence breach and a WHS risk. Document the supervising plumber for each job an apprentice works on.

7. Q7 (LIC, weight 2): Does your advertising (website, vehicle signage, ads) display your plumbing contractor licence number?

   • Yes, on all advertising and customer-facing materials (score 5)
   • On some but not all (score 3)
   • Only on quotes and invoices (score 2)
   • Not routinely (score 0)

   If a weak option is selected: Most states require the contractor licence number to appear on all advertising, quotes, invoices, and contracts. This is both a legal requirement and a consumer trust signal. Include it in your email signature, website footer, and on every vehicle.

8. Q8 (CRT, weight 3): Do you issue the correct state compliance certificate for every job (e.g. VIC Compliance Certificate via ePlumbing, QLD Form 4/Form 7, NSW Notice of Work / Certificate of Compliance) before collecting final payment?

   • Yes, lodged electronically at practical completion (score 5)
   • Yes, but sometimes delayed after completion (score 3)
   • Only when the customer, certifier, or water authority asks for one (score 1)
   • Not consistently (score 0)

   If a weak option is selected: State plumbing compliance certificates are a mandatory legal document. In VIC, every item of plumbing work requires a Compliance Certificate lodged via ePlumbing - late or missing lodgement is a disciplinary offence. In QLD, notifiable and minor work require specific forms. NSW requires a Notice of Work / Certificate of Compliance where work is notifiable under the Plumbing and Drainage Act 2011. Lodge electronically at practical completion, not after payment.

9. Q9 (CRT, weight 3): Do you keep a complete record of compliance certificates issued, linked to the job, testing results, and your invoice?

   • Yes, digital records linked and searchable (score 5)
   • Certificates filed but not linked to job records (score 2)
   • Paper records only, stored locally (score 1)
   • No consistent record-keeping (score 0)

   If a weak option is selected: You must be able to produce compliance certificates on request from the regulator, water authority, insurer, or homeowner. Minimum retention is typically 7 years (VIC) or as specified in your state regulations. Link certificates to the job record, test results, as-built plans, and photos.

10. Q10 (CRT, weight 3): When you sign off on subcontractor plumbing work, have you personally verified the installation meets relevant standards?

    • Always - I do quality checks before issuing the certificate (score 5)
    • Usually - I check paperwork and spot-check work (score 3)
    • Sometimes - depends on the subbie (score 1)
    • I sign what they say is done (score 0)

    If a weak option is selected: When you issue a compliance certificate, you take full legal and professional responsibility for the installation regardless of who performed the physical work. Establish a documented QA process for subcontracted work: pressure test reports, photos, pre-handover inspection. A bad sign-off can cost you your licence.

11. Q11 (CRT, weight 2): For notifiable work (connections, alterations, backflow devices, hot water systems), do you lodge the required notifications to the water authority or regulator?

    • Yes - every notifiable job, on time (score 5)
    • Most of the time (score 3)
    • We rely on the owner or certifier to lodge (score 1)
    • Not sure what's notifiable (score 0)

    If a weak option is selected: Notifiable work rules vary by state and water authority. In NSW, Sydney Water / Hunter Water / local utilities each have their own notification portals. In VIC, ePlumbing captures most notifiable work. In QLD, notifiable work (Form 4) and minor work (Form 7) must be lodged within specified timeframes. Missing notifications can delay connections, block occupancy, and trigger disciplinary action.

12. Q12 (CRT, weight 3): Do you issue backflow prevention test certificates annually for testable devices you're responsible for?

    • Yes - endorsed tester, annual certificates lodged with the water authority (score 5)
    • Sometimes - if the client or WA chases us (score 2)
    • We install but don't test (score 1)
    • We don't do backflow work (score 5)

    If a weak option is selected: Backflow prevention devices classified as medium or high hazard require annual testing by an endorsed backflow tester, with a test certificate lodged with the water authority. Missing or late testing is a public health risk and a common regulator finding. If you install backflow devices, set up an annual reminder system for each installation and collect the tester's endorsement at engagement.

13. Q13 (CRT, weight 2): Do you report serious plumbing or gas safety incidents (uncontrolled leaks, contamination events, backflow failures, gas explosions) to your state regulator within the required timeframe?

    • Yes, and staff know the reporting process (score 5)
    • Yes, but process is informal (score 3)
    • Unsure if we would know what to do (score 1)
    • No process in place (score 0)

    If a weak option is selected: Plumbing incidents (cross-connections, cryptosporidium contamination, backflow failures) and gas incidents (explosions, CO poisoning, uncontrolled leaks) must be reported to your state regulator under respective safety legislation. Timeframes vary - typically 24 hours for serious incidents. Document your incident response process and make sure every licensed worker knows the reporting channel.

14. Q14 (CRT, weight 2): Do your compliance certificate records include required testing results (pressure test, hydrostatic test, gas leak test) with measured values?

    • Yes, all tests with values and duration recorded (score 5)
    • Tests done but results not always recorded (score 2)
    • Test equipment not always available on site (score 0)
    • Not sure what's required (score 0)

    If a weak option is selected: AS/NZS 3500 Part 1 specifies mandatory hydrostatic and pressure tests with minimum duration. AS/NZS 5601.1 specifies gas pressure test durations and procedures. Recording actual measured values (not just pass/fail) protects you in a dispute and is expected in a compliance audit. Calibrated test gauges are required - keep calibration records.

15. Q15 (STD, weight 3): Do you work to the current edition of AS/NZS 3500 (Plumbing and Drainage) - including AS/NZS 3500:2025 where it applies in your state?

    • Yes - current edition, digital access for all staff (score 5)
    • Yes - one physical copy in the office (score 3)
    • We work from experience, refer only when unsure (score 1)
    • Not sure which edition we're on (score 0)

    If a weak option is selected: AS/NZS 3500:2025 is mandatory for Victorian plumbing work commencing on or after 20 October 2025 (replaces 2021). NSW, QLD, SA, WA, TAS, ACT, and NT each follow their own adoption timelines - check with your state regulator for the currently referenced edition. Every licensed plumber should have access - digital subscriptions via Standards Australia or industry body memberships (Master Plumbers, PICAC) are cost-effective.

16. Q16 (STD, weight 3): Do all plumbing products you install carry current WaterMark certification?

    • Yes - we only install WaterMark-certified products (score 5)
    • Mostly - occasional imported or non-WM product (score 2)
    • We use whatever is on the shelf (score 1)
    • Not familiar with WaterMark (score 0)

    If a weak option is selected: WaterMark certification is mandatory for every plumbing product installed in Australia, administered by the ABCB. Installing non-WaterMark products is a breach of the PCA and state plumbing regulations, and can void your compliance certificate. Suspicious cheap imports (eBay, AliExpress, overseas direct) often lack certification - verify before install. The public WaterMark database at abcb.gov.au is authoritative.

17. Q17 (STD, weight 3): Are you ready for the 1 May 2026 lead-free plumbing products requirement (products in contact with potable water must meet the new low-lead standard)?

    • Yes - stock audited, suppliers confirmed, staff trained (score 5)
    • Aware of it, transition underway (score 3)
    • Heard about it, haven't prepared (score 1)
    • Hadn't heard of it (score 0)

    If a weak option is selected: From 1 May 2026, all plumbing products in contact with potable water must meet the new lead-free requirement (≤0.25% lead content). This covers fittings, valves, fixtures, meters, and many brass components. Stock-on-hand transitional rules may apply in some states - confirm with your supplier. Non-compliant product installed after the deadline may require rectification at your cost. Audit stock, update supplier agreements, and train staff on identifying compliant product now.

18. Q18 (STD, weight 2): When installing or altering connections to the water or sewer main, do you follow the water authority's technical standards (e.g. Sydney Water, Yarra Valley Water, Queensland Urban Utilities, Water Corporation WA)?

    • Yes - current technical standards for each authority we work with (score 5)
    • Mostly - but we sometimes miss updates (score 3)
    • Only when an inspector flags something (score 1)
    • We assume standard practice is fine (score 0)

    If a weak option is selected: Water authorities publish their own technical standards on top of AS/NZS 3500 - Sydney Water's WSAA codes, Yarra Valley Water's Technical Guidelines, Queensland Urban Utilities' Water Services Guidelines, Water Corporation WA's Technical Standards, and equivalents. Mains connections, backflow arrangements, trade waste acceptance, and developer works all require conformity. Subscribe to authority notices and check before every non-trivial mains connection.

19. Q19 (STD, weight 2): For trade waste (commercial kitchens, mechanic workshops, medical facilities, laundries), do you have the correct trade waste approval from the water authority before connecting?

    • Yes - approval obtained before installation every time (score 5)
    • Usually - sometimes done retrospectively (score 2)
    • We install then leave the approval to the customer (score 1)
    • Not familiar with trade waste approvals (score 0)
    • Not applicable - we only do domestic residential work, no trade waste connections (score 5)

    If a weak option is selected: Trade waste discharge to sewer requires a separate approval from the water authority - not the plumbing regulator. Sydney Water Trade Waste, Yarra Valley Water Trade Waste, Urban Utilities Trade Waste, and equivalents each have their own application and pre-treatment requirements (grease traps, oil arrestors, neutralising pits). Connecting without approval is a pollution offence that can attract significant EPA and authority penalties.

20. Q20 (STD, weight 2): Do you maintain testing equipment calibration records for pressure test gauges, electronic leak detectors, and other metrology?

    • Yes - registered, tracked, renewed on schedule (score 5)
    • Yes - but tracking is informal (score 3)
    • Calibrated occasionally (score 1)
    • No calibration records kept (score 0)

    If a weak option is selected: Uncalibrated test equipment undermines every compliance certificate you issue. Annual calibration by an accredited lab is standard. Keep certificates on file and tag each instrument with its next-due date. This is one of the first things a regulator asks for in an audit.

21. Q21 (GAS, weight 3): Do you (or your gas fitters) hold a current gas fitting licence that is SEPARATE from the plumbing licence, for all gas work performed?

    • Yes - separate gas licence held, work limited to its scope (score 5)
    • We're licensed plumbers who 'also do gas' without a specific gas licence (score 0)
    • Sometimes - depends on the job (score 0)
    • We don't do gas work at all (score 5)

    If a weak option is selected: Gas fitting is a separately licensed trade in every Australian state and territory. A plumbing licence does NOT authorise gas work. Unlicensed gas fitting is a criminal offence in most jurisdictions, with penalties including fines of tens of thousands of dollars, licence cancellation, and (after a serious incident) imprisonment. If you do any gas work, verify each worker holds a current gas licence with the correct endorsement.

22. Q22 (GAS, weight 3): Is the scope of gas work limited to your licence class (Type A consumer installations vs Type B industrial/commercial)?

    • Yes - Type A and Type B strictly separated (score 5)
    • We do both but aren't sure we're licensed for Type B (score 1)
    • We sometimes cross into industrial work without Type B (score 0)
    • Only Type A domestic, fully licensed (score 5)
    • We don't do gas work at all (score 5)

    If a weak option is selected: Type A gas work covers consumer installations (domestic, commercial kitchens, small industrial appliances). Type B covers industrial/commercial process gas installations - boilers, large heaters, complex plant - and requires separate endorsement. Operating Type B without the endorsement is a serious licence breach. If any of your work involves input ratings over typical Type A thresholds, verify the classification.

23. Q23 (GAS, weight 3): Do you install and test gas appliances and installations in accordance with AS/NZS 5601.1 (natural/LPG consumer piping) and AS/NZS 5601.2 (LP gas installations in caravans/boats)?

    • Yes - current standard, digital access, tests documented (score 5)
    • Usually - but testing/documentation patchy (score 2)
    • Work mostly from experience (score 1)
    • We don't do gas work at all (score 5)

    If a weak option is selected: AS/NZS 5601.1 is the fundamental Australian standard for consumer gas piping and appliance installation. AS/NZS 5601.2 covers caravans, boats, and recreational vehicles. Every licensed gas fitter should have current access. Mandatory tests include leakage testing (typically 7 kPa for 5 minutes with no drop), pressure testing, and appliance commissioning. Results must be documented.

24. Q24 (GAS, weight 3): Do you issue a gas compliance certificate (state-specific - Gas Certificate of Compliance VIC, Gas Installation Certificate NSW, Form 4 Gas QLD, etc.) for every gas installation?

    • Yes - issued and lodged where required, for every job (score 5)
    • Issued but lodgement sometimes delayed (score 3)
    • Only when the customer asks for one (score 1)
    • Not consistently (score 0)
    • We don't do gas work at all (score 5)

    If a weak option is selected: Every state has a gas compliance certificate regime separate from plumbing compliance. VIC: Gas Certificate of Compliance via ESVConnect. NSW: Gas Installation Compliance Certificate. QLD: Form 4 (notifiable gas work). WA: Notice of Gasfitting Work. SA: Gas Certificate of Compliance. Missing certificates are a disciplinary offence and can void warranty, insurance, and later sale of the property.

25. Q25 (GAS, weight 2): Do you have a documented gas leak response and make-safe procedure for staff attending gas calls?

    • Yes - documented, trained, equipment on vans (score 5)
    • Informal but staff know the basics (score 2)
    • We'd figure it out (score 1)
    • No procedure (score 0)
    • We don't attend gas calls (score 5)

    If a weak option is selected: Gas leaks are life-safety incidents. Documented make-safe procedure: evacuate, isolate at meter, ventilate, no ignition sources, notify the network provider (Jemena, AGIG, Multinet, ATCO, etc.), prevent re-entry until safe, leak-test before recommissioning. Electronic leak detectors calibrated. Train staff annually. A fatality from inadequate make-safe is catastrophic personally and commercially.

26. Q26 (GAS, weight 2): Do you follow correct commissioning and decommissioning procedures for gas appliances (purging, leak test, combustion test on flued appliances)?

    • Yes - full procedure documented per appliance (score 5)
    • Usually - but not always CO tested (score 2)
    • We light it up and check for obvious issues (score 0)
    • Commissioning is informal (score 0)
    • We don't commission gas appliances (score 5)

    If a weak option is selected: Correct commissioning per AS/NZS 5601.1 includes: purge the line, pressure-test for leaks, commission the appliance per manufacturer instructions, verify burner operation (gas rate, flame characteristics, and for flued appliances, combustion analysis with CO readings in flue gases). A CO leak from an incorrectly commissioned heater can kill occupants - this is not optional work.

27. Q27 (GAS, weight 2): Do you know the boundary between what your gas licence authorises and what it doesn't (e.g. LPG in caravans, commercial kitchens, medical gas, hydrogen/renewable gas blends)?

    • Yes - clear scope limits, refer out where needed (score 5)
    • Mostly - uncertain about one or two areas (score 2)
    • We'll tackle anything that comes in (score 0)
    • Not sure what's in scope (score 0)
    • We don't do gas work at all (score 5)

    If a weak option is selected: Gas licence scope varies by state and class: LPG in caravans needs RV gas endorsement in many states; commercial kitchen gas may need Type B; medical gas (oxygen, nitrous, medical air) is outside normal scope; hydrogen and renewable gas blends are emerging with evolving requirements. Operating outside scope is a licence breach. Keep a clear 'we don't do this' list and refer appropriately.

28. Q28 (WHS, weight 3): Do all workers (including you, employees, apprentices, and subcontractors) hold a current White Card (General Construction Induction)?

    • Yes - all verified, copies on file (score 5)
    • Most - but not tracked centrally (score 2)
    • Assumed but not verified (score 1)
    • Don't require it routinely (score 0)

    If a weak option is selected: The White Card is mandatory for anyone entering a construction site anywhere in Australia. Verify and hold copies. Sub-contractors must produce theirs on induction. No White Card = no site access = legal liability if an incident occurs.

29. Q29 (WHS, weight 3): Do you prepare Safe Work Method Statements (SWMS) for all High Risk Construction Work (HRCW) activities?

    • Yes - SWMS prepared, signed, reviewed per job (score 5)
    • Yes - but we use generic templates (score 2)
    • Sometimes - for big jobs only (score 1)
    • Not aware of SWMS requirements (score 0)

    If a weak option is selected: WHS Regulations define 11 categories of High Risk Construction Work that require a job-specific SWMS: work at heights over 2m, confined spaces (common in plumbing), hot work (brazing, soldering), trenching and excavation (drainage), asbestos, work near live utilities. Generic templates don't meet the legal test - SWMS must be site- and job-specific, signed by workers, and reviewed if conditions change.

30. Q30 (WHS, weight 3): For any confined space work (tanks, pits, cellars, large drains), do you follow a documented confined space entry procedure?

    • Yes - atmospheric test, standby person, entry permit, rescue plan (score 5)
    • Informal - we check as we go (score 1)
    • Not really - we just do it (score 0)
    • We don't do confined space work (score 5)

    If a weak option is selected: Confined space entry under AS 2865 / WHS Regs Part 4.3 is one of the highest-fatality WHS risks. Required: risk assessment, atmospheric testing (oxygen, LEL, toxic gases), entry permit, standby person, rescue plan, PPE, training. Fatalities from confined space failures trigger coronial inquiries and criminal prosecutions. This is not an area for shortcuts.

31. Q31 (WHS, weight 2): Do you perform a documented pre-work risk assessment on every job site before starting work?

    • Yes - site-specific JSA or equivalent documented (score 5)
    • Informal walk-around only (score 2)
    • On larger jobs only (score 1)
    • Not routinely (score 0)

    If a weak option is selected: A pre-work risk assessment (JSA / Take 5 / pre-start) is a fundamental WHS control and expected by any tier-1 head contractor. Document hazards, controls, and worker acknowledgement. Even on small residential jobs - a 2-minute written check protects you if something goes wrong.

32. Q32 (WHS, weight 2): Are workers trained on plumbing-specific hazards (hot water scalding, sewer gas, legionella, excavation collapse, brazing fumes)?

    • Yes - documented training and refreshers (score 5)
    • Informal on-the-job training (score 2)
    • Rely on trade qualification only (score 1)
    • No specific hazard training (score 0)

    If a weak option is selected: Plumbing-specific WHS hazards include hot water burns (>50°C delivery), sewer gas (H2S, methane), Legionella from cooling towers/warm water systems, trench collapse in drainage, brazing/silver-soldering fumes, sharps in pit work. Document training - your insurer and regulator will ask for it after an incident.

33. Q33 (WHS, weight 2): Have you addressed psychosocial hazards (mental health, bullying, fatigue, workload) in your WHS system?

    • Yes - documented policy and active management (score 5)
    • Informally acknowledged, not documented (score 2)
    • Not specifically addressed (score 1)
    • Not aware this is a WHS duty (score 0)

    If a weak option is selected: Psychosocial hazards are now explicitly recognised WHS duties under all harmonised WHS jurisdictions (and under VIC OHS). The Code of Practice on Managing Psychosocial Hazards at Work applies. Trades businesses have higher rates of suicide, fatigue-related incidents, and bullying claims - Mates in Construction and industry body programs offer low-cost training and resources.

34. Q34 (WHS, weight 2): Is your Public Liability insurance current, with a sum insured appropriate for the jobs you do?

    • Yes - $20M+ for commercial, reviewed annually (score 5)
    • Yes - $5-10M, not reviewed recently (score 3)
    • Yes - $2M basic policy (score 1)
    • Not sure of current status (score 0)

    If a weak option is selected: Most commercial head contractors require $20M PL minimum, many require $30M+. Domestic-only can often get away with $10M but check your contract requirements. A burst main flooding a $5M property or a gas leak causing injury with $2M cover leaves you personally exposed. Review annually with a broker who understands plumbing.

35. Q35 (ACL, weight 3): Do you provide written quotes (or clearly labelled estimates) before starting work?

    • Yes - always, with scope, price, inclusions, exclusions (score 5)
    • Usually - sometimes verbal for small jobs (score 2)
    • Only when asked (score 1)
    • Mostly verbal (score 0)

    If a weak option is selected: The ACL distinguishes between a quote (fixed price) and an estimate (approximate). Calling something a quote when it's actually an estimate is misleading conduct. Written quotes with clear scope, inclusions, and exclusions are your single best defence against disputes. Over any threshold (varies by state, typically $200-500) most states require it in writing.

36. Q36 (ACL, weight 3): Do you follow consumer guarantees under the ACL (services rendered with due care and skill, fit for purpose, within reasonable time)?

    • Yes - and I understand what they require (score 5)
    • Yes - but couldn't explain the detail (score 3)
    • Have heard of them (score 1)
    • Not familiar with consumer guarantees (score 0)

    If a weak option is selected: The ACL consumer guarantees for services (s60–62) can't be contracted out of. You must render services with due care and skill, fit for purpose, within reasonable time. Remedies include re-performance, refund, or compensation for consequential loss. ACCC enforcement of trades-sector misleading conduct has been active - fines reach six figures.

37. Q37 (ACL, weight 2): Do you document scope changes and variations in writing with customer sign-off before proceeding?

    • Yes - always (score 5)
    • Usually - but verbally first, paper later (score 2)
    • Only for big changes (score 1)
    • Scope changes happen verbally mostly (score 0)

    If a weak option is selected: Variations not documented in writing are the leading cause of trades payment disputes. Require customer sign-off (physical or digital) before doing additional work. A simple variation form template - item, reason, cost, date, both signatures - prevents almost all residential disputes.

38. Q38 (ACL, weight 2): Do you comply with cooling-off period rules for unsolicited (in-home) sales over the relevant threshold?

    • Yes - 10 business day cooling-off honoured in writing (score 5)
    • Aware of it, handle it verbally (score 2)
    • Not sure if it applies to my work (score 1)
    • Not aware of cooling-off rules (score 0)

    If a weak option is selected: ACL Part 3-2 Division 2 gives consumers a 10-business-day cooling-off on unsolicited contracts over $100. If you doorknock, follow up cold leads at home, or sign agreements at the customer's premises without a prior request from them, this applies. Notice must be in writing.

39. Q39 (ACL, weight 2): Do you have a documented complaints handling process including refunds and re-work procedures?

    • Yes - documented and staff trained (score 5)
    • Informal process only (score 2)
    • We handle complaints case-by-case (score 1)
    • No documented process (score 0)

    If a weak option is selected: A documented complaints process is expected under the ACL and is often required by your industry body or insurer. Include: how the customer complains, who in the business handles it, timeframes for response, resolution options, and escalation to state consumer affairs if unresolved. Track complaints to spot recurring issues.

40. Q40 (ACL, weight 2): Do your quotes, invoices, and contracts avoid unfair contract terms (e.g. one-sided cancellation clauses, excessive penalties)?

    • Yes - reviewed for fairness (score 5)
    • We use standard templates (score 3)
    • Haven't reviewed our terms (score 1)
    • Don't use written contracts (score 0)

    If a weak option is selected: ACL unfair contract terms rules now carry civil penalties (up to ~$50M for companies). Standard terms that favour you heavily (e.g. you can cancel any time, customer can't; they pay all your legal fees; you set the variation price unilaterally) are likely unenforceable and now penal. Get standard contracts reviewed annually.

41. Q41 (SOP, weight 3): When working as a subcontractor, do you know how to serve a valid payment claim under your state's Security of Payment Act?

    • Yes - done it, understand the timing and content rules (score 5)
    • Heard of it, not sure of the mechanics (score 2)
    • No - would need professional help (score 1)
    • Not applicable - we're always head contractor or consumer-direct (score 3)

    If a weak option is selected: SOPA is your single most powerful tool against slow-paying head contractors. Every state has one (names vary). A valid payment claim: specifies the work, the amount claimed, and states it's made under the Act. Timing and content requirements are strict - but if followed, the head contractor must pay or provide a payment schedule within tight deadlines.

42. Q42 (SOP, weight 3): When someone serves a payment claim on you, do you respond with a payment schedule within the statutory timeframe?

    • Yes - always within the deadline (typically 10 business days) (score 5)
    • Usually, but sometimes late (score 2)
    • We ignore or dispute informally (score 0)
    • Haven't had one served (score 3)

    If a weak option is selected: If you don't respond to a payment claim with a compliant payment schedule within the statutory window (typically 10 business days in most states), you are legally required to pay the full amount claimed - full stop. No defence, no counterclaim, no discussion. This is the single biggest trap for head contractors and the most common SOPA loss.

43. Q43 (SOP, weight 2): Do your contracts with customers and subcontractors have clearly defined payment terms and due dates?

    • Yes - written terms aligned to statutory maximums (score 5)
    • Standard 30-day terms, not state-specific (score 3)
    • Varies by job (score 1)
    • Often verbal or handshake (score 0)

    If a weak option is selected: VIC's 2025 SOPA reform introduces a 20-business-day statutory cap on payment terms (commencement by 1 Sept 2026). NSW subcontractor terms are effectively capped at 20 business days. If your contract sets a longer period, the statutory period overrides it. Align your standard terms with the shortest applicable statutory cap.

44. Q44 (SOP, weight 2): Do you understand the time limits for making a payment claim after last working on a job?

    • Yes - 12 months NSW, 3 months VIC, etc. (score 5)
    • Know there's a deadline but not the detail (score 2)
    • Unsure (score 0)
    • Not applicable (score 3)

    If a weak option is selected: Payment claim time limits vary by state - NSW 12 months, VIC 3 months, QLD 6 months under BIFA. Miss the window and you lose SOPA protection (normal debt recovery still available but much harder). Calendar the last-day-on-site for every job and set reminders at 75% of the applicable window.

45. Q45 (SOP, weight 2): If you hold retention money from subcontractors, do you comply with retention trust rules in your state?

    • Yes - trust account, annual audit where required (score 5)
    • We don't hold retentions (score 5)
    • Hold retentions but no trust account (score 1)
    • Not aware of retention trust rules (score 0)

    If a weak option is selected: NSW and QLD have strict retention trust account rules for head contractors holding subbie retention money above certain project thresholds. Penalties for breach can reach $22,000. Trust account, annual audit, compliance officer appointment - this is real regulation, not a suggestion.

46. Q46 (SOP, weight 2): Do you issue tax invoices with all required particulars and avoid 'pay when paid' clauses in your contracts?

    • Yes - full compliance (score 5)
    • Mostly - occasional 'pay when paid' language in templates (score 1)
    • Use 'pay when paid' regularly (score 0)
    • Unsure of requirements (score 0)

    If a weak option is selected: 'Pay when paid' clauses are void under all state SOPAs - you can't make subbie payment contingent on your receipt from the principal. Tax invoices must include ABN, date, description, GST, total. Non-compliant invoices may fail ATO requirements and SOPA claims.

47. Q47 (TAX, weight 3): Do you lodge a Taxable Payments Annual Report (TPAR) by 28 August each year?

    • Yes - lodged on time every year (score 5)
    • Yes - but usually late (score 2)
    • Not sure if we need to (score 1)
    • Don't lodge it (score 0)

    If a weak option is selected: If building and construction services are 50%+ of your income or activity AND you pay subcontractors, TPAR is mandatory. Due 28 August annually. Penalties: up to $1,110 per 28-day period (to ~$5,550 for individuals, higher for companies), and non-lodgement is a red flag for broader ATO audit.

48. Q48 (TAX, weight 2): Do you collect ABNs, addresses, and invoice details for every subcontractor at engagement?

    • Yes - documented onboarding checklist (score 5)
    • Usually - collected with first invoice (score 3)
    • Sometimes missing details on subbies (score 1)
    • Informal record-keeping (score 0)

    If a weak option is selected: TPAR requires each subbie's ABN, name, address, total paid, GST included, and any tax withheld. Collecting this at engagement (not at year-end panic) makes TPAR lodgement a 30-minute task. Use a standard subbie onboarding form or require a Statement by Supplier for those without ABNs.

49. Q49 (TAX, weight 3): Are you Single Touch Payroll (STP Phase 2) compliant for all employees?

    • Yes - software reporting each pay run (score 5)
    • Reporting but not sure we're Phase 2 compliant (score 2)
    • Behind on STP reporting (score 0)
    • No employees - subbies only (score 5)

    If a weak option is selected: STP Phase 2 has been mandatory for all employers since 2022. Reporting happens at every pay run, not quarterly. Your accounting/payroll software must be STP2-enabled. The ATO is actively following up non-compliers. Closely-held employees (family members on payroll) also in scope.

50. Q50 (TAX, weight 3): Are you ready for Payday Super (super paid with wages from 1 July 2026, not quarterly)?

    • Yes - cashflow modelled, software ready (score 5)
    • Aware of it, haven't prepared yet (score 2)
    • Not sure how it affects us (score 1)
    • Hadn't heard of it (score 0)

    If a weak option is selected: Payday Super commences 1 July 2026 - super contributions must be paid at the same time as wages, not quarterly. SG rate is also 12% from 1 July 2025. Cashflow impact is material - many businesses are losing the 90-day super float they've been using as working capital. Talk to your bookkeeper and bank now.

51. Q51 (TAX, weight 2): Is your GST, BAS, and PAYG withholding all lodged and paid on time?

    • Yes - on time every quarter (score 5)
    • Usually on time, occasional late (score 3)
    • Often late (score 1)
    • Behind right now (score 0)

    If a weak option is selected: ATO lodgement and payment history is one of the first things a licensing regulator, insurer, or finance provider checks. Persistent late lodgement triggers ATO enforcement (Director Penalty Notices for company directors) and can threaten your contractor licence in some states. Get a registered BAS agent if you're falling behind.

52. Q52 (TAX, weight 2): Do you correctly classify workers as employees or contractors, and meet SG obligations for contractors where required?

    • Yes - tested against ATO criteria (score 5)
    • Everyone's a contractor with an ABN (score 1)
    • Mix of both, informally decided (score 1)
    • Not sure how to classify (score 0)

    If a weak option is selected: Sham contracting is a serious issue - the ATO and Fair Work both audit. A subbie who takes most of their work from one business, is directed on hours and methods, and uses your tools/vehicles is likely an employee for tax and SG. SG applies to contractors paid wholly or mainly for their labour even if they have an ABN. Get advice if uncertain.

53. Q53 (TAX, weight 2): Do you keep business records (invoices, receipts, bank statements, contracts, compliance certificates) for at least 5–7 years?

    • Yes - digital cloud storage with backups (score 5)
    • Paper records, boxed up (score 3)
    • Some digital, some paper, not all findable (score 1)
    • Records are thin (score 0)

    If a weak option is selected: ATO requires 5-year retention minimum. For warranty, plumbing compliance (typically 7 years), and litigation purposes, 7+ years is prudent. Cloud-based accounting (Xero, MYOB, QuickBooks) with bank feeds automates most of this. Loss of records in an ATO audit means the ATO can make assessments based on their own estimates - almost always unfavourable.

54. Q54 (INS, weight 3): Do you hold Professional Indemnity (PI) insurance for design, specification, or advice work?

    • Yes - appropriate to the work we do (score 5)
    • PL only, no PI (score 1)
    • Not sure (score 1)
    • We don't do design/spec work (score 5)

    If a weak option is selected: PL covers physical damage; PI covers financial loss from bad advice, design errors, incorrect specification. If you design hydraulic systems, specify fixtures, provide written advice on mains upgrades, or take a 'design and construct' role, PI matters. Hydraulic engineers and plumbing designers carry $1-5M PI. Commercial clients increasingly require it in contracts.

55. Q55 (INS, weight 3): Is your Workers Compensation insurance current with the correct premium classification?

    • Yes - current and classified correctly (score 5)
    • Current but not reviewed for correct classification (score 3)
    • Have it but not sure of status (score 1)
    • No employees, sole trader (score 5)

    If a weak option is selected: Workers Compensation is state-based and compulsory for anyone with employees. icare (NSW), WorkSafe VIC, WorkCover QLD, and equivalents administer. Under-declared wages or wrong classification (plumbing is a higher premium category than office work) triggers premium recalculation plus penalties on audit.

56. Q56 (INS, weight 2): Do you hold Tools and Plant insurance for vehicles and high-value equipment?

    • Yes - itemised cover for tools, test equipment, drain cameras (score 5)
    • Basic vehicle insurance only (score 2)
    • Minimal - we'd replace out of pocket (score 1)
    • Relying on home contents or vehicle insurance for tools (score 0)

    If a weak option is selected: Home contents and motor vehicle policies typically exclude business-use tools. A van break-in with $40K of drain cameras, locators, thermal imagers, and press-fit tools stolen is an uninsured loss unless you have specific tools/plant cover. Tools in transit, tools on site, and tools at home each need cover - check exclusions carefully.

57. Q57 (INS, weight 2): Have you reviewed your insurance portfolio in the last 12 months against the jobs you're actually doing?

    • Yes - with broker, annually (score 5)
    • Renewed without review (score 2)
    • Haven't reviewed for 2+ years (score 1)
    • Not sure (score 0)

    If a weak option is selected: Insurance needs drift with your business - adding commercial work, taking on bigger jobs, buying more vehicles, employing staff, moving into gas or backflow. An annual review with a broker catches gaps. An uninsured burst main causing $500K of water damage ends businesses.

58. Q58 (INS, weight 2): Do your contracts require subcontractors to carry their own PL, PI where needed, and workers comp, with certificates on file?

    • Yes - certificates collected and tracked (score 5)
    • We ask but don't always get them (score 2)
    • Rely on head contractor to check (score 1)
    • No - not required (score 0)
    • Not applicable - we don't use subcontractors (score 5)

    If a weak option is selected: If your subbie is uninsured and causes damage, your insurer may decline the claim on the grounds you failed to verify cover. Collect current certificates of currency at engagement and before each renewal. Most commercial head contractors require this of you - mirror the practice with your own subbies.

59. Q59 (ASB, weight 3): Before cutting, drilling, or disturbing building materials in pre-2004 structures (bathrooms, subfloors, eaves, laundries), do you check for asbestos?

    • Yes - check asbestos register or test before work (score 5)
    • Usually - if it looks old or suspicious (score 2)
    • Rarely - assume it's fine (score 0)
    • We only work in new builds (score 5)

    If a weak option is selected: Buildings built before 31 December 2003 may contain asbestos - and plumbing work routinely disturbs the exact areas where it's present (bathroom sheeting, laundry splashbacks, cement pipes, subfloor insulation, eaves when replacing flashings). Pre-work check of asbestos register (required for pre-2004 workplaces), or sample-test if unknown. The cost is minor compared to the consequences.

60. Q60 (ASB, weight 2): If you encounter suspected asbestos, do you stop work and engage a licensed removalist as required?

    • Yes - documented process, stop-and-escalate (score 5)
    • Stop work but informal process (score 3)
    • Sometimes - if obvious (score 1)
    • We remove minor amounts ourselves (score 0)
    • Not applicable - we only work in new construction (score 5)

    If a weak option is selected: Under WHS Regulations, friable asbestos (any amount) requires a Class A licensed removalist. Non-friable over 10m² requires Class B. Unlicensed removal of larger quantities is a criminal offence in most states. Have a stop-work trigger, a list of licensed removalists, and document every encounter.

61. Q61 (ASB, weight 2): Are staff trained on asbestos awareness and identification?

    • Yes - training records kept (score 5)
    • Informal awareness (score 2)
    • Only staff who've been on a specific course (score 3)
    • No formal training (score 0)

    If a weak option is selected: Asbestos awareness training is a WHS duty where workers may encounter asbestos - which for plumbing includes any residential bathroom, laundry, or subfloor work in pre-2004 housing stock, plus cement-sheet pipe replacement. Typical 1-day course. Keep training records; refresh every 2-3 years or on regulatory change.

62. Q62 (ASB, weight 2): For cement-sheet or asbestos-cement pipe work (older water and sewer mains), do you follow safe work procedures to avoid airborne fibre release?

    • Yes - wet-cut, PPE, documented procedure (score 5)
    • Usually wet-cut, PPE inconsistent (score 3)
    • Dry-cut when we need to (score 0)
    • We don't encounter cement pipe (score 5)

    If a weak option is selected: Asbestos-cement pipe was widely used for water and sewer mains until the 1980s and is still in service in many streets. Cutting or breaking it dry releases asbestos fibres. Safe procedure: wet-cut with appropriate PPE (P2 respirator minimum, disposable overalls), wrap and double-bag waste, dispose via licensed facility. Worksafe regulators have prosecuted unsafe cement-pipe work.

63. Q63 (ASB, weight 2): Do you correctly dispose of asbestos waste through a licensed disposal facility?

    • Yes - wrapped, labelled, licensed facility only (score 5)
    • Varies by job (score 2)
    • Into the skip or general waste sometimes (score 0)
    • We don't handle asbestos ourselves (score 5)

    If a weak option is selected: All asbestos waste - including small amounts of cement sheet or pipe offcuts - must go to a licensed disposal facility. General waste, kerbside skips, and unlicensed sites are illegal. Keep disposal dockets with job records - environmental regulators check these in complaints investigations.

64. Q64 (STD, weight 1): Do you subscribe to technical standard updates (Standards Australia, ABCB, your water authority) so you know when revisions take effect?

    • Yes - email alerts, industry body updates (score 5)
    • Occasionally look them up (score 3)
    • Rely on suppliers or reps to tell us (score 1)
    • No monitoring (score 0)

    If a weak option is selected: Technical standards change. AS/NZS 3500 went to 2025; AS/NZS 5601 has had recent amendments; water authority codes update frequently; the NCC amends annually. Subscribe to Standards Australia updates, ABCB email alerts, and your industry body's technical bulletins. Being on a superseded edition is a compliance gap.

65. Q65 (AIC, weight 3): Do you enforce multi-factor authentication on email, accounting, banking, job management, supplier portals, and compliance-certificate systems for every user?

    • Yes - MFA enforced everywhere, including admins and subcontractor logins (score 5)
    • Mostly - MFA on email and banking, but not every trade/job system (score 3)
    • Some accounts have MFA, but it is not centrally checked (score 1)
    • No - passwords are the main control (score 0)

    If a weak option is selected: A compromised email or job-management login exposes customer addresses, access notes, invoices, supplier portals, and certificate records. Enforce MFA on every business-critical system, especially shared office/admin accounts, and review admin users quarterly.

66. Q66 (AIC, weight 3): Before staff use AI tools for quotes, reports, scheduling, or customer messages, do you prohibit them from pasting customer personal information into public AI systems?

    • Yes - written AI-use rule, staff trained, approved tools only (score 5)
    • Informal rule - staff know not to paste sensitive details (score 3)
    • We use AI but have not set a privacy rule yet (score 1)
    • No - staff use whatever AI tools help them get the job done (score 0)
    • We do not use AI tools at all (score 5)

    If a weak option is selected: Plumbing job records can include names, addresses, access instructions, photos, tenant details, invoices, and health or disability-related access notes. Public AI tools should not receive customer personal information unless your business has approved the tool, terms, retention settings, and disclosure position.

67. Q67 (AIC, weight 3): Does your job-management or booking system limit customer personal information to staff who need it for their role?

    • Yes - role-based access, leavers removed promptly, admin access reviewed (score 5)
    • Mostly - practical access controls, but review is informal (score 3)
    • Everyone can see most records because it is easier operationally (score 1)
    • No access controls beyond a shared login (score 0)

    If a weak option is selected: Customer addresses, key/access notes, photos, invoices, and site contacts should not be visible to everyone indefinitely. Use named users, role-based access, and leaver checklists. Shared logins make it impossible to investigate misuse or prove who changed a record.

68. Q68 (AIC, weight 2): Do you have a documented data breach response process for lost devices, misdirected emails, ransomware, supplier-portal compromise, or business email compromise?

    • Yes - response owner, checklist, insurer/broker contacts, and notification process documented (score 5)
    • Informal process - we know who would handle it (score 3)
    • We would call IT or our broker, but there is no written process (score 1)
    • No process in place (score 0)

    If a weak option is selected: If job records, invoices, email, or customer-access notes are exposed, you need a repeatable response: isolate affected systems, preserve evidence, contact IT/insurer, assess notifiable data breach risk, notify customers/regulators where required, and stop further payment redirection attempts.

69. Q69 (AIC, weight 2): Are job records, photos, certificates, invoices, and accounting data backed up automatically off-device, with restore tests performed at least annually?

    • Yes - handled in-house, restore-tested, and evidence retained (score 20)
    • Yes - outsourced to our IT provider, restore-tested and verified by provider report (score 20)
    • Yes - in-house backups exist, but restore testing/evidence is informal (score 15)
    • Yes - outsourced to our IT provider, but we assume rather than verify (score 15)
    • Partial, incomplete, or not covering all critical systems (score 8)
    • No reliable backup and restore process, or don't know (score 0)

    If a weak option is selected: Ransomware, device theft, and accidental deletion can wipe job histories, compliance certificate support, tax records, and invoice evidence. Cloud software is not a complete backup strategy by itself. Export or back up critical records and test that you can restore them before a live incident. If your IT provider runs backups, ask for the dated restoration-test report.

70. Q70 (AIC, weight 2): Do you keep customer, tenant/occupier, access, and site-contact information only for documented retention periods, then securely delete or archive it when no longer needed?

    • Yes - retention periods documented and deletion/archive process operating (score 5)
    • Mostly - old job files are periodically cleaned up (score 3)
    • Records are kept indefinitely because storage is cheap (score 1)
    • No retention or deletion process (score 0)

    If a weak option is selected: Keeping every address, access code, tenant detail, photo, and invoice forever increases breach impact. Keep records long enough for legal, tax, warranty, insurance, and compliance obligations, then archive securely or delete. Document the retention rule so it is defensible.

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