A HALLS Head plumber has been fined and had his tradesperson’s licence suspended for fraudulent conduct in work carried out all over Perth.
Roy Perkins, operator of Perkins Plumbing Contractors, had his licence suspended for six months from April 18 after it emerged he paid another contractor to sign compliance certificates.
He was also ordered to pay a fine of $2500 and costs of $975 by the State Administrative Tribunal (SAT).
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READ NOWIn 2010, Mr Perkins entered into an arrangement with licensed plumber Kim Godfrey, whereby Mr Perkins would make regular payments to Mr Godfrey.
In return Mr Godfrey would sign the Notice of Intention and Certificate of Compliance documents for plumbing work carried out by Perkins Plumbing Contractors.
Mr Perkins’ tradesperson’s licence did not permit him to sign off on work, hence the need for Mr Godfrey.
The practice is commonly referred to as ‘licence lending’.
Over the next two years, Mr Perkins’ company carried out work on at least 28 residential and commercial projects.
Locations included Doubleview, Duncraig, Ellenbrook, Gingin, Hamersley, Heathridge, Innaloo, Karrinyup, Midland, Midvale, Mount Helena, Mullaloo, Mundaring, Ocean Reef, Parkerville, Swanbourne, Two Rocks, West Swan and Wickham.
The Plumbers’ Licensing Board (PLB) took disciplinary action over the matter, resulting in the SAT hearing.
“Mr Perkins’ fraudulent conduct in using someone else’s plumbing contractor licence to carry out and certify plumbing work put the public safety at risk and denied the owners of their right to ensure their plumbing work was safe and carried out in accordance with the regulations,” said PLB Chairperson Howard Croxon.
“If plumbing work is done incorrectly, it can cause the failure of plumbing equipment or systems and result in property damage, disease, injury or even death.”
In September 2015 Mr Godfrey had his plumbers’ licence suspended for two years and was ordered to pay a fine of $5000 and costs of $975 over the matter.
“The Plumbers Licensing Board, through the Building Commission, is committed to removing this sort of conduct from the plumbing industry,” Mr Croxon said.
“We will continue to hold to account and name those who put the public interest and the reputation of the plumbing industry at risk.”