MPAQ challenges proposed mechanical services licensing advice
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MPAQ is actively opposing the release of a proposed Department of Housing and Public Works Plumbing Newsflash concerning mechanical services work on enclosed chiller systems. Despite advice and concerns raised by the industry, the department has indicated that it still intends to publish the newsflash. The proposed advice would state that Mechanical Services (Plumbing) work undertaken downstream of the connection point provided by licensed plumbers on an enclosed chiller system isn’t general plumbing work. It allows this work to be undertaken by a person holding either a mechanical services plumbing licence or a mechanical services air conditioning and refrigeration licence.
MPAQ strongly disagrees with this interpretation and is continuing to argue against the release of the newsflash in its current form. MPAQ strongly believes the Legislation outlines this as Mechanical Services (Plumbing) work, not air conditioning.
Queensland has separate licence classes for mechanical services plumbing and mechanical services air conditioning and refrigeration because each type of work requires different qualifications, training and specialist competencies. Treating the licence classes as interchangeable for water-based work undermines the purpose of the specialist mechanical services plumbing licence.
Water-based mechanical services work can involve specialist pipework, pumps, valves, water quality controls, testing and commissioning. MPAQ’s position is that this work should be undertaken by a person holding the appropriate mechanical services plumbing licence. Work involving refrigeration equipment and refrigerant gases should remain within the scope of the relevant air conditioning and refrigeration licence.
MPAQ is concerned that publishing the newsflash could:
• Create confusion about the legal scope of each licence class;
• Allow people without the appropriate plumbing qualifications, training and competencies to undertake water-based mechanical services work;
• Weaken practitioner accountability and consumer protection;
• Create uncertainty for contractors, workers, building owners and Queensland Building and Construction Commission compliance officers; and
• Undermine the value and purpose of the mechanical services plumbing licence.
MPAQ has urged the department to pause the newsflash and undertake further consultation with the affected industries. Any uncertainty in the legislation should be resolved through a proper regulatory process, supported by clear legal and technical reasoning, rather than through administrative guidance that may effectively broaden a licence scope. MPAQ will continue to advocate strongly on behalf of members to protect appropriate licensing standards, practitioner accountability and public safety. Members who have practical examples of licensing uncertainty or concerns involving chiller systems are encouraged to contact MPAQ to support our ongoing advocacy.
Update from 11 September 2026:
MPAQ has also issued a media release outlining its concerns with the proposed mechanical services licensing advice and the potential impact on members, licensing standards and public safety. Members are encouraged to read the full media release for further background on MPAQ’s position and ongoing advocacy.
READ THE MEDIA RELEASE
ABC Radio Interview:
MPAQ has also raised this issue publicly, with Deputy Executive Director Ernie Kretschmer speaking to ABC Radio on 14 September about concerns over recent advice allowing mechanical services air-conditioning and refrigeration licensees to undertake mechanical plumbing work without specific plumbing training.
Ernie explained that the two licence classes cover different skill sets, with mechanical plumbers trained in water-based systems and refrigeration technicians trained in refrigerant gases and compressors. MPAQ is concerned that allowing untrained plumbing work in hospitals, aged care facilities, shopping centres and multi-storey buildings could increase the risk of leaks, cross-connections and contamination.
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