Issue Date:  -  Friday, 7 April 2006

Licensed tradesperson suspended with $3,000 costs

Armadale tradesperson Gary Shields has been reprimanded by the State Administrative Tribunal (SAT) and had his tradesperson’s licence suspended for three months.

The penalty was imposed after the SAT found that a disciplinary matter existed in respect of four allegations bought by the Plumber’s Licensing Board against Mr. Shields. 

Mr. Shields was also ordered to pay $3,000 in costs.

The Board alleged that Mr. Shields carried out plumbing work in both Gooseberry Hill and High Wycombe, while not under the general direction and control of a licensed plumbing contractor, contrary to Regulations. As a licensed tradesperson, Mr. Shields can only carry out plumbing work under the general direction and control of a licensed plumbing contractor.

The work Mr. Shields performed in High Wycombe had to be rectified by another licensed plumbing contractor.

The Board also alleged that Mr. Shields engaged in fraudulent conduct by distributing advertising material that implied that he was a licensed plumbing contractor.

“This case serves as a timely reminder to consumers that they should only engage persons who are appropriately licensed to undertake plumbing work,” Consumer Protection Commissioner Patrick Walker said.

“When a consumer engages a person to perform plumbing related work they should always insist on seeing the person’s licence,” he said.

If ever in any doubt consumers should contact the Plumber’s Licensing Board on telephone 1300 30 40 54