Last night’s Federal Budget includes significant outcomes for plumbing businesses: a commitment to making mandatory Australian Standards free and a permanent increase to the small business instant asset write-off.

The Master Plumbers and Gasfitters Association of WA has always said Australian Standards should be free if they are referenced in the National Construction Code.

We have advocated for free Australian Standards for plumbers via our membership of the peak national body, Master Plumbers and Australia New Zealand (MPANZ)

In September last year, we stated our strong point of view and publicised a joint construction industry statement in this news item.

CEO Murray Thomas believes the budget announcement that the Australian Government is committed to making mandatory Australian Standards free is an important acknowledgement of what industry has been saying for years.

Murray said, "Plumbers work in one of the most highly regulated and technically complex parts of the construction industry. If compliance is mandatory, access to those requirements should be accessible. Plumbers should not have to pay to access the rules they are legally required to follow."

The Budget also confirms the $20,000 instant asset write-off for small business will become permanent from 1 July 2026. This is a practical measure for eligible small businesses with turnover up to $10 million, allowing them to immediately deduct eligible assets costing less than $20,000.

For members, this may assist with planned investment in tools, equipment, vehicles, technology and other operational assets.