Water and Sewerage Act 2000 (ACT)
Water and Sewerage Act 2000
A2000-68
Republication No 28
Effective: 1 April 2025
Republication date: 1 April 2025
Last amendment made by A2025‑5
About this republication
The republished law
This is a republication of the Water and Sewerage Act 2000 (including any amendment made under the Legislation Act 2001, part 11.3 (Editorial changes)) as in force on 1 April 2025. It also includes any commencement, amendment, repeal or expiry affecting this republished law to 1 April 2025.
The legislation history and amendment history of the republished law are set out in endnotes 3 and 4.
Kinds of republications
The Parliamentary Counsel’s Office prepares 2 kinds of republications of ACT laws (see the ACT legislation register at type="disc">
authorised republications to which the Legislation Act 2001 applies
unauthorised republications.
The status of this republication appears on the bottom of each page.
Editorial changes
The Legislation Act 2001, part 11.3 authorises the Parliamentary Counsel to make editorial amendments and other changes of a formal nature when preparing a law for republication. Editorial changes do not change the effect of the law, but have effect as if they had been made by an Act commencing on the republication date (see Legislation Act 2001, s 115 and s 117). The changes are made if the Parliamentary Counsel considers they are desirable to bring the law into line, or more closely into line, with current legislative drafting practice.
This republication includes amendments made under part 11.3 (see endnote 1).
Uncommenced provisions and amendments
If a provision of the republished law has not commenced, the symbol U appears immediately before the provision heading. Any uncommenced amendments that affect this republished law are accessible on the ACT legislation register ( For more information, see the home page for this law on the register.
Modifications
If a provision of the republished law is affected by a current modification, the symbol M appears immediately before the provision heading. The text of the modifying provision appears in the endnotes. For the legal status of modifications, see the Legislation Act 2001, section 95.
Penalties
At the republication date, the value of a penalty unit for an offence against this law is $160 for an individual and $810 for a corporation (see Legislation Act 2001, s 133).
Water and Sewerage Act 2000
Contents
Page
Part 1 Preliminary
1 Name of Act 2
2 Dictionary 2
3 Notes 2
4 Application of Act to certain installations 2
Part 2 Plan approvals
Division 2.1 Certifiers
5 Appointment of certifiers 3
6 Prohibition against contracting out 4
Division 2.2 Issue of plan approvals
7 Application for plan approval 4
8 Issue of plan approvals 4
9 Amendment of approved plans 6
9A Marking approval of amendment 7
10 Notification of cessation of appointment of certifier 8
Part 3 Offences
11 Notice of fire sprinkler work by licensee 9
15 Notice of water supply plumbing work by licensee 9
16 Notice of sanitary plumbing or drainage work by licensee 10
17 Installation of toilets 13
17A Water supply and sanitary plumbing work 13
Part 4 Enforcement
Division 4.1 General
18 Definitions—pt 4 14
20 Construction occupations registrar may require information and documents 14
21 Contravention of requirement by construction occupations registrar 15
22 Construction occupations registrar may require rectification of defective work 16
Division 4.2 Inspectors
23 Appointment of inspectors 17
24 Identity cards 18
25 Construction occupations registrar’s powers 18
26 Delegation—construction occupations registrar 18
27 Power to enter premises 18
28 Production of identity card 19
29 Consent to entry 19
30 Warrants 20
31 Warrants—application made other than in person 21
Division 4.3 Powers of inspectors on entry to premises
32 Powers on entry to premises 22
33 Power to require name and address 25
34 Power to seize evidence 25
35 Receipt for things seized 26
36 Access to things seized 27
37 Return of things seized 27
38 Power to inspect plumbing or sanitary drainage work 27
Division 4.4 Miscellaneous
39 Self-incrimination etc 28
Part 5 Notification and review of decisions
44 Meaning of reviewable decision—pt 5 30
44A Reviewable decision notices 30
44B Applications for review 30
Part 6 Plumbing code
44C Plumbing code 31
44D Regulation under s 44C (1), def plumbing code and Legislation Act, s 47 32
44G Certified copies of plumbing code 33
Part 7 Miscellaneous
45 Determination of fees 34
46 Applying, adopting or incorporating documents in regulations 34
49 Regulation-making power 35
Dictionary37
Endnotes
1 About the endnotes 44
2 Abbreviation key 44
3 Legislation history 45
4 Amendment history 49
5 Earlier republications 55
Water and Sewerage Act 2000
An Act to make provision in relation to the supply of plumbing or sanitary drainage services
Part 1Preliminary
Name of Act
This Act is the Water and Sewerage Act 2000.
Dictionary
The dictionary at the end of this Act is part of this Act.
Note 1The dictionary at the end of this Act defines certain terms used in this Act, and includes references (signpost definitions) to other terms defined elsewhere in this Act or in other legislation.
For example, the signpost definition ‘sewerage network—see the Utilities Act 2000, section 14.’ means the term ‘sewerage network’ is defined in the dictionary to the Act and the definition applies to this Act.
Note 2A definition in the dictionary (including a signpost definition) applies to the entire Act unless the definition, or another provision of the Act, provides otherwise or the contrary intention otherwise appears (see Legislation Act, s 155 and s 156 (1)).
Notes
A note included in this Act is explanatory and is not part of this Act.
NoteSee the Legislation Act, s 127 (1), (4) and (5) for the legal status of notes.
Application of Act to certain installations
(1)To remove any doubt, this Act applies, as far as possible, to the installation of the following:
(a)a chemical toilet;
(b)a flushing toilet that will, or is intended to, discharge into a septic system;
(c)a connection to a septic system.
(2)This section does not limit the application of this Act.
Part 2Plan approvals
Division 2.1 Certifiers
Appointment of certifiers
(1)The owner of premises where it is proposed to do sanitary plumbing work, water supply plumbing work or sanitary drainage work must appoint a certifier in relation to the work.
NoteFor the making of appointments, see the Legislation Act, div 19.3.
(2)Subsection (1) does not apply if—
(a)the structure in relation to which the work is to be done is a single residential building; or
(b)the work is on a pipe connected to a property service less than 50mm in diameter; or
(c)the work consists of replacing taps or toilets or other basic maintenance; or
(d)the cost of the work is not more than $1 000 or a higher prescribed amount.
(3)A certifier’s appointment ends if the certifier ceases to be entitled to be appointed as a certifier in relation to the relevant work.
Note 1A person’s power to make an appointment includes the power to end the appointment (see Legislation Act, s 208).
Note 2A person’s appointment also ends if the person resigns (see Legislation Act, s 210).
(4)The Legislation Act, section 209 (Power of appointment includes power to make acting appointment) does not apply to the appointment of a certifier under this section.
Prohibition against contracting out
A provision in a contract or agreement that purports to limit or modify the operation of this Act in relation to a certifier has no effect.
Division 2.2 Issue of plan approvals
Application for plan approval
The owner of premises may apply to a certifier for approval of a plan in relation to sanitary drainage work, sanitary plumbing work or water supply plumbing work.
Issue of plan approvals
(1)A certifier must not approve a plan in relation to sanitary drainage work, sanitary plumbing work, or water supply plumbing work unless the following approvals have been obtained for the result of the work:
(a)approval from the responsible utility—
(i)if non-domestic waste is to be disposed of—for the disposal of the waste to the sewerage network and the manner of disposal; or
(ii)if an increase in water demand or sewer load is expected—for the increase; or
(iii)if a point of connection to the sewerage network or the water network is to be changed or removed—for the change or removal; or
(iv)if a new point of connection to the sewerage network or the water network is required—for the point; or
(v)if a new fire service is proposed—for the proposal; or
(vi)if surface water or stormwater is to be discharged to the sewerage network—for the discharge and manner of discharge; or
(vii)if a water pumping appliance or sewage pumping appliance is to be connected to the water network or the sewerage network—for the connection and manner of connection;
(b)if radioactive materials are to be disposed of into the sewerage network—approval from the responsible utility and the chief health officer for the disposal and manner of disposal.
(2)A certifier must not issue a plan approval unless—
(a)the application is in accordance with section 7 (Application for plan approval); and
(b)the plan that accompanies the application complies with any requirements prescribed by regulation; and
(c)the applicant has obtained the approvals mentioned in subsection (1); and
(d)the requirements of this Act have otherwise been complied with; and
(e)the proposed plumbing or sanitary drainage work complies with the plumbing code.
(3)If the certifier issues a plan approval—
(a)the approval must be marked on, attached to or partly marked on and partly attached to, each page of the plan it relates to; and
(b)the certifier must initial and mark the certifier’s licence number on each page of the plan.
(4)However, if, because of the size of the plans, it is impractical to mark the plumbing plan approval on each page of the plans, instead of marking the approval under subsection (3) (a), the certifier may mark each page of the plans with an indication that the approval, or part of the approval, is in a separate document instead.
(5)A certifier who issues a plan approval must—
(a)give a copy of the approval and the relevant plans—
(i)as soon as practicable, to the applicant; and
(ii)within 7 days after the day the plans are approved, to the construction occupations registrar; and
(b)if the consequence of work in accordance with the plan would be the discharge of raw or treated sewage, or a by-product of sewage, to somewhere other than the sewerage network—give notice as prescribed by regulation to the chief health officer and the director‑general, of the administrative unit responsible for environmental matters.
Amendment of approved plans
(1)The owner of premises to which a plan approved by a certifier relates may apply to a certifier for approval of an amendment of the plan.
(2)The certifier—
(a)must refuse the application if satisfied that the proposed amendment requires reconsideration of the plan approval; or
(b)may approve the amendment and amend the plan accordingly if—
(i)satisfied that reconsideration of the plan approval is not required; and
(ii)the requirements of section 8 (2), other than paragraph (a), have been complied with in relation to the amendment.
(3)A regulation may prescribe when the proposed amendment of a plan does, or does not, require reconsideration of the plan approval.
(4)A certifier who approves an amendment must keep all documents relating to the amendment for 12 months.
(5)In this section, a reference to a plan approval includes a reference to an approval that has been amended in accordance with this section.
9AMarking approval of amendment
(1)If a certifier approves a plan as amended under section 9—
(a)the amended plan approval must be marked on, attached to or partly marked on and partly attached to, each page of the plan it relates to; and
(b)the certifier must initial and mark the certifier’s licence number on each page of the plan.
(2)However, if, because of the size of the plans, it is impractical to mark the amended plumbing plan approval on each page of the plan, instead of marking the amended plan approval under subsection (1) (a), the certifier may mark each page of the plan with an indication that the approval, or part of the approval, is in a separate document instead.
(3)The certifier must—
(a)give a copy of the amended approval and the amended plan as soon as practicable to the person who applied for the approval; and
(b)within 7 days after the issue give to the construction occupations registrar—
(i)a copy of the amended approval; and
(ii)a copy of the amended plan.
NoteA fee may be determined under s 45 for this section.
Notification of cessation of appointment of certifier
A certifier who has received an application for a plan approval under section 7 (Application for plan approval) must, if the certifier’s appointment in relation to the work ends, within 7 days after the appointment ends, notify the construction occupations registrar, in writing.
Maximum penalty: 1 penalty unit.
Part 3Offences
Notice of fire sprinkler work by licensee
NoteUnder the Construction Occupations (Licensing) Act 2004, unlicensed people must not provide certain services.
A licensee commits an offence if the licensee installs or fits a sprinkler system or any part of a fire sprinkler service without giving the construction occupations registrar written notice of the licensee’s intention to provide the service at least 2 business days before the day the licensee intends to start to provide the service.
Maximum penalty: 20 penalty units.
Notice of water supply plumbing work by licensee
NoteUnder the Construction Occupations (Licensing) Act 2004, unlicensed people must not provide certain services.
(1)A licensee commits an offence if the licensee provides a water supply plumbing service without—
(a)giving the construction occupations registrar written notice of the licensee’s intention to provide the service at least 2 days before the day the licensee intends to start to provide the service; and
(b)if approval is required for a plan under a regulation—getting the approval.
Maximum penalty: 20 penalty units.
(2)A licensee commits an offence if, while providing a water supply plumbing service, the licensee contravenes any direction given by the construction occupations registrar about how the service is to be provided.
Maximum penalty: 20 penalty units.
(3)A licensee commits an offence if—
(a)the licensee does water supply plumbing work that includes the installation of a thing to which the plumbing code applies; and
(b)the thing is not certified under the plumbing code procedure.
Maximum penalty: 20 penalty units.
(4)A notice under subsection (1) must be signed by—
(a)the licensed plumber actually engaged in doing the work referred to in the notice; or
(b)the licensed plumber employing another plumber to do the work under the licensed plumber’s supervision.
(5)A licensed plumber must not—
(a)sign a notice for work that is not actually done by the plumber or by a plumber under the licensed plumber’s supervision; or
(b)do work under a notice not signed by the licensed plumber.
Maximum penalty: 50 penalty units.
(6)An offence against this section is a strict liability offence.
Notice of sanitary plumbing or drainage work by licensee
NoteUnder the Construction Occupations (Licensing) Act 2004, unlicensed people must not provide certain services.
(1)A licensee commits an offence if the licensee provides a sanitary plumbing service or a sanitary drainage service without—
(a)giving the construction occupations registrar written notice of the licensee’s intention to provide the service at least 2 days before the day the licensee intends to start to provide the service; or
(b)if the service is minor sanitary plumbing work—giving the registrar a minor works notice within 7 days after the day the licensee completes the work; or
(c)if the service is minor drainage work—giving the registrar a minor works notice within 7 days after the day the licensee completes the work.
Maximum penalty: 20 penalty units.
(2)An offence against this section is a strict liability offence.
(3)A notice under subsection (1) must, except in the case of a minor works notice—
(a)for work relating to a single residential building—be accompanied by a site plan; or
(b)in any other case—be accompanied by a plan approval under section 8 (Issue of plan approvals).
(4)A site plan must be drawn in accordance with AS 1100 on a scale of not less than 1:200.
(5)Subsection (1) does not apply to—
(a)a person who holds a journeyperson plumbers licence who performs minor sanitary plumbing work if the work is performed under the general supervision of a person who—
(i)holds a sanitary plumber’s licence and who has given notice under subsection (1) (a); or
(ii)submits a minor works notice within 7 days after completing the work; and
(b)a person who holds an operative drainer’s licence who performs minor drainage work if the work is performed under the general supervision of a person who—
(i)holds an advanced sanitary drainer’s licence and who has given notice under subsection (1) (a); or
(ii)submits a minor works notice within 7 days after completing the work.
(6)For this section, work is minor sanitary plumbing work if—
(a)the work is sanitary plumbing work that is limited to maintenance of existing work; and
(b)the holder of a sanitary plumber’s licence has entered into a contract with a person to perform the work; and
(c)the consideration to be given for performance of the work, excluding the cost of sanitary fixtures supplied for the work, is not greater than $1 000 in value.
(7)For this section, work is minor drainage work if—
(a)the work is the replacement or repair of any drain; and
(b)the holder of an advanced sanitary drainer’s licence has entered into a contract with a person to perform the work; and
(c)the consideration to be given for performance of the work, excluding the cost of sanitary fixtures supplied for the work, is not greater than $1 000 in value.
(8)In this section:
AS 1100 means AS 1100 (Technical drawing), as in force from time to time.
NoteAS 1100 may be purchased at works notice means a notice that certifies that the work was completed in accordance with the regulations.
Installation of toilets
NoteThe Public Health Regulation 2000, div 6.3 also contains requirements for toilet installation.
(1)A licensee commits an offence if—
(a)the licensee installs a toilet; and
(b)the toilet does not comply with the requirements prescribed by regulation.
Maximum penalty: 10 penalty units.
(2)An offence under subsection (1) is a strict liability offence.
(3)To remove any doubt, in this section:
toilet—
(a)means the bowl or cistern; and
(b)includes a urinal.
17AWater supply and sanitary plumbing work
(1)A licensee commits an offence if—
(a)the licensee does water supply plumbing work or sanitary plumbing work in relation to—
(i)a shower; or
(ii)a tap inside a building; or
(iii)a sink; and
(b)the work contravenes a requirement prescribed by regulation.
Maximum penalty: 10 penalty units.
(2)An offence under subsection (1) is a strict liability offence.
Part 4Enforcement
Division 4.1 General
Definitions—pt 4
In this part:
connected—a thing is connected with an offence if—
(a)the offence has been committed in relation to it; or
(b)it will provide evidence of the commission of the offence; or
(c)it was used, or is intended to be used, to commit the offence.
occupier, of premises, includes—
(a) a person reasonably believed to be an occupier of the premises; and
(b) a person apparently in charge of the premises.
offence includes an offence that there are reasonable grounds for believing is being, has been or will be committed.
reasonably believes means has reasonable grounds for believing.
Construction occupations registrar may require information and documents
(1)If the construction occupations registrar is satisfied that a person is capable of providing information or producing a document that the registrar reasonably requires for this Act, the registrar may, by written notice given to the person, require the person—
(a)to give the information to the registrar in writing signed by the person or, in the case of a corporation, by an officer of the corporation; or
(b)to produce the document to the registrar.
NoteFor how documents may be served, see the Legislation Act, pt 19.5.
(2)The notice must state—
(a)the place where the information or document is to be given or produced to the construction occupations registrar; and
(b)the time when, or the period within which, the information or document is to be given or produced.
(3)If a document is produced in accordance with a requirement under subsection (1), the construction occupations registrar—
(a)may—
(i)take possession of, and make a copy of, or take extracts from, the document; and
(ii)retain possession of the document for such period as is necessary for this Act; and
(b)must, during that period, allow a person who would be entitled to inspect the document, if it was not in the possession of the registrar, to inspect the document at any reasonable time.
Contravention of requirement by construction occupations registrar
A person must not, without reasonable excuse, contravene a requirement under section 20.
Maximum penalty: 50 penalty units, imprisonment for 6 months or both.
Construction occupations registrar may require rectification of defective work
(1)This section applies if work has not been done in accordance with an inspector’s direction under section 32 (4) (Powers on entry to premises) and the construction occupations registrar reasonably believes that—
(a)the work is necessary to ensure that the plumbing, or the sanitary drainage system, complies with this Act; and
(b)it is necessary to give a direction under this section to protect—
(i)the health or safety of people; or
(ii)public or private property; or
(iii)the environment.
(2)The construction occupations registrar may, in writing, direct the owner to do the work to which the inspector’s direction relates in the way, and within the time, mentioned in the registrar’s direction.
(3)Subsection (4) applies if—
(a)the direction requires the owner to do a thing (including provide written information); and
(b)the owner is not licensed, authorised or qualified to do the thing.
(4)The owner must arrange, and pay for, the thing to be done by someone who is licensed, authorised or qualified to do the thing.
(5)If the owner contravenes a direction under subsection (2), the construction occupations registrar may arrange for the work to be done.
(6)The reasonable expenses incurred by the construction occupations registrar under subsection (5) are a debt due by the owner to the Territory.
Division 4.2 Inspectors
Appointment of inspectors
(1)The construction occupations registrar may appoint a person as an inspector for this Act.
Note 1For the making of appointments (including acting appointments), see the Legislation Act, div 19.3.
Note 2In particular, a person may be appointed for a particular provision of a law (see Legislation Act, s 7 (3)) and an appointment may be made by naming a person or nominating the occupant of a position (see s 207).
(2)An inspector must exercise the inspector’s functions under this Act in accordance with the conditions of appointment and any direction given to the inspector by the construction occupations registrar.
(3)A person must not be appointed under subsection (1) unless—
(a)the person is an Australian citizen or a permanent resident of Australia; and
(b)the construction occupations registrar has certified in writing that, after appropriate inquiry, the registrar is satisfied that the person is a suitable person to be appointed, having regard in particular to—
(i)whether the person has any criminal convictions; and
(ii)the person’s employment record; and
(c)the construction occupations registrar has certified in writing that the registrar is satisfied that the person—
(i)has satisfactorily completed adequate training; and
(ii)is competent;
to exercise the powers of an inspector proposed to be given to the person.
Identity cards
(1)The construction occupations registrar must give each inspector an identity card—
(a)that specifies the inspector’s name and appointment as an inspector; and
(b)on which there is a recent photograph of the inspector.
(2)A person must, within 7 days after ceasing to be an inspector, return the identity card to the construction occupations registrar.
Maximum penalty (subsection (2)): 1 penalty unit.
Construction occupations registrar’s powers
The construction occupations registrar may, subject to this part, exercise all the powers of an inspector.
Delegation—construction occupations registrar
The construction occupations registrar may delegate the registrar’s functions under this part (other than section 23 (Appointment of inspectors)) to an inspector or public servant.
NoteFor the making of delegations and the exercise of delegated functions, see the Legislation Act, pt 19.4.
Power to enter premises
(1)An inspector may, for this Act—
(a)enter any premises at any time with the consent of the occupier; or
(b)at any reasonable time, enter premises connected to a water network or sewerage network (other than a part of the premises used for residential purposes); or
(c)enter premises in accordance with a warrant under this division.
(2)An inspector may, without the occupier’s consent or a warrant, enter the land around premises to ask the occupier for consent to enter the premises.
Production of identity card
An inspector may not remain on premises entered under this part if, on request by the occupier, the inspector does not produce the inspector’s identity card.
Consent to entry
(1)When seeking the consent of an occupier for entering premises under this part, an inspector must—
(a)produce the inspector’s identity card; and
(b)tell the occupier—
(i)the purpose of the entry; and
(ii)that anything found and seized by the inspector may be used in evidence in court; and
(iii)that consent may be refused.
(2)If the occupier consents, the inspector must ask the occupier to sign a written acknowledgment—
(a)that the occupier was told—
(i)the purpose of the entry; and
(ii)that anything found and seized under this part may be used in evidence in court; and
(iii)that consent may be refused; and
(b)that the occupier consented to the entry; and
(c)the time, and day, when consent was given.
(3)If the occupier signs an acknowledgment of consent, the inspector must immediately give a copy to the occupier.
(4)Unless the contrary is proved, a court must presume that an occupier did not consent to an entry to premises by an inspector under this part if—
(a)the question whether the occupier consented to the entry arises in proceedings in the court; and
(b)an acknowledgment under this section is not produced in evidence for the entry; and
(c)it is not proved that the occupier consented to the entry.
Warrants
(1)An inspector may apply to a magistrate for a warrant to enter premises.
(2)The application must be sworn and state the grounds on which the warrant is sought.
(3)The magistrate may refuse to consider the application until the inspector gives the magistrate all the information the magistrate requires about the application in the way the magistrate requires.
(4)The magistrate may issue a warrant only if satisfied there are reasonable grounds for suspecting—
(a)there is a particular thing or activity (the evidence) connected with an offence against this Act; and
(b)the evidence is, or may be within the next 14 days, at the premises.
(5)The warrant must state—
(a)that the inspector may, with necessary help and force, enter the premises and exercise the inspector’s powers under this part; and
(b)the offence for which the warrant is sought; and
(c)the evidence that may be seized under the warrant; and
(d)the hours when the premises may be entered; and
(e)the date, within 14 days after the warrant’s issue, the warrant ends.
Warrants—application made other than in person
(1)An inspector may apply for a warrant by phone, fax, radio or other form of communication if the inspector considers it necessary because of—
(a)urgent circumstances; or
(b)other special circumstances.
(2)Before applying for the warrant, the inspector must prepare an application stating the grounds on which the warrant is sought.
(3)The inspector may apply for the warrant before the application is sworn.
(4)After issuing the warrant, the magistrate must immediately provide a written copy to the inspector if it is reasonably practicable to do so.
(5)If it is not reasonably practicable to provide a written copy to the inspector—
(a)the magistrate must—
(i)tell the inspector what the terms of the warrant are; and
(ii)tell the inspector the date and time the warrant was issued; and
(b)the inspector must complete a form of warrant (warrant form) and write on it—
(i)the magistrate’s name; and
(ii)the date and time the magistrate issued the warrant; and
(iii)the warrant’s terms.
(6)The written copy of the warrant, or the warrant form properly completed by the inspector, authorises the entry and the exercise of the inspector’s powers under this part.
(7)The inspector must, at the first reasonable opportunity, send the magistrate—
(a)the sworn application; and
(b)if the inspector completed a warrant form—the completed warrant form.
(8)On receiving the documents, the magistrate must attach them to the warrant.
(9)Unless the contrary is proven, a court must presume that a power exercised by the inspector was not authorised by a warrant under this section if—
(a)the question arises in a proceeding before the court whether the exercise of power was authorised by a warrant; and
(b)the warrant is not produced in evidence.
Division 4.3 Powers of inspectors on entry to premises
Powers on entry to premises
(1)An inspector who enters premises under this part may, for this Act—
(a)inspect or measure the premises or anything on the premises, in particular any plumbing, or sanitary drainage system; or
(b)take photographs or films or audio, video or other recordings of the premises or anything on the premises; or
(c)take copies or extracts of documents kept on the premises; or
(d)inspect records on the premises in relation to plumbing or sanitary drainage work; or
(e)require the occupier to give reasonable help to exercise a power under this Act; or
(f)require the occupier or a person on the premises to—
(i)answer questions or give information; or
(ii)make available any record or document kept on the premises.
(2)A person must not, without reasonable excuse, contravene a requirement under subsection (1) (e) or (f).
Maximum penalty: 50 penalty units.
(3)For subsection (1), the inspector may open up premises or excavate land, doing as little damage as is reasonably practicable in the circumstances.
(4)An inspector who exercises a power under subsection (1) and finds any part of the plumbing, or the sanitary drainage system, that—
(a)does not comply with, or has not tested in accordance with, this Act; or
(b)is in bad order and condition, or requires cleaning or alteration or should be filled up;
may give a written direction to the owner of the premises, or the person who did the work, to take stated action (including provide written information) to ensure that the system, or the doing of related work, complies with the Act.
Examples—written information
1 a written report about a test required in the direction by the person who did the test
2 a hydraulic engineer’s report about whether work complies with relevant standards
3 certification from a plumbing plan certifier that work complies with this Act
(5)Subsection (6) applies if—
(a)the direction requires the person to whom it is given to do a thing; and
(b)the person—
(i)is not licensed, authorised or qualified to do the thing; or
(ii)if a licence, authorisation or qualification is not required to do the thing—does not have appropriate experience and skill to do the thing.
(6)The person must arrange, and pay for, the thing to be done by someone who—
(a)is licensed, authorised or qualified to do the thing; or
(b)if a licence, authorisation or qualification is not required to do the thing—has appropriate experience and skill to do the thing.
(7)A person must not, without reasonable excuse, contravene a direction under subsection (4).
Maximum penalty: 50 penalty units.
(8)If any part of the plumbing, or the sanitary drainage system, is not found by the inspector to be of the nature mentioned in subsection (4) (a) or (b), the inspector must arrange for the service or system to be promptly put back as near as is reasonably practicable to its former condition or state.
(9)The costs or expenses incurred by the inspector under subsection (8), including any testing or examination, must be met by the Territory.
Power to require name and address
(1)An inspector may require a person to state the person’s name and address if the inspector—
(a)finds a person committing an offence against this Act; or
(b)reasonably believes that a person has committed an offence against this Act.
(2)In exercising a power under subsection (1), an inspector must—
(a)inform the person of the reasons for the requirement; and
(b)as soon as practicable after making the requirement, record those reasons.
(3)A person is not required to comply with a requirement under subsection (1) if, on request by the person, the inspector does not produce the inspector’s identity card.
(4)A person must not, without reasonable excuse, contravene a requirement under subsection (1).
Maximum penalty (subsection (4)): 5 penalty units.
Power to seize evidence
(1)An inspector who enters premises with a warrant under this part may seize the evidence for which the warrant was issued.
(2)An inspector who enters premises under this part without a warrant may seize a thing on the premises if—
(a)the inspector is satisfied the thing is connected with an offence against this Act; and
(b)seizure of the thing is consistent with the purpose of the entry as told to the occupier in seeking the occupier’s consent.
(3)An inspector may also seize another thing on the premises entered under this part if the inspector is satisfied—
(a)the thing is connected with an offence against this Act; and
(b)the seizure is necessary to prevent the thing being—
(i)concealed, lost or destroyed; or
(ii)used to commit, continue or repeat the offence.
(4)Having seized a thing, the inspector may—
(a)remove the thing from the premises where it was seized (the place of seizure) to another place; or
(b)leave the thing at the place of seizure but restrict access to it.
(5)A person must not, without the construction occupations registrar’s approval, interfere with a thing to which access has been restricted under subsection (4).
Maximum penalty (subsection (5)): 50 penalty units, imprisonment for 6 months or both.
Receipt for things seized
(1)As soon as practicable after a thing is seized by an inspector under this part, the inspector must give a receipt for it to the person from whom it was seized.
(2)If, for any reason, it is not practicable to comply with subsection (1), the inspector must leave the receipt, secured conspicuously at the place of seizure.
Access to things seized
A person who would, but for the seizure, be entitled to a thing seized under this part may—
(a)inspect it; and
(b)if it is a document—take extracts from it or make copies of it.
Return of things seized
(1)A thing seized under this part must be returned to its owner, or reasonable compensation must be paid to the owner by the Territory for the loss of the thing, if—
(a)a prosecution for an offence relating to the thing is not instituted within 90 days of the seizure; or
(b)the court does not find the offence proved in a prosecution for an offence relating to the thing.
(2)A thing seized under this part is forfeited to the Territory if a court—
(a)finds an offence relating to the thing to be proved; and
(b)orders the forfeiture.
(3)If subsection (2) (a) applies, but a court does not order forfeiture of the thing seized, the construction occupations registrar must return the thing to its owner or the Territory must pay reasonable compensation to the owner for the loss of the thing.
Power to inspect plumbing or sanitary drainage work
(1)An inspector may enter and remain on premises to conduct a test or inspection under this Act in relation to plumbing or sanitary drainage work.
(2)An inspector may enter and remain on the premises under subsection (1)—
(a)at any reasonable time; and
(b)with the people, equipment or material that the inspector reasonably needs to conduct the test or inspection.
(3)However, the inspector may not, under this section—
(a)enter or remain on premises if, on request by the occupier, the inspector does not produce the inspector’s identity card; or
(b)without the consent of the occupier, enter or remain on any part of the premises used for residential purposes.
(4)The power to enter premises under this section is additional to the powers under section 27 (Power to enter premises).
Division 4.4 Miscellaneous
Self-incrimination etc
(1)A person is not excused from providing information, producing a document or answering a question when required to do so under this part on the ground that the information, document or answer might tend to incriminate the person.
(2)However—
(a)the provision of the information, document or answer; or
(b)any information, document or thing obtained as a direct or indirect consequence of providing the information, document or answer;
is not admissible in evidence against the person in criminal proceedings.
(3)Subsection (2) does not apply to proceedings for—
(a)an offence under this part; or
(b)any other offence in relation to the falsity of the information or document.
Note 1A reference to an offence against a territory law includes a reference to a related ancillary offence, eg attempt (see Legislation Act, s 189).
Note 2The Legislation Act, s 171 deals with the application of client legal privilege.
Part 5Notification and review of decisions
Meaning of reviewable decision—pt 5
In this part:
reviewable decision means a decision prescribed by regulation.
44AReviewable decision notices
If a person makes a reviewable decision, the person must give a reviewable decision notice to each entity prescribed by regulation in relation to the decision.
Note 1The person must also take reasonable steps to give a reviewable decision notice to any other person whose interests are affected by the decision (see ACT Civil and Administrative Tribunal Act 2008, s 67A).
Note 2The requirements for reviewable decision notices are prescribed under the ACT Civil and Administrative Tribunal Act 2008.
44BApplications for review
The following may apply to the ACAT for review of a reviewable decision:
(a)an entity prescribed by regulation in relation to the decision;
(b)any other person whose interests are affected by the decision.
NoteIf a form is approved under the ACT Civil and Administrative Tribunal Act 2008 for the application, the form must be used.
Part 6Plumbing code
44CPlumbing code
(1)In this Act:
plumbing code means—
(a)the Plumbing Code of Australia prepared and published by the Australian Building Codes Board as amended from time to time by—
(i)the Australian Building Codes Board; and
(ii)the Australian Capital Territory Appendix to the Plumbing Code of Australia; and
(b)a document prescribed by regulation.
Note 1The date that each version of the PCA comes into effect in the ACT can be found in the ‘History of PCA Adoption’ part in the PCA itself. However, a different date of effect may be prescribed by regulation or in an amendment of the PCA made by an Australian Capital Territory Appendix to the Plumbing Code of Australia.
Note 2See also s 44D (Regulation under s 44C (1), def plumbing code and Legislation Act, s 47).
(2)The Plumbing Code of Australia includes the variations, additions and exclusions for the ACT contained in the code, including in an appendix to the code.
(3)The Minister may make an Australian Capital Territory Appendix to the Plumbing Code of Australia.
NoteThe power to make an instrument includes the power to amend or repeal the instrument. The power to amend or repeal the instrument is exercisable in the same way, and subject to the same conditions, as the power to make the instrument (see Legislation Act, s 46).
(4)The Australian Capital Territory Appendix to the Plumbing Code of Australia is a disallowable instrument.
NoteA disallowable instrument must be notified, and presented to the Legislative Assembly, under the Legislation Act.
(5)A regulation may make provision in relation to the application of the plumbing code.
Example
A new edition of the Plumbing Code of Australia comes into effect on 1 May 2013. A regulation provides that stated provisions of the PCA come into effect in the ACT on 1 January 2014.
NoteThe Australian Capital Territory Appendix to the Plumbing Code of Australia may also amend the date the PCA comes into effect in the ACT.
44DRegulation under s 44C (1), def plumbing code and Legislation Act, s 47
(1)This section applies in relation to a regulation made under section 44C (1), definition of plumbing code, paragraph (b).
(2)A regulation may apply, adopt or incorporate a law of another jurisdiction or instrument as in force from time to time.
(3)The Legislation Act, section 47 (5) or (6) does not apply in relation to the law of another jurisdiction or instrument applied, adopted or incorporated under a regulation.
NoteLaws of another jurisdiction and instruments mentioned in s (3) do not need to be notified under the Legislation Act because s 47 (5) and (6) do not apply (see Legislation Act, s 47 (7)).
(4)In this section:
law of another jurisdiction—see the Legislation Act, section 47 (10).
44GCertified copies of plumbing code
In a proceeding before a court or the ACAT, evidence of the plumbing code as in force on a stated date or during a stated period may be given by the production of a copy of the plumbing code certified by the construction occupations registrar as a true copy as at the date or during the period.
Part 7Miscellaneous
Determination of fees
(1)The Minister may determine fees for this Act.
NoteThe Legislation Act contains provisions about the making of determinations and regulations relating to fees (see pt 6.3).
(2)A determination is a disallowable instrument.
NoteA disallowable instrument must be notified, and presented to the Legislative Assembly, under the Legislation Act.
Applying, adopting or incorporating documents in regulations
(1)A regulation may apply, adopt or incorporate (with or without change or modification)—
(a)a law, Australian Standard or Australian/New Zealand Standard as in force from time to time; or
(b)another instrument as in force from time to time.
(2)The Legislation Act, section 47 (5) and (6) do not apply in relation to a law, standard or instrument applied, adopted or incorporated under subsection (1).
NoteThe law, standard or instrument does not need to be notified under the Legislation Act because s 47 (5) and (6) do not apply (see Legislation Act, s 47 (7)).
(3)The director-general must ensure that an instrument applied, adopted or incorporated under subsection (1) (b) is—
(a)on the ACT legislation register; or
(b)available for inspection by anyone without charge during ordinary business hours at an ACT government office; or
(c)accessible on an ACT government website, or by a link on an ACT government website.
(4)Any instrument that is applied, adopted or incorporated under subsection (1) (b) is not enforceable by or against the Territory or anyone else unless it is made accessible in accordance with subsection (3).
(5)In this section:
ACT legislation register—see the Legislation Act, section 18 (1).
Regulation-making power
(1)The Executive may make regulations for this Act.
NoteA regulation must be notified, and presented to the Legislative Assembly, under the Legislation Act.
(2)A regulation may also make provision in relation to—
(a)the certification of plumbing or sanitary drainage work; and
(b)the doing of plumbing or sanitary drainage work; and
(c)the inspection of the plumbing, or the sanitary drainage system, or plumbing or sanitary drainage work; and
(d)notification requirements in relation to plumbing or sanitary drainage work; and
(e)standards for plumbing or sanitary drainage work and the approval of materials to be used in that work; and
(f)the connection of equipment to infrastructure related to the supply of water or to drains or sewers; and
(g)the removal or repair of defective plumbing or sanitary drainage work; and
(h)the review of decisions made under the regulations; and
(i)the payment of fees.
(3)The regulations may also prescribe offences for contraventions of the regulations and prescribe maximum penalties of not more than 10 penalty units for offences against the regulations.
Dictionary
(see s 2)
Note 1The Legislation Act contains definitions and other provisions relevant to this Act.
Note 2In particular, the Legislation Act, dict, pt 1, defines the following terms:
· ACAT
·appoint
· Australian citizen
·construction occupations registrar
·disallowable instrument (see s 9)
·document
·exercise
·function
·magistrate
·penalty unit (see s 133)
· reviewable decision notice
·the Territory.
Note 3The Legislation Act, s 164 defines the following terms:
· AS
· AS/NZS
· Australian Standard
· Australian/New Zealand Standard.
backflow prevention device means a device to prevent the reverse flow from a potentially polluted source into a water supply system for water suitable for human consumption.
certifier means a person who holds a licence as a plumbing plan certifier.
connected, with an offence, for part 4 (Enforcement)—see section 18.
credit card includes a debit card.
fire sprinkler service means the part of water supply pipework from fire sprinklers to the place where a backflow prevention device must be installed to comply with the plumbing code to prevent backflow from the pipework directly serving the fire sprinklers.
fire sprinkler work means the installation, replacement, augmentation, curtailing, maintenance, repair, or alteration of the location of all or part, of a fire sprinkler service.
grey water—
(a)means domestic waste from baths, basins, showers and laundries; and
(b)includes floor waste from areas mentioned in paragraph (a); but
(c)does not include kitchen waste or waste containing gastrointestinal products or other bodily waste.
hot-water system means—
(a)a water heater connected to a water service; and
(b)the equipment and materials connected to a water service that are necessary to provide a supply of hot water.
inspector—see section 23 (Appointment of inspectors).
irrigation means the supplying of water for—
(a)growth, cooling, treating, humidifying and frost protection of vegetation; and
(b)water replenishment of the soil.
irrigation system—
(a)means the part of water supply pipework from a water network to outlets for irrigation; but
(b)does not include part of a water network.
land sublease—see the Planning Act 2023, dictionary.
licence of a stated kind, means a licence of that kind under the Construction Occupations (Licensing) Act 2004.
licence number—see Construction Occupations (Licensing) Act 2004, section 23 (1) (c).
licensee, in relation to a service, means a person licensed under the Construction Occupations (Licensing) Act 2004 to provide the service.
occupier, of premises, for part 4 (Enforcement)—see section 18.
offence, for part 4 (Enforcement)—see section 18.
owner, of premises or land on which a sewerage or water service has been, or is to be, installed includes—
(a)the occupier, lessee, tenant or holder of the premises or land; and
(b)for land under a land sublease or premises on the land—the sublessee.
plan approval means a plan approval issued under section 8 (Issue of plan approvals).
plumbing code—see section 44C.
premises includes land and place.
reasonably believes, for part 4 (Enforcement)—see section 18.
responsible utility means—
(a) in relation to the sewerage network—a utility licensed to provide sewerage services using the network; and
(b) in relation to the water network—a utility licensed to provide water services using the network.
reviewable decision, for part 5 (Notification and review of decisions)—see section 44.
sanitary drain—
(a)means a pipe, conduit or fitting, or device directly connected to 1 or more of them, that—
(i)is installed in or on the ground (or partly in and partly on the ground) and is used, or for use, in relation to the drainage of a single building, or the drainage of 2 or more buildings by a combined drainage operation; and
(ii)is, or is to be, indirectly or directly connected to a sewerage network, a septic tank, on-site sewerage treatment unit or other receptacle for sewage; but
(b)does not include—
(i)a grey-water irrigation hose used, or for use, in relation to the carrying of grey water directly to a grey-water irrigation area; or
(ii)a thing mentioned in paragraph (a)—
(A)that is part of a sewerage network for which there is a responsible utility; or
(B)that is intended by a utility, or by an entity that has an arrangement (however described) with a utility in relation to the thing, to become part of a sewerage network for which the utility is the responsible utility.
sanitary drainage work—
(a)means the installation, replacement, augmentation, curtailing, maintenance, repair, or alteration of the location of all or part, of a sanitary drain; but
(b)does not include—
(i)inspecting a sanitary drain, clearing a blockage or obstruction of the drain, or cleaning the drain, unless the inspecting, clearing or cleaning involves damage to, or removal of part of, the sanitary drain or is done for reward; or
(ii)the operation of a grey-water diverter.
sanitary plumbing—
(a)means a pipe, fitting, fixture or water appliance that is not in or in contact with the ground and that is used, or for use, in relation to the collecting or carrying of sewage to a sanitary drain; and
(b)includes a fitting used, or for use, in the diversion of grey water, or for the direct connection of a grey-water irrigation hose; but
(c)does not include a grey-water irrigation hose used, or for use, in relation to the carrying of grey water directly to a grey-water irrigation area.
sanitary plumbing work—
(a)means the installation, replacement, augmentation, curtailing, maintenance, repair, or alteration of the location of all or part, of sanitary plumbing; but
(b)does not include—
(i)inspecting sanitary plumbing, clearing a blockage or obstruction of the plumbing or cleaning the plumbing unless the inspecting, clearing or cleaning involves damage to, or removal of part of, the sanitary plumbing or is done for reward; or
(ii)the operation of a grey-water diverter.
sewage—
(a)means waste water from the community, including faecal matter, urine and household and commercial waste water that contains human waste; but
(b)does not include stormwater.
sewerage network—see the Utilities Act 2000, section 14.
single residential building means a detached house or a building making up no more than 2 residences, and includes—
(a) a part of such a building; and
(b) an adjunct to such a building.
site plan—see HB 50 (Glossary of building terms) as in force on 1 March 1999.
stormwater means surface water, subsoil water and runoff caused by rainfall on roof areas.
water appliance—
(a)means an apparatus or machine that—
(i)is connected to a water service outlet or hot-water system outlet; and
(ii)has an outlet to drain waste water, or to draw off water processed, heated or cooled by the apparatus or machine; but
(b)does not include an apparatus or machine if—
(i)the connection is to a water service outlet that is a tap; and
(ii)the connection is a temporary hand connection.
water network—see the Utilities Act 2000, section 12.
water service—
(a)means the part of the water supply pipework used, or for use, for water supply from a primary water source up to and including outlet valves at fixtures and water appliances; and
(b)includes an irrigation system; but
(c)does not include—
(i)a fire sprinkler system; or
(ii)part of a water network; or
(iii)water supply pipework that is intended by either of the following to become part of a water network, if the water network is a water network for which there is a responsible utility:
(A)the responsible utility;
(B)an entity that has an arrangement (however described) with the responsible utility in relation to the pipework.
water supply plumbing work—
(a)means the installation, replacement, augmentation, curtailing, maintenance, repair, or alteration of the location of all or part, of a water service or a hot-water system; and
(b)includes fire sprinkler work; but
(c)does not include removing a washer or something similar from a tap or valve, or repairing or fitting the washer or the similar thing, unless the removal, repair or fitting involves damage to part of—
(i)a water service; or
(ii)a hot-water system; or
(iii)an irrigation system; or
(iv)a fire sprinkler system.
Endnotes
About the endnotes
Amending and modifying laws are annotated in the legislation history and the amendment history. Current modifications are not included in the republished law but are set out in the endnotes.
Not all editorial amendments made under the Legislation Act 2001, part 11.3 are annotated in the amendment history. Full details of any amendments can be obtained from the Parliamentary Counsel’s Office.
Uncommenced amending laws are not included in the republished law. The details of these laws are underlined in the legislation history. Uncommenced expiries are underlined in the legislation history and amendment history.
If all the provisions of the law have been renumbered, a table of renumbered provisions gives details of previous and current numbering.
The endnotes also include a table of earlier republications.
Abbreviation key
A = Act NI = Notifiable instrument AF = Approved form o = order am = amended om = omitted/repealed amdt = amendment ord = ordinance AR = Assembly resolution orig = original ch = chapter par = paragraph/subparagraph CN = Commencement notice pres = present def = definition prev = previous DI = Disallowable instrument (prev...) = previously dict = dictionary pt = part disallowed = disallowed by the Legislative r = rule/subrule Assembly reloc = relocated div = division renum = renumbered exp = expires/expired R[X] = Republication No Gaz = gazette RI = reissue hdg = heading s = section/subsection IA = Interpretation Act 1967 sch = schedule ins = inserted/added sdiv = subdivision LA = Legislation Act 2001 SL = Subordinate law LR = legislation register sub = substituted LRA = Legislation (Republication) Act 1996 underlining = whole or part not commenced mod = modified/modification or to be expired
Legislation history
Water and Sewerage Act 2000 A2000‑68
notified 20 December 2000 (Gaz 2000 No S68)
s 1, s 2 commenced 20 December 2000 (IA s 10B)
remainder commenced 1 January 2001 (Gaz 2000 No S69)as amended by
Legislation (Consequential Amendments) Act 2001 A2001‑44 pt 413
notified 26 July 2001 (Gaz 2001 No 30)
s 1, s 2 commenced 26 July 2001 (IA s 10B)
pt 413 commenced 12 September 2001 (s 2 and see Gaz 2001 No S65)Legislation Amendment Act 2002 A2002‑11 pt 2.52
notified LR 27 May 2002
s 1, s 2 commenced 27 May 2002 (LA s 75)
pt 2.52 commenced 28 May 2002 (s 2 (1))Criminal Code 2002 No 51 pt 1.28
notified LR 20 December 2002
s 1, s 2 commenced 20 December 2002 (LA s 75 (1))
pt 1.28 commenced 1 January 2003 (s 2 (1))Statute Law Amendment Act 2003 A2003-41 sch 3 pt 3.23
notified LR 11 September 2003
s 1, s 2 commenced 11 September 2003 (LA s 75 (1))
sch 3 pt 3.23 commenced 9 October 2003 (s 2 (1))Construction Occupations Legislation Amendment Act 2004 A2004‑13 sch 1 pt 1.3, sch 2 pt 2.27
notified LR 26 March 2004
s 1, s 2 commenced 26 March 2004 (LA s 75 (1))
sch 1 pt 1.3, sch 2 pt 2.27 commenced 1 September 2004 (s 2 and see Construction Occupations (Licensing) Act 2004 A2004-12, s 2 and CN2004-8)Criminal Code (Theft, Fraud, Bribery and Related Offences) Amendment Act 2004 A2004-15 sch 2 pt 2.98
notified LR 26 March 2004
s 1, s 2 commenced 26 March 2004 (LA s 75 (1))sch 2 pt 2.98 commenced 9 April 2004 (s 2 (1))
Water and Sewerage Amendment Act 2004 A2004-67 pt 2
notified LR 9 September 2004
s 1, s 2 commenced 9 September 2004 (LA s 75 (1))
pt 2 commenced 10 September 2004 (s 2)Construction Occupations Legislation Amendment Act 2005 A2005‑34 sch 1 pt 1.5
notified LR 6 July 2005
s 1, s 2 commenced 6 July 2005 (LA s 75 (1))
sch 1 pt 1.5 commenced 27 July 2005 (s 2)Construction Occupations Legislation Amendment Act 2006 A2006‑15 sch 1 pt 1.6
notified LR 6 April 2006
s 1, s 2 commenced 6 April 2006 (LA s 75 (1))
sch 1 pt 1.6 commenced 1 September 2006 (s 2 and CN2006-19)Statute Law Amendment Act 2006 A2006-42 sch 3 pt 3.25
notified LR 26 October 2006
s 1, s 2 taken to have commenced 12 November 2005 (LA s 75 (2))
sch 3 pt 3.25 commenced 16 November 2006 (s 2 (1))ACT Civil and Administrative Tribunal Legislation Amendment Act 2008 (No 2) A2008-37 sch 1 pt 1.106
notified LR 4 September 2008
s 1, s 2 commenced 4 September 2008 (LA s 75 (1))
sch 1 pt 1.106 commenced 2 February 2009 (s 2 (1) and see ACT Civil and Administrative Tribunal Act 2008 A2008-35, s 2 (1) and CN2009-2)Water and Sewerage (Energy Efficient Hot-Water Systems) Legislation Amendment Act 2009 A2009-26 pt 2
notified LR 8 September 2009
s 1, s 2 commenced 8 September 2009 (LA s 75 (1))
pt 2 commenced 31 January 2010 (s 2)Administrative (One ACT Public Service Miscellaneous Amendments) Act 2011 A2011-22 sch 1 pt 1.172
notified LR 30 June 2011
s 1, s 2 commenced 30 June 2011 (LA s 75 (1))
sch 1 pt 1.172 commenced 1 July 2011 (s 2 (1))Statute Law Amendment Act 2012 A2012-21 sch 3 pt 3.55
notified LR 22 May 2012
s 1, s 2 commenced 22 May 2012 (LA s 75 (1))
sch 3 pt 3.55 commenced 5 June 2012 (s 2 (1))Statute Law Amendment Act 2013 A2013-19 sch 3 pt 3.51
notified LR 24 May 2013
s 1, s 2 commenced 24 May 2013 (LA s 75 (1))
sch 3 pt 3.51 commenced 14 June 2013 (s 2)Construction and Energy Efficiency Legislation Amendment Act 2013 A2013-31 pt 10
notified LR 26 August 2013
s 1, s 2 commenced 26 August 2013 (LA s 75 (1))
ss 79-82, 89, 90 commenced 27 August 2013 (s 2 (3))
pt 10 remainder commenced 1 September 2013 (s 2 (1))Planning and Development (University of Canberra and Other Leases) Legislation Amendment Act 2015 A2015‑19 pt 23
notified LR 11 June 2015
s 1, s 2 commenced 11 June 2015 (LA s 75 (1))
pt 23 commenced 1 July 2015 (s 2 and CN2015-9)Red Tape Reduction Legislation Amendment Act 2015 A2015-33 sch 1 pt 1.74
notified LR 30 September 2015
s 1, s 2 commenced 30 September 2015 (LA s 75 (1))
sch 1 pt 1.74 commenced 14 October 2015 (s 2)Red Tape Reduction Legislation Amendment Act 2018 A2018-33 sch 1 pt 1.40
notified LR 25 September 2018
s 1, s 2 commenced 25 September 2018 (LA s 75 (1))
sch 1 pt 1.40 commenced 23 October 2018 (s 2 (4))Statute Law Amendment Act 2021 A2021-12 sch 3 pt 3.64
notified LR 9 June 2021
s 1, s 2 commenced 9 June 2021 (LA s 75 (1))
sch 3 pt 3.64 commenced 23 June 2021 (s 2 (1))Statute Law Amendment Act 2022 A2022-14 sch 3 pt 3.43
notified LR 10 August 2022
s 1, s 2 commenced 10 August 2022 (LA s 75 (1))
sch 3 pt 3.43 commenced 24 August 2022 (s 2)Planning (Consequential Amendments) Act 2023 A2023-36 sch 1 pt 1.71
notified LR 29 September 2023
s 1, s 2 commenced 29 September 2023 (LA s 75 (1))
sch 1 pt 1.71 commenced 27 November 2023 (s 2 (1) and see Planning Act 2023 A2023-18, s 2 (2) and CN2023-10)Building and Construction Legislation Amendment Act 2023 A2023‑55 pt 13
notified LR 11 December 2023
s 1, s 2 commenced 11 December 2023 (LA s 75 (1))
pt 13 commenced 12 December 2023 (s 2 (4))Building and Construction Legislation Amendment Act 2025 A2025-5 pt 8
notified LR 31 March 2025
s 1, s 2 commenced 31 March 2025 (LA s 75 (1))
pt 8 commenced 1 April 2025 (s 2)
Amendment history
Dictionary
s 2orig s 2 om A2001‑44 amdt 1.4275
(prev s 3) renum A2003‑41 amdt 3.500
Notes
s 3orig s 3 am A2001‑44 amdt 1.4276; A2003‑41 amdt 3.499
renum as s 2
(prev s 4) renum A2003‑41 amdt 3.500
om A2004‑13 amdt 2.92
(prev s 4) ins A2003‑41 amdt 3.501
renum A2004‑13 amdt 2.93
Application of Act to certain installations
s 4orig s 4 renum as s 3
ins A2003‑41 amdt 3.501
renum as s 3 A2004‑13 amdt 2.93
ins A2004‑13 amdt 2.94
Appointment of certifiers
s 5am A2003‑41 amdt 3.502, amdt 3.503; A2004‑13 amdt 2.95; A2023-55 s 61
Application for plan approval
s 7sub A2006‑15 amdt 1.36
Issue of plan approvals
s 8am A2004‑13 amdts 2.96-2.98; pars renum R8 LA (see A2004‑13 amdt 2.99); A2006‑42 amdt 3.214; pars renum R12 LA; A2011‑22 amdt 1.479; A2013‑19 amdt 3.481; A2013‑31 s 78; A2021-12 amdt 3.181; A2022-14 amdt 3.221
Issue of plan approvals
s 9am A2004‑13 amdt 2.100; ss renum R8 LA (see A2004‑13 amdt 2.101)
Marking approval of amendment
s 9Ains A2004‑13 amdt 2.102
ss renum R12 LA
am A2021-12 amdt 3.181; A2022-14 amdt 3.221
Notification of cessation of appointment of certifier
s 10am A2003‑41 amdt 3.504; A2004‑13 amdt 2.120; A2022‑14 amdt 3.221
Notice of fire sprinkler work by licensee
s 11sub A2004‑13 amdt 2.103
Sanitary plumbers to be licensed
s 12om A2004‑13 amdt 2.104
House drainage work
s 13om A2004‑13 amdt 2.104
Water supply plumbers to be licensed
s 14om A2004‑13 amdt 2.104
Notice of water supply plumbing work by licensee
s 15 hdgsub A2004‑13 amdt 2.105
s 15am A2004‑13 amdt 2.106, amdt 2.107; ss renum R8 LA (see A2004‑13 amdt 2.108); A2006‑15 amdt 1.37; A2022‑14 amdt 3.222
Notice of sanitary plumbing or drainage work by licensee
s 16 hdgsub A2023-55 s 62
s 16am A2001‑44 amdt 1.4277, amdt 1.4278; A2003‑41 amdt 3.505; A2004‑13 amdt 2.109, amdt 2.110; ss renum R8 LA; A2013‑19 amdt 3.482, 3.483; A2021-12 amdt 3.181
Installation of toilets
s 17sub A2004‑13 amdt 1.7
Water supply and sanitary plumbing work
s 17Ains A2004‑67 s 4
Definitions—pt 4
s 18def connected ins A2003‑41 amdt 3.506
def offence ins A2003‑41 amdt 3.506
Things connected with offences
s 19om A2003‑41 amdt 3.507
Chief construction occupations registrar may require information and documents
s 20 hdgam A2004‑13 amdt 2.120
s 20am A2003‑41 amdt 3.508; A2004‑13 amdt 2.120, amdt 1.121
Contravention of requirement by construction occupations registrar
s 21 hdgam A2004‑13 amdt 2.120
s 21am A2004‑13 amdt 2.120
Construction occupations registrar may require rectification of defective work
s 22 hdgam A2004‑13 amdt 2.120
s 22am A2004‑13 amdt 2.120, amdt 1.121; R8 LA (see A2004‑13 amdt 2.121); A2013‑31 s 79; ss renum R19 LA
Appointment of inspectors
s 23am A2003‑41 amdt 3.509; A2004‑13 amdt 2.120, amdt 1.121; A2006‑42 amdt 3.215; A2022-14 amdt 3.223
Identity cards
s 24am A2004‑13 amdt 2.120
Construction occupations registrar’s powers
s 25 hdgam R8 LA (see A2004‑13 amdt 2.120)
s 25am A2004‑13 amdt 2.120
Delegation—construction occupations registrar
s 26sub A2003‑41 amdt 3.510; A2004‑13 amdt 2.111
Production of identity card
s 28am A2022-14 amdt 3.223
Consent to entry
s 29am A2022-14 amdt 3.223
Warrants—application made other than in person
s 31am A2018‑33 amdt 1.77, amdt 1.78
Powers on entry to premises
s 32am A2013‑31 ss 80-82; ss renum R19 LA
Power to require name and address
s 33am A2022-14 amdt 3.223
Power to seize evidence
s 34am R8 LA (see A2004‑13 amdt 2.120)
Return of things seized
s 37am A2004‑13 amdt 2.120
Power to inspect plumbing or sanitary drainage work
s 38am A2022-14 amdt 3.223
Self-incrimination etc
s 39am A2002‑11 amdt 2.111; A2002‑51 amdt 1.58
Legal professional privilege
s 40om A2002‑11 amdt 2.112
Providing false or misleading information
s 41om A2004‑15 amdt 2.208
Providing false or misleading documents
s 42om A2004‑15 amdt 2.208
Obstruction
s 43om A2004‑15 amdt 2.208
Notification and review of decisions
pt 5 hdgsub A2008‑37 amdt 1.556
Meaning of reviewable decision—pt 5
s 44sub A2008‑37 amdt. 1.556
Reviewable decision notices
s 44Ains A2008‑37 amdt. 1.556
Applications for review
s 44Bins A2008‑37 amdt. 1.556
Miscellaneous
pt 5A hdgrenum as pt 7 hdg
Plumbing code
pt 6 hdgins A2013‑31 s 83
Plumbing code
s 44Cins A2013‑31 s 83
Regulation under s 44C (1), def plumbing code and Legislation Act, s 47
s 44Dins A2013‑31 s 83
Publication and availability of ACT Appendix
s 44Eins A2013‑31 s 83
am A2015‑33 amdt 1.258
om A2025-5 s 37
Inspection of plumbing code
s 44Fins A2013‑31 s 83
am A2022-14 amdt 3.224
om A2025-5 s 37
Certified copies of plumbing code
s 44Gins A2013‑31 s 83
Miscellaneous
pt 7 hdg(prev pt 5A hdg) ins A2008‑37 amdt 1.556
renum as pt 7 hdg A2013‑31 s 85
Determination of fees
s 45sub A2001‑44 amdt 1.4279
am A2006‑42 amdt 3.216
Meaning of plumbing code
s 45Ains A2009‑26 s 4
(3)-(5) exp 31 January 2011 (s 45A (5))
ss renum R15 LA
om A2013‑31 s 84
Applying, adopting or incorporating documents in regulations
s 46om A2001‑44 amdt 1.4280
ins A2006‑15 amdt 1.38
sub A2009‑26 s 5
om A2013‑31 s 84
ins A2025-5 s 38
Regulations may make provision about fees
s 47om A2001‑44 amdt 1.4280
Approved forms
s 48sub A2001‑44 amdt 1.4281
am A2003‑41 amdt 3.511; A2004‑13 amdt 2.120; A2006‑42 amdt 3.216
omA2021-12 amdt 3.182
Regulation-making power
s 49am A2001‑44 amdt 1.4282, amdt 1.4283; A2004‑13 amdt 2.112; A2005‑34 amdt 1.52; A2025-5 s 39; ss renum R28 LA
Transitional
pt 6 hdgexp 1 January 2002 (s 55)
Definitions for pt 6
s 50exp 1 January 2002 (s 55)
Repeal
s 51om R2 (LA)
Certifiers
s 52exp 1 January 2002 (s 55)
Plan approvals
s 53exp 1 January 2002 (s 55)
Regulations—transitional matters
s 54exp 1 January 2002 (s 55)
Expiry of pt 6
s 55exp 1 January 2002 (s 55)
Dictionary
dictam A2003‑41 amdt 3.512, amdt 3.513; A2004‑13 amdt 2.113; A2006‑42 amdt 3.217; A2008‑37 amdt 1.557, amdt 1.558; A2012‑21 amdt 3.214, A2013‑19 amdt 3.484
def ACT plumbing code ins A2009‑26 s 6
om A2013‑31 s 86
def AS/NZS 3500 ins A2013‑19 amdt 3.486
om A2013‑31 s 86
def Australian Standard 3500 sub A2005‑34 amdt 1.53
om A2013‑19 amdt 3.485
def backflow prevention device ins A2004‑13 amdt 2.114
def certifier am R12 LA
def connected ins A2003‑41 amdt 3.514
def drain om A2004‑13 amdt 2.115
def fire sprinkler service sub A2004‑13 amdt 2.115
am A2013‑19 amdt 3.487; A2013‑31 s 87
def fire sprinkler work ins A2004‑13 amdt 2.115
def function om A2003‑41 amdt 3.515
def grey water ins A2004‑13 amdt 2.115
def hot-water system ins A2004‑13 amdt 2.115
def irrigation ins A2004‑13 amdt 2.116
def irrigation system ins A2004‑13 amdt 2.116
def land sublease ins A2015‑19 s 148
sub A2023-36 amdt 1.411
def licence sub A2004‑13 amdt 2.116
def licence number ins A2004‑13 amdt 2.116
def licensee ins A2004‑13 amdt 2.116
def MP52 om A2006‑15 amdt 1.39
def occupier ins A2003‑41 amdt 3.516
def offence ins A2003‑41 amdt 3.516
def owner sub A2015‑19 s 149
def plumbing code ins A2006‑15 amdt 1.40
sub A2009‑26 s 7; A2013‑31 s 88
def reasonably believes ins A2003‑41 amdt 3.516
def reviewable decision ins A2008‑37 amdt 1.559
def sanitary drain ins A2004‑13 amdt 1.8
am A2006‑15 amdt 1.41; A2013‑31 s 89
def sanitary drainage work ins A2004‑13 amdt 2.117
def sanitary plumbing ins A2004‑13 amdt 1.8
def sanitary plumbing work ins A2004‑13 amdt 2.117
def sewage ins A2004‑13 amdt 2.118
def sewer om A2004‑13 amdt 2.118
def site plan am A2013‑19 amdt 3.488
def stormwater ins A2004‑13 amdt 2.119
def this Act om A2003‑41 amdt 3.517
def water appliance ins A2004‑13 amdt 2.119
def water network sub A2004‑13 amdt 2.119
def water service ins A2004‑13 amdt 2.119
am A2006‑15 amdt 1.42; A2013‑31 s 90
def water supply plumbing work ins A2004‑13 amdt 2.119
Earlier republications
Some earlier republications were not numbered. The number in column 1 refers to the publication order.
Since 12 September 2001 every authorised republication has been published in electronic pdf format on the ACT legislation register. A selection of authorised republications have also been published in printed format. These republications are marked with an asterisk (*) in column 1. Electronic and printed versions of an authorised republication are identical.
Republication No Amendments to Republication date 1 not amended 24 May 2001 2 A2001‑44 12 September 2001 3 A2001‑44 10 January 2002 4 A2002‑11 30 May 2002 5 A2002‑51 1 January 2003 6 A2003‑41 9 October 2003 7 A2004‑15 9 April 2004 8 A2004‑15 1 September 2004 9 A2004‑67 10 September 2004 10 A2005‑34 27 July 2005 11 A2006‑15 1 September 2006 12 A2006‑42 16 November 2006 13 A2008‑37 2 February 2009 14 A2009‑26 31 January 2010 15 A2009‑26 1 February 2011 16 A2011‑22 1 July 2011 17 A2012‑21 5 June 2012 18 A2013‑19 14 June 2013 19 A2013‑31 27 August 2013 20 A2013‑31 1 September 2013 21 A2015-19 1 July 2015 22 A2015-33 14 October 2015 23 A2018-33 23 October 2018 24 A2021-12 23 June 2021 25 A2022‑14 24 August 2022 26 A2023‑36 27 November 2023 27 A2023‑55 12 December 2023
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