Fake testimonial costs plumbing licence applicant – Kenneth Finbar Wilson

PLUMBERS LICENSING BOARD – MEDIA STATEMENTA Kardinya man has been ordered to pay more than $1,500 in fines and costs after admitting he provided a fake testimonial for a plumbing licence application. The charge against Kenneth Finbar Wilson, brought by the Plumbers Licensing Board, was heard at Armadale Magistrates Court on 7 March 2023.Mr Wilson pleaded guilty to contravening the WA’s Plumbers Licensing and Plumbing Standards Regulations 2000, which prohibit licence applicants from knowingly providing false or misleading information.Mr Wilson holds a restricted plumbing permit for limited plumbing work only related to hot water systemsThe Court heard that in July 2022, Mr Wilson lodged an application with Building and Energy for a plumbing provisional tradesperson’s licence, which would enable him to carry out water supply, sanitary and drainage plumbing work.Mr Wilson’s application included a testimonial claiming to be from a Perth licensed plumber and gasfitter. However, the person named in the testimonial has never met Mr Wilson and did not sign the testimonial.Magistrate Brian Mahon ordered Mr Wilson to pay a fine of $1,000 and costs of $595.30, noting that plumbing regulation was particularly important for the safety of consumers and the wider community.Consumers are encouraged to check if a plumber is licensed by using the “licence search” function on the Building and Energy website (dmirs.wa.gov.au). A licensed plumbing tradesperson can carry out work for a licensed plumbing contractor, but only the contractor can certify the work and submit official notices.All major plumbing work requires certification and the owner must be given a copy of this within five working days of the work being completed.<ENDS>Media contact: BEmedia@demirs.wa.gov.au