NSW Fair Trading Minister, Linda Burney, said today’s (Thursday’s) meeting of industry experts regarding alleged problems with high-front guttering found no evidence to support claims of a widespread problem.

The meeting which was convened by the Office of Fair Trading involved representatives of the plumbing and building industries, guttering manufacturers, Standards Australia and relevant government agencies that oversee the building and plumbing codes.

Ms Burney said the overall feeling of the meeting was that there was virtually no evidence to support recent claims of a widespread guttering problem in NSW.

“Consumers should not be panicked by recent reports and allegations being driven by one plumber with a personal agenda,” Ms Burney said.

“Despite my calls for those with evidence of problems to come forward there are still only a small number of isolated cases of water damage that may be linked to guttering problems.

“This makes a mockery of the Shadow Minister for Fair Trading’s recent overblown comments that the guttering issue represented the biggest consumer scandal in 20 years.

“Today’s meeting noted that there can be many reasons for water to overflow from a gutter including design issues, the number and style of downpipes as well as maintenance issues including clearing potential blockages.

“It was also discussed that there are many solutions to deal with overflowing water such as the number, location and size of downpipes, slots in the guttering, flashing and a gap between the gutter and wall.”

Ms Burney said the meeting questioned Mr Higgins’ motivation.

“Apparently Mr Higgins and his family have developed an alternative clipping system that they have been trying unsuccessfully to sell to manufacturers for some time,” Ms Burney said.

“I’m told that many of those around the table were disappointed that the guttering issue is getting so much attention, particularly when evidence to support the claims has not been forthcoming. 

“I am concerned that NSW residents may have been unnecessarily alarmed.”

Ms Burney said the meeting supported a review of codes and standards if evidence was found of systemic problems relating to the manufacture or installation of guttering.

“I again call on anyone, including Mr Higgins, if they have specific examples where guttering has been the cause of flooding, to bring it to the attention of Fair Trading,” Ms Burney said.

Consumers, plumbers or builders with evidence or complaints should contact Fair Trading online or call 13 32 20.

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