I'm with you badger,

 Iv'e been following developments in the industry particuarly surrounding the PGDB since about 06', whats been going on has rocked me too the core,it makes me wild the things iv'e read about that have gone on around us. The thing is if tradespeople  dont pay attention to the details or at least catch up with industry changes when they can there in the dark they dont realise there being screwed out of there own livlihood. I fully agree with you. Iv'e toiled,laboured,bled and come very close to losing my life in my time in this form of employment..the works really all to take home a wage and these suit wearing pen pushers are bending the rules to make there organisations richer and more powerful...YES I AM REFERING TO THE MASTER PLUMBERS...YES MY 2000 NISSAN VANETTE WORK VEHICLE HAS A MASTER PLUMBERS GRAPHIC ON IT....DO I SUPPORT AND BELIEVE THEY ARE SUPPORTING AND HELPING THE INDUSTRY??? MY ANSWER IS MOST DEFINITELY NO,AND MY EMPLOYER IS NOW QUESTIONING WHY HE PAYS THEM $1000 A YEAR..............They are becoming fat cats getting a piece of the action on the side from the board rarely if at all speaking up for all practioners and the good of the industry.And they have the nerve to send lawyers against people that post on this public forum, now thats intimidation if you ask me. After reading your story mate i have no intrest in ever belonging to this organisation that say they are leading the industry forward. I am outraged they wouldn't offer support even advice to your cause. I've been thinking about it all in the last few weeks. If i was you...it'd be nice to sue them for loss of earnings,reputation and business and failing to support you when you needed it the most. This forum is great, i love it. Now tradespeople can communicate,share stories and work together to affect change in the industry.
Stay strong, your not alone, many others are just as outraged and angry as you are without a doubt.

As for A1 Plumb i think if you dont have anything positive to say then why post, your in the same boat as the rest of us....The ''TOOL OF THE WEEK"" award goes to a1plumb...congratulations!!!

Regards  Rod

  love to with bells on mate