National trades licensing system on the way

A national licensing system for priority occupations including the electrical industry has now been agreed to by the Council of Australian Governments (COAG).

The national system will start operating in July 2012, making it easier for licensed electrical workers and individual licensed electrical contractors to work interstate.

A Regulatory Impact Statement (RIS) (PDF 348 KB) has been published on the COAG website addressing two scenarios for the framework of the new licensing system.

The scenarios are:

• National Single Agency Model - a national system where all licensing functions sit with a national body with state and territory branches
• National Delegated Agency Model - a national licence with a national governing body established with licensing administration and enforcement undertaken by state and territories under a co-operative national legislation.

The National Delegated Agency Model is the recommended arrangement and the RIS proposes a national licensing body responsible to a National Licensing Board for standard setting and policy issues. Occupational advisory committees will be established to ensure industry viewpoints are considered by the Board.

Other priority occupations to be covered under the new licensing system include air-conditioning and refrigeration mechanics, building and building related occupations, land transport (passenger vehicle drivers and dangerous goods only), maritime, plumbing and gas fitting and property agents. Other trades may follow.