Nation-wide scheme for trade licences and registrations

As of 1 July 2021, workers who hold an occupational licence in their own state or territory will now automatically be deemed a licence to do the same work in another state or territory.

Under the reform, workers who hold an occupational licence will no longer be required to obtain an individual licence in each state or territory to work. This includes workers in the following occupations:

• Builders
• Electrician
• Plumbers
• Architects
• Real estate agents
• Security guards.

The change is set to directly benefit those who work across multiple state and territory borders, in particular workers living in border regions, those who relocate temporarily for work, fly in fly out workers, and people who provide services remotely.

Those working in another state or territory will still need to comply with local laws and regulations and in some cases will need to notify the regulator they intend to work in their state. The states have the right to refuse a registration or type of licence from mutual recognition. 

Those subject to disciplinary action or who have conditions on their registration as a result of disciplinary, civil or criminal action will be excluded from automatic mutual recognition.

This is welcome news for the industry. The Council on Federal Finance Relations is expected to report back to the national cabinet about the scheme in October. We will continue to bring you any industry updates during this time.