Edition 43, April 2007

COAG mutual recognition initiatives update

From February 2007, new arrangements have been put in place making it easier for licensed tradespeople, and authorities that issue licences, to know what licence a worker is entitled to when applying for a licence in another jurisdiction. The new arrangements cover licences issued to:

  • electricians
  • electrical fitters, lineworkers, and cable jointers
  • tradespeople with restricted electrical licences
  • plumbers and gas-fitters
  • carpenters and joiners, bricklayers, and builders
  • refrigeration and air-conditioning mechanics
  • auto-gas installers

Background to the new mutual recognition arrangements

At its meeting of 10 February 2006 the Council of Australian Governments (COAG) agreed to new measures to enable people with trade qualifications to move more freely around Australia, without undergoing additional testing and registration processes. COAG requested the implementation of full and effective mutual recognition of occupational licences for six priority occupations (electricians, plumbers, carpenters and joiners, bricklayers, refrigeration and air-conditioning mechanics, and motor mechanics) by 30 June 2007, and for all other vocationally trained occupations by 31 December 2008.

Achieving full and effective mutual recognition

Under existing mutual recognition arrangements, a person registered in one state or territory is entitled to registration in another jurisdiction where the registered occupation is substantially the same. More information on how mutual recognition works can be found on the COAG website.

As a result of the COAG decision, all jurisdictions agreed to improved arrangements that would enhance labour mobility across the country. The Mutual Recognition Act 1992 (section 32) enables ministers from two or more states or territories to jointly declare that specified occupations are equivalent, and also to declare any conditions necessary to achieve equivalence. Jurisdictions have worked together to agree on equivalent occupational licences across Australia, so that joint declarations by ministers could be made.

The new arrangements are the result of states, territories and the Commonwealth working together through COAG to improve the system of mutual recognition.

Implementing the new arrangements

The first ministerial declaration made in February 2007 reflects the joint agreement of states and territories on what licences will be recognised in each jurisdiction for a number of occupations as listed above.

By December 2008, the new arrangements will be extended to cover other vocationally-trained occupations. It should be noted that not all occupations are regulated in all jurisdictions.

The mutual recognition of licences not included in the first and in future declarations, including licences held by New Zealand applicants, will continue to be a matter for decision by the relevant registration authority. There is no change to current practice in relation to such licences.

For more information on mutual recognition visit the Licence Recognition website at www.licencerecognition.gov.au or the COAG website at www.coag.gov.au/recognition.htm

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