Edition 89, June-July 2011

National Licensing System update

The Council of Australian Governments (COAG) agreed NOLS logo
to develop a national occupational licensing system that
will allow a licence holder to work anywhere in the country without the need for further licence applications. Licences will be granted based on a single set of nationally agreed eligibility requirements. The system is scheduled to commence from July 2012. For more information on the system visit www.nola.gov.au  or contact info@coagskillstaskforce.gov.au

Overview
On 30 April 2009 the Council of Australian Governments (COAG - the Prime Minister, Premiers and Chief Ministers) signed an Intergovernmental Agreement to establish a National Occupational Licensing System for specified occupations.

In practice a licence under this new system will allow a licence holder to work anywhere in the country without the need for further licence applications. Licences will be granted based on a single set of nationally agreed eligibility requirements. The purpose of national licensing is to remove overlapping and inconsistent regulation between states and territories for the licensing of a number of specific occupations. By so doing, it aims to improve business efficiency and the competitiveness of the national economy, reduce red tape, improve labour mobility and enhance productivity. This will enhance consumer confidence and protection without imposing unnecessary costs on consumers and business or substantially lessening competition.

From 1 July 2012, national licensing will commence in the following occupational areas: electrical; plumbing and gasfitting; some property occupations and refrigeration and air-conditioning mechanics.

Existing state and territory licences in these occupations will be transferred across to the new system at this time. That is, they will automatically be transferred to an equivalent national licence, entitling the holder to use the licence to work anywhere in the country.

Building and building related occupations, conveyancers and valuers are expected to commence in the new system from 1 July 2013. Initially, national licensing will apply to the specified occupational areas outlined but it will have the capacity to extend to other licensed occupations over time.

Establishment of the National Occupational Licensing Authority (NOLA)
A National Occupational Licensing Authority (NOLA) was established on 1 January 2011 to administer the national licensing system, and will be governed by the National Occupational Licensing Board. It is anticipated that the Board Chair and members will be appointed by July 2011.

For more information, contact info@coagskillstaskforce.gov.au, or visit www.nola.gov.au

This page was generated on 15 July, 2011