The Federal Government has proposed a streamlined, nationally consistent licensing scheme for plumbing and gas fitting, property refrigeration and air-conditioning occupational licensing with an aim to boost labour mobility, productivity and save an estimated $86 million.

 

Federal Minister for Skills, Senator Chris Evans, released the Consultation Regulation Impact Statement for each of the occupational areas and forms a key area of skill and labour reform under the Council of Australian Government’s commitment to regulatory reform.

 

"Having one set of national licences for key occupations is a challenging reform but will make it easier for businesses and individuals to operate across state and territory borders and improve business productivity," Senator Evans said.

 

"National licensing means these workers will only need one licence to work anywhere in Australia - boosting productivity and labour mobility.

 

"Doing away with multiple licences for people working in more than one state or territory will save licensees millions in additional fees over the next 10 years.

 

"Under the national licensing reforms, a central licensing body will administer one set of requirements for each of the licensed occupations.

 

"The national system will replace current arrangements where each state and territory regulates an occupational area in a different way.

 

The Consultation Regulation Impact Statements are aimed at seeking views from licence holders, business and other stakeholders around the country. Information sessions on the proposed changes will be held in all capital cities, starting in the last week of August.