Current at: 26 September 2011
An update on national licensing
National licensing for builders and construction trade occupations is scheduled to start in July 2013.
What is national licensing?
At the moment, licensing requirements across Australia are not consistent. Licensing is predominantly a state and territory function with each respective government having its own regulators and own rules, criteria and categories.
For instance, all builders in Western Australia must be licensed whilst in New South Wales only residential builders are required to hold a licence. Those undertaking commercial construction in NSW are not required to hold a builder’s licence.
There are also different requirements on the registration of trade contractors across the regions.
In an effort to streamline licensing arrangements across the country, in 2008 the Council of Australian Governments (COAG) agreed to develop a national licensing system (NLS). The NLS will include building and construction occupations. A national licence will replace existing state and territory licences.
Local regulators (ie. the Building Services Authority in Qld, Fair Trading in NSW, the Building Commission in Victoria) will issue and administer the national licences in the respective states/territories.
How is the process tracking?
Legislation establishing the overarching framework for the national licensing system has been adopted by the parliaments of New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia, Tasmania and Northern Territory and is currently before the Parliament of Western Australia. The Australian Capital Territory is yet to confirm their participation in the NLS.
An Interim Advisory Committees has been established to provide advice to COAG across a range of criteria for each of the occupational areas, including coverage of licensing in residential and commercial sectors; trade licence categories and entry and training requirements.
HIA has a representative on this committee.
Draft regulations will be released for public comment in 2012.
Will I need a licence?
It is expected that most occupations that currently require a licence in their jurisdiction will continue to be licenced under the NLS.
Current licence holder will get a single national licence for their occupation which will enable them work anywhere in Australia.
There is the possibility that some trade occupations that are not currently licensed in their state or territory may be licensed under the NLS.
Whilst it is that individual state or territory to agree to licence a specific occupation that is not currently licenced, it is understood that categories currently under contemplation for licensing under the NLS regime include:
- Brick and block layers;
- Carpenters;
- Demolition contractors;
- Dry and solid plastering;
- Glazing;
- Metal roofing and cladding;
- Roof tiling and slating;
- Wall and floor tiling; and
- Waterproofing.
Qualification levels and thresholds will be established under the regulations.
If a new occupational category is licensed it is anticipated that transitional arrangements will contemplate “grandfathering” provisions that recognise existing qualifications as well as experience.
HIA will continue to update members on the NLS as more details come to hand.
For more information, contact your HIA Workplace Advisor on 1300 650 620.