National licensing for electrical trades

The federal government has announced it will design a national licensing scheme for electrical trades.

National licensing will allow electrical professionals to work across state and territory borders without the need to reapply for separate licences or pay additional fees.

The Australian Refrigeration Council (ARC) currently administers the national refrigeration and air conditioning (RAC) licensing scheme on behalf of the federal government, and is encouraging the inclusion of RAC technicians with restricted electrical licences in the reform to ensure they can work across borders under the same licence.

ARC CEO Glenn Evans says the national licensing reform is a significant step forward.

“It’s crucial that restricted electrical licences be included in the reform to ensure flexibility and mobility across borders,” he says.

RAC equipment accounts for over 24 per cent of energy consumed in Australia and contributes more than 2 per cent to the nation’s gross domestic profit. The ARC says allowing restricted electrical licence holders to work interstate will increase workforce mobility and help meet growing demand while contributing to net-zero emissions goals.

A media release from Treasurer Jim Chalmers states, “as this scheme relates to high‑risk occupations, it will address the need for high standards, while cutting red tape, delays and multiple fees for trades people.

“Productivity Commission modelling shows that reforming occupational licensing across a range of industries could provide significant benefits, including a boost to economic output of up to $10.3 billion.”

Electrical Trades Union (ETU) National Secretary, Michael Wright, believes the Australian national electrical license must be a mark of quality and safety that workers, industry, consumers, and employers feel proud of and have confidence in.

“The national regime must put safety and quality at the centre of its design, reflecting existing best practice from across the country – not composed of existing lowest common denominators in sub-national jurisdictions,” he says.