POLICY

Getting familiar with changes affecting builders in 2022

There are going to be some major changes introduced that will affect registered building practitioners in 2022. The changes are Automatic Mutual Recognition, Mandatory Trades Registration, Licencing, and compulsory Continuing Professional Development. Below is a summary of the changes that are coming in 2022.

Automatic Mutual Recognition

Automatic Mutual Recognition (AMR) will enable registered practitioners to operate across states and territories without paying for and waiting for an additional registration to perform the same work in another State. When will it be introduced? AMR is likely to begin in January 2022; however, the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning (DELWP) may seek a further six-month extension to ensure the scheme is introduced clearly and appropriately. What is the purpose of AMR? AMR will make it easier for practitioners to work in other states without the additional paperwork or fees. This makes it easier for practitioners to respond to emergencies such as the recent bushfire rebuild. AMR may also allow MBV members who work across borders (such as Albury/ Wodonga etc.) greater flexibility and reduce registration fees for members working in more than one State. How will AMR benefit my business? AMR of occupational registrations is expected to make it easier and faster for skilled workers to work across borders, assist with natural disasters, and enable businesses to provide services more seamlessly across borders. What can builders do to prepare? If a builder wants to work in another state, we recommend following the mutual recognition process currently in place. Once AMR comes in, we will update members. What is MBV doing? MBV is currently developing a self-paced training course to assist interstate builders seeking to work in Victoria using AMR. MBV wants to make sure all practitioners working in Victoria understand and work to the best Victorian practices. MBV is working closely with DELWP and VBA to assist in the implementation of AMR. Victoria has one of the highest registration requirements, and we don’t want to see registration shopping that may result in poor and defective work. MBV has have concerns about monitoring work being completed and how company registration will be affected (or managed). Further resources: https://www.dtf.vic. gov.au/funds-programs-and-policies/ automatic-mutual-recognitionoccupational-licensing

Mandatory Trades Registration and Licencing

Mandatory Trades Registration and Licencing scheme will mean anyone who is subcontracting for a registered builder or working directly for a consumer will now need to hold a registration. Employees will need to be licensed. When will it be introduced? The Mandatory Trades Registration and Licencing scheme are expected to start in July 2022. Carpentry trades will be the first to transition, and they will have five years to transition to the new scheme. What is the purpose of Mandatory Trades Registration and Licencing? The amendments to the Building Act 1993, which legislate the new registration and licensing scheme, are being introduced to increase construction work quality and consumer confidence. The scheme will provide accountability for work produced by trades. Trade registration and licencing will raise qualified trades’ profiles and bring the building industry in line with electricians and plumbers. What can trades do to prepare? Tradespersons can get ahead of the process by gaining a Domestic Builder Limited to Carpentry registration. This registration will allow individuals to work directly for a consumer or a head contractor. Master Builders offers pathways to assist trades and builders in gaining their registration. What is MBV doing? MBV is working closely with DELWP and the VBA to assist in implementing Mandatory Trades Registration and Licencing. Mandatory Trades Registration and Licencing could be a very positive move for the industry. It is important that what is introduced is effective, straightforward, and enables people to keep working. MBV is advocating that the new scheme provides a pathway for highly skilled tradespersons who have been in the industry for some time but may not have formal qualifications. Further resources: https://engage. vic.gov.au/registration-and-licensingbuilding-trades

Compulsory Continuing Professional Development

The introduction of mandatory Continuing Professional Development (CPD) will contribute to the quality of construction work and upskill practitioners on changes in NCC and regulations. When will it be introduced? We have seen a delay in developing the CPD framework because of the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. MBV expect to see compulsory CPD introduced at the start of 2022, and a transition period will apply. What is the purpose of a CPD framework? The CPD framework is currently being reviewed. The framework will require registered building practitioners and registered and licensed plumbers to undertake CPD. How will CPD benefit my business? CPD helps ensure that practitioners maintain and develop their competence and learn new technology and techniques. What can builders do to prepare? If you are attending any workshops, webinars, or training courses, we recommend you keep proof of completion. MBV will let practitioners know when CPD becomes mandatory. What is MBV doing? MBV Careers team is putting together a flexible CPD program that will enable builders to upskill easily and comfortably know they meet the legislative requirements. Further resources: https://engage. vic.gov.au/continuing-professionaldevelopment-builders-and-plumbers