INTERSTATE WORK OPPORTUNITIES MADE EASIER

DINI SOULIO, COMMISSIONER FOR CONSUMER AND BUSINESS SERVICES

Businesses and workers operate with much greater flexibility these days. They’re able to work remotely, conduct transactions with customers online, and to move across state and territory borders (where permitted under COVID-19 restrictions). The new Automatic Mutual Recognition (AMR) scheme helps to facilitate workplace mobility by automatically recognising interstate licences and registrations. This saves workers from having to apply and pay for a new licence in another state or territory.

Car dealers wanting to work in South Australia

From 1 February 2022 second-hand vehicle dealers will be able to work in SA using their current dealer’s licence from another state or territory. For example, a licensed dealer in SA can employ a suitably licensed manager from interstate to work here, and a wrecker who holds an interstate licence as a second-hand dealer can sell vehicles in SA. However it is important to note that AMR only applies to individuals, not companies. If a dealer’s home state (i.e. their principal place of residence or work) becomes SA they will need to apply through existing mutual recognition arrangements to obtain a new substantive licence in SA.

Interstate dealers who wish to work in SA must notify Consumer and Business Services (CBS) before commencing any work in SA. The online notification form will be available from CBS from 1 February 2022. There is no fee for notification.

Interstate dealers will need to meet the same legal requirements as SA dealers while they are working in SA. Upon notification, CBS will provide interstate dealers with a factsheet highlighting certain requirements in SA – e.g. contract requirements, duty to repair defects, and cooling off rights for purchasers.

Car dealers wanting to work interstate

All states and territories, other than Queensland, have agreed to join the AMR scheme. If you are a licensed second-hand vehicle dealer in SA and wish to work in another state or territory you will need to check:

• if AMR has commenced for second-hand vehicle dealers in that particular state or territory

• that you are eligible for AMR

• if the licensing authority in that state or territory requires you to notify them before commencing any work in that state or territory – if so they will provide an online notification form. There is no fee for notification.

Bear in mind that this arrangement is only available where SA remains your home state. If you move your home state you will need to apply through existing mutual recognition arrangements to obtain a new substantive licence in that state or territory.

Eligibility

You will not be eligible for AMR if you:

• are disqualified or suspended from carrying on business as a secondhand vehicle dealer or have been refused a dealer’s licence

• are subject to disciplinary, civil or criminal action or know you are under investigation

• have conditions placed on your home state licence as a result of disciplinary or court action.

Important safeguards

AMR incorporates safeguards to maintain standards when people are working in another state or territory. For second-hand vehicle dealers, this means that you must:

• hold a dealer’s licence in your home state or territory

• only work within the scope and conditions of your existing licence or registration

• obey the local laws in the jurisdiction you work in, otherwise you may face disciplinary action, licence suspension or cancellation, and be excluded from AMR

• meet public protection requirements that relate to your occupation.

Other occupations

Other CBS-regulated occupations that will be covered by AMR include:

• Builders and tradespeople

• Plumbers, gas-fitters and electricians

• Gaming machine technicians

• Real estate professionals and conveyancers

• Security and investigation agents.Further information

For more information about AMR please visit www.cbs.sa.gov.au/news/ automatic-recognition-licences