National Scheme Makes It Easier to Work Interstate

DINI SOULIO, COMMISSIONER FOR CONSUMER AND BUSINESS SERVICES

A new scheme to automatically recognise interstate licences and registrations will make it easier for second-hand vehicle dealers and other workers to take up job opportunities across most of Australia. All states and territories, other than Queensland, have agreed to join the scheme. Workers will be able to use their current licence without having to apply for a new licence when working in another state or territory. The Automatic Mutual Recognition (AMR) scheme applies to individuals, not companies.

COMMENCEMENT OF THE SCHEME

The commencement date for AMR is different for each state and territory. On 1 July 2021 AMR commenced in New South Wales, Victoria, the Australian Capital Territory and the Northern Territory for particular occupations. Some occupations will commence under AMR at a later date in these states and territories.

The commencement date for South Australia is yet to be confirmed, but once AMR commences here it means interstate workers will be able to take up work opportunities in SA using their interstate licence/registration.

REQUIREMENT TO NOTIFY

Before commencing any work in another state or territory, second-hand vehicle dealers will need to check with the licensing authority in that state or territory if they are required to give a notification. Interstate dealers who wish to work in SA must notify Consumer and Business Services (CBS). Each licensing authority that requires a notification will provide their own online notification form. There is no fee for notification.

IMPORTANT SAFEGUARDS

A number of safeguards will be in place to maintain standards. AMR workers must:

• hold a licence or registration in their home state or territory covering the work they want to do

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

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

• meet public protection requirements that relate to their occupation.

Once interstate dealers have notified CBS that they wish to work in SA, CBS will provide them with a factsheet highlighting particular requirements in SA – e.g. contract requirements, duty to repair defects, and cooling off rights for purchasers.

ELIGIBILITY

Workers will not be eligible for AMR if they:

• are disqualified or suspended from carrying on the occupation or have been refused a licence for that occupation

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

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

OTHER OCCUPATIONS

The CBS regulated occupations that will be covered by AMR include:

• Builders

• Plumbers, gas-fitters and electricians

• Real estate professionals and conveyancers

• Second-hand vehicle dealers

• Security and investigation agents.

FURTHER INFORMATION

Updates to AMR information will be available at: https://www. cbs.sa.gov.au/news/automaticrecognition-licences.