The Australian Government has launched a Treasury consultation to design a national licensing scheme for electrical occupations.

Open until 26 September 2025, the consultation seeks feedback on issues such as challenges faced by electricians working across state borders, lessons from previous licensing efforts, what types of electrical work should be included and options for the scheme’s design.

The scheme aims to let electrical workers operate nationwide without re-applying for separate licences or paying extra fees. It’s intended to remove barriers, improve workforce mobility and direct skilled tradespeople to areas of high demand, including housing construction and clean energy projects.

As it covers high-risk work, the scheme will balance strong safety standards with reduced red tape, costs and delays.

The Electrical Trades Union (ETU) welcomed the consultation as a step toward a national licence that upholds industry best practice. With the energy transition requiring unprecedented numbers of electricians across the country, the ETU said a single, high-quality licence would be vital to training, building and maintaining the infrastructure needed in the decades ahead.