The Council of Australian Governments (COAG) has announced that the national licence for trades, in particular electricians, has been pushed back until mid-2013. Originally set to launch 1 July 2012, COAG believes the extended timeframe for the launch won’t sour industry’s opinion on the scheme.

“In reaffirming its commitment to the reforms, COAG has offered welcome clarity to industry and tradespeople by announcing that the first wave of national licences will now be introduced from 2013,” stated National Occupational Licensing Authority chair Elizabeth Crouch.

This first wave includes electrical, plumbing and gasfitting, refrigeration and air-conditioning, and property occupations.

In their official statement, COAG members noted that the complexity of the reforms made it impossible for national occupational licensing to commence from 1 July 2012. Instead, the system will now start in 2013.

“In confirming this new timeframe, COAG has provided certainty to businesses and individuals who are waiting for the introduction of this reform,” Elizabeth says.

“Now we can proceed with the important job of talking with businesses and tradespeople to ensure that the new national licensing scheme maximises benefits for all such as improved labour mobility and better productivity.”

Significant progress has already been made in preparing for the reforms. Six out of eight COAG jurisdictions have already passed the Occupational Licensing National Law Act (2010), giving the legislative mandate for the National Occupational Licensing Authority (NOLA).

Work will now proceed on developing a clear formal statement on the benefits and costs of the reforms for consideration by the states and territories. The statement will also be used for a formal consultation period, including public meetings, which will be conducted in mid 2012.

“The NOLA Board is moving quickly to establish the new Authority which will be based in Sydney,” Elizabeth says.

“Work is also progressing on the development of a new national licensing register that will allow anyone to check whether a person holds the licence that they say they do.”

This new system will greatly assist individuals and businesses who work across state boundaries.

“The Australian economy will benefit from national licensing as greater labour mobility and increased efficiency increases overall output and competitiveness. We are keen to work with industry and other stakeholders to ensure government gets this reform working for Australia,” Elizabeth says.