The Australian Refrigeration Council has welcomed the Albanese Government’s declaration to design a national licensing scheme for electricians. The ARC administers the national RAC licensing scheme on the behalf of the Federal Government.

National licensing will allow electrical professionals to work seamlessly across state and territory borders without the need to reapply for separate licences or pay additional fees.

The ARC is pushing for the inclusion of refrigeration and air-conditioning (RAC) technicians with restricted electrical licences in the reform to make sure they can work across boarders under the same licence.

RAC equipment makes up more than 24% of energy consumed in Australia and contributed to more than 2% to Australia’s GDP.

This allows restricted electrical licence holders to work interstate which will increase workforce mobility and assist meeting the growing demand while contributing to net-zero emissions goals.

National Electrical and Communications Associations (NECA) have campaigned for the reform with the full support from the ARC.

“This national licensing reform is a significant step forward, it’s crucial that restricted electrical licences be included in the reform to ensure flexibility and mobility across borders,” ARC chief executive Glenn Evans says.

The ARC praised the Albanese Government for acknowledging the value of national licensing and calls for restricted electrical license holders to work interstate as part of the national framework.