Elise Archer,Minister for Workplace Safety and Consumer Affairs
The Tasmanian Government is committed to reducing red tape and supporting workforce mobility, while maintaining important consumer protections and safety standards.
Accordingly, public consultation has now begun on the Automatic Mutual Recognition (Consequential Amendments) Bill 2022, that will make necessary amendments to Tasmanian licensing laws prior to the commencement of automatic mutual recognition in Tasmania from 1 July 2022.
The Bill will provide a level playing field and will ensure that licensed professionals who reside interstate are required to play by the same rules as Tasmanian licence holders.
These amendments apply to legislation regulating architects, building services providers, electricians, plumbers, gasfitters, security guards, property agents, conveyancers and motor vehicle traders.
The amendment Bill requires that licensed professionals from interstate must notify the relevant regulator prior to undertaking licensed work, must meet consumer protection requirements and can be subject to penalties in a similar way to local licence holders.
This Bill follows the passing of the Mutual Recognition (Tasmania) Amendment Act 2021 in October last year that implemented national reforms to occupational licensing in Tasmania.
The Automatic Mutual Recognition (Consequential Amendments) Bill 2022 is available at www.justice.tas.gov.au/haveyoursay and I encourage everyone interested to have their say before submissions close on Tuesday, 26 April.
