Automatic Mutual Recognition helps tradies move freely
From 1 February 2022, licensed workers including builders, electricians and plumbers across Australia found it easier than ever to work in South Australia and Victoria, as exemptions under the Automatic Mutual Recognition of Occupational Registrations (AMR) scheme were removed.
Since then, the scheme has been put in place in New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia, Tasmania, the Australian Capital Territory and the Northern Territory, with Western Australia joining on 1 July 2022.
The scheme makes it easier for people to work across borders, all over the country. A historically difficult process, the change in regulations comes off the back of reports that this red tape was getting in the way of recovery efforts for bushfires, floods and other natural disasters, alongside people looking for work after the pandemic.
The AMR scheme removes the requirement for workers who hold a licence in their home state or territory to apply and pay for a second licence when carrying out the same activity in a different state or territory.
AMR is anticipated to add over $2.4 billion to the Australian economy over the next ten years and benefit more than 168,000 people each year. The scheme will cut red tape, do away with additional fees and paperwork and create a more mobile workforce to help businesses grow, enable workers to take up jobs and contribute to Australia’s economic recovery and resilience.
Additionally, the Australian government has also recently introduced a new Australian Apprenticeships Incentive System. The $2.4 billion system commenced on 1 July 2022, and will build a more inclusive and sustainable economy, ensuring Australians receive quality training while in paid employment.