Ombudsman welcomes red tape buster for tradies, licensed workers

Last week, the federal government announced reforms to the Automatic Mutual Recognition Scheme that will remove the need for licenced workers to apply and pay for an additional licence to work across state borders.

South Australia and Victoria are the first states to implement the reforms. The scheme is expected to add over $2.4 billion to the Australian economy over the next 10 years.

There are also more reforms in the pipeline that will apply to an expanding range of specific trades and licenced professions in NSW, Victoria, South Australia, Tasmania, the ACT and the Northern Territory, with Western Australia working to join from 1 July 2022.

Mr Billson said the Australian government reforms, progressively enacted by states and territories, is providing thousands of small-business tradespeople the flexibility to work in different areas of the country.

“This red tape busting reform is helping small business tradespeople and other licensed professionals who want to meet the demand for their skills across the country,” Ms Billson said.

“The scheme offers small business employers the opportunity to secure skilled workers from interstate.

“It also means small business professionals such as real estate agents, teachers and lawyers have more scope and greater ease to work more seamlessly across state borders.

“My office has advocated for these important reforms and supports the efforts of the Australian Government’s Deregulation Taskforce to reduce red tape.

“It is an excellent outcome for the projected 168,000 people, including many from small businesses, that will directly benefit from these changes each year.

“We remain committed to working towards removing unnecessary headwinds for small businesses wherever possible to help make Australia the best place to start, grow and transform a business.”

Minister Assisting the Prime Minister and Cabinet, Ben Morton, said the scheme has cut red tape for businesses.

“We’re saving individuals and businesses time, money and paperwork, so workers can work where the work is,” he said.

“By removing the need for tradies to get another licence when they move state, we’re making it easier and cheaper for them to make that move.

“As business and consumer demands change, the Scheme also makes it easier and quicker for businesses to hire and mobilise employees.”