National licensing reform is an opportunity for state and territory regulators to work with industry to harmonise licensing in the electrical occupations according to the highest standard.
Practically this could look like taking the highest licensing standards from states and territories and applying the best model or combination of the best model across the country.
The ETU has been calling for a National License since the 1920’s.
ETU members make up a critical pillar of the licensed electrical workforce responsible for delivering the Australian Government’s commitments on providing a more efficient, affordable, and secure emissions-free energy network, including building renewable generation and storage projects and transmission projects. Further ETU members support our economy across all elements of the electricity, manufacturing, construction and industrial landscapes. Strong licensing provisions at a national level are critical to support labour mobility to support the energy transition and associated efficiencies in the electrical contracting industry, while maintaining the safety quality of electrical work.
We now have an opportunity to make a National License a reality with Treasurer Jim Chalmers making the decision to work to create a national license for electricians.
Electrical work is inherently dangerous and hazardous and there is a strong need to ensure that any harmonisation of state and territory licensing adopts the highest possible standard, and that licensing legislations are aligned.
The ETU has put forward the following general principles that should guide the design of a national licensing scheme:
- National licensing should be pursued with a view to adopting the highest standard among the models currently in place in each State or Territory.
- The best candidates for national licensing are those occupations that already have licensing requirements defined in at least one State or Territory. Electrical trade licensing is a prime example of this.
- Each of the electrical occupations involves high-risk work, for which licensing is a necessary measure to ensure consistent training and safe working standards.
- National Licensing should not weaken existing categories of licence or reduce the minimum qualifications of a license in any participating jurisdiction.
It is important to note that the ETU will always pursue a national license that is of the highest standard, not the lowest. We want to lift up all states and territories, not leave anyone behind.
Different standards across states and territories have the potential to undermine our trade but by lifting everyone to the highest standard and ensuring all licensed electrical workers across the country meet the same licensing, qualifications and training standards will strengthen our industries and will continue to make Australia a world leader in the electrical trades.