New laws passed by the Senate will make it easier for small-business tradespeople to meet demands for their skills across Australia, according to the Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman.
The Mutual Recognition Amendment Bill 2021 will allow skilled workers to take up jobs across states and territories without having to obtain a new licence for the same type of work in another jurisdiction.
“This is a red-tape buster that will help small business tradespeople who want to meet the demand for their skills across Australia,” Ombudsman Bruce Billson said. “This reform offers small business employers the opportunity to secure skilled workers from interstate.”
Billson also pointed out that these laws also extend to small business professionals such as architects and engineers, allowing them as well to work more seamlessly across state borders.
“My office has worked closely with the Australian Government’s Deregulation Taskforce to achieve this important reform,” Billson said. “It is an excellent outcome for the small-business tradespeople that will directly benefit from these changes. Importantly, while allowing freedom of movement across states and territories, the scheme also includes safeguards to maintain standards and protect consumers and workers.”
The Federal government has committed to implementing the scheme later starting 1 July 2021 as part of its $11 million Budget commitment, which will be used in part to improve information exchange between jurisdictions. Further supporting legislation by the states and territories is expected to enable the commencement of the scheme by the aforementioned date.
