Occupational licensing for anyone operating or using plant and equipment changes from 1 July 2007, and further changes from 1 July 2008 will impact upon licence holders, employers and training and assessment providers.
The changes seek to improve workplace health and safety outcomes by:
The changes also seek to address potential identity fraud through the adoption of renewable and photographic licences for certain high risk work. These new licence cards will be progressively introduced from 1 July 2008.
For more information, refer to the fact sheets:
There are two types of licences for prescribed occupations currently in operation:
If you hold an 'old style' paper ticket you have until 30 June 2008 to apply to be issued with a new licence card. You must advise the Department if you want to retain your licence.
If you don't want to retain your licence, you don't have to do anything. After 30 June 2008 the 'old style' paper based tickets will no longer be recognised or valid to be used to carry out work in a licensed occupation.
If you have a plastic card licence issued since 1992 you will be contacted by mail between 1 July 2008 and 30 June 2009 only if your licence needs to be changed to a renewable and photographic licence.
This effects most prescribed occupation licence classes with the exception of 'non-national' licence classes (see which licences are changing and which are not). If your licence class is not being transitioned no action is required.
Find out more about the conversion of plastic card licences issued since 1992
Employers need to be aware of the changes to licensing occurring from 1 July 2008, including:
As well as the continued obligation of employers associated with occupational licensing.
For more information refer to the fact sheets:
From 1 July 2007 there are requirements training providers must meet to deliver courses related to occupational licences.
For more information refer to the RTO recognition for WHSQ licensing courses fact sheet (PDF, 287 KB)
Last updated 6 August 2008
