Sydney (Tribune International, NSW Treasurer’s Office, 18 March 2021): The NSW Government is slashing red tape and removing barriers for tradies to work across state and territory borders, delivering a major boost for jobs and the economy.
The Government has introduced legislation to enable a new national Automatic Mutual Recognition (AMR) scheme to take effect from 1 July 2021, as agreed by National Cabinet, making it simpler and easier for tradies and other licensed professionals to carry out their work in multiple states and territories.
Treasurer Dominic Perrottet said the changes had the potential to inject more than $2.4 billion into the national economy over 10 years and are a huge step forward in slashing burdensome registration rules and licensing fees.
“This will make it easier and less expensive for occupational licensees and businesses to perform the same activities across state borders, increasing jobs, economic activity, competition, and innovation,” Mr Perrottet said.
“The previous system only served to discourage people from finding work and burden businesses with unnecessary regulations.
“The pandemic has thrown up many challenges for people, businesses and communities throughout NSW and this change will remove barriers so they can go where the work is instead of being buried by paperwork.”
Workers will be allowed to automatically perform the same activities covered by their occupational registration in their principal place of residence or work (home state) in another jurisdiction, without paying additional registration or renewal fees.
To aid the State’s economic recovery, the NSW Government has also introduced legislation to extend the relaxation of regulations brought in at the height of the pandemic to protect jobs and keep the economy ticking.
Some of the relaxed regulations have included:
- Allowing deliveries to retail premises to occur 24 hours a day
- More flexibility for businesses and communities to continue operating while practicing social distancing, including through the use of digital documents and audio-visual links
- Supporting communities and businesses to continue to operate or adapt through takeaway and delivery options for food and beverages
Mr Perrottet said he would lead a whole-of-government evaluation to determine which measures should remain in place permanently to support productivity and economic growth.
“We’re committed to cutting red tape and regulation to drive job creation and support businesses as we reignite our economy over the coming months,” Mr Perrottet said.
“This is also win for consumers making it easier for people to access the services they need as we all continue to adapt to life in a post-COVID world.”
“The pandemic has shown us we can do things differently and do them better. These changes gave workers and business operators in NSW the freedom to adapt and survive and as we come out of the pandemic their continuation will let them thrive.”
The AMR scheme will come into effect 1 July 2021 and follows the agreement reached at National Cabinet in December last year.
AMR will apply until the end of the duration of a valid registration held in the home jurisdiction. A registered person will need to apply for a new home state registration should their home state change.
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