The Australian Government has announced plans to develop a national licensing scheme for electrical tradespeople, working closely with states, territories, businesses, and unions.
This reform is expected to boost productivity, ease workforce shortages, and enhance economic competitiveness—particularly in housing construction and clean energy.
Key Benefits of National Licensing:
- Seamless mobility across state and territory borders—no need to reapply or pay additional fees.
- Reduced red tape for businesses and workers.
- Support for housing affordability by addressing workforce shortages.
- Encouraging skilled workers to go where they are needed most.
The Government has committed $900 million to the National Productivity Fund to drive National Competition Policy (NCP) reforms, with modelling from the Productivity Commission estimating economic benefits of up to $10.3 billion from occupational licensing reform.
Energy Skills Australia supports this initiative as a positive step towards a more flexible workforce but emphasises the importance of maintaining the highest safety and competency standards in this high-risk industry