New national licensing body on its way

The search is on for the CEO for the new National Occupational Licensing Authority (NOLA).

The Council of Australian Governments in 2009 agreed to develop a national licensing system for specified occupations, to remove licensing inconsistencies across State and Territory borders and allow for a more mobile workforce.

Under the agreement, the national licensing system is underpinned by co-operative national legislation enacted by all jurisdictions.

Existing regulators will continue to be responsible for issuing licences and overseeing compliance by licensees. The new Authority will develop licensing policy and administer the national system.

Funding for the Authority is provided by all States and Territories, with NSW the largest contributor.

Federal Senator Chris Evans and NSW Minister for Fair Trading Anthony Roberts have now announced Sydney as the location for the new licensing authority.

Roberts welcomes the announcement and outlined the occupations to be included in the new national licensing system.

“The new system will commence from 1 July 2012 for plumbing and gasfitting, electrical, refrigeration and air conditioning and property licensing, with more occupations including building and construction, to follow,” he says.

For more information about Fair Trading or NOLA visit the NSW Fair Trading website or www.nola.gov.au.