New laws replacing overlapping and inconsistent regulations currently administered by states and territories relating to builders, electricians, plumbers, gas fitters, real estate agents, and land valuers have passed state parliament.
The laws are designed to provide the establishment of a national licensing system, aimed at improving efficiency, enhancing competition, boosting productivity and reducing costs for businesses.
"This reform is intended to facilitate the move to a seamless national economy by making it easier for businesses and licensed individuals to operate across State and Territory borders, while continuing to provide necessary protection for consumers and the community," said Commerce Minister Bill Marmion.
"While it is a harmonised national system, Western Australia will continue to directly licence these occupations through a common law.
"No Federal Government legislation is involved in these reforms.
"This Bill allows for full participation in a uniform national scheme, while also preserving the Parliament's role in scrutinising legislation and regulations that apply in WA," said Mr Marmion.
The new licensing system will be introduced in two waves over the next three years to allow the development of licensing policy for each occupation and transition to the national scheme, which will be administered by a newly-established National Occupational Licensing Authority.
"Under the national scheme, businesses and workers with a licence issued by the authority will be able to operate across Australia without the need to hold multiple licences," Mr Marmion said.
"This is particularly important in WA with the resources windfall creating labour demand, making it essential that we can attract skilled workers from other States without licensing barriers."
