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The introduction of a national occupational licensing system on July 1, 2012 has been postponed for at least 12 months.

The National Occupational Licensing Authority (NOLA), which is implementing the new system, has blamed the delay on the complexity of reforms.

NOLA board chair, Elizabeth Crouch, said there is no way next month’s deadline will be met, admitting it was “impossible”.

The first wave of national licenses was earmarked for introduction on July 1, 2012 and covered the electrical, plumbing, gas fitting, refrigeration and air conditioning trades.
By postponing the implementation for 12 months, Crouch said further consultation can take place with industry throughout the second half of 2012.

“Work will now proceed on developing a clear formal statement on the benefits and costs of the reforms for consideration by the states and territories,” she said.

“The statement will also be used for a formal consultation period, including public meetings which will be conducted in mid 2012.”

Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Contractors Association (RACCA) president, Kevin O’Shea, said it was better to ensure the system was right rather than rushed.

He said it was an opportunity to fine-tune the statement of reforms.

“RACCA is eager to see if the statement is anything like the outcomes we are hoping for,” he said.

“Our industry is in a unique situation where we already have a national licensing system but only for the emissions of controlled refrigerants.

“It makes perfect sense for both the occupational license and the emissions license to be rolled into one.”

Crouch announced the new 2013 timetable at the Council of Australian Governments’ (COAG) business advisory forum recently.

At the meeting, business and government leaders reaffirmed their commitment to reforming Australia’s occupational licensing system.

“In confirming this new timeframe, COAG has provided certainty to businesses and individuals who are waiting for the introduction of this reform,” Crouch said.

“Now we can proceed with the important job of talking with businesses and tradespeople to ensure that the new scheme maximises benefits for all such as improved labour mobility and better productivity.” Crouch said significant progress has already been made in preparing for the reforms. Siix out of eight COAG jurisdictions have already passed the Occupational Licensing National Law Act (2010), to make NOLA operational.