Automatic Mutual Recognition (AMR) makes it easier for workers who need to be licensed or registered to take up new work opportunities across most of Australia. South Australian workers can use their current licence without having to apply or pay for a new licence when working in another state or territory. AMR applies to individuals but not companies.
Starting this month, AMR is now available in SA for certain Consumer Business Services (CBS). But take note, if you move your home state you will need to apply through existing mutual recognition arrangements to obtain a new substantive licence or registration in that state.
CBS-regulated occupations covered by AMR include:
- Bookmakers and agents
- Builders and tradespeople
- Charity collectors
- Gaming machine technicians
- Plumbers, gasfitters and electricians
- Real estate professionals and conveyancers
- Second-hand vehicle dealers
- Security and investigation agents.
If you are currently licensed for one of these occupations in another state or territory and wish to work in SA you will need to notify Consumer and Business Services via the online notification form. You must submit the notification form before commencing any work in SA.
AMR licensees must comply with the same conduct and technical requirements as SA licensees. Workers for certain occupations who have notified CBS will receive a factsheet outlining some of their key responsibilities, including industry-specific requirements for their occupation while working in SA.
The commencement date for AMR is different for each state and territory. If you are licensed/registered in SA and wish to work in another state or territory you will need to check if AMR has commenced for your occupation in that particular state or territory.
AMR has commenced for certain occupations in:
- Australian Capital Territory
- New South Wales
- Northern Territory
- Tasmania
- Victoria
There are many benefits of AMR, including
- Reduced red tape by eliminating the licence application process and applicable fees.
- Increased labour mobility.
- Easier process for workers who live in border regions, relocate temporarily for work, have fly-in fly-out arrangements or provide services remotely.
- Interstate workers can better respond to urgent situations – e.g. repairs needed due to a bushfire or flood.
- More confidence for businesses to bid for interstate projects.
- Safeguards to maintain standards
AMR workers must:
- hold a licence or registration in their home state or territory covering the work they want to do
- only work within the scope and conditions of their existing licence or registration
- obey the local laws in the jurisdiction they work in, otherwise they may face disciplinary action, licence suspension or cancellation, and be excluded from AMR
- meet public protection requirements that relate to their occupation – e.g. taking out particular insurance or paying into a compensation fund.
Workers are not eligible for AMR if they:
- are disqualified or suspended from carrying on the occupation or have been refused a licence for that occupation
- are subject to disciplinary, civil or criminal action or know they are under investigation
- have conditions placed on their substantive licence as a result of disciplinary or court action.
