Occupational mobility for interstate workers
Making it easier to work between states and territories across Australia.
The Automatic Mutual Recognition (AMR) Scheme of Occupational Registrations is a Commonwealth scheme. It aims to help businesses in specialised industries access skilled staff.
About the reform
From 1 July 2022, changes to the Commonwealth’s Mutual Recognition Act 1992 came into effect across all states and territories, excluding Queensland.
The changes allow for automatic mutual recognition of occupational licences across all participating jurisdictions. For example, workers who are licensed or registered in an eligible occupation in one jurisdiction can be considered registered to perform the same activities in another. This means there’s no need for further application processes or fees.
Workers must hold and maintain a registration or licence in their home state or territory covering the work they intend to carry out in the second state or territory. They must also comply with all laws when working in the second state.
As of 1 July 2022, licences for 44 occupation registrations are now automatically recognised across participating state and territories. Occupations include:
- architects
- security industry professionals
- motor vehicle repairers.
Why it’s important
The ACT Government collaborated with business in 2021 to develop Better Regulation: A report on how we are improving business regulation in the ACT. From talking to business, we heard that having access to skilled staff is a common issue, particularly during and after the COVID-19 pandemic.
Automatic mutual recognition of interstate occupational licences helps businesses in key industries thrive in a competitive economic climate.
These industries include:
- construction
- transport
- real estate.
Next steps
Additional occupations will become eligible for the scheme over the next 3 years making it much easier for businesses to onboard interstate workers.
Key achievements
Interstate licences for 44 occupational registrations are now automatically recognised in the ACT with additional occupations to become eligible over the next 3 years.
Agencies involved
- Chief Minister, Treasury and Economic Development Directorate
- WorkSafe ACT
- City and Environment Directorate
- ACT Education Directorate
- ACT Teacher Quality Institute
- Justice and Community Safety Directorate
- Health and Community Services Directorate
- Access Canberra
Contact us
Call 13 22 81