In December 2021, the national Automatic Mutual Recognition (AMR) scheme was introduced into Tasmanian law with the proclamation of the Mutual Recognition Amendment Act 2021.
The AMR scheme will commence in Tasmania on 1 July 2022. This period of time was provided to progress IT system changes and amendments to licensing legislation to remove potential inconsistencies between Tasmanian law and the national system.
AMR will affect a range of occupational licences or registrations. Consumer, Building and Occupational Services (CBOS) identified that some amendments are required to the following acts to facilitate the AMR scheme:
- Architects Act 1929;
- Conveyancing Act 2004;
- Motor Vehicle Traders Act 2011;
- Occupational Licensing Act 2005;
- Property Agents and Land Transactions Act 2016; and
- Security and Investigations Agents Act 2002
The proposed amendments do not change the criteria, terms or conditions of any occupational licence in Tasmania. The changes ensure that those interstate licensees entering Tasmania to work under the AMR scheme do so on a level playing field with those licensed in this state.
The proposed amendments are also unrelated to any exemptions from AMR. Provisions providing for the Tasmanian Government to introduce exemptions were given effect by the Mutual Recognition Amendment Act 2021.
A copy of the draft legislation, Occupational Licensing (Automatic Mutual Recognition Consequential Amendments) Bill 2022 (the Bill), is now available for review
The Bill will also be published at www.justice.tas.gov.au/haveyoursay.
Feedback is sought by 26 April 2022.