We’ve been here before.

Mention ‘NOLS’ (national occupational licensing system) to those involved around 15 years ago and you’ll notice an eye twitch. Then came automatic mutual recognition (AMR), designed to reduce red tape associated with the legislated system of mutual recognition. But, as the diagram below shows, it hasn’t exactly applied as intended.

And now, national occupational licensing is back on the federal government’s agenda, this time with a specific focus on electrical workers.

Why electrical?

It makes sense. With a critical skills shortage and rising demand driven by electrification, housing, major infrastructure programs and the Brisbane Olympics, mobilising the electrical workforce across jurisdictional borders is vital.

Electrical work is high-risk, so licensing matters; it’s what ensures only properly qualified workers are on the tools. But the fragmented approach across states and territories isn’t just unnecessary, it’s part of the problem when it comes to labour shortages in the electrical workforce. We already have a Cert III national qualification, and the same wiring rules across the country, so it doesn’t make sense to have different eligibility rules in each state and territory.

An initial consultation process on national competition policy, with a focus on national occupational licensing, wrapped up in June 2025.  It is clear the federal government is keen to implement productivity-enhancing measures.

Introducing consistent rules for occupational licensing for high-risk trades is an opportunity to ensure the highest standards are in place consistently across Australia, while removing the need to pay multiple licensing fees.

Master Electricians Australia (MEA) supports national occupational licensing. We particularly support a model whereby states and territories would agree to the making of a national occupational licensing eligibility law, similar to the Australian Consumer Law. The administration of licensing, compliance and enforcement would remain with state-based regulators, most of whom are performing well with electrical-specific safety laws and regulators.

We believe this model strikes the right balance between national consistency and local oversight, without compromising jurisdictional authority.

Unlike full national licensing (which centralises regulation and could diminish state autonomy), or AMR alone (which is limited by inconsistent entry standards), a national eligibility law with state-based governance would promote workforce mobility, uphold safety standards, and respect the unique regulatory needs of each state and territory.

If successful, the model can then be expanded to other high-risk trades such as plumbing, refrigeration and fire safety. This would also manage the different rules around the country for restricted licences and adjacent trades. For example, licensed electricians with an Arctick accreditation should be able to install split system air conditioning units less than 18kw, – something that is allowed in some but not all jurisdictions. Similarly, electricians should be able to sign a report that they have inspected and tested emergency and exit lighting given they are the qualified trade able to install, repair and maintain those lights.

National licensing eligibility rules would lift standards and would ensure consistency of work is able to be permitted by electrical workers and adjacent trades.

It is MEA’s view that once a unified set of eligibility rules are set for occupational licensing of electrical workers, attention should turn to electrical contractors.  This would not only reduce fees to work across state borders, but would lift standards across the country and create a more level playing field for businesses.

Enhanced outcomes

National occupational licensing is also an opportunity to improve and achieve better outcomes. This includes:

1. Continuing Professional Development (CPD)

An introduction of nationally consistent CPD requirements for licensed electrical workers would improve knowledge of all relevant rules and regulations and increase correct implementation of fundamental safety procedures like lock out/tag out and inspection and testing. In addition, CPD would ensure electricians obtain requisite knowledge of new technologies impacting their work.

MEA advocates for a framework whereby registered entities (not limited to RTOs) can deliver free and low-cost skills maintenance and development with online options (with assessed learning outcomes), combining mandatory and elective topics that are regularly reviewed.

2. Free access to mandatory Standards

MEA has long-campaigned for free access to the electrical Australian Standards for all licensed electrical workers. This should be implemented together with a national occupational licensing scheme to improve safety and compliance outcomes.

3. Enhanced rigour in the qualification assessment process

MEA advocates for improved rigour in the capstone assessment process by a consistent set of learning and assessment resources for RTOs combined with an independent audit of how RTOs are conducting their capstone assessments.

4. Improved and consistent use of eprofiling

We often hear that Exemplar profiling (eprofiling) is not being undertaken properly, or that the requirements are not appropriate for current settings. A thorough review of the process, alongside the qualification review currently underway, would be a good step forward.  That should be paired with training for apprentice supervisors and business owners on how to properly implement eprofiling, to improve outcomes for all. 

Will we get there?

I’m optimistic we can. With a genuinely collaborative approach from all governments and regulators, and a shared commitment to ensuring high standards apply nationwide, national occupational licensing is possible. The time is right and we can achieve improved safety and quality across the electrical sector, and reduce barriers to workforce mobility.

Kate Raymond is CEO of Master Electricians Australia