The foundations of the new national licensing system for strata managers are being laid in the Victorian Parliament with the introduction of the Occupational Licensing National Law Bill 2010.

The Bill is due to be debated and passed over the next month. It will then be adopted by resolution of all other state and territory legislatures except Western Australia, where an identical Bill will be introduced.

This legislative process is expected to be completed by the end of the year and will be followed by the development of model regulations to be hosted by the New South Wales Parliament and adopted by the same process in all other states and territories. By the end of 2011 all the components are expected to be in place ready for a transition to the new regime commencing in July 2012.

The regulations will spell out the specific requirements for each of the occupational groups to be covered by the National Occupational Licensing System (NOLS) including specific license (Continued from page 1)
categories, eligibility, qualifications, disciplinary and conduct measures.

The first round will include property occupations including strata (other than conveyancing and valuers), refrigeration, air conditioning, electrical, plumbing and gas fitting. The second round, taking effect in 2013, will cover building, land transport and conveyancing and valuers.

The National Law Bill covers key measures common to all occupations including standardized processes for obtaining and renewing licenses through state agencies who will continue to be responsible for issuing and regulating licenses.

It provides fines of up to $250,000 for operating without a license and procedures for investigating complaints and breaches of the Act or regulations including suspension or cancellation of licenses. Licenses can be issued for up to five years but terms will vary by regulation for each occupation group.

Introducing the Bill, Victorian Finance Minister Tim Holding said for the first time licensees would be able to move across Australia, going to where they are needed, without the burden of applying for additional licences.
"This will reduce unnecessary red tape, provide a standard qualification requirement, require payment of only one licence fee and, importantly, facilitate a much more mobile workforce," Mr Holding said.

He said it would result in national consistency in licensing policy and the approach to disciplinary arrangements while still providing flexibility to deal with issues specific to particular jurisdictions or occupations. It will also facilitate a consistent skill and knowledge base for licensed occupations under the national system," Mr Holding added.

By Mark Lever, NCTI Executive Officer

Reference: National community titles news, Issue No 40 - Third Quarter 2010