Automatic mutual recognition - RMP Auditors

What is automatic mutual recognition?

Automatic mutual recognition (AMR) allows a person who is licenced or registered for an occupation in one jurisdiction to be considered registered to perform the same activities in another jurisdiction, without the need to go through further application processes or pay additional registration fees.

AMR aims to make it easier for workers who need to be licensed or registered for their job to work in another state and territory.

When will automatic mutual recognition be available?

AMR for occupational licences has been available from 1 July 2021 in certain states and territories.

Victoria entered the scheme on 1 July 2021.

The Commonwealth Government advised that in addition to Victoria:

• New South Wales, Australian Capital Territory and the Northern Territory entered the scheme on or about 1 July 2021.
• Tasmania entered the scheme on 22 December 2021.
• South Australia entered the scheme on 1 February 2022.
• Western Australia entered the scheme on 24 March 2022
• Queensland has not yet entered the scheme.

How does it work?

• The work you are licensed to undertake in your home state, you may now be able to do in other states and territories without the need to apply and pay fees for a second licence.
• AMR means that workers who need to be licensed or registered for their job in their home state can apply for and accept work opportunities in another state or territory more easily.
• AMR makes it easier for licensed or registered workers to apply for and take up work opportunities in another state or territory.
• AMR provides safeguards to maintain standards and protect consumers, workers and others.

Who is eligible for AMR?

Victorian approved auditors of cooling tower system risk management plans are generally eligible, but you will need to check that the other jurisdiction has fully entered the AMR scheme before you start work in the second jurisdiction. Some jurisdictions have entered the scheme but have made temporary exemptions for some licensing schemes to allow work to be done to prepare for the new system.

The other factor is that there may not be an equivalent occupation in the other jurisdiction. AMR is only available where there are equivalent occupations in the home state and second jurisdiction. This is not always the case with cooling tower system risk management plan auditors so you will need to discuss it with the relevant regulator.

What does this mean?

If Victoria is your home state, and you hold a current Victorian auditor’s approval and you wish to work interstate, working via AMR is potentially available in:

• Northern Territory
• New South Wales
• Australian Capital Territory

and from 1 July 2022 in:

• Tasmania
• South Australia
• Western Australia

If your home is outside Victoria, you hold a current auditor’s approval enabling you to audit cooling tower system risk management plans and issue a certificate of compliance, and you wish to work in Victoria, then working via AMR is potentially available only to residents of:

• Northern Territory
• New South Wales
• Australian Capital Territory
• Tasmania
• South Australia
• Western Australia

Additional conditions for workers who wish to operate in Victoria using AMR

Workers must hold a licence or registration in their home state. You must notify the Victorian Department of Health Legionella Team prior to commencing work in Victoria.

Your scope of work in Victoria is generally limited to the scope of work in your home jurisdiction.

You must also comply with the Public Health and Wellbeing Act 2008 and associated Regulations.

What happens if my licence in my home jurisdiction expires?

If your home jurisdiction licence expires then AMR no longer applies in any other jurisdiction.

What happens if I am subject to disciplinary, civil, or criminal actions in relation to the activity authorised by my licence?

Non-compliance against state or territory laws or licence conditions from a home state or territory licence/registration can lead to suspension or cancellation of the person’s right to work in the second state or territory.

Mandatory notification of intention to work in Victoria

AMR is a new system, and we strongly encourage you to contact the Legionella Team to confirm your eligibility.

Any worker eligible to work in Victoria under the new AMR arrangements must then notify the Legionella Team by completing the online form prior to working in Victoria.

In January 2022 the Victorian Acting Minister for Health extended the mandatory notification requirement of intention to work in Victoria until at least 2032.

General information

Licensed workers and businesses can find out more information about automatic mutual recognition by visiting Improving occupational mobility (pmc.gov.au) or call the Legionella Team to discuss.