We have been receiving a lot of calls from people with concerns about the upcoming changes to builder’s licensing requirements. To assist, we have put together some information to help people in the building industry. A copy of this post can be downloaded by clicking HERE
Please be advised that this is not a formal update, only information gathered from various government bodies and industry associations.
The Current System:
Builder’s licenses are administered by each state. Each state has their own rules and regulations, and there are differences as to what is required to get a builders license.
The Proposed New System:
The creation of a national system of licensing. This is seen to be more efficient, and remove confusion that occurs when builders move to different states. These changes are expected to occur around July 2012 for some trades, and July 2013 for others.
The new system is expected to honour existing licensees, so if you currently hold a builders license, it is likely you will be switched over to the national system without any issues. This ‘grandfathering’ agreement appears to be well supported.
However, if for some reason your builder’s license is cancelled, or lapses (beyond the grace period), you would be required to re-apply under the new system.
What Are The Changes:
Currently in SA builders can obtain licenses by having an interview with a technical expert, and supplying evidence. They do not currently need to have a Certificate III in their trade; instead, they need to have evidence showing years of experience working in the trade. This process can be time consuming for builders without formal qualifications, but it in no way means that they are not able to gain a license if they supply the relevant evidence, and pass their interview.
Under the proposed new system, there will be a move away from technical interviews. Builders seeking licensing will need to supply their Certificate III qualifications in their trade, and meet other requirements, such as completing the business & legal units – as is required in SA currently.
It is also likely that sub-contractors will be required to hold a license under this new system.
All this seems to be in a state of flux, with little detail available about firm timings and other changes. Please use this document as a general update, and not as formal notification. Information is constantly changing as the national system is developed.
For more information, visit the following sites:
– National Licensing Website = www.nola.gov.au
– Current SA Licensing Site = www.ocba.sa.gov.au
– Housing Industry of Australia (HIA) = http://hia.com.au/hia/content/Builder/region/National/classification/Workplace%20Services/Other%20Information%20Sheets/article/IS/WS/nat_licensing_update.aspx