Stakeholders that supported this option for licensing did so because it provided the highest economic benefit and the Arctick license provides an existing national licensing system, with an established public register and requires licence holders to have the same or similar qualifications to those proposed under national licensing. Stakeholders who opposed this option for licensing did so because they felt this option did not recognise or address the risks (described at Attachment D) or health and safety requirements associated with the trade work in this industry. Many stakeholders stated the view that the Arctick licence was focused primarily on environmental protection objectives whereas state-based occupational licensing is concerned on health, safety and consumer protection. Concern was also expressed that the compliance and conduct regimes, including the imposing of penalties, under the Arctick licensing scheme was not as strong or as rigorous as current state licensing regimes and could result in risks to the consumer. Although other regulations are already in place, such as health and safety, dangerous goods, environmental and consumer regulations that would address these concerns, this is not perceived by industry stakeholders as adequate in addressing the risks in those jurisdictions that licence refrigeration and air-conditioning work. Conclusion No licensing (except for the Commonwealth Arctick licence), has been identified as the preferred option for the following reasons: Only three jurisdictions currently licence the refrigeration and air-conditioning occupation. This option represents the status quo in the five jurisdictions that do not license the refrigeration and air-conditioning occupation. No evidence was provided of market failure or any increased health and safety or consumer protection concerns in those jurisdictions. National licensing would provide a duplication in regulation. National licensing option model A The key elements of the alternative model, national licensing model A, are a revised version of that presented in the Consultation RIS, following analysis of the outcomes of the consultation and submission process. A comparison of these features compared with current licensing arrangements in each jurisdiction is provided at Attachment E. Licence categories The Consultation RIS proposed that the categories of licences and the corresponding scope of regulated work should be able to work effectively in current and future industry environments. Taking these elements into consideration and focusing on core areas of work assisted with the identification of the following proposed categories of licences under the alternative national licensing model A: refrigeration and air-conditioning licence refrigeration and air-conditioning contractor licence
Table 5.1: Consultation sessions Location Date Organisations present Government representatives Total attendees Sydney 14 September 2012 Australian Industry Group Brookfield Multiplex Services Building Professionals Board Coca-Cola Amatil Communication, Electrical and Plumbing Union Electrical Trade Union Grosvenor Engineering ISS Facility Services Leighton Contractors Mitsubishi Electric Australia Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Contractors Association Triple M Mechanical NSW Industry Training Advisory Bodies Canberra Institute of Technology TAFE Hunter NSW Office of Fair Trading Department of Premier and Cabinet National Occupational Licensing Authority NSW regulators Australian Skills Quality Authority 27 Melbourne 11 September 2012 Air Conditioning and Mechanical Contractors Association of Australia Air Services Australia Australian Institute of Refrigeration, Airconditioning and Heating Australia Post Communication, Electrical and Plumbing Union IdentiTech Master Plumbers Association – Victoria Rothfaze Pty Ltd Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology The Knight Alliance Plumbing Industry Commission (regulator) Energy Safety Victoria (regulator) National Occupational Licensing Authority Department of Treasury and Finance Department of Planning and Community Development 20 Brisbanea 21 September 2012 Australian Industry Group Australian Refrigeration Council Brisbane Refrigeration Coast to Coast Refrigeration and Airconditioning Pty Ltd Electrical Contractors Association Queensland Treasury and Trade Department of Natural Resources and Mines Commonwealth Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, 17