PERTH (miningweekly.com) – The Western Australian government has made moves to address a severe skills shortage in Western Australia with the introduction of the Mutual Recognition (Western Australia) Amendment Bill 2021 into Parliament to allow for the state’s participation in the Automatic Mutual Recognition (AMR) scheme for occupational licences and registrations.
The scheme allows a person who is registered or licensed for an occupation in another jurisdiction to perform the same work in Western Australia without applying for recognition or paying a fee.
It will make it easier for workers to take up jobs in Western Australia and support current skills needs in the state.
“Attracting skilled workers to Western Australia to support our state's strong economic growth and pipeline of works is a priority for the Western Australian government,” said Premier Mark McGowan.
"This scheme will make it easier for interstate registered or licensed workers to work in Western Australia and aligns with outcomes from my government's Skills Summit to help Western Australian businesses recruit employees.
"Strong checks and balances will be in place to ensure the safety of the Western Australian community and workers.”
Individuals subject to disciplinary, civil or criminal action will be excluded from the scheme and regulators will be required to share this information. Furthermore, interstate registered and licensed workers will be required to comply with the relevant occupational licensing Western Australian laws.
It is expected the scheme will commence from July 1, 2022, in line with the majority of other states and territories.