CCIWA CEO

Chris Rodwell

CCIWA welcomes the State Government’s introduction of Automatic Mutual Recognition legislation into Parliament today. These reforms, which CCIWA has long advocated for, would make it easier for tradies and professionals to bring their skills to benefit WA.

As outlined in CCIWA’s submission in February this year, the lack of mutual recognition between states results in regulatory delays and hurdles in having the licenses of workers recognised by WA. Delays and fees for recognition also impose a disincentive on businesses to give apprentices the opportunity to work across state lines, and in turn ensure they have steady work.

Nationally-consistent VET qualifications and the harmonization of workplace health and safety laws reinforce a continuing high standard of competency, safety and protection for consumers. Further safeguards are included in the AMR scheme.

While welcome, joining the AMR scheme is not expected to mitigate the strain of skills and worker shortages being experienced by WA businesses. CCIWA urges the State Government to enable access to critical interstate and international skills, ahead of the phased transition plan. One practical measure would be to sign up to the Pacific Pathways Plan, which would enable Pacific workers to safely fill critical workforce gaps immediately without the need for quarantine. CCIWA looks forward to further efforts to make WA the best place to live, work and do business.