The Council of Australian Governments (COAG) Reform Council, has warned of potential delays to the national licensing program due to be launched for several occupations on July 1, 2012. In a report on the move to a national system for several sectors (electrical, maritime, air conditioning and refrigeration, building, passenger and dangerous goods vehicle driving, plumbing and gasfitting, and property agents), concern is expressed that state governments have not adhered to the implementation timetable necessary for launch in July. The report cites “Uncertainty regarding some jurisdictions’ participation in the national system and legislative variations [which] raise a risk that [it] may not be achieved.” If the problems can be resolved and a launch takes place in 2012, a second series of trade professions are to move to a national system in 2013.
