Mutual Recognition
Using Your Trade Licence Interstate
How to work across state borders with your existing trade licence
Introduction
One of the biggest challenges for Australian tradies has historically been the complexity of working across state borders. Each state has its own licensing system, and traditionally, moving interstate meant applying for a whole new license – with additional fees, paperwork, and waiting times.
The good news? Australia now has mutual recognition schemes that make it much easier to work across state borders. This guide explains how these systems work, your options, and how to navigate working across state and territory borders.
Understanding Mutual Recognition
What is Mutual Recognition?
Mutual recognition is a system that allows licensed professionals to have their qualifications and licences recognised in other Australian states and territories. Instead of starting from scratch, your existing licence serves as proof of your competency.
The Legal Framework
Mutual Recognition Act 1992 – The Commonwealth legislation that establishes the national framework for recognising occupational licences across state borders.
Trans-Tasman Mutual Recognition Act 1997 – Extends mutual recognition between Australia and New Zealand.
State and Territory Laws – Each jurisdiction has its own legislation supporting mutual recognition.
Types of Mutual Recognition
There are now several ways to work interstate with your trade licence:
- Automatic Mutual Recognition (AMR)
What it is: A newer scheme (introduced 2021-2022) that allows you to work in another state under your existing home state licence, WITHOUT applying for a separate licence.
How it works:
- You hold a valid licence in your home state
- You notify the host state that you intend to work there
- You work under an “Automatic Deemed Registration.”
- You comply with all local laws and conditions
Key Points:
- No separate application required – just notification
- No additional fees to pay
- Works in all states EXCEPT Queensland
- Some occupations are excluded
- Must maintain your home state licence
- Traditional Mutual Recognition (MR)
What it is: The original system where you apply for a licence in the host state based on your existing licence.
How it works:
- You apply to the host state’s licensing authority
- They assess your existing licence as equivalent
- You receive a local licence
- You pay the local licence fees
Key Points:
- Formal application required
- Fees apply (host state licence fees)
- Available in all states, including Queensland
- Results in holding licences in multiple states
- Any conditions on your original licence may carry over
- Trans-Tasman Mutual Recognition (TTMRA)
What it is: Recognition between Australia and New Zealand.
How it works:
- New Zealand licence holders can apply for Australian licences
- Australian licence holders can apply for New Zealand registration
- Similar principles to domestic mutual recognition
Automatic Mutual Recognition (AMR) in Detail
Who Can Use AMR?
To use AMR, you must:
✅ Hold a valid, current licence in your home state
✅ Be registered for an occupation that AMR covers
✅ Want to work in a state that participates in AMR
✅ Does not have any current disciplinary proceedings
✅ Have not had your licence suspended or cancelled
✅ Not have been refused a licence in any jurisdiction
States Participating in AMR
| State/Territory | Participates in AMR? |
| New South Wales | ✅ Yes |
| Victoria | ✅ Yes |
| Queensland | ❌ No |
| Western Australia | ✅ Yes |
| South Australia | ✅ Yes |
| Tasmania | ✅ Yes |
| Northern Territory | ✅ Yes |
| ACT | ✅ Yes |
Necessary: Queensland does NOT participate in AMR. If you want to work in Queensland, you must apply through traditional mutual recognition.
Which Occupations are Covered?
Most trade licences are covered, but each state has some exclusions. Common included occupations:
- Electricians
- Plumbers
- Gas fitters
- Builders
- Air conditioning mechanics
- Many other construction trades
Excluded Occupations
States can exclude occupations from AMR for safety or public interest reasons. Common exclusions include:
- High-risk work licences (may vary by state)
- Some security licences
- Some transport licences
- Occupations with specific local requirements
Always check with the host state’s regulator to confirm your occupation is covered.
How to Use AMR
Step 1: Check Eligibility
- Confirm your occupation is covered
- Confirm that the host state participates
- Ensure your licence is current and in good standing
Step 2: Notify the Host State
- Complete the notification form (online for most states)
- Provide your licence details
- No fee is typically required
Step 3: Receive Confirmation
- You’ll receive acknowledgment of your notification
- You can then commence work
Step 4: Maintain Compliance
- Keep your home state licence current
- Comply with all laws in the host state
- Follow any conditions on your home licence
Working Under AMR
When working in another state under AMR:
You MUST:
- Maintain your home state licence
- Comply with all host state laws and regulations
- Follow any conditions on your home licence
- Notify if your circumstances change
- Carry proof of your licence and AMR notification
You CANNOT:
- Work if your home licence expires, is suspended, or cancelled
- Ignore local safety requirements
- Work in excluded occupations
Traditional Mutual Recognition in Detail
When to Use Traditional MR
Use traditional mutual recognition when:
- You want to relocate to another state permanently
- You want to work in Queensland (which doesn’t participate in AMR)
- Your occupation is excluded from AMR
- You prefer to hold a local licence
- You want to become a contractor in the new state
How Traditional MR Works
Step 1: Identify the Equivalent Licence
- Research what licence in the host state matches your current licence
- Check if there are any scope differences
Step 2: Gather Documentation
- Current licence copy (both sides)
- Photo ID
- Evidence of currency (if required)
- Any additional state-specific requirements
Step 3: Submit Application
- Complete the host state’s mutual recognition application form
- Pay the application fee (usually the standard licence fee)
- Submit supporting documents
Step 4: Processing
- The host authority verifies your existing licence
- They assess equivalency
- Processing typically takes 2-6 weeks
Step 5: Receive Your Licence
- If approved, you will receive a local licence
- Any conditions from your original licence may carry over
- You now hold licences in both states
Conditions and Restrictions
Under mutual recognition, conditions on your original licence generally carry over. For example:
- If your licence is restricted to certain work types, the host licence will have the same restrictions
- If your licence has a condition for disciplinary action, this will apply interstate
- If your licence requires supervision, this will continue in the host state
Special Schemes
East Coast Electricians Scheme
This is an enhanced recognition scheme specifically for electricians in certain East Coast states.
How it works: Electricians from Queensland, Victoria, and the ACT are automatically recognised in NSW without needing to notify the regulator.
Covered Licences:
| From | Licence Type | Recognised in NSW As |
| QLD | Electrical Work Licence | Qualified Supervisor Certificate |
| VIC | Electrician’s Licence (A Grade) | Qualified Supervisor Certificate |
| ACT | Unrestricted Electrician Licence | Qualified Supervisor Certificate |
Key Points:
- No notification or application required
- Can work immediately in NSW
- If permanently relocating to NSW, you should apply for an NSW licence through MR.
- Contractor licences still require a separate application.
Queensland: Non-AMR State
Since Queensland doesn’t participate in AMR, special considerations apply:
Working IN Queensland (from other states):
- Must apply through traditional mutual recognition
- Apply to the relevant body (ESO for electrical, QBCC for building trades)
- Complete application and fees required
- Processing time applies
Working FROM Queensland (to other states):
- Can use AMR in other states that participate
- Must notify the host state
- Maintain QLD licence
State-by-State Guide
New South Wales
AMR: Yes
Notification Portal: Service NSW
Website: nsw.gov.au/working-interstate
Electricians: Covered under the East Coast Electricians Scheme from QLD, VIC, ACT
MR Application:
- Online via Service NSW
- Fees apply (standard licence fees)
- Processing: 2-4 weeks
Victoria
AMR: Yes
Notification Portal: Various (depends on occupation)
Website: vic.gov.au (search “automatic mutual recognition”)
Electricians: Apply through Energy Safe Victoria
Builders: Apply through Victorian Building Authority
MR Application:
- ESVConnect for electrical
- VBA portal for building
- Standard fees apply
Queensland
AMR: ❌ NO
MR Only: Must apply through traditional mutual recognition
Electricians: Apply to the Electrical Safety Office (WorkSafe QLD)
Builders/Plumbers: Apply to QBCC
Important: Queensland requires full applications. Allow 4-6 weeks for processing.
Western Australia
AMR: Yes
Notification Portal: Building and Energy
Website: wa.gov.au/building-and-energy
Electricians: Apply to the Electrical Licensing Board
Plumbers: Apply to the Plumbers Licensing Board
Builders: Apply to the Building Services Board
Note: WA requires fit-and-proper-person checks, including police clearances.
South Australia
AMR: Yes
Notification Portal: Consumer and Business Services
Website: sa.gov.au/cbs
Tasmania
AMR: Yes
Notification Portal: CBOS
Website: cbos.tas.gov.au
Northern Territory
AMR: Yes
Notification Portal: NT WorkSafe / Building Practitioners Board
Website: nt.gov.au
Australian Capital Territory
AMR: Yes
Notification Portal: Access Canberra
Website: accesscanberra.act.gov.au
Practical Scenarios
Scenario 1: Electrician from Melbourne Working Temporarily in Sydney
Situation: Victorian A Grade electrician needs to work on a project in Sydney for 3 months.
Best Option: AMR
Process:
- Check the Victorian licence is current
- Notify NSW Fair Trading of intention to work in NSW
- Work under Automatic Deemed Registration
- Maintain Victorian licence
- Comply with NSW electrical regulations
Cost: $0 (notification only)
Time: Can start almost immediately after notification
Scenario 2: Plumber from Perth Relocating to Brisbane
Situation: WA licensed plumber permanently moving to Queensland.
Best Option: Traditional Mutual Recognition (QLD doesn’t have AMR)
Process:
- Apply to QBCC for a Queensland plumbing licence
- Provide WA licence evidence
- Pay Queensland licence fees
- Wait for processing (4-6 weeks)
- Receive Queensland licence
Cost: QLD licence fees (~$200-500)
Time: 4-6 weeks
Scenario 3: Builder from Adelaide Taking Project in Darwin
Situation: SA-registered builder has a one-off project in NT.
Best Option: AMR
Process:
- Notify NT regulator
- Work under AMR
- Maintain SA registration
Cost: $0
Time: Can start after notification
Scenario 4: NSW Electrician Starting Business in Multiple States
Situation: Licensed electrician in NSW wants to operate a business servicing NSW and Victoria.
Best Option: Combination approach
For working in VIC: Can use AMR for a personal licence
For contracting in VIC: Need to apply for REC through traditional MR
Note: Contractor licences often require local registration even if worker licences can use AMR.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Assuming AMR Works Everywhere
Mistake: Thinking you can turn up in Queensland and work.
Reality: Queensland requires a traditional MR application.
- Letting Your Home Licence Lapse
Mistake: Forgetting to renew your original licence while working interstate under AMR.
Reality: If your home licence expires, your AMR entitlement ends immediately.
- Ignoring Local Regulations
Mistake: Following only your home state’s practices.
Reality: You must comply with the host state’s laws, which may differ.
- Not Checking Exclusions
Mistake: Assuming AMR covers all licences.
Reality: Some occupations are excluded – always verify.
- Contractor vs Worker Confusion
Mistake: Using AMR for a worker’s licence and assuming it covers contracting.
Reality: Contractor licences often require a separate application.
Checklist: Working Interstate
Before starting work in another state:
For AMR:
- [ ] Confirm AMR covers your occupation
- [ ] Confirm the host state participates in AMR
- [ ] Check your home licence is current and in good standing
- [ ] Complete notification to host state
- [ ] Understand local laws and regulations
- [ ] Carry proof of licence and notification
For Traditional MR:
- [ ] Identify equivalent licence in host state
- [ ] Complete application form
- [ ] Provide licence evidence
- [ ] Pay applicable fees
- [ ] Wait for processing
- [ ] Receive a local licence before starting work
Trans-Tasman Mutual Recognition (Australia ↔ New Zealand)
For Kiwis Coming to Australia
New Zealand licence holders can apply for Australian licences under TTMRA.
Process:
- Contact the relevant Australian state authority
- Complete TTMRA application
- Provide NZ licence evidence
- May need to complete Australian context training
- Receive an Australian licence
Note: Some trades may require gap training to meet Australian standards.
For Aussies Going to New Zealand
Australian licence holders can apply for NZ registration.
Process:
- Contact the relevant NZ authority
- Complete TTMRA application
- Provide Australian licence evidence
- Receive NZ registration
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use AMR in Queensland? A: No. Queensland is the only state that doesn’t participate in AMR. You must apply through traditional mutual recognition.
Q: Do I need to notify anyone when using AMR? A: Yes, you should notify the host state before commencing work. Some states require formal notification.
Q: What happens if my home licence is suspended while working interstate under AMR? A: Your entitlement to work under AMR ends immediately. You must cease working in the host state.
Q: Can I get a contractor licence through AMR? A: Not usually. Contractor licences often require local registration, insurance, and additional requirements. Check with the host state.
Q: How long does traditional mutual recognition take? A: Typically 2-6 weeks, depending on the state and complexity.
Q: Do conditions on my licence transfer? A: Yes, any conditions or restrictions on your original licence generally apply in the host state under both AMR and traditional MR.
Q: Can I use both systems? A: Yes. You might use AMR for temporary work and then apply for a local licence through traditional MR if you relocate permanently.
Resources
National
- Department of Employment and Workplace Relations: dewr.gov.au/mutual-recognition
- Mutual Recognition FAQs: dewr.gov.au/fact-sheets/mutual-recognition-faqs
State Portals
- NSW: nsw.gov.au/working-interstate-and-mutual-recognition
- VIC: vic.gov.au (search AMR)
- QLD: qld.gov.au (traditional MR only)
- WA: wa.gov.au/building-and-energy
- SA: sa.gov.au/amr
- TAS: cbos.tas.gov.au
- NT: nt.gov.au
- ACT: accesscanberra.act.gov.au
Tips
Mutual recognition has made it much easier for Australian tradies to work across state borders. Whether you’re taking on a temporary project interstate or permanently relocating, you have options:
- AMR for quick, fee-free work in most states
- Traditional MR for Queensland and permanent relocation
- East Coast Electricians Scheme for sparkies on the East Coast
The key is understanding which system applies to your situation and ensuring you maintain compliance with both your home state and host state requirements.
Related Articles
What Licenses Do Trades Need? Complete Guide by Trade Type
White Card Training: Everything You Need to Know
State-by-State Trade Licensing Requirements in Australia
Disclaimer: Requirements change regularly. Always verify current requirements with the relevant state or territory authorities before commencing interstate work.