ACT to introduce construction induction card and high-risk work licensing

The ACT government has foreshadowed the introduction of legislation to confirm ACT participation in the nationally-agreed processes for the construction industry of a construction induction card and licensing for persons performing high-risk work.

From 1 October 2009, possession of a Construction Induction card will be mandatory for work on a construction site in the ACT, in accordance with the National Code of Practice for Induction for Construction Work.

All other jurisdictions are moving to adopt this code, which will be harmonised across Australia by the end of 2009. Once issued by any jurisdiction, cards will be recognised in all other jurisdictions. Thus, a card issued in NSW will be valid in the ACT and a card issued by ACT WorkCover (the Office of Regulatory Services) will be recognised in NSW.

The ACT is also adopting the National Standard for Persons Performing High Risk Work from 1 October 2009. All other states and territories are also moving to adopt this standard.

The major changes in this area are:

• Certificates of competency will be replaced by licences. Whereas certificates were valid for life, licences will be valid for five years only. After that period, licence holders will need to apply for renewal of their licence.
• All training and assessment associated with the licences must be done through a registered training organisation.

Licences issued by any jurisdiction will be recognised by all other jurisdictions. As the licence will be national, there will be no need to convert an ACT licence for use in other states.

When a person first applies for a licence, they must apply in the jurisdiction where their statement of attainment was issued.

Further detail regarding how the licensing system will be implemented will be provided before 1 October 2009.