Mutual recognition agreement

Mutual recognition means that any person holding a license or registration in one State or Territory can apply for a comparable license or registration in another State or Territory. The principles of Mutual Recognition aim to promote the goal of freedom of movement of service providers in a national market in Australia.

The Mutual Recognition Act

According to section 17 of the Mutual Recognition Act 1992, a person who is registered for an occupation in a state may be entitled to be registered for the equivalent occupation in another state. Therefore, a person who is registered for an occupation in an Australian State may apply to Energy Safe Victoria to qualify for recognition in Victoria as a Registered Electrical Contractor or an Electrical Worker. An equivalent occupation is deemed to be an equivalent occupation if the activities authorised to be carried out under each registration are substantially the same.

Please check what your equivalent license is in Victoria and for other states via the following link: www.licencerecognition.gov.au

Electrical Licensing and Registration in Victoria:

  • All persons carrying out any electrical wiring work are required to be licensed as an Electrical Worker
  • All persons carrying on an electrical contracting business or holding themselves out as willing to perform electrical wiring work are required to be registered as an Electrical Contractor.
Electrical wiring work means generally, the installation, alteration, repair, maintenance, connection or inspection of an electrical installation and any other work on an electrical installation (including supervisory work).

Can you Apply under Mutual Recognition?

The Mutual Recognition Act applies only to individuals. Applications cannot be made by an incorporated or unincorporated body or other association of persons. Such associations or bodies should apply for registration as a contractor under the normal provisions of the Regulations made under the Electricity Safety Act 1998 by completing the application form and paying the fee.

Applying under Mutual Recognition

You can apply for mutual recognition in Victoria by:
  • Completing the Application for License/Registration under Mutual Recognition form
  • Completing the appropriate application form for an Electrical Worker’s License and/or Electrical Contractor Registration
  • Lodging the completed forms with the Licensing Section of Energy Safe Victoria (ESV).
  • Providing proof of licenses and/or registrations held in other States or Territories. (Certified copies or original documents are required)
  • Payment of the prescribed fee.

Rejection of Applications

The application for license/registration may be rejected where:
  • The application is found to contain false or misleading statements
  • The documents proving license/registration in another State/Territory have not been provided or are found to be false or misleading
  • The Director of Energy Safe Victoria determines that the occupation for which that license/registration is sought is not an equivalent occupation

Applications for registration as an Electrical Contractor or an Electrical Worker’s License may be postponed where:
  • The application is incomplete
  • The application is found to contain materially false or misleading statements or information
  • The documents evidencing license/registration in another State/Territory are not provided or are found to be materially false or misleading
  • The Director of Energy Safe Victoria decides that the occupation in which license/registration is sought is not an equivalent occupation
  • The Director of Energy Safe Victoria determines that the circumstances of the applicant have materially changed since the application was lodged.

Penalties for unregistered/unlicensed work

If you are found to be working beyond the scope of you license or registration, you may be charged with an offence pursuant to the Electricity Safety Act 1998, or the Regulations made under this Act. You may be:
  • Issued with a warning or
  • Issued with an infringement notice or
  • Brought before a Magistrates Court or
  • Brought before a Committee of Inquiry
If brought before a Committee of Inquiry, your license or registration may be cancelled, suspended or have conditions imposed. Fines can also be imposed. Infringement Notices carry a maximum penalty of $500 for individuals and $2500 for corporations. Prosecution can result in fines of up to $5000 for individuals and $25,000 for corporations.

Even though your Victorian license/registration is based upon your interstate qualifications, it is your responsibility to be aware of and ensure compliance with the Electricity Safety Act 1998 and the Regulations applicable to the electrical industry when you undertake work in Victoria.
ESV Logo
© Copyright ESV 2009