MUTUAL RECOGNITION OF CONSTRUCTION INDUCTION CARDS

Minister for Employment and Industrial Relations John Mickel today announced new measures that will simplify licensing requirements for Queensland construction workers working interstate.

From 1 January, Queensland, New South Wales and Victoria will recognise construction induction cards issued in each other’s jurisdictions.

Mr Mickel said that mutual recognition would be a boon to workers looking to expand their horizons.

“Before the introduction of the mutual recognition of the construction induction cards, all workers undertaking construction work, or removing asbestos materials, needed evidence of having completed a general induction in Queensland. With the changes, training taken in New South Wales or Victoria will also be recognised,” Mr Mickel said.

“Similarly, Queensland workers can operate in either of those states on their existing blue cards.

“Mutual recognition allows certified or qualified workers to practice across state borders, secure in the knowledge that they are conforming to the local rules and regulations,” Mr Mickel said.

Mutual recognition will not mean a decline in safety standards. Queensland, New South Wales and Victoria have record low levels of workplace injuries and fatalities.

“We are streamlining our systems but maintaining our high safety standards.

“And we won’t be stopping there. The states will continue to work together to explore improvements that benefit everyone in the workplace,” Mr Mickel said.

Media Contact: Chris Brown 3224 7349

18 December 2006