Published Tuesday, 01 July, 2008 at 10:17 AM
Minister for Transport, Trade, Employment and Industrial Relations
The Honourable John Mickel
Pre-1992 paper occupational licences no longer valid
New regulations to streamline licensing and training of Queensland workers who operate plant or perform high risk duties take effect from 1 July 2008.
Minister for Employment and Industrial Relations John Mickel said old-style paper “tickets” issued before March 1992 are no longer valid from tomorrow.
“This is part of the transition to a new national licensing system announced last July. Workplace safety authorities across Australia have agreed to move to five-year, renewable licences that will be recognised in all states and territories,” Mr Mickel said.
“Paper tickets issued before 1992 can no longer be used to carry out work in a licensed occupation unless the holder has notified Workplace Health and Safety Queensland (WHSQ).
“This includes scaffolders, plant operators, boiler/machine operators, crane operators, hoist drivers, doggers and riggers, engine/engineer drivers and engineers certificate holders.
“Of course, if you don't want to keep your licence you don't have to do anything, but if you do then you must let WHSQ know by lodging your details so you can be issued with a new licence.”
Mr Mickel urged workers who haven’t already done so to contact WSQ immediately and called on employers to ensure their workers are aware of the new licensing requirements.
“You can use the convenient online notification form at www.deir.qld.gov.au or call the WHSQ Licensing Hotline on 1300 655 986.
“The conversion of the old paper licences to new durable, wallet-sized photo cards will be carried out progressively.”
Mr Mickel said the new licensing system will ensure greater safety in the workplace, improved training, and making it easier for workers to work across borders.
“The new licences will provide greater security for the community, employers and co-workers by providing proof and assurance that people operating complex machinery or undertaking high risk work hold a valid licence.
“The new system will also deliver consistent national training and better workplace health and safety outcomes.
“Now anyone wanting an occupational licence from WHSQ must undertake formal and informal training and be assessed for competency by a registered training organisation.”
Media contact: John Smith 3237 1944 or Nathan Moir 3235 4060.
July 1, 2008
Minister for Employment and Industrial Relations John Mickel said old-style paper “tickets” issued before March 1992 are no longer valid from tomorrow.
“This is part of the transition to a new national licensing system announced last July. Workplace safety authorities across Australia have agreed to move to five-year, renewable licences that will be recognised in all states and territories,” Mr Mickel said.
“Paper tickets issued before 1992 can no longer be used to carry out work in a licensed occupation unless the holder has notified Workplace Health and Safety Queensland (WHSQ).
“This includes scaffolders, plant operators, boiler/machine operators, crane operators, hoist drivers, doggers and riggers, engine/engineer drivers and engineers certificate holders.
“Of course, if you don't want to keep your licence you don't have to do anything, but if you do then you must let WHSQ know by lodging your details so you can be issued with a new licence.”
Mr Mickel urged workers who haven’t already done so to contact WSQ immediately and called on employers to ensure their workers are aware of the new licensing requirements.
“You can use the convenient online notification form at www.deir.qld.gov.au or call the WHSQ Licensing Hotline on 1300 655 986.
“The conversion of the old paper licences to new durable, wallet-sized photo cards will be carried out progressively.”
Mr Mickel said the new licensing system will ensure greater safety in the workplace, improved training, and making it easier for workers to work across borders.
“The new licences will provide greater security for the community, employers and co-workers by providing proof and assurance that people operating complex machinery or undertaking high risk work hold a valid licence.
“The new system will also deliver consistent national training and better workplace health and safety outcomes.
“Now anyone wanting an occupational licence from WHSQ must undertake formal and informal training and be assessed for competency by a registered training organisation.”
Media contact: John Smith 3237 1944 or Nathan Moir 3235 4060.
July 1, 2008