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House of Assembly - Fifty-Second Parliament, Second Session (52-2)
2012-04-03 Daily Xml
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OCCUPATIONAL LICENCES

The Hon. M.J. WRIGHT (Lee) (14:27): My question is to the Minister for Business Services and Consumers. Can the minister inform the house about the roundtable discussion he conducted yesterday with trade industry representatives to hear their ideas about improving the system of issuing occupational licences?

The Hon. J.R. RAU (Enfield—Deputy Premier, Attorney-General, Minister for Planning, Minister for Business Services and Consumers) (14:27): I thank the honourable member for his question.

The SPEAKER: Order! Just a moment, minister. I have warned the cameramen up there that they are only to film people on their feet. If I see them looking on the other side of the chamber again they will have to leave the chamber.

The Hon. J.R. RAU: Yesterday I met with key trades representatives to discuss concerns about the speedy and efficient way in which the Consumer and Business Services department should be issuing occupational licences. The meeting included representatives of the Communications, Electrical and Plumbing Union; the National Electrical and Communications Association; the Master Builders Association; the Plumbing Industry Association; the Construction Industry Training Board; and the Housing Industry Association.

The meeting was a positive and constructive one, as it provided an opportunity for a collection of suggested improvements to be considered by me and the department. Some ideas that were canvassed included: in some instances looking at possibly increasing the renewal period for licences from one to two years, although that is something that would vary from particular licence to particular licence; providing interim licences in some circumstances whilst applications are being considered; and introduction of preapproval processes for apprentices to streamline applications.

At the end of the meeting I encouraged trade organisations to consider other reforms and provide further ideas to me in writing. Indeed, we left on the basis that over the next four weeks or so I would receive written submissions from the people who were represented at the meeting. I would then consolidate those submissions, and there would be further discussions with them about ways in which we could improve the service we are providing through the department.

However, in the interim the following steps have been taken by the department to address current concerns about delays. First, steps have been taken to fast-track simple applications that do not require complex assessments; the number of staff with the authority to grant applications has been increased; and additional staff with relevant experience from other areas within CBS have been moved to assist in the process. I am pleased to report that there has been a considerable decrease in the waiting time for licence applications and we will continue to strive for a more efficient system.

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