The Tasmanian Government is reviewing its licensing framework, with key considerations being information asymmetry between consumer and technician, alignment with national licence competencies, and the potential to establish refrigeration and air conditioning (RAC) as a distinct trade category.

This review echoes the changes made in Victoria three years ago, where the Australian Refrigeration Council (ARC) played a pivotal role in advocating for RAC to be recognised as a separate licence category, rather than being considered as a subclass of plumbing. Tasmania is now progressing along a similar path.

RAC is a highly specialised trade that, while overlapping in some areas with generalist plumbing and electrical work, differs significantly in technical scope and expertise. As such, it warrants its own licensing category to reflect these unique requirements.

A critical element of this review will be ensuring alignment with the national competency standards of the ARCTick scheme. This will raise the level of competence in the state, and help prevent confusion and avoid placing unnecessary administrative burden on RAC technicians.

The ARC remains committed to working closely with the Tasmanian Government to achieve a licensing framework that meets both policy objectives and industry needs.