Automatic mutual recognition of pest management licensing

What is automatic mutual recognition?

Automatic mutual recognition (AMR) allows a person who is licensed or registered for an occupation in one jurisdiction to be considered licensed or registered to perform the same activities in another jurisdiction, without the need to hold a second licence or pay additional fees.

AMR aims to make it easier for workers who need to be licensed or registered for their job to work in another state or territory.

When will automatic mutual recognition be available?

AMR for occupational licences has been available from 1 July 2021 in certain states and territories.

South Australia entered the scheme on 1 February 2022.

The Commonwealth Government have advised that, in addition to South Australia:

  • New South Wales, the Australian Capital Territory, the Northern Territory and Victoria entered the scheme on or about 1 July 2021.
  • Tasmania entered the scheme on 22 December 2021.
  • Western Australia entered the scheme on 24 March 2022.

Queensland has not yet entered the scheme.

How does it work?

  • The work you are licensed to undertake in your home state, you may now be able to do in other states and territories without the need to apply and pay fees for a second licence.
  • AMR makes it easier for licensed or registered workers to apply for and take up temporary work opportunities in another state or territory.
  • AMR provides safeguards to maintain standards and protect consumers, workers and others.

Who is eligible for AMR?

South Australian pest management technicians are generally eligible, but you will need to check that the other jurisdiction has fully entered the AMR scheme before you start work in the second jurisdiction. Some jurisdictions are entering the scheme on this date but have exempted pest control licences from AMR for a period of time to enable work to be completed to prepare for the changes.

What does this mean?

If South Australia is your home state, and you hold a current South Australian pest management technician licence and you wish to work interstate, working via AMR is available in:

  • Australian Capital Territory
  • New South Wales
  • Northern Territory
  • Tasmania
  • Victoria
  • Western Australia

If your home is outside South Australia, and you hold a current licence to undertake pest control work in that state or territory and you wish to work in South Australia, then working via AMR is currently available only to residents of:

  • Australian Capital Territory
  • New South Wales
  • Northern Territory
  • Tasmania
  • Victoria
  • Western Australia

Mandatory Requirement to notify intention to work

You are required to notify us of your intention to work under the AMR.

SA Health will determine whether a worker is eligible for AMR through a mandated registration system. A licensee who submits a registration is not provided with a substantive SA licence. They will receive confirmation of the recognition of their interstate licence.

Registering for AMR for pest controllers who wish to operate in South Australia

Workers must hold a licence or registration in their home state. You must notify the South Australian Department of Health and Wellbeing Controlled Substances Licensing Unit prior to commencing work in South Australia, by registering online.

A copy of your current licence (both front and back) must be submitted when registering.

Once eligibility has been confirmed you will receive notification that your licence or registration has been recognised to lawfully work in South Australia.

Registrations under AMR carry an expiry date that matches the expiry date of the licence or registration held in your home jurisdiction.

Your scope of work in South Australia is generally limited to the scope of work in your home jurisdiction.

You must also comply with the South Australian Controlled Substances (Pesticides) Regulations 2017.

What happens if my licence in my home jurisdiction expires?

If your home jurisdiction licence expires then AMR no longer applies in any other jurisdiction.

What happens if I am subject to disciplinary, civil, or criminal actions in relation to the activity authorised by my licence?

Non-compliance against state or territory laws or licence conditions on a home state or territory licence/registration can lead to suspension or cancellation of the person's right to work in the second state or territory.

General information

Licensed workers and businesses can find out more information about AMR by visiting Automatic recognition of licences.