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 go through further application processes 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 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, 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

Additional conditions for workers who wish to operate in South Australia using AMR

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.

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.

Mandatory notification of intention to work in South Australia

AMR is a new system, and we strongly encourage you to contact the Controlled Substances Licensing Unit via email at HealthControlledSubstances@sa.gov.au to confirm your eligibility.

Any worker eligible to work in South Australia under the new AMR arrangements must then notify the Controlled Substances Licensing Unit by registering online prior to working in South Australia.

General information

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