Vehicle repairers will be added to a NSW skills recognition scheme that streamlines the movement of workers between states, in a move welcomed by the Insurance Council of Australia.

Motor industry workers, conveyancers, and real estate and property agents from interstate will be added to the automatic mutual recognition scheme from July 1, allowing them to work in NSW without having to get a separate state licence.

“This will help tackle the growing workforce gap, which is putting upward pressure on the cost of motor repairs, and bolster disaster response capabilities,” ICA said in a post on X.

“We see value in further consideration for inclusion of professionals who may be qualified but have no formal licensing regime in their home state as part of the [mutual recognition] scheme.” 

NSW Better Regulation Minister Anoulack Chanthivong says the reform passed last Tuesday will allow more workers greater movement across industries with similar national standards, while maintaining and protecting consumer rights.

“This legislation recognises the licensed interstate workers we need and supports both workers and businesses across Australia by removing red tape and reducing costs, which will allow NSW businesses access to a larger employment market,” he said.

The scheme, introduced in 2021, requires licensees to meet compensation fund obligations while working in NSW, ensuring customers can seek last resort payouts if they suffer a financial loss caused by an interstate operator.