The Australian Refrigeration Council (ARC) is engaging in constructive discussions with the Tasmanian Building and Consumer Regulator (CBOS) to amend the existing licensing framework.

ARC has been invited to contribute to revising the Tasmanian licensing framework. This could involve creating a dedicated refrigeration and air conditioning licence, similar to recent changes championed by ARC to Victorian legislation, which now recognises RAC as a distinct licence category rather than a subsection of plumbing. In this case it would be likely that licence holders would need to hold a Certificate III-level qualification similar to the national ARCTick RAC licence scheme.  

The work involved in installing, commissioning, testing for leaks, repairing, altering, maintaining air conditioning systems, and safely handling refrigerant gases requires specialised training and apprenticeships. Given the technical nature of this trade, only highly skilled HVACR professionals should be allowed to work within it, ensuring consumer safety and environmental protection. 

ARC will participate in meetings in early April in Tasmania to discuss next steps and help secure a beneficial outcome for the refrigeration and air conditioning industry.