The CFMEU has called for all ACT political parties to commit to introducing a trade licensing scheme after the government’s positive step towards making it a reality.
Sustainable Building and Construction Minister Rebecca Vasarotti will today commit to working on trade licensing as a next step after the CFMEU’s successful campaign for developer licensing.
The ACT government will undertake a study to determine which trades need licensing and determine which ones are priorities in coming months.
CFMEU ACT Secretary Zach Smith said the union had led the charge for trade licensing.
“This step towards a licensing scheme is a big win in our push to stop shonks and dodgy operators from putting Canberra’s at risk,” he said.
“Most Canberrans would be shocked to learn you don’t need a licence to be a carpenter or bricklayer on a building site in the ACT.
“Trade licensing will make it almost impossible for unqualified cowboys to undercut skilled tradespeople who the community can trust.
“A scheme like this will hold licence holders accountable in the event of defective work.
“In an election year it’s critical all parties lock in a commitment to put a scheme in place as soon as possible.
“We need more than a study. The CFMEU will keep fighting for trade licensing to be a key part of our industry after our victory in seeing a developer licensing bill introduced to parliament.
“I know Minister Vassarotti is serious about making building and construction safe, fair and sustainable, and I want to work with her to get trade licensing in place as quickly as we can.”
