The Tasmanian Government is reviewing its licensing framework with focuses on information asymmetry between consumer and technicians, alignment with national licence competencies and the potential to establish refrigeration and air conditioning (RAC) as a prominent trade category.

The review mimics changes made in Victoria three years ago where the Australian Refrigeration Council (ARC) played an important role in advocating for RAC to be recognised as a separate licence category in contrast to being seen as a subclass of plumbing.

An integral element in the review will be aligning with the national competency standards of the ARCTick scheme. This will increase the level of competence in Tasmania and help prevent confusion and avoid putting unnecessary administrative burdens on RAC technicians.

The ARC will continue to work closely with the Tasmanian Government to reach a licensing framework that meets both policy objective and industry needs.