Mutual Recognition Amendment to help ease cross-border 'bug bears'

The amendment's passage in the first step towards a nation-wide scheme, discussed at national cabinet, which will allow qualifications to be recognised across the majority of states and territories.

Speaking in parliament Albury MP Justin Clancy said the "well-overdue" cross-border recognition would reduce the administrative burden on workers.

He said working as a veterinarian he knows firsthand the difficulties of having to hold multiple registrations and pay multiple fees to do the exact same job ten minutes down the road.

Mr Clancy said the need for dual registrations had been a "bug bear for border communities for a long time.

"During [the Black Summer] fires we faced acute shortages in trades required for rebuilding," he said.

"Automatic mutual recognition would enable skilled interstate workers to assist with rebuilding efforts more quickly this means that downtime following a natural disasters would be reduced and households community and businesses could get back to normal quicker."

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Southern Vale Home's sales manager Matt Griffiths said most border sub-contractors were required to hold licences and pay registration fees in both NSW and Victoria.

"Anything that makes it easier for them perform their duties and work... is beneficial everyone in industry," he said.

Australian Industry Group's Tim Farrah said mutual recognition would be a huge benefit.

"Recognition of qualifications across border will have a huge impact and just make it so much easier especially for apprentices coming through so they can work each side border, " he said.

"With the construction sector booming, it will help builders and people wanting to build, get their houses built quicker."

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