Part I
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Commonwealth act
This Act has been repealed and is no longer in force. It is retained for historical reference.
This Act establishes a national certification system for six manual trades (engineering, boilermaking, blacksmithing, electrical, sheet‑metal and boot‑and‑shoe manufacturing), creating central and state committees to oversee qualifications. It lets apprentices, long‑experienced workers, returned service members and holders of equivalent overseas credentials gain tradesperson certificates, with supervised trainee/probationary pathways for veterans.
It mandates official registers and workplace inspection powers, and modern amendments add application fees, appeal rights to the Administrative Appeals Tribunal and cost‑recovery for international recruitment.
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Direct links to the current provisions in Tradespersons' Rights Regulation Act 1946.
This Act may be cited as the Tradespersons’ Rights Regulation Act 1946.
This Act shall come into operation on the day on which it receives the Royal Assent.
In this Act, unless the contrary intention appears:
employment means remunerative employment, and employed has a corresponding meaning.
member of the Forces has the meaning given by section 4 or 139 of the Re‑establishment and Employment Act 1945 immediately before the repeal of that Act.
the war has the meaning given by section 4 or 139 of the Re‑establishment and Employment Act 1945 immediately before the repeal of that Act.
For the purposes of this Act, the Australian Capital Territory shall be deemed to be part of the State of New South Wales, and the Northern Territory shall be deemed to be part of the State of South Australia.
(1) This Act does not apply to or in relation to a member of the Forces as defined in section one hundred and thirty‑nine of the Re‑establishment and Employment Act 1945‑1952 (immediately before its repeal) who enlisted or enlists for a period exceeding three years and was not or is not discharged within a period of two years after he or she ceased or ceases to be engaged on war service. (2) For the purposes of the last preceding subsection, a member of the Forces who, on the expiration of his or her original enlistment or subsequent re‑engagement, re‑engages to serve for a further period, shall, if the aggregate of the period of his or her original enlistment and the period or periods of his or her re‑engagement exceeds three years, be deemed to have enlisted for a period exceeding three years.
This Act shall bind the Crown in right of the Commonwealth or of a State and any authority constituted by or under any law of the Commonwealth or of a State or Territory.
Except as otherwise provided in this Act, the provisions contained in Part VII of this Act shall be incorporated and read as one with each of Parts II, III, IV, V, VI and VIA of this Act, and shall not have any other force or effect.
In this Part, unless the contrary intention appears:
certificate of recognition as a recognized tradesman means a certificate of recognition as a recognized tradesman granted in accordance with this Part before the commencement of the Tradesmen’s Rights Regulation Act 1958, and includes such a certificate granted before the commencement of this Act in accordance with the National Security (Engineering Trades) Regulations.
Committee means a committee established under this Part.
employer means any person employing persons in engineering operations, and includes an intending employer of persons in such operations.
Local Committee means a Local (Engineering Trades) Committee established under this Part, and includes a Committee which was established by that name under the National Security (Engineering Trades) Regulations.
probationary tradesperson means an adult member of the Forces whose employment as a probationary tradesperson in a trade to which this Part applies has been authorised by a Local Committee.
recognised tradesperson means a person who, in relation to any trade to which this Part applies:
(a) was employed, prior to 8 May 1940, as a tradesperson; or
(b) has qualified or qualifies by service as an apprentice for employment as a tradesperson; or
(c) has completed his or her course of training as a trainee tradesperson to the satisfaction of a Local Committee; or
(d) has been employed in Australia for not less than 7 years after 8 May 1940, on work ordinarily performed by a tradesperson and was so employed at any time within 1 month before the commencement of the Tradesmen’s Rights Regulation Act 1952; or
(e) has been granted a tradesperson’s certificate or a certificate of recognition as a recognized tradesman.
Register means a Register established and maintained in pursuance of this Part.
the Central Committee means the Central (Engineering Trades) Committee established under this Part, and includes a Committee which was established by that name under the National Security (Engineering Trades) Regulations.
tradesperson means a person employed in any of the classifications specified in the First Schedule to this Act.
tradesperson’s certificate means a tradesperson’s certificate granted in accordance with this Part.
trainee tradesperson means a member of the Forces (not being an apprentice) whose employment as a trainee tradesperson in a trade to which this Part applies, for the purpose of undergoing a course of training in an industrial establishment, has been authorised by a Local Committee.
This Part shall apply to the engineering trade specified in the First Schedule to this Act.
(1) There shall be a Central (Engineering Trades) Committee consisting of: (a) a representative of the Minister, who shall be the Chair of the Committee; and (b) two representatives of employers; and (c) two representatives of employees. (2) The members of the Committee shall be appointed by the Minister and shall hold office during the pleasure of the Minister.
(1) There shall be a Local (Engineering Trades) Committee in each State consisting of: (a) a representative of the Minister, who shall be the Chair of the Committee; and (b) two representatives of employers; and (c) two representatives of employees. (2) The members of each Local Committee shall be appointed by the Minister and shall hold office during the pleasure of the Minister.
A recognised tradesperson whose classification is that of second‑class machinist (including brass finisher), motor cycle mechanic, motor mechanic, motor tuner and tester or key‑seating machinist is, in relation to his or her employment in any other engineering trade to which this Part applies, taken not to be a recognised tradesperson.
In this Part, unless the contrary intention appears:
certificate of recognition as a recognized tradesman means a certificate of recognition as a recognized tradesman granted in accordance with this Part before the commencement of the Tradesmen’s Rights Regulation Act 1958, and includes such a certificate granted before the commencement of this Act in accordance with the National Security (Boilermaking Trades) Regulations.
Committee means a committee established under this Part.
employer means any person employing persons in boilermaking operations, and includes an intending employer of persons in such operations.
Local Committee means a Local (Boilermaking Trades) Committee established under this Part, and includes a Committee which was established by that name under the National Security (Boilermaking Trades) Regulations.
probationary tradesperson means an adult member of the Forces whose employment as a probationary tradesperson in a trade to which this Part applies has been authorised by a Local Committee.
recognised tradesperson means a person who, in relation to any trade to which this Part applies:
(a) was employed, prior to 29 November 1940, as a tradesperson; or
(b) has qualified or qualifies by service as an apprentice for employment as a tradesperson; or
(c) has completed his or her course of training as a trainee tradesperson to the satisfaction of a Local Committee; or
(d) has been employed in Australia for not less than 7 years after 29 November 1940 on work ordinarily performed by a tradesperson and was so employed at any time within 1 month before the commencement of the Tradesmen’s Rights Regulation Act 1952; or
(e) has been granted a tradesperson’s certificate or a certificate of recognition as a recognized tradesman.
Register means a register established and maintained in pursuance of this Part.
the Central Committee means the Central (Boilermaking Trades) Committee established under this Part, and includes the Committee which was established by that name under the National Security (Boilermaking Trades) Regulations.
tradesperson means a person employed in any of the classifications specified in the Second Schedule to this Act.
tradesperson’s certificate means a tradesperson’s certificate granted in accordance with this Part.
trainee tradesperson means a member of the Forces (not being an apprentice) whose employment as a trainee tradesperson in a trade to which this Part applies, for the purpose of undergoing a course of training in an industrial establishment, has been authorised by a Local Committee.
This Part shall apply to the boilermaking trades specified in the Second Schedule to this Act.
(1) There shall be a Central (Boilermaking Trades) Committee consisting of: (a) a representative of the Minister, who shall be the Chair of the Committee; and (b) two representatives of employers; and (c) two representatives of employees. (2) The members of the Committee shall be appointed by the Minister and shall hold office during the pleasure of the Minister.
(1) There shall be a Local (Boilermaking Trades) Committee in each State consisting of: (a) a representative of the Minister, who shall be the Chair of the Committee; and (b) two representatives of employers; and (c) two representatives of employees. (2) The members of each Local Committee shall be appointed by the Minister and shall hold office during the pleasure of the Minister.
(1) If a Local Committee is satisfied, upon application by any person, that that person has been employed for not less than 7 years (including for this purpose any period of employment in a country other than Australia) on work ordinarily performed by a tradesperson, the Local Committee may, if it thinks fit, grant to that person a tradesperson’s certificate. (2) A Local Committee may, in the exercise of its discretion under the last preceding subsection, refuse to grant a tradesperson’s certificate to a person unless it is satisfied that that person has passed, at a standard approved by the Central Committee, a test of competence approved for the purpose by the Central Committee.
In this Part, unless the contrary intention appears:
certificate of recognition as a recognized tradesman means a certificate of recognition as a recognized tradesman granted in accordance with this Part before the commencement of the Tradesmen’s Rights Regulation Act 1958, and includes such a certificate granted before the commencement of this Act in accordance with the National Security (Blacksmithing Trades) Regulations.
Committee means a Committee established under this Part.
employer means any person employing persons in blacksmithing operations, and includes an intending employer of persons in such operations.
Local Committee means a Local (Blacksmithing Trades) Committee established under this Part, and includes a Committee which was established by that name under the National Security (Blacksmithing Trades) Regulations.
probationary tradesperson means an adult member of the Forces whose employment as a probationary tradesperson in a trade to which this Part applies has been authorised by a Local Committee.
recognised tradesperson means a person who, in relation to any trade to which this Part applies:
(a) was employed, prior to 29 November 1940, as a tradesperson; or
(b) has qualified or qualifies by service as an apprentice for employment as a tradesperson; or
(c) has completed his or her course of training as a trainee tradesperson to the satisfaction of a Local Committee; or
(d) has been employed in Australia for not less than 7 years after 29 November 1940 on work ordinarily performed by a tradesperson and was so employed at any time within 1 month before the commencement of the Tradesmen’s Rights Regulation Act 1952; or
(e) has been granted a tradesperson’s certificate or a certificate of recognition as a recognized tradesman.
Register means a Register established and maintained in pursuance of this Part.
the Central Committee means the Central (Blacksmithing Trades) Committee established under this Part, and includes the Committee which was established by that name under the National Security (Blacksmithing Trades) Regulations.
tradesperson means a person employed in any of the classifications specified in the Third Schedule to this Act.
tradesperson’s certificate means a tradesperson’s certificate granted in accordance with this Part.
trainee tradesperson means a member of the Forces (not being an apprentice) whose employment as a trainee tradesperson in a trade to which this Part applies, for the purpose of undergoing a course of training in an industrial establishment, has been authorised by a Local Committee.
This Part shall apply to the blacksmithing trades specified in the Third Schedule to this Act.
(1) There shall be a Central (Blacksmithing Trades) Committee consisting of: (a) a representative of the Minister, who shall be the Chair of the Committee; and (b) a representative of employers; and (c) a representative of employees. (2) The members of the Committee shall be appointed by the Minister and shall hold office during the pleasure of the Minister.
(1) There shall be a Local (Blacksmithing Trades) Committee in each State consisting of: (a) a representative of the Minister, who shall be the Chair of the Committee; and (b) a representative of employers; and (c) a representative of employees. (2) The members of each Local Committee shall be appointed by the Minister and shall hold office during the pleasure of the Minister.
(1) Section thirty‑six of this Act shall not apply in relation to a Committee established under this Part. (2) Two members of a Committee shall constitute a quorum of that Committee.
In this Part, unless the contrary intention appears:
certificate of recognition as a recognized tradesman means a certificate of recognition as a recognized tradesman granted in accordance with this Part before the commencement of the Tradesmen’s Rights Regulation Act 1958, and includes such a certificate granted before the commencement of this Act in accordance with the National Security (Electrical Trades) Regulations.
Committee means a Committee established under this Part.
employer means any person employing persons in electrical operations, and includes an intending employer of persons in such operations.
Local Committee means a Local (Electrical Trades) Committee established under this Part, and includes a Committee which was established by that name under the National Security (Electrical Trades) Regulations.
probationary tradesperson means an adult member of the Forces whose employment as a probationary tradesperson in a trade to which this Part applies has been authorised by a Local Committee.
recognised tradesperson means a person who, in relation to any trade to which this Part applies:
(a) was employed prior to 30 October 1941, as a tradesperson; or
(b) has qualified or qualifies by service as an apprentice for employment as a tradesperson; or
(c) has completed his or her course of training as a trainee tradesperson to the satisfaction of a Local Committee; or
(d) has been granted a tradesperson’s certificate or a certificate of recognition as a recognized tradesman.
Register means a register established and maintained in pursuance of this Part.
the Central Committee means the Central (Electrical Trades) Committee established under this Part, and includes the Committee which was established by that name under the National Security (Electrical Trades) Regulations.
tradesperson means a person employed in any of the classifications specified in the Fourth Schedule to this Act.
tradesperson’s certificate means a tradesperson’s certificate granted in accordance with this Part.
trainee tradesperson means a member of the Forces (not being an apprentice) whose employment as a trainee tradesperson in a trade to which this Part applies, for the purpose of undergoing a course of training in an industrial establishment, has been authorised by a Local Committee.
This Part shall apply to the electrical trades specified in the Fourth Schedule to this Act.
(1) There shall be a Central (Electrical Trades) Committee consisting of: (a) a representative of the Minister, who shall be the Chair of the Committee; and (b) two representatives of employers; and (c) two representatives of employees. (2) The members of the Committee shall be appointed by the Minister and shall hold office during the pleasure of the Minister.
(1) There shall be a Local (Electrical Trades) Committee in each State consisting of: (a) a representative of the Minister, who shall be the Chair of the Committee; and (b) two representatives of employers; and (c) two representatives of employees. (2) The members of each Local Committee shall be appointed by the Minister and shall hold office during the pleasure of the Minister.
If a Local Committee is satisfied, upon application by any person, that that person: (a) has been employed in Australia for not less than seven years after the 30 October 1941, on work ordinarily performed by a tradesperson; and (b) was so employed at any time within one month before the commencement of the Tradesmen’s Rights Regulation Act 1952 or, but for special circumstances which prevented him or her, would have been so employed; and (c) has passed an examination approved by the Committee, at a standard approved by the Committee; the Committee may, if it thinks fit, grant to that person a tradesperson’s certificate.
Nothing in this Part shall entitle a recognised tradesperson, a probationary tradesperson or a trainee tradesperson to be employed on electrical operations for the performance of which the holding of a licence or certificate is required by or under the law of the Commonwealth or of a State or Territory unless he or she holds such a licence or certificate, and any certificate issued under this Part shall be endorsed accordingly.
In this Part, unless the contrary intention appears:
certificate of recognition as a recognized tradesman means a certificate of recognition as a recognized tradesman granted in accordance with this Part before the commencement of the Tradesmen’s Rights Regulation Act 1958, and includes such a certificate granted before the commencement of this Act in accordance with the National Security (Sheet Metal Trades) Regulations.
Committee means a Committee established under this Part.
employer means any person employing persons in sheet metal operations, and includes an intending employer of persons in such operations.
Local Committee means a Local (Sheet Metal Trades) Committee established under this Part, and includes a Committee which was established by that name under the National Security (Sheet Metal Trades) Regulations.
probationary tradesperson means an adult member of the Forces whose employment as a probationary tradesperson in a trade to which this Part applies has been authorised by a Local Committee.
recognised tradesperson means a person who, in relation to any trade to which this Part applies:
(a) was employed, prior to 30 October 1941, as a tradesperson; or
(b) has qualified or qualifies by service as an apprentice for employment as a tradesperson; or
(c) has completed his or her course of training as a trainee tradesperson to the satisfaction of a Local Committee; or
(d) has been employed in Australia for not less than 7 years after 30 October 1941, on work ordinarily performed by a tradesperson and was so employed at any time within 1 month before the commencement of the Tradesmen’s Rights Regulation Act 1952; or
(e) has been granted a tradesperson’s certificate or a certificate of recognition as a recognized tradesman.
Register means a Register established and maintained in pursuance of this Part.
the Central Committee means the Central (Sheet Metal Trades) Committee established under this Part, and includes the Committee which was established by that name under the National Security (Sheet Metal Trades) Regulations.
tradesperson means a person employed in any of the classifications specified in the Fifth Schedule to this Act.
tradesperson’s certificate means a tradesperson’s certificate granted in accordance with this Part.
trainee tradesperson means a member of the Forces (not being an apprentice) whose employment as a trainee tradesperson in a trade to which this Part applies, for the purpose of undergoing a course of training in an industrial establishment, has been authorised by a Local Committee.
This Part shall apply to the sheet metal trades specified in the Fifth Schedule to this Act.
(1) There shall be a Central (Sheet Metal Trades) Committee consisting of: (a) a representative of the Minister, who shall be the Chair of the Committee; and (b) two representatives of employers; and (c) two representatives of employees. (2) The members of the Committee shall be appointed by the Minister and shall hold office during the pleasure of the Minister.
(1) There shall be a Local (Sheet Metal Trades) Committee in each State consisting of: (a) a representative of the Minister, who shall be the Chair of the Committee; and (b) two representatives of employers; and (c) two representatives of employees. (2) The members of each Local Committee shall be appointed by the Minister and shall hold office during the pleasure of the Minister.
In this Part, unless the contrary intention appears:
certificate of recognition as a recognized tradesman means a certificate of recognition as a recognized tradesman granted in accordance with this Part before the commencement of the Tradesmen’s Rights Regulation Act 1958.
Committee means a committee established under this Part.
employer means any person employing persons in the boot, shoe, sandal and slipper manufacturing industry, and includes an intending employer of persons in that industry.
Local Committee means a Local (Boot Trades) Committee established under this Part.
probationary tradesperson means an adult member of the Forces whose employment as a probationary tradesperson in a trade to which this Part applies has been authorised by a Local Committee.
recognised tradesperson means a person who, in relation to any trade to which this Part applies:
(a) was employed, prior to 31 October 1939, as a tradesperson; or
(b) has qualified or qualifies by service as an apprentice for employment as a tradesperson; or
(c) has been employed in Australia for not less than 7 years after 31 October 1939, on work ordinarily performed by a tradesperson and was so employed at any time within 1 month before the commencement of the Tradesmen’s Rights Regulation Act 1952; or
(d) has been granted a tradesperson’s certificate or a certificate of recognition as a recognized tradesman.
Register means a Register established and maintained in pursuance of this Part.
the Central Committee means the Central (Boot Trades) Committee established under this Part.
tradesperson means a person employed in any of the classifications specified in the Sixth Schedule to this Act.
tradesperson’s certificate means a tradesperson’s certificate granted in accordance with this Part.
This Part shall apply to the boot trades specified in the Sixth Schedule to this Act.
(1) There shall be a Central (Boot Trades) Committee consisting of: (a) a representative of the Minister, who shall be the Chair of the Committee; and (b) two representatives of employers; and (c) two representatives of employees. (2) The members of the Committee shall be appointed by the Minister and shall hold office during the pleasure of the Minister.
(1) There shall be a Local (Boot Trades) Committee in each State consisting of: (a) a representative of the Minister, who shall be the Chair of the Committee; and (b) two representatives of employers; and (c) two representatives of employees. (2) The members of each Local Committee shall be appointed by the Minister and shall hold office during the pleasure of the Minister.
(1) The provisions of sections 41 and 42 of this Act shall not apply in relation to trades to which this Part applies. (2) If a Local Committee is satisfied, upon application by any person, that: (a) that person is a recognised tradesperson within the meaning of paragraph (a), (b) or (c) of the definition of recognised tradesperson; or (aa) that person is included in a class of persons, and satisfies the conditions in relation to that class, determined by the Central Committee under paragraph (b) of subsection (1) of section thirty‑four of this Act; or (b) that person is a probationary tradesperson who has satisfactorily completed a period of probationary employment, training or training in employment required by the Committee; or (c) that person has qualified or qualifies in a country other than Australia, by training and employment, in accordance with the laws and customs of that country, for employment in that country as a tradesperson in a trade, or in a trade substantially corresponding with a trade, to which this Part applies and his or her training and employment are such as to provide the skill necessary for the performance in Australia of work ordinarily performed by a recognised tradesperson; the Committee may, if it thinks fit, grant to that person a tradesperson’s certificate. (2A) If a Local Committee is satisfied, upon application by any person, that that person would be a recognised tradesperson within the meaning of paragraph (c) of the definition of recognised tradesperson but for the fact that he or she was not employed as a tradesperson within the period of 1 month before the commencement of the Tradesmen’s Rights Regulation Act 1952 and that, but for special circumstances which prevented him or her, he or she would have been so employed, the Committee may, if it thinks fit, grant to that person a tradesperson’s certificate. (3) If a Local Committee is satisfied that an adult member of the Forces could, within a period required by the Committee, acquire the skill necessary for the performance of work ordinarily performed by a recognised tradesperson, and that the employment of recognised tradespersons would not thereby be prejudiced, the Committee may, on the application of that member, authorise the training and employment of that member as a probationary tradesperson in a trade to which this Part applies. (4) An application under subsection (3) of this section shall, unless a Local Committee in a particular case otherwise permits, be made within six months after the date of discharge of the member of the Forces. (5) Before issuing a certificate to, or authorising the employment of, any person in accordance with this section, the Committee may require that person to undergo a test of competence in or for the trade to which he or she seeks to be admitted. (6) The employer of a probationary tradesperson must pay him or her at a rate not less than the rate of the wage prescribed by the appropriate standard, pay or classification scale or the appropriate award, order, determination or industrial agreement for adults employed in the trade in which he or she is authorised to be employed. (7) Probationary tradespersons shall be deemed not to be journeypersons for the purpose of computing the number of apprentices who may be employed by an employer in accordance with the appropriate law or award, order, determination or industrial agreement.
(1) The powers and functions of the Central Committee are: (a) to determine and give directions on any matter referred to it by a Local Committee or the Chair of a Local Committee; and (b) subject to the approval of the Minister, to determine classes of persons, in addition to the persons otherwise eligible for the grant of tradespersons’ certificates, to whom such certificates may be granted, and the conditions subject to which such certificates may be granted to persons in the classes so determined; and (c) to determine that a person who has applied for a tradesperson’s certificate is, subject to satisfying such conditions (if any) as the Central Committee specifies, a person eligible to be granted a tradesperson’s certificate, and to direct that he or she must be granted a tradesperson’s certificate accordingly; and (d) to supervise Local Committees and to direct those Committees as to the general procedure to be followed, the principles to be applied and the considerations to be taken into account by those Committees in the exercise of the powers conferred on, or in the performance of the functions assigned to, those Committees under this Act; and (e) to determine the form of certificate to be granted to any person in accordance with the provisions of this Part; and (f) to make recommendations to the Minister in relation to the making of regulations providing that a Part of this Act shall apply, or shall cease to apply, to specified trades and to advise the Minister generally with respect to any action considered necessary to give effect to this Part. (2) The Chair of the Committee shall convene meetings of the Committee as and when required and, in any event, within 7 days after the date of receipt by him or her of an application therefor signed by a member of the Committee. (3) Any decision of the Committee on any matter within its powers and functions shall be final. (4) For the purpose of the exercise by the Central Committee of its powers and the performance of its functions under subsection (1) of this section: (a) the Central Committee, or the Chair of the Central Committee, may require a Local Committee to furnish to the Central Committee such documents and information in its possession as the Central Committee, or the Chair, specifies; and (b) the Central Committee may hear such evidence as it thinks fit. (5) The Central Committee may make rules, not inconsistent with this Act, in relation to the proceedings of that Committee or of any Local Committee. (6) There shall be a Secretary to the Central Committee, who shall be appointed by the Minister and shall attend all meetings of the Committee and take and maintain a record of all business transacted at those meetings.
(1) Subject to compliance with any directions given by the Central Committee in pursuance of its powers under this Act, a Local Committee shall have power to determine any matter arising under this Part in the State in which it is established and, without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the Committee shall have power in relation to that State: (a) to authorise the employment of probationary tradespersons and trainee tradespersons in accordance with the provisions of this Part; and (b) to direct the removal from the Register in that State of the name of any probationary tradesperson or trainee tradesperson; and (c) to issue tradespersons’ certificates. (2) The Chair of a Local Committee may, and shall, upon the request of a member thereof, refer any matter within its powers and functions to the Central Committee for decision or direction. (3) There shall be a Secretary to each Local Committee, who shall be appointed by the Minister and shall attend all meetings of the Committee and take and maintain a record of all business transacted at those meetings.
Three members of a Committee shall constitute a quorum of that Committee.
(1) Subject to the next succeeding subsection, all questions arising at any meeting of a Committee shall be decided by a majority of the votes of the members present at the meeting in person or by proxy. (2) The Central Committee shall not make a determination for the purposes of paragraph (b) of subsection (1) of section thirty‑four of this Act unless the determination is supported by a majority of the votes of the members, other than the Chair, present at the meeting in person or by proxy.
A Committee may refer for investigation and report any matter within its powers and functions to such persons as it appoints for that purpose.
Any member of a Committee, other than the Chair, may appoint a person to act as his or her deputy in the event of his or her absence from any meeting of the Committee from any cause, and the deputy, while so acting, shall have and may exercise all the powers and functions of the member.
The Minister may appoint a person to act as Deputy Chair in the event of the absence of the Chair from any meeting of a Committee from any cause, and the Deputy Chair, while so acting shall have and may exercise all the powers and functions of the Chair.
(1) If a Local Committee is satisfied, upon application by any person, that: (a) that person is a recognised tradesperson within the meaning of paragraph (a), (b), (c) or (d) of the definition of recognised tradesperson; or (b) that person is a member of the Forces who has, during the period of the war, acquired, by reason of his or her service in the Forces, the skill necessary for the performance of work ordinarily performed by a recognised tradesperson; or (ba) that person has acquired, by reason of service in the Permanent Forces of the Defence Force of the Commonwealth, the skill necessary for the performance of work ordinarily performed by a recognised tradesperson; or (bb) that person is included in a class of persons, and satisfies the conditions in relation to that class, determined by the Central Committee under paragraph (b) of subsection (1) of section thirty‑four of this Act; or (c) that person is a probationary tradesperson or trainee tradesperson who has satisfactorily completed any period of probationary employment, training or training in employment required by the Committee; or (d) that person has qualified or qualifies in a country other than Australia, by training and employment, in accordance with the laws and customs of that country, for employment in that country as a tradesperson in a trade, or in a trade substantially corresponding with a trade, to which this Part applies and his or her training and employment are such as to provide the skill necessary for the performance in Australia of work ordinarily performed by a recognised tradesperson; the Committee may, if it thinks fit, grant to that person a tradesperson’s certificate. (1A) If a Local Committee is satisfied, upon application by any person, that that person would be a recognised tradesperson within the meaning of paragraph (c) of the definition of recognised tradesperson but for the fact that he or she was not employed as a tradesperson within the period of 1 month before the commencement of the Tradesmen’s Rights Regulation Act 1952 and that, but for special circumstances which prevented him or her, he or she would have been so employed, the Committee may, if it thinks fit, grant to that person a tradesperson’s certificate. (1B) Subsection (1) of this section, when incorporated and read as one with Part V of this Act, shall be read as if the reference to paragraph (d) of the definition of recognised tradesperson were omitted, and the last preceding subsection shall not be incorporated with that Part. (2) If a Local Committee is satisfied that an adult member of the Forces who, during the period of the war, has had training and experience in the Forces in a trade to which this Part applies could, within a period not exceeding 12 months, acquire the skill necessary for the performance of work ordinarily performed by a recognised tradesperson, the Committee may, on the application of that member, authorise the employment of that member as a probationary tradesperson in a trade to which this Part applies. (3) If a Local Committee is satisfied that a member of the Forces who: (a) during the period of the war has had training and experience in the Forces in a trade to which this Part applies; and (b) was certified by a Regional Training Committee to be eligible for training benefits under the Commonwealth Reconstruction Training Scheme established under Part III of the Re‑establishment and Employment Act 1945; could, within a reasonable period, acquire the skill necessary for the performance of work ordinarily performed by a recognised tradesperson, the Committee may, upon the application of that member, authorise the employment of that member as a trainee tradesperson for the purpose of undergoing a course of training in an industrial establishment in a trade to which this Part applies. (3A) If a Local Committee is satisfied that a member of the Forces as defined in section 139 of the Re‑establishment and Employment Act 1945‑1952 (immediately before its repeal) who has had experience in a trade to which this Part applies and is eligible for vocational training benefits under regulations made under the Repatriation Act 1920‑1951 could, within a reasonable period, acquire the skill necessary for the performance of work ordinarily performed by a recognised tradesperson, the Committee may, upon the application of that member, authorize the training and the employment of that member as a trainee tradesperson for the purpose of undergoing training in an industrial establishment in a trade to which this Part applies. (4) An application under subsection (2), (3) or (3A) of this section shall, unless a Local Committee in a particular case otherwise permits, be made within six months after the date of discharge of the member of the Forces. (5) Before granting a certificate to, or authorising the employment of, any person in accordance with this section, the Committee may require that person to undergo a test of competence in the trade to which he or she seeks to be admitted. (6) The employer of a probationary tradesperson must pay him or her at a rate not less than the rate of the wage prescribed by the appropriate standard, pay or classification scale or the appropriate award, order, determination or industrial agreement for adults employed in the trade in which he or she is authorised to be employed. (7) The employer of a trainee tradesperson must pay him or her at a rate not less than the difference between: (a) the rate of the wage prescribed by the appropriate standard, pay or classification, the appropriate award, order, determination or industrial agreement for adults employed in the trade in which he or she is authorised to be employed; and (b) the rate of the allowance payable to him or her from time to time under the Commonwealth Reconstruction Training Scheme or under a scheme of vocational training established under regulations made under the Repatriation Act 1920‑1951. (8) Probationary tradespersons and trainee tradespersons shall be deemed not to be journeypersons for the purpose of computing the number of apprentices who may be employed by an employer in accordance with the appropriate standard, pay or classification scale, the appropriate law or award, order, determination or industrial agreement.
In respect of any matters affecting the employment, training or assessment of the efficiency of a trainee tradesperson in any of the trades to which this Part applies, a Local Committee, in the State in which it is constituted, shall be deemed to be an Industrial Committee in respect of that trade for the purposes of a scheme of vocational training established under regulations made under the Repatriation Act 1920‑1951, and, when acting in that capacity, shall have and may exercise such additional powers and functions as are conferred on it by or under the provisions of that law.
(1) The Department shall establish and maintain a Register in each State and shall record therein: (a) in relation to persons to whom tradespersons’ certificates or certificates of recognition as a recognized tradesman have been granted: (i) their names and addresses; and (ii) their ages; and (iii) the trades in respect of which they have been granted certificates; and (b) in relation to probationary tradespersons and trainee tradespersons: (i) their names and addresses; and (ii) their ages; and (iii) the trades in which their employment has been authorized; and (iv) the names and address of their employers; and (v) particulars of their transfers, dismissals, or other changes of employment; and (vi) such other particulars as the Central Committee or the Local Committee in the State from time to time determines. (2) Members of a Local Committee shall have access to the Register and related documents in the State in which the Committee is established and shall be entitled to make copies thereof or take extracts therefrom.
Every probationary tradesperson and every trainee tradesperson shall, within 7 days after the change, give notice in writing of any change of address or employment to the Secretary of the Local Committee in the State in which he or she resided or was employed immediately before the change.
A probationary tradesperson or trainee tradesperson whose name is removed from a Register is, while his or her name is so removed, taken not to be a probationary tradesperson or trainee tradesperson, as the case may be, for the purposes of this Part.
(1) The Secretary of the Department may authorize any officer or employee of the Commonwealth to make investigations and reports in relation to the observance of the provisions of this Part. (2) Subject to the general control and direction of the Chair of the Central Committee, an officer or employee of the Commonwealth so authorised may, at any time during working hours, enter any establishment, factory, mine, dockyard or workshop in which any trade to which this Part applies is being carried on, and may inspect any work, material, machinery, appliance, article, book or document contained therein, and may interview any person employed therein. (3) A person must not hinder or obstruct an officer or employee of the Commonwealth so authorised in the exercise of his or her powers under this Act.
(1) The Governor‑General may make regulations: (a) providing that a Part of this Act shall apply to a specified trade; or (b) providing that a Part of this Act shall cease to apply to a specified trade; and that Part shall, notwithstanding anything contained in this Act, apply, or cease to apply, accordingly. (2) The Governor‑General may make regulations (the cost recovery regulations) in accordance with subsection (3) for the purpose of reimbursing the Department for costs and expenses incurred in, or in connection with: (a) the doing by officers of, or persons employed in, the Department of anything to help committees perform their functions; or (b) the provision by officers of, or persons employed in, the Department of services for employers in connection with the recruitment of tradespersons outside Australia to work in Australia. (3) The cost recovery regulations may prescribe fees to be paid to the Department: (a) by applicants for trade certificates in respect of the making of the applications or for the carrying out of trade tests in connection with the applications, or both; or (b) by employers for the provision of services as mentioned in paragraph (2)(b). (4) The cost recovery regulations may prescribe different fees in respect of different matters or classes or kinds of matters. (5) The cost recovery regulations may provide for the Secretary to the Department (the Secretary) to waive, or defer payment of, fees in particular cases or classes of cases. (6) The Secretary may, by signed writing, delegate to an officer of, or person employed in, the Department all or any of the powers conferred by subsection (5). (7) Subject to the Administrative Appeals Tribunal Act 1975, an application may be made to the Administrative Appeals Tribunal for review of a decision of the Secretary under a regulation made as mentioned in subsection (5). (8) The Secretary must give written notice of such a decision to any person whose interests are affected by the decision. (9) The notice must include a statement to the effect that: (a) subject to the Administrative Appeals Tribunal Act 1975, application may be made, by or on behalf of the person to whom the notice is given, to the Administrative Appeals Tribunal for review of the decision to which the notice relates; and (b) unless subsection 28(4) of that Act applies, application may be made in accordance with section 28 of that Act by or on behalf of that person for a statement in writing setting out the findings on material questions of fact, referring to the evidence or other material on which those findings were based and giving the reasons for the decision. (10) A failure to comply with subsection (9) does not affect the validity of the decision.
Sourced from the Federal Register of Legislation (legislation.gov.au), CC BY 4.0.
This Act may be cited as the Tradespersons’ Rights Regulation Act 1946.
This Act shall come into operation on the day on which it receives the Royal Assent.
In this Act, unless the contrary intention appears:
employment means remunerative employment, and employed has a corresponding meaning.
member of the Forces has the meaning given by section 4 or 139 of the Re‑establishment and Employment Act 1945 immediately before the repeal of that Act.
the war has the meaning given by section 4 or 139 of the Re‑establishment and Employment Act 1945 immediately before the repeal of that Act.
For the purposes of this Act, the Australian Capital Territory shall be deemed to be part of the State of New South Wales, and the Northern Territory shall be deemed to be part of the State of South Australia.
(1) This Act does not apply to or in relation to a member of the Forces as defined in section one hundred and thirty‑nine of the Re‑establishment and Employment Act 1945‑1952 (immediately before its repeal) who enlisted or enlists for a period exceeding three years and was not or is not discharged within a period of two years after he or she ceased or ceases to be engaged on war service. (2) For the purposes of the last preceding subsection, a member of the Forces who, on the expiration of his or her original enlistment or subsequent re‑engagement, re‑engages to serve for a further period, shall, if the aggregate of the period of his or her original enlistment and the period or periods of his or her re‑engagement exceeds three years, be deemed to have enlisted for a period exceeding three years.
This Act shall bind the Crown in right of the Commonwealth or of a State and any authority constituted by or under any law of the Commonwealth or of a State or Territory.
Except as otherwise provided in this Act, the provisions contained in Part VII of this Act shall be incorporated and read as one with each of Parts II, III, IV, V, VI and VIA of this Act, and shall not have any other force or effect.
In this Part, unless the contrary intention appears:
certificate of recognition as a recognized tradesman means a certificate of recognition as a recognized tradesman granted in accordance with this Part before the commencement of the Tradesmen’s Rights Regulation Act 1958, and includes such a certificate granted before the commencement of this Act in accordance with the National Security (Engineering Trades) Regulations.
Committee means a committee established under this Part.
employer means any person employing persons in engineering operations, and includes an intending employer of persons in such operations.
Local Committee means a Local (Engineering Trades) Committee established under this Part, and includes a Committee which was established by that name under the National Security (Engineering Trades) Regulations.
probationary tradesperson means an adult member of the Forces whose employment as a probationary tradesperson in a trade to which this Part applies has been authorised by a Local Committee.
recognised tradesperson means a person who, in relation to any trade to which this Part applies:
(a) was employed, prior to 8 May 1940, as a tradesperson; or
(b) has qualified or qualifies by service as an apprentice for employment as a tradesperson; or
(c) has completed his or her course of training as a trainee tradesperson to the satisfaction of a Local Committee; or
(d) has been employed in Australia for not less than 7 years after 8 May 1940, on work ordinarily performed by a tradesperson and was so employed at any time within 1 month before the commencement of the Tradesmen’s Rights Regulation Act 1952; or
(e) has been granted a tradesperson’s certificate or a certificate of recognition as a recognized tradesman.
Register means a Register established and maintained in pursuance of this Part.
the Central Committee means the Central (Engineering Trades) Committee established under this Part, and includes a Committee which was established by that name under the National Security (Engineering Trades) Regulations.
tradesperson means a person employed in any of the classifications specified in the First Schedule to this Act.
tradesperson’s certificate means a tradesperson’s certificate granted in accordance with this Part.
trainee tradesperson means a member of the Forces (not being an apprentice) whose employment as a trainee tradesperson in a trade to which this Part applies, for the purpose of undergoing a course of training in an industrial establishment, has been authorised by a Local Committee.
This Part shall apply to the engineering trade specified in the First Schedule to this Act.
(1) There shall be a Central (Engineering Trades) Committee consisting of: (a) a representative of the Minister, who shall be the Chair of the Committee; and (b) two representatives of employers; and (c) two representatives of employees. (2) The members of the Committee shall be appointed by the Minister and shall hold office during the pleasure of the Minister.
(1) There shall be a Local (Engineering Trades) Committee in each State consisting of: (a) a representative of the Minister, who shall be the Chair of the Committee; and (b) two representatives of employers; and (c) two representatives of employees. (2) The members of each Local Committee shall be appointed by the Minister and shall hold office during the pleasure of the Minister.
A recognised tradesperson whose classification is that of second‑class machinist (including brass finisher), motor cycle mechanic, motor mechanic, motor tuner and tester or key‑seating machinist is, in relation to his or her employment in any other engineering trade to which this Part applies, taken not to be a recognised tradesperson.
In this Part, unless the contrary intention appears:
certificate of recognition as a recognized tradesman means a certificate of recognition as a recognized tradesman granted in accordance with this Part before the commencement of the Tradesmen’s Rights Regulation Act 1958, and includes such a certificate granted before the commencement of this Act in accordance with the National Security (Boilermaking Trades) Regulations.
Committee means a committee established under this Part.
employer means any person employing persons in boilermaking operations, and includes an intending employer of persons in such operations.
Local Committee means a Local (Boilermaking Trades) Committee established under this Part, and includes a Committee which was established by that name under the National Security (Boilermaking Trades) Regulations.
probationary tradesperson means an adult member of the Forces whose employment as a probationary tradesperson in a trade to which this Part applies has been authorised by a Local Committee.
recognised tradesperson means a person who, in relation to any trade to which this Part applies:
(a) was employed, prior to 29 November 1940, as a tradesperson; or
(b) has qualified or qualifies by service as an apprentice for employment as a tradesperson; or
(c) has completed his or her course of training as a trainee tradesperson to the satisfaction of a Local Committee; or
(d) has been employed in Australia for not less than 7 years after 29 November 1940 on work ordinarily performed by a tradesperson and was so employed at any time within 1 month before the commencement of the Tradesmen’s Rights Regulation Act 1952; or
(e) has been granted a tradesperson’s certificate or a certificate of recognition as a recognized tradesman.
Register means a register established and maintained in pursuance of this Part.
the Central Committee means the Central (Boilermaking Trades) Committee established under this Part, and includes the Committee which was established by that name under the National Security (Boilermaking Trades) Regulations.
tradesperson means a person employed in any of the classifications specified in the Second Schedule to this Act.
tradesperson’s certificate means a tradesperson’s certificate granted in accordance with this Part.
trainee tradesperson means a member of the Forces (not being an apprentice) whose employment as a trainee tradesperson in a trade to which this Part applies, for the purpose of undergoing a course of training in an industrial establishment, has been authorised by a Local Committee.
This Part shall apply to the boilermaking trades specified in the Second Schedule to this Act.
(1) There shall be a Central (Boilermaking Trades) Committee consisting of: (a) a representative of the Minister, who shall be the Chair of the Committee; and (b) two representatives of employers; and (c) two representatives of employees. (2) The members of the Committee shall be appointed by the Minister and shall hold office during the pleasure of the Minister.
(1) There shall be a Local (Boilermaking Trades) Committee in each State consisting of: (a) a representative of the Minister, who shall be the Chair of the Committee; and (b) two representatives of employers; and (c) two representatives of employees. (2) The members of each Local Committee shall be appointed by the Minister and shall hold office during the pleasure of the Minister.
(1) If a Local Committee is satisfied, upon application by any person, that that person has been employed for not less than 7 years (including for this purpose any period of employment in a country other than Australia) on work ordinarily performed by a tradesperson, the Local Committee may, if it thinks fit, grant to that person a tradesperson’s certificate. (2) A Local Committee may, in the exercise of its discretion under the last preceding subsection, refuse to grant a tradesperson’s certificate to a person unless it is satisfied that that person has passed, at a standard approved by the Central Committee, a test of competence approved for the purpose by the Central Committee.
In this Part, unless the contrary intention appears:
certificate of recognition as a recognized tradesman means a certificate of recognition as a recognized tradesman granted in accordance with this Part before the commencement of the Tradesmen’s Rights Regulation Act 1958, and includes such a certificate granted before the commencement of this Act in accordance with the National Security (Blacksmithing Trades) Regulations.
Committee means a Committee established under this Part.
employer means any person employing persons in blacksmithing operations, and includes an intending employer of persons in such operations.
Local Committee means a Local (Blacksmithing Trades) Committee established under this Part, and includes a Committee which was established by that name under the National Security (Blacksmithing Trades) Regulations.
probationary tradesperson means an adult member of the Forces whose employment as a probationary tradesperson in a trade to which this Part applies has been authorised by a Local Committee.
recognised tradesperson means a person who, in relation to any trade to which this Part applies:
(a) was employed, prior to 29 November 1940, as a tradesperson; or
(b) has qualified or qualifies by service as an apprentice for employment as a tradesperson; or
(c) has completed his or her course of training as a trainee tradesperson to the satisfaction of a Local Committee; or
(d) has been employed in Australia for not less than 7 years after 29 November 1940 on work ordinarily performed by a tradesperson and was so employed at any time within 1 month before the commencement of the Tradesmen’s Rights Regulation Act 1952; or
(e) has been granted a tradesperson’s certificate or a certificate of recognition as a recognized tradesman.
Register means a Register established and maintained in pursuance of this Part.
the Central Committee means the Central (Blacksmithing Trades) Committee established under this Part, and includes the Committee which was established by that name under the National Security (Blacksmithing Trades) Regulations.
tradesperson means a person employed in any of the classifications specified in the Third Schedule to this Act.
tradesperson’s certificate means a tradesperson’s certificate granted in accordance with this Part.
trainee tradesperson means a member of the Forces (not being an apprentice) whose employment as a trainee tradesperson in a trade to which this Part applies, for the purpose of undergoing a course of training in an industrial establishment, has been authorised by a Local Committee.
This Part shall apply to the blacksmithing trades specified in the Third Schedule to this Act.
(1) There shall be a Central (Blacksmithing Trades) Committee consisting of: (a) a representative of the Minister, who shall be the Chair of the Committee; and (b) a representative of employers; and (c) a representative of employees. (2) The members of the Committee shall be appointed by the Minister and shall hold office during the pleasure of the Minister.
(1) There shall be a Local (Blacksmithing Trades) Committee in each State consisting of: (a) a representative of the Minister, who shall be the Chair of the Committee; and (b) a representative of employers; and (c) a representative of employees. (2) The members of each Local Committee shall be appointed by the Minister and shall hold office during the pleasure of the Minister.
(1) Section thirty‑six of this Act shall not apply in relation to a Committee established under this Part. (2) Two members of a Committee shall constitute a quorum of that Committee.
In this Part, unless the contrary intention appears:
certificate of recognition as a recognized tradesman means a certificate of recognition as a recognized tradesman granted in accordance with this Part before the commencement of the Tradesmen’s Rights Regulation Act 1958, and includes such a certificate granted before the commencement of this Act in accordance with the National Security (Electrical Trades) Regulations.
Committee means a Committee established under this Part.
employer means any person employing persons in electrical operations, a
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