Automatic mutual recognition for radiation licences

What is automatic mutual recognition?

Automatic mutual recognition (AMR) allows a person who is licensed or registered for an occupation in one jurisdiction to be considered licensed or registered to perform the same activities in another jurisdiction, without the need to go through further application processes or pay additional fees.

AMR aims to make it easier for workers who need to be licensed or registered for their job to work in another state and territory.

Working under AMR

AMR may allow you to do the work covered by your home state or territory licence in another participating jurisdiction without applying for a second licence or paying additional registration fees.

Your right to work under AMR remains subject to the laws and licensing requirements of the jurisdiction where you are working.

Who is eligible for AMR?

Victorian use licence holders, approved testers and approved assessors are generally eligible, but you will need to check that the other jurisdiction has fully entered the AMR scheme before you start work in the second jurisdiction.

If Victoria is your home state

If Victoria is your home state, and you hold a current:

• use licence
• radiation source tester approval
• security plan assessor approval

you may be able to work interstate under AMR.

• Northern Territory.
• Australian Capital Territory
• New South Wales (with the exception of Victorian-based approved testers who will need to contact NSW Environment Protection Authority directly to confirm requirements under existing mutual recognition arrangements)
• Tasmania
• South Australia
• Western Australia

Queensland have not yet entered the scheme.

If another state or territory is your home state

If your home is outside Victoria, you hold a current radiation licence that permits the use of one or more classes of radiation source, and you wish to work in Victoria, then working via AMR is currently available to residents of:

• Northern Territory
• New South Wales
• Australian Capital Territory
• Tasmania
• South Australia
• Western Australia.

Queensland have not yet entered the scheme.

Mandatory notification of intention to work in Victoria

We strongly encourage you to contact the Radiation Team to confirm your eligibility.

Any worker eligible to work in Victoria under the new AMR arrangements must then notify the Radiation Team by completing the online form prior to working in Victoria.

Please note that AHPRA registration is not sufficient to use for the AMR arrangements.

In January 2022 the Victorian Acting Minister for Health extended the mandatory notification requirement of intention to work in Victoria until at least 2032.

AMR Public Register

Search the AMR Public Register to check whether you or someone else holds a current AMR Notification.

You do not need to wait for your details to commence using radiation sources within Victoria.

Please note, the public register is updated monthly.

Conditions working in Victoria

• You must hold a licence or registration in your home state or territory.
• You must notify the Victorian Department of Health Radiation Team prior to commencing work in Victoria.
• Your scope of work in Victoria is generally limited to the scope of work in your home jurisdiction. An exception to this rule is for approved testers of radiation sources.
• You will need to become familiar with the types of sources that are required to be tested in Victoria.
• You must also comply with the Radiation Act 2005 and associated Radiation Regulations 2017.

When AMR may no longer apply

AMR may no longer apply if:

• your home jurisdiction licence expires
• your licence is suspended or cancelled
• disciplinary, civil or criminal action affects your right to undertake the activities covered by your licence.

More information

Licensed workers and businesses can learn more about automatic mutual recognition by visiting the Department of Employment and Workplace Relations Mutual recognition page or call the Radiation Team to discuss.