The wall and ceiling industry is at a turning point. After decades of fragmented state-based regulation, we are facing increasing pressure around compliance, skills, quality, and workforce mobility. At AWCI Australia, we believe the time has come to start a bold, open discussion: Is it time for a harmonised (The H Word) national occupational license for plastering?

We’re not proposing more red tape — we’re proposing a smarter, unified system that delivers consistency, improves standards, and protects the future of our trade.

Why Harmonisation?

Right now, a plasterer in Queensland may need a license, while someone in Victoria may not. The rules differ wildly. That creates risk, inefficiency, and confusion for contractors, builders, and clients alike. A harmonised national license, driven by industry, not politics, would:

• Create one standard across all states and territories.
• Enable workforce mobility — tradespeople could work nationally without bureaucratic delays.
• Lift training quality through recognised pathways and qualifications
• Increase public confidence in our trade and reduce costly rectification.
• Modernise our industry with digital tools, CPD, inspection, and compliance systems.

The AWCI Solution

We’ve have been doing the groundwork. AWCI Australia’s National Occupational Licensing Framework is built on five pillars:

1. Legislative Consistency – Nationally harmonised licensing standards
2. Quality Assurance – Clear and enforceable installation standards
3. Tailored Training – BlueCard, CPD, and modern learning models
4. Compliance & Accountability – Real consequences for misconduct
5. Industry-Led Engagement – Ongoing consultation with regulators, unions, builders, and educators

We’ve also launched initiatives like the AWCI BlueCard pre-licensing program and are ready to develop a national register of qualified plasterers.

What It Looks Like in Practice

In licensed states like QLD or SA:

• A national license would align with state systems, allowing mutual recognition
• It would introduce structured CPD and optional endorsements (e.g. fire-rated systems)
• AWCI would support training and compliance in partnership with government

In unlicensed states like VIC, WA, or TAS:

• Builders and insurers could require a national license or AWCI BlueCard
• The license would be voluntary but industry-endorsed, lifting the bar across the sector
• International trades could access recognition pathways to practice legally

What’s Next?

This isn’t a closed book — it’s the start of a conversation. We invite your ideas to refine the framework as we build consensus for how we move forward

Call to Action

Now is the time to have your say.
Should we pursue a national license? What should it include? How do we ensure it lifts standards, not just paperwork? AWCI Australia is leading the charge — but we need your voice. This is your trade, your profession, and your future.

Let’s build something that works. Let’s build something that lasts.