Mutual recognition guideline
Obtaining a licence to use radiation apparatus or radioactive substances or an accreditation as a consulting radiation expert under the mutual recognition arrangements
The basis of the mutual recognition principle as it applies to occupations is to allow a person who is registered to conduct an occupation in one Australian State or Territory, or New Zealand to be entitled to carry out the same occupation in another Australian State or Territory. In other words, if someone is assessed to be good enough to practise a profession or occupation in one State or Territory, or New Zealand, then that person should be able to do so anywhere in Australia.
"Registration" includes the licensing, registration, approval, admission, certification (including by way of practising certificates), or any other form of authorisation, of a person required by under legislation for the carrying on of an occupation.
Under the NSW Radiation Control Act 1990 the EPA has the authority to issue licences for the use of radioactive substances, ionising radiation apparatus and prescribed non-ionising radiation apparatus, and to accredit people to carry out certain prescribed activities. The EPA is part of the Office of Environment and Heritage (OEH) and has certain regulatory powers which are performed on its behalf by OEH.
A person who is registered in an equivalent occupation in another State or Territory, or New Zealand, may be entitled to apply to OEH, under the Mutual Recognition Act 1992 (Cwlth), for a licence to use radioactive substances and radiation apparatus in NSW, or for an accreditation related to their occupation.
The Guideline for the operation of the Mutual Recognition legislation for licensing and accreditation under the Radiation Control Act 1990 (pdf, 120kb) details the operation of the Mutual Recognition legislation in relation to licensing and accreditation under the Radiation Control Act 1990.
How to apply for a licence or accreditation under the Mutual Recognition Act
A person wishing to apply to OEH under the Mutual Recognition Act, for a licence to use radioactive substances or radiation apparatus in NSW, or for accreditation as a Consulting Radiation Expert, may obtain the application form by contacting OEH Hazardous Materials, Chemicals and Radiation Section on 131 555.
The completed application form with the statutory declaration (mutualrecogstatdec.pdf, 96 kb) (required in the guideline), attached documentation and application fee should be sent to the following address:
Hazardous Materials, Chemicals and Radiation Section
Office of Environment and Heritage Department of Premier and Cabinet
PO Box A290
Sydney South NSW 1232
Page last updated: 05 May 2011
