Queensland consumers and refrigeration and air conditioning (RAC) technicians are at risk with changes
to the Queensland Mechanical Services Regulations introduced on 1st January 2020.

The Queensland Building and Construction Commission (QBCC) recently updated the Mechanical
Services Regulations which could potentially allow technicians to obtain a state-based, mechanical
services – air conditioning and refrigeration licence without demonstrating appropriate RAC qualifications.

The major issue is that one of the qualifications required for the QLD licence does not specify any
refrigeration or air conditioning units. The Full ARCTick refrigeration and air conditioning licence does
specify RAC units, and is the national licence which many States already align with, supporting the way
industry works while achieving environmental and consumer protection outcomes.

In essence, QLD are promoting a RAC licence without RAC-specific competencies. Not only that, it will
encourage illegal activity and sub-standard RAC work, jeopardising the safety of technicians and
consumers.

Thankfully an ARCTick licence is still required for RAC systems operating on fluorocarbon refrigerants,
irrespective of whether the QLD licence is obtained.

The ARC has called on the QBCC to incorporate RAC competencies in their RAC licence by aligning their
QLD licence with the qualification requirements of the ARCTick Full RAC licence for the units of
competency required in the MEM30205 (Certificate III in Engineering Mechanical Trade Refrigeration and
Air conditioning) or MEM31319 (Certificate III in Refrigeration and Air conditioning) qualifications.

For further information, please contact Alex Doran, General Manager, Communications and
Business Development at the ARC on 03 9843 1601 or email adoran@arctick.org