The state government also claim that the new regulations will reduce costs for small businesses.

Member for Northern Tablelands Adam Marshall said the Mutual Recognition (Automatic Licensed Occupations Recognition) Bill 2014 would resolve some longstanding issues.

He said the Bill would specifically target people in areas like Tenterfield, Jennings, Bonshaw and Mingoola.

“With it being easier for our border communities to access tradies from Queensland, the previous requirement for them to be accredited in NSW as well was a huge barrier and often forced people to pay more for someone to come from further away.

“I’m glad the government listened to our concerns and has made this common-sense change.

“An occupational licence will be able to operate like a driver’s licence. A person who lives in another State and holds a recognised inter-state licence will be able to work in NSW. They will no longer need to hold a second licence in NSW,” he said.

 The push for the change began under former NSW Cross-Border Commissioner Steve Toms who contributed to drafting the legislation.

“Steve attended a number of meetings with me along our northern border where these issues were constantly raised. His reports back to government formed the basis for this legislation – a very simple solution to a difficult problem for border communities,” he said.

The MP said that inter-state licensees would be subject to the same rules as local licensees when the tradies do work in NSW.

“NSW Fair Trading will be able to take disciplinary and enforcement action against inter-state licensees who work in NSW. Similar to the way that our police can act against inter-state drivers who break road rules in NSW.”