Pesticide Guide
Pest Control Licence Information
Australian Pest Management Licenses
Pest Control Licensing is a free resource for information related to the pest industry licenses throughout Australia. Pest Management Technicians are required to follow national and state regulations for commercial or domestic pest control and fumigation. It is also important to comply with the requirements of each individual state ad territory. Regulations, permits and licences are designed to keep both industry professionals and the general public safe.
The sale of pesticides in Australia need to be registered with theAustralian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority.
Non-compliance with these laws can lead to heavy fines and penalties. The legal definition of pesticides may cover a wide range of substances including baits, bactericides, herbicides, insecticides, rodenticides, lures, repellants etc.
The Department of Agriculture and Water Resources also has strict regulations on the use of fumigants like methyl bromide. Fumigators must also obtain licenses issued by the relevant body and renew their license before expiry.
It is important to be informed about the licensing regulations of each state in which a pesticide technician or fumigator prefers to practice.
Pest control regulations are governed by the Pest Management Regulation 2003 and the Pest Management Act 2001. Licensing authorities include the Queensland Government Department of Health (for domestic and commercial licenses) and the Queensland Government Department Primary Industries body (for agricultural and horticultural licenses).
Quick licensing facts:
Queensland issues a single license for pest control excluding termites, including termites or fumigation on specified sites. License terms range from one to five years. For management of timber pests, a special license class Termite Management Chemical is offered provided the applicant meets the requirements of the Queensland Building Services Authority (QBSA) legislation. Queensland doesn’t allow a trainee permit, but allows trainees to work under supervision of a licensed technician. Businesses do not need registration.
Regulations are governed by the Occupational Health and Safety Regulation 2001 NSW. There are thee licenses available under the Pesticides Act 1999. These include aerial applicators, pest management technicians and fumigators.
Quick licensing facts:
New South Wales offers licenses authorised by the EPA for fumigators and pest management technicians. SafeWork NSW regulates fumigators and technicians on health and safety, and is no longer the licensing body. Trainee permits are not issued in NSW. Fines up to $120,000 for individuals and $250,000 for corporations may be levied for misuse of pesticides. No business registration is required.
The Victoria Government Department of Human Services issues licenses for domestic and commercial pest management. Agricultural, fumigation, horticultural licenses are issued by the Victoria Government Department of Primary Industry. Pest Control Operators (PCO’s) in Victoria must comply with regulations from various sections within the Government. These include WorkSafe Victoria, the Victorian Department of Economic Development, Jobs, Transport and Resources (DEDJTR) and the Victorian Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning (DELWP).
Quick licensing facts:
Three types of licenses are issued – technician, trainee and interstate operator. Businesses don’t require registration. A fully qualified technician license is valid for 3 years. Trainee licenses are valid for 12 months and require work to be supervised by a fully qualified technician. Interstate operator licence is valid for 3 years.
Pest management technicians and agencies are governed by the Pesticides Regulations 2003 SA and also the Controlled Substances Act 1984 SA. Licenses are issued by the South Australia Government Department of Health.
Quick licensing facts:
Technicians can obtain licenses for domestic and commercial premises, fumigation, non-crop weed control, agricultural premises, horticultural premises and non-crop aerial application. Licenses are issued for controlling pests and fumigation of specific sites. Anyone who carries out pest control as a business in SA needs a pest controller’s license (a business license) and/or a technician’s license. For individuals, full or limited technician licenses are available after obtaining appropriate qualifications. Individuals must also either work under an employer with a pest controller license or have one of their own. Trainees must work under supervision and complete training in two years.
Businesses and technicians are governed by the Health (Pesticide) Regulations Act of 1956 for Western Australia. The licensing body in WA is the WA Government Department of Health.
Quick licensing facts:
The type of pest management – whether domestic, commercial, forestry, horticultural, agricultural etc. using herbicides, fungicides and insecticides – will determine the training that the applicant needs to undergo before they can obtain a license. Commercial businesses working with pesticides must register their business. As mentioned, individuals may be issued different types of licenses depending on their level of training for domestic and commercial pest control, as well as fumigation. Trainees need to attend a four-day TAFE WA program or its equivalent. After completing the basic training, they receive a provisional license valid for 12 months. Trainees must work under supervision’ for a month, under a pesticide operator, before they can work unsupervised.
Pest Management Licenses for domestic and commercial uses are issued by the NT Government Department of Health and Community Services. Regulations are governed by the Department of Health Medicines & Poisons Control.
Quick licensing facts:
Pest control agencies are not required to register their business, unless the business carries out agricultural ground or aerial spraying. Individual technicians are issued a license for pest and fumigation work. Trainees don’t get a permit to work on their own, but must work under supervision.
The ACT does not have a Pest Management Licence like other states. Persons working in pest or weed control need to register the type of work to receive Environmental Authorisation. Environmental Authorisation is issued by the Territory and Municipal Services.
Using commercial pest and weed control and AgVet chemicals may need the authorization of the Environment Protection Authority (EPA). ACT doesn’t issue individual licenses.
Regulations are governed by the Pesticides Act of 1968 Tasmania. The licensing authority in the state is the Tasmania Government Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries, which issues licenses for both domestic and commercial uses as well as agricultural uses.
Quick licensing facts:
Businesses in Tasmania are required to register their business, especially if they operate a commercial spraying service. Individuals can obtain license for pest control including fumigation after completing training for specific training competencies. Tasmania doesn’t have its own training program, and technicians must contact a registered training organization for training. Trainees cannot obtain a permit, but they can obtain a license to work under the supervision of a licensed technician.
