Fees
On 1 January 2013 application fees for fire protection handling
licences, trading authorisations and halon special permits will
increase for the first time in eight years. The intention of the
fee arrangements as stated in the legislation is that the licensing
fees should cover the cost of administering the scheme.
The Fire Protection Industry (ODS & SGG) Board began
consultations on fee increases with the industry in 2009.
Throughout, the respondents have generally been supportive of the
fee increases, recognising the need for financial sustainability to
continue service provision by the fire protection industry
board.
The regulations (Ozone Protection and Synthetic Greenhouse Gas
Regulations 1995) allowing the increase in application fees were
amended and approved on 22 November 2012.
The fee increases are necessary to meet the rising costs of
administering the licensing scheme and are consistent with the
Australian Government's principles for cost recovery adopted in
2002.
The recent fee increases cover the rise in cost of administering
the scheme since its inception in 2005. From 1 January 2014 the
fees will increase annually in line with the wage price index
published by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (Catalog
6345.0).
The new fee list for January to December 2013 includes:
|
Permit Type
|
Previous application fee
|
Application fee from
1 January 2013
|
|
Extinguishing Agent Handling Licence (2 years)
|
$200
|
$250
|
|
Extinguishing Agent Handling Licence
(1 year)
|
$100
|
$125
|
|
Extinguishing Agent Trading Authorisation
(2 years)
|
$300
|
$420
|
|
Halon Special Permit
|
$200
|
$250
|
Why is the government increasing fees?
The fee increases are necessary to meet the rising costs of
administering the licensing scheme and are consistent with the
Australian Government's principles for cost recovery adopted in
2002.
The Fire Protection Industry (ODS & SGG) Board began
consultations on fee increases with the industry in 2009.
Throughout, the respondents have generally been supportive of the
fee increases, recognising the need for financial sustainability to
continue service provision by the refrigeration and air
conditioning industry board.
Do I pay higher fees if I apply in December but
receive my licence in January?
No. The increased application fees will only be applied to
any applications submitted on or after 1 January 2013. If you apply
for an Extinguishing Agent Licence or Trading Authorisation in
December 2012, you will pay the lower fee identified in table
above, even if your licence or authorisation is not granted until
January.