An AEPMA NSW ACT State Council meeting was held on 13 November 2017. Thank you to Colin and Jodi Urey from Drop Dead Pest for the use of their Boardroom and refreshments. The meeting was well attended.

We were pleased to welcome Life member Mr Greg Moon to the meeting.  After the usual procedures of apologies and accepting the previous meeting minutes we got straight down to business.  Communications have been received from NSW EPA advising us of the introduction of new training permits in July 2018 (may become functional from May 2018). The relevant Web pages and Fact sheets are presently being designed or updated. The permits will be valid for two years. We will keep you posted as more information becomes available.

Business registrations and licencing has been moved over temporary to align with the progress and implementation of the national licensing reforms with other states, particularly QLD and VIC, as the NSW EPA is under a general policy obligation to maximise cross-border consistency for occupations.   A discussion paper outlining a proposed new harmonised model of national pesticide user licence categories and minimum training requirements has been released in November 2017 by the Agvet Chemical Task Group (ACTG) through the Commonwealth Department of Agriculture and Water Resources and is available on their website.

What does that it means?

In short, under their proposal, it is proposed to have a business licence as well as technician licences, basic licence (5,6 & 18), Timber Pest Inspections and Termites (8 & 10), Fumigation (11).

Under the proposal, the licensing and training requirements are intended as “minimum requirements”. Under these arrangements, if they come through, each jurisdiction can implement additional licensing or training requirements due to regional need. 

Time frame…. we don’t know at this stage however comments to this proposal must be made by 22 December 2017.

Who are these people?

The ACTG has senior (Director/Executive Director) representatives from all state and territory agencies responsible for regulating pesticides and veterinary chemicals and from the Commonwealth Department of Agriculture and Water Resources. 

Representatives from health and environment agencies involved in pesticides regulation and licensing are also involved via an observer status.

Where to now?

AEPMA NSW/ ACT will be seeking a meeting with NSW EPA as soon as possible to seek further details.

Again, we will let you know when more information is available.

Codes of Practice: 

AEPMA has recently updated their Code of Practice for Prior to Purchase Specialist Timber Pest Inspections and released 2 new Codes in Termite Management:
AEPMA’s Industry Code of Best Practice for Termite Management during Construction.
AEPMA’s Industry Code of Best Practice for Termite Management

We encourage all members to read and be familiar with the new Codes. Remember the Codes of Practice have been written by Pest Managers for the benefit of the Pest Management Industry and consumers.

We would like to welcome new member Mr Dale Rigger of Strategic Pest Solutions, Parramatta

The new “retirees” membership category is now available from the National Office for retired or retiring members who still want to be involved or wish to know what is going on in the Pest Management Industry. Cost is minimal and we encourage anyone eligible to apply.

Don’t forget, the AEPMA National conference at The Star Gold Coast (formerly Jupiters) will be held 19-21 September 2018 the theme for this event is  “Pest Management:The Changing Marketplace” – with the first day focusing on Termites.

Make a note now in your diaries. A great place to have a few days off. 

The Star Gold Coast is conveniently located in Broadbeach within walking distance to restaurants, shops, beach and plenty to do for all family members. 

If you have any queries, please feel free to contact the National Office.

The next AEPMA NSW/ ACT State Council meeting will be held at Tea Gardens, NSW on 3 February 2018 hosted by Shayne and Lynn Reynolds, Pelican Pest Control. 
Tea Gardens/ Hawk Nest is situated in one of the most pristine parts of the NSW Coast with plenty to do for anyone wanting a weekend away.

Any members interested in attending should contact the AEPMA National Office on 1300 307 114.

And last, on behalf of the AEPMA NSW ACT State Council, I would like to take this opportunity to wish you all and your families a Merry Christmas and a Happy, Prosperous and Safe New Year 2018

Patrick Legey

Back to Newsletter