The Australian Refrigeration Council (ARC) has announced tougher fines for rule breakers.
As of 7 November 2024, the Commonwealth penalty unit has increased from $313 to $330. A penalty unit is a way the government decides how much a fine should be. Instead of listing a fine as a set amount, they use penalty units, which can go up or down over time.
For example, if breaking a rule costs 5 penalty units, the fine used to be $1,565 (5 x $313), but now it will be $1,650 (5 x $330). This change, in Section 4AA of the Crimes Act 1914, means fines for breaking environmental laws will now be higher.
Announcing the increase, ARC emphasised the critical importance of compliance and licensing for all RAC technicians.
The Australian Refrigeration Council (ARC) would like to emphasise the critical importance of compliance and licensing for all RAC technicians.
“With this recent increase in penalty units, the potential financial consequences of non-compliance have become more significant, making it essential to ensure that all practices align with the necessary legal requirements,” ARC said in a statement.
“Maintaining a valid licence and complying with industry regulations isn’t just about avoiding penalties, it’s about safeguarding your professional reputation, ensuring the safety and integrity of the work you do, and protecting the wider community.
“Technicians who fail to meet compliance standards may face heavy fines and legal repercussions that could harm their careers and the trust their clients place in them.”
As regulations evolve, it’s important to stay updated on any changes. Technicians should review their licensing status regularly to ensure they’re up to date with any necessary requirements. This includes checking that their licences cover the specific duties they are performing and that it remains valid throughout their work.
Performing tasks that fall outside the scope of your licence or with an expired licence can lead to substantial penalties.
For any enquiries related to compliance or licensing requirements, field officers are available on 1300 88 44 83 or via email at enquire@arctick.org.