Licensing of the pest control industry is designed to protect pest control operators (PCOs), consumers, the public and the environment from the harmful effects of pesticides.
The Guidelines for pest control operators in Victoria help PCOs understand their legal obligations.
The department, WorkSafe Victoria, the Victorian Department of Jobs, Precincts and Regions (DJPR) and the Victorian Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning (DELWP) all administer different legislation that PCOs must be aware of and comply with.
Pest control legislation
There are several Victorian and Australian Acts and Regulations that are relevant to the pest control industry.
Public Health and Wellbeing Regulation 2019
Changes have been made to the training and licensing requirements including the removal of the Grandfather Clause.
Automatic mutual recognition
Licensed workers may be able to perform the activities they are licensed to do under their home state licence in another state or territory without further application processes or additional registration fees.
Pest control licence conditions
There are general conditions on a pest control licence which all Victorian licence holders must follow.
Pest control trainee licences and conditions
In Victoria, trainee licence holders work under the supervision of a person who holds a fully qualified technician licence.
Guidelines for pest control operators (PCOs) in Victoria
The 'Guidelines for pest control operators in Victoria' provide information about pest control licences.
Pest control licence applications
There are 3 different types of pest control licence. Applying for a pest control licence in Victoria is a two-step process.
Record keeping for pest controllers
Pest control operators must keep certain records for every pesticide application for every job.
Wildlife control legislation
Wildlife legislation is administered by the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning (DELWP), which can issue Wildlife Controller Licences.
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