Why are these changes being made?

In 2016 a review of the Ozone Protection and Synthetic Greenhouse Gas Management Program – including the refrigeration and air conditioning (RAC) licence scheme - was completed by the Australian Government Department of the Environment and Energy, following extensive consultation with RAC industry stakeholders through public consultation and targeted consultation with industry representatives.

The review identified a number of measures to be implemented. The two measures which relate to the RAC licence scheme (3 year RHL/RTA option and streamlined renewal process) seek to reduce the administrative cost of the Regulations on business by reducing the length of time a business or individual needs to spend, over the longer-term, gathering information together and applying for a permit