Refunds Guidance

On this page

• When is an application fee refundable
• How to request a refund
• Frequently asked questions
• Further information
• References

Refrigeration and Air Conditioning (RAC) permit application fees are non-refundable and non-transferable, with some exceptions under the Ozone Regulations.

When is an application fee refundable

• An application fee is refundable if you have submitted more than one application and paid the application fee more than once for the same permit type.
• An application fee is refundable if you have paid more than the required permit application fee, the excess amount will be refunded.
• An application fee is refundable if you have submitted and paid an application fee for the incorrect permit type, only when you have submitted and pay for the correct permit type.
• An application fee is refundable if you have renewed your permit more than 6 months before the existing expiry date.

How to request a refund

Email the Australian Refrigeration Council (ARC) enquire@arctick.org with all the relevant information listed below.

• Applicant’s name (the name on the application)
• Applicant’s existing permit number OR indicate if it’s a NEW application
• Existing permit expiry date, if applicable
• Date and amount of incorrect payment/s made
• Reason for requesting a refund and provide a short explanation of how the incorrect application/s or payment/s occurred.

Frequently asked questions

Q1: Am I entitled to a refund if I paid an application fee more than once for the same permit type?

A: Yes, please email the information listed under How to request a refund to the ARC.

Q2: Can I get a refund if I paid more than the application fee?

A: Yes, you are entitled to receive a refund for the amount paid over and above the required application fee. Please email the information listed under How to request a refund to the ARC.

Q3: Would I be eligible for a refund if I submitted a new application for the wrong type of permit?

A: Yes, after you apply and pay for the correct permit type, and provided the ARC hasn’t finished the assessment and made a decision to grant or deny the incorrect application. Please email the information listed under How to request a refund to the ARC.

Q4: Can I ask for a refund if I renew my permit before its expiry date?

A: The application fee will be refunded if you renew your permit more than 6 months before its expiry date. Please email the information listed under How to request a refund to the ARC.

The application fee will not be refunded if you renew you permit less than 6 months from its expiry date. The renewal, if granted, will enter into force from the expiry date of your existing permit.

Q5: Why can’t I apply for a renewal more than 6 months before my current permit expires?

A: Applicants who submit a renewal more than 6 months in advance risk not meeting eligibility requirements at the time the permit is intended to commence. The ARC assesses applicant requirements, including the applicant’s compliance history, current business arrangements and if the applicant is fit and proper to be granted a permit. These checks need to be performed within 6 months of the current permit expiring.

If you have a legitimate reason for renewing your permit more than 6 months in advance, please contact the ARC (1300 884 483 or enquire@arctick.org) to discuss your situation before submitting your application and/or refund request.

Q6: Am I eligible for a refund if I cancel or withdraw my application?

A: No, Regulation 121(6) stipulates the application fee is not refundable if an applicant chooses to cancel or withdraw their application.

Q7: Am I entitled to a refund if my application is refused?

A: No, you are not entitled to a refund if the ARC has finished the assessment and made a decision to refuse your application.

If you want the ARC to review their decision to refuse your application, apply directly to the ARC for an internal reconsideration of the decision within 21 days of the day on which you received notice of the decision from the ARC. When submitting your request, you will need to explain the reasons why you would like the decision reconsidered.

Q8: Am I eligible for a refund if I renew and pay for my existing permit and shortly after I find that I no longer need a permit?

A: No, the application fee is not refundable if you decide the permit renewal is no longer required and choose to cancel or withdraw your application.

Q9: Am I eligible for a refund if I paid for my employee’s application and shortly after they left employment with me?

A: No, the application fee is not refundable in this situation.

Q10: Am I eligible for a refund if I change my ABN after making an application?

A: No, the application fee is not refundable in this situation. When an ABN is changed, by law a new business entity is created and this means a new RTA application is required for the new entity.

Q11: What happens after I submit my refund request to the ARC?

A: The ARC submits requests for refunds to the Department for consideration on a monthly basis. If your request is approved, the Department will notify the ARC to process the refund against the credit/debit card details provided when you applied for the permit.

It can take up to 30 days for the Department to assess refund requests, following receipt of the information and transaction evidence provided by the ARC.

Q12: Can I contact the Department directly to discuss my refund?

A: Yes, you can discuss your refund with the Department by sending an email to RAC@dcceew.gov.au.

Q13: Can I request a review of my refund decision?

A: Yes, if you are not satisfied with the Department’s decision in relation to your request for refund, you may apply directly with the Department for an internal reconsideration of the decision by sending an email to RAC@dcceew.gov.au within 21 business days of the day on which you received notice of the decision from the Department. Your request must set out the reasons why the decision should be reconsidered.

Further information

The Ozone Protection and Synthetic Greenhouse Gas Management Regulations 1995 (the Regulations) specify the circumstances the Minister (or delegate) can approve a refund of the whole or part of an application fee paid for a RAC industry permit (see Regulation 121B).

The ARC administers the RAC permit scheme on behalf of the Australian Government Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (the Department). The ARC receives refund requests from applicants and forwards these to the Department for consideration on a case-by-case basis.

The Department assesses refund requests against the eligibility criteria specified in the Regulations. You must provide all relevant evidence supporting your request (see information listed under How to request a refund). 

References

•          Ozone Protection and Synthetic Greenhouse Gas Management Regulations 1995
•          Permit Fees