Understanding High-Risk Work Licences Across States: A Forklift Operator’s Guide

If you’re working in warehousing, construction, or logistics in Australia, and you operate a forklift, you must hold a High Risk Work Licence (HRWL). But despite Australia’s nationally recognised training framework, there are subtle differences in how each state and territory regulates, applies, and enforces licensing rules.

Whether you’re a forklift operator looking to move interstate or an employer with a mobile workforce, it’s essential to understand how forklift licensing works across jurisdictions—and what’s required to stay compliant.

What Is a High Risk Work Licence (HRWL)?

A High Risk Work Licence is a nationally recognised accreditation issued under the Work Health and Safety (WHS) framework. It’s mandatory for anyone performing certain high-risk work activities, including operating a forklift.

There are two main forklift-related HRWL classes:

• LF Licence – for operating a forklift truck (counterbalance, reach trucks etc.)
• LO Licence – for operating an order-picking forklift (where the operator is raised with the load)

Regardless of where you live in Australia, to obtain an HRWL you must:

• Be at least 18 years of age
• Complete formal training with a Registered Training Organisation (RTO)
• Pass a WorkSafe-accredited assessment (theory and practical)
• Submit your application to the appropriate state or territory safety regulator

But from there, the process, fees, validity periods, and administrative requirements vary between jurisdictions.

HRWL Comparison by State and Territory

Let’s break down some of the key differences:

Victoria – WorkSafe Victoria

• Application submitted after passing your assessment (not on-site)
• Licence valid for 5 years
• Licence fee (as of 2025): $73.50
• Renewal reminders are sent before expiry
• Online renewals available

Note: WorkSafe VIC has strict requirements for lodgement timeframes—applicants must submit paperwork within 60 days of assessment.

New South Wales – SafeWork NSW

• Assessment and application completed on-site via an Approved Assessor
• Licence valid for 5 years
• Licence fee: $83
• Renewal available via Service NSW
• Some additional identification verification required

Tip: NSW applicants can track their application online, which is useful if working with multiple employers.

Queensland – WorkSafe QLD (Office of Industrial Relations)

• Application is submitted by the RTO/assessor, not by the student
• Licence valid for 5 years
• Licence fee: $105.65
• Renewals handled via QLD Government online portal

Note: Delays can occur if identification documents are incomplete, so ensure all 100 points of ID are correct.

South Australia – SafeWork SA

• Licence issued through Service SA
• Valid for 5 years
• Licence fee: $83
• Assessment paperwork must be lodged within 60 days

SA-specific detail: SafeWork SA allows employers to verify an employee’s HRWL status online for compliance.

Western Australia – WorkSafe WA (DMIRS)

• Application process includes lodging forms with WorkSafe WA
• Licence valid for 5 years
• Licence fee: $100
• Manual and online applications available

Tip for WA: Ensure your assessor is accredited under WA’s specific licensing authority—some inter-state RTOs may not be accepted.

Tasmania – WorkSafe Tasmania

• Assessors submit applications to Service Tasmania
• Licence valid for 5 years
• Licence fee: $86.07
• Renewals can be done online via MyServiceTas

Note: Processing times in Tasmania may be slower due to fewer assessors in regional areas, so book early if training is needed urgently.

Northern Territory – NT WorkSafe

• Licence applications submitted via Territory Business Centres
• Licence valid for 5 years
• Fee: $79
• Manual forms required (no online application portal)

Regional reminder: Limited training access in remote NT communities means employers may need to fly assessors in or send workers to Darwin or Alice Springs.

Australian Capital Territory – WorkSafe ACT

• Application submitted through Access Canberra
• Valid for 5 years
• Fee: $78.20
• Online renewals supported via Access Canberra portal

ACT maintains close alignment with NSW systems, and many RTOs operate across the border.

Is My Forklift Licence Valid Interstate?

Yes. All HRWLs are nationally recognised, meaning your forklift licence is valid across every Australian state and territory, provided it is:

• In date (not expired)
• For the correct class (LF or LO)
• Issued by a compliant authority

You do not need to re-sit your forklift test or reapply when moving interstate, but:

• You may need to update your address with the new state’s regulator
• Some employers may request refresher training based on their site-specific needs

Employer Responsibilities

If you’re an employer hiring forklift operators across states, you must:

• Verify the validity and class of HRWLs
• Ensure licences are in date and applicable to the role
• Provide site-specific induction and training, especially if attachments or unique equipment are used
• Keep records of verification for WHS audits

You’re also required to ensure that any overseas workers hold an Australian-issued HRWL (foreign licences are not recognised).

Conclusion: Know the Rules, Stay Compliant

While Australia’s High Risk Work Licence system for forklift operators is nationally standardised in training, the processes and administration vary between states and territories. Understanding these differences ensures smoother onboarding, faster processing, and better compliance.

Whether you’re applying for the first time, renewing your licence, or hiring across borders, being aware of the jurisdictional nuances gives you a clear advantage—and keeps your operations running safely and legally.