The tree services/arboriculture industry is one of if not the most dangerous industry in Australia. Currently there is no licensing requirements for conducting a tree services business in Australia. As a result there are a lot of individuals conducting tree services businesses, that do not have adequate experience or hold relevant qualifications in order to deliver a safe service when it comes to tree removals in particular but also a quality service when it comes to tree management (pruning, inspections, treatments etc). If a licensing process was introduced it would help ensure that consumers received a legitimate pool of local businesses to choose from when obtaining services; businesses that have qualified and experienced management and operational staff. As a result of this current unlicensed pool of "tree guys", the industry is not becoming a safer more professional space that trains and introduces employees to professional practice in alignment with the WHS Act 2011, and current international and local standards for tree management.

Because of the high risk nature of the work and experience required to conduct a safe operation I would like to see 'Arboriculture' listed as a trade within the Building and Construction industry and a license class added under the Specialist Trade Work, along with Plumbers, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration, Electrical. This would also see that the current tree industry workers are paid under the Building and construction industry award, as currently there is no award classification that is definitive.

From my experience in the building and construction industry; having held a NSW builders license, I would like to see a similar process introduced that requires two categorys of licensing with minimum standards as follows:

1. Trade Arborist: minimum Certificate 3 in Arboriculture or equivalent, and 4 years industry experience, with a minimum of 2 years as a supervisor/lead climber
2. Consulting Arborist: minimum Diploma of Arboriculture or equivalent, and 6 years industry experience, with 2 years working under a licensed Consulting Arborist

If we can get the NSW Fair Trading to introduce licensing requirements we will see the following ongoing benefits:

• Reductions in work place fatalities
• Reduction of LTI's in the industry, leading to a decreased cost of workers compensation premiums for businesses
• Dramatic improvement in Tree Management practises across Australia
• Better tree advice for tree owners, resulting in high tree retention and improved streetscapes in urban environments
• Increased quality of candidates for recruitment for businesses
• Safer tree removal practises resulting in reduced insurance costs from less damage to private properties
• Reduction of illegal dumping of mulch in public areas
• Improved public opinion of the Tree Industry
• Increased enrolments in RTO's and TAFE
• Reduced number of tree failures during storm events as a result of improved tree management practices across the industry.
• The improved growth and profit margins of professional businesses conducting operations that provide quality services, education and employment to local communities
• More tree pruning and less tree removals; means improved cities, cleaner air, cooler cities + many many more benefits
• Greener cities and everything associated with this.