Commonwealth Coat of Arms of Australia

 

Telecommunications (Cabling Provider) Rules 2025

 

The Australian Communications and Media Authority makes the following rules under subsection 421(1) of the Telecommunications Act 1997.

Dated: 20 March 2025

Adam Suckling

[signed]

Member

 

Michael Brealey

[signed]

General Manager

 

Australian Communications and Media Authority

 

 

  These are the Telecommunications (Cabling Provider) Rules 2025.

These rules commence on 31 March 2025.

Note: These Rules are registered on the Federal Register of Legislation which may be accessed free of charge at www.legislation.gov.au.

  These rules are made under subsection 421(1) of the Telecommunications Act 1997.

  The Telecommunications Cabling Provider Rules 2014 (F2014L01684) are repealed.

These rules apply to a:

  1.            cabling provider;
  2.            registered cabling provider; and

(c) registrar.

 

 

In these rules:

Act means the Telecommunications Act 1997.

active cabling registration means a cabling registration that has not expired, is not suspended, and has not been revoked.

additional units of competency: see section 22 and clause 5 of Schedule 1.

aerial cabling has the same meaning as in the Wiring Rules.

AS IEC 60038:2022 means:

  1.       the Australian Standard AS IEC 60038:2022 Standard voltages published by Standards Australia on 23 December 2022, as existing from time to time; or
  2.       a standard published by Standards Australia as a replacement of that standard, as existing on the date it is first published.

Note: A copy of AS IEC 60038:2022 can be obtained for a fee from the Standards Australia Store website at https://store.standards.org.au or may be viewed at an office of the ACMA on request and subject to licensing conditions.

boundary of a telecommunications network has the meaning given by section 22 of the Act.

broadband cabling means point-to-point customer cabling installed in premises that do not have a main distribution frame or jumperable distributor at the boundary of the telecommunications network.

Note: Typically, broadband cabling is used to connect devices to a telecommunications network for a range of purposes including telephony, internet, and security and alarm systems.

cabling provider means an individual who performs or supervises the performance of cabling work.

cabling registration means a kind of cabling registration issued or renewed under Division 4 or 5 of Part 3.

cabling work means cabling work of a kind that is declared by the ACMA under subsection 419(1) of the Act to be a type of cabling work for the purposes of Division 9 of Part 21 of the Act.

Note:  The current declaration under subsection 419(1) of the Act is the Telecommunications (Types of Cabling Work) Declaration 2024, which is available, free of charge, on the Federal Register of Legislation: www.legislation.gov.au.

certified copy, for a document, means a copy of the document that has been certified by a prescribed person to be a true copy of the document.

coaxial cabling means customer cabling that consists of an inner conductor surrounded by a conducting shield, with the two separated by insulating material.

competency requirements: see section 12 and Schedule 1.

Database: see section 34.

distribution frame means an item of customer equipment that enables the interconnections between, and the termination of, cables, to be made.

distributor has the same meaning as in the Wiring Rules.

expired cabling registration means a cabling registration:

  1.        in relation to which the period of registration has ended;
  2.        that has not been renewed; and
  3.        that was not revoked.

frame means a rigid structure to which customer cabling may be attached.  

jumper has the same meaning as in the Wiring Rules.

jumperable distributor means a distributor on which it is possible to connect or install a jumper.

jumperable frame means a frame on which it is possible to connect or install a jumper.

kind of cabling registration: see section 11.

Labelling Notice means:

 (a) the Telecommunications (Labelling Notice for Customer Equipment and Customer Cabling) Instrument 2025; or

 (b) if a later instrument replaces the instrument mentioned in paragraph (a) - the later instrument.

Note: The Telecommunications ((Labelling Notice for Customer Equipment and Customer Cabling) Instrument 2025 can be accessed, free of charge on the Federal Register of Legislation: www.legislation.gov.au.

lift means a moving platform, cage or compartment for conveying people or goods from one level to another.

Note: A lift includes lifts inside or outside commercial or residential buildings.

lift cabling registration: see section 7.

lift car means the cage or compartment of a lift, and includes the floor, car frame, roof, sides and doors.

main distribution frame has the same meaning as in the Wiring Rules.

network termination device has the same meaning as in the Wiring Rules.

open cabling registration: see section 8.

optical fibre cabling means customer cabling that contains optical fibres that transmit light to carry communications.

patch panel has the same meaning as in the Wiring Rules.

period of registration: see subsection 13(2).

personal information has the same meaning as in the Privacy Act 1988.

plug has the same meaning as in the Wiring Rules.

prescribed person has the meaning given by the Statutory Declarations Act 1959.

registered cabling provider means a cabling provider who holds an active cabling registration.

registrar means a person accredited by the ACMA under these rules to act as a registrar and to provide registration services.

registration services: see section 26. 

restricted cabling registration: see section 9.

reviewable decision: see section 35.

socket has the same meaning as in the Wiring Rules.

specialised cabling means any of the following kinds of cabling:

  1.       aerial cabling;
  2.       broadband cabling;
  3.       coaxial cabling;
  4.       optical fibre cabling;
  5.       structured cabling; or
  6.        underground cabling.

structured cabling means a network of customer cabling infrastructure that is installed in a systematic manner that enables scalability and ease of management. 

Note: Structured cabling often integrates voice, data, video, and various building management systems (such as safety alarms, security access and energy systems), over a choice of media.

suspended cabling provider means a cabling provider whose cabling registration has been suspended under these rules.

underground cabling has the same meaning as in the Wiring Rules.

valid application: see subsection 13(6).

Wiring Rules means:

  1.       the Australian Standard AS/CA S009:2020 – Installation Requirements for Customer Cabling (Wiring Rules) first published by Communications Alliance Ltd on 20 August 2020, as existing from time to time; or
  2.       any standard published as a replacement of that standard by Communications Alliance Ltd, as existing on the date it is first published.

Note 1: A copy of AS/CA S009:2020 could, at the time of making these rules, be accessed free of charge from Communications Alliance Ltd.’s website at www.commsalliance.com.au.

Note 2: A number of other expressions used in this instrument are defined in the Act, including the following:

  1.         ACMA (section 7);
  2.        customer cabling (see sections 7 and 20);
  3.         customer equipment (see sections 7 and 21);
  4.        inspector (see sections 7 and 533).

 In these rules, lift cabling registration means a kind of cabling registration that authorises a person to perform, or supervise the performance of, cabling work that:

(a) is performed in relation to a lift that has been installed, or is to be installed; and

(b) requires the customer cabling that is used to perform the work to connect to or provide a connection between:

  (i) a cross connection point adjacent to the lift motor room;

  (ii) the lift control cubicle within the lift motor room;

  (iii) the lift cars; or

  (iv) if the lift has no lift cars - the lift platforms.

Note 1: Examples of cross connection points include:

  1.                    the floor distributor;
  2.                    the local distributor; and
  3.                    any other suitable cable termination point adjacent to the lift motor room.

Note 2: See section 22 for requirements for cabling work that involves the use of specialised cabling.

In these rules, open cabling registration means a kind of cabling registration that authorises a person to perform, or supervise the performance of, cabling work where the customer cabling that is used to perform the work terminates at, or connects to, the boundary of the telecommunications network on a:

  1.        socket;
  2.        network termination device; or
  3.        main distribution frame.

Note: See section 22 for requirements for cabling work that involves the use of specialised cabling.

9  Meaning of restricted cabling registration

  1.       Subject to subsection (2), in these rules, restricted cabling registration means a kind of cabling registration that authorises a person to perform, or supervise the performance of, cabling work where:
    1.       the customer cabling that is used to perform the work terminates at, or connects to, the boundary of the telecommunications network on a socket or network termination device; and
    2.       the electrical supply voltage in the premises where the cabling work is performed:
      1.      does not exceed typical domestic single-phase or three-phase electrical supply voltages; or
      2.    does exceed typical domestic single-phase or three-phase electrical supply voltages, but the supply voltages are identifiable by, and the electrical power cables are inaccessible to, every person performing the cabling work.

Note 1: Typical domestic single-phase and three-phase electrical supply voltages are specified by AS IEC 60038:2022.

Note 2: See section 22 for requirements for cabling work that involves the use of specialised cabling.

  1.       A restricted cabling registration does not authorise a person to perform or supervise the performance of cabling work that:

(a) uses customer cabling that terminates at, or connects to, the boundary of the telecommunications network on a main distribution frame;

(b) is between customer equipment and a jumperable distributor or jumperable frame, and which terminates at the distributor or frame;

(c) involves cable pairs that are included in cable sheaths shared with other services;

(d) is between customer equipment and a patch panel, and which terminates at the patch panel; or

(e) involves the installation of customer cabling on poles and structures that are used, or intended for use, for the distribution of electricity.

Note:  A registered cabling provider who holds a restricted cabling registration typically performs or supervises cabling work in domestic or small business premises. Examples of such cabling work include cabling work (other than cabling work which uses cabling connected via a jumperable distributor, a jumperable frame or a patch panel):

10  References to other instruments

In this instrument, unless the contrary intention appears:

(a) a reference to any other legislative instrument is a reference to that other legislative instrument as in force from time to time; and

(b) a reference to any other kind of instrument or writing is a reference to that other instrument or writing as existing from time to time.

Note 1: For references to Commonwealth Acts, see section 10 of the Acts Interpretation Act 1901; and see also subsection 13(1) of the Legislation Act 2003 for the application of the Acts Interpretation Act 1901 to legislative instruments.

Note 2: See section 589 of the Act.

Part 3 Registration

Division 1 Kinds of cabling registration

Each of the following is a kind of cabling registration:

  1.       lift cabling registration;
  2.       open cabling registration; and
  3.       restricted cabling registration.

Division 2 Requirements for registration

  1.       A person may only be issued a kind of cabling registration if the person:
  1.       is an individual; and
  2.       at the time of applying for registration or renewal of registration:
  1.      is not a suspended cabling provider; and
  2.    has met the competency requirements applicable to the kind of cabling registration applied for, which are:
  1.     for a lift cabling registration – specified in clause 2 of Schedule 1;
  2.      for an open cabling registration - specified in clause 3 of Schedule 1; and
  3.      for a restricted cabling registration – specified in clause 4 of Schedule 1.
  1.       For subparagraph (1)(b)(ii), a person:
  1.       may use an expired cabling registration as evidence of having met the competency requirements, if the person applies for registration or renewal of registration within 10 years of the date on which the expired cabling registration expired; and
  2.       cannot use a registration that has been revoked under these rules or rules previously in place under subsection 421(1) of the Act, as evidence of having met the competency requirements.
  1.       A person (the applicant) may apply to a registrar for a kind of cabling registration.
  2.       A person may apply for a kind of cabling registration for a period of one year or for a period of three years (period of registration).
  3.       An application must contain:
  1.       the information specified in subsection (4); and
  2.       the documents specified in subsection (5).
  1.       For the purposes of paragraph (3)(a), the information required is:
  1.       the applicant’s name and contact details, including an email address and phone number;
  2.       the kind of cabling registration, and period of registration, the applicant is applying for;
  3.       details of the applicant’s completion of the competency requirements for the kind of cabling registration that the applicant is applying for; and
  4.       a statement specifying whether the applicant has previously been registered under these rules, or rules previously in place under subsection 421(1) of the Act, and, if they have been so registered, also specifies:
    1.             the kind of registration; and
    2.           whether the registration is still in place, has expired, is suspended or was revoked.
  1.       For the purposes of paragraph (3)(b), the documents required are:
  1.       certified copies of qualifications obtained by the applicant that meet the competency requirements for the kind of cabling registration that the applicant is applying for;
  2.       a document evidencing that the applicant has completed the work experience that meets the competency requirements for the kind of cabling registration that the applicant is applying for;
  3.       a copy of the results of the cabling regulations test relevant to the kind of cabling registration that the applicant is applying for; and
  4.       a declaration made and signed by the applicant that states that:
  1.             the applicant is aware of the requirements of these rules that relate to the kind of cabling registration that the applicant is applying for;
  2.           the applicant has met all the competency requirements relevant to the kind of cabling registration that the applicant is applying for;
  3.         all other documents attached to the application are original documents or true copies of the original documents; and
  4.          the information in the application form is true and correct.
  1.       An application that meets the requirements of this section is a valid application.

14  Decisions about registration applications -- registrar

  1.       This section applies if a person makes an application to a registrar under section 13 for a kind of cabling registration.
  2.       The registrar must not issue the person with a cabling registration unless the registrar is satisfied that:
  1.       the application is a valid application;
  2.       the person meets the requirements for registration specified in section 12 that apply to the kind of cabling registration that the person is applying for; and
  3.       the person has not had a previous cabling registration revoked under these rules, or under rules previously in place under subsection 421(1) of the Act.
  1.       If the registrar is satisfied of the matters specified in subsection (2), the registrar must:
  1.       in writing, issue to the person the kind of cabling registration that the person applied for, for the period of registration applied for;  
  2.       give the person proof of registration; and
  3.       update the Database.  

Note 1: Proof of registration may be in the form of a registration card or a certificate.

Note 2: For paragraph (3)(c), see section 34.

  1.       If the registrar is not satisfied that:
  1.       the application is a valid application; or
  2.       the person meets the requirements of section 12 that apply to the kind of registration the person is applying for,

the registrar must provide such assistance as is reasonably necessary to assist the person to make a valid application or to meet the relevant registration requirements in section 12.

Note: Assistance for the purposes of subsection (4) will typically be providing information about the qualifications the person must obtain to satisfy the competency requirements for the relevant kind of cabling registration.

  1.       If the person has had a previous cabling registration revoked, the registrar must refer the application to the ACMA.
  2.       The registrar may refer a registration application to the ACMA if the registrar considers that the applicant does not meet the registration requirements.

15  Decisions about registration applications – referral to ACMA

  1.       This section applies if a registrar (the relevant registrar) refers an application for a cabling registration made by a person to the ACMA under subsections 14(5) or (6).
  2.       If the ACMA is satisfied that:
  1.       the person will, if issued with a cabling registration, be able to comply with these rules, the Wiring Rules and the Act;
  2.       the application is a valid application; and
  3.       the person meets the requirements in section 12,

the ACMA must, in writing, notify the person and the relevant registrar that the person is issued with the kind of cabling registration, for the period of registration, specified in the notice.

  1.       If the relevant registrar is notified under subsection (2), the registrar must:
  1.       give the person proof of registration; and
  2.       update the Database.

Note: For paragraph (3)(b), see section 34.

  1.       If the ACMA is not satisfied of the matters specified in subsection (2), the ACMA may, by notice in writing given to the person, refuse to issue the person with a cabling registration.

Note: A decision under subsection (4) is a reviewable decision: see Part 6.

  1.       The ACMA must notify the relevant registrar, in writing, of a decision made under subsection (4).  

Division 5 Renewal of registration

16  Renewal of registration

  1.       A:
  1.       registered cabling provider; or
  2.       person with an expired cabling registration (unregistered cabling provider),

may apply to a registrar for renewal of the kind of cabling registration that the registered cabling provider currently holds, or the unregistered cabling provider previously held.

  1.       An application for renewal made by a registered cabling provider must include proof that the provider’s cabling registration is an active cabling registration.
  2.       An application made by an unregistered cabling provider must include proof that the provider’s expired cabling registration expired less than 10 years before the date of the application.
  3.     The registrar may only renew a registered cabling provider’s active cabling registration by issuing the provider with the same kind of cabling registration as the active cabling registration.
  4.    The registrar may only renew an unregistered cabling provider’s expired cabling registration by issuing the provider with the same kind of cabling registration as the expired cabling registration.

Note: A person who wants to apply for a different kind of cabling registration to the one they currently hold or previously held may do so under section 13.

Division 6 Suspension or revocation of registration

17  Suspension or revocation of registration

  1.       The ACMA may suspend for a specified period that does not exceed the period of registration, or revoke, a cabling provider’s cabling registration, if it is satisfied that:
  1.       the provider has breached these rules, the Wiring Rules or the Act; or
  2.       the provider’s cabling registration was incorrectly issued.

Note: A decision to suspend or revoke a registration is subject to review: see Part 6.

  1.       If the ACMA decides to suspend or revoke a cabling provider’s cabling registration, the ACMA must, in writing, notify the:
  1.       cabling provider; and
  2.       registrar who issued the cabling provider the registration,

as soon as possible after the decision is made.

  1.       A registrar who receives a notice under paragraph (2)(b) must update the Database and the cabling provider’s proof of registration to indicate that the registration has been suspended or revoked, as soon as practicable after receiving the notice.

Division 7 - Requirements that apply to registered cabling providers

18  Requirement to update registrar

  1.       A registered cabling provider must inform the registrar who issued the provider their cabling registration of any changes to their contact information that is held by the registrar, within 21 days after the change occurs.
  2.       In this section, contact information includes the cabling provider’s name, address, email address and phone number.

19  Requirement to assist ACMA or inspectors

A registered cabling provider must give all reasonable cooperation and assistance to the ACMA or an inspector.

Division 8 – Registrar ceases to be a registrar

20  Registrar ceases to be a registrar – consequences for registered cabling providers

(1) This section applies if, for any reason, a registrar ceases to be a registrar.

(2) A registered cabling provider who was issued registration by the registrar before the registrar ceased to be a registrar, is taken to remain registered until the date on which the provider’s registration expires (unless the registration is earlier revoked).

Note: A registered cabling provider who is affected by this section may renew their cabling registration with another registrar.

Part 4 Performance and supervision of cabling work

Cabling work must be performed by:

(a) for cabling work of the kind described in section 7 - a registered cabling provider who holds a lift cabling registration;

(b) for cabling work of the kind described in section 8 – a registered cabling provider who holds an open cabling registration;

(c) for cabling work of the kind described in subsection 9(1) – a registered cabling provider who holds an open cabling registration or a restricted cabling registration; or

(d) a cabling provider (the supervisee) who is directly supervised at all times while performing the cabling work by a registered cabling provider (the supervisor), who:

(i) holds a cabling registration that authorises them to perform the kind of cabling work being undertaken by the supervisee;

(ii) has complied with the competency requirements that are specific to the cabling work being undertaken; and

(iii) accepts full responsibility for the cabling work performed by the supervisee.

Note: A registered cabling provider is a person who holds a lift cabling registration, open cabling registration or restricted cabling registration that has not expired and has not been suspended or revoked.

  1.       A cabling provider can only perform cabling work that involves the use of specialised cabling if:
  1.       the provider is a registered cabling provider who complies with this section; or
  2.       the provider is, at all times while performing the work, directly supervised by a registered cabling provider who complies with this section.
  1.       A registered cabling provider must only perform or supervise the performance of cabling work that uses specialised cabling, if the provider:
  1.       does so in accordance with:
  1.             in the case of a provider who holds a lift cabling registration – subsection (3);
  2.           in the case of a provider who holds an open cabling registration – subsection (4); or
  3.         in the case of a provider who holds a restricted cabling registration – subsection (5); and
  1.       has completed the additional units of competency listed in subsection (6) for the kind of specialised cabling to be used; and
  2.       has notified the registrar who issued the provider’s cabling registration of the completion of the additional units of competency (either at the time of applying for registration or after).
  1.       A registered cabling provider who holds a lift cabling registration can only perform or supervise the performance of cabling work involving the use of broadband cabling.
  2.       A registered cabling provider who holds an open cabling registration can perform or supervise the performance of cabling work involving the use of any kind of specialised cabling.

Note: A registered cabling provider who holds an open cabling registration can perform or supervise the performance of work involving the use of aerial cabling, broadband cabling, structured cabling, coaxial cabling, optical fibre cabling or underground cabling.

  1.       A registered cabling provider who holds a restricted cabling registration can only perform or supervise the performance of cabling work involving the use of aerial cabling, broadband cabling or underground cabling.
  2.       For the purposes of paragraph (2)(b), the additional units of competency are:
  1.       for aerial cabling – the units specified in subclause 5(1) of Schedule 1;
  2.       for broadband cabling – the units specified in subclause 5(2) of Schedule 1;
  3.       for coaxial cabling – the units specified in subclause 5(3) of Schedule 1;
  4.       for optical fibre cabling – the units specified in subclause 5(4) of Schedule 1;
  5.       for structured cabling – the units specified in subclause 5(5) of Schedule 1; and
  6.        for underground cabling – the units specified in subclause 5(6) of Schedule 1.

Note: A registrar must record the completion of additional units of competency by a registered cabling provider by updating the Database (see section 34) and may also update  the provider’s proof of registration.

  A cabling provider must ensure that all cabling work undertaken by the provider, or by a person doing cabling work under the provider’s supervision, complies with the Wiring Rules.

  A cabling provider must ensure that any customer cabling or customer equipment installed or used in the course of performing or supervising the performance of the cabling work, complies with the requirements of the Labelling Notice.

  1.       This section applies whenever a cabling provider completes cabling work other than:

(a) running jumpers on distribution frames;

(b) transposing jumpers on distribution frames;

(c) removing jumpers from distribution frames; or

(d) replacing a piece of minor cabling equipment such as a plug, socket, module or over voltage unit.

  1.       For the purposes of this section, cabling work is taken to have been completed by a cabling provider:
  1.       if a customer engaged the cabling provider to perform the cabling work – when the work that the provider was engaged to perform has been completed; or
  2.       if a customer did not engage the cabling provider to perform the cabling work – when the cabling becomes available for use by end-users.

Note: Circumstances in which a cabling provider may not be engaged by a customer to perform cabling work includes work in premises owned by the cabling provider.

(3) The registered cabling provider who performed the cabling work, or supervised the performance of the cabling work, must, as soon as practicable after the cabling work has been completed, and regardless of whether payment for the work has been made:

(a) prepare a statement that:

  1.        includes the provider’s name, contact details and proof of the provider’s registration; and
  2.      identifies the cabling work, and states that the cabling work has been completed and complies fully with the Wiring Rules; and

(b) give the statement to:

(i) either:

(A) the cabling provider’s employer; or

(B) if the cabling provider has been engaged to perform the cabling work through a person other than the employer — that person; and

(ii) the customer who engaged the cabling provider to perform the cabling work.

Note: The statement may be prepared in a form approved by the ACMA (if any) or included as an attachment to, or an entry on, an invoice or receipt that relates to the cabling work.

(4) For the purposes of subparagraph (3)(a)(i), the contact details of the registered cabling provider must include an email address or phone number.

(5) The registered cabling provider who prepares a statement mentioned in subsection (3) must:

(a) keep a copy of the statement for at least 1 year after preparing it; and

(b) make the copy available, on request, to the ACMA.

(6) The ACMA may:

  1.       approve a form for the statement, for the purposes of paragraph (3)(a); or
  2.       request a document for the purposes of paragraph (5)(b).  

 

Part 5 Registrars  

Division 1 Interpretation

26 Definitions

In this Part:

applicant: see subsection 27(1).  

corporation has the same meaning as in the Corporations Act 2001.

Deed: see section 29.

registration services mean:

(a) assessing registration applications and registering applicants who make valid applications and meet the registration requirements in section 12;

(b) issuing proof of registration to cabling providers on registration;

(c) communicating with registered cabling providers about matters relevant to their registration;

(d) maintenance of the Database in accordance with section 34; and

(e) handling enquiries and complaints concerning the matters in paragraphs (a) to (d).

Standard Deed means the Standard Form of the Deed in relation to Cabling Provider Registrar Obligations published by the ACMA.

Note: The Standard Form of the Deed in relation to Cabling Provider Registrar Obligations is available, free of charge, on the ACMA’s website: www.acma.gov.au.

Division 2 Application for accreditation

27 Application

  1.     A person (the applicant) may apply to the ACMA for accreditation to act as a registrar and provide registration services, so long as the person is a corporation.
  2.     An application made under subsection (1):
  1.       must be in writing;
  2.       must include the information and documents specified in subsections (3), (4) and (5);
  3.       must include a statement that the applicant is aware that before the applicant can act as a registrar and provide registration services, the applicant must enter into a deed with the Commonwealth that is in the form of the Standard Deed; and
  4.       may include any other information or documents that the applicant considers supports their application.  
  1.     An application must contain the following information that relates to the applicant’s ability to provide registration services:
  1.       a summary of the applicant’s organisational structure;
  2.       the names and profiles of any directors, Chief Executive Officer (or equivalent) and senior office bearers, including length of tenure, experience in the industry and other positions held;
  3.       the number of full time, part time and volunteer staff engaged by the applicant, and their roles and responsibilities;
  4.       details of the applicant’s office locations and hours of operation;
  5.       details of services provided by the applicant and any fees and charges associated with those services;
  6.        a summary of the applicant’s initiatives in, and relationship with, the telecommunications cabling industry including details of any previous initiatives for improving standards in the industry (for example through training), and whether the initiatives were successful;
  7.       an outline of the applicant’s proposed program for assisting cabling providers to comply with these rules;
  8.       details of the applicant’s current insurance policies; and
  9.        details of the applicant’s complaints handling system and policies, including how the applicant assists complainants.
  1.    An application must contain the following information that relates to an applicant’s suitability to act as a registrar: 
  1.       a description of how the applicant will provide the registration services;
  2.       information about the proof of registration that the applicant proposes to issue to cabling providers that it registers;
  3.       the applicant’s financial forecasts demonstrating the viability of the proposed registration services;
  4.       the number of full time, part time and volunteer staff to be engaged by the applicant in running the registration services and their proposed functions and responsibilities;
  5.       the applicant’s proposed arrangements for how a person would be able to access the registration services, including whether the applicant will provide access through a shopfront, telephone, or website; and
  6.      the type of information about the telecommunications cabling industry that will be provided by the applicant to cabling providers and how.
  1.     An application must include certified copies of the following documents:
  1.     the applicant's constituting documents, such as Rules, Constitution or Memorandum and Articles of Association;
  2.     all codes of practice, ethics and/or conduct that relate to the applicant; and
  3.     the applicant’s audited financial statements for the last five years (or since establishment, if established for less than five years).

28  Decision on application

  1.     If the ACMA receives an application under section 27, the ACMA must decide whether the applicant is suitable to act as a registrar and provide the registration services.
  2.    Before making a decision, the ACMA must have regard to:
  1.       the applicant’s capacity to comply with these rules;
  2.       the applicant’s knowledge of the telecommunications cabling industry and its commitment to developing the industry;
  3.       the applicant’s ability to provide the registration services in a manner consistent with these rules, including whether the applicant’s organisational structure, officers, staff and equipment are suitable for the provision of registration services;
  4.       the applicant’s financial viability;
  5.       whether the applicant has, or will be able to establish, an effective and efficient complaints handling system;
  6.        whether the applicant has appropriate processes and procedures in place to obtain, use, store and disclose information and documents, in a manner consistent with relevant laws;
  7.       the applicant’s ability to collect, store, use and disclose personal information in a manner consistent with the requirements of the Privacy Act 1988;
  8.       the applicant’s ability to maintain accurate and up to date records of applications for registration, and registered cabling providers;
  9.        the applicant’s ability to assist cabling providers to fulfil legislative and industry responsibilities on an ongoing basis;
  10.        the applicant’s ability to provide information dissemination services to cabling providers and the public about the performance or supervision of cabling work, including the distribution of updates and messages from the ACMA;
  11.       the applicant’s ability to assist the ACMA by attending regular meetings with the ACMA and other registrars about the provision of registration services and other matters relating to the cabling industry; and
  12.        the applicant’s ability to report to the ACMA.
  1.       If, after considering the matters specified in subsection (2), the ACMA is satisfied that the applicant is suitable, the ACMA must notify the applicant in writing of its decision, and invite the applicant to enter into a deed with the Commonwealth in relation to the provision of registration services, that is in the form of the Standard Deed.

(4) If the ACMA makes a decision that the applicant is not suitable to act as a registrar, the ACMA must, in writing, notify the person of its decision not to accredit the applicant.

Note: A decision that an applicant is not suitable to act as a registrar is a reviewable decision: see Part 6.

29  When accreditation takes effect and provision of registration services

  1.       This section applies if the ACMA makes a decision under subsection 28(1) that the applicant is suitable to act as a registrar.
  2.       The accreditation of the person as a registrar takes effect on the date the ACMA notifies the person of its decision under subsection 28(3). 
  3.       The person must not act as a registrar or provide registration services, until a deed as specified in subsection 28(3) (the Deed), between the person and the Commonwealth, commences.
  4.       For the purposes of this section, the Deed is taken to have commenced once all parties to the Deed have executed the Deed.

30  Revocation of accreditation

  1.       The ACMA may revoke a person’s accreditation if the ACMA is satisfied that:
  1.       the person has breached the Deed, these rules or the Act; or
  2.       the person is no longer a suitable person to act as a registrar or to provide the registration services.
  1.       The ACMA must revoke a person’s accreditation if the Deed between the person and the Commonwealth is terminated by the Commonwealth. 

Note: A decision under this section is a reviewable decision: see Part 6.

 

Division 3  Requirements that apply to registrars

31  Provision of registration services

The registrar must, at all times while accredited as a registrar, provide the registration services in accordance with these rules and the Deed. 

32  Requirement to assist

 The registrar must:

(a) advise persons who wish to apply for registration about the evidence of competency required to make an application for registration;

(b) make available appropriate registration application forms; and

(c) assist with the completion of the forms.

33  Requirement to advise of expiry of registration 

 At least 28 days before the expiry of the period of registration for a registered cabling provider registered by a registrar, the registrar must advise the provider:

(a) of the date on which the provider’s registration will expire; and

(b) that the provider will not be authorised to perform or supervise the performance of cabling work once their registration expires, and until the time (if any) it is renewed.

34  Requirement to establish and maintain database

  1.       A registrar must establish and maintain a database (the Database) which records and stores details of all cabling registrations issued by the registrar, including:
    1.       the name and contact details (including an email address and phone number) of each registered cabling provider;
    2.       the kind of cabling registration issued to the provider;
    3.       the period of registration, and the date of expiry, of the cabling registration;
    4.       whether the registration is an active cabling registration, or if it suspended, has expired or has been revoked; and
    5.       details of any additional units of competency completed by the provider.
  2.       The registrar must ensure that the Database is kept up to date and accurate.

 

Part 6 Reviewable decisions

35  Reviewable decisions

Each of the following is a reviewable decision:

  1.       a decision under subsection 15(4) to refuse to issue a cabling registration;
  2.       a decision under section 17 to suspend or revoke a cabling registration;
  3.       a decision under subsection 28(1) not to accredit a person; and
  4.       a decision under section 30 to revoke a person’s accreditation.

36  Deadlines for making certain reviewable decisions

  1.       This section applies to a reviewable decision of a kind referred to in paragraphs 35(a) or (c).
  2.       The ACMA must make the reviewable decision within 90 days after:
  1.       for a decision of a kind referred to in paragraph 35(a) - receiving the referral from a registrar; or
  2.       for a decision of a kind referred to in paragraph 35(c) - receiving an application for accreditation under section 27.

(3) The ACMA is taken, for the purposes of this Part, to have made a decision to refuse:

  1.       in the case of a reviewable decision of a kind referred to in paragraph 35(a) – to issue a cabling registration to a person; or
  2.       in the case of a reviewable decision of a kind referred to in paragraph 35(c) – to accredit a person,

if it has not informed the person of its decision before the end of the relevant period of 90 days.

37  Statement to accompany notice of reviewable decision and application for reconsideration

(1) If the ACMA makes a reviewable decision, the notice that the ACMA is required to give of the decision to a person (the affected person) must include a statement to the effect that the affected person may, if the affected person is dissatisfied with the decision, apply for reconsideration of the decision by the ACMA.

(2) The affected person may apply to the ACMA for reconsideration of the decision.

(3) The application must be made within:

  1.       the period of 28 days after the affected person is notified of the decision; or
  2.       if the ACMA extends the period within which the application may be made—the extended period.

(4) The ACMA may extend the period for making an application before or after the period in paragraph (3)(a) has ended.

(5) The application must:

(a) be in writing; and

(b) set out the reasons for the application.

 

38  Reconsideration by ACMA

(1) If the ACMA receives an application under subsection 37(2) for reconsideration of a reviewable decision, the ACMA must reconsider the decision and make a decision (an internal review decision) whether to affirm, vary or revoke the reviewable decision.

(2) The ACMA must notify the applicant of an internal review decision, and the reasons for it, no later than 90 days after receiving the application.

(3) If the ACMA does not notify the applicant as required by subsection (2), the ACMA is taken to have affirmed the reviewable decision.

39  Statements to accompany notice of decision on reconsideration

A notice given under subsection 38(2) by the ACMA must include:

(a) a statement to the effect that the person notified of the internal review decision may, subject to the Administrative Review Tribunal Act 2024, apply to the Administrative Review Tribunal for review of the internal review decision; and

(b) a statement to the effect that the person may request a statement under section 268 of that Act in relation to the internal review decision.

40  Review by Administrative Review Tribunal

A person notified of an internal review decision under subsection 38(2) may apply to the Administrative Review Tribunal for review of the internal review decision.

 

 

Part 7 Transitional and savings

In this Part:

 commencement day means the day on which these rules commence.

 Existing Deed, in relation to an existing registrar, means:

  1.       for a person mentioned in paragraph (a) of the definition of existing registrar - the Deed in relation to Cabling Provider Registrar Obligations referred to in clause 6 of Schedule 1 to the Previous Rules, and executed by the person before the repeal of the Previous Rules; and
  2.       for a person mentioned in paragraph (b) of the definition of existing registrar – the Registrar Obligations Deed as defined in section 6.1 of the Previous Rules.

 existing registered cabling provider means a cabling provider who was a registered cabling provider within the meaning of subsection 3.1(6) of the Previous Rules, immediately before the commencement day.

 existing registrar means a person who was, immediately before the commencement day:

  1.       a person who was accredited as a registrar in accordance with the Previous Rules; or
  2.       an existing registrar as defined in section 6.1 of the Previous Rules.

 Previous Rules means the Telecommunications Cabling Provider Rules 2014 as in force immediately before the commencement day.

  1.     An existing registered cabling provider is taken to be a registered cabling provider under these rules.
  2.     The date of expiry of an existing registered cabling provider’s registration remains unchanged.

If, on the commencement date, a cabling provider holds an expired registration, the registration is taken to be an expired cabling registration under these rules.

44  Suspended registrations

If a cabling provider’s registration was suspended under the Previous Rules, despite the repeal of the Previous Rules:

  1.        the registration remains suspended until:
    1.         if the registration was suspended for a particular period, that period ends; or
    2.       the ACMA lifts the suspension by notice in writing given to the cabling provider; and
  2.        the cabling provider is taken to be a suspended cabling provider under these rules.
  1.       An existing registrar:
  1.       is taken to be a registrar under these rules; and
  2.       does not need to be accredited as a registrar under Part 5; and
  3.       subject to subsection (2), may continue to provide registration services in accordance with the Existing Deed.
  1.       Despite anything in an Existing Deed, an existing registrar must comply with Part 3 in relation to an application for registration made to the registrar on or after the commencement day.

If:

  1.       an application for registration as a cabling provider was made in accordance with the Previous Rules; and
  2.       a decision about the application was not made before the commencement day;

the application is to be dealt with in accordance with the Previous Rules as if the Previous Rules had not been repealed.

 If:

  1.       an application to become an accredited registrar was made in accordance with the Previous Rules; and
  2.       a decision about the application was not made before the commencement day;

the application is to be dealt with in accordance with these rules, as if it were an application made under section 27.

 

Schedule 1 Competency Requirements

    (section 12)

Part 1 – Interpretation

1  Definitions

In this Schedule:

alternative additional unit of competency: see clause 6.

alternative qualification or unit of competency: see clause 6.

applicable technical standard means:

(a) the Telecommunications (Requirements for Customer Cabling Products – AS/CA S008) Technical Standard  2025; or

(b) if a later technical standard replaces the standard mentioned in paragraph (a) - the later technical standard.

Note: The Telecommunications (Requirements for Customer Cabling Products – AS/CA S008) Technical Standard  2025 can be accessed, free of charge, on the Federal Register of Legislation: www.legislation.gov.au.

cabling regulations test means a test administered by a registered training organisation that assesses a person’s understanding of the:

  1.            Act;
  2.            requirements for the performance of cabling work specified in Part 4 of these rules;
  3.            applicable technical standard; and
  4.            Wiring Rules.

Electrotechnology Training Package means the Electrotechnology Training Package endorsed by the Ministerial Council, and published on the National Register.

Note: At the time this instrument was made, Powering Skills Organisation Ltd was responsible for the development and maintenance of the Electrotechnology Training Package. Further information about the training package and Powering Skills Organisation Ltd can be obtained from www.poweringskills.com.au.

ICT Training Package means the Information and Communications Technology Training Package endorsed by the Ministerial Council and published on the National Register.

Note: At the time this instrument was made, Digital Skills Organisation Limited, trading as Future Skills Organisation, was responsible for the development and maintenance of the ICT Training Package. Further information about the training package and Future Skills Organisation Ltd can be obtained from www.futureskillsorganisation.com.au.

Ministerial Council has the same meaning as in the National Vocational Education and Training Regulator Act 2011. 

National Register has the same meaning as in the National Vocational Education and Training Regulator Act 2011. 

Note: The National Register can be accessed, free of charge, at www.training.gov.au.

Pathways to Cabling Registration means the document titled “Pathways to Cabling Registration”, published by the ACMA.

Note: The Pathways to Cabling Registration can be accessed, free of charge, on the ACMA’s website: www.acma.gov.au.

qualification means a qualification (such as a Certificate or Diploma), , that is issued by a registered training organisation to an individual on completion of specified units of study listed on the National Register.  

registered training organisation has the same meaning as in the National Vocational Education and Training Regulator Act 2011. 

training package has the same meaning as in the Standards for VET accredited courses 2021.

Note: The Standards for VET accredited courses 2021 can be accessed, free of charge, on the Federal Register of Legislation.

unit of competency means a unit of study that forms part of the Electrotechnology Training Package or the ICT Training Package, and that is described as a unit of competency in the National Register.

Part 2 – Competency requirements for cabling registration

2  Competency requirements for lift cabling registration

The competency requirements for lift cabling registration are:

  1.            one of the following:
    1.             both:

(A) a current electrical licence or registration issued by a State or a Territory authorising the holder to perform electrical work; and

  1.               completion of one or more units of competency from the ICT Training Package that when completed, entitles an individual to apply for lift cabling registration; or
  1.           completion of one or more units of competency from the Electrotechnology Training Package that when completed, entitles an individual to apply for lift cabling registration; or
  2.         a qualification or unit of competency declared by the ACMA under clause 6 to be an alternative qualification or unit of competency for lift cabling registration; and
  1.            completion of a cabling regulations test consisting of at least 30 questions, with at least 80 per cent of the questions answered correctly.

3  Competency requirements for open cabling registration

(1) The competency requirements for open cabling registration are completion of all of the following:

  1.            the qualifications or units of competency specified in subclause (2);
  2.            at least 360 hours of cabling work experience; and
  3.            a cabling regulations test that consists of at least 50 questions, with at least 80 per cent of the questions answered correctly.
  1.       For the purposes of paragraph (1)(a), the qualifications or units of competency are:
    1.            a qualification, or one or more units of competency, from the Electrotechnology Training Package or the ICT Training Package, that when completed entitle an individual to apply for open cabling registration; or
    2.            a qualification or unit of competency declared by the ACMA under clause 6 to be an alternative qualification or unit of competency for open cabling registration.

4  Competency requirements for restricted cabling registration

  1.       The competency requirements for restricted cabling registration are completion of all of the following:
  1.            the qualifications or units of competency specified in subclause (2);
  2.            at least 80 hours of cabling work experience; and
  3.            completion of a cabling regulations test that consists of at least 30 questions, with at least 80 per cent of the questions answered correctly.
  1.       For the purposes of paragraph (1)(a), the qualifications or units of competency are:
  1.            a qualification, or one or more units of competency from the Electrotechnology Training Package or the ICT Training Package, that when completed entitle an individual to apply for restricted cabling registration; or
  2.            a qualification or unit of competency declared by the ACMA under clause 6 to be an alternative qualification or unit of competency for restricted cabling registration.

Part 3 – Additional units of competency - specialised cabling

5  Additional units of competency - specialised cabling 

  1.       The additional units of competency for aerial cabling are the units of competency:
  1.            from the Electrotechnology Training Package or the ICT Training Package that relate to the skills and knowledge required to install, secure and terminate aerial cabling; or
  2.            declared by the ACMA under clause 6 to be alternative additional units of competency for aerial cabling.
    1.       The additional units of competency for broadband cabling are the units of competency:
  1.            from the Electrotechnology Training Package or the ICT Training Package, that relate to the skills and knowledge required to install, secure and terminate broadband cabling; or
  2.            declared by the ACMA under clause 6 to be alternative additional units of competency for broadband cabling.
    1.       The additional units of competency for coaxial cabling are the units of competency:
  1.            from the Electrotechnology Training Package or the ICT Training Package, that relate to the skills and knowledge required to install, secure and terminate coaxial cabling; or
  2.            declared by the ACMA under clause 6 to be alternative additional units of competency for coaxial cabling.
    1.       The additional units of competency for optical fibre cabling are the units of competency:
  1.            from the Electrotechnology Training Package or the ICT Training Package, that relate to the skills and knowledge required to install, secure and terminate optical fibre cabling; or
  2.            declared by the ACMA under clause 6 to be alternative additional units of competency for optical fibre cabling.
    1.       The additional units of competency for structured cabling are the units of competency:
  1.            from the Electrotechnology Training Package or the ICT Training Package, that relate to the skills and knowledge required to install, secure and terminate structured cabling; or
  2.            declared by the ACMA under clause 6 to be alternative additional units of competency for structured cabling.
    1.       The additional units of competency for underground cabling are the units of competency:
  1.            from the Electrotechnology Training Package or the ICT Training Package, that relate to the skills and knowledge required to install, secure and terminate underground cabling; or
  2.            declared by the ACMA under clause 6 to be alternative additional units of competency for underground cabling.

Part 4 – Alternative qualification or additional unit of competency declaration

6  Alternative qualification or additional unit of competency declaration 

  1.       The ACMA may, in writing, declare:
  1.            a qualification or unit of competency, to be an alternative qualification for:
    1.             lift cabling registration;
    2.           open cabling registration; or
    3.         restricted cabling registration; or
  2.            a unit of competency to be an alternative additional unit of competency for specialised cabling.
  1.       The ACMA may declare an alternative qualification, or an alternative additional unit of competency, by including it in the Pathways to Cabling Registration.
  2.       If the ACMA makes a declaration under subclause (1), the ACMA must publish on its website the name of the alternative qualification or unit of competency, or alternative additional unit of competency, and which kind of cabling registration the alternative qualification or unit of competency, or alternative additional unit of competency, relates to.

Note: Declarations made by the ACMA under this clause will be published on the ACMA’s website: www.acma.gov.au.