To use fireworks you must hold a licence to use fireworks as a pyrotechnician. This licence also allows you to temporarily store and transport limited amounts of fireworks.
WorkSafe no longer authorises licences that allow the discharge of Chinese firecrackers and theatrical fireworks on a single occasion.
There is a change to the requirement to notify of intended fireworks display. The seven day notification requirement has been extended to indoor / theatrical displays. The requirement continues to be to notify WorkSafe, the relevant fire authority, and local council. However, please check with your council about any additional requirements about the notification period.
Pyrotechnicians can temporarily store fireworks for seven days – in line with the notification period. The temporary storage must also meet the requirements for medium-scale storage (although a medium-scale storage licence is not required).
Mutual recognition of interstate licences
You can apply for mutual recognition of a current pyrotechnician licence issued by other states in Australia.
This process is subject to confirmation of your licence by the issuing state and will result in a licence being issued with the same expiry date as the interstate licence.
Before you start your application
For your application to be processed you need to supply the following documents as part of your application:
National police check and ASIO security assessment form which will be lodged by WorkSafe.