Autocare 2025 was held on 20th of June. Australian Refrigeration Council (ARC) Chair Dr Greg Picker delivered a compelling presentation on the shifting landscape of refrigerant use and potential regulation.

At AutoCare 2025, Dr Greg Picker emphasised the vital role of regulatory change on new technologies and licensing in upholding safety, environmental responsibility, and industry professionalism.

A theme of the session was the future of the ARCTick licence, particularly in relation to mobile air conditioning (MAC) systems. With the ARCTick licencing scheme potentially phasing down over the next ten years as regulated substances are reduced and the sector transitions towards alternatives, Dr Picker emphasised that the scheme continues to play an important role in the changing MAC refrigerant context. He highlighted the increasing complexity of refrigeration systems in electric vehicles and the environmental and safety risks associated with refrigerants such as R1234yf.

Dr Picker underscored that a trained and licensed workforce is essential to ensure the safe handling and installation of refrigerants, especially as technologies evolve. The ARCTick licence remains a cornerstone of industry regulation, and its future will likely be shaped by the collective voice of the sector.

The briefing reaffirmed ARC’s commitment to supporting a skilled, responsible, and future-ready refrigeration workforce.

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