Is Your Tradie Licensed and Insured?
Using an unlicensed operator means no consumer protection and void insurance.
Electrical
Licence requiredALL electrical work must be licensed. DIY is illegal in Australia.
Licence: Electrical contractor licence | Fine: Up to $55,000
Plumbing
Licence requiredAll plumbing and drainage requires a licence.
Licence: Plumber/drainer licence | Fine: Up to $55,000
Gas Fitting
Licence requiredGas appliance install and repair. Usually part of plumbing licence.
Licence: Gasfitter licence | Fine: Up to $55,000
Air Conditioning
Licence requiredAny work involving refrigerant requires ARC licence.
Licence: ARC refrigerant licence | Fine: Up to $46,200
Pest Control
Licence requiredCommercial pesticide application requires licensing.
Licence: Pest management licence | Fine: Varies by state
Building (over $5K)
Licence requiredStructural work, extensions, major renovations.
Licence: Builder licence | Fine: Up to $110,000
House Cleaning
Not neededNo licence needed. Ask for ABN and public liability insurance.
Painting
Not neededNo licence for standard painting. Lead paint removal needs certification.
Handyman
Not neededCannot legally do electrical, plumbing, or gas work.
Lawn Mowing
Not neededNo licence. Herbicide spraying may require certification.
Always ask for:
ABN, public liability insurance certificate, trade licence number (if applicable), workers compensation (if they have employees).
Verify NSW licences at fairtrading.nsw.gov.au. ARC licences at arctick.org.