Changes to occupational licensing are underway, due to take effect this year.
Incoming improvements to occupational licensing aim to ensure that trusted professionals undertaking building work can be held accountable if the work is not done right the first time.
Expected to take effect in 2026, work is underway to improve occupational licensing for licensed building practitioners, licensed electrical workers and licensed plumbers, gasfitters and drainlayers and the work they do.
Changes include:
- improving the disciplinary processes for LBPs by allowing the registrar to triage complaints and appoint investigators where needed
- publishing details of LBPs whose licences have been suspended for disciplinary reasons – helping homeowners choose an LBP for their building work
- progressing work to establish a new waterproofing licence class – homeowners can be confident LBPs completing their wet area bathrooms and level-entry showers are suitably qualified and accountable for their work
- improving the complaints processes for licensed electrical workers and licensed plumbers, gasfitters and drainlayers – registrars can start the complaints process without a complainant
- establishing codes of ethics for licensed electrical workers and licensed plumbers, gasfitters and drainlayers to promote professional standards of behaviour – any breach will become a disciplinary offence
Why the improvements are being made
The improvements to occupational licensing are intended to:
- support building work being done right the first time
- encourage tradespeople to complete quality building work
- give homeowners confidence in the tradespeople working on their homes and a clear path to follow if things go wrong
- maintain a balance between affordability and the quality of construction within the building sector
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