Licensing changes for building professionals

The occupational licensing changes apply to Licensed Building Practitioners (LBPs), licensed electrical workers and licensed plumbers, gasfitters and drainlayers.

The changes ensure these trusted building professionals carrying out building work can be held accountable if the work is not done right the first time.

The occupational licensing changes are intended to:

• encourage tradespeople to complete quality building work
• give homeowners confidence in the tradespeople working on their homes
• give homeowners a clear path to follow if things go wrong.

What the changes include

The changes to occupational licensing aim to take effect in 2026.

The occupational licensing changes apply to all Licensed Building Practitioners (LBPs), licensed electrical workers and licensed plumbers, gasfitters and drainlayers. The changes include:

• improving the disciplinary processes for LBPs by allowing the Registrar to triage complaints and appoint investigators where needed
• publishing details of those LBPs whose licences have been suspended for disciplinary reasons - helping homeowners choosing an LBP for their building work
• progressing work to establish a new waterproofing licence class – consumers 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.