The ACT Government is seeking public feedback on plans to extend trade licensing to currently unregulated construction trades: carpentry, concreting, brick laying, waterproofing, roof plumbing, and fire protection.

A discussion paper released today identified these trades as priorities for licencing, particularly where poor workmanship can damage structure, pose safety risks, or lead to homeowners paying for costly repairs.

Planning minister Chris Steel said the reforms were part of the government’s push to deliver 30,000 new homes by 2030.

“Buying a home is the most significant financial decision most Canberrans are likely to make in their lifetime, so it’s crucial that homes are built to a rigorous standard, and that licensed tradespeople skills are appropriately recognised,” Mr Steel said.

Builders, electricians, plumbers and gasfitters already require licences in the ACT, but many other trades operate without formal licensing or qualification requirements — a gap the government says contributes to higher defects during construction.

“These reforms are about making sure that we have a qualified and professional workforce backed by a practical regulatory framework that supports industry and consumers alike,” Mr Steel said.

“By extending licensing, we recognise the value of skilled and experienced workers, encourage apprenticeship completion, reduce disputes, and avoid costly rework on job sites.”

The proposed changes would align the ACT with NSW and reduce costs for tradies and businesses to operate.

The government said it would establish transition pathways for apprentices and experienced workers already in the industry.

Consultation is open until Monday 20 April. The government wants the construction industry’s feedback on implementation and design, including assessing qualifications, defining scopes of work, and how licensing can support day‑to‑day business operations without unnecessary red tape.

“It’s vitally important that we hear from tradies, businesses and the people who rely on these services on how our proposed changes will impact them,” Mr Steel said. “We want a system that lifts standards and is equitable for all Canberrans.”

Tradespeople, employers and industry stakeholders can provide feedback through a targeted survey on the Extension of Trade Licensing webpage.

Master Builders ACT said the government’s announcement represented significant progress on a long-standing industry priority.

“Trade contractor licensing has been a long-term priority for Master Builders ACT, and we are pleased to see the ACT Government bringing this reform forward,” CEO Anna Neelagama said.

“Licensing key occupational trades is an important step toward strengthening quality, accountability and consumer confidence across the building and construction sector.”

Master Builders ACT will work closely with the ACT Government through the consultation process to ensure the proposed framework is practical for industry, and supports the many experienced tradespeople operating across the sector.

Master Builders ACT will host a member consultation session at their HQ, 1 Iron Knob Street, Fyshwick, at noon on Wednesday 18 March to gather direct feedback from industry on the proposed licensing framework.

“We encourage all members to participate in the consultation process and attend our upcoming session so we can ensure the industry’s voice across residential builders, commercial builders, subcontractors and suppliers, civil and professionals are clearly represented,” Ms Neelagama said.

Independent MLA Fiona Carrick also supported the government’s objective of extending the licensing regime to cover more trades.

“Licensing should ensure we have a skilled and safe workforce that will deliver high quality work across the construction industry,” Ms Carrick said.

Shadow skills minister James Milligan MLA called on the government to minimise red tape in any new construction trade licencing regime, warning that the industry was already under pressure from rising costs, labour shortages, and regulatory complexity.

“The introduction of new licences should not add unnecessary administrative burdens that slow down projects or make it harder for skilled workers to do their jobs,” Mr Milligan said.

“At the same time, the Government must be transparent about the rationale behind these changes. If certain trades are now being deemed to present safety risks that warrant licensing, the industry and the public deserve a clear explanation of the evidence and criteria used to reach that conclusion. Without that transparency, there is a real risk that these changes will be seen as regulatory overreach rather than genuine measures to improve safety on construction sites.”

The housing advisory organisation ACT Shelter supports efforts to strengthen building standards and construction quality, CEO Corinne Dobson said.

“Safe, durable homes are a basic housing justice issue, and when building standards fail it’s often the households with the least financial buffer who pay the highest price. Getting homes built properly from the outset protects people from costly defects, financial stress and unsafe living conditions.”