ACT Construction Advertising Rules: Do You Need a Licence Number and ACN?

Under section 83 of the Construction Occupations (Licensing) Act 2004, a licensed corporation, partnership or individual advertising its service in the ACT must include the name recorded on the licence and the licence number, according to the City and Environment Directorate’s responsibilities guidance (figures checked 1 October 2026). A corporation must also include its ACN; the cited rule does not add that requirement for a partnership or individual. The guidance lists letters, business cards, sample contracts, brochures, vehicle signage, radio, print advertising and clothing bearing the licensee’s name, and says the examples are not exhaustive.

What must each type of licence holder include?

The entity structure determines whether an ACN must be added.

The licensed name is not replaced by a brand, trading or business name. Check the licence record and use the name shown there before preparing the advertisement.

Does the rule cover more than a formal advertisement?

Yes. The City and Environment Directorate gives the following examples under section 83:

• Letters
• Business cards
• Sample contracts
• Brochures
• Signage, including signage on vehicles
• Radio advertising
• Print advertising
• Clothing bearing the construction licensee’s name

The list is expressly non-exhaustive. The practical point is that the requirement is not limited to a conventional display ad: the same details should be considered when preparing business cards, brochures, signs, contracts or clothing that advertise the licensee’s service.

A pre-publication check should confirm that the material contains the name recorded on the licence and the correct licence number. A corporation should also check that its ACN is included.

What happens if licence details change?

The advertisement must use the name recorded on the licence, so current licence information matters. Prospective clients can use the construction professionals list to check whether a licence is current, including any endorsements, conditions or restrictions.

A licensee must notify the Construction Occupations Registrar through the Construction and Work Place Licensing team within 2 weeks of a change to licence details, including changes to the name, business address or contact details. The regulator says these notifications can be made using its “Update licence or registration details” form. Corporation licence holders must also notify the City and Environment Directorate of changes to directors or the contact person.

What should be checked before acting?

Check the current regulator guidance for the precise licensing requirements. For any insurance matter, check the policy’s PDS as well. This article provides general information, not financial or legal advice.

Sources

• Responsibilities — City and Environment Directorate, Planning

FAQ

Does an individual construction licensee need to include an ACN?

The cited ACT requirement says an individual must include the name recorded on the licence and the licence number. It adds an ACN requirement for a corporation, not an individual.

Does a partnership need to include an ACN?

The cited requirement specifies the licensed name and licence number for a partnership. It does not state that a partnership must also include an ACN.

Must a corporation include its ACN as well as its licence details?

Yes. A corporation advertising its service must include the name recorded on its licence, its licence number and its ACN.

Are business cards, sample contracts and clothing covered?

Yes. The City and Environment Directorate specifically lists them among the examples of advertising under section 83. Its list also includes brochures, vehicle signage, radio and print advertising, and it notes that the examples are not exhaustive.