Figures checked 1 October 2026.
Yes—if an ACT construction occupations licensee is working for a client, section 47 of the Construction Occupations (Licensing) Act 2004 requires the licensee to show the client their insurance, even if the client has not asked, according to the ACT Government’s City and Environment Directorate – Planning responsibilities guidance. For the consumer side, Access Canberra advises asking for a certificate of currency for public liability insurance and checking the tradie or business on the relevant public register; see its Choosing a tradesperson guidance.
Does the section 47 duty cover every ACT tradie?
The published guidance is directed to a construction occupations licensee “when you work for a client”. It should therefore be applied according to the person’s licence and the work being performed, rather than assumed to apply identically to everyone who works as a tradie.
The Construction Occupations (Licensing) Act 2004 covers licensed occupations including builders, owner-builders, electricians, plumbers, drainers, gasfitters, building surveyors or certifiers, building assessors, gas appliance workers, works assessors, plumbing plan certifiers and architects. Some tradies require a valid ACT licence, while other work may be performed by people who do not hold one of these licences.
The licensing guidance describes the duty as showing the client “your insurance”. For a practical document request, Access Canberra specifically recommends asking to see a certificate of currency for public liability insurance.
What should I ask to see before signing a contract?
Access Canberra recommends checking both insurance and licensing before hiring a tradie. It also advises checking the trader’s identifying details before signing.
| Consumer check | What to ask or confirm |
|---|---|
| Public liability insurance | Ask to see a certificate of currency. Public liability insurance protects consumers and third parties against damage the tradie may cause. |
| Identity | Confirm the tradie’s full name, physical address and registered business name. |
| Australian Business Number | Confirm the ABN and check it using the Australian Business Register website. |
| Licence information | Record the licence details and check the relevant public register for the current status. |
A physical address means more than a post office box. Before relying on insurance cover, check the policy’s Product Disclosure Statement, or PDS, and ask about anything that is unclear.
How do I check a licence is current through Access Canberra?
Access Canberra maintains public registers for business licences and advises consumers to search for the tradie or their business on the relevant register.
During the search:
- confirm that the practitioner holds the appropriate licence for the construction work being undertaken in the ACT;
- review the detailed status, including whether the licence is expired, suspended, surrendered or cancelled;
- check any endorsements, conditions or restrictions identified by the ACT construction-professionals information;
- look under the Details tab for disciplinary action, where applicable; and
- check whether Access Canberra has issued a public warning, accepted an enforceable undertaking or taken disciplinary action.
If the register shows that a licence is not current, pause before proceeding and ask the tradie or Access Canberra to clarify the status.
Does a current licence prove the insurance is current?
No. The official guidance presents these as separate checks.
Access Canberra’s licence registers provide information about licence status and related details. Its separate insurance advice is to ask for a public liability certificate of currency. A licence search therefore should not be treated as a substitute for checking the insurance document, and the certificate should be considered alongside the policy’s PDS.
What should I do if something appears wrong?
Access Canberra is responsible for enforcing the Australian Consumer Law in the ACT and is the first point of contact for advice or for raising consumer concerns and complaints about a business, product or service.
It may work with the involved parties to resolve a consumer matter, but it does not provide legal advice or assist with business-to-business disputes.
Check the current regulator page and the policy’s PDS before relying on a licence or insurance document. This article provides general information, not financial or legal advice.
Sources
- Responsibilities - City and Environment Directorate - Planning
- Choosing a tradesperson - Access Canberra
FAQ
Does the client have to ask for insurance first?
No. Under the section 47 duty described by the ACT Government’s City and Environment Directorate – Planning, a construction occupations licensee working for a client must show the client their insurance even without being asked.
What should I ask for as proof of public liability insurance?
Access Canberra recommends asking to see a certificate of currency for public liability insurance. Check the certificate and the policy’s PDS rather than relying only on a verbal assurance.
Does a current construction licence prove that public liability insurance is current?
No. Licence status and insurance currency are separate checks. Use the relevant public register for licence information and ask for the public liability certificate of currency.
What should I check on the construction occupations public register?
Check whether the practitioner holds the appropriate licence, review the detailed status and look for any endorsements, conditions, restrictions or applicable disciplinary action.
Can Access Canberra provide legal advice or resolve a business dispute?
No. Access Canberra administers and enforces consumer law in the ACT, but it does not provide legal advice or assist with business-to-business disputes.
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