Changing from an individual sole trader to a corporation can trigger a new Queensland electrical contractor licence application, so the old licence should not be assumed to carry over. WorkSafe Queensland’s guidance published on 31 May 2024 says new applications require a nominated qualified technical person (QTP) or qualified business person (QBP) meeting training requirements introduced on 1 July 2018; a QTP nominee must have held a current Queensland electrical work licence for at least two years (figures checked 1 October 2026). For a business that had already restructured, that same guidance directs it to contact the Electrical Safety Office on 1300 632 993 for assistance with its licensing requirements.
When does changing the entity trigger a new licence?
WorkSafe Queensland identifies a change of entity as the trigger for requiring an application for a new electrical contractor licence. It specifically gives these examples:
| Current licence entity | Proposed entity | Licensing issue |
|---|---|---|
| Individual, trading as a sole trader | Corporation or company | A new application may be required |
| Corporation | Individual | A new application may be required |
The guidance also says that individual, partnership and corporation licence holders considering a restructure may need a new licence. Because it does not establish that an existing licence automatically transfers, a business with an uncertain restructuring should confirm its position with the Electrical Safety Office before relying on the old licence.
What needs to be ready for a new application?
The requirements identified in the 31 May 2024 guidance include:
| Requirement | What the guidance states | Practical check |
|---|---|---|
| Nominated qualified person | A QTP or QBP must be nominated | Confirm who will meet the role’s training requirements |
| Training requirements | Requirements were introduced on 1 July 2018 | Check the nominee’s suitability under the current regulator requirements |
| QTP experience | The QTP must have held a current Queensland electrical work licence for at least two years | Confirm the nominee’s licence history |
| Public liability insurance | Cover must be in the entity’s name and meet section 51 of the Electrical Safety Regulation 2013 | Check both the named entity and the insurance requirements |
The cited material states the two-year licensing period for a QTP nominee. It does not state an equivalent period for a QBP nominee, so that position should not be assumed.
Whose name must appear on the public liability insurance?
The public liability insurance must be in the entity’s name. If the proposed licence entity is the new company, check that the insurance documentation identifies that company and meets section 51 of the Electrical Safety Regulation 2013.
The licensing guidance does not say that a policy held by the former individual automatically follows the new entity. Ask the insurer or broker to confirm how the restructure is reflected in the policy, then read the policy’s Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) for its terms.
What should a business do if it has already restructured?
- Record the former and new legal entities and the date of the change.
- Compare those entities with the entity named on the current electrical contractor licence.
- Do not assume the old licence remains valid for the new entity; contact the Electrical Safety Office on 1300 632 993, the assistance number stated in the 31 May 2024 guidance.
- Check WorkSafe Queensland’s current regulator guidance in case the requirements or contact details have changed.
- Confirm that public liability insurance is in the correct entity’s name and meets section 51 of the Electrical Safety Regulation 2013.
- Read the insurance policy’s PDS rather than assuming the cover or conditions carried across unchanged.
This is general information, not financial or legal advice. Confirm the current position on the regulator page and check the policy’s PDS before submitting an application or relying on existing cover.
Sources
FAQ
Is a new licence needed when a Queensland sole trader becomes a company?
A change from an individual to a corporation is one of the examples WorkSafe Queensland gives for requiring a new electrical contractor licence application. Do not assume the existing individual licence transfers automatically.
What if the restructure is from a partnership to a company?
The guidance identifies a change of entity as the trigger and provides no partnership-specific exception. If the legal entity changes, confirm the licensing requirements with the Electrical Safety Office.
How long must a QTP nominee have held their electrical work licence?
The QTP nominee must have held a current Queensland electrical work licence for at least two years, according to the guidance published on 31 May 2024.
Does the company need public liability insurance in its own entity name?
Yes. The public liability insurance must be in the entity’s name and meet the requirements of section 51 of the Electrical Safety Regulation 2013.
What should an already-restructured business do?
Contact the Electrical Safety Office on 1300 632 993 for licensing assistance, using the contact details stated in the 31 May 2024 guidance, and verify the current requirements before relying on the former entity’s licence or insurance.
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