Often you can work as a handyman without a licence in Australia, but only for minor, general work under a set job value, and the rules differ by state. Once a job goes over your state's value limit you need a building licence. And some work, electrical, plumbing, gas and refrigeration, always requires the relevant trade licence, no matter how small the job or where you are.
Getting this wrong is not a paperwork slip. Unlicensed work where a licence is required is illegal, voids your insurance, and can carry serious fines. Here is the lay of the land.
The two rules that matter
- Job value triggers a licence. Most states let you do general handyman work (assembling, patching, minor repairs, painting, small fixes) unlicensed up to a dollar limit on the total job, then require a building or trade contractor licence above it.
- Some trades always need a licence. Electrical, plumbing, gas fitting and refrigeration / air-conditioning work require the proper licence regardless of value, in every state and territory. No exceptions, no minor-work loophole.
The work you can never do unlicensed
Anywhere in Australia, do not touch these without the right licence:
- Electrical work, including replacing a powerpoint or hardwiring anything
- Plumbing and drainage, beyond the most trivial like a tap washer in some states
- Gas fitting
- Refrigeration and air-conditioning installation involving refrigerant
This work is licensed for safety. Doing it unlicensed is illegal, dangerous, and uninsurable.
State-by-state, in rough terms
Limits and rules change, so treat these as a starting point and confirm the current figure with your regulator before you quote:
- NSW: general building work over a set value (commonly cited around $5,000 including GST, labour and materials) needs a licence from NSW Fair Trading. Specialist trades always need a licence.
- QLD: building work over a set value (commonly around $3,300) needs a QBCC licence, and some work needs a licence regardless of value.
- VIC: registration and insurance requirements kick in above a set value of domestic building work (commonly around $10,000) through the Victorian Building Authority; plumbing and electrical are always licensed.
- Other states and territories: SA, WA, TAS, ACT and NT each have their own building and trade licensing bodies and limits. Check yours directly.
Because these thresholds are reviewed and changed, the safe habit is to check your state or territory's licensing authority before taking on anything bigger than minor work.
Why this matters beyond fines
Even where you can work unlicensed, customers increasingly want proof you are legitimate. Showing your licences, insurance and certifications up front wins trust and work. A Mytradelink profile lets you display your certifications and reviews in one place, so customers can see you are the real deal before they call. For the bigger picture on standing out, see how tradies get more work.
This is general information, not legal advice, and licensing limits change and differ by state and territory. Always confirm current requirements with your state or territory's building and trade licensing authority before quoting work.