Plumbing and gasfitting licensing by state: NSW, Vic, Qld, WA and SA

Licensing structure by state

Plumbing and gasfitting licensing varies across states. In New South Wales, a licence or certificate is required for all plumbing, drainage and gasfitting work, irrespective of the project’s scale or type. The licensing system utilises three tiers: Tradesperson Certificate (journeyperson), Individual Contractor Licence and Endorsed Contractor Licence. All work must comply with the National Construction Code Volumes 1, 2 and 3.

Victoria’s licensing is managed by the Victorian Building Authority (VBA) under the Plumbing Regulations 2018. Plumbers are licensed within specific classes covering water supply, sanitary, drainage, gasfitting, roofing and mechanical services. Queensland requires a licence from the Queensland Building and Construction Commission (QBCC) for plumbing work. Gasfitters in Queensland also require a separate authorisation from Resources Safety and Health Queensland (RSHQ).

Western Australia’s plumbing licences are administered by the Plumbers Licensing Board under the Plumbers Licensing Act 1995 (WA). The National Construction Code Volumes 1, 2 and 3 are relevant to plumbing work in all states.

AS/NZS 3500 and Plumbing Code of Australia

AS/NZS 3500 (the National Plumbing and Drainage Code) is the primary technical standard adopted by reference in the Plumbing Code of Australia (PCA), which is part of the National Construction Code Volumes 1, 2 and 3. AS/NZS 3500 is divided into five parts, addressing water services, sanitary plumbing and drainage, stormwater drainage, heated water services, and on-site domestic wastewater systems.

Compliance with AS/NZS 3500 is mandatory for all plumbing work undertaken and is a requirement under each state’s plumbing regulations. This ensures a consistent standard for plumbing installations across Australia.

Gas installations are subject to separate requirements and must also comply with AS/NZS 5601 (Gas installations). The Plumbing Code of Australia (PCA) is published by the Australian Building Codes Board and is updated annually.

Certificates of compliance and inspection

A Certificate of Compliance (CoC) is a mandatory requirement following completion of certain plumbing work across Australian states. In New South Wales, a CoC is required for all plumbing and drainage work and must be lodged with the relevant water utility or council. Victoria requires plumbers to issue a Compliance Certificate via the VBA portal for prescribed plumbing work, and to notify the VBA before commencing Type A gasfitting work. Queensland requires Form 4 Compliance Certificates for notifiable plumbing and drainage work under the Plumbing and Drainage Act 2018 (Qld). Plant safety WHS Regulations Chapter 5

Inspection regimes for plumbing and drainage work differ between states. Victoria employs a risk-based approach, allowing licensed plumbers to self-certify minor work, but also mandates inspector audits of a sample of work. The specific details of inspection processes are determined by each state’s regulatory body.

Failure to provide a required compliance certificate or to notify the relevant regulator constitutes a separate offence in each state. This highlights the importance of adhering to the specific requirements of the jurisdiction in which the work is performed.

Penalties and mutual recognition

Unlicensed plumbing, drainage or gasfitting work carries significant penalties. In New South Wales, individuals may face fines of up to $22,000, while companies can be fined up to $110,000. Victoria imposes penalties for unregistered plumbing work under section 221 of the Building Act 1993. All licensed plumbers must also carry public liability insurance, typically a minimum of $5 million. White Card construction induction training may be required for some plumbing work.

Automatic Mutual Recognition (AMR) simplifies licensing for plumbers and gasfitters. This system allows professionals to practice in participating states, which include New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland, South Australia, Tasmania, and the Northern Territory.

Type B gasfitting in Victoria, involving commercial or industrial appliances exceeding 10MJ/h, requires a separate Class B authorisation from the Essential Services Victoria (ESV). White Card construction induction training is not relevant to this authorisation.