What your trade needs in Victoria
Twelve trades, written out one by one: what the law requires of every business, and what depends on the work you take on. These are the same rules the app checks you against, so this page and the app never disagree.
General information, not legal advice. For the reasoning and the sources behind each rule, read the compliance guide.
Electrician
12 things apply to every Victorian business in this trade. More depend on the work you take on.
Every business in this trade
Licences and registrations
- Registered Electrical Contractor (REC) RegistrationRequired by law
Energy Safe Victoria. The business registration needed to contract for electrical work; renews up to every 5 years.
Checked against the Energy Safe Victoria register.
- A-grade Electrician LicenceRequired by law
Energy Safe Victoria. Personal licence; renews every 5 years with CPD.
Checked against the Energy Safe Victoria register.
Insurance
- Public Liability InsuranceRequired by law
A Registered Electrical Contractor must hold at least $5m public liability (Energy Safe Victoria). Contracting without it is an offence.
Tickets and training
- CPR/First AidUsually asked for
A current CPR or first aid certificate. Not a licence, and not required by law for the trade, but builders and sites often ask to see one.
- White CardUsually asked for
Construction induction card. Good practice on home jobs, and mandatory on commercial sites. Doesn't expire, but must be redone after 2+ years out of construction work. In Victoria the course must be done face to face.
- Electrical Safety CompetencyOptional
Not a licence, and not a named Energy Safe Victoria requirement. It's off unless you turn it on: use it if you keep your own record of electrical safety training.
Checked against the Energy Safe Victoria register.
- Electrical Testing CertOptional
A training record for testing electrical installations. Not a licence. It's off unless you turn it on.
Checked against the Energy Safe Victoria register.
Dates and paperwork
- LeavePlus quarterly returnBy law, if it applies to you
Construction employers' portable long service leave (called CoINVEST until August 2023). Workers' days and wages due 14 days after each quarter ends; the charge is 2.7% of ordinary pay.
- Taxable Payments Annual Report (TPAR)By law, if it applies to you
Payments to contractors for building and construction work. Due 28 August.
- WorkCover remuneration declarationBy law, if it applies to you
24 October if last year's wages were over $200,000; otherwise about 20 March. Use the date on your renewal notice.
- WorkCover premium (pay in full for the discount)By law, if it applies to you
3% off if paid in full by 1 October (2026-27). Check the date on your renewal notice.
- Written notice of a notifiable incidentRequired by law
Notify WorkSafe straight away, preserve the site, and send written notice within 48 hours.
Depending on your work
If your work includes: Electrical installation work
- Certificate of Electrical SafetyRequired by law
Copies to the customer within 1 month of finishing.
If your work includes: Prescribed electrical work
- Certificate of Electrical Safety (prescribed work)Required by law
Inspected within 8 business days; the certificate within 4 business days of that; the customer's copy within 16 days.
If you work at heights (roofs, scaffolding, elevated platforms, balconies)
- Working at HeightsUsually asked for
Training for work where you could fall, such as roofs, scaffolds and elevated platforms. Good practice, not a licence.
If you operate boom lifts over 11m, forklifts, scaffolding, rigging or dogging
- High Risk Work Licence (WorkSafe)Usually asked for
Boom EWP 11m+, forklift, scaffolding, rigging or dogging. Renews every 5 years; sight it before they operate.
If you employ staff or apprentices
- WorkCoverRequired by law
Required once you pay more than $7,500 a year in wages, or employ any apprentice or trainee (WorkSafe Victoria). Register within 60 days.
- Fair Work Information StatementRequired by law
Give every new employee the Fair Work Information Statement before they start, or as soon as possible after (Fair Work Ombudsman).
Check your own business Tour the Brightwire Electrical Co. demo Read the electrician guide
Plumber
10 things apply to every Victorian business in this trade. More depend on the work you take on.
Every business in this trade
Licences and registrations
- Plumbing Licence (BPC)Required by law
Building and Plumbing Commission. A licence renews every year (a registration every 3 years) and needs current insurance.
Checked against the Building and Plumbing Commission register.
Insurance
- Public Liability InsuranceRequired by law
Every licensed plumber must hold at least $5m public and products liability (Licensed Plumbers General Insurance Order).
- Warranty InsuranceRequired by law
Licensed plumbers must hold warranty insurance for defective or incomplete work, covering each job for 6 years after it's finished (Licensed Plumbers General Insurance Order).
Tickets and training
- CPR/First AidUsually asked for
A current CPR or first aid certificate. Not a licence, and not required by law for the trade, but builders and sites often ask to see one.
- White CardUsually asked for
Construction induction card. Good practice on home jobs, and mandatory on commercial sites. Doesn't expire, but must be redone after 2+ years out of construction work. In Victoria the course must be done face to face.
Dates and paperwork
- LeavePlus quarterly returnBy law, if it applies to you
Construction employers' portable long service leave (called CoINVEST until August 2023). Workers' days and wages due 14 days after each quarter ends; the charge is 2.7% of ordinary pay.
- Taxable Payments Annual Report (TPAR)By law, if it applies to you
Payments to contractors for building and construction work. Due 28 August.
- WorkCover remuneration declarationBy law, if it applies to you
24 October if last year's wages were over $200,000; otherwise about 20 March. Use the date on your renewal notice.
- WorkCover premium (pay in full for the discount)By law, if it applies to you
3% off if paid in full by 1 October (2026-27). Check the date on your renewal notice.
- Written notice of a notifiable incidentRequired by law
Notify WorkSafe straight away, preserve the site, and send written notice within 48 hours.
Depending on your work
If your work includes: Plumbing work
- Plumbing compliance certificateRequired by law
Give it to the customer and lodge it with the BPC within 5 days of finishing.
If your work includes: Below-ground drains
- Plumbing compliance certificateRequired by law
Give it to the customer and lodge it with the BPC within 5 days of finishing.
If your work includes: Type A gas appliance work or gas piping
- Plumbing compliance certificateRequired by law
Give it to the customer and lodge it with the BPC within 5 days of finishing.
If your work includes: Cooling towers
- Plumbing compliance certificateRequired by law
Give it to the customer and lodge it with the BPC within 5 days of finishing.
If you do gas work
- Gasfitting Licence (BPC)Required by law
Gasfitting is its own class of plumbing work, so gas work needs a licence or registration in that class (Building and Plumbing Commission).
Checked against the Building and Plumbing Commission register.
If you do backflow prevention work
- Backflow Prevention CertRequired by law
Testing, commissioning, repairing or maintaining a testable backflow prevention device is a specialised class of plumbing. It needs a licence or registration in Backflow Prevention Work, on top of Water Supply (Building and Plumbing Commission).
If you operate boom lifts over 11m, forklifts, scaffolding, rigging or dogging
- High Risk Work Licence (WorkSafe)Usually asked for
Boom EWP 11m+, forklift, scaffolding, rigging or dogging. Renews every 5 years; sight it before they operate.
If you employ staff or apprentices
- WorkCoverRequired by law
Required once you pay more than $7,500 a year in wages, or employ any apprentice or trainee (WorkSafe Victoria). Register within 60 days.
- Fair Work Information StatementRequired by law
Give every new employee the Fair Work Information Statement before they start, or as soon as possible after (Fair Work Ombudsman).
Check your own business Tour the Tidewater Plumbing & Gas demo Read the plumber guide
Builder
7 things apply to every Victorian business in this trade. More depend on the work you take on.
Every business in this trade
Insurance
- Public Liability InsuranceUsually asked for
Not required by law for this trade, but builders and most customers ask for it, commonly $10m to $20m.
Tickets and training
- White CardUsually asked for
Construction induction card. Good practice on home jobs, and mandatory on commercial sites. Doesn't expire, but must be redone after 2+ years out of construction work. In Victoria the course must be done face to face.
Dates and paperwork
- LeavePlus quarterly returnBy law, if it applies to you
Construction employers' portable long service leave (called CoINVEST until August 2023). Workers' days and wages due 14 days after each quarter ends; the charge is 2.7% of ordinary pay.
- Taxable Payments Annual Report (TPAR)By law, if it applies to you
Payments to contractors for building and construction work. Due 28 August.
- WorkCover remuneration declarationBy law, if it applies to you
24 October if last year's wages were over $200,000; otherwise about 20 March. Use the date on your renewal notice.
- WorkCover premium (pay in full for the discount)By law, if it applies to you
3% off if paid in full by 1 October (2026-27). Check the date on your renewal notice.
- Written notice of a notifiable incidentRequired by law
Notify WorkSafe straight away, preserve the site, and send written notice within 48 hours.
Depending on your work
If your work includes: Internal wet areas (AS 3740)
- Waterproofing certificateUsually asked for
Building surveyors usually ask for it at the final inspection, and it's your evidence if a leak claim comes later. Keep it 10 years.
If your work includes: Balconies, roofs, podiums, planters (AS 4654.2)
- Waterproofing certificateUsually asked for
Building surveyors usually ask for it at the final inspection, and it's your evidence if a leak claim comes later. Keep it 10 years.
If your work includes: Basements and below-ground (to the design)
- Waterproofing certificateUsually asked for
Building surveyors usually ask for it at the final inspection, and it's your evidence if a leak claim comes later. Keep it 10 years.
If you contract directly with home owners for jobs over $10,000
- Domestic Builder (Unlimited) Registration (BPC)Required by law
Needed for domestic building work over $10,000 for home owners. A company is registered separately, with at least one director registered in their own name.
Checked against the Building and Plumbing Commission register.
- Minimum financial requirements for domestic buildersRequired by law
From 1 July 2026 the BPC sets your Maximum Construction Capacity, and your adjusted net tangible assets must be at least 5% of your uncompleted domestic work.
If you contract for commercial work that needs a building permit
- Commercial Builder Registration (BPC)Required by law
Unlimited, or limited to one of 11 classes of commercial building work.
Checked against the Building and Plumbing Commission register.
If you operate boom lifts over 11m, forklifts, scaffolding, rigging or dogging
- High Risk Work Licence (WorkSafe)Usually asked for
Boom EWP 11m+, forklift, scaffolding, rigging or dogging. Renews every 5 years; sight it before they operate.
If you employ staff or apprentices
- WorkCoverRequired by law
Required once you pay more than $7,500 a year in wages, or employ any apprentice or trainee (WorkSafe Victoria). Register within 60 days.
- Fair Work Information StatementRequired by law
Give every new employee the Fair Work Information Statement before they start, or as soon as possible after (Fair Work Ombudsman).
Check your own business Tour the Kiln & Oak Homes demo Read the builder guide
Carpenter
8 things apply to every Victorian business in this trade. More depend on the work you take on.
Every business in this trade
Insurance
- Public Liability InsuranceUsually asked for
Not required by law for this trade, but builders and most customers ask for it, commonly $10m to $20m.
Tickets and training
- White CardUsually asked for
Construction induction card. Good practice on home jobs, and mandatory on commercial sites. Doesn't expire, but must be redone after 2+ years out of construction work. In Victoria the course must be done face to face.
- CPR/First AidUsually asked for
A current CPR or first aid certificate. Not a licence, and not required by law for the trade, but builders and sites often ask to see one.
Dates and paperwork
- LeavePlus quarterly returnBy law, if it applies to you
Construction employers' portable long service leave (called CoINVEST until August 2023). Workers' days and wages due 14 days after each quarter ends; the charge is 2.7% of ordinary pay.
- Taxable Payments Annual Report (TPAR)By law, if it applies to you
Payments to contractors for building and construction work. Due 28 August.
- WorkCover remuneration declarationBy law, if it applies to you
24 October if last year's wages were over $200,000; otherwise about 20 March. Use the date on your renewal notice.
- WorkCover premium (pay in full for the discount)By law, if it applies to you
3% off if paid in full by 1 October (2026-27). Check the date on your renewal notice.
- Written notice of a notifiable incidentRequired by law
Notify WorkSafe straight away, preserve the site, and send written notice within 48 hours.
Depending on your work
If you work at heights (roofs, scaffolding, elevated platforms, balconies)
- Working at HeightsUsually asked for
Training for work where you could fall, such as roofs, scaffolds and elevated platforms. Good practice, not a licence.
If you contract directly with home owners for jobs over $10,000
- Domestic Builder (Limited) Registration – Carpentry (BPC)Required by law
Needed to take on carpentry for a home owner under a contract over $10,000, counting materials and labour. A limited class of domestic builder registration (Building and Plumbing Commission).
Checked against the Building and Plumbing Commission register.
If you operate boom lifts over 11m, forklifts, scaffolding, rigging or dogging
- High Risk Work Licence (WorkSafe)Usually asked for
Boom EWP 11m+, forklift, scaffolding, rigging or dogging. Renews every 5 years; sight it before they operate.
If you employ staff or apprentices
- WorkCoverRequired by law
Required once you pay more than $7,500 a year in wages, or employ any apprentice or trainee (WorkSafe Victoria). Register within 60 days.
- Fair Work Information StatementRequired by law
Give every new employee the Fair Work Information Statement before they start, or as soon as possible after (Fair Work Ombudsman).
Roofer
12 things apply to every Victorian business in this trade. More depend on the work you take on.
Every business in this trade
Licences and registrations
- Roofing (Stormwater) Licence (BPC)Required by law
Metal roofing, flashings and gutters are plumbing work in Victoria.
Checked against the Building and Plumbing Commission register.
Insurance
- Public Liability InsuranceRequired by law
Every licensed plumber must hold at least $5m public and products liability (Licensed Plumbers General Insurance Order). That includes roofing (stormwater) licence holders.
- Warranty InsuranceRequired by law
Licensed plumbers must hold warranty insurance for defective or incomplete work, covering each job for 6 years after it's finished (Licensed Plumbers General Insurance Order). That includes roofing (stormwater) licence holders.
Tickets and training
- CPR/First AidUsually asked for
A current CPR or first aid certificate. Not a licence, and not required by law for the trade, but builders and sites often ask to see one.
- Working at HeightsUsually asked for
Critical for roofing
- Fall Protection CertOptional
A training record for using fall protection, such as harnesses and anchor points. Good practice, not a licence.
- White CardOptional
Construction induction card. Good practice on home jobs, and mandatory on commercial sites. Doesn't expire, but must be redone after 2+ years out of construction work. In Victoria the course must be done face to face.
Dates and paperwork
- LeavePlus quarterly returnBy law, if it applies to you
Construction employers' portable long service leave (called CoINVEST until August 2023). Workers' days and wages due 14 days after each quarter ends; the charge is 2.7% of ordinary pay.
- Taxable Payments Annual Report (TPAR)By law, if it applies to you
Payments to contractors for building and construction work. Due 28 August.
- WorkCover remuneration declarationBy law, if it applies to you
24 October if last year's wages were over $200,000; otherwise about 20 March. Use the date on your renewal notice.
- WorkCover premium (pay in full for the discount)By law, if it applies to you
3% off if paid in full by 1 October (2026-27). Check the date on your renewal notice.
- Written notice of a notifiable incidentRequired by law
Notify WorkSafe straight away, preserve the site, and send written notice within 48 hours.
Depending on your work
If your work includes: Plumbing work
- Plumbing compliance certificateRequired by law
Give it to the customer and lodge it with the BPC within 5 days of finishing.
If you contract directly with home owners for jobs over $10,000
- Domestic Builder (Limited) Registration – Roof Tiling (BPC)Required by law
Needed to take on roof tiling for a home owner under a contract over $10,000. A limited class of domestic builder registration (Building and Plumbing Commission).
Checked against the Building and Plumbing Commission register.
If you operate boom lifts over 11m, forklifts, scaffolding, rigging or dogging
- High Risk Work Licence (WorkSafe)Usually asked for
Boom EWP 11m+, forklift, scaffolding, rigging or dogging. Renews every 5 years; sight it before they operate.
If you employ staff or apprentices
- WorkCoverRequired by law
Required once you pay more than $7,500 a year in wages, or employ any apprentice or trainee (WorkSafe Victoria). Register within 60 days.
- Fair Work Information StatementRequired by law
Give every new employee the Fair Work Information Statement before they start, or as soon as possible after (Fair Work Ombudsman).
Waterproofer
8 things apply to every Victorian business in this trade. More depend on the work you take on.
Every business in this trade
Insurance
- Public Liability InsuranceUsually asked for
Not required by law for this trade, but builders and most customers ask for it, commonly $10m to $20m.
Tickets and training
- White CardUsually asked for
Construction induction card. Good practice on home jobs, and mandatory on commercial sites. Doesn't expire, but must be redone after 2+ years out of construction work. In Victoria the course must be done face to face.
- CPR/First AidUsually asked for
A current CPR or first aid certificate. Not a licence, and not required by law for the trade, but builders and sites often ask to see one.
Dates and paperwork
- LeavePlus quarterly returnBy law, if it applies to you
Construction employers' portable long service leave (called CoINVEST until August 2023). Workers' days and wages due 14 days after each quarter ends; the charge is 2.7% of ordinary pay.
- Taxable Payments Annual Report (TPAR)By law, if it applies to you
Payments to contractors for building and construction work. Due 28 August.
- WorkCover remuneration declarationBy law, if it applies to you
24 October if last year's wages were over $200,000; otherwise about 20 March. Use the date on your renewal notice.
- WorkCover premium (pay in full for the discount)By law, if it applies to you
3% off if paid in full by 1 October (2026-27). Check the date on your renewal notice.
- Written notice of a notifiable incidentRequired by law
Notify WorkSafe straight away, preserve the site, and send written notice within 48 hours.
Depending on your work
If your work includes: Internal wet areas (AS 3740)
- Waterproofing certificateUsually asked for
Building surveyors usually ask for it at the final inspection, and it's your evidence if a leak claim comes later. Keep it 10 years.
If your work includes: Balconies, roofs, podiums, planters (AS 4654.2)
- Waterproofing certificateUsually asked for
Building surveyors usually ask for it at the final inspection, and it's your evidence if a leak claim comes later. Keep it 10 years.
If your work includes: Basements and below-ground (to the design)
- Waterproofing certificateUsually asked for
Building surveyors usually ask for it at the final inspection, and it's your evidence if a leak claim comes later. Keep it 10 years.
If you work at heights (roofs, scaffolding, elevated platforms, balconies)
- Working at HeightsUsually asked for
Training for work where you could fall, such as roofs, scaffolds and elevated platforms. Good practice, not a licence.
If you contract directly with home owners for jobs over $10,000
- Domestic Builder (Limited) Registration – Waterproofing (BPC)Required by law
The $10,000 threshold rises to $20,000 when the Building and Plumbing Administration and Enforcement Act 2026 starts (by 1 Dec 2027).
Checked against the Building and Plumbing Commission register.
If you contract for commercial work that needs a building permit
- Commercial Builder (Limited) Registration – Waterproofing (BPC)Required by law
Needed to contract for commercial waterproofing work that needs a building permit. A limited class of commercial builder registration (Building and Plumbing Commission).
Checked against the Building and Plumbing Commission register.
If you work in tanks, pits or other confined spaces
- Confined Space EntryUsually asked for
Training for working in confined spaces, such as tanks and pits. Good practice, not a licence.
If you operate boom lifts over 11m, forklifts, scaffolding, rigging or dogging
- High Risk Work Licence (WorkSafe)Usually asked for
Boom EWP 11m+, forklift, scaffolding, rigging or dogging. Renews every 5 years; sight it before they operate.
If you employ staff or apprentices
- WorkCoverRequired by law
Required once you pay more than $7,500 a year in wages, or employ any apprentice or trainee (WorkSafe Victoria). Register within 60 days.
- Fair Work Information StatementRequired by law
Give every new employee the Fair Work Information Statement before they start, or as soon as possible after (Fair Work Ombudsman).
Refrigeration and air conditioning
7 things apply to every Victorian business in this trade. More depend on the work you take on.
Every business in this trade
Licences and registrations
- Refrigerant Handling Licence (ARC)Required by law
Australian Refrigeration Council. Personal licence, 1- or 3-year term.
Checked against the Australian Refrigeration Council register.
Insurance
- Public Liability InsuranceUsually asked for
Not required by law for this trade, but builders and most customers ask for it, commonly $10m to $20m.
Dates and paperwork
- LeavePlus quarterly returnBy law, if it applies to you
Construction employers' portable long service leave (called CoINVEST until August 2023). Workers' days and wages due 14 days after each quarter ends; the charge is 2.7% of ordinary pay.
- Taxable Payments Annual Report (TPAR)By law, if it applies to you
Payments to contractors for building and construction work. Due 28 August.
- WorkCover remuneration declarationBy law, if it applies to you
24 October if last year's wages were over $200,000; otherwise about 20 March. Use the date on your renewal notice.
- WorkCover premium (pay in full for the discount)By law, if it applies to you
3% off if paid in full by 1 October (2026-27). Check the date on your renewal notice.
- Written notice of a notifiable incidentRequired by law
Notify WorkSafe straight away, preserve the site, and send written notice within 48 hours.
Depending on your work
If your work includes: Plumbing work
- Plumbing compliance certificateRequired by law
Give it to the customer and lodge it with the BPC within 5 days of finishing.
If your work includes: Cooling towers
- Plumbing compliance certificateRequired by law
Give it to the customer and lodge it with the BPC within 5 days of finishing.
If you buy, store or dispose of bulk refrigerant
- Refrigerant Trading Authorisation (ARC)Required by law
Business authorisation. Not needed for pre-charged split systems only.
Checked against the Australian Refrigeration Council register.
If you operate boom lifts over 11m, forklifts, scaffolding, rigging or dogging
- High Risk Work Licence (WorkSafe)Usually asked for
Boom EWP 11m+, forklift, scaffolding, rigging or dogging. Renews every 5 years; sight it before they operate.
If you employ staff or apprentices
- WorkCoverRequired by law
Required once you pay more than $7,500 a year in wages, or employ any apprentice or trainee (WorkSafe Victoria). Register within 60 days.
- Fair Work Information StatementRequired by law
Give every new employee the Fair Work Information Statement before they start, or as soon as possible after (Fair Work Ombudsman).
Solar installer
8 things apply to every Victorian business in this trade. More depend on the work you take on.
Every business in this trade
Licences and registrations
- A-grade Electrician LicenceRequired by law
Victoria has no separate solar installer licence; the wiring is electrical work.
Checked against the Energy Safe Victoria register.
- Solar Accreditation Australia (SAA) AccreditationRequired by law
Replaced Clean Energy Council accreditation in 2024. Renews every 3 years; 100 CPD points a year.
Checked against the Solar Accreditation Australia register.
Insurance
- Public Liability InsuranceRequired by law
Contracting for the electrical work needs REC registration, and an REC must hold at least $5m public liability (Energy Safe Victoria).
Dates and paperwork
- LeavePlus quarterly returnBy law, if it applies to you
Construction employers' portable long service leave (called CoINVEST until August 2023). Workers' days and wages due 14 days after each quarter ends; the charge is 2.7% of ordinary pay.
- Taxable Payments Annual Report (TPAR)By law, if it applies to you
Payments to contractors for building and construction work. Due 28 August.
- WorkCover remuneration declarationBy law, if it applies to you
24 October if last year's wages were over $200,000; otherwise about 20 March. Use the date on your renewal notice.
- WorkCover premium (pay in full for the discount)By law, if it applies to you
3% off if paid in full by 1 October (2026-27). Check the date on your renewal notice.
- Written notice of a notifiable incidentRequired by law
Notify WorkSafe straight away, preserve the site, and send written notice within 48 hours.
Depending on your work
If your work includes: Electrical installation work
- Certificate of Electrical SafetyRequired by law
Copies to the customer within 1 month of finishing.
If your work includes: Prescribed electrical work
- Certificate of Electrical Safety (prescribed work)Required by law
Inspected within 8 business days; the certificate within 4 business days of that; the customer's copy within 16 days.
If you operate boom lifts over 11m, forklifts, scaffolding, rigging or dogging
- High Risk Work Licence (WorkSafe)Usually asked for
Boom EWP 11m+, forklift, scaffolding, rigging or dogging. Renews every 5 years; sight it before they operate.
If you employ staff or apprentices
- WorkCoverRequired by law
Required once you pay more than $7,500 a year in wages, or employ any apprentice or trainee (WorkSafe Victoria). Register within 60 days.
- Fair Work Information StatementRequired by law
Give every new employee the Fair Work Information Statement before they start, or as soon as possible after (Fair Work Ombudsman).
Plasterer
8 things apply to every Victorian business in this trade. More depend on the work you take on.
Every business in this trade
Insurance
- Public Liability InsuranceUsually asked for
Not required by law for this trade, but builders and most customers ask for it, commonly $10m to $20m.
Tickets and training
- White CardUsually asked for
Construction induction card. Good practice on home jobs, and mandatory on commercial sites. Doesn't expire, but must be redone after 2+ years out of construction work. In Victoria the course must be done face to face.
- CPR/First AidUsually asked for
A current CPR or first aid certificate. Not a licence, and not required by law for the trade, but builders and sites often ask to see one.
Dates and paperwork
- LeavePlus quarterly returnBy law, if it applies to you
Construction employers' portable long service leave (called CoINVEST until August 2023). Workers' days and wages due 14 days after each quarter ends; the charge is 2.7% of ordinary pay.
- Taxable Payments Annual Report (TPAR)By law, if it applies to you
Payments to contractors for building and construction work. Due 28 August.
- WorkCover remuneration declarationBy law, if it applies to you
24 October if last year's wages were over $200,000; otherwise about 20 March. Use the date on your renewal notice.
- WorkCover premium (pay in full for the discount)By law, if it applies to you
3% off if paid in full by 1 October (2026-27). Check the date on your renewal notice.
- Written notice of a notifiable incidentRequired by law
Notify WorkSafe straight away, preserve the site, and send written notice within 48 hours.
Depending on your work
If you work at heights (roofs, scaffolding, elevated platforms, balconies)
- Working at HeightsUsually asked for
Training for work where you could fall, such as roofs, scaffolds and elevated platforms. Good practice, not a licence.
If you operate boom lifts over 11m, forklifts, scaffolding, rigging or dogging
- High Risk Work Licence (WorkSafe)Usually asked for
Boom EWP 11m+, forklift, scaffolding, rigging or dogging. Renews every 5 years; sight it before they operate.
If you employ staff or apprentices
- WorkCoverRequired by law
Required once you pay more than $7,500 a year in wages, or employ any apprentice or trainee (WorkSafe Victoria). Register within 60 days.
- Fair Work Information StatementRequired by law
Give every new employee the Fair Work Information Statement before they start, or as soon as possible after (Fair Work Ombudsman).
Painter
8 things apply to every Victorian business in this trade. More depend on the work you take on.
Every business in this trade
Insurance
- Public Liability InsuranceUsually asked for
Not required by law for this trade, but builders and most customers ask for it, commonly $10m to $20m.
Tickets and training
- White CardUsually asked for
Construction induction card. Good practice on home jobs, and mandatory on commercial sites. Doesn't expire, but must be redone after 2+ years out of construction work. In Victoria the course must be done face to face.
- CPR/First AidUsually asked for
A current CPR or first aid certificate. Not a licence, and not required by law for the trade, but builders and sites often ask to see one.
Dates and paperwork
- LeavePlus quarterly returnBy law, if it applies to you
Construction employers' portable long service leave (called CoINVEST until August 2023). Workers' days and wages due 14 days after each quarter ends; the charge is 2.7% of ordinary pay.
- Taxable Payments Annual Report (TPAR)By law, if it applies to you
Payments to contractors for building and construction work. Due 28 August.
- WorkCover remuneration declarationBy law, if it applies to you
24 October if last year's wages were over $200,000; otherwise about 20 March. Use the date on your renewal notice.
- WorkCover premium (pay in full for the discount)By law, if it applies to you
3% off if paid in full by 1 October (2026-27). Check the date on your renewal notice.
- Written notice of a notifiable incidentRequired by law
Notify WorkSafe straight away, preserve the site, and send written notice within 48 hours.
Depending on your work
If you work at heights (roofs, scaffolding, elevated platforms, balconies)
- Working at HeightsUsually asked for
Training for work where you could fall, such as roofs, scaffolds and elevated platforms. Good practice, not a licence.
If you work on pre-1990 buildings
- Lead Paint Removal CertUsually asked for
Lead-risk work must be notified to WorkSafe within 7 days of being identified.
If you operate boom lifts over 11m, forklifts, scaffolding, rigging or dogging
- High Risk Work Licence (WorkSafe)Usually asked for
Boom EWP 11m+, forklift, scaffolding, rigging or dogging. Renews every 5 years; sight it before they operate.
If you employ staff or apprentices
- WorkCoverRequired by law
Required once you pay more than $7,500 a year in wages, or employ any apprentice or trainee (WorkSafe Victoria). Register within 60 days.
- Fair Work Information StatementRequired by law
Give every new employee the Fair Work Information Statement before they start, or as soon as possible after (Fair Work Ombudsman).
Landscaper
7 things apply to every Victorian business in this trade. More depend on the work you take on.
Every business in this trade
Insurance
- Public Liability InsuranceUsually asked for
Not required by law for this trade, but builders and most customers ask for it, commonly $10m to $20m.
Tickets and training
- CPR/First AidUsually asked for
A current CPR or first aid certificate. Not a licence, and not required by law for the trade, but builders and sites often ask to see one.
Dates and paperwork
- LeavePlus quarterly returnBy law, if it applies to you
Construction employers' portable long service leave (called CoINVEST until August 2023). Workers' days and wages due 14 days after each quarter ends; the charge is 2.7% of ordinary pay.
- Taxable Payments Annual Report (TPAR)By law, if it applies to you
Payments to contractors for building and construction work. Due 28 August.
- WorkCover remuneration declarationBy law, if it applies to you
24 October if last year's wages were over $200,000; otherwise about 20 March. Use the date on your renewal notice.
- WorkCover premium (pay in full for the discount)By law, if it applies to you
3% off if paid in full by 1 October (2026-27). Check the date on your renewal notice.
- Written notice of a notifiable incidentRequired by law
Notify WorkSafe straight away, preserve the site, and send written notice within 48 hours.
Depending on your work
If you contract directly with home owners for jobs over $10,000
- Domestic Builder (Limited) Registration – Structural Landscaping (BPC)Required by law
General landscaping is unlicensed. Retaining walls over about 1m usually also need a building permit.
Checked against the Building and Plumbing Commission register.
If you work on building or construction sites
- White CardUsually asked for
Construction induction card. Good practice on home jobs, and mandatory on commercial sites. Doesn't expire, but must be redone after 2+ years out of construction work. In Victoria the course must be done face to face.
If you apply herbicides or pesticides
- Chemical Handling Cert (ChemCert)Usually asked for
Training in handling and applying garden and weed-control chemicals. Good practice, not a licence.
If you operate boom lifts over 11m, forklifts, scaffolding, rigging or dogging
- High Risk Work Licence (WorkSafe)Usually asked for
Boom EWP 11m+, forklift, scaffolding, rigging or dogging. Renews every 5 years; sight it before they operate.
If you employ staff or apprentices
- WorkCoverRequired by law
Required once you pay more than $7,500 a year in wages, or employ any apprentice or trainee (WorkSafe Victoria). Register within 60 days.
- Fair Work Information StatementRequired by law
Give every new employee the Fair Work Information Statement before they start, or as soon as possible after (Fair Work Ombudsman).
Building designer
8 things apply to every Victorian business in this trade. More depend on the work you take on.
Every business in this trade
Licences and registrations
- Building Practitioner Registration – Building Designer (BPC)Required by law
Renews every 5 years, with an annual fee and insurance evidence each year.
Checked against the Building and Plumbing Commission register.
Insurance
- Professional Indemnity InsuranceRequired by law
Registered building designers must hold professional indemnity insurance (Building Practitioners' Insurance Ministerial Order).
Tickets and training
- Design Matters National CPD AccreditationUsually asked for
Deadline tracking, not hours tracking
Dates and paperwork
- LeavePlus quarterly returnBy law, if it applies to you
Construction employers' portable long service leave (called CoINVEST until August 2023). Workers' days and wages due 14 days after each quarter ends; the charge is 2.7% of ordinary pay.
- Taxable Payments Annual Report (TPAR)By law, if it applies to you
Payments to contractors for building and construction work. Due 28 August.
- WorkCover remuneration declarationBy law, if it applies to you
24 October if last year's wages were over $200,000; otherwise about 20 March. Use the date on your renewal notice.
- WorkCover premium (pay in full for the discount)By law, if it applies to you
3% off if paid in full by 1 October (2026-27). Check the date on your renewal notice.
- Written notice of a notifiable incidentRequired by law
Notify WorkSafe straight away, preserve the site, and send written notice within 48 hours.
Depending on your work
If you operate boom lifts over 11m, forklifts, scaffolding, rigging or dogging
- High Risk Work Licence (WorkSafe)Usually asked for
Boom EWP 11m+, forklift, scaffolding, rigging or dogging. Renews every 5 years; sight it before they operate.
If you employ staff or apprentices
- WorkCoverRequired by law
Required once you pay more than $7,500 a year in wages, or employ any apprentice or trainee (WorkSafe Victoria). Register within 60 days.
- Fair Work Information StatementRequired by law
Give every new employee the Fair Work Information Statement before they start, or as soon as possible after (Fair Work Ombudsman).