Yes. Under section 47 of the Construction Occupations (Licensing) Act 2004, an ACT construction occupations licensee working for a client must show the client their insurance, even if the client has not asked for it, according to the City and Environment Directorate - Planning. Access Canberra recommends asking to see a certificate of currency for public liability insurance. Figures checked 1 October 2026.
What does the duty mean for an ACT plumber?
Plumbers are covered by the ACT construction occupations licensing scheme. When a licensee works for a client, the section 47 duty applies automatically: the client does not need to ask to see the insurance first.
The licensing guidance refers generally to showing a client their insurance. For practical consumer checks, Access Canberra separately recommends requesting a certificate of currency specifically for public liability insurance. These are related points, but the broad licensing duty should not be confused with a statement that one certificate is the only document that may be relevant.
How can I check that the plumber is properly licensed?
Access Canberra’s construction occupations public registers cover licensed plumbers and other construction practitioners. Use the register to:
- Search for the individual or their business.
- Confirm that the licence is current and appropriate for the proposed work.
- Review any endorsements, conditions or restrictions attached to the licence.
- Check whether the status is expired, suspended, surrendered or cancelled.
- Look under the “Details” tab for any disciplinary action, where applicable.
Access Canberra also says consumers can check whether it has issued a public warning, made an enforceable undertaking or taken disciplinary action against a tradesperson. If the search result is unclear, ask the plumber for their full licence details rather than assuming the registration is correct.
What should I ask for as insurance evidence?
Ask to see a certificate of currency for public liability insurance. This provides a practical basis for checking that cover exists, while a public register search remains a separate licensing check.
The certificate should be considered alongside the job description and the policy’s Product Disclosure Statement, or PDS. Check the PDS for the detailed scope of cover, conditions and exclusions; a licence search cannot replace that document review.
What does public liability insurance generally protect?
Access Canberra describes public liability insurance as protection for consumers and third parties against damage the tradesperson may cause. That is a general description rather than a promise that every loss will be covered. The policy’s PDS sets out the detailed terms that apply to the insured work.
What details should I check before signing a contract?
Before signing, Access Canberra says you have the right to know the plumber’s:
- full name, rather than only a first name;
- physical address, rather than only a post office box;
- registered business name; and
- Australian Business Number.
You can use the Australian Business Register to check whether the plumber has an ABN.
What should I do if something does not match?
Access Canberra is the first point of contact for consumer advice or for raising concerns about a business, product or service. It can work with the involved parties to resolve consumer matters, but it does not provide legal advice or assist with business-to-business disputes.
For licensing questions, the Construction and Work Place Licensing team can be contacted on 02 6207 8096 or at cwpl@act.gov.au.
This is general information, not financial or legal advice. Check the current regulator guidance and the policy’s PDS before relying on an insurance certificate or making a decision.
Sources
- Responsibilities - City and Environment Directorate - Planning
- Choosing a tradesperson - Access Canberra
FAQ
Does the duty apply if I never ask to see insurance?
Yes. Section 47 applies when a construction occupations licensee works for a client, even if the client has not requested insurance evidence.
Does a current licence entry prove that the plumber has public liability insurance?
No. A public register search checks licensing information, including status and restrictions. Request a public liability certificate of currency as a separate supporting check.
What does public liability insurance generally cover?
Access Canberra describes it as protecting consumers and third parties against damage the tradesperson may cause. The precise cover depends on the policy terms in the PDS.
What if the licence details or insurance evidence do not match?
Ask the plumber to clarify the mismatch before relying on the details. Access Canberra is the first contact for consumer advice or complaints about a business, product or service.
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