Choosing a tradesperson
Access Canberra is responsible for enforcing the Australian Consumer Law (ACT).
Access Canberra:
- assists and protects the community by administering consumer laws
- registers businesses and monitors compliance
- helps businesses to comply with their obligations
- informs businesses and consumers to ensure they can confidently trade or make purchases.
Read about fair trading and consumer rights.
When you hire a tradesperson – often referred to as a ‘tradie’ – you should check they are appropriately licenced and insured to do the work.
You can also check if Access Canberra has:
- issued a public warning about them
- issued an enforceable undertaking
- taken disciplinary action against them.
Check for licences
Some tradies need a valid licence to work in the ACT.
Access Canberra maintains the public registers for all business licences.
Search for the tradie or their business on the relevant public register.
Check for insurance
Also ask to see a certificate of currency for public liability insurance.
This type of insurance protects you and third parties against any damage the tradie may cause.
Record contact details
Make sure you know your tradie's details before signing a contract just in case anything goes wrong. It is your right to know:
- their full name, not just their first name
- their physical address, not just a post office box)
- their registered business name and their Australian Business Number (ABN).
Search to see if your tradie has an ABN on the Australian Business Register website.
Get multiple quotes and don’t feel pressured
You’re under no obligation to accept a quote. You can get as many quotes as you like to find one you believe is good value.
Only pay when the job is complete and ask for an itemised invoice.
Find a builder or tradesperson
You can find lists of trades people in the public registers on our website.
Explore our public registers to find a tradesperson, including:
- building and pest inspections
- building and pest inspectors
- gas appliance workers
- licensed architects
- licensed builders
- licensed building assessors
- licensed certifiers
- licensed drainers
- licensed electricians
- licensed gasfitters
- licensed plumbers
- licensed work assessors
- registered land surveyors
You can find an Asbestos tradesperson on the Worksafe ACT public registers.
Make a complaint
Access Canberra is your first point of contact for advice or to raise consumer concerns and complaints about a business, product or service.
We will work with involved parties to resolve the matter on behalf of consumers.
Please note we can’t provide legal advice or assist in business-to-business disputes.