Occupational Licensing Amendment Bill 2026 passes the House of Assembly

The Tasmanian Government’s legislation to crack down on dodgy builders has passed the House of Assembly.

Minister for Small Business, Trade and Consumer Affairs, Guy Barnett, said the Occupational Licensing Amendment Bill 2026 delivers on an important election commitment.

“This Bill improves consumer protections for people building homes across the State by providing stronger powers to crack down on dodgy operators,” Minister Barnett said.

“The vast majority of tradespeople working in Tasmania’s building industry are highly skilled and work to high standards. These reforms protect Tasmanians but also the industry as a whole from the few who do the wrong thing.

“These important reforms will close loopholes and ensure licence holders maintain high standards.”

One of the key issues addressed by the Bill is illegal phoenixing, where building companies unfairly avoid paying debts, only to reappear under a new name.

This practice impacts consumers, subcontractors, and workers, often leaving them with no way to recover lost funds.

“Our Government’s priority is to see more homes built as quickly as possible,” Minister Barnett said.

"Strengthening confidence and certainty in the building and construction sector through reforms such as these is important for the delivery of new homes across Tasmania.

“These reforms are designed to ensure Tasmanians will have greater confidence in the integrity of the building industry."