Occupational Licensing Amendment Bill 2026 tabled in Parliament

The Tasmanian Government’s legislation to crack down on dodgy builders has been tabled today in Parliament.

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

“This Bill improves consumer protections for people building homes across the State provides 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 hold licence holders to higher 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.