Licensing

In New South Wales a painter must be licensed if he/she contracts, sub-contracts or advertises to do residential painting where the reasonable market cost of the labour and building materials is more than $1000. Licenses are issued by the Department of Fair Trading NSW.

In Queensland, the Building Services Authority (BSA) is a government body set up to license contractors and protect consumers against defective work. The BSA has the power to direct a contractor to rectify defects and can prosecute, fine and/or remove a contractors license banning the contractor from the building industry for a set period or for life. A license is required if the painting work is valued at over $3300 including labor and materials. The contractor must also complete a Business Management Course for Trade Contractors.

To obtain these licenses, the painter must hold a recognised qualification, such as Certificate III Painting and Decorating. Painters can obtain this qualification by completing a painting apprenticeship, or by having their existing skills assessed to this qualification.

In Western Australia registration of painters is carried out by the Building Commission. Having the Certificate III Painting and Decorating qualification can help you get registered. You also need to complete the Painters Registration Course

In South Australia, the licensing system is administered by the Office of Business and Consumer Affairs. You need to either have Certificate III Painting and Decorating, have recent work experience, and complete a business management course

No licensing requirements currently apply for painters in Tasmania, ACT, NT or Victoria, but this is currently under review.

The National Institute of Painting and Decorating is conducting a survey to create a model for national licensing of painting contractors. This model will be presented to the National Occupational Licensing Authority.