✅ Updated 2026 — Queensland specific

Queensland's building and construction licensing is managed by the QBCC, with specific requirements that differ significantly from other states. Here's what QLD tradies need to know.

📋 In This Article

  1. →QBCC licences
  2. →Queensland grants
  3. →Tax deductions for QLD tradies
  4. →WorkCover Queensland
  5. →FAQs

QBCC Licences — Queensland Building and Construction Commission

In Queensland, all building and trade licences are issued by the QBCC (Queensland Building and Construction Commission). This covers:

  • Builder — Low Rise, Medium Rise, Open — depending on the scale of work
  • Trade contractor licences — carpentry, concreting, bricklaying, tiling, painting and more
  • Hydraulic services — for plumbers and drainers
  • Electrical contractors — licensed through the Electrical Safety Office (ESO)
  • Air conditioning and refrigeration — contractor licence through QBCC

Apply and renew at qbcc.qld.gov.au. QBCC licence fees are tax deductible.

Queensland also requires all licencees to meet Minimum Financial Requirements (MFR) — you must demonstrate sufficient net tangible assets for your licence category. This is reviewed annually and is a key compliance requirement unique to QLD.

Queensland Government Grants

  • Business Queensland — business.qld.gov.au lists current grants and programs for small businesses
  • Queensland Apprenticeships — employer incentives for taking on apprentices in the construction industry
  • Disaster Recovery grants — QLD tradies may be eligible for disaster recovery grants after cyclones, floods and other events

Tax Deductions — QLD Specific

  • QBCC licence fees — fully tax deductible
  • QBCC Home Warranty Insurance — required for residential work over $3,300, tax deductible
  • WorkCover Queensland premiums — deductible for employers
  • Go Between Bridge, Gateway Motorway, Legacy Way tolls — Brisbane tradies, keep your e-tag records for deductible work travel

WorkCover Queensland

In Queensland, workers compensation is managed by WorkCover Queensland. All employers must register. Premiums are based on industry and wages — typically 2–6% for construction trades. Fully tax deductible.

What are QBCC Minimum Financial Requirements?

QBCC requires all licenced contractors to maintain minimum net tangible assets (NTA) relative to their annual turnover. The ratio varies by licence class. You must demonstrate compliance annually. Failure to meet MFR can result in licence suspension. Talk to your accountant about maintaining your NTA position — this is unique to Queensland and catches many tradies off guard.