As the end of the year is here, builders and tradies across Australia start juggling a long list of competing priorities. There are project deadlines to hit, progress claims to finalise, invoices to issue, administration tasks to wrap up, and planning for the year ahead. Many are also doing their best to clear the decks before taking a well-earned break with family over Christmas and New Year.
With so much happening, lodging or updating a licence application can easily fall to the bottom of the list. Whether you’re preparing your first licence application, updating your licence class or company structure, or wanting to start the process with a licensing consultation, this time of year always adds extra pressure.
The final week of the calendar year is historically the busiest for applicants, regulators and us! Many of our clients aim to finalise their licensing matters before the Christmas shutdown period, because of this, anyone wishing to submit an application you probably need to shelve it until 1 January. We can still provide guidance and you should begin the process now to get a move on for 2026.
At Construction Licensing, we understand the pressures of the EOY period. Here are some practical reasons why it’s important to get moving now and carve out some time, over the break to tackle for the New Year.
Government Processing Times Extend Over Christmas/New Year
From our experience, all state and territory regulators, operate with significantly reduced staffing across late December and early January. Their staff need a break too!
Applications lodged close to and over the break may not be triaged or reviewed until late January or early February.
If you have upcoming work that requires a licence outcome, this delay can create unnecessary complications—particularly where contracts, supervision obligations or business operations depend on having the correct licence in place.
Preparing early is the best way to avoid these delays.
Preparing a Licence Application Takes Time (More Than Many Expect)
A robust licence application cannot be put together in a day. Whether you are applying for a builders licence, trade contractor licence, site supervisor licence or company licence, the process involves comprehensive due diligence before submitting the licence application. Depending on the level of licence class that you are seeking, the process can include:
- Reviewing qualifications, transcripts and statements of attainment
- Ensuring your business structure, ASIC details and insurable work align with legislative requirements
- Completing and reviewing multiple licence application forms and declarations
- Confirming compliance with licence class eligibility requirements
Each of these steps takes time, and many involve third parties such as former employers, RTOs, accountants or referees—many of whom become harder to reach at this time of year.
If You Need a Licence Outcome Early in 2026, You Must Start Now
If your business, upcoming projects or contracting arrangements require a licence outcome early in the New Year, it is important that you begin now. The combination of:
- Application preparation time
- Regulator slow-downs
- Holiday closures
- Third-party response delays
- Document accuracy checks
…means that starting late or rushed may significantly increases the likelihood of delays or requests for further information.
Beginning the process now gives you the best chance of avoiding unnecessary setbacks and ensures your application is ready for assessment as soon as possible. If you are seeking a Builders Licence, depending on how far you have prepared your documentation, an Initial Licensing Consultation with us can plot through the next steps against the eligibility requirements.
If you have already got your paperwork together, we would recommend a Lodge=-Ready Review Consultation. Ideal for Our Clients Who Say: “I Just Want Someone to Check It.”
What You Should Do Now
If you know you’ll need a licence application prepared, reviewed or lodged before the end of the year, the following steps will help ensure a smooth process:
- For Builders – Book your initial consultation early – January fills quickly for both applicants and consultants.
- Begin gathering documents now – waiting until the last minute can make evidence collection difficult.
- Allow time for proper review and quality assurance – rushed applications are more likely to be delayed.
- Be aware of regulator processing slow-downs – lodging as soon as possible is always preferable.
Taking these steps early helps reduce stress, avoid last-minute issues and ensure your application is complete, compliant and ready for assessment.
Final Thoughts
Construction Licensing is often one of the many tasks competing for attention. With careful planning and early action, you can avoid delays, meet your business needs and head into the future with your licensing obligations under control.
If you need guidance on the relevant timeframes or requirements for your licence application, Construction Licensing can help you understand the steps involved and what is required by your State Government Licensing Authority.
