Do arborists need a licence in Australia?
No state or territory issues a licence for tree pruning, tree removal or stump grinding. Work near power lines is different: it must be done by trained workers authorised under the electricity network's rules.
Licence by state
| State | Licence needed? | Licence and who issues it | Check a licence |
|---|---|---|---|
| NSWNew South Wales | No | No state licence for tree pruning, removal or stump grinding Network operator (e.g. Ausgrid) for work near power lines No licence for general tree work. Near Ausgrid lines, trimming must be done by accredited workers; ask for proof, plus qualification and insurance. |
Ask the regulator |
| VICVictoria | No | No state licence for general tree work Energy Safe Victoria (rules for work near power lines) No licence for general tree work. Near power lines, workers must be suitably trained, qualified and authorised; keep the 3 m No Go Zone. |
Ask the regulator |
| QLDQueensland | No | No QBCC licence for tree work Electricity entity (Energex or Ergon Energy) for work near power lines No licence for general tree work. For work near power lines, ask the network (Energex or Ergon Energy) first. |
Ask the regulator |
| WAWestern Australia | No | No state licence for general tree work WA Government Building and Energy (vegetation work near power lines code) No licence for general tree work. Near power lines, workers must be trained and authorised under a mandatory code of practice. |
Ask the regulator |
| SASouth Australia | No | No state licence for general tree work SA Power Networks (network operator) No licence for general tree work. Residents must keep clearance zones around private supply lines; call SA Power Networks on 13 12 61 about work near lines. |
Ask the regulator |
| TASTasmania | No | No state licence for general tree work TasNetworks (network operator) No licence for general tree work. Only Authorised Service Providers may work within 1 metre of TasNetworks assets; TasNetworks publishes a contractor list. |
Ask the regulator |
| ACTAustralian Capital Territory | No | No territory licence for general tree work Evoenergy (network operator) No licence for general tree work. Trees grown past the minimum distance from power lines must be trimmed by an accredited arborist. |
Ask the regulator |
| NTNorthern Territory | No | No territory licence for general tree work Power and Water Corporation (network operator) No licence for general tree work. Before trimming near power lines, call Power and Water on 1800 245 092 or a qualified arborist. |
Ask the regulator |
Jobs that need an extra licence
Hiring? How to check a licence
- Ask for the arborist's qualification and the name on it.
- Ask for a current public liability insurance certificate.
- If the tree is near power lines, ask for proof they are authorised by your electricity network.
- Check with your council whether the tree needs a permit before work starts.
- Get a written quote that says what will be removed, including stump grinding and green waste.
Find local businesses: Tree FellingArborists
On ServiceTasker, a business uploads its licence and our team checks it before a licence badge shows on its profile. You see what it holds, never the number or the document.
For businesses: how to get this licence
- Qualify: no licence is needed for general tree work; most arborists hold a Certificate III or higher in Arboriculture.
- Experience: build climbing and chainsaw experience under a qualified arborist.
- Documents: hold public liability insurance and workers compensation for staff.
- Apply to your state (links below) only if you will work near power lines: get the network operator's authorisation and the required training.
- Licensed in another state? Power line authorisation is set by each network, so check with the network where you will work.
| State | Who issues it | Apply here (official) | Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|
| NSW | Network operator (e.g. Ausgrid) for work near power lines | Ask the regulator | Requirements |
| VIC | Energy Safe Victoria (rules for work near power lines) | Ask the regulator | Requirements |
| QLD | Electricity entity (Energex or Ergon Energy) for work near power lines | Ask the regulator | - |
| WA | WA Government Building and Energy (vegetation work near power lines code) | Ask the regulator | Requirements |
| SA | SA Power Networks (network operator) | Ask the regulator | Requirements |
| TAS | TasNetworks (network operator) | Ask the regulator | Requirements |
| ACT | Evoenergy (network operator) | Ask the regulator | Requirements |
| NT | Power and Water Corporation (network operator) | Ask the regulator | - |
Last checked: 12 November 2026. General information only, not legal advice. Rules, fees and forms change: always check with the regulator in your state before you hire or apply. Some details could not be confirmed online and are left out; the regulator can confirm them.
Official sources (9)
- ausgrid.com.au /safety/safety-at-home/tree-trimming-responsibilities
- energysafe.vic.gov.au /keeping-tree-industry-workers-safe-around-powerlines
- wa.gov.au /government/publications/electrical-safety-vegetation-workers
- sa.gov.au /topics/energy-and-environment/safe-energy-use/powerline-safety/vegeta...
- sapowernetworks.com.au /safety/vegetation-around-powerlines/responsibilities-around-tree-trim...
- tasnetworks.com.au /safety/maintaining-trees-near-powerlines
- evoenergy.com.au /safety/trees-and-powerlines
- nsw.gov.au /business-and-economy/licences-and-credentials/building-and-trade-lice...
- qbcc.qld.gov.au /licences/start-your-career/when-you-need-licence
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