The ACT Constructions Occupations Registrar can take action to rectify construction work for up to 10 years after the construction service is complete, according to the ACT Government's Construction licences page (figures checked 1 October 2026). The stated reach can extend to a former licensee, a partner or directors of a corporation even after deregistration. The page separately says a rectification order may be made on a licensee, former licensee or director of a construction service, and a licensee or former licensee must take the action stated in the order.
What does the 10-year limit mean?
The ACT Government uses completion of the construction service as the reference point and describes the period as up to 10 years after completion. That is the maximum period for the stated action, not an automatic order for every completed project.
| Point | What the ACT Government page states |
|---|---|
| Reference point | Completion of the construction service |
| Period | Up to 10 years after completion |
| Licence status | Action can be taken despite deregistration |
| If an order is made | A licensee or former licensee must take the action stated in the order |
Deregistration should therefore not be read as ending the stated period on the wording of the ACT Government page. The 10-year statement describes the potential reach of the action; it does not set out the particular work or timetable for an individual order.
Who can be reached?
The page distinguishes between a rectification order and broader action after deregistration:
| Role | What the ACT Government page says |
|---|---|
| Licensee | A rectification order may be made on the licensee; action can be taken despite deregistration. |
| Former licensee | A rectification order may be made on the former licensee, who must take the action stated in the order. |
| Director of a construction service | A rectification order may be made on the director. |
| Partner | The Registrar can take action against a partner despite deregistration. |
| Directors of a corporation | The Registrar can take action against corporation directors despite deregistration. |
The supplied wording specifically places the duty to take the stated action on a licensee or former licensee. It does not state that a partner or director must take that same action, or that either is automatically named in every order.
What does the current licence rule mean?
Providing a construction service in the ACT requires a licence. Builders, including owner-builders, are included on the ACT Government's list, and the page says the listed occupations are licensed under the Construction Occupations (Licensing) Act 2004.
A current licence must be maintained and valid whenever its holder is working in construction. That is the ongoing licensing requirement; the same page separately says post-completion rectification action can be taken despite deregistration.
What should a builder check next?
Read the order for the action it requires. For the regulatory position, check the current ACT Government regulator page. For an insurance question, check the policy's Product Disclosure Statement (PDS).
The ACT Government page lists the Construction and Work Place Licensing team: phone 02 6207 8096; email cwpl@act.gov.au.
This is general information, not financial or legal advice. Check the regulator page and your policy's PDS for current requirements and any coverage question.
Sources
FAQ
Does deregistering an ACT construction licence stop the stated 10-year period?
Not on the wording of the ACT Government page. It says the Registrar can take action against a licensee, a partner and directors of a corporation despite deregistration, for up to 10 years after the construction service is complete. The statement does not make an order automatic.
Can a former licensee still have to act?
Yes. The page says a rectification order may be made on a former licensee, and a licensee or former licensee must take the action stated in the order.
Does the stated reach include partners and corporation directors?
Yes, for the Registrar's action: the page says action can be taken against a partner and directors of a corporation despite deregistration. It describes the order itself as applying to a licensee, former licensee and director of a construction service, so the action statement should not be read as automatically making every partner or director an order recipient.
Does the 10-year rule determine insurance cover?
Not by itself. The ACT Government page addresses construction licensing and rectification, not the terms of a particular policy. Check the regulator page and the policy's PDS for the relevant information.