How to Hire a Licensed Gasfitter in Australia: A Homeowner's Practical Guide

A faulty heater filling a bedroom with carbon monoxide while the family sleeps. A backyard BBQ connection done by a mate that voids the home insurance. These are real scenarios that play out across Australia every year, and every one traces back to gas work done by someone who was not properly licensed.

Gas is the only trade where a single mistake can be immediately fatal. With over 5,200 licensed gasfitters in Queensland alone listed on TradieVerify, finding a qualified professional is straightforward. This guide explains how to hire a licensed gasfitter in Australia, covering licence checks, costs, compliance certificates, and carbon monoxide safety.

Why You Should Only Hire a Licensed Gasfitter

Every state and territory requires a specific gasfitting licence, separate from a general plumbing licence, before anyone can legally touch a gas installation.

Legal requirement. A licensed gasfitter has completed formal qualifications (typically a Certificate III in Plumbing with gasfitting stream) and served an apprenticeship. They must comply with AS/NZS 5601.1:2022, the national standard governing all gas installations.

Safety. Poorly installed gas work causes fires, explosions, and carbon monoxide poisoning. CO is colourless and odourless, meaning you will not detect a leak until it is too late. A qualified gasfitter tests for CO spillage, checks ventilation, and ensures every connection is gas-tight.

Insurance protection. If an unlicensed person performs gas work on your property, your home and contents insurance is likely void. Insurers routinely reject claims where gas installations lack a valid compliance certificate.

Compliance certificates. Your gasfitter must issue a Gas System Compliance Certificate after completing any gas work. Without it, your gas supplier can refuse to connect supply.

Accountability. Gasfitters are registered with state regulators. If there is a dispute, you have a formal complaints pathway through bodies like the QBCC, Energy Safe Victoria, or NSW Fair Trading.

You can verify any gasfitter’s licence on TradieVerify’s search page.

1. Understand the Different Types of Gas Work

Before hiring a licensed gasfitter, know what type of work you need. Gas fitting covers several categories with different licence requirements.

Natural gas (mains). The most common residential gas work: connecting appliances to the gas network, installing or extending pipelines, and fitting gas meters. A Certificate of Compliance must be issued to the network distributor after the work is complete.

LPG (liquefied petroleum gas). Bottled gas used where no mains supply exists, for outdoor appliances, and in rural properties. LPG has additional requirements around cylinder placement and ventilation. Some states, including NSW, have a separate LP gasfitting licence category.

Medical gas. Piped oxygen, nitrous oxide, and medical air in hospitals and healthcare facilities. This is a specialised licence category in NSW (from October 2022), ACT (from December 2024), and Queensland.

Type A appliances. Domestic appliances: cooktops, ovens, space heaters, and water heaters. Servicing Type A appliances requires specific accreditation in Victoria (since June 2022), including mandatory CO spillage testing.

Type B appliances. Large commercial and industrial gas equipment. This is a separate licence endorsement and not relevant to most residential work.

When speaking with your gasfitter, confirm their licence covers the specific type of gas work you need.

2. Check Their Licence Before You Pay a Cent

Before signing a quote or paying any deposit, verify the gasfitter’s licence on TradieVerify or the relevant state register.

Here is what to check:

• Licence status. Is it current and active? Expired or suspended means they cannot legally work.
• Licence class. Does it cover your specific gas work? In Queensland, check both the QBCC licence and the RSHQ occupational licence.
• Gasfitting endorsement. Many plumbers also do gas work, but only if their licence explicitly includes a gasfitting endorsement.
• Business details. Does the licence match the business name and ABN on the quote?
• Disciplinary history. State registers often show past enforcement actions or complaints.

Ask for the licence number upfront. Any legitimate gasfitter will provide it without hesitation.

Browse licensed gasfitters in Queensland or licensed gasfitters in the ACT to see verified listings.

3. Know the Difference Between a Gasfitter and a Plumber

In Australia, gasfitting and plumbing are related but legally separate licence categories.

Why this matters. If you hire a plumber for gas work, check that their licence card specifically lists gasfitting. A fully licensed plumber without the gasfitting endorsement cannot legally connect a single gas appliance.

In Victoria, gasfitting is a separate registration class under the Building and Plumbing Commission. In Queensland, gasfitters need both a QBCC licence and a separate RSHQ occupational licence. In NSW, gasfitting is a stream within the Certificate III, but you must be individually licensed for it.

Always confirm the gasfitting endorsement on TradieVerify or your state register.

4. Verify Insurance and Ask for Compliance Certificates

Your gasfitter should carry proper insurance, and every completed job must come with a compliance certificate.

Public liability insurance. This covers damage to your property and injury to third parties. Standard cover ranges from $5 million to $20 million. Ask for a certificate of currency and check the expiry date.

Workers compensation insurance. If the gasfitter employs staff, workers compensation is mandatory in every state. Without it, you could face liability if a worker is injured on your property.

Gas System Compliance Certificate. This is a legal requirement after any gas installation, alteration, or repair. The certificate confirms the work meets AS/NZS 5601 and all applicable state regulations. There are two types:

Without a compliance certificate: your gas supplier can refuse to connect supply, your home insurance may not cover gas-related incidents, and uncertified work can block a property sale during inspection.

In NSW, the certificate must be submitted within five business days. In the Northern Territory, a compliance plate must be physically attached near the control valve. In Queensland, all gas compliance certificates must be issued online from 2026.

Any gasfitter who says compliance certificates are “not needed” should not be hired.

5. Get Three Written Quotes and Compare Properly

Get at least three written quotes before committing to any gas work.

What a proper gasfitting quote should include:

• Full scope of work (what is being installed, repaired, or extended)
• Material specifications (pipe type, fittings, appliance model if supplied)
• Labour costs, including call-out or travel fees
• Whether the compliance certificate cost is included
• GST inclusion (mandatory for businesses turning over more than $75,000)
• Timeline, payment terms, and warranty details

Compare like for like. If one gasfitter quotes copper pipe and another quotes polyethylene, the material cost and longevity differ. Ensure quotes specify the same materials before comparing.

6. How Much Does Gas Fitting Cost in Australia?

Gas fitting costs depend on the type of work, distance from existing gas supply, and accessibility. Here are indicative costs as of 2025-2026:

Common gasfitting jobs:

Labour rates. Most gasfitters charge between $100 and $200 per hour, with a call-out fee of up to $100 on top. Emergency and after-hours rates are typically 1.5 to 2 times the standard rate.

Factors that increase cost: long pipe runs from the meter to the appliance, difficult access through wall cavities or roof spaces, multi-storey homes, and converting from one gas type to another (e.g., natural gas to LPG). The biggest variable is the distance between your gas meter and where the appliance needs to go.

Location matters. Gas fitting in Sydney and Melbourne tends to cost 10-20% more than Brisbane or Adelaide, though regional areas may carry additional call-out fees.

Always ask for a detailed breakdown so you can see exactly what you are paying for.

7. Understand Carbon Monoxide Risks

Carbon monoxide is the invisible danger of gas work and a key reason to hire a licensed gasfitter for any appliance servicing.

What causes CO. Incomplete combustion from poorly installed or maintained appliances, blocked flues, and inadequate ventilation. Older unflued gas heaters are the highest-risk appliances in Australian homes.

Warning signs: headaches, dizziness, nausea, and confusion. Because CO is odourless and colourless, symptoms are often mistaken for illness. Severe exposure causes loss of consciousness or death.

What your gasfitter does:

• Tests for CO spillage using a calibrated gas analyser
• Checks flue integrity and ventilation
• Confirms the appliance burns cleanly with the correct gas-to-air ratio
• Isolates any appliance showing CO spillage until repaired

Victorian regulation. Since June 2022, Victorian gasfitters servicing Type A appliances must hold a specific accreditation with mandatory CO spillage testing at every service. Rental properties require a gas safety check every two years.

Install a CO detector. While not legally mandatory in most Australian homes, regulators strongly recommend a carbon monoxide detector near gas appliances and in sleeping areas. They cost $40 to $100.

If you smell gas or suspect a CO leak, open windows, do not touch electrical switches, evacuate, and call your gas emergency number or 000.

8. Know What You Cannot Do Yourself

Gas work has the strictest DIY restrictions of any trade in Australia. In every state and territory, it is illegal for an unlicensed person to:

• Install, alter, repair, or extend any gas installation
• Connect any gas appliance to a gas supply
• Install or modify gas pipework
• Install LPG cylinder regulators or piping

What homeowners CAN legally do: swap an LPG cylinder for a new one (explicitly exempted in most states), turn off a gas appliance at its control valve, and use gas appliances normally.

Consequences of DIY gas work: fines of thousands of dollars, home and contents insurance voided, appliance warranties voided, property sale complications, and criminal liability if someone is injured.

Every gas connection and every appliance installation requires a licensed gasfitter. The cost of hiring a professional is always less than the consequences of getting it wrong.

9. State-by-State Licensed Gasfitter Guide

Each Australian state and territory has its own licensing system for gasfitters. Here is a summary with real licence counts from the TradieVerify database:

Key differences between states:

• Queensland has a dual system: QBCC contractor licence plus a separate RSHQ occupational licence. Both are required.
• Victoria separates gasfitting into Standard, Type A servicing, and Type B categories. Type A accreditation with mandatory CO testing has been required since June 2022.
• New South Wales treats gasfitting as a stream within plumbing licensing. From March 2026, all compliance certificates must go through the BCNSW eCert portal.
• Western Australia uses permits: Class G (residential), Class E (vehicles), Class P (autogas), and Class I (industrial).
• Tasmania requires annual licence renewal and mandatory continuing professional development.

10. Red Flags When Hiring a Gasfitter

Protect yourself by watching for these warning signs:

• No licence number on the quote. Any reputable gasfitter displays their licence number on quotes, invoices, and marketing materials.
• Says compliance certificates are optional. They are legally required for every piece of gas work. No exceptions.
• Cannot explain the difference between Type A and Type B work. A qualified gasfitter knows their licence scope.
• Large upfront payment demands. A deposit of 10% is standard. Asking for 50% or more before starting is a warning sign.
• Cash only, no invoice. This usually means no ABN, no GST registration, and no paper trail.
• Claims to be “just a plumber” who also does gas. Always confirm the gasfitting endorsement on their licence. A plumber without the endorsement cannot legally do gas work.
• No insurance certificates. If a gasfitter cannot produce current public liability and workers compensation certificates, find someone else.
• Pressure to sign immediately. Legitimate gasfitters do not use high-pressure sales tactics.

If you suspect someone is performing unlicensed gas work, report them to your state regulator. In Queensland, report directly to the QBCC. In Victoria, contact Energy Safe Victoria. In NSW, report to NSW Fair Trading.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I check if a gasfitter is licensed in Australia?

Search for any gasfitter’s licence on TradieVerify’s search page, which pulls data from state regulators. Each state also has its own register: QBCC for Queensland, VBA for Victoria, and NSW Licence Verify for New South Wales. Ask for the licence number and verify it before signing. Make sure it specifically lists gasfitting, not just plumbing.

How much does it cost to have a gas cooktop installed?

A licensed gasfitter typically charges $150 to $400 for labour to install a gas cooktop with an existing bayonet point. If a new gas line needs to be run from the meter, add $100 to $300 per metre. Total cost with a new bayonet and connection ranges from $300 to $1,200.

What is a gas compliance certificate and do I need one?

A Gas System Compliance Certificate is a legal document issued by your gasfitter confirming the work meets AS/NZS 5601 and state regulations. You need one for every gas installation, alteration, or repair. Without it, your gas supplier can refuse supply and your insurance may not cover gas-related incidents. It typically costs $150 to $400.

Can a plumber do gas work?

Only if their licence specifically includes a gasfitting endorsement. A plumber with gasfitting listed on their licence card can do both plumbing and gas work. A plumber without the endorsement cannot legally connect a gas appliance or extend a gas line. Always check the endorsed categories on their licence.

Is it legal to connect a gas BBQ myself?

No. Connecting a gas BBQ to a bayonet point or gas line requires a licensed gasfitter in every Australian state and territory. The only gas-related task homeowners can legally perform is swapping an LPG cylinder. Everything else requires a licensed gasfitter and a compliance certificate.

How often should gas appliances be serviced?

Most manufacturers and regulators recommend servicing every two years. In Victoria, rental properties must have a gas safety check every two years by law. For older unflued gas heaters, annual servicing is recommended. Regular servicing by a licensed gasfitter is your best protection against carbon monoxide risks.

Summary

Hiring a licensed gasfitter in Australia comes down to these key steps:

• Verify their licence on TradieVerify or the relevant state register, and confirm it includes the gasfitting endorsement
• Check their insurance by requesting current certificates for public liability and workers compensation
• Get three written quotes with detailed scope, materials, labour costs, and compliance certificate inclusion
• Confirm they will issue a compliance certificate after completing the work, as required by law
• Ask about CO testing to ensure they test for carbon monoxide spillage during any appliance servicing
• Understand the distinction between a gasfitter and a plumber, and make sure you are hiring the right specialist
• Never attempt DIY gas work as the legal, financial, and safety consequences are severe

With over 5,200 licensed gasfitters in Queensland and 300 in the ACT listed on TradieVerify, and more states being added regularly, finding a qualified gas fitting professional starts with a simple licence check. Search for a licensed gasfitter in your area on TradieVerify and get your gas work done safely and legally.

Related Guides

• How to Hire a Licensed Plumber — Our plumber hiring guide
• Pre-Winter Home Maintenance Checklist — Our pre-winter maintenance checklist
• 10 Questions to Ask Before Hiring Any Tradie — Our essential hiring questions

Sources

1. Queensland Building and Construction Commission: Gasfitting Licence, https://www.qbcc.qld.gov.au/licences/apply-licence/available-licences/other-trade/gasfitting
2. Energy Safe Victoria: Gasfitter Licences, https://www.energysafe.vic.gov.au/licensing/gasfitter-licences
3. NSW Government: Using a Gasfitter, https://www.nsw.gov.au/housing-and-construction/building-or-renovating-a-home/preparing/using-a-gasfitter
4. Victorian Building Authority: Carbon Monoxide Safety, https://www.vba.vic.gov.au/consumers/guides/carbon-monoxide
5. Business Queensland: Gas Work Licences and Authorisations, https://www.business.qld.gov.au/industries/mining-energy-water/resources/safety-health/petroleum-gas/gas-work-devices/licences-authorisations
6. NSW Government: Gas Compliance Requirements, https://www.nsw.gov.au/housing-and-construction/compliance-and-regulation/gasfitters/gas-compliance-requirements
7. Elgas: Gas Fitter Compliance Certificate and Plate, https://www.elgas.com.au/elgas-knowledge-hub/residential-lpg/gas-fitter-compliance-certificate-plate/
8. NT WorkSafe: Gasfitters Licensing, https://worksafe.nt.gov.au/licensing-and-registration/dangerous-goods/gasfitters