NSW seeks feedback on new demolition licensing regulations

NSW Seeks Feedback on New Demolition Licensing Regulations

The NSW Government is seeking feedback from stakeholders on improvements to the licensing scheme for demolition. Community feedback is being sought as part of a broader push to strengthen safety standards across the construction sector.

What's Changing Under the New Demolition Licensing Regulations

The demolition licensing regulation will change from the repealed OHS Regulation 2001 (NSW) Act to the WHS Regulation 2017 (NSW) Act. This shift brings demolition licensing into line with current workplace safety standards and closes gaps that existed under older regulation.

NSW Fair Trading Minister Eleni Petinos said, "This change will inject much needed clarity into what rules demolition license holders need to abide by."

"The proposed regulations also increase the license duration from two years to five years for new applications and renewals, as well as ensuring that all demolition workers are appropriately trained," Ms Petinos said.

Why These Proposed Changes Matter for Demolition Licence Holders

Demolition work carries significant risk, particularly where asbestos removal is involved. Under the proposed changes, demolition licence holders will need to learn requirements around asbestos handling, structural risk assessment, and site safety before undertaking higher-risk jobs.

Extending licence duration to five years reduces the administrative burden on demolition services while maintaining accountability for safety outcomes. It also gives licence holders greater certainty when planning long-term construction and demolition contracts.

• Clearer rules for demolition licence holders operating across NSW
• Longer licence terms — up to five years for new applications and renewals
• Stronger training requirements for workers handling asbestos and other hazardous materials
• Improved alignment between demolition licensing and current WHS Regulation standards

How to Provide Community Feedback

The public consultation will close on Monday, 2 May 2022 at 5pm. NSW will consider all relevant matters raised during this process before finalising the new demolition licensing regulations.

Stakeholders across construction, asbestos removal, and related services are encouraged to review the proposed regulations and submit comments before the deadline. Businesses providing demolition services should pay close attention, as these changes will directly affect licensing obligations and ongoing safety compliance.

Supporting Safer Demolition Work Across NSW

Demolition remains one of the highest-risk activities within the construction industry, with asbestos exposure, structural collapse, and falling debris among the key hazards. Strengthening licensing standards helps ensure demolition services maintain consistent safety practices across every project.

For businesses wanting to stay ahead of regulatory change, reviewing existing safety documentation is a practical first step. SafetyDocs offers a Demolition Policy and a range of demolition management plans to help organisations meet current asbestos and workplace safety obligations.

SafetyDocs has also reported on related NSW consultations, including the Towards Healthy Work Plan feedback process, the SafeWork NSW consultation on ammonium nitrate storage, and the new vehicle safety strategy for NSW mine sites.

Source: SafeWork NSW website.