Know the Rules for Your Move in Australia

There’s no mandatory government removalist licence anywhere in Australia. Heavy vehicle regulation splits the country in two, with Western Australia and the Northern Territory each running their own separate systems.

Before you rely on this

Australia does not licence the moving industry itself: there’s no government removalist licence to check. The legal requirements that apply are an ABN where the business must register for GST (from $75,000 annual GST turnover), ongoing compliance with heavy vehicle law where heavy vehicles are used, and the Australian Consumer Law. The Heavy Vehicle National Law (HVNL) applies in the ACT, NSW, Queensland, South Australia, Tasmania, and Victoria, but not in Western Australia or the Northern Territory, which each run their own separate heavy vehicle regulatory systems. Vehicle obligations attach to the company operating the vehicles; where a mover subcontracts the transport, the carrier performing it holds them. Always confirm current requirements directly before hiring a mover.

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What kind of question is it?

Business identity & heavy vehicle compliance

An ABN where the business must register for GST, plus, for vehicles over 4.5 tonnes, ongoing Heavy Vehicle National Law compliance, but only in the states and territories where it applies.

Australia →

Consumer protection

The Australian Consumer Law, enforced by the ACCC nationally and by each state and territory’s fair trading or consumer affairs office.

Covered within the Australia page

Western Australia’s separate system

WA does not participate in the national HVNL. It runs its own heavy vehicle regulatory framework through Main Roads WA and the Department of Transport, with fleet-specific obligations for companies operating their own vehicles that are distinct from the national law.

Western Australia →

International moves

The domestic requirements continue to apply. Customs and biosecurity clearance for household goods is covered in Country Guides.

International: Australia →

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Australia

No government removalist licence exists in Australia. The legal requirements that apply are an ABN where the business must register for GST, heavy vehicle law for movers operating their own heavy vehicles, and the Australian Consumer LawView requirements

International: Australia

Beyond the domestic requirements on the Australia page, the government approvals involved in international household goods moves to and from Australia are customs and biosecurity matters, covered in Country GuidesView requirements

Moving within Australia?

Select a state or territory

Australian Capital Territory

An ABN where GST registration applies, plus, where the mover operates its own heavy vehicles, Heavy Vehicle National Law compliance administered locally through Access CanberraView requirements

New South Wales

An ABN where GST registration applies, plus, where the mover operates its own heavy vehicles, Heavy Vehicle National Law compliance administered locally through Transport for NSWView requirements

Northern Territory

An ABN where GST registration applies, plus, where the mover operates its own heavy vehicles, NT’s own heavy vehicle registration system, which is separate from the national HVNL (as is Western Australia’s)View requirements

Queensland

An ABN where GST registration applies, plus, where the mover operates its own heavy vehicles, Heavy Vehicle National Law compliance administered locally through the Department of Transport and Main RoadsView requirements

South Australia

Tasmania

An ABN where GST registration applies, plus, where the mover operates its own heavy vehicles, Heavy Vehicle National Law compliance administered locally through Transport TasmaniaView requirements

Victoria

An ABN where GST registration applies, plus, where the mover operates its own heavy vehicles, Heavy Vehicle National Law compliance administered locally through VicRoadsView requirements

Western Australia

An ABN where GST registration applies, plus, where the mover operates its own heavy vehicles, WA’s own heavy vehicle licensing and permit system, which is separate from the national HVNLView requirements

Disclaimer: This information is provided for general reference only. Regulations may change. Always confirm current requirements directly with the relevant state/territory transport authority before hiring a mover.

Last updated: October 15, 2026

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