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Public liability insurance in Queensland
Public liability covers claims for injury and property damage caused by your business. In Queensland, councils, contracts and leases usually set the limit, and building work brings its own QBCC rules. Here’s what applies, and how to compare.
- No phone number needed to request quotes
- Tools and a business pack in the same request
Do you need public liability insurance in Queensland?
Business Queensland lists public and product liability among the insurances a business may be required to hold, alongside workers compensation and CTP. Whether it’s required for you depends on your industry, permits and contracts. Councils, head contractors, landlords and event organisers commonly set a minimum limit.
The ABS counted 543,277 actively trading businesses in Queensland at 30 June 2026, up 3.7% in a year, and about two thirds of Australian businesses have no employees. Most of the requests for a certificate of currency described below come from that base of small operators.
Business Queensland describes public liability as cover for your potential liabilities to third parties for personal injury or property damage if you are negligent.
Where Queensland businesses are asked for it
| Situation | What to check |
|---|---|
| Footpath dining in Brisbane | Brisbane City Council requires proof of $20 million public liability for a footpath dining permit, with Council named as an interested party. Other councils set their own. |
| Building and trade contracts | QBCC notes that most contracts require the contractor to hold public liability and contract works insurance. Check the minimum limit in yours. |
| Residential building work over $3,300 | The Queensland Home Warranty Scheme premium is compulsory. The contractor collects it from the owner and pays it to QBCC before work starts. It’s separate from public liability. |
| Building design and inspection licences | QBCC requires professional indemnity, not public liability, for classes such as building designer and site classifier. See professional indemnity. |
| Leasing a shop or office | The insurance clause in the lease, which usually sets a minimum limit. |
| Employing workers | A WorkCover Queensland accident insurance policy, unless you’re an approved self-insurer. |
What public liability costs in Queensland
The premium depends on what you do, your turnover and staff, your claims history and the limit you choose. GST is added, then Queensland insurance duty of 9% of the premium paid, including GST.
Unlike NSW, Queensland has no small business exemption from insurance duty. The Queensland Revenue Office’s exemptions cover areas such as charities and non-profit community organisations, and exclude commercial businesses.
Our public liability cost guide compares stamp duty in every state.
What it covers
Usually covered
- Injury to customers and the public. A visitor is hurt on a site you’re working on.
- Damage to other people’s property. You crack a client’s driveway or damage their pool fence.
- Legal costs of defending a covered claim.
- Products you sell, when products liability is included.
Usually not covered
- Your workers’ injuries. That’s WorkCover Queensland.
- Defective home building work. That’s the Queensland Home Warranty Scheme.
- Your own tools, materials and site. Tools and contract works cover these.
- Vehicle accidents on the road. CTP is compulsory for every car and motorbike.
The full list is on our public liability insurance page.
Three Queensland covers that get mixed up with public liability
Each is separate, with its own rules. Public liability doesn’t replace any of them.
- WorkCover Queensland.Employers must insure their workers with a WorkCover accident insurance policy unless approved as a self-insurer. Workers compensation
- Queensland Home Warranty Scheme.Protects homeowners on residential construction work over $3,300. The contractor pays the premium to QBCC.
- Contract works.Covers the build and materials against theft, vandalism, fire and storm. Most building contracts require it. Contract works insurance
How to compare public liability in Queensland
Public liability in Queensland: questions
Is public liability insurance compulsory in Queensland?
It depends on your industry, permits and contracts. Business Queensland lists it among the insurances a business may need, and councils, head contractors, landlords and event organisers commonly require it.
Do QBCC licensees need public liability insurance?
QBCC notes that most contracts require contractors to hold public liability and contract works insurance. Some licence classes also need professional indemnity, and residential work over $3,300 needs the home warranty premium paid.
Is there stamp duty on public liability in Queensland?
Yes. Queensland insurance duty is 9% of the premium paid, including GST. There’s no small business exemption like the one in NSW.
How much public liability do I need for footpath dining in Brisbane?
Brisbane City Council asks for proof of $20 million public liability, with Council named as an interested party. Other councils set their own minimums.
Does public liability cover my workers in Queensland?
No. Queensland employers must insure workers with a WorkCover Queensland accident insurance policy, unless they’re an approved self-insurer.
Keep reading
More by state
Sources
- Business Queensland: Business insurance
- Brisbane City Council: Footpath and outdoor dining permits
- QBCC: Insurance responsibilities
- QBCC: Who pays home warranty and when
- QBCC: Professional indemnity insurance
- Queensland Revenue Office: Insurance duty rates
- Queensland Revenue Office: Insurance duty exemptions
- WorkSafe Queensland: Who needs workers’ compensation insurance?
- ABS: Counts of Australian Businesses, including Entries and Exits, July 2022 to June 2026
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