Welcome to the October 2022 edition of the Office of Fair Trading’s (OFT) Security Buzz, an e-newsletter for Queensland security providers.
 
Training update
First aid units contained in the Queensland approved training have been updated and the previous training was superseded as of 14 April 2022. Licensees who have completed the previous training will be asked to complete the new training modules as part of their ongoing refresher training. The new first aid replacement units are as follows: HLTAID011 Provide first aid – which has superseded HLTAID003 HLTAID014 Provide advanced first aid – which has superseded HLTAID006
 
Have you completed your ongoing training?
Now is a great opportunity for crowd controllers and bodyguards to check that their training is up to date before the busy festive season begins.

Crowd controllers and bodyguards must complete ongoing training every three years. This training includes: CPPSEC3101 Manage conflict and security risks through negotiation CPPSEC3121 Control persons using empty hand techniques HLTAID014 Provide advanced first aid. Crowd controllers and bodyguards are also required to complete CPR training HLTAID009 Provide – cardiopulmonary resuscitation, every 12 months.

There is no recognition of prior learning for ongoing training – each unit must be completed, and a licensee is responsible for providing a copy of the completed units to OFT’s licensing unit.

Remember, you are responsible for ensuring your training is current.

Learn more about the ongoing training requirements for licensed bodyguards and crowd controllers on the OFT website.
 
Adding Functions to your licence
If you hold a current security provider licence and wish to add functions to your licence classification, you must provide the necessary paperwork. This includes evidence of completing all additional training units required for the particular function being added.

The approved units of training to obtain each function of a security provider licence can be found on the OFT website.
 
Licensing Timeframes
In the previous June edition of Security Buzz, the Office of Fair Trading (OFT) reported an increase in the number of new applications received which resulted in prolonged processing timeframes.  Processing timeframes have since returned to normal, with a complete application being finalised within four to six weeks.

To assist with us with completing an application promptly, please ensure the application is completed in full. This includes providing the required supporting documentation, as well as making sure relevant fees are paid including the licence fee, criminal history check fee and fingerprint fee (if applicable).

If further contact needs to be made about any missing documents or outstanding fees it may cause delays in processing an application. The OFT wants to sincerely thank you for your patience while the delays were occurring.
 
Document certification
If you need to have documents certified, you can find information about Justices of the Peace (JP’s) in your area by visiting the website Find a Justice of the Peace.

If you have difficulty in making it to a JP during office hours due to COVID-19 or you are a vulnerable person, you can have documents witnessed online by a JP. 

There are also courthouses where you may be able to access the services of a JP. However, every courthouse is different, and this service may be by appointment only, so call beforehand to ask what their requirements are before attending in person.
 
When do you need to supply photographs?
In 2015 the requirement to provide new photographs at each renewal was amended.  You only need to provide photos every 10 years, or if you have significantly changed your appearance.

If you are unsure if you need to provide photos, please contact OFT by phoning 13 QGOV (13 74 68), to avoid unnecessary delays in the processing of your application.

You are reminded that when working as a licensed security provider you are required to have your photographic licence available for inspection.
 
It’s now much easier to check a licence
The OFT received feedback from our clients regarding the online licensing register, suggesting it was difficult to navigate when having to go through each separate licensable application.

The OFT has listened to your feedback and changes have been made to the website to make the process easier. One click and you are at the register!

You can find the online register at Check a licence | Your rights, crime and the law | Queensland Government (www.qld.gov.au)