Private security licensing in Australia remains a state-based regulatory framework, and recent reviews and reforms across multiple jurisdictions highlight why providers must stay alert to local compliance obligations.
While there has been no move toward a single national licensing scheme, several states continue to refine their requirements around training standards, probity checks, ongoing eligibility, and enforcement powers. For security businesses operating across borders, this creates a heightened risk of inadvertent non-compliance.
Licensing authorities such as NSW Police Force and Victoria Police regularly remind licence holders that responsibility rests with both the individual licence holder and the employing business. Changes may affect not only new applicants, but also renewals, variations, and ongoing fit-and-proper assessments.
Common areas under review or scrutiny include:
- Minimum and refresher training requirements
- Criminal history and probity assessments
- Licence suspension and cancellation powers
- Employer obligations when engaging licensed personnel
For providers working nationally, differences between jurisdictions can be subtle but significant. What satisfies licensing requirements in one state may not meet the threshold in another.
SPAAL encourages members to:
- Regularly review licensing guidance in each operating state
- Ensure internal compliance systems reflect jurisdictional differences
- Monitor regulator communications ahead of renewal periods
Maintaining licensing compliance is not simply an administrative task — it is central to professional standards, risk management, and public trust in the private security industry.