Major reforms to Victoria’s private security industry have officially come into effect, following the passage of the Private Security and County Court Amendment Act 2024 and the finalisation of the Private Security Regulations 2025. These changes mark a significant shift in how security professionals and businesses are licensed, trained, and held accountable.

🔄 Transition to a Unified Licensing System

As of 19 June 2025, all private security activities in Victoria now require a licence, replacing the previous dual system of licences and registrations. This change aims to simplify compliance and improve regulatory oversight.

Key changes include:

  • Independent contractors must now hold both an individual operator licence and a business licence.
  • The reforms close previous loopholes that allowed sole traders to operate with limited regulatory scrutiny.

📋 New Compliance Requirements

The updated regulations introduce several new obligations for employers and clients engaging security services:

  • Risk Management Plans (RMPs) must be prepared before any security activity begins, particularly for roles such as crowd controllers, bodyguards, and security guards.
  • Clients must provide written instructions and equipment to licensed personnel at least one day prior to deployment.
  • Subcontracting arrangements now require formal consent and documentation, with penalties for non-compliance.

🎓 Training & Conduct Standards

To enhance professionalism and safety across the industry:

  • Refresher training is now mandatory for licence renewals in key roles.
  • A new Code of Conduct for private security workers has been introduced and is enforceable through disciplinary action.
  • Licence applicants are no longer required to submit referee statements or advertise their applications, streamlining the process.

📑 Regulatory Impact & Consultation

The Private Security Regulations 2025 were developed through extensive public consultation and reviewed by Better Regulation Victoria to ensure fairness and cost recovery. The final regulations were published on 17 June 2025 and took effect two days later.

For more information, visit the Victorian Government’s Private Security Licensing page or contact SPAAL for compliance support.