Security industry breaches and penalties
Unlicensed work
Unlicensed security work is against the law. The following penalties apply.
| Type of offence | First offence | Second offence | Third offence |
|---|---|---|---|
| Any person working unlicensed in the security industry or advertising such work while unlicensed | $77,400 | $108,360 | $154,800 |
| Any person hiring an unlicensed security provider | $77,400 | $108,360 | $154,800 |
Disqualifying offences
We will cancel your licence if you're convicted of a disqualifying offence. You will have 14 days to return your licence to us.
The maximum fine for failing to do so is $3,096.
Change of details
You must advise us within 7 days about any changes to:
- personal details
- any aspect of your licence
- when your membership of an approved security industry association ends.
The maximum fine for failing to do so is $1,548
Inspector's powers
Inspectors have the legal authority to make sure that you don’t break the law. You must follow their lawful directions, or you risk a fine.
| Offence | Maximum penalty |
|---|---|
| Not giving your name and address (if the inspector finds or suspects that you are breaking the law) | $7,740 |
| Not giving information about an alleged breach (if the inspector finds or suspects that you are breaking the law) | $30,960 or 1 year imprisonment |
| Giving false or misleading information or documents to an inspector | $30,960 or 2 years imprisonment |
| Not giving an inspector a document that you are legally required to keep (for example a licence or register) | $30,960 |
| Stopping the inspector from carrying out any of their powers | $30,960 or 1 year imprisonment |
Registers
Depending on your type of business, you may need to keep a register.
The maximum fine for failing to keep a proper register is $3,096.
Licence conditions
You must not break any condition on your licence.
The maximum fine if you do is $6,192.
Identification
Security providers must:
- have visible identification on their clothing at chest level
- not wear or display a hat with a checkerboard design (like that of a police officer).
The maximum fine for either breach is $3,096.
Restricted licences
A restricted licensee must:
- only carry out the security functions that they are licensed to
- have an unrestricted licensee with them to supervise their work.
The maximum fine for either breach is $30,960.