Security providers

COAG has agreed to adopt a nationally-consistent approach to the regulation of the private security industry, initially focusing on the guarding (or 'manpower') sector of the industry (which includes for example, security guards, crowd controllers, and private investigators). The reforms will improve the probity, competence and skills of security personnel and the mobility of security industry licences across jurisdictions.

Overview
Current work
More information on COAG security industry reforms
State and territory security information

Overview

The private security industry is playing an increasingly important role in the protection of people's personal safety and property. On 3 July 2008, the Council of Australian Governments (COAG) agreed to a significant regulatory reform agenda for the private security industry.

COAG has agreed to adopt a nationally-consistent approach to the regulation of the private security industry, initially focusing on the guarding (or 'manpower') sector of the industry (which includes for example, security guards, crowd controllers, and private investigators). The reforms will improve the probity, competence and skills of security personnel and the mobility of security industry licences across jurisdictions.

COAG has also agreed that further work should be conducted to develop possible, minimum regulatory standards for the technical sector of the industry (for example, security equipment installers and advisers).

Looking to the future, COAG has agreed that proposals for a possible national licensing system for the security industry should be developed by mid 2010.

Current work

'Manpower' sector

COAG has agreed on a list of licensable activities, as well as probity standards and checks, which will form the basis of a nationally-consistent approach to the regulation of the 'manpower' sector of the private security industry.

For detailed information on the activities and standards, visit www.coag.gov.au/coag_meeting_outcomes/2008-07-03/index.cfm (Select 'Regulation of the Private Industry - Manpower (guarding) Sector').

COAG has also asked the Ministerial Council for Police and Emergency Management (MCPEM) to work with the Ministerial Council for Vocational Training and Education (in consultation with the Security Industry Regulators forum) to examine ways to improve the education and training requirements and outcomes for the industry. COAG has asked for a report on this work by 1 July 2009.

'Technical' sector

MCPEM is working in consultation with the Security Industry Regulators Forum to assess the need for national minimum regulatory standards for the technical sector of the industry. This work is due for completion by mid 2009.

More information on COAG security industry reforms

For more information on the COAG reform agenda, visit www.coag.gov.au

State and territory security information

Australian Capital Territory

For general resources on security provider regulation in the Australian Capital Territory, visit the Office of Regulatory Service website at www.ors.act.gov.au/BIL/WebPages/Industries/Security.html

New South Wales

For general resources on security provider regulation in New South Wales, visit the NSW Police Force website at www.police.nsw.gov.au/services/security_industry_registry

Northern Territory

For general resources on security provider regulation in the Northern Territory, visit the Department of Justice website at www.nt.gov.au/justice/licenreg/security.shtml

Queensland

For general resources on security provider regulation in the Queensland, visit the Office of Fair Trading website at www.fairtrading.qld.gov.au/security-industry.htm

South Australia

For general resources on security provider regulation in the South Australia, visit the Office of Consumer and Business Affairs website at www.ocba.sa.gov.au/licensing/security/index.html

Tasmania

For general resources on security provider regulation in the Tasmania, visit the Consumer Affairs and Fair Trading website at www.consumer.tas.gov.au/security_agents

Victoria

For general resources on security provider regulation in the Victoria, visit the Victoria Police website at www.police.vic.gov.au/content.asp?Document_ID=109

Western Australia

For general resources on security provider regulation in Western Australia, visit the WA Police website at www.police.wa.gov.au/OurServices/PoliceLicensingServices/tabid/943/Default.aspx

 

This page was generated on 13 October, 2009